ReCall - The Ancient Society Of Sri Lanka - Economy — O/L Past Papers & Revision Courses

#1. The majority of the population in ancient Sri Lanka lived in _________, with agriculture and animal husbandry forming the backbone of their economy.

large cities

coastal towns

villages

fortresses

Explanation: The text explicitly states, “The majority of the population in ancient Sri Lanka resided in villages,” and that “Agriculture formed the backbone of their economy.” This contrasts with the more trade-focused life in cities.

#2. The two main agricultural methods that prevailed in ancient Sri Lanka were paddy cultivation and _________ cultivation.

terrace

plantation

chena

hydroponic

Explanation: The source text lists the “Two main agricultural methods” as “Chena Cultivation” and “Paddy Cultivation.” Chena is the older, slash-and-burn method, while paddy is irrigated rice farming.

#3. Inscriptions mention designated areas for cattle rearing known as _________, highlighting the significance of animal husbandry.

'Keththa'

'Gopalagams'

'Kumbura'

'Hena'

Explanation: The text states, “Gopalagams: Inscriptions mention designated areas for cattle rearing.” ‘Gopala’ is an ancient term for a cowherd, and ‘gama’ means village or area.

#4. Cattle in ancient Sri Lanka provided essential food products like milk, ghee, butter, and _________.

'Mee kiri' (curd)

'Pol kiri' (coconut milk)

'Thala thel' (sesame oil)

'Mee pani' (honey)

Explanation: The text lists the key products from cattle: “milk, curd (‘Mee kiri’), ghee (‘Githel’), and butter (‘Wendaru’).” ‘Mee kiri’ is the specific term used for curd.

#5. The Medirigiriya Hospital inscription mentions that meat from naturally deceased chickens and _________ was used for patients’ meals, indicating they were common livestock.

pigs

cows

goats

ducks

Explanation: The source text specifies the “Other Livestock” raised by households included “chickens and goats,” and cites the hospital inscription as evidence for their use as food.

#6. Historical and archaeological evidence shows that _________ is the older of the two main agricultural methods practiced in ancient Sri Lanka.

paddy cultivation

chena cultivation

terrace farming

crop rotation

Explanation: The text notes under the “Ancient Roots” of Chena Cultivation that “Historical and archaeological evidence shows it is the older method.” Paddy cultivation emerged later as population grew.

#7. In the chena cultivation process, the cleared area was burned to enrich the soil with _________.

ash

water

nutrients

minerals

Explanation: The text describes the process: “Burning: Cleared area burned to enrich soil nutrients.” The ash from the burned vegetation acts as a natural fertilizer for the crops.

#8. In Chena cultivation, a newly cleared and burned plot of land, known for its high fertility, was referred to as _________.

'Kanaththa'

'Pela'

'Nawa Deli Hena'

'Kethi Ada'

Explanation: The text defines different types of chena, stating, “Nawa Deli Hena: Refers to newly cleared and burned Chena, known for its fertility.” ‘Kanaththa’ refers to a fallow chena.

#9. Chenas that were left fallow for a period to allow the land to regenerate naturally before being recultivated were described by the term _________.

'Kumbura'

'Kanaththa'

'Pela'

'Nawa Deli Hena'

Explanation: The text defines this specific stage in the chena cycle: “Kanaththa: Describes Chenas left fallow for a period before being recultivated.” This practice was key to its sustainability.

#10. Besides grains and vegetables, crops like sugarcane and _________ were grown in chenas, supporting the production of jaggery and clothing.

tobacco

tea

rubber

cotton

Explanation: The text lists “Other Crops” from chenas, including “Sugarcane (Uk Gas), Cotton (Kapu),” and notes their use in “jaggery and clothing production.”

#11. Farmers built temporary huts called _________ in their Chenas for shelter, and watchtowers in trees called ‘Pelas’ to guard crops.

'Wewas'

'Dandu Weta'

'Dagabas'

'Amunas'

Explanation: The text describes the structures used in chena life: “Temporary Huts: Farmers built ‘Dandu Weta’ (temporary huts)… Watchtowers: ‘Pelas,’ small huts atop tall trees.”

#12. The taxes imposed on Chena cultivation, famously abolished by King Nissankamalla, were known as “Kethi Ada” and _________.

Ketu Kanaba Aya

Bo Puthu

Dakapath

Mela si

Explanation: The text explicitly names the taxes: “Rulers imposed taxes known as ‘Kethi Ada’ and ‘Ketu Kanaba Aya’.” The other options are different types of ancient taxes or terms.

#13. In ancient inscriptions, smaller plots of paddy fields were referred to as “Kumbura,” while larger fields were called _________, derived from the Sanskrit “Kshesthra.”

'Wewa'

'Hena'

'Ketha'

'Yaya'

Explanation: The text distinguishes between the two terms used for paddy fields: “‘Kumbura’: Smaller plots” and “‘Ketha’: Larger fields, derived from the Sanskrit ‘Kshesthra’.”

#14. The main paddy cultivation season, which coincided with the monsoon rains, was known as the _________.

'Yala Kannaya'

'Meda Kannaya'

'Maha Kannaya'

'Akala Kannaya'

Explanation: The source text defines the two main seasons, stating, “‘Maha Kannaya’: The main season coinciding with monsoon rains.” ‘Yala’ was the secondary season, relying on stored water.

#15. In addition to the two main seasons, inscriptions mention a shorter, intermediate paddy season known as _________, which was dependent on water availability.

'Podi Kannaya'

'Meda Kannaya'

'Aluth Kannaya'

'Apo Kannaya'

Explanation: The text notes the existence of a third, less common season: “Meda Kannaya: A shorter season between Yala and Maha, mentioned in inscriptions, dependent on water availability.”

#16. The famous quote by _________ emphasized the importance of utilizing every drop of rainwater, reflecting the critical need for water management in the dry zone.

King Dutugemunu

King Vasabha

King Parakramabahu the Great

King Vijayabahu I

Explanation: The text cites this specific ruler: “King Parakramabahu the Great: His famous quote emphasized the importance of utilizing every drop of rainwater.”

#17. The “Kalasumana” bazaar, a busy marketplace, was located at the southern gate of the ancient city of _________.

Magama

Polonnaruwa

Anuradhapura

Sigiriya

Explanation: The text provides a specific location for this market: “the ‘Kalasumana’ bazaar at Anuradhapura’s southern gate.” This detail highlights the organized nature of urban commerce.

#18. Organized trade guilds, which regulated trade practices and protected the interests of their members, were known in inscriptions as “Poogaya” or _________.

'Niyamasthana'

'Vapara'

'Acharya'

'Manikara'

Explanation: The text provides the two terms for these guilds: “‘Poogaya’ or ‘Niyamasthana’.” ‘Vapara’ means trader, ‘Acharya’ means teacher, and ‘Manikara’ means gem worker.

#19. Traders in ancient Sri Lanka, who held high social standing, were known as “Vapara” or _________.

'Wanija'

'Goviya'

'Kammara'

'Veja'

Explanation: The text gives the two terms for traders: “‘Wanija’ or ‘Vapara’ (from ‘Vyaparika’ – business).” ‘Goviya’ is a farmer, ‘Kammara’ is a blacksmith, and ‘Veja’ is a doctor.

#20. The Soraborawewa inscription details the organized administration of the Hopitigama market, including a prohibition on the sale of _________.

salt

dried fish

dried betel

imported cloth

Explanation: The text lists specific “Sales Restrictions” from the inscription, including the “Prohibition on selling dried betel.” This shows a high level of market regulation.

#21. An inscription at Bowaththegala mentions the “Kajoba Maha Pugiya,” providing evidence of the presence of foreign traders, likely from Cambodia or _________.

China

Rome

Egypt

Afghanistan

Explanation: The text states, “Evidence indicates the presence of foreign traders, including Cambodians (‘Kajoba Maha Pugiya’ in an inscription at Bowaththegala), likely from Afghanistan.” This shows the wide reach of ancient trade networks.

#22. Tamil inscriptions from the 11th-13th centuries mention South Indian trade organizations like Nanadesi, Valagngniyar, and _________ operating in Sri Lanka.

Cheras

Cholas

Ayinurwur

Pandyas

Explanation: The text lists specific names of South Indian trade guilds found in local inscriptions: “Nanadesi, Valagngniyar, and Ayinurwur.” This indicates a strong and organized South Indian trading presence.

#23. Sri Lanka’s role as a pivotal exchange center for East-West trade was supported by major harbors like Mathota and _________.

Jambukola

Galle

Beruwala

Gokkannathiththa (Trincomalee)

Explanation: The text identifies the “Major Harbors” that facilitated international trade as “Mathota and Gokkannathiththa (Trincomalee).” These were the primary deep-water ports.

#24. Teachers who specialized in horsemanship were known by the title _________.

Dunu Acharya

Hasthi Acharya

Ashwa Acharya

Shilpa Acharya

Explanation: The text breaks down the titles for specialized teachers: “‘Ashwa Acharya’” for “Horsemanship.” ‘Hasthi Acharya’ was for elephant taming and ‘Dunu Acharya’ for archery.

#25. By the 9th century AD, skilled doctors (‘Veja’) were honored with the title _________, signifying their expertise as chief physicians or surgeons.

'Maha Vedana'

'Raja Vaidya'

'Ayurveda Acharya'

'Osu Thera'

Explanation: The text explicitly states, “By the 9th century AD, skilled doctors were honored with this title [‘Maha Vedana’], signifying their expertise as chief physicians or surgeons.”

#26. A 2200-year-old inscription from Medagama provides evidence of individual artists, recording the name of a dancer called _________.

Sumana

Majjima

Tissa

Kasba

Explanation: The text cites a specific “Inscriptions Evidence” for the arts: “the dancer ‘Tissa’ in a 2200-year-old inscription from Medagama.”

#27. Poets, who used their words to entertain and preserve cultural heritage, were revered in ancient society and known by the term _________.

'Kavi'

'Lekhaka'

'Ganaka'

'Shilpi'

Explanation: The text identifies “Poets (‘Kavi’)” as holding “a revered position.” ‘Lekhaka’ is a writer/scribe, ‘Ganaka’ is an accountant, and ‘Shilpi’ is a craftsman.

#28. Blacksmiths, known as ‘Kabara’, crafted essential items for village life, including ploughs (‘Nagula’), mammoties (‘Udella’), and _________.

swords ('Kaduwa')

pruning knives ('Keththa')

axes ('Porawa')

chisels ('Niyana')

Explanation: The text lists the specific “Crafted Items” made by blacksmiths, which included “Pruning knives (‘Keththa’),” “Mammoties (‘Udella’),” and “Ploughs (‘Nagula’).”

#29. Artisans skilled in working with copper and tin were known as _________ and contributed to the metalworking industry.

'Lohakaru'

'Ridi karu'

'Thabakara'

'Yakada karu'

Explanation: The text distinguishes between different metalworkers: “Copper and Tin Artisans: Skilled artisans known as ‘Thabakara’ contributed to the metalworking industry.”

#30. Goldsmiths, who held a revered position, were known by the titles “Swarnakara” or _________.

'Manikara'

'Thuladhara'

'Chithakara'

'Kumbhakara'

Explanation: The text provides the two terms used for goldsmiths: “‘Thuladhara’ or ‘Swarnakara’.” The Mandagala inscription mentions a “Thuladara Sumana.”

#31. Skilled artisans who cut and polished Sri Lanka’s rich deposits of gemstones into beads and adornments were known as _________.

'Swarnakara'

'Patharayo'

'Manikara'

'Muthukaru'

Explanation: The text defines these craftsmen: “Skilled Artisans: Known as ‘Manikara,’ they cut and polished gemstones.” ‘Mani’ refers to gems.

#32. The Veherakema inscription, which mentions the term _________, combining “Thanthu” (thread) and “Vaya” (one who does), provides evidence of a well-established cloth weaving industry.

'Pesakara'

'Kattina'

'Salagama'

'Thathvaya'

Explanation: The text cites this specific inscription: “Veherakema Inscription: Mentions ‘Thathvaya,’ combining ‘Thanthu’ (thread) and ‘Vaya’ (one who does), referring to spinners.” This confirms the existence of the textile industry.

ReCall – The Ancient Society of Sri Lanka – Economy

Results

#1. The majority of the population in ancient Sri Lanka lived in _________, with agriculture and animal husbandry forming the backbone of their economy.

#2. The two main agricultural methods that prevailed in ancient Sri Lanka were paddy cultivation and _________ cultivation.

#3. Inscriptions mention designated areas for cattle rearing known as _________, highlighting the significance of animal husbandry.

#4. Cattle in ancient Sri Lanka provided essential food products like milk, ghee, butter, and _________.

#5. The Medirigiriya Hospital inscription mentions that meat from naturally deceased chickens and _________ was used for patients’ meals, indicating they were common livestock.

#6. Historical and archaeological evidence shows that _________ is the older of the two main agricultural methods practiced in ancient Sri Lanka.

#7. In the chena cultivation process, the cleared area was burned to enrich the soil with _________.

#8. In Chena cultivation, a newly cleared and burned plot of land, known for its high fertility, was referred to as _________.

#9. Chenas that were left fallow for a period to allow the land to regenerate naturally before being recultivated were described by the term _________.

#10. Besides grains and vegetables, crops like sugarcane and _________ were grown in chenas, supporting the production of jaggery and clothing.

#11. Farmers built temporary huts called _________ in their Chenas for shelter, and watchtowers in trees called ‘Pelas’ to guard crops.

#12. The taxes imposed on Chena cultivation, famously abolished by King Nissankamalla, were known as “Kethi Ada” and _________.

#13. In ancient inscriptions, smaller plots of paddy fields were referred to as “Kumbura,” while larger fields were called _________, derived from the Sanskrit “Kshesthra.”

#14. The main paddy cultivation season, which coincided with the monsoon rains, was known as the _________.

#15. In addition to the two main seasons, inscriptions mention a shorter, intermediate paddy season known as _________, which was dependent on water availability.

#16. The famous quote by _________ emphasized the importance of utilizing every drop of rainwater, reflecting the critical need for water management in the dry zone.

#17. The “Kalasumana” bazaar, a busy marketplace, was located at the southern gate of the ancient city of _________.

#18. Organized trade guilds, which regulated trade practices and protected the interests of their members, were known in inscriptions as “Poogaya” or _________.

#19. Traders in ancient Sri Lanka, who held high social standing, were known as “Vapara” or _________.

#20. The Soraborawewa inscription details the organized administration of the Hopitigama market, including a prohibition on the sale of _________.

#21. An inscription at Bowaththegala mentions the “Kajoba Maha Pugiya,” providing evidence of the presence of foreign traders, likely from Cambodia or _________.

#22. Tamil inscriptions from the 11th-13th centuries mention South Indian trade organizations like Nanadesi, Valagngniyar, and _________ operating in Sri Lanka.

#23. Sri Lanka’s role as a pivotal exchange center for East-West trade was supported by major harbors like Mathota and _________.

#24. Teachers who specialized in horsemanship were known by the title _________.

#25. By the 9th century AD, skilled doctors (‘Veja’) were honored with the title _________, signifying their expertise as chief physicians or surgeons.

#26. A 2200-year-old inscription from Medagama provides evidence of individual artists, recording the name of a dancer called _________.

#27. Poets, who used their words to entertain and preserve cultural heritage, were revered in ancient society and known by the term _________.

#28. Blacksmiths, known as ‘Kabara’, crafted essential items for village life, including ploughs (‘Nagula’), mammoties (‘Udella’), and _________.

#29. Artisans skilled in working with copper and tin were known as _________ and contributed to the metalworking industry.

#30. Goldsmiths, who held a revered position, were known by the titles “Swarnakara” or _________.

#31. Skilled artisans who cut and polished Sri Lanka’s rich deposits of gemstones into beads and adornments were known as _________.

#32. The Veherakema inscription, which mentions the term _________, combining “Thanthu” (thread) and “Vaya” (one who does), provides evidence of a well-established cloth weaving industry.