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Kuru kingdom Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Kuru Kingdom: Vedic India's Early State

Cheat Sheet:
The Kuru Kingdom: Vedic India's Early State Study Guide

Origins and Early Development

The Kuru kingdom, an ancient Indo-Aryan tribal union, flourished primarily during the Bronze Age.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom flourished primarily during the Iron Age (c. 1200 BCE - 345 BCE), not the Bronze Age.

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The Kuru Kingdom was formed by the merger of the Bharata and Puru tribes after the Battle of the Ten Kings.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kuru Kingdom was established through the merger of the Bharata and Puru tribes, an event that followed the historical Battle of the Ten Kings.

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Indraprastha was the sole initial capital of the Kuru Kingdom.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial capital of the Kuru Kingdom was Āsandīvat; Indraprastha became an important city later.

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What historical period is most associated with the flourishing of the Kuru kingdom?

Answer: The Iron Age, approximately 1200 BCE - 345 BCE

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom flourished primarily during the Iron Age, spanning approximately from 1200 BCE to 345 BCE.

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The formation of the Kuru Kingdom involved the merger of which two major tribes?

Answer: Bharata and Puru tribes

Explanation: The Kuru Kingdom was formed by the merger of the Bharata and Puru tribes.

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Which city, identified with modern Assandh in Haryana, was an initial capital of the Kuru Kingdom?

Answer: Āsandīvat

Explanation: Āsandīvat, identified with modern Assandh in Haryana, served as an initial capital of the Kuru Kingdom.

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Geography and Territory

The geographical area of the Kuru kingdom was limited to modern-day Haryana.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom's territory extended beyond modern-day Haryana, encompassing parts of Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh.

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The Kuru state's western frontier was defined by the Ganges river.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ganges River marked the eastern frontier of the Kuru state; the western frontier was defined by the Sarasvatī River.

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Kuru-kṣetra, a significant region of the Kuru state, was located between the Sarasvatī and Drishadvatī rivers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kuru-kṣetra, a notable region within the Kuru state, was situated between the Sarasvatī and Drishadvatī rivers.

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The Aruṇā and KauśikÄ« were among the significant rivers flowing through the Kuru state.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Aruṇā and KauśikÄ« rivers were among the significant waterways flowing through the territory of the Kuru state.

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Which modern regions were part of the Kuru kingdom's territory?

Answer: Parts of Haryana, Delhi, and Western Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom's territory included regions corresponding to modern-day Haryana, Delhi, and northern Western Uttar Pradesh.

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According to the source, which river marked the western boundary of the Kuru state?

Answer: Sarasvatī River

Explanation: The Sarasvatī River is identified as marking the western boundary of the Kuru state.

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Which of the following was NOT listed as a geographical division of the Kuru state?

Answer: Kuru-dvipa

Explanation: Kuru-dvipa was not listed as one of the three main geographical divisions of the Kuru state; the divisions mentioned were Kuru-jaį¹…gala, the proper Kuru territory, and Kuru-kį¹£etra.

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Political and Social Structures

The Kuru kingdom is recognized as the first recorded state-level society on the Indian subcontinent.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom holds significance as the first recognized state-level society on the Indian subcontinent, marking a crucial step in political development.

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The initial economic activities of the Kuru clans focused heavily on settled farming of rice and barley.

Answer: False

Explanation: Initially, the clans that formed the Kuru Kingdom were primarily semi-nomadic pastoralists; settled farming of rice and barley became significant only after they established themselves in the Ganges Plain.

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The Kuru period saw the transition from a twofold social system (arya/dasa) to a more complex fourfold varna system.

Answer: True

Explanation: A significant development during the Kuru period was the transition from the earlier twofold system of ārya and dasa to a more complex fourfold varna (class) system.

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The fourfold varna system placed the Kshatriya aristocracy below the Brahmin priesthood.

Answer: False

Explanation: The fourfold varna system typically placed the Brahmin priesthood and the Kshatriya aristocracy in higher statuses, with the Brahmins generally considered first in the hierarchy.

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Kuru administration lacked specialized officials like a food distributor or emissary.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kuru administration featured specialized officials, including a food distributor and an emissary, who assisted the king in governance.

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Kuru kings primarily relied on voluntary contributions for resource extraction.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kuru kings primarily relied on mandatory tribute (bali) and conducted raids for resource extraction, rather than voluntary contributions.

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The Sabhā in the Kuru political system was a broad council of Jana members responsible for electing the king.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Sabhā was a smaller council of elders that advised the king, whereas the Samiti was the broad council responsible for electing or deposing the king.

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What is the primary historical significance attributed to the Kuru kingdom?

Answer: It was the first recorded state-level society in the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom is historically significant as the first recognized state-level society on the Indian subcontinent.

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Which social division was NOT part of the Kuru period's fourfold varna system as described?

Answer: Outcaste

Explanation: The Kuru period's fourfold varna system comprised Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra divisions; 'Outcaste' was not part of this described system.

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Which assembly in the Kuru political system had the power to elect or depose the king?

Answer: Samiti

Explanation: The Samiti, a broad council of Jana members, held the power to elect or depose the king within the Kuru political system.

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Religion, Ritual, and Cultural Impact

The Kuru kingdom played a minor role in the development of Vedic religion.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom played a pivotal role in shaping Vedic religion, organizing hymns into the Vedas and transforming it into Brahmanism.

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The Kuru kingdom did not play a significant role in standardizing Vedic rituals.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom played a pivotal role in developing and standardizing Vedic rituals, particularly the Srauta rituals.

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The Kuru kingdom contributed to Hinduism by synthesizing Vedic religion with local traditions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom contributed to the formation of Hinduism by transforming the Vedic religion into Brahmanism and facilitating its synthesis with local traditions.

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What significant contribution did the Kuru kingdom make to Vedic religion?

Answer: It organized ritual hymns into the Vedas and transformed Vedic religion into Brahmanism.

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom significantly contributed by organizing Vedic hymns into the Vedas and transforming the Vedic religion into Brahmanism.

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Archaeological and Material Evidence

The Kuru kingdom is archaeologically linked to the Northern Black Polished Ware culture.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom is archaeologically associated with the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture, not the Northern Black Polished Ware culture.

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Iron was first mentioned in the Rigveda using the term 'dark metal'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Iron was first mentioned in the Atharvaveda, not the Rigveda, using the term 'śyāma āyasa' (dark metal).

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Archaeological findings in the Kurukshetra district suggest a simple, two-tiered social hierarchy during the Kuru period.

Answer: False

Explanation: Archaeological surveys in the Kurukshetra district indicated a more complex, three-tiered social hierarchy between 1000 and 600 BCE.

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Coins of the Kuru janapada, mentioned in external links, are associated with the Mauryan period.

Answer: False

Explanation: Coins of the Kuru janapada are generally associated with the pre-Mauryan period, not the Mauryan period.

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Which archaeological culture is identified as corresponding with the Kuru kingdom?

Answer: Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture

Explanation: The Kuru kingdom is archaeologically associated with the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture.

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What term was used for iron in the Atharvaveda?

Answer: śyāma āyasa (dark metal)

Explanation: The Atharvaveda, a text from the Kuru period, used the term 'śyāma āyasa,' meaning 'dark metal,' to refer to iron.

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Archaeological findings in the Kurukshetra district suggested what kind of social hierarchy between 1000 and 600 BCE?

Answer: A three-tiered hierarchy

Explanation: Archaeological surveys in the Kurukshetra district indicated a three-tiered social hierarchy between 1000 and 600 BCE.

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What period do the coins of the Kuru janapada, mentioned in external links, typically represent?

Answer: The pre-Mauryan period (c. 450 BCE - 315 BCE)

Explanation: Coins of the Kuru janapada are typically associated with the pre-Mauryan period, dating from approximately 450 BCE to 315 BCE.

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The Mahabharata and Kuru Dynasty

The Mahabharata depicts a conflict primarily between the Kuru clan and the Mauryan Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mahabharata primarily depicts a conflict between two branches of the Kuru clan itself, not between the Kuru clan and the Mauryan Empire.

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Archaeology has conclusively verified the historical accuracy of all events described in the Mahabharata concerning the Kuru clan.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Mahabharata describes events involving the Kuru clan, archaeology has not yet provided conclusive evidence to verify the historical basis of all these specific events.

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The existing text of the Mahabharata primarily developed between 400 BCE and 400 CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: The extant text of the Mahabharata largely developed over a period spanning from approximately 400 BCE to 400 CE.

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King Sudas is prominently featured within the Mahabharata's frame story as a historical Kuru king.

Answer: False

Explanation: While King Sudas is a figure in Vedic texts, the Mahabharata's frame story prominently features Parikshit and Janamejaya as historical Kuru kings.

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The Kathaka Samhita mentions Dhritarashtra Vaichitravirya's destruction of cattle due to conflict with vratya ascetics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kathaka Samhita does mention Dhritarashtra Vaichitravirya in connection with the destruction of his cattle resulting from a conflict with vratya ascetics.

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In the Kuru family tree diagram, green boxes represent Kauravas and yellow boxes represent Pandavas.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the Kuru family tree diagram, green boxes represent the Pandavas, and yellow boxes represent the Kauravas.

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Vyasa fathered Pandu and Dhritarashtra through the niyoga tradition with Ambika and Ambalika, respectively.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vyasa fathered Dhritarashtra with Ambika and Pandu with Ambalika through the niyoga tradition, following the death of Vichitravirya.

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Karna's mother, Kunti, bore him via the deity Surya before her marriage to Dhritarashtra.

Answer: False

Explanation: Karna's mother, Kunti, bore him via the deity Surya before her marriage to Pandu, not Dhritarashtra.

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Yudhishthira and Draupadi occupied the throne of Hastinapura after the great battle described in the Mahabharata.

Answer: True

Explanation: Yudhishthira and Draupadi occupied the throne of Hastinapura subsequent to the great battle described in the Mahabharata.

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Vidura, a half-brother to Dhritarashtra and Pandu, was included in the family tree diagram for clarity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vidura, a half-brother to Dhritarashtra and Pandu, was excluded from the family tree diagram to ensure clarity.

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King Kuru is mentioned in the 'See also' section as a progenitor of the Kuru lineage.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'See also' section identifies King Kuru as a progenitor and significant figure of the Kuru lineage.

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The 'See also' section lists the Kurukshetra War and the Bharatas (Vedic tribe) as related topics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'See also' section includes the Kurukshetra War and the Bharatas (Vedic tribe) among other related topics.

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Which historical Kuru kings are prominently featured within the Mahabharata's frame story?

Answer: Parikshit and Janamejaya

Explanation: Parikshit and Janamejaya are the historical Kuru kings prominently featured within the Mahabharata's frame story.

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What do the green boxes signify in the Kuru family tree diagram?

Answer: Pandavas

Explanation: In the Kuru family tree diagram, green boxes signify the Pandavas.

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Who fathered Vidura, according to the notes on the Kuru family tree?

Answer: Vyasa with a maid servant

Explanation: According to the family tree notes, Vidura was fathered by Vyasa with a maid servant.

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What was Karna's relationship to the Kuru lineage, based on the family tree notes?

Answer: His mother Kunti bore him via Surya before her marriage to Pandu.

Explanation: Karna's connection to the Kuru lineage is through his mother Kunti, who conceived him via the deity Surya prior to her marriage to Pandu.

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Who occupied the throne of Hastinapura after the great battle in the Mahabharata?

Answer: Yudhishthira and Draupadi

Explanation: Yudhishthira and Draupadi occupied the throne of Hastinapura subsequent to the great battle described in the Mahabharata.

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Which significant half-brother of Dhritarashtra and Pandu was excluded from the family tree diagram for clarity?

Answer: Vidura

Explanation: Vidura, a half-brother to Dhritarashtra and Pandu, was excluded from the family tree diagram to ensure clarity.

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Which of the following is listed in the 'See also' section as related to the Kuru kingdom?

Answer: The Kurukshetra War

Explanation: The Kurukshetra War is listed in the 'See also' section as a topic related to the Kuru kingdom.

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Decline and Transformation

A military defeat by the Salva tribe led to the decline of the Kuru kingdom's prominence.

Answer: True

Explanation: A military defeat by the Salva tribe is cited as a primary cause for the decline in the Kuru kingdom's prominence.

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Post-Vedic literature attributes the relocation of the Kuru capital from Hastinapur solely to internal family conflicts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Post-Vedic literature suggests that floods, in addition to internal family conflicts, led to the relocation of the Kuru capital from Hastinapur.

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In the post-Vedic period, the Kuru dynasty remained a single, unified kingdom.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the post-Vedic period, the Kuru dynasty diversified into separate kingdoms, such as the Kuru and Vatsa Kingdoms.

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By the era of the Buddha, the Kuru country had transformed into a monarchy.

Answer: False

Explanation: By the era of the Buddha, the Kuru country had evolved into a Kuru Gaṇasaį¹…gha, a form of republic or oligarchy, rather than a monarchy.

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Vedic texts cite floods destroying Hastinapura as the cause for the capital's relocation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Post-Vedic texts, such as the Puranas and Mahabharata, cite floods destroying Hastinapura as the cause for the capital's relocation, whereas Vedic texts attribute the decline to the Salva invasion.

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What event is cited as a cause for the decline in the Kuru kingdom's prominence?

Answer: A military defeat by the Salva tribe

Explanation: A military defeat by the Salva tribe is cited as a primary cause for the decline in the Kuru kingdom's prominence.

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Post-Vedic literature suggests the Kuru capital was moved from Hastinapur due to which two factors?

Answer: Floods and internal family conflicts

Explanation: Post-Vedic literature indicates that floods and internal family conflicts led to the relocation of the Kuru capital from Hastinapur.

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By the era of the Buddha, the Kuru country had evolved into what form of political structure?

Answer: A Kuru Gaṇasaį¹…gha (republic/oligarchy)

Explanation: By the era of the Buddha, the Kuru country had transformed into a Kuru Gaṇasaį¹…gha, characterized as a republic or oligarchical polity.

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General Information and Resources

No questions available for this topic.