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#1. Before the introduction of coins, ancient Sri Lankans relied on _________, the direct exchange of one good or service for another.
Explanation: The text explicitly states, “In ancient Sri Lanka, people relied on bartering to get what they needed… Exchanging one good or service directly for another.” This system predated the use of money.
#2. The use of coins was introduced to Sri Lanka around 250 BC by _________ from North India.
Explanation: The source text identifies the group responsible for this economic shift: “The use of coins was introduced to Sri Lanka by merchants from North India.” This was a direct result of early trade connections.
#3. Early silver coins brought to Sri Lanka through trade, which came in round, square, or rectangular shapes, were known as _________ coins.
Explanation: The text gives a specific name for these early imported coins: “‘Hasebu’ Coins: Early silver coins, often round, square, or rectangular.” The other options refer to symbols found on later, locally produced coins.
#4. The early silver coins were referred to as _________ in ancient inscriptions and “Kahawanu” in literature, both terms derived from the Sanskrit “Karshapana.”
Explanation: The text provides the historical names for these coins: “Referred to as ‘Kahapana’ in ancient inscriptions and ‘Kahawanu’ in literature.”
#5. Sri Lanka began producing its own unique coins around the 1st Century BC/AD, a key symbol of the island’s growing economic prowess and _________.
Explanation: The text highlights the “Significance” of local coinage as showcasing “the island’s growing independence and economic prowess.” It was a declaration of sovereignty.
#6. A notable early Sri Lankan coin featured two symbols of cultural importance: a swastika and an _________.
Explanation: The text provides a specific example of an early local coin: “A notable coin features an elephant and a swastika.” Both are auspicious symbols in the region.
#7. A special officer known as the _________, or “Pictodirector,” was responsible for overseeing the production of coins in ancient Sri Lanka.
Explanation: The text identifies the title for this specific role: “A special officer known as the ‘Rupa Adyaksha’ (Pictodirector)… Oversaw the production of coins.”
#8. In addition to minted coins, pieces of _________, measured by weight, were also used as a form of currency.
Explanation: The text describes another form of currency: “Pieces of gold, measured by weight… Also used as a form of currency.” This system was based on the intrinsic value of the metal.
#9. An intriguing gold piece found at the Abhayagiri temple, known as the “Ran Devisi Kalanday,” shows that “Kalanda” was used as a unit of _________.
Explanation: The source text explicitly defines the term from the inscription: “‘Kalanda’ refers to a unit of weight.” This confirms the use of standardized weights for precious metals as currency.
#10. A 10th-century inscription from Wessagiriya mentions that King Kashyapa IV donated 200 “Ran Kalan” to _________, further confirming the use of gold weights as currency.
Explanation: The text provides a specific example of a royal donation: “Donated 200 ‘Ran Kalan’ (golden pieces of Kalan weight) to Buddhist monks.”
#11. The most common type of foreign currency found in Sri Lanka from the ancient period is _________ coins, indicating strong trade connections.
Explanation: The text highlights the primary evidence of global trade: “Roman coins are the most common foreign currency found in Sri Lanka. Indicates trade connections with the Roman Empire.”
#12. Foreign coins were likely accepted in trade based on the purity of their metal content and their _________.
Explanation: The text explains how foreign currency was valued: “Foreign coins were likely accepted based on weight… [and] Purity of their metal content.” The value was in the metal itself, not the face value.
#13. Coins bearing the initials “V.O.C.” represent the _________, a major player in Sri Lankan trade during the colonial period.
Explanation: The text identifies these specific coins: “Coins bearing the initials ‘V.O.C.’… Represent the Dutch East India Company.” V.O.C. stands for Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie.
#14. Similar to modern practices, ancient Sri Lanka collected taxes, known as _________, on goods imported into the country through its ports.
Explanation: The text describes “Port Taxes” on imported goods, which are “Similar to practices today.” The correct term for a tax on imported goods is a customs duty.
#15. When foreign merchants paid customs duties, the value of their currency was determined by its metal content and _________.
Explanation: The text reiterates how these payments were valued: “The value of foreign coins was based on their weight… Also considered their metal content.” This ensured a fair system based on tangible value.
#16. Archaeologists have discovered circular _________, which may have been used as early tokens in the bartering system before the advent of metal coins.
Explanation: The text mentions a specific archaeological find related to bartering: “Archaeologists discovered circular clay shells, possibly early tokens used in bartering.”
