NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 8: Vital villages, thriving towns

mcqeasy

The archaeological site of Arikamedu, an ancient trading centre, is located in:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ATamil Nadu
BPuducherry
CAndhra Pradesh
DKerala

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Puducherry

Explanation

Arikamedu was a major coastal settlement and urban centre in ancient India, functioning as a pivotal hub for maritime trade between the Indian subcontinent and the Roman Empire during the Early Historic period.

Detailed Analysis:

Location: The archaeological site of Arikamedu is located in the Union Territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry), situated on the bank of the Ariyankuppam River.
Historical Identification: It is widely identified with the port of Poduke mentioned in the Greco-Roman text Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
Archaeological Evidence: Excavations, most notably by Sir Mortimer Wheeler in the 1940s, unearthed significant evidence of Roman trade. Key findings include Roman amphorae (used for transporting wine or oil), Arretine ware (distinctive red-glazed pottery), and Roman glass beads. These artifacts confirm that Arikamedu was a flourishing "emporium" or trading station.

Key Takeaway:

Arikamedu is an ancient Indo-Roman trading port located in Puducherry, famous for the discovery of Roman artifacts like amphorae and Arretine ware.

Your note

More from Chapter 8: Vital villages, thriving towns

Archaeological findings of 'ring wells' in early Indian cities suggest their primary function was:

easy

Which agricultural innovation is considered a primary factor in the rise of production in the Ganga valley during the 6th century BCE?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the development of agriculture in early historic India: 1. Irrigation works such as canals, wells, and artificial lakes were built to support flourishing villages. 2. The use of iron axes helped in clearing forests for expanding cultivation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the social structure in the Tamil region during the early historic period: 1. Large landowners were known as vellalar. 2. Ordinary ploughmen were known as adimai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements with reference to the ancient Tamil society: 1. The term kadaisiyar referred to landless labourers. 2. The term uzhavar referred to large landowners. 3. The term adimai included slaves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is

Puducherry

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

Location: The archaeological site of Arikamedu is located in the Union Territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry), situated on the bank of the Ariyankuppam River.
Historical Identification: It is widely identified with the port of Poduke mentioned in the Greco-Roman text Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
Archaeological Evidence: Excavations, most notably by Sir Mortimer Wheeler in the 1940s, unearthed significant evidence of Roman trade. Key findings include Roman amphorae (used for transporting wine or oil), Arretine ware (distinctive red-glazed pottery), and Roman glass beads. These artifacts confirm that Arikamedu was a flourishing "emporium" or trading station.

Key Takeaway:

Arikamedu is an ancient Indo-Roman trading port located in Puducherry, famous for the discovery of Roman artifacts like amphorae and Arretine ware.