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#1. The study of writings on materials like stones, clay, and metal is known as _________.
The correct answer is Epigraphy, as the text explicitly defines it as “Writing on stones, clay, metal, wood, etc.” Numismatics is the study of coins, Archaeology is the broader study of the past through material remains, and Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting.
#2. The oldest type of inscriptions found in Sri Lanka, which often record gifts made to monks, are the _________ Inscriptions.
The text identifies the “Brahmi Inscriptions” as the oldest type used to record gifts. Sanskrit and Pali are ancient languages often associated with religious texts but not the specific name of this script type, while Elu is an ancient form of the Sinhala language.
#3. Inscriptions found on stone slabs are specifically categorized as _________.
The correct answer is Puwaru Lipi, which the text defines as “Slab (Puwaru Lipi)”. Giri Lipi refers to rock inscriptions, Tam Lipi to pillar/pile inscriptions, and Asana Lipi to seat inscriptions.
#4. The oldest coins discovered in Sri Lanka, which are also referred to as Purana or Dharana, are called _________.
The text states, “Kahapana: Oldest coins, also called Purana/Dharana.” The other options (Aka, Lakshmi, Swastika) are listed as specific types of coins, but Kahapana is the general term for the oldest currency found.
#5. The scientific study of old coins, which helps reveal information about ancient economies and trade, is called _________.
The text provides a clear definition: “Numismatics: The study of old coins.” Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions, Archaeology is the broader field of studying the past via material remains, and Cartography is the study and practice of making maps.
#6. Medieval Gold Coins, known as Madyakalina Ran Kahawanu, are a primary source for studying the ancient economy and _________.
The text explicitly lists that these gold coins are a source for studying “Ancient economy” and “Ancient technology.” While coins can indirectly hint at the other options, technology (in minting) is a direct insight mentioned in the source material.
#7. Studying ancient ruins like stupas, tanks, and buildings provides insights into past creativity, technology, and environmental and _________ management.
The source material directly states that ancient ruins help us learn about “environment and water management.” The other options, while part of a society, are not the specific management skill highlighted in this context.
#8. The _________, which provides valuable information about the 12th century, is a famous example of an inscription written on copper plates.
The text gives this specific example under the heading “Copper Plates”: “e.g., Vijayabahu I’s Panakaduwa Copper Plate (12th century info)”. The Galpotha inscription is on stone, Sigiriya graffiti is on walls, and the Vallipuram plate is made of gold.
#9. An important example of an inscription written on a gold plate, offering key historical insights, is the _________.
The text provides this as the key example under “Gold Plates: e.g., Vallipuram golden plate.” The Panakaduwa plate is copper, the Ambekke Devalaya post is wood, and the Isurumuniya sculpture is carved stone.
#10. The posts at the _________ serve as a key example of historical information being recorded on wood.
The text explicitly lists “Wood: e.g., Ambekke Devalaya posts” as the primary example for this medium. The other options are famous archaeological sites but are not noted for their wood inscriptions in the provided text.
#11. The Sigiriya Frescoes are a valuable archaeological source as they provide direct information about women’s clothes, jewellery, and _________.
The text states the frescoes provide info on “women’s clothes, jewellery, hair styles, beauty culture.” Therefore, ‘hair styles’ is the correct answer. The other options are aspects of society not directly depicted in the frescoes according to the text.
#12. In the famous Isurumuniya sculpture, the man figure is interpreted as representing the god _________, while the horse head represents Agni.
The source material clearly identifies the figures depicted: “Man Figure: – Represents god Parjanya.” The other options are prominent Hindu deities, but they are not the ones identified in this specific sculpture according to the text.
#13. Objects created or used by ancient people, often discovered through excavations and studied for historical information, are broadly defined as _________.
The text provides a direct definition: “Antiquities: Objects created or used by ancient people.” Inscriptions are a type of antiquity focused on writing, fossils are organic remains, and monuments are large structures or buildings.
#14. When evaluating historical sources, it is important to remember that literary sources can be influenced by the author’s _________, also known as bias.
The text directly addresses this under “Author Bias: – Personal preferences may influence accounts.” While the other factors could have an influence, “personal preferences” is the specific term used in the text to describe this bias.
#15. Archaeological sources are considered highly valuable because they are more _________ to the events they represent and can be used to substantiate literary accounts.
The text states that archaeological sources are “Considered more contemporary to events” and are “Used to substantiate literary sources.” This direct connection in time makes them highly credible, unlike literary sources which are often written later.
#16. According to historical methodology, literary sources gain more credibility when they are supported by _________ evidence.
The text emphasizes the relationship between source types by stating, “Literary sources are credible if supported by archaeological.” This highlights the importance of using physical evidence to verify written accounts.
#17. One of the crucial roles of archaeology in constructing history is its ability to _________ in the narratives provided by literary sources.
The text directly states that one of archaeology’s roles is to “Fill gaps in literary sources.” While it can lead to new theories or disprove accounts, its primary function in relation to literary sources is often to provide missing information.
#18. The final step in constructing a historical narrative involves analyzing various sources and using the most _________ information available.
The text outlines the critical approach to history: “Use most credible information to construct the past.” Credibility is the most important factor, valued above how interesting, recent, or plentiful the source material might be.
#19. The earliest Brahmi inscriptions are often found as _________, typically located near the drip ledges of rock shelters gifted to monks.
The text specifies the location of the earliest inscriptions as “Cave Inscriptions: Near drip ledges.” The other options represent different types of inscriptions that were typically placed on pillars, slabs, or altar-like stones.
#20. The discovery of Roman, Chinese, and Indian coins in Sri Lanka provides direct evidence of the island’s historical _________.
The text mentions that “Foreign Coins: Roman, Chinese, Indian coins also found” and that coins help us “Learn about economy, trade.” This directly points to a history of foreign relations and trade, not isolation, conflict, or specific religious practices.
#21. The famous Isurumuniya sculpture, depicting the god Parjanya and the horse head of Agni, is estimated to belong to the _________ A.D.
The text provides a specific timeframe for this piece of art: “Estimated Period: 7th or 8th century A.D.” The other options represent different historical periods in Sri Lanka but are incorrect for this particular sculpture.
#22. The verses scribbled on the Mirror Wall at Sigiriya are a unique historical source and an example of inscriptions found on _________.
The text gives “Sigiriya graffiti” as an example of inscriptions found on “Walls.” This is a distinct category from inscriptions on other media like copper plates, stone pillars, or clay.
#23. Besides filling gaps and substantiating existing information, archaeology plays a vital role in obtaining completely _________ information about the past.
The text explicitly lists one of archaeology’s roles is to “Obtain new information.” This highlights its function not just as a support for other sources, but as a primary means of discovery.
#24. In addition to copper coins from the Polonnaruwa era, ancient Sri Lankan currency included gold coins known as _________.
The text lists several coin types, specifically identifying “Aka (gold)” as a type of gold coin. Dharana and Purana are alternative names for Kahapana, which were the oldest coins but not specified as being gold in this context.
