History – English Medium GCE O/L – MCQ – 2019

Numismatics is the scientific study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. Therefore, it is the study of old coins.

Most of the major chronicles and literary works from this long period, such as the Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, and various commentaries, were written by Buddhist monks. Their primary objective was to record the history of Buddhism (the Sasana) in Sri Lanka, its protection by kings, and the flourishing of the faith. Political and social events were included primarily as a backdrop to this religious narrative.

Minihagalkanda, located in the modern Yala National Park, is a pre-historic site found on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Archaeological evidence, such as microlithic stone tools and faunal remains, has been discovered in open-air contexts, not in caves. This indicates it was an outdoor camp in a coastal area.

The ‘Parumaka’ was a title for a local chieftain or a prominent figure in the Early Historic period society. Inscriptions show that they were often responsible for the administration and welfare of their local areas, which included tasks like constructing and maintaining village tanks and other activities for the benefit of the villagers. While some may have advised the king, their primary role was local governance and welfare.

King Dutugamunu (Dutugemunu) is famous for two key achievements: initiating the first organized military campaign to unify Sri Lanka by defeating Elara (D), and constructing the magnificent Ruvanveli Mahā Sāya (A) in Anuradhapura.

King Vasabha, who reigned from 67 to 111 AD, was the founder and first ruler of the Lambakarna dynasty (B). He is also renowned as a great builder of irrigation works and is credited in the Mahavamsa with constructing eleven tanks, representing a significant step in the construction of large-scale tanks (E).

The systematic development of kingship, from local chieftains to a single monarch ruling from a capital like Anuradhapura, represents a process of political centralization. Power that was previously dispersed among regional rulers (3) or clans was gradually consolidated in the hands of a single king, who controlled the administration, military, and religious patronage.

Royal marriages were a key tool of statecraft in the ancient and medieval world. When a Sri Lankan king married a princess from a powerful foreign dynasty (e.g., from South India), it was a strategic move to create a political alliance, secure support, and thereby consolidate or legitimize his own political power. This was more than just a custom (4) or a sign of friendly relations (1); it was a political strategy.

Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean made it a central hub for maritime trade for millennia. The primary reason for the continuous arrival of diverse groups of people—such as Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Persians, Chinese, and Indians—was for commercial and trading purposes, to acquire the island’s valuable goods like gems, spices, and pearls.

In immunity grants (attani) inscribed on stone, the symbols of a dog and a crow were carved at the end. This served as a curse formula, warning that anyone who violated the terms of the grant would be reborn as a dog or a crow in their next life. This was a powerful social and religious deterrent.

The Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) in Anuradhapura is a masterpiece that combines exquisite artistry (ornate carvings, elegant steps), sophisticated water management (underground ducts for filling and draining), and advanced technology (filtration systems). This perfect fusion of aesthetics and engineering makes it a highly distinctive creation. While the Yoda Ela (3) is an engineering marvel, it lacks the artistic dimension of the Kuttam Pokuna.

In ancient well construction, particularly in sandy soil, lining the shaft with large, bottomless clay pots or terracotta rings served a dual purpose. It prevented the sandy walls from collapsing and, crucially, acted as a filter. Water would seep through the porous clay into the well, filtering out sand and other impurities, thus helping to ‘get pure water’.

The bund (embankment) of a tank has two main functions related to its construction and purpose. It is built to hold a large water capacity (A), and for strength and economy, it was often constructed by linking naturally established rocks or two hills (C).

The sluice (bisokotuwa) of a tank has two primary functions. It is the mechanism used to release water from the tank into the main canal for irrigation (B). A well-designed sluice also helps to remove the sediments (silt) that collect at the bottom of the tank, thus prolonging its life (E).

Ancient legal texts and historical accounts show that a form of collective punishment was used. If a criminal from a village went into hiding, the authorities could take his or her close relatives into custody. This put immense social pressure on the family and the village to produce the fugitive.

In the traditional, patriarchal society of ancient Sri Lanka, a woman’s social standing and the respect she commanded were overwhelmingly tied to her role within the family and her fidelity to her husband. Protecting the “honour of the husband and wife relationship” through chastity and loyalty was considered her highest virtue and the primary basis for the high regard she received.

The Dambadeniya kingdom was established in the 13th century. Its most prominent ruler was Parakramabahu II (B). During his reign, the kingdom faced invasions from the Malay ruler Chandrabhanu (C). Parakramabahu II’s son, Vijayabahu IV, is credited with building the Dalada Maligava (Temple of the Tooth) at Beligala (F) to house the sacred relic.

The Gampola Kingdom flourished in the 14th century. One of its prominent rulers was Buvanekabahu IV (A). The famous Arab traveller Ibn Battuta visited Sri Lanka during his reign and documented his journey, making his arrival (E) a key event of this period. The Chinese invader Zheng He (Cheng-Ho) (D) also intervened in Sri Lankan politics towards the end of the Gampola period, capturing a later ruler. Thus A, D, and E are all connected to the Gampola era.

The Nayakkar dynasty, which ruled Kandy from 1739 to 1815, originated from South India and followed a matrilineal system of succession, which differed from the traditional Sinhalese patrilineal custom. According to their tradition, the throne passed to the brother of the king’s principal queen (Mahisi), as he was considered the closest male relative in the matrilineal line.

The ‘badda’ system was a form of service tenure in the Kandyan Kingdom organized by caste or function. The ‘Madige badda’ was the department responsible for transport, specifically using pack-oxen (tavalam) to carry goods such as salt, dried fish, and cloth between the low country and the Kandyan highlands.

1. Danture (1594) was against Pedro Lopes de Sousa (C). 2. Balana (1603) was against Jeronimo de Azevedo (A), although the Portuguese leader at Randeniwela is more fitting for the options. 3. Randeniwela (1630) was against Constantino de Sa (D). 4. Gannoruwa (1638) was against Diogo de Melo (B). The correct matching would be C, A, D, B. Option (4) provides C, D, A, B which seems to be the closest, though slightly reordered. Let’s re-examine: 1-C, 4-B. The question asks to match Col II to Col I. Let’s re-match. 1.Danture -> C.Pero Lopez de Sousa. 2.Balana -> A.Jeronimo de Azevedo. 3.Randeniwela -> D.Constantino de Sa. 4.Gannoruwa -> B.Diogo de Melo. The correct sequence of letters is C,A,D,B. None of the options match this exactly. However, let’s assume a common mistake in question setting. Option (4) is C, D, A, B. Let’s try matching this. 1.Danture->C.Correct. 2.Balana->D (Constantino de Sa). Incorrect. 3.Randeniwela->A (Azevedo). Incorrect. 4.Gannoruwa->B. Correct. Let’s try option (3). 1.Danture->C. Correct. 2.Balana->A. Correct. 3.Randeniwela->D. Correct. 4.Gannoruwa->B. Correct. So the sequence C, A, D, B is the correct match. Option (3) is the correct answer.

The Dutch East India Company (VOC) was fundamentally a commercial enterprise. Their entire policy in Sri Lanka, and their relationship with the Kandyan Kingdom, was dictated by the goal of maximizing economic profit, primarily through the monopoly of the highly lucrative cinnamon trade. All other considerations, whether military, religious, or political, were secondary to this overriding economic objective.

The oppressive, autocratic, and inefficient administration of the Tsars (C-1) created widespread discontent among the Russian people. This discontent was the primary cause of the Russian Revolution (C-2), which ultimately led to the fall and overthrow of the Tsarist administration.

The storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789 (A-1) was a symbolic and pivotal event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution (A-2). This act of defiance against royal authority galvanized the revolutionary movement and is considered the origin point of the revolution.

George Washington (B-1) was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution (B-2). His leadership, resilience, and strategic skill were absolutely crucial to the eventual military victory and success of the revolution.

The dropping of atomic bombs (D-1) occurred at the very end of World War II, not World War I (D-2). There is no direct causal or contributory relationship between these two events. In all other pairs, the first element is a cause, a part, a leader, or a consequence of the second element.

The Macadam method, invented by Scottish engineer John Loudon McAdam, was a revolutionary new technique for building roads. It involved creating a pavement of layered, compacted, smaller-sized stones, which was more durable and better for drainage. This method was widely adopted during the Industrial Revolution to improve the road network necessary for transporting goods.

Economics is concerned with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The Industrial Revolution, with its new machinery and factory systems, led to a massive increase in the volume and speed of production of commodities (B). This is a purely economic change. The other options refer to social (C, D) and environmental (A) consequences.

Frederick North was the first British governor of Ceylon (1798–1805). During his tenure, he became involved in Kandyan succession politics, at one point proclaiming Prince Muttusami (B) as the rightful king in opposition to Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. To enforce this, he launched an invasion of Kandy in 1803 under the command of General Hay MacDowall (C). This expedition ended in a disastrous retreat for the British.

This pair is not-relevant because the Vidyodaya Pirivena was founded by Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero, not Ven. Ratmalane Dhammaloka Thero. While Dhammaloka Thero was a great scholar of the same era, the founding of this specific, major institution is correctly attributed to Sumangala Thero. The other three pairs are all correct.

Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan was a towering figure in the late 19th and early 20th century. He courageously voiced for the fair treatment of the Sinhalese Buddhists who were arrested under martial law during the 1915 riots (B). He was also a key leader in the early nationalist movement and was instrumental in the establishment of the Ceylon National Congress (D), although he later left it.

This statement is incorrect. While the Portuguese were obsessed with cinnamon, Jaffna was not famous for its cultivation. The cinnamon lands were primarily in the southwest of the island. The Portuguese attention was directed to Jaffna for strategic reasons, its political independence, its control over the pearl fisheries, and its role in regional politics.

The Soulbury Constitution (which functioned until 1972) had a Governor-General (B) as the head of state, representing the British monarch. The 1972 constitution replaced this with a nominal Executive President (C). The 1978 constitution abolished the nominal presidency and created a powerful Executive President (D). Therefore, the offices of Governor-General (B) and nominal Executive President (C) were abolished in the transitions involving the Soulbury and 1978 reforms.

The Soulbury Constitution, which granted independence to Ceylon in 1947, was modeled on the Westminster system. Its key feature was the introduction of a parliamentary system of government (3), with a Prime Minister and a cabinet responsible to a bicameral legislature. The other features listed (State Council, Universal Franchise, Executive Committee) were all part of the Donoughmore Constitution which the Soulbury constitution replaced.

The Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) was founded on 21 December 1935. This makes it the oldest modern political party in Sri Lanka. The Communist Party was formed in 1943, the UNP in 1946, and the SLFP in 1951.

All three of these landmark reforms were carried out during the administration of Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike between 1956 and 1959. The “Sinhala Only Act” was passed in 1956, the nationalization of port and bus services took place in 1957-58, and the two great pirivenas were granted university status in 1959.

Farming settlements, or agricultural colonization schemes, are specifically designed to bring new or underutilized land under cultivation. Their primary objective is to settle people on previously uncultivated land, particularly in the Dry Zone, and have them use it for paddy cultivation (A), thereby increasing food production and relieving population pressure elsewhere.

Multi-purpose development projects, such as the Mahaweli Development Project, are designed with several objectives. A key and primary objective of these large-scale dam and reservoir projects is the generation of hydroelectric power to meet the country’s increasing demand for electricity (B). They also have irrigation and settlement objectives (A).

Both the “oath in the tennis court” and the summoning of the “Estates-General” (States General Council) are pivotal events from the early stages of the French Revolution in 1789. The Estates-General was the assembly of the three social orders, and the Tennis Court Oath was the pledge taken by the Third Estate members after they were locked out, marking a key revolutionary step.

According to Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Security Council has the power to take measures to maintain or restore international peace and security. These measures can include non-military actions such as imposing economic sanctions, arms embargoes, and financial restrictions on a country that is deemed a threat to peace.