Easy2Siksha Sample Papers
GNDU Most Repeated (Important) Quesons
B.Com 1st Semester
PUNJAB HISTORY & CULTURE (From Earliest Times to C. 320)
(Based on 4-Year GNDU Queson Paper Trend Analysis: 2021–2024)
Must-Prepare Quesons (80–100% Probability)
SECTION–A (Physical Features & Sources of Punjab History)
1. Physical Features of Punjab and their Impact on its History (4 mes)
2021 (Q1), 2022 (Q1), 2023 (Q1), 2024 (Q1)
Appears every year without fail — always the rst queson in Secon A. Prepare
physical divisions (mountains, rivers, plains) and their historical inuence (invasions,
trade, selements).
2. Sources of Ancient History of Punjab – Literary, Religious, and Foreign (4 mes)
2021 (Q2 – Religious/Literary), 2022 (Q2 – Indigenous), 2023 (Q2 – Sources), 2024
(Q2 – Literary & Foreign)
Each year one queson on sources — somemes called “religious and literary,”
somemes “indigenous” or “foreign sources.” 100% repeat queson.
2025 Smart Predicon Table
(Based on 4-Year GNDU Paper Trend: 2021–2024)
Secon
Queson Topic
Years
Appeared
Priority
A
Physical Features of Punjab and their
Impact
2021–24
Very High
(100%)
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Secon
Queson Topic
Years
Appeared
Priority
A
Sources of Ancient History (Religious,
Literary, Foreign)
2021–24
Very High
(100%)
B
Indus Valley Civilizaon – Town Planning &
Features
2021–24
Very High
(100%)
2025 GUARANTEED QUESTIONS (100% Appearance Trend)
Top 6 Must-Prepare Quesons (Appear All 4 Years)
1. Physical Features of Punjab and their Impact on History.
2. Sources of Ancient History of Punjab (Religious, Literary, Foreign).
High-Probability (60–80%) Trends to Watch for 2025
• “Physical Features of Punjab” → Never skipped; appears every year — 100%
repeat in 2025.
GNDU Most Repeated (Important) Answers
B.Com 1st Semester
PUNJAB HISTORY & CULTURE (From Earliest Times to C. 320)
(Based on 4-Year GNDU Queson Paper Trend Analysis: 2021–2024)
Must-Prepare Quesons (80–100% Probability)
SECTION–A (Physical Features & Sources of Punjab History)
Easy2Siksha Sample Papers
Physical Features of Punjab and their Impact on its History (4 mes)
2021 (Q1), 2022 (Q1), 2023 (Q1), 2024 (Q1)
Appears every year without fail — always the rst queson in Secon A. Prepare
physical divisions (mountains, rivers, plains) and their historical inuence (invasions,
trade, selements).
Ans: A Fresh Beginning: The Land Where History Breathes Through Rivers and
Fields
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a land where golden fields stretch endlessly
under the warm sun, where five mighty rivers sing songs of life, and where mountains
guard the horizon like ancient sentinels. This land is Punjab — a word that itself means
“The Land of Five Rivers.”
From the earliest days of human civilization, Punjab has been more than just a piece of
land; it has been a stage upon which history has played its grand drama. The region’s
physical features — its geography, rivers, plains, mountains, and climate — have
shaped the destiny, culture, and courage of its people.
To understand the history of Punjab, we must first understand the land itself, because
geography and history are like two sides of the same coin. The way people live, fight,
farm, and dream — all are influenced by the soil beneath their feet.
So, let’s journey through the physical features of Punjab and discover how they have
left deep footprints on its history.
1. The Meaning and Location of Punjab
The name “Punjab” is derived from two Persian words —
‘Panj’ meaning five and ‘Ab’ meaning water — hence, “the land of five rivers.”
The five rivers are:
1. Sutlej
2. Beas
3. Ravi
4. Chenab
5. Jhelum
Geographically, ancient Punjab was much larger than present-day Punjab. Before the
Partition of 1947, it included the fertile plains that now lie both in India and Pakistan.
Today, Indian Punjab lies in the north-western part of India, bordered by:
• Jammu & Kashmir in the north,
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• Himachal Pradesh in the east,
• Haryana in the south,
• Rajasthan in the southwest, and
• Pakistan in the west.
This strategic location — right at the entrance to the Indian subcontinent — has given
Punjab a unique historical role. It became both a gateway and a battleground.
2. Major Physical Divisions of Punjab
Punjab’s land can be divided into three main physical regions, each having its own
influence on history and human life.
(A) The Shivalik Hills (Foothills Region)
In the north and northeast lie the Shivalik Hills, which are the outermost ranges of the
Himalayas. These low hills run through the districts of Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, and parts
of Ropar.
Features:
• Height ranges between 300 to 900 meters.
• Soil is loose and often affected by erosion.
• Covered with forests and small streams (locally called choes).
Historical Impact:
1. Natural Defense: These hills acted as natural protection against invasions from
the north. Ancient tribes and small kingdoms often used the Shivalik foothills as
safe shelters.
2. Cradle of Early Civilization: Archaeological remains in areas like Ropar show that
early humans lived near these hills.
3. Source of Rivers: Many small streams from the Shivaliks feed into the major
rivers, helping agriculture flourish in the plains.
4. Influence on Settlements: People living here developed small, self-sufficient
communities and led a life close to nature.
(B) The Punjab Plains
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Stretching across most of the state, the Punjab Plains are part of the great north Indian
plains formed by the deposits of the five rivers.
Features:
• Exceptionally fertile alluvial soil.
• Flat land suitable for agriculture.
• Crisscrossed by rivers and canals.
• Moderate climate with both summer and winter seasons.
Historical Impact:
1. Cradle of Civilization: This region gave birth to the famous Indus Valley
Civilization, especially the sites of Harappa and Ropar. The abundance of water
and fertile soil supported early agriculture and trade.
2. Center of Agriculture: The prosperity of Punjab has always rested on its fertile
plains. The people of this land became great farmers — hence Punjab is called
“The Granary of India.”
3. Birthplace of Empires: Many powerful empires — Mauryas, Kushanas, Guptas,
and Mughals — fought to control this fertile region.
4. Cultural Melting Pot: As invaders came and settled, Punjab became a meeting
ground of different races and cultures — Indo-Aryans, Persians, Greeks,
Scythians, and Turks. This gave birth to the rich and diverse Punjabi culture.
5. Center of Sikhism: The plains also became the spiritual heart of India. Here, in
this fertile soil, Guru Nanak Dev Ji sowed the seeds of Sikhism. The simple and
hardworking life of farmers deeply influenced Sikh philosophy — equality, honest
living, and devotion to God.
(C) The Arid or Dry South-Western Region
The south-western part of Punjab — around Bathinda, Mansa, and Fazilka — is relatively
dry and sandy because it is close to the Thar Desert of Rajasthan.
Features:
• Low rainfall.
• Sandy soil and scrub vegetation.
• Hot summers and dry winds.
Historical Impact:
1. Limited Agriculture: In ancient times, this region was sparsely populated because
farming was difficult.
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2. Recent Development: With the construction of canals (like the Bhakra and
Sirhind canals), irrigation brought life to these dry lands. Today, these areas are
productive and green.
3. Influence on People’s Character: The harsh conditions of this region built a sense
of resilience and toughness in its people — a trait seen throughout Punjab’s
history.
3. The Rivers of Punjab: Lifelines of Civilization
The five rivers — Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum — are not just physical
features; they are living symbols of Punjab’s identity.
They gave Punjab its name and shaped its destiny.
Impact on History:
1. Birth of Civilizations: Early settlements grew near rivers. The Indus Valley
Civilization prospered along the banks of these rivers.
2. Agriculture: The rivers brought fertile soil and water for crops, making Punjab
one of the richest agricultural regions.
3. Trade and Transport: In ancient times, rivers served as trade routes, connecting
Punjab with other parts of India and Central Asia.
4. Invasions and Boundaries: Many battles in Punjab’s history — like those of
Alexander, the Mughals, and the Sikhs — were fought near rivers that acted as
natural frontiers.
5. Partition Impact: In 1947, when India was divided, the rivers became political
boundaries, splitting Punjab into East (India) and West (Pakistan). The partition
caused a great tragedy, displacing millions who once lived peacefully along these
rivers.
4. Climate and Its Influence
Punjab experiences a continental climate — hot summers, cold winters, and moderate
rainfall.
This type of climate has influenced its history in several ways:
1. Agricultural Prosperity: The climate, along with river water, made the land
suitable for wheat, rice, and sugarcane cultivation.
2. Hardworking People: The extreme climate made the Punjabis physically strong
and mentally tough — traits seen in their courage and warrior spirit.
3. Military Strength: Because of the climate and open plains, Punjab became a land
of brave soldiers. From ancient warriors to Sikh Khalsa soldiers, the environment
shaped a culture of valor.
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5. Strategic Location: Gateway to India
Punjab lies at the north-western gateway of India, connecting the Indian subcontinent
with Central Asia.
Throughout history, almost every major invader — Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Kushanas,
Huns, Arabs, Turks, Afghans, and Mughals — entered India through Punjab.
Impact:
1. Repeated Invasions: Punjab suffered numerous invasions because of its location.
It became the first region to face foreign armies.
2. Cultural Mixing: Each invasion left behind new traditions, architecture, and
language elements. This made Punjab a cultural mosaic — blending Indian,
Persian, Greek, and Central Asian influences.
3. Rise of a Warrior Culture: To defend their land, the people of Punjab developed a
strong warrior spirit. The Sikh community, under Guru Hargobind Ji and Guru
Gobind Singh Ji, transformed into the Khalsa — defenders of faith and justice.
4. Economic Prosperity: Its location made Punjab a major center for trade routes
connecting India with the rest of Asia.
6. Impact on Art, Culture, and Religion
Punjab’s geography not only influenced wars and politics but also its culture and
spirituality.
1. Agriculture and Festivals:
The fertile plains made farming the heart of Punjabi life. Festivals like Baisakhi
celebrate the harvest season — a direct reflection of the land’s agricultural
rhythm.
2. Music and Dance:
The open plains and joyful farming life gave birth to energetic forms of
expression like Bhangra and Giddha.
3. Religious Tolerance:
Living on a land that constantly saw new people and cultures, Punjabis developed
a tradition of tolerance and hospitality.
4. Formation of Sikhism:
The physical peace and richness of the land inspired spiritual thought. Guru
Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings of equality, hard work, and community service reflect
the simplicity of rural life in Punjab’s plains.
7. Summary: The Land that Shaped History
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To sum it up, Punjab’s physical features — its hills, plains, rivers, and climate — were
not just background scenery; they were the main characters in its story.
• The Shivalik Hills provided safety and resources.
• The fertile plains gave prosperity and civilization.
• The rivers offered life and identity.
• The location invited both danger and opportunity.
• The climate built strength and resilience.
Each element of Punjab’s geography influenced how people lived, fought, prayed, and
celebrated. Together, they molded the history, culture, and spirit of this remarkable
land.
Conclusion: The Living Soul of the Land
Punjab’s story is the story of its soil — generous yet brave, fertile yet fierce.
The rivers whisper tales of ancient civilizations, the plains echo the rhythm of the
plough, and the hills guard the memories of countless battles.
Every grain of this land carries history — a history shaped by geography.
That is why understanding Punjab’s physical features is not just a study of mountains
and rivers; it is a journey into the soul of a civilization that continues to inspire with its
courage, culture, and warmth.
2. Sources of Ancient History of Punjab – Literary, Religious, and Foreign (4 mes)
2021 (Q2 – Religious/Literary), 2022 (Q2 – Indigenous), 2023 (Q2 – Sources), 2024
(Q2 – Literary & Foreign)
Each year one queson on sources — somemes called “religious and literary,”
somemes “indigenous” or “foreign sources.” 100% repeat queson.
Ans: You are standing on the banks of the Indus River in ancient Punjab. The air is filled
with chants of Vedic hymns, merchants are busy in bustling markets, monks are writing
down sacred stories, and far away, Greek travelers are scribbling notes about the land
they call “Pentapotamia”—the land of five rivers.
Centuries later, when we try to reconstruct the ancient history of Punjab, we don’t have
photographs or videos. What we have are sources—the voices of the past, preserved in
literary texts, religious scriptures, and foreign accounts. These sources are like windows
through which we peep into the life, culture, politics, and society of ancient Punjab.
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Let’s walk through these sources one by one, in a story-driven way, so that the
explanation feels alive, simple, and examiner-friendly.
Meaning of Historical Sources
A historical source is any evidence that helps us understand the past. For Punjab’s
ancient history, sources are broadly divided into:
1. Literary Sources – Texts written in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Persian, and other languages.
2. Religious Sources – Sacred texts of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
3. Foreign Accounts – Writings of Greek, Chinese, and Persian travelers who visited
Punjab.
Story Analogy: Think of history as a puzzle. Literary sources are the pieces written by
locals, religious sources are the pieces preserved by faith, and foreign accounts are the
pieces observed by outsiders. Together, they complete the picture.
1. Literary Sources of Ancient Punjab
Punjab’s story is deeply woven into the fabric of Indian literature.
(a) Vedic Literature
• The Rigveda, the oldest Veda, was composed on the banks of the Saraswati and
Indus rivers.
• It describes tribes like the Bharatas, Purus, and Trtsus, who lived in Punjab.
• Battles like the Battle of Ten Kings (Dasarajna) are recorded, showing early
political conflicts.
Story Note: Imagine poets sitting by the fire, reciting hymns that not only praised gods
but also recorded wars, migrations, and social life.
(b) Epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata
• The Mahabharata mentions Punjab as the land of the five rivers.
• Cities like Hastinapur and Kurukshetra (close to Punjab) are central to the story.
• The Ramayana also refers to north-western regions, showing trade and cultural
links.
(c) Puranas
• The Puranas (like Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana) give genealogies of kings and
dynasties ruling Punjab.
• They help trace political history.
(d) Buddhist and Jain Literature
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• Buddhist texts like the Jatakas mention trade routes passing through Punjab.
• Jain texts describe Punjab as a center of commerce and learning.
(e) Persian and Sanskrit Chronicles
• Later Sanskrit works like Rajatarangini (though about Kashmir) mention Punjab
rulers.
• Persian chronicles during medieval times also preserved earlier traditions.
2. Religious Sources of Ancient Punjab
Punjab was not just a land of warriors and traders—it was also a land of saints, monks,
and philosophers.
(a) Hindu Religious Texts
• The Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas provide glimpses of Punjab’s society,
rituals, and kings.
• Temples and rituals mentioned in these texts show the spiritual life of the people.
(b) Buddhist Sources
• Punjab was a gateway for Buddhism spreading to Central Asia.
• The Jataka tales describe merchants and monks traveling through Punjab.
• The Vinaya Pitaka and Digha Nikaya mention Gandhara and Taxila (ancient
Punjab).
(c) Jain Sources
• Jain texts like Kalpasutra mention Punjab as a region visited by Jain monks.
• They highlight trade, urban centers, and religious tolerance.
(d) Sikh Religious Sources (Later Period)
• Though Sikhism belongs to the medieval era, its early texts like the Janam Sakhis
preserve traditions about Punjab’s cultural past.
• They also reflect continuity of Punjab’s spiritual heritage.
Story Analogy: Religious texts are like the soul of Punjab’s history—they don’t just
record kings and wars, but also the prayers, beliefs, and moral values of the people.
3. Foreign Accounts of Ancient Punjab
Sometimes, the best way to know yourself is to hear what others say about you.
Punjab’s ancient history is enriched by the writings of foreign travelers.
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(a) Greek Accounts
• When Alexander the Great invaded Punjab in 326 BCE, Greek historians like
Herodotus, Arrian, Strabo, and Megasthenes wrote about the land.
• They described the bravery of Punjabi tribes like the Malloi and the
Porus-Alexander battle near the Jhelum River.
• They noted fertile lands, elephants, and the prosperity of Punjab.
(b) Chinese Accounts
• Chinese pilgrims like Faxian (Fa-Hien) and Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) visited India
and described Punjab’s monasteries, universities (like Taxila), and Buddhist
influence.
• Xuanzang’s accounts are especially detailed about Punjab’s geography and
culture.
(c) Persian Accounts
• The Achaemenid rulers of Persia (like Darius I) conquered parts of Punjab in the
6th century BCE.
• Inscriptions from Persepolis mention Punjab as part of their empire, paying
tribute in gold dust.
Story Note: Imagine a Greek soldier writing in his diary about the courage of King Porus,
or a Chinese monk sketching the great university of Taxila. These accounts are priceless
because they give us an outsider’s perspective.
Importance of These Sources
1. Literary Sources → Tell us about society, politics, and culture from within.
2. Religious Sources → Show spiritual life, moral values, and cultural continuity.
3. Foreign Accounts → Provide independent, often unbiased, observations.
Together, they help historians reconstruct the mosaic of Punjab’s past.
Recap in a Narrative Table
Source
Type
Examples
What They Tell Us
Literary
Vedas, Epics, Puranas, Jatakas
Wars, dynasties, trade,
society
Religious
Vedas, Upanishads, Jatakas, Jain
Kalpasutra, Janam Sakhis
Beliefs, rituals, spiritual life
Foreign
Greek (Arrian, Strabo), Chinese
(Xuanzang), Persian inscriptions
Geography, battles,
prosperity, culture
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Wrapping the Story
So, the Sources of Ancient History of Punjab are like three storytellers sitting around a
fire:
• The literary texts speak with the voice of poets and chroniclers.
• The religious texts speak with the voice of saints and monks.
• The foreign accounts speak with the voice of travelers and outsiders.
Together, they weave a rich tapestry of Punjab’s past—its battles and trade, its prayers
and philosophies, its kings and common people.
Final Analogy: If Punjab’s ancient history is a grand epic, then literary sources are its
verses, religious sources are its hymns, and foreign accounts are the footnotes written
by curious travelers. Without any one of them, the story would remain incomplete.
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