Between c. 3200 BCE and 500 BCE, Mesopotamia saw the rise of many powerful kingdoms and empires and the growth of important cities. In this context, answer the following questions:

1. What does the word 'Mesopotamia' mean? How does it relate to the Fertile Crescent?
2. Why is Mesopotamia also referred to as 'cradle of civilisation'?
3. What do you know about the Mesopotamian burial habits?
4. Why did the Mesopotamian Civilisation decline and eventually disappear?

Study the given picture and answer the following questions.

1. Which part of the Harappan city do you think the picture depicts? Give a reason for your answer.
2. What was used to make the buildings in the picture?
3. With the help of the picture, explain why Harappan cities were very well-planned.

Some historians argue that the Indo-Aryans originated from among a group of people in Central Asia, who spoke Indo-European languages. When the population of people who spoke Indo-European languages increased, a group of people were forced to, migrate from Central Asia. This group of people, which entered India came to be called the Indo-Aryans.

1. Which region did the Indo-Aryans originate from?
2. Which group of languages were spoken by the Indo-Aryans?
3. Why did the Indo-Aryans migrate towards the Indian subcontinent?
4. Do all historians agree with the point of view given in the paragraph?

State whether the following statements are true or false. Correct the false statements.

1. The Buddha placed the jina higher in importance than God.
2. Svetambaras were the followers of Jainism who wore no clothes.
3. Buddhism split into two branches—Mahayana and Hinayana.