STPGT-Sociology_Society in Pre

Model MCQ's Indian Society and Culture

Society in Pre – British India

1. The economic system of pre-British Indian villages was primarily based on:

(A) Market-driven trade

(B) A self-sufficient agricultural and handicraft economy

(D) Industrialization

(B) A self-sufficient agricultural and handicraft economy

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were primarily self-sufficient, relying on agriculture and local handicrafts for daily needs without significant external trade.

2. According to British scholars, why were Indian villages referred to as 'Little Republics'?

(A) Because they had their own independent political systems

(B) Because they were economically dependent on larger towns

(D) Because they were part of the British colonial system

Explanation: British scholars described villages as 'Little Republics' because of their self-reliant economic systems and minimal interference from external authorities, except for tax collection and military obligations.

3. Which of the following was a major characteristic of the pre-British Indian village economy?

(A) Large-scale industrialization

(B) Dependent on external trade

(D) High levels of urbanization

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were balanced between agriculture and local handicrafts, with each village producing its own food and goods for local consumption.

4. Which of the following was not a feature of pre-British Indian village communities?

(A) Self-governance by the village panchayat

(B) Limited interaction with outside markets

(D) A division of labor based on caste and heredity

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were mostly self-sufficient, with little external taxation or interference. Colonial taxation became prominent only after the British established control.

5. The primary method of transportation in pre-British India was:

(A) Railways and motor vehicles

(B) Bullock carts and pack animals

(D) Airplanes

(B) Bullock carts and pack animals

Explanation: Transportation in pre-British India was mainly dependent on bullock carts, pack animals, and waterways in some regions, due to the lack of developed road networks.

6. What was the role of the village panchayat in pre-British India?

(A) To collect taxes on behalf of the British

(B) To settle local disputes and maintain law and order

(D) To organize trade and commerce

(B) To settle local disputes and maintain law and order

Explanation: The village panchayat played a key role in maintaining social order within the village by settling disputes and regulating local matters before the British introduced formal legal systems.

7. Which of the following was not a typical occupation in a pre-British Indian village?

(A) Farmers

(B) Village artisans (smiths, carpenters, weavers)

(D) Caste-based occupations like barbers, washermen

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were largely self-sufficient and relied on local barter. Large-scale trade was not a primary occupation in these villages.

8. In pre-British India, what was the primary agricultural tool used for cultivation?

(A) Tractor

(B) Wooden plough and bullock-power

(D) Fertilizer application machines

(B) Wooden plough and bullock-power

Explanation: Pre-British agriculture was mostly carried out using primitive tools such as the wooden plough, powered by bullocks, with minimal technological advancement.

9. How were agricultural surplus and handicraft products typically used in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) They were exported globally

(B) They were stored for emergencies or shared within the community

(D) They were collected as taxes

(B) They were stored for emergencies or shared within the community

Explanation: Surplus agricultural produce and handicraft products were often stored by the villagers for use during lean periods, or shared within the local community.

10. Which of the following best describes the social structure of pre-British Indian villages?

(A) Classless society with equal economic opportunities

(B) Caste-based system with hereditary occupations

(D) Feudal system with landlords controlling most resources

(B) Caste-based system with hereditary occupations

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages operated under a rigid caste system where occupations were inherited based on caste, and social mobility was limited.

11. Which of the following was a primary agricultural crop grown in pre-British India?

(A) Coffee

(B) Rice

(D) Tea

(B) Rice

Explanation: Rice was one of the main agricultural crops grown in pre-British India, along with wheat, bajra, and jowar, depending on the region.

12. In pre-British India, the land tenure system was characterized by:

(A) Private ownership of land

(B) Village-based communal ownership of land

(D) Land leased out to foreign traders

(B) Village-based communal ownership of land

Explanation: Land in pre-British India was often communally owned by villages, with the village community as the primary landholder, which was later disrupted by colonial land revenue policies.

13. What was a common practice for storing surplus agricultural produce in pre-British India?

(A) Exporting to neighboring regions

(B) Selling in urban markets

(D) Storing it in warehouses for international trade

Explanation: In pre-British India, surplus agricultural produce was often stored by the villagers for use during bad harvests or lean periods to ensure self-sufficiency.

14. The primary mode of transportation within Indian villages before British rule was:

(A) Railroads

(B) Ships and boats

(D) Bicycles

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages primarily used bullock carts and pack animals for transportation due to the lack of developed infrastructure.

15. Which of the following was a common feature of pre-British Indian villages in terms of social organization?

(A) Urbanization

(B) Self-sufficiency in food and raw materials

(D) Centralized government control

(B) Self-sufficiency in food and raw materials

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were largely self-sufficient, with most of the necessary food and raw materials produced locally.

16. The division of labor in pre-British Indian villages was primarily based on:

(A) Age

(B) Gender

(D) Economic status

Explanation: In pre-British India, the division of labor was largely based on the caste system, with individuals typically inheriting their family occupations.

17. What was the role of artisans in the self-sufficient village economy of pre-British India?

(A) To produce goods for export to Europe

(B) To produce goods for local consumption within the village

(D) To engage in large-scale industrial production

(B) To produce goods for local consumption within the village

Explanation: Village artisans in pre-British India primarily produced goods for local consumption, such as pottery, weaving, and blacksmithing, to meet the needs of the village community.

18. Which of the following was a significant feature of Indian agriculture during the pre-British period?

(A) High mechanization

(B) Use of organic manure and traditional farming methods

(D) Large-scale commercial farming

(B) Use of organic manure and traditional farming methods

Explanation: Pre-British Indian agriculture was characterized by traditional farming methods, with the use of organic manure and simple tools like the wooden plough.

19. How were wages paid to village artisans in pre-British India?

(A) In cash

(B) In kind (goods or food)

(D) Through government salary

(B) In kind (goods or food)

Explanation: Village artisans were often paid in kind, such as food or goods, rather than in cash. This payment system was tied to the agricultural cycles and harvests.

20. What was the effect of the rigid caste system on pre-British Indian village life?

(A) It encouraged social mobility

(B) It limited occupational choice based on hereditary factors

(D) It created a sense of unity across different villages

(B) It limited occupational choice based on hereditary factors

Explanation: The rigid caste system in pre-British India restricted individuals to hereditary occupations, limiting social mobility and creating clear divisions between different groups within the village.

21. What was the primary source of livelihood for most people in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) Industrial labor

(B) Agriculture and allied activities

(D) Textile manufacturing

(B) Agriculture and allied activities

Explanation: The majority of people in pre-British Indian villages depended on agriculture for their livelihood, with some also engaged in allied activities such as animal husbandry and handicrafts.

22. In pre-British India, what was the main purpose of the village panchayat?

(A) To collect taxes on behalf of the state

(B) To manage land disputes and regulate village matters

(D) To enforce British laws

(B) To manage land disputes and regulate village matters

Explanation: The village panchayat played a key role in managing local affairs, resolving disputes, and ensuring the maintenance of law and order within the community.

23. Which of the following was not a common feature of the pre-British Indian village economy?

(A) Limited trade with the outside world

(B) Caste-based division of labor

(D) Self-sufficiency in food and basic goods

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were primarily self-sufficient, with minimal industrialization. The economy was largely based on agriculture and local handicrafts.

24. What was the typical method of payment for artisans in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) Payment in cash

(B) Payment in kind (goods or food)

(D) Payment through government stipends

(B) Payment in kind (goods or food)

Explanation: Village artisans were often paid in kind, typically with food or other goods, as cash was not commonly used in rural economies.

25. Which crop was commonly grown by farmers in pre-British India?

(A) Coffee

(B) Cotton

(D) Tea

Explanation: Rice was one of the primary crops grown in pre-British India, along with wheat, jowar, bajra, and other cereals.

26. How did the caste system impact the occupations of individuals in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) It encouraged individuals to choose their occupations freely

(B) It restricted people to hereditary occupations based on caste

(D) It had no impact on occupations

(B) It restricted people to hereditary occupations based on caste

Explanation: The caste system in pre-British India strongly dictated individuals' occupations, with each caste typically inheriting specific trades or roles within the community.

27. What was the state of agriculture in pre-British India by the mid-18th century?

(A) Highly advanced and mechanized

(B) Suffering from widespread famines and crop failures

(D) Dependent on large-scale commercial farming

Explanation: Pre-British Indian agriculture was mainly subsistence-based, using traditional farming methods, with limited advancements in agricultural technology.

28. What was the role of village artisans in pre-British India?

(A) To engage in trade and export goods

(B) To produce goods for the local community’s needs

(D) To engage in large-scale industrial production

(B) To produce goods for the local community’s needs

Explanation: Village artisans in pre-British India were primarily focused on producing goods, such as pottery, weaving, and blacksmithing, for the local community's needs.

29. Which of the following was a major change brought to pre-British Indian villages due to the British colonial rule?

(A) Introduction of a modern transportation system

(B) Increased agricultural self-sufficiency

(D) Promotion of village self-governance

Explanation: The British introduced a fixed land revenue system that undermined the traditional village economy and land ownership patterns, replacing them with cash-based taxation systems.

30. What was the role of the village panchayat in pre-British India?

(A) To manage agricultural production

(B) To collect taxes on behalf of the British

(D) To enforce colonial laws

Explanation: The village panchayat was responsible for managing local governance, including settling disputes and regulating the affairs of the village community in pre-British India.

31. Which of the following was not a characteristic of pre-British Indian village communities?

(A) Autonomy from higher political authority

(B) High level of trade with foreign nations

(D) Division of labor based on caste

(B) High level of trade with foreign nations

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were largely self-sufficient and had limited trade with the outside world. Most trade occurred at the local level or with neighboring regions.

32. What was the major feature of agriculture in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) Mechanized farming

(B) Use of advanced irrigation techniques

(D) Large-scale commercial farming for export

Explanation: In pre-British India, agricultural production was primarily for local consumption, with minimal surplus for trade or export.

33. The primary function of village artisans in pre-British India was to:

(A) Engage in foreign trade

(B) Produce goods for local consumption

(D) Provide military service

(B) Produce goods for local consumption

Explanation: Village artisans focused on producing goods for local use, such as pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, and carpentry, within their communities.

34. How did the caste system affect the economy of pre-British Indian villages?

(A) It promoted equal distribution of wealth

(B) It led to specialization of occupations based on hereditary roles

(D) It encouraged free-market trade

(B) It led to specialization of occupations based on hereditary roles

Explanation: The caste system in pre-British India assigned specific occupations to individuals based on their caste, often leading to hereditary specialization in certain trades.

35. What was the impact of pre-British India's limited transportation system on trade?

(A) It promoted large-scale trade across India

(B) It resulted in low levels of trade and market integration

(D) It had no impact on trade

(B) It resulted in low levels of trade and market integration

Explanation: Due to the underdeveloped transportation system, trade was primarily local and often limited to specific weekly markets or fairs, restricting broader market integration.

36. In pre-British India, how were surplus agricultural goods typically used?

(A) Stored for use during lean periods

(B) Exported to other countries

(D) Converted into luxury goods

(A) Stored for use during lean periods

Explanation: Surplus agricultural produce in pre-British India was stored for use during periods of food scarcity or crop failure, ensuring food security for villagers.

37. What was the main method of payment for agricultural laborers in pre-British India?

(A) Payment in cash

(B) Payment in food or goods (in-kind)

(D) Payment through a salary system

(B) Payment in food or goods (in-kind)

Explanation: Agricultural laborers were often paid in kind, such as food or goods, rather than in cash, especially during harvest seasons when resources were abundant.

38. Which of the following best describes the level of industrialization in pre-British India?

(A) High industrialization with advanced technology

(B) Low industrialization focused on handicrafts

(D) Complete lack of industrialization

(B) Low industrialization focused on handicrafts

Explanation: Pre-British India had limited industrialization, primarily focusing on local handicrafts, which were famous worldwide for their quality, such as textiles and metalwork.

39. Which of the following was a prominent center for the textile industry in pre-British India?

(A) Bangalore

(B) Surat

(D) Kolkata

(B) Surat

Explanation: Surat, located in Gujarat, was one of the prominent centers for the textile industry in pre-British India, known for its cotton and silk production.

40. What was the role of the village panchayat in pre-British India?

(A) To collect land revenue for the British

(B) To resolve local disputes and maintain law and order

(D) To enforce foreign trade policies

(B) To resolve local disputes and maintain law and order

Explanation: The village panchayat played an important role in maintaining local governance, resolving disputes, and regulating village affairs, acting as the informal judicial system before British rule.

41. Which of the following was not a typical feature of the agricultural economy in pre-British India?

(A) Use of primitive tools such as wooden ploughs

(B) Large-scale mechanized farming

(D) Crop rotation for soil fertility

(B) Large-scale mechanized farming

Explanation: Pre-British India had an agricultural economy that relied on traditional farming techniques and tools, not on large-scale mechanized farming.

42. How were village artisans typically compensated in pre-British India?

(A) In land

(B) In cash

(D) Through monetary wages paid monthly

Explanation: Village artisans were often paid in kind, receiving food, goods, or other resources rather than cash, typically once a year after harvest.

43. What role did the village community play in pre-British India regarding agriculture?

(A) They were mostly dependent on foreign trade

(B) They focused on growing cash crops for export

(D) They specialized in monoculture farming

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were mostly self-sufficient in food production, growing what they needed for local consumption and storing surplus for lean times.

44. Which of the following was a major feature of pre-British trade in India?

(A) Extensive foreign trade dominated by British merchants

(B) Local markets were the main centers for trade

(D) Trade conducted through large urban centers with advanced infrastructure

(B) Local markets were the main centers for trade

Explanation: Trade in pre-British India was largely local, with weekly markets and fairs being the primary hubs for exchanging goods within the village and surrounding areas.

45. The division of labor in pre-British Indian villages was primarily based on:

(A) Economic class

(B) Caste and hereditary occupations

(D) Gender roles

(B) Caste and hereditary occupations

Explanation: The division of labor in pre-British Indian villages was based on caste, with each caste performing hereditary occupations, limiting mobility and choice of profession.

46. Which of the following was a key characteristic of the relationship between villages in pre-British India?

(A) Complete isolation with no exchange of goods

(B) Frequent trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring regions

(D) Only agricultural goods were exchanged, excluding handicrafts

(B) Frequent trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring regions

Explanation: While villages were self-sufficient, there was still exchange of goods and services between villages, including agricultural products and handicrafts, particularly in rural markets.

47. What was the typical method of irrigation used in pre-British India?

(A) High-tech mechanized irrigation systems

(B) Large-scale dam reservoirs

(D) Greenhouse farming

Explanation: Pre-British India primarily relied on traditional methods of irrigation, including wells, canals, and tanks, though these were often insufficient for the agricultural demands.

48. How were disputes generally resolved in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) Through British courts

(B) Through the village panchayat

(D) Through colonial administrators

(B) Through the village panchayat

Explanation: In pre-British India, disputes were typically resolved by the village panchayat, a local body of elders, which acted as the court for resolving conflicts.

49. What was the primary agricultural tool used in pre-British India?

(A) Tractors and modern ploughs

(B) Wooden ploughs and sickles

(D) Metal ploughs and combines

(B) Wooden ploughs and sickles

Explanation: Pre-British Indian agriculture primarily used simple tools like wooden ploughs and sickles, with minimal technological advancements.

50. Which of the following was not a significant export from pre-British India?

(A) Cotton textiles

(B) Spices

(D) Industrial machinery

Explanation: Pre-British India was famous for exporting textiles, spices, silk, and other goods, but it did not export industrial machinery, as industrialization had not yet occurred.

51. What was a key feature of the handicraft industry in pre-British India?

(A) Mass production of goods for global export

(B) The use of machinery for textile production

(D) Large-scale factory-based production of goods

Explanation: The handicraft industry in pre-British India was primarily focused on producing artisan goods like textiles, pottery, and metalwork for local consumption, although some products were traded internationally.

52. Which of the following was a common agricultural practice in pre-British India?

(A) Commercial monoculture farming

(B) Use of advanced fertilizers and pesticides

(D) Large-scale industrial farming

Explanation: Pre-British Indian farmers practiced crop rotation and used organic manures for farming, with a focus on maintaining soil fertility through traditional, sustainable practices.

53. What was the primary reason for the self-sufficiency of pre-British Indian villages?

(A) Access to large-scale trade networks

(B) Lack of natural resources in villages

(D) Colonial land reforms

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were self-sufficient because they relied on local agricultural production and handicrafts for their needs, with minimal interaction with external trade networks.

54. How did the British colonial rule affect the traditional handicraft industry in India?

(A) It promoted the growth of handicraft industries

(B) It led to the decline of indigenous handicrafts due to competition from machine-made goods

(D) It established handicraft industries in rural areas

(B) It led to the decline of indigenous handicrafts due to competition from machine-made goods

Explanation: The British colonial rule introduced machine-made goods that flooded the market, leading to the decline of traditional handicrafts that could not compete with mass-produced items.

55. What was the structure of trade in pre-British India?

(A) Fully commercialized trade with a global market

(B) Trade was primarily limited to local markets and occasional fairs

(D) Trade was controlled by foreign merchants

(B) Trade was primarily limited to local markets and occasional fairs

Explanation: In pre-British India, trade was largely local, taking place in weekly markets or annual fairs. While there was some international trade, it was not as extensive as in later colonial periods.

56. Which of the following crops was a major export from India in the pre-British period?

(A) Tea

(B) Jute

(D) Rice

Explanation: Indigo was one of the major exports from India, along with cotton, silk, and spices, to various parts of the world, especially to Europe.

57. What was the primary reason for the decline of the self-sufficient village economy in pre-British India?

(A) The introduction of cash crops for export

(B) The rise of large-scale industrialization

(D) The development of advanced agricultural techniques

Explanation: The British land revenue and taxation policies disrupted the self-sufficiency of Indian villages by imposing fixed taxes, leading to the commercialization of agriculture and weakening local economies.

58. What role did the caste system play in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) It encouraged equal distribution of resources

(B) It promoted social mobility

(D) It allowed the free choice of occupations

Explanation: The caste system in pre-British India rigidly defined individuals' occupations and social roles, limiting mobility and reinforcing hereditary occupations.

59. Which of the following was a major export from pre-British India that was widely renowned for its quality?

(A) Spices

(B) Cotton textiles

(D) Jewelry

(B) Cotton textiles

Explanation: Cotton textiles from India, especially from regions like Gujarat and Bengal, were renowned worldwide for their quality and were a major export item.

60. What was the main agricultural practice of pre-British Indian farmers?

(A) Large-scale monoculture

(B) Commercial agriculture for export markets

(D) Intensive use of chemical fertilizers

Explanation: Pre-British Indian farmers practiced subsistence farming, growing enough food for local consumption, and used crop rotation to maintain soil fertility.

61. What was the role of artisans in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) To produce goods for local consumption and for export

(B) To manage the village's financial matters

(D) To participate in the military service of the king

(A) To produce goods for local consumption and for export

Explanation: Artisans in pre-British Indian villages produced goods such as textiles, pottery, and metalwork primarily for local consumption, though some were also exported.

62. Which of the following statements about the pre-British Indian village economy is true?

(A) Villages were highly interconnected and depended on international markets

(B) Villages were largely self-sufficient, with limited external trade

(D) Villages were completely dependent on urban areas for goods

(B) Villages were largely self-sufficient, with limited external trade

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were mostly self-sufficient, relying on local agricultural production and handicrafts, with limited trade outside the village.

63. How did the British colonial rule affect the land revenue system in pre-British India?

(A) It improved the self-sufficiency of villages

(B) It introduced a fixed land revenue system that undermined the communal structure of villages

(D) It decreased the revenue burden on peasants

(B) It introduced a fixed land revenue system that undermined the communal structure of villages

Explanation: The British introduced a fixed land revenue system that disrupted the communal ownership and governance of land in villages, increasing the burden on peasants.

64. What was the most significant economic transformation in Indian villages due to British rule?

(A) Introduction of modern irrigation techniques

(B) Commercialization of agriculture

(D) Industrialization of rural areas

(B) Commercialization of agriculture

Explanation: British policies led to the commercialization of agriculture, where farmers increasingly grew crops for export rather than for local consumption, disrupting the self-sufficient village economy.

65. Which of the following was a major product of pre-British Indian handicrafts?

(A) Textiles

(B) Automobiles

(D) Paper

(A) Textiles

Explanation: Pre-British India was renowned for its textiles, including cotton fabrics, silk, and muslin, which were highly valued both domestically and in international markets.

66. What role did the caste system play in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) It promoted equality and social mobility

(B) It determined individuals' occupations based on heredity

(D) It encouraged communal cooperation and unity

(B) It determined individuals' occupations based on heredity

Explanation: The caste system in pre-British India was based on heredity, with individuals' occupations typically determined by their caste, limiting social mobility and occupational choice.

67. Which of the following was a primary agricultural tool used in pre-British India?

(A) Plows driven by oxen

(B) Steam-powered harvesters

(D) Automated irrigation systems

(A) Plows driven by oxen

Explanation: Pre-British Indian agriculture primarily used plows drawn by oxen, which were simple tools for tilling the soil.

68. How were disputes generally settled in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) By the British colonial authorities

(B) By the village panchayat

(D) By the local landlords

(B) By the village panchayat

Explanation: In pre-British India, the village panchayat, a body of local elders, was responsible for settling disputes and maintaining social order within the village.

69. Which of the following agricultural crops was commonly grown by farmers in pre-British India?

(A) Rice

(B) Tobacco

(D) Coffee

(A) Rice

Explanation: Rice was one of the most commonly grown crops in pre-British India, alongside other cereals like wheat, bajra, and jowar.

70. What was the impact of the British colonial land revenue system on pre-British Indian villages?

(A) It strengthened village self-governance

(B) It created a system of individual land ownership

(D) It maintained traditional agricultural practices

(B) It created a system of individual land ownership

Explanation: The British land revenue system replaced communal land ownership with individual ownership, leading to private property in land, which was not a feature of the pre-British economy.

71. What was the impact of the commercialization of agriculture in pre-British India?

(A) It led to an increase in local self-sufficiency

(B) It reduced the dependence on external markets

(D) It promoted the growth of indigenous industries

Explanation: The commercialization of agriculture, especially under British rule, led to a shift in agricultural production towards crops for export, reducing local self-sufficiency in many areas.

72. In pre-British Indian villages, the role of the village panchayat was primarily to:

(A) Collect taxes for the British government

(B) Maintain law and order and settle local disputes

(D) Manage the agricultural surplus

(B) Maintain law and order and settle local disputes

Explanation: The village panchayat acted as the local governing body, maintaining law and order, and resolving disputes within the village community.

73. What was the condition of transportation in pre-British India?

(A) Advanced network of railways and highways

(B) Well-maintained roads connecting villages

(D) Efficient air travel system

Explanation: Transportation in pre-British India was primitive, with limited road networks and poor connectivity between villages, affecting trade and movement.

74. What was a common agricultural practice in pre-British India regarding land use?

(A) Continuous cultivation without fallow periods

(B) Crop rotation to maintain soil fertility

(D) Large-scale monoculture farming

(B) Crop rotation to maintain soil fertility

Explanation: Pre-British farmers commonly used crop rotation to maintain soil fertility, with some land left fallow to recover its nutrients.

75. What was the primary role of the village artisans in pre-British India?

(A) To engage in trade and commerce

(B) To produce goods for local consumption and use

(D) To serve as the village administrators

(B) To produce goods for local consumption and use

Explanation: Village artisans primarily produced goods such as pottery, cloth, and tools for local use within the community.

76. What was a key feature of the agricultural economy in pre-British India?

(A) Heavy reliance on international exports

(B) Extensive use of machinery and chemical fertilizers

(D) Complete dependence on irrigation systems

Explanation: The agricultural economy in pre-British India was primarily focused on self-sufficiency, with limited trade and market activities outside the village.

77. Which of the following best describes the division of labor in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) A class-based system of work distribution

(B) A caste-based system with occupations assigned by hereditary caste

(D) A gender-neutral distribution of labor

(B) A caste-based system with occupations assigned by hereditary caste

Explanation: In pre-British India, the caste system determined individuals' occupations, which were hereditary and based on their caste, limiting social mobility.

78. What was the primary characteristic of trade in pre-British India?

(A) High levels of international trade

(B) Large-scale industrial exports

(D) Trade monopolized by the British East India Company

Explanation: Trade in pre-British India was primarily conducted in local markets and fairs, with only limited international trade in some areas.

79. Which of the following was a key export product from pre-British India?

(A) Machine-made textiles

(B) Cotton textiles

(D) Petroleum products

(B) Cotton textiles

Explanation: Pre-British India was famous for its cotton textiles, which were exported to various parts of the world, including Europe and the Middle East.

80. What role did the village panchayat play in managing village disputes in pre-British India?

(A) It handled agricultural issues only

(B) It resolved local disputes and maintained law and order

(D) It conducted trade negotiations with neighboring villages

(B) It resolved local disputes and maintained law and order

Explanation: The village panchayat was the local governing body responsible for resolving disputes, maintaining law and order, and managing village affairs.

81. What was a common agricultural practice in pre-British India for maintaining soil fertility?

(A) Use of synthetic fertilizers

(B) Crop rotation and leaving fields fallow

(D) Commercial farming with advanced irrigation techniques

(B) Crop rotation and leaving fields fallow

Explanation: Pre-British Indian farmers practiced crop rotation and occasionally left fields fallow to maintain soil fertility, a practice that ensured sustainable agricultural production.

82. What was the major limitation of transportation in pre-British India?

(A) Well-developed road and railway networks

(B) Limited connectivity due to primitive roads and transportation systems

(D) Highly efficient and reliable river transport

(B) Limited connectivity due to primitive roads and transportation systems

Explanation: Pre-British India had very limited transportation infrastructure, with most villages connected by dusty, uneven roads or tracks, making long-distance trade and communication difficult.

83. Which of the following was a characteristic of the Indian village economy before the British arrived?

(A) Complete reliance on cash crops for export

(B) Interdependence between agriculture and village handicrafts

(D) Extensive use of modern technology in agriculture

(B) Interdependence between agriculture and village handicrafts

Explanation: The pre-British Indian village economy was self-sufficient, with agriculture and handicrafts working together. Farmers grew their own food, while artisans produced goods for local use.

84. Which of the following was not a feature of the self-sufficient village economy in pre-British India?

(A) Independence from larger political systems

(B) Limited trade with external markets

(D) Use of local resources for local consumption

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were not focused on industrial production but were self-sufficient in agriculture and handicrafts, with limited external trade.

85. How were surplus agricultural goods typically stored in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) Stored in large warehouses for export

(B) Stored locally for consumption during lean periods

(D) Exported immediately to foreign markets

(B) Stored locally for consumption during lean periods

Explanation: Surplus agricultural goods were often stored by villagers for use during lean periods, such as during crop failures or bad harvests.

86. What was a significant cause of the breakdown of pre-British Indian self-sufficient villages?

(A) Improved agricultural practices

(B) The introduction of new land tenure systems and active export trade

(D) The spread of advanced industrial technology

(B) The introduction of new land tenure systems and active export trade

Explanation: The breakdown of the self-sufficient village economy was due to the introduction of new land tenure systems by the British and the shift towards a market-oriented economy focused on export trade.

87. How did the British colonial revenue system affect Indian agriculture?

(A) It promoted agricultural self-sufficiency

(B) It introduced a fixed revenue system that led to land commercialization

(D) It provided subsidies to farmers

(B) It introduced a fixed revenue system that led to land commercialization

Explanation: The British introduced a fixed land revenue system that forced farmers to produce crops for the market to pay taxes, leading to the commercialization of agriculture.

88. Which of the following was a major product of pre-British Indian trade?

(A) Petroleum

(B) Cotton textiles

(D) Machinery

(B) Cotton textiles

Explanation: Cotton textiles were one of the major exports of pre-British India, and they were highly regarded in international markets, especially in Europe and the Middle East.

89. What was a key feature of pre-British Indian village society in terms of governance?

(A) Direct control by the British

(B) Independence from political systems

(D) Centralized rule by a monarch

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were largely self-governing, with the village panchayat managing local affairs and settling disputes without external interference.

90. What was the condition of trade in pre-British India?

(A) Heavily reliant on international markets

(B) Mainly local trade, with limited external exchanges

(D) Dominated by British merchants

(B) Mainly local trade, with limited external exchanges

Explanation: Pre-British trade was largely local, with goods exchanged in village markets and fairs. External trade existed but was limited compared to later periods of British control.

91. What was the role of the village artisan in the pre-British Indian economy?

(A) To serve as the village administrator

(B) To produce goods for local consumption

(D) To collect land revenue for the government

(B) To produce goods for local consumption

Explanation: Village artisans in pre-British India primarily produced goods like pottery, tools, and textiles for local consumption within the community.

92. How did the introduction of British land revenue systems affect Indian farmers?

(A) It made agriculture more sustainable

(B) It increased the autonomy of local farmers

(D) It provided farmers with land grants for cultivation

Explanation: The British land revenue system encouraged the commercialization of agriculture, where farmers were forced to grow cash crops, such as cotton and indigo, for export rather than for local consumption.

93. In pre-British Indian villages, how were goods typically exchanged?

(A) Through large-scale marketplaces

(B) Through barter systems within the village

(D) Through trade monopolies

(B) Through barter systems within the village

Explanation: Goods in pre-British villages were typically exchanged through barter systems, with limited use of currency and little involvement in international trade.

94. What was a significant feature of the economy in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) Heavy reliance on external trade

(B) Self-sufficiency with minimal outside economic interaction

(D) Large-scale mechanized farming

(B) Self-sufficiency with minimal outside economic interaction

Explanation: Pre-British Indian villages were largely self-sufficient, producing most of their goods locally and relying on limited external trade, primarily through local markets and fairs.

95. What was a characteristic of the social structure in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) High mobility and fluid class structures

(B) Rigid caste-based division of labor

(D) The absence of a caste system

(B) Rigid caste-based division of labor

Explanation: The social structure in pre-British Indian villages was rigidly defined by the caste system, which determined individuals' occupations and social roles based on heredity.

96. What was the impact of the British introduction of a fixed land revenue system on Indian villages?

(A) It strengthened the self-sufficiency of villages

(B) It led to the commercialization of agriculture

(D) It increased the autonomy of village panchayats

(B) It led to the commercialization of agriculture

Explanation: The British fixed land revenue system required farmers to produce surplus crops for export, leading to the commercialization of agriculture and undermining the village's self-sufficiency.

97. Which of the following was a major export from pre-British India?

(A) Machinery

(B) Cotton textiles

(D) Electronics

(B) Cotton textiles

Explanation: Pre-British India was well-known for its high-quality cotton textiles, which were exported to various parts of the world, especially Europe and the Middle East.

98. How were disputes typically settled in pre-British Indian villages?

(A) Through British colonial courts

(B) By the village panchayat

(D) Through centralized royal courts

(B) By the village panchayat

Explanation: Disputes in pre-British Indian villages were typically settled by the village panchayat, a council of elders, without the involvement of external authorities.

99. What was the typical method of payment for agricultural laborers in pre-British India?

(A) Cash payments on a monthly basis

(B) Payment in food or goods (in-kind)

(D) Salary-based wages

(B) Payment in food or goods (in-kind)

Explanation: Agricultural laborers in pre-British India were usually paid in kind (food or goods) rather than in cash, with payments typically made after harvest.

100. Which of the following was a major consequence of the commercialization of agriculture in pre-British India?

(A) Increased agricultural self-sufficiency

(B) A shift from local consumption to the production of cash crops for export

(D) The decline of urban trade

(B) A shift from local consumption to the production of cash crops for export

Explanation: The commercialization of agriculture under British rule led to a shift from producing crops for local consumption to producing cash crops for export, such as cotton, indigo, and opium.

STPGT-Sociology_Society in Pre – British India

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