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#1. The Pre-state Era in Sri Lanka’s history is characterized by the absence of a single ruler and power being held by _________.
Explanation: The text clearly states that in the “Pre-State Era,” there was “No Single Ruler” and “Instead, groups held power.” The dominant group identified is the “Wealthy chieftains.”
#2. The term _________, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Pramukha’ meaning ‘main’, was used in early inscriptions to refer to wealthy chieftains.
Explanation: The source text provides a direct definition and etymology: “‘Parumaka’: Introduced in early inscriptions – Derived from: Sanskrit word ‘Pramukha’ – Meaning: ‘Main’.” The other terms refer to householders, village chiefs, or kings.
#3. The Kothgalakanda inscription from 250 BC mentions a Parumaka with the title ‘Thota Bojaka’, meaning one who collects taxes from a _________.
Explanation: The text breaks down the title: “‘Theerthaya’: Means ‘Port’” and “‘Anubhava Kirima’: … ‘collect taxes & enjoy properties’.” Therefore, ‘Thota Bojaka’ was a chieftain with authority over a port, demonstrating their ruling power.
#4. By 900 BC, many rural settlements consisting of several families, known as ‘Kula’, had spread throughout the _________ of Sri Lanka.
Explanation: The text specifies the location and timeframe of this settlement expansion: “By 900 BC, many areas in the dry zone.” The dry zone’s geography was central to the development of early agriculture and settlements.
#5. In ancient inscriptions from 250 BC onwards, the chief of all families in a village was referred to by the term _________.
Explanation: The text distinguishes between the ancient word ‘Gruhapathi’ and the term used in inscriptions: “‘Gahapathi’: Term used in inscriptions from 250 BC onwards.” This was the title for the chief householder, the head of the core social unit.
#6. The Periyapuliyankulama inscription provides an example of a ‘Gahapathi’ who was a _________ and donated a cave to Buddhist monks.
Explanation: The source text gives a specific example to illustrate the role of a Gahapathi: “Periyapuliyankulama Inscription… Gahapathi: Metal trader.” This shows that householders could be wealthy artisans or traders, not just farmers.
#7. The chief of an ancient village, who represented it in inter-village matters, was known as the _________.
Explanation: The text defines this specific role: “Gamika/Gramika… Role: Chiefs of ancient villages.” The Gamika was the leader of the entire village unit, a step above the individual family chiefs (Gahapathi).
#8. Ancient villages were often separated from each other by _________, which helped create distinct village identities.
Explanation: The text notes that villages “existed separately, divided by jungle belts.” This natural separation fostered a strong sense of local identity (‘our village’ vs. ‘neighboring village’).
#9. The ancient commentator Buddhagosha Thero, in his work Samantha Pasadika, confirmed that Gamikas were selected from among the _________.
Explanation: The source text cites a historical source to explain the selection process: “Buddhagosha Thero: Confirmed that Gamikas were selected from householders (Samantha Pasadika).” The most powerful householder was typically chosen.
#10. A story from the _________ mentions a poor man borrowing paddy from a Gamika, which implies that Gamikas were wealthy and powerful figures in their villages.
Explanation: The source text uses a specific literary source to illustrate the wealth of the Gamikas: “Jathaka-Attakathawa Story: Poor man borrowed paddy from Gamika.” This anecdote serves as evidence of their socio-economic status.
#11. Two of the key tasks and responsibilities of a Gamika were to lead common village activities and maintain the _________.
Explanation: The text specifies the “Key Tasks” of a Gamika, including “Maintain village tank” and “Distribute water.” This control over the primary economic resource was a major source of their power.
#12. The Korawkgala Cave inscription at Sithulpawwa provides evidence of cooperation between villages, as it records three _________ jointly offering a cave.
Explanation: The text describes the inscription’s content: “Gamika Siva, Gamika Sumana, Gamika Thidana: Three Gamikas participated in cleaning and offering cave.” This joint action implies they were chiefs of neighboring, cooperating villages.
#13. The development of interconnected tank systems, known as ‘Ellangawa’, was a solution to water shortages and the need to cultivate more land due to _________.
Explanation: The text explains the motivation behind these advanced irrigation systems: “Not just dry climate: Population increase required more water.” More people required more food, which necessitated more efficient water management.
#14. In the evolution of political power, the most powerful _________ from a group of villages connected by a tank system would often be recognized as the Parumaka.
Explanation: The source text outlines the progression of leadership: “Parumaka Role: Most powerful Gamika represented all villages in the tank system.” This shows the Parumaka emerging as a regional leader from the ranks of local village chiefs.
#15. The existence of female chieftains is indicated by the use of the term _________ in inscriptions, showing that women also engaged in provincial administration.
Explanation: The text makes a specific point about female rulers: “‘Parumakalu’: Women also engaged in provincial administration.” This term is the feminine plural form of Parumaka.
#16. The ruling system in the Pre-state Era, with small land units ruled by numerous Parumakas, is best described as a _________ system.
Explanation: The text explicitly uses this term to summarize the political landscape: “Political power started as a divided system – ‘Decentralized Ruling’: Best description.” Power was spread out among many local chieftains rather than concentrated in one center.
#17. The text suggests that Parumakas were sometimes considered ‘Kings’ because they performed welfare activities, such as the note about ‘Duhathara Raja’ found at _________.
Explanation: The source provides a specific example of a provincial king: “Duhathara Raja: Note about another provincial king in Yatahalena (Kegalle).” This supports the idea that the concept of ‘king’ was applied at a local level.
#18. The growth of kingship in Sri Lanka is defined as the process of _________ the decentralized power of the Parumakas under a single authority.
Explanation: The text defines the transition to a state: “Growth of Kingship: Means centralizing decentralized power.” This process involved unifying the many small territories under one ruler.
#19. According to historical sources, the first king to begin the process of centralization by fighting provincial rulers and establishing _________ as his capital was King Pandukabhaya.
Explanation: The text identifies King Pandukabhaya as the first to take these steps: “Fought & captured areas from provincial rulers… Anuradhapura: Selected as ruling center and built city.”
#20. The process of centralization gained momentum during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, heavily influenced by Sri Lanka’s growing participation in _________.
Explanation: The source text links political change to economic factors: “Indian Ocean Trade: Major influence; growing trade.” The need to present a unified front for international trade pushed provincial rulers toward accepting a central authority.
#21. King Devanampiyatissa strengthened his legitimacy and fostered unity by inviting Kshatriyas from regional powers like Katharagama to the _________ ceremony.
Explanation: The text describes a key political act: “Sri Maha Bodhi Ceremony: Inviting Kshasthriyas (trade clan) from Katharagama & Chandanagama.” This was a symbolic act to build goodwill and involve regional leaders in a nationally significant event.
#22. The influence of Emperor Ashoka on King Devanampiyatissa’s reign is seen in the adoption of the title _________ and the introduction of Buddhism.
Explanation: The text explicitly links several developments to Ashoka’s influence: “Coronation with five royal insignia from Emperor Ashoka. Using the title ‘Devanampiya’. Mihindu Thero’s arrival: Introduced Buddhism.”
#23. After centralization under King Dutugemunu, many Parumakas transitioned from being independent chieftains to becoming _________ in the new kingdom, such as treasurers or storekeepers.
Explanation: The source text describes the fate of the Parumakas: “Parumakas’ Change: Became officials after centralization.” They were integrated into the new state bureaucracy, taking on roles like ‘Senapathi’ (generals), treasurers, and cashiers.
#24. According to literary sources, the first king to unite the whole country under a single rule was _________.
Explanation: The text credits this specific achievement to him based on the chronicles: “Unification: First king to unite the whole country (according to literary sources).” This was the culmination of his campaign to centralize power.
#25. The text mentions that a Sri Lankan ambassador to _________ during the reign of King Bhathikabhaya brought back glass beads.
Explanation: The source text includes a specific detail about foreign relations: “King Bhathikabhaya – Sri Lankan Ambassador to Rome: Brought glass beads back.” This provides evidence of diplomatic and trade contact with the Roman Empire.
#26. The successful centralization of power under _________ is evident from his inscriptions being found across the country and his division of the island into administrative districts (‘asthana’).
Explanation: The text identifies this king as the one who consolidated the centralized state: “King Wasabha’s Success – Successful Centralization… His inscriptions spread across the country.” The widespread nature of his records indicates a truly island-wide administration.
#27. The Wallipuram Golden Plate inscription reveals that during King Wasabha’s reign, the region of Nagadeepaya (Jaffna) was ruled by a minister named _________.
Explanation: The text provides a specific piece of evidence for Wasabha’s centralized administration: “Wallipuram Golden Plate: Jaffna (Nagadeepaya) ruled by Minister Srishigiri.” This shows a central appointee governing a distant province.
