1. Which crops were primarily grown as spring crops in the riverain tract of the Indus according to Allchins? A) Rice and pulses B) Wheat and barley C) Millets and sesame D) Maize and sorghum Correct Answer: B) Wheat and barley Explanation: According to Allchins, wheat and barley were the principal food grains grown as spring (rabi) crops in the riverain tract of the Indus. 2. What did the Greek writers praise about Indian soil and climate conditions? A) Scarcity of rainfall B) Unfavorable climate for agriculture C) Fertility of soil and favorable climate D) Lack of agricultural diversity Correct Answer: C) Fertility of soil and favorable climate Explanation: The Greek writers highly praised the fertility of Indian soil and favorable climate conditions for agriculture. 3. According to Megasthenes, when was wheat typically sown in India? A) Summer solstice B) Autumn equinox C) Winter rains D) Spring equinox Correct Answer: C) Winter rains Explanation: Megasthenes mentioned the sowing of wheat in early winter rains in India. 4. What did the Chinese pilgrim Hsieun Tsang mention about the gardening at the monastic University of Nalanda? A) Streams of blue water and green lotus flowers B) Mango groves and sandal trees C) Cherry blossoms and pine trees D) Orchards of apples and peaches Correct Answer: A) Streams of blue water and green lotus flowers Explanation: Hsieun Tsang described streams of blue water winding through the parks and green lotus flowers sparkling among the blossoms of sandal trees. 5. What did Sher Shah regulate to ensure the safety of peasants and their crops? A) Protection of forests B) Trade tariffs C) Victorious standards D) Safety of roads Correct Answer: C) Victorious standards Explanation: Sher Shah regulated the protection of the peasantry and safety of their crops by ensuring the safety of his victorious standards. 6. Which civilization is associated with the cultivation of wheat and barley as mentioned in the text? A) Mesopotamian civilization B) Indus Valley civilization C) Egyptian civilization D) Chinese civilization Correct Answer: B) Indus Valley civilization Explanation: The cultivation of wheat and barley in the riverain tract of the Indus is associated with the Indus Valley civilization. 7. What did the Greek writers affirm about India’s agricultural productivity? A) India had a single rainfall and single harvest. B) India had a double rainfall and single harvest. C) India had a double rainfall and double harvest. D) India had a single rainfall and double harvest. Correct Answer: C) India had a double rainfall and double harvest. Explanation: The Greek writers affirmed that India had a double rainfall and generally gathered two harvests. 8. According to Megasthenes, what were some of the winter crops grown in India? A) Rice and sesame B) Wheat and barley C) Maize and millets D) Lentils and chickpeas Correct Answer: B) Wheat and barley Explanation: Megasthenes mentioned wheat, barley, pulse, and other esculent fruits as winter crops grown in India. 9. What did the Chinese pilgrim Hsieun Tsang describe about the surroundings of the monastic University of Nalanda? A) Mango groves outside the enclosure B) Orchards of apples and peaches C) A desert landscape D) Streams of blue water and green lotus flowers Correct Answer: A) Mango groves outside the enclosure Explanation: While describing the surroundings of the monastic University of Nalanda, Hsieun Tsang mentioned a mango grove spreading outside the enclosure. 10. Who among the mentioned travelers praised the gardens at the monastic University of Nalanda? A) Megasthenes B) Sher Shah C) Hsieun Tsang D) Diodorus Correct Answer: C) Hsieun Tsang Explanation: Hsieun Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, praised the gardens at the monastic University of Nalanda, describing them as picturesque with streams of blue water and green lotus flowers. 11. How did Sher Shah ensure the safety of cultivations according to the text? A) By stationing horsemen around fields B) By imposing heavy taxes on farmers C) By restricting agricultural practices D) By encouraging trespassing on fields Correct Answer: A) By stationing horsemen around fields Explanation: Sher Shah personally examined the state of cultivation and stationed horsemen around fields to prevent trespassing, ensuring the safety of cultivations. 12. Which traveler provides evidence of the structure of Mughal gardens and the plants grown in them? A) Abu-l-Fazl B) Terry C) Francois Bernier D) Anwari Correct Answer: D) Anwari Explanation: Anwari, a Persian poet, provides evidence of the structure of Mughal gardens and the plants grown in them through his collection of poems, Diwan-i-Anwari. 13. According to Abu-l-Fazl, how many kinds of sugarcane are mentioned? A) One B) Two C) Three D) Four Correct Answer: C) Three Explanation: Abu-l-Fazl mentions three kinds of sugarcane: paunda, black, and ordinary. 14. Which European traveler mentioned the abundance of musk-melons and other fruits in India? A) Abu-l-Fazl B) Terry C) Francois Bernier D) Anwari Correct Answer: B) Terry Explanation: Terry, an English traveler, mentioned the abundance of musk-melons and various other fruits like watermelons, pomegranates, lemons, oranges, dates, figs, grapes, coconut, plantains, mangoes, pineapples, pears, and apples. 15. What does Terry mention about the use of coffee by some people? A) It was considered unhealthy B) It was used for cooking C) It was a common beverage D) It was used for religious rituals Correct Answer: C) It was a common beverage Explanation: Terry mentions that many religious people drank coffee, considering it a “wholesome liquor” that quickened the spirit and cleansed the blood. 16. Who among the European travelers is described as the most intelligent and learned during the Mughal rule? A) Terry B) Anwari C) Abu-l-Fazl D) Francois Bernier Correct Answer: D) Francois Bernier Explanation: Francois Bernier, a Frenchman, is described as the most intelligent and learned among the European travelers during the Mughal rule. 17. What does Abu-l-Fazl provide a list of in the Aini-Akbari? A) Types of animals B) Varieties of spices C) Fragrant flowering plants D) Different kinds of fruits Correct Answer: C) Fragrant flowering plants Explanation: Abu-l-Fazl provides a list of twenty-one fragrant flowering plants along with the color of their flowers and