MCQ on kautilya’s artha-sastra, agriculture, animal husbandry, commodity trade, etc. for ICAR-JEF, ICAR-SRF, ICAR-NET, IBPS-AFO/SO, Pre-PG, BHU Pre-PG, IFFCO-AGT, CCI, FCI, B.sc, M.sc, All Agriculture Competitive Exams. 1. During Kautilya’s time, which term encompassed agriculture, cattle breeding, and trade? a) Arthashastra b) Varta c) Sitadhakashya d) Chanakya **Answer: b) Varta** **Explanation:** During Kautilya’s time, agriculture, cattle breeding, and trade were grouped into a science called Varta. 2. According to Kautilya, who should be appointed as the superintendent of agriculture? a) A civil servant b) A person with no expertise c) A knowledgeable person in agriculture and horticulture d) A person recommended by the king **Answer: c) A knowledgeable person in agriculture and horticulture** **Explanation:** Kautilya suggested that the superintendent of agriculture should be a person knowledgeable in agriculture and horticulture. 3. What was the punishment for any delay in making arrangements for rainfed crop sowing, as per Kautilya’s Artha-sastra? a) Fine b) Exile c) Punitive action d) Imprisonment **Answer: c) Punitive action** **Explanation:** Kautilya emphasized the importance of timely arrangements for rainfed crop sowing and prescribed punitive action for any delay. 4. How was rainfall measured during Kautilya’s time? a) Using modern rain gauges b) Circular vessel called adhaka c) By observing natural signs d) Not measured **Answer: b) Circular vessel called adhaka** **Explanation:** Rainfall was measured during Kautilya’s time using a circular vessel called adhaka, with specific units to measure rainfall. 5. According to Kautilya, what is the significance of the even distribution of rainfall during the crop growing season? a) It reduces the need for irrigation b) It improves soil fertility c) It enhances crop yield d) It prevents soil erosion **Answer: c) It enhances crop yield** **Explanation:** Kautilya stressed the importance of even distribution of rainfall during the crop growing season as it enhances crop yield. 6. Which crop did Kautilya suggest should be sown early in the season? a) Wheat b) Barley c) Rice d) Sugarcane **Answer: c) Rice** **Explanation:** Kautilya suggested that rice should be sown early in the season for optimal growth and yield. 7. According to Kautilya, which crop requires the most attention and expenditure? a) Rice b) Millets c) Pulses d) Sugarcane **Answer: d) Sugarcane** **Explanation:** Kautilya stated that sugarcane requires the most attention and expenditure among crops. 8. Where did Kautilya suggest crops like cucurbits are well suited to be grown? a) Drylands b) Desert areas c) Banks of rivers d) Mountain slopes **Answer: c) Banks of rivers** **Explanation:** Kautilya suggested that crops like cucurbits are well suited to be grown on the banks of rivers due to the availability of moisture. 9. Which biocontrol practice suggested by Kautilya involves exposing seeds to mist and heat for seven nights? a) Seed treatment b) Pest control c) Disease management d) Weed control **Answer: a) Seed treatment** **Explanation:** Kautilya suggested exposing seeds to mist and heat for seven nights as a biocontrol practice, which is similar to modern seed treatment methods. 10. According to Kautilya, what should be done with harvested produce? a) Left in the field b) Sold immediately c) Properly processed and safely stored d) Fed to livestock **Answer: c) Properly processed and safely stored** **Explanation:** Kautilya advised that harvested produce should be properly processed and safely stored to prevent spoilage or loss. 11. What term did Kautilya use to describe the head of agriculture in his Artha-sastra? a) Sthitiadhikari b) Sitadhakashya c) Krayadhikari d) Vartadhikari **Answer: b) Sitadhakashya** **Explanation:** Kautilya suggested the appointment of a separate post for the head of agriculture, named Sitadhakashya. 12. What did Kautilya emphasize regarding the distribution of rainfall during the crop growing season? a) Majority of rainfall in the beginning of the season b) Uniform distribution throughout the season c) Majority of rainfall in the middle of the season d) Majority of rainfall at the end of the season **Answer: b) Uniform distribution throughout the season** **Explanation:** Kautilya stressed the importance of uniform distribution of rainfall throughout the crop growing season. 13. According to Kautilya’s Artha-sastra, what is the ideal condition for rainfed crop cultivation? a) High rainfall throughout the year b) Intermittent rainfall with dry spells c) Heavy rainfall during sowing season d) Moderate rainfall with even distribution **Answer: d) Moderate rainfall with even distribution** **Explanation:** Kautilya suggested that rainfed crop cultivation thrives under moderate rainfall conditions with even distribution. 14. What was the role of the village council in Kautilya’s economic policies? a) Decision-making authority for agriculture b) Regulation of trade and commerce c) Allocation of land for cultivation d) Monitoring agricultural productivity **Answer: b) Regulation of trade and commerce** **Explanation:** Kautilya’s economic policies involved the village council in regulating trade and commerce. 15. How did Kautilya suggest farmers should be compensated for their produce? a) With monetary payment b) With land grants c) With goods or services d) With tax exemptions **Answer: c) With goods or services** **Explanation:** Kautilya suggested that farmers should be compensated for their produce with goods or services, as mentioned in his Artha-sastra. 16. Which biocontrol practice suggested by Kautilya involves plastering cut ends of sugarcane with a mixture? a) Companion planting b) Crop rotation c) Integrated pest management d) Application of biopesticides **Answer: d) Application of biopesticides** **Explanation:** Kautilya recommended plastering cut ends of sugarcane with a mixture containing honey, ghee, and cow dung as a biocontrol practice. 17. According to Kautilya, what was the main source of irrigation for agriculture? a) Rainwater harvesting b) River diversion c) Well water d) Canal systems **Answer: c) Well water** **Explanation:** Kautilya mentioned the use of wells for irrigation, indicating that well water was the main source of irrigation for agriculture during his time. 18. What did Kautilya prescribe regarding the handling of above-ground crop residues? a) Leave them in the field for soil enrichment b) Burn them to clear the fields c) Use them as animal fodder d) Remove them from the fields **Answer: d) Remove them from the fields** **Explanation:** Kautilya advised removing above-ground crop residues from the fields and feeding them to cattle. 19. How