MCQ on the Status of Farmers in Society during Historical Periods This comprehensive set of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) delves into the status and role of farmers in society across different historical periods, including the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Era, Buddhist Period, Mauryan Dynasty, Gupta Empire, and Sangam Age. The questions are meticulously crafted to cover various aspects such as the agricultural practices, economic importance, societal position, and contributions of farmers during these times. Ideal for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like ICAR-JRF, ICAR-SRF, ICAR-NET, IBPS-AFO/SO, Pre-PG, BHU Pre-PG, IFFCO-AGT, CCI, FCI, as well as B.Sc and M.Sc students, this collection aims to provide a deep understanding of the evolution of agrarian society in ancient India. Each question is designed to test and enhance your knowledge, with a focus on historical insights that are crucial for excelling in agriculture-related exams. 1. During which period did the Indus Civilization emerge as the first farming culture in South Asia? a) Vedic period b) Mauryan period c) Harappan period d) Gupta period **Answer: c) Harappan period** Explanation: The Indus Civilization emerged as the first farming culture in South Asia during the Harappan period, as described in the passage. 2. What was the primary occupation of the people during the Vedic period? a) Trading b) Hunting and gathering c) Agriculture d) Crafts and pottery **Answer: c) Agriculture** Explanation: Agriculture was the primary occupation during the Vedic period, with farmers cultivating crops based on the advice of saints, as mentioned in the passage. 3. What characterized the economic system during the Buddhist period? a) Feudalism with powerful landlords b) Agricultural self-sufficiency in villages c) Industrialization and urbanization d) Nomadic lifestyle and herding **Answer: b) Agricultural self-sufficiency in villages** Explanation: The economic system during the Buddhist period was characterized by agricultural self sufficiency in villages, with no landlords and villagers undertaking tasks collectively, as stated in the passage. 4. Which term was used for the head of a rich land-owning family during the Mauryan period? a) Gaha pathi b) Vaishnava c) Krishihala d) Vellar **Answer: a) Gaha pathi** Explanation: During the Mauryan period, the head of a rich land-owning family was called “Gaha pathi,” as mentioned in the passage. 5. What was the social status of cultivators during the Gupta period? a) High social and economic status b) Equal status with landowners c) Low social and economic status d) Nomadic lifestyle **Answer: c) Low social and economic status** Explanation: Cultivators during the Gupta period had low social and economic status, as indicated by the various terms used to describe them, such as Krishihala or Kinars, as mentioned in the passage. 6. In which period was agriculture the main occupation, leading to a high status for farmers in society? a) Vedic period b) Buddhist period c) Mauryan period d) Sangam period **Answer: d) Sangam period** Explanation: Agriculture was the main occupation during the Sangam period, leading to a high status for farmers in society, as described in the passage. 7. What term was used for farmers during the Sangam period? a) Vaishnava b) Krishihala c) Uzhavar d) Gaha pathi **Answer: c) Uzhavar** Explanation: Farmers during the Sangam period were called “Uzhavar” or “plough man,” as mentioned in the passage. 8. According to Thiruvalluvar, what is the significance of farmers in society? a) They are worshipped as gods. b) They live an independent life. c) They have no importance compared to others. d) They are dependent on others for survival. **Answer: b) They live an independent life.** Explanation: Thiruvalluvar emphasized the importance of farmers by stating that they alone live an independent life, as mentioned in the passage. 9. Which period saw the emergence of urban centers from the Early Harappan communities? a) Vedic period b) Mauryan period c) Harappan period d) Gupta period **Answer: c) Harappan period** Explanation: Urban centers emerged from the Early Harappan communities during the Harappan period, as stated in the passage. 10. What role did irrigation play in transforming the region during the Late Harappan period? a) It led to the decline of agriculture. b) It had no significant impact on the region. c) It facilitated the growth of urban centers. d) It caused environmental degradation. **Answer: c) It facilitated the growth of urban centers.** Explanation: Irrigation played a crucial role in transforming the region during the Late Harappan period by facilitating the growth of urban centers, as mentioned in the passage. 11. What was the primary occupation during the Harappan period? a) Trading b) Farming c) Fishing d) Hunting **Answer: b) Farming** Explanation: The Harappan period saw the emergence of farming communities, with agriculture being the primary occupation during this time, as mentioned in the passage. 12. During which Vedic period did farmers occupy a prominent position in society? a) Rig Vedic period b) Sama Vedic period c) Yajur Vedic period d) Atharvana Vedic period **Answer: d) Atharvana Vedic period** Explanation: Farmers occupied a more significant position in society during the Atharvana Vedic period, as mentioned in the passage. 13. What was the economic status of farmers during the Mauryan period? a) They were wealthy landowners b) They were impoverished c) They were state officials d) They were traders **Answer: b) They were impoverished** Explanation: During the Mauryan period, the majority of the population were agriculturists, but the economic status of farmers was low, as mentioned in the passage. 14. What was the primary occupation during the Sangam period? a) Trading b) Fishing c) Agriculture d) Mining **Answer: c) Agriculture** Explanation: Agriculture was the main occupation during the Sangam period, and farmers held a high position in society during this time, as stated in the passage. 15. What term was used to refer to farmers during the Sangam period? a) Vaishnavas b) Krishihala c) Uzhavar d) Gaha pathi **Answer: c) Uzhavar** Explanation: Farmers during the Sangam period were referred to as “Uzhavar” or “plough man,” as mentioned in the passage. 16. According to Thiruvalluvar, what role did farmers play in society? a) They were worshipped as deities b) They were revered as