Instructions
- 1.Read the passage carefully
- 2.Answer all comprehension questions
- 3.Complete the vocabulary exercises
Passage
Ancient India was home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2500 BCE. This remarkable civilization was known for its advanced urban planning, with well-organized cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. The streets were laid out in a grid pattern, and the cities had sophisticated drainage systems that were far ahead of their time.
The people of ancient India made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. The concept of zero, which revolutionized mathematics, originated in India. Ancient Indian mathematicians also developed the decimal system that we use today. In astronomy, they accurately calculated the length of the solar year and understood the concept of Earth's rotation.
Ancient India was also rich in art, literature, and philosophy. The great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, have been treasured for thousands of years. These stories continue to influence Indian culture and values even today. The period also saw the development of important philosophical systems and the birth of religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, which spread across Asia and influenced millions of people worldwide.
Comprehension Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. When did the Indus Valley Civilization flourish?
Answer: Around 2500 BCE
2. Which two major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization are mentioned?
Answer: Harappa and Mohenjo-daro
3. What mathematical concept originated in ancient India?
Answer: The concept of zero
4. What system developed by ancient Indian mathematicians do we use today?
Answer: Decimal system
5. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a great epic of ancient India?
Answer: The Vedas
6. How were the streets of Indus Valley cities laid out?
Answer: In a grid pattern
7. Which religions originated in ancient India?
Answer: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism
8. What was sophisticated about the Indus Valley cities?
Answer: Their drainage systems
Short Answer Questions
9. What were the main contributions of ancient India to mathematics and astronomy?
Sample Answer: Ancient India contributed the concept of zero and the decimal system to mathematics. In astronomy, they accurately calculated the length of the solar year and understood Earth's rotation.
10. How do the ancient Indian epics continue to influence India today?
Sample Answer: The great epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata continue to influence Indian culture and values even today, having been treasured for thousands of years.
Vocabulary Practice
Word Meanings
1. What does 'flourished' mean in the context of the passage?
Answer: Thrived and prospered
2. What does 'sophisticated' mean when describing the drainage systems?
Answer: Advanced and complex
Key Learning Points
- →The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the world's oldest civilizations
- →Ancient India made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine
- →The concept of zero and the decimal system originated in India
- →Ancient Indian cities had advanced urban planning and drainage systems
- →Ancient Indian culture produced lasting literature, philosophy, and religions