Ans: B

Exp

Statement 1 is correct: The governor from time to time summons each House of State legislature to meet. The maximum gap between the two sessions of the state legislature cannot be more than six months, i.e., the state legislature should meet at least twice a year. A session of the state legislature consists of many sittings.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The presiding officer (speaker or chairman) declares the House adjourned sine die when the business of the session is completed. Within the next few days, the governor issues a notification for prorogation of the session. 

Statement 3 is correct: The governor can also prorogue the House, which is in session. Unlike an adjournment, a prorogation terminates a session of the House.

Ans: B

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The most significant Roman export to India was a large number of coins, invariably made of gold and silver, though some Roman copper coins are also found. This exchange of coins signifies a significant aspect of economic and cultural interaction between the two regions in ancient times. Pliny, the Roman author who penned “Natural History” in AD 77, held the belief that Rome’s trade with India was causing a significant drain of gold. 

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Satavahanas were the early rulers of the region between the rivers Godavari and Krishna. They were also referred to as the Andhras. They soon brought under their control both Western-Deccan and Central India. Their coins were predominantly made of copper and lead; however, silver issues are also known. Although the Satavahanas did not issue gold coins, the museums show that they seem to have issued the largest number of coins.

Ans: B

Exp:

Pair 1 is correctly matched: In Buddhist texts, various categories of merchants are described. These include general merchants who provide essential items, perfumers or all purpose merchants called Gandhika’s, as well as business transactors called vyavahari, involved in commerce and trade. These descriptions illustrate the diverse roles and goods supplied by merchants in ancient urban centres.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Vanijgramo was the head of the corporation of merchants. Vanijgramo had a significant role in overseeing or managing the activities of merchants within this group.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: The Buddhist texts mention about the Sresthi, who was the chief merchant of the nigama, and the sarthavaha, the caravan leader, who was the head of the corporation of merchants (vanijgramo). It also speaks of nearly half a dozen petty merchants called vanija.

Ans: A

Exp:

The term “shataka” denoted a specific type of fabric, often associated with luxury and high-quality textile production. Mathura was a great centre for the manufacture of a special type of cloth which was called shataka. The textiles produced in Mathura were highly sought after, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their exceptional craftsmanship and the quality of materials used.

Ans: D

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The artisans and merchants were organised into guilds under their respective headmen. The guilds often had their own sets of rules and regulations, effectively governing themselves. These rules and regulations covered matters such as trade, disputes, and other aspects of their activities.

Statement 2 is correct: In ancient India, guilds played a significant role in various aspects of economic and social life. The guilds of merchants and goldsmiths sometimes issued coins, but with the permission of the rulers. This was done under specific regulations, and this practise allowed for smoother trade and commerce while also contributing to the rulers’ finances.

Reference: R.S.Sharma, Chapter 23, Crafts, Commerce, and Urban Growth.