NCERT Class 11 History Chapter 1 MCQs on Themes in World History

1. What is a characteristic feature of Paleolithic societies?

1. Agriculture
2. Nomadic lifestyle
3. Urbanization
4. Written language

Answer: B) Nomadic lifestyle

Explanation:

Paleolithic societies were characterized by a nomadic lifestyle, where early humans were hunter-gatherers, moving from place to place in search of food.

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2. Which River valley civilization is associated with ancient Mesopotamia?

1. Nile
2. Indus
3. Tigris and Euphrates
4. Yellow River

Answer: C) Tigris and Euphrates

Explanation:

Mesopotamia is located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The ancient Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian civilizations thrived in this region.

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3. The Neolithic Revolution is characterized by:

1. The invention of writing
2. Shift from hunting-gathering to agriculture
3. Construction of pyramids
4. Development of complex city-states

Answer: B) Shift from hunting-gathering to agriculture

Explanation:

The Neolithic Revolution marked the transition from a nomadic lifestyle based on hunting and gathering to settled communities practicing agriculture and domestication of animals.

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4. What was a key feature of Harappan (Indus Valley) civilization?

1. Cuneiform writing
2. Extensive use of bronze tools
3. Theocracy
4. Well-planned urban centers

Answer: D) Well-planned urban centers

Explanation:

The Indus Valley Civilization, or Harappan Civilization, is known for its well-planned cities with advanced drainage systems, grid layout, and sophisticated architecture.

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5. Which early society is known for its elaborate canal systems and agricultural practic-es?

1. Sumerians
2. Egyptians
3. Indus Valley Civilization
4. Chinese

Answer: C) Indus Valley Civilization

Explanation:

The Indus Valley Civilization had an advanced understanding of urban planning, including the construction of elaborate canal systems for agricultural purposes.

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6. Which ancient civilization is associated with the construction of the Great Pyramids at Giza?

1. Mesopotamia
2. Ancient China
3. Ancient Egypt
4. Indus Valley Civilisation

Answer: C) Ancient Egypt

Explanation:

The Great Pyramids, including the Pyramid of Khufu, are iconic structures built by the ancient Egyptians.

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7. The Code of Hammurabi is associated with which ancient civilization?

1. Ancient China
2. Mesopotamia
3. Indus Valley Civilization
4. Ancient Greece

Answer: B) Mesopotamia

Explanation:

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, originat-ing in ancient Mesopotamia.

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8. Which River is associated with the ancient Chinese civilization?

1. Nile
2. Tigris
3. Yellow River
4. Euphrates

Answer: C) Yellow River

Explanation:

The Yellow River (Huang He) is associated with the ancient Chinese civilization, particularly the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

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9. The Mesoamerican civilization known for its pyramids and complex calendar system is:

1. Maya
2. Inca
3. Aztec
4. Olmec

Answer: A) Maya

Explanation:

The Maya civilization, known for its advancements in astronomy and mathematics, built pyra-mids and had a complex calendar system.

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10. Which ancient Greek city-state is often considered the birthplace of democracy?

1. Athens
2. Sparta
3. Corinth
4. Thebes

Answer: A) Athens

Explanation:

Athens is credited as the birthplace of democracy in ancient Greece.

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11. The ancient city of Rome is said to have been founded in the year:

1. 509 BCE
2. 27 BCE
3. 753 BCE
4. 476 CE

Answer: C) 753 BCE

Explanation:

According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BCE, marking the beginning of Roman history.

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12. The Silk Road was a network of trade routes that connected:

1. Europe and Africa
2. Asia and the Americas
3. Asia, Europe, and Africa
4. North and South America

Answer: C) Asia, Europe, and Africa

Explanation:

The Silk Road facilitated trade and cultural exchange between Asia, Europe, and Africa.

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13. The Gupta Empire, known for its golden age, flourished in ancient:

1. China
2. India
3. Mesopotamia
4. Greece

Answer: B) India

Explanation:

The Gupta Empire was a classical civilization that flourished in ancient India during its golden age.

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14. The famous ancient library in Alexandria, known for its vast collection of scrolls, was located in:

1. Egypt
2. Mesopotamia
3. Greece
4. Rome

Answer: A) Egypt

Explanation:

The Library of Alexandria was a renowned library in the ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria.

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15. Hannibal, the Carthaginian military commander, is famously associated with crossing the Alps during the:

1. Punic Wars
2. Peloponnesian War
3. Persian Wars
4. Macedonian Wars

Answer: A) Punic Wars

Explanation:

Hannibal crossed the Alps during the Second Punic War against Rome.

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16. The ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro is associated with which civilization?

1. Mesopotamia
2. Harappan (Indus Valley)
3. Ancient Egypt
4. Ancient China

Answer: B) Harappan (Indus Valley)

Explanation:

Mohenjo-Daro is one of the major cities of the ancient Harappan civilization, known for its ad-vanced urban planning.

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17. Who was the famous Athenian philosopher credited with laying the foundations of Western philosophy?

1. Socrates
2. Aristotle
3. Plato
4. Alexander the Great

Answer: A) Socrates

Explanation:

Socrates is considered the father of Western philosophy and was the teacher of Plato.

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18. The Maurya Empire, an ancient Indian empire, was founded by:

1. Chandragupta Maurya
2. Ashoka the Great
3. Bindusara
4. Kanishka

Answer: A) Chandragupta Maurya

Explanation:

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire in ancient India.

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19. The city of Byzantium, later known as Constantinople, was named after which historical figure?

1. Alexander the Great
2. Julius Caesar
3. Constantine the Great
4. Augustus

Answer: C) Constantine the Great

Explanation:

Constantine the Great, a Roman emperor, renamed Byzantium to Constantinople.

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20. Which ancient civilization is associated with the invention of the wheel?

1. Sumerians
2. Egyptians
3. Harappans (Indus Valley)
4. Chinese

Answer: A) Sumerians

Explanation:

The Sumerians in Mesopotamia are credited with the invention of the wheel.

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21. The ancient city of Babylon is associated with which famous king and his code of laws?

1. Hammurabi
2. Nebuchadnezzar
3. Sargon
4. Cyrus the Great

Answer: A) Hammurabi

Explanation:

Hammurabi was the king of Babylon and is known for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the ear-liest written legal codes.

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22. The term 'Hellenistic' refers to the period heavily influenced by the culture of which an-cient civilization?

1. Persian
2. Roman
3. Greek
4. Egyptian

Answer: C) Greek

Explanation:

The Hellenistic period followed the conquests of Alexander the Great and was characterized by the spread of Greek culture.

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23. Which ancient civilization developed the concept of 'mandate of heaven' to justify the rule of dynasties?

1. Indus Valley
2. Chinese
3. Mesopotamian
4. Roman

Answer: B) Chinese

Explanation:

The concept of the "mandate of heaven" was developed by the Chinese to legitimize the rule of dynasties based on divine approval.

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24. The Roman Republic was characterized by a system of government with a division of powers among:

1. Kings, Senators, and Citizens
2. Consuls, Senate, and Assembly
3. Emperors, Magistrates, and Plebeians
4. Patricians, Equestrians, and Slaves

Answer: B) Consuls, Senate, and Assembly

Explanation:

The Roman Republic had a system of government with consuls, a senate, and various as-semblies.

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25. The famous ancient library in Alexandria, Egypt, was part of which dynasty's cultural achievements?

1. Ptolemaic
2. Roman
3. Seleucid
4. Achaemenid

Answer: A) Ptolemaic

Explanation:

The Library of Alexandria was associated with the Ptolemaic dynasty in ancient Egypt.

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26. The religious and social teachings of Siddhartha Gautama are associated with which ancient civilization?

1. Mesopotamia
2. Indus Valley
3. Ancient China
4. Ancient India

Answer: D) Ancient India

Explanation:

Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha, founded Buddhism in ancient India, influencing religious and social practices.

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27. The Peloponnesian War was fought between two powerful city-states in ancient Greece, namely:

1. Athens and Sparta
2. Corinth and Thebes
3. Delphi and Olympia
4. Troy and Mycenae

Answer: A) Athens and Sparta

Explanation:

The Peloponnesian War took place between the Athenian Empire and the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta.

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28. The ancient city of Carthage, known for its rivalry with Rome, was situated in present-day:

1. Italy
2. Greece
3. Tunisia
4. Egypt

Answer: C) Tunisia

Explanation:

Carthage was a powerful city-state located in present-day Tunisia, North Africa.

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29. The construction of the Great Wall is associated with which ancient civilization?

1. Mesopotamia
2. Ancient China
3. Indus Valley
4. Ancient Egypt

Answer: B) Ancient China

Explanation:

The Great Wall of China was built to protect against invasions and is associated with ancient Chinese civilizations.

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30. The legendary figure Romulus is traditionally credited with the founding of which an-cient city?

1. Athens
2. Rome
3. Alexandria
4. Troy

Answer: B) Rome

Explanation:

According to Roman mythology, Romulus and Remus founded the city of Rome.

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31. The Neolithic Revolution led to:

1. The rise of agriculture and settled communities.
2. The decline of written language.
3. Increased reliance on hunting and gathering.
4. The invention of the wheel.

Answer: A) The rise of agriculture and settled communities.

Explanation:

The Neolithic Revolution marked the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture and the establishment of settled communities.

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32. Which ancient civilization is known for its ziggurats and the Epic of Gilgamesh?

1. Indus Valley
2. Mesopotamia
3. Ancient China
4. Ancient Egypt

Answer: B) Mesopotamia

Explanation:

Mesopotamia, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is known for its ziggurats and the Epic of Gilgamesh.

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33. The term 'Pax Romana' refers to:

1. A period of Roman peace and stability.
2. The fall of the Roman Empire.
3. A Roman military campaign.
4. The Roman Republic.

Answer: A) A period of Roman peace and stability.

Explanation:

"Pax Romana" refers to a relatively peaceful and stable period in the Roman Empire.

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34. The Han Dynasty is associated with which ancient civilization?

1. India
2. China
3. Greece
4. Persia

Answer: B) China

Explanation:

The Han Dynasty was a significant period in ancient Chinese history.

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35. The Mughal Empire, known for its cultural achievements, flourished in:

1. Ancient China
2. Ancient India
3. Mesopotamia
4. Ancient Greece

Answer: B) Ancient India

Explanation:

The Mughal Empire flourished in the Indian subcontinent and is known for its cultural contribu-tions.

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36. The city of Ur, associated with the Sumerian civilization, is located in modern-day:

1. Iraq
2. Egypt
3. Iran
4. Turkey

Answer: A) Iraq

Explanation:

Ur is an ancient city in Mesopotamia, situated in present-day Iraq.

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37. The caste system, a social hierarchy, is traditionally associated with which ancient civi-lization?

1. Ancient Greece
2. Ancient China
3. Ancient India
4. Ancient Rome

Answer: C) Ancient India

Explanation:

The caste system is deeply rooted in the social structure of ancient India.

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38. The term 'Pharaoh' was used to refer to the rulers of which ancient civilization?

1. Mesopotamia
2. Ancient China
3. Ancient Egypt
4. Indus Valley

Answer: C) Ancient Egypt

Explanation:

Pharaohs were the rulers of ancient Egypt, often considered divine.

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39. The Peloponnesian War was fought primarily between:

1. Athens and Persia
2. Athens and Sparta
3. Rome and Carthage
4. Macedonia and Greece

Answer: B) Athens and Sparta

Explanation:

The Peloponnesian War was a conflict between the Athenian Empire and the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta.

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40. The Gupta Empire, known for advancements in art, science, and literature, flourished in ancient:

1. China
2. India
3. Mesopotamia
4. Greece

Answer: B) India

Explanation:

The Gupta Empire in ancient India is celebrated for its cultural achievements.

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41. The ancient city of Troy, famous for the Trojan War, is located in modern-day:

1. Greece
2. Turkey
3. Italy
4. Egypt

Answer: B) Turkey

Explanation:

Troy is situated in modern-day Turkey and is known for the legendary Trojan War.

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42. The Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest legal codes, is associated with which an-cient civilization?

1. Indus Valley
2. Mesopotamia
3. Ancient China
4. Ancient Rome

Answer: B) Mesopotamia

Explanation:

The Code of Hammurabi originated in ancient Mesopotamia, particularly in Babylon.

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43. The Maurya and Gupta Empires were prominent in the history of ancient:

1. China
2. India
3. Greece
4. Persia

Answer: B) India

Explanation:

Both the Maurya and Gupta Empires were significant in ancient Indian history, contributing to its cultural and political landscape.

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44. The ancient city of Persepolis served as the ceremonial capital of which ancient civili-zation?

1. Mesopotamia
2. Persia (Achaemenid Empire)
3. Egypt
4. Greece

Answer: B) Persia (Achaemenid Empire)

Explanation:

Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire in ancient Persia.

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45. The term 'B.C.' in historical dating stands for:

1. Before Christ
2. Before Civilization
3. Before the Common Era
4. Before the Calendar

Answer: A) Before Christ

Explanation:

"B.C." denotes years before the birth of Jesus Christ in historical dating.

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46. The ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro is associated with which ancient civilization?

1. Sumerians
2. Egyptians
3. Harappans (Indus Valley)
4. Greeks

Answer: C) Harappans (Indus Valley)

Explanation:

Mohenjo-Daro is one of the major cities of the ancient Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization.

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47. The Hittites, known for their use of iron weaponry, were an ancient civilization in:

1. Mesopotamia
2. Anatolia (modern-day Turkey)
3. Egypt
4. Greece

Answer: B) Anatolia (modern-day Turkey)

Explanation:

The Hittites were an ancient civilization located in Anatolia, where they developed advanced iron weaponry.

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48. The 'Silk Road' facilitated trade and cultural exchange between:

1. Europe and Africa
2. Asia and the Americas
3. Asia, Europe, and Africa
4. North and South America

Answer: C) Asia, Europe, and Africa

Explanation:

The Silk Road connected Asia, Europe, and Africa, promoting trade and cultural interchange.

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49. The Mesoamerican civilization known for its pyramid structures and sophisticated cal-endar system is:

1. Maya
2. Inca
3. Aztec
4. Olmec

Answer: A) Maya

Explanation:

The Maya civilization, known for its pyramids and advanced calendar system, was located in Mesoamerica.

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50. The ancient Greek city-state of Sparta was known for its emphasis on:

1. Democracy
2. Military prowess and discipline
3. Philosophy and arts
4. Maritime trade

Answer: B) Military prowess and discipline

Explanation:

Sparta was renowned for its strong military culture, emphasizing discipline and physical train-ing.

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