Question 1 of 5
Which ancient kingdom, known for its Megalithic traditions, ruled parts of the Khasi Hills in present-day Meghalaya?
A
Sylhet Kingdom
B
Chutia Kingdom
C
Jaintia Kingdom
D
Ahom Kingdom
Why: The Jaintia Kingdom, also known as the Sutnga Kingdom, was an ancient kingdom centered in the Jaintia Hills (part of present-day Meghalaya) with significant influence over the Khasi Hills region. It is renowned for its megalithic traditions, including stone monuments and burial sites that reflect the cultural heritage of the area. This distinguishes it from other options like Sylhet (in Bangladesh) or Ahom (in Assam).[2]
Question 2 of 5
Consider the following statements regarding the Khasi community:
I. The Khasi people follow a patrilineal system where lineage is traced through the father's side.
II. They are officially recognized as a Scheduled Tribe and enjoy tax and educational benefits under Indian law.
III. The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council protects their customary laws and traditions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A
1 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
1 and 3 only
D
1, 2 and 3
Why: Statement I is incorrect because the Khasi society follows a matrilineal system, where inheritance, property, and family lineage are traced through the mother's side, with the youngest daughter (khatduh) inheriting the family property. Statement II is correct as Khasis are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe, entitling them to reservations in education, jobs, and tax benefits while preserving customary practices. Statement III is correct since the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) safeguards traditional Khasi laws, land rights, and cultural practices under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Thus, only 2 and 3 are correct, corresponding to option B.[3]
Question 3 of 5
Which Indian state is the location of the sacred groves of Khasi and Jaintia hills?
A
Assam
B
Meghalaya
C
Manipur
D
Arunachal Pradesh
Why: Sacred groves, known as 'Law Kyntang' among the Khasi and 'Law Niam Khasi' in Jaintia traditions, are preserved forest patches in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. These groves hold religious significance in Khasi kingdom customs, where they are protected as abodes of deities, contributing to biodiversity conservation. Meghalaya is the correct location, as the hills are integral to its geography and Khasi cultural heritage.[10]
Question 4 of 5
Assertion (A): U Kiang Nangbah was hanged for revolting against British rule in the Jaintia Hills. Reason (R): He led a successful revolt against British opium trade in the Khasi Hills. Which of the following is correct?
A
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B
Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C
A is true, but R is false
D
A is false, but R is true
Why: Assertion (A) is TRUE: U Kiang Nangbah was hanged on 30 December 1862 for revolting against British rule in the Jaintia Hills. He led the resistance movement from 1860 to 1862 against oppressive British policies including high taxes and interference in local governance. Reason (R) is FALSE: U Kiang Nangbah's activities were limited to the Jaintia Hills. He did not lead any revolt in the Khasi Hills. The Khasi and Jaintia Hills are distinct regions with different tribes and histories. Therefore, A is true but R is false, making option C the correct answer.
Question 5 of 5
Which Ahom king invaded and annexed the Jaintia Kingdom?
A
Suhungmung
B
Rudra Singha
C
Aurangzeb
D
Mranmung
Why: Rudra Singha was the Ahom king who invaded and annexed the Jaintia Kingdom. He invaded the Jaintia Kingdom with 43,000 troops and annexed its territories to the Ahom Kingdom during the early 18th century. He also captured the Jaintia king and extended Ahom dominion over both Jaintia and Dimasa regions. This makes option B (Rudra Singha) the correct answer.
