ANCIENT QUESTIONS 1979-2023 - Sheet1

Question 1

1,”In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?”,”A. Andhra”,”B. Gandhara”,”C. Kalinga”,”D. Magadha”

Answer 1

1,A,”Amaravati (Andhra) is the site of ancient Dhanyakataka, an important town in the Deccan and the Capital of the later Satavahanas, mentioned in many inscriptions. A large Buddhist establishment was located here. The six occupational periods ranged from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd/3rd century CE. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.”

Question 2

2,”With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as”,”A. Capital cities”,”B. Ports”,”C. Centres of iron-and-steel making”,”D. Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras”

Answer 2

2,B,”The premier Chola port was Puhar (also known as Kaveripumpattinam and Poompuhar), the major Pandya Port was Korkai, while Tondi and Muchiri were the important ports in the Chera kingdom. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.”

Question 3

3,”Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?”,”A. Kings employing women Bodyguards”,”B. Learned persons assembling in Royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters”,”C. Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals”,”D. A king defeated in a battle Committing ritual suicide by Starving himself to death”

Answer 3

3,D,”The practice of vattakirutal was one in which a defeated king committed ritual suicide by starving himself to death, accompanied by those who had been close to him during his lifetime. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.”

Question 4

4,”With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs: Literary work - Author 1. Devi chandragupta - Bilhana 2. HammiraMahakauya - Nayachandra Suri 3. Milinda-panha - Nagatjuna 4. Nitivakyamrita - Somadeva Suri How many of the above pairs are Correctly matched?”,”A. Only one”,”B. Only two”,”C. Only three”,”D. All four”

Answer 4

4,B,”Narrative literature such as the Panchatantra (5th–6th centuries) and the Kathasaritsagara (Ocean of Streams of Stories, 11th century) are collections of popular folk tales that ordinary people may have known, listened to, and enjoyed. Nayacandra Suri wrote the Hammiramahakavya. Somadeva followed up the concepts of the Arthashastra tradition comprising mandala, sadgunyam, and four upayas in his Nitivakyamrita. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer
1. Devichandragupta: Bilhana - This is incorrectly matched. Bilhana was not the author of Devichandragupta. However, Bilhana famously wrote the Vikramankadevacharita, an epic poem describing the victories of the Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI. The author of Devichandragupta is Vishakhadatta.

2. Hammira-Mahakavya: Nayachandra Suri - This is correctly matched. Nayachandra Suri was a renowned Jain monk and author of Hammira-Mahakavya. This work is a famed historical poem about the life of Hammira, a Chauhan king of Ranastambhapura in Rajasthan.
3. Milinda-panha: Nagaijuna - This is incorrect. Milinda-panha, also known as Questions of Milinda, is an ancient Buddhist text that presents Buddhist doctrine as a dialogue between a Buddhist sage named Nagasena and the Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda). The author is not known, but certainly, it’s not Nagarjuna. Nagarjuna is the philosopher who founded the Madhyamaka (Middle Path) school of Mahāyāna Buddhism.
4. Nitivakyamrita: Somadeva Suri - This is rightly matched. Nitivakyamrita, a work on political ethics, was written by the famous Jain Ascetic, Somadeva Suri.

Question 5

5,”According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct? 1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment. 2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free. 3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master the son was entitled to the legal status of the master’s son. Which of the statements given above are correct?”,”A. 1 and 2 only”,”B. 2 and 3 only”,”C. 1 and 3 only”,”D. 1, 2 and 3”

Answer 5

5,D,”Statement 1 is correct: There are several types of enslavement that is given in Arthashastra. Statement 2 is correct: There were variety of protection offered to the slaves, especially to the women slaves. Statement 3 is correct: According to the Arthshastra, if a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master’s son.”

Question 6

6,”With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts: 1. Nettipakarana 2. Parishishta Parvan 3. Avadanasataka 4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana Which of the above are Jaina texts?”,”A. 1, 2 and 3”,”B. 2 and 4 only”,”C. 1, 3 and 4”,”D. 2, 3 and 4”

Answer 6

6,B,”Option 2 is correct: The Parishishta parvan also known as the Sthaviravalicharitra is a 12th-century Sanskrit mahakavya by Hemachandra which details the histories of the earliest Jain teachers. Option 4 is correct: Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana is a major Jain text composed largely by Acharya Jinasena during the rule of Rashtrakutas.”

Question 7

7,”With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs: Historical person - Known as 1. Aryadeva - Jaina scholar 2. Dignaga - Buddhist scholar 3. Nathamuni - Vaishnava scholar How many pairs given above are correctly matched?”,”A. None of the pairs”,”B. Only one pair”,”C. Only two pairs”,”D. All three pairs”

Answer 7

Pair 2 is correct: Dignāga, (born c. 480 CE—died c. 540), was a Buddhist logician and author of the Pramasamuccaya (“Compendium of the Means of True Knowledge”), a work that laid the foundations of Buddhist logic. Pair 3 is correct: Nathamuni founded a Sanskrit-Tamil school at Srirangam (Tamil Nadu state), which continues to be a great Vaishnavite centre in South India.”

Question 8

8,”With reference to the scholars/literatures of ancient India, consider the following statements: 1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga. 2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana. 3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?”,”A. 1 and 2 only”,”B. 2 and 3 only”,”C. 3 only”,”D. 1, 2 and 3”

Answer 8

8,C,”Panini is associated with Sanskrit grammar and gave a comprehensive and scientific theory of phonetics, phonology, and morphology. Pushyamitra Shunga is a post-Mauryan king, whereas the birth year of Panini is not known. Harshavardhana is a post-Gupta king and Amarasimha belongs to the Gupta era. According to traditional lore, Kalidasa belonged to the court of Chandra Gupta Vikramaditya (Chandra Gupta II), although the dates of his life events are disputed.”

Question 9

9,”Consider the following pairs: Historical place - Well - known for 1. Burzahom - Rock -cut shrines 2. Chandra - ketugarh - Terracotta art 3. Ganeshwar - Copper artefacts Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?”,”A. 1 only”,”B. 1 and 2”,”C. 3 only”,”D. 2 and 3”

Answer 9

9,D,”Pair 2 is correctly matched: Chandraketugah is a site in West Bengal near Kolkata. The place dates back to the 3rd century, which is pre-Mauryan era. The place has always generated curiosity among archaeologists and various excavations have taken place here unearthing a number of terracotta artworks. Pair 3 is correctly matched: Ganeshwar is a famous site in the Khetri belt in Rajasthan. Ganeshwar complex sites have yielded more than 5000 copper objects, with some typical Harappan types like thin blades, arrow-heads etc.”

Question 10

10,”Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?”,”A. Dholavira”,”B. Kalibangan”,”C. Rakhigarhi”,”D. Ropar”

Answer 10

10,A,”Dholavira is located on Kadir island in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The city had an impressive and unique water harvesting and management system. This area receives less than 160 cm of rain every year and is very prone to droughts. A sophisticated water management system demonstrates the ingenuity of the Dholavira people in their struggle to survive and thrive in a harsh environment.”

Question 11

11,”From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? 1. The Guptas of Magadha 2. The Paramaras of Malwa 3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar 4. The Maukharis of Kanauj 5. The Yadavas of Devagiri 6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi Select the correct answer using the code given below:”,”A. 1, 2 and 5”,”B. 1, 3, 4 and 6”,”C. 2, 3 and 4”,”D. 5 and 6”

Answer 11

11,B,”From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, the kingdoms holding power in Northern India were The Pushyabhutis of Thaneshwar, The Maukharis of Kanauj, and The Maitrakas of Vallabhi. The most prominent ones were The Pushyabhutis of Thaneshwar, Maukharies of Kannauj, Maitrakas of Vallabhi.”

Question 12

12,”With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous:”,”A. Jain monks”,”B. Playwrights”,”C. Temple architects”,”D. Philosophers”

Answer 12

12,B,”Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla, and Kshemeshvara were famous playwrights.”

Question 13

13,”Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? ‘Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.’”,”A. Ashoka”,”B. Samudragupta”,”C. Harshavardhana”,”D. Krishnadeva Raya”

Answer 13

13,A,”The inscription mentioning Ranyo Ashoka (King Ashoka) along with a stone portrait of him was found at Kanganahalli.”

Question 14

14,”With reference to the history of India, the terms ‘kulyavapa’ and ‘dronavapa’ denote:”,”A. Measurement of land”,”B. Coins of different monetary value”,”C. Classification of urban land”,”D. Religious rituals”

Answer 14

14,A,”‘Kulyavapa’ and ‘dronavapa’ denote Measurement of Land.”

Question 15

15,”With reference to the period of the Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as:”,”A. Ports handling foreign trade”,”B. Capitals of powerful kingdoms”,”C. Places of exquisite stone art and architecture”,”D. Important Buddhist pilgrimage centres”

Answer 15

15,A,”Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul were well-known as Ports handling foreign trade during the Gupta period.”

Question 16

16,”Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?”,”A. Chanhudaro”,”B. Kot Diji”,”C. Sohgaura”,”D. Desalpur”

Answer 16

16,C,”Sohgaura is not a Harappan site. It is an Ashokan era copper plate inscription.”

Question 17

17,”In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?”,”A. Kanganahalli”,”B. Sanchi”,”C. Shahbazgarhi”,”D. Sohgaura”

Answer 17

17,A,”Ranyo Ashoka (King Ashoka) is mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka in the Kanganahalli inscription.”

Question 18

18,”With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?”,”A. It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.”,”B. It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.”,”C. The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.”,”D. The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.”

Answer 18

18,A,”Forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.”

Question 19

19,”With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorising of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of which of the following?”,”A. Shramana”,”B. Parivraajaka”,”C. Agrahaarika”,”D. Magadha”

Answer 19

19,D,”The memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic tales was the profession of Magadhas in the cultural history of India.”

Question 20

20,”In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs: 1. Eripatti: Land revenue which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank 2. Taniyurs: Villages donated to single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins 3. Ghatikas: Colleges generally attached to the temples Which of the pairs given above is correctly matched?”,(a) 1 and 2,(b) 3 only,(c) 2 and 3,(d) 1 and 3

Answer 20

20,D,”The given pairs are related to the history of India: Eripatti - Land revenue set apart for maintenance of village tank; Taniyurs - Villages donated to Brahmins; Ghatikas - Colleges attached to temples. Correct pairs: Eripatti - Land revenue set apart for maintenance of village tank; Ghatikas - Colleges attached to temples; Taniyurs - Villages donated to Brahmins.”

Question 21

21,”Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?”,(a) Georg Buhler,(b) James Prinsep,(c) Max Muller,(d) William Jones

Answer 21

21,B,”James Prinsep deciphered Ashoka’s edicts, discovering ‘Piyadasa’ meaning ‘pleasant to behold’. His work laid the foundation for understanding early Indian political history.”

Question 22

22,”Which of the following characterizes the people of the Indus Civilization? 1. They possessed great palaces and temples. 2. They worshipped both male and female deities. 3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:”,(a) 1 and 2 only,(b) 2 only,(c) 1, 2 and 3,(d) None of the statements given above is correct

Answer 22

22,B,”Indus Valley people didn’t possess great palaces/temples but had advanced urban planning, multistoried houses. They were peaceful; no evidence of warfare. Speculations suggest various reasons for civilization’s decline.”

Question 23

23,”The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The roads and river routes were completely immune from robbery. 2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person. 3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:”,(a) 1 only,(b) 2 and 3 only,(c) 1 and 3 only,(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer 23

23,B,”Yuan Chwang recorded general conditions and culture of India during 7th century AD. Roads and river routes weren’t immune from robbery. Punishments included ordeals by fire, water, and poison. Tradesmen paid duties at ferries and barrier stations.”
The famous Chinese travellers who visited India were Fa Hein (405-411 A.D.), Hiuen Tsang (630-645 AD), and I-Tsing (671-695 AD). Among these ancient travellers, Hiuen Tsang visited India during King Harshavardhana’s reign. He is also called the Prince of Pilgrims.

The famous Chinese travellers who visited India were Fa Hein (405-411 A.

Question 24

24,”With reference to the scientific progress of Ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? 1. Different kinds of specialised surgical instruments were in common use by the 1st century AD 2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body began in the 3rd century AD 3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in the 5th century AD. 4. The concept of cyclic quadrilateral was known in the 7th century AD. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:”,(a) 1 and 2 only,(b) 3 and 4 only,(c) 1, 3 and 4 only,(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer 24

24,C,”Specialized surgical instruments were in use by 1st century AD. Organ transplants didn’t begin by 3rd century AD. Sine concept was known in 5th century AD. Cyclic quadrilateral concept was known in 7th century AD.”

Question 25

25,”With reference to the Guilds (Shrenis) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are true? 1. Every Guild was registered with the central authority of the state and the King was the chief administrative authority on them 2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the Guild 3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:”,(a) 1 and 2 only,(b) 3 only,(c) 2 and 3 only,(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer 25

25,C,”Guilds (Shrenis) controlled quality production, business ethics, fair wages, and prices. They didn’t register with central authority. They had judicial powers over members.”

Question 26

26,”The Religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of:”,(a) Bhakti,(b) Image worship and yajnas,(c) Worship of nature and yajnas,(d) Worship of nature and bhakti

Answer 26

26,C,”Early Vedic Aryans worshipped forces of nature like sun, moon, wind, and fire. Their religion was characterized by worship of nature and yajnas.”

Question 27

27,”With reference to the history of Ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment 2. Indifference to the authority of Vedas 3. Denial of the efficacy of rituals Select the correct answer using the codes given below:”,(a) 1 only,(b) 2 and 3 only,(c) 1 and 3 only,(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer 27

27,B,”Buddhism and Jainism both avoided extremes, rejected Vedic authority, and denied efficacy of rituals.”The correct answer is option 2. Buddhism advocated a middle path that is the avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment. Buddhism and Jainism rejected the notion of grand rituals along with the authority of the Vedas and the priestly class.

Question 28

28,”Regarding the Indus valley civilization, consider the following statements: 1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene. 2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?”,(a) 1 only,(b) 2 only,(c) Both 1 and 2,(d) Neither 1 and 2

Answer 28

28,C,”Indus Valley Civilization was secular, with no dominance of religious elements. Cotton textiles were manufactured during this period.”

Question 29

29,”With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of the Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them. 2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron. 3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal. Select the correct answer using the code given below:”,(a) 1 only,(b) 2 and 3 only,(c) 1 and 3 only,(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer 29

29,c,”Rig Vedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them. There is also evidence of swords, arrows, bows used during Rig Vedic Aryans. Hence the statement 1 is correct. Rig Vedic Aryans knew gold, silver, copper, iron whereas Indus valley people knew gold, copper, bronze but they did not know iron. Hence statement 2 is not correct. Rig Vedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal. Hence the statement 3 is correct. Additional Information: During the Rig Vedic period, the tribal society was divided into three groups: warriors, priests, and the people. The fourth division called the Sudras appeared towards the end of the Rig Vedic period because it is mentioned for the first time in the tenth Book of the Rig Veda, which is the latest addition. There are references to slaves who were given as gifts to the priests in the Rig Vedic period. They were mainly women slaves employed for domestic purposes. It is clear that in Rig Vedic times slaves were not used directly in agriculture or other producing activities. In the age of the Rig Veda differentiation based on occupation was started but this division was not very sharp as there are references of various families in which different occupations were held within the same family. During the Rig Vedic period, tribal elements in society were stronger and social divisions based on the collection of taxes or accumulation of landed property were absent. The society was still tribal and largely egalitarian. It clearly signifies that there was not any evidence of feudalism in the Rig Vedic period.”

Question 30

30,”The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by:”,(a) Universal law,(b) Universal Truth,(c) Universal Faith,(d) Universal Soul

Answer 30

“According to the Jain philosophy, the world is created and maintained by a universal law known as Dharma. Dharma is the fundamental principle that governs the universe and everything that exists within it. Dharma is believed to be eternal and unchanging, and it is the same for all living beings. It is the force that controls the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and it is responsible for the existence and maintenance of the universe. The Jain philosophy also believes in the existence of karma, which is the law of cause and effect. According to this law, every action has a consequence, and the consequences of our actions determine our future. The Jain philosophy emphasizes the importance of living a life of non-violence, compassion, and respect for all living beings. It believes that all living beings, regardless of their size or form, have a soul and should be treated with kindness and compassion. The Jain philosophy also believes in the existence of a universal soul, which is the source of all life and consciousness. This universal soul is believed to be present in all living beings, and it is the ultimate goal of Jainism to achieve a state of enlightenment where one can merge with the universal soul.”

Question 31

31,”India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of the early maritime history of the Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing Solution/Solutions?”,(a) As compared to other countries, India had better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times.,(b) The rulers of southern India always patronised traders, Brahmin priests and Buddhist monks in this context,(c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages.,(d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing Solutions in this context.

Answer 31

C

Question 32

32,”Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event is associated with and done for whom of the following”,(a) Bahubali,(b) Buddha,(c) Mahavir,(d) Nataraja

Answer 32

32,a,”The Mahamastakabhisheka (grand consecration) is an important Jain festival held once every twelve years in the town of Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, India.”

Question 33

33,”Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following?”,(a) Buddhism,(b) Jainism,(c) Sikhism,(d) Vaishnavism

Answer 33

33,b,”Anekantavada, meaning “non-absolutism,” is one of the basic principles of Jainism that encourages acceptance of relativism and pluralism. According to this doctrine, truth and reality are perceived differently from different points of view, and no single point of view is the complete truth. The word anekantavada is a compound of two Sanskrit words: Anekanta “manifoldness” and vada “school of thought.””

Question 34

34,”With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order?”,(a) Greeks - Sakas - Kushans,(b) Greeks - Kushans - Sakas,(c) Sakas - Greeks - Kushans,(d) Sakas - Kushans - Greeks

Answer 34

34,a,”The Greeks invaded India several times, starting with the conquest of Alexander the Great between the years 327 to 326 B.C.E. The Indo-Greek rule in India was primarily destroyed by the Sakas. Sakas were the Scythians, which refer to ancient Iranian people of horse-riding nomadic pastoralists. The 2nd century BC saw an upheaval in the Central Asia. The invasion by the Central Asian nomadic tribes and tribes from the Chinese region was responsible for the migration of the Sakas towards India. The rule of the Indo-Scythians in northwestern India was shattered with the rise of the Indo-Parthian ruler Gondophares in the last years of the 1st century BCE. Kujula Kadphises (30-80 AD) established the Kushan dynasty in 78 AD by taking advantage of disunion in existing dynasty of Pahalava (Parthian) and Scytho-Parthians, and gradually wrested control of southern prosperous region, which is the northwest part of ancient India, traditionally known as Gandhara (now Pakistan).”

Question 35

35,”Who among the following laid the foundation of the Rashtrakuta empire”,(a) Amoghavarsha I,(b) Dantidurga,(c) Dhruva,(d) Krishna I

Answer 35

35,b,”Rashtrakuta was a royal dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian Subcontinent between the sixth and 10th centuries. The founder of the Rashtrakuta power was Dantivarman or Dantidurga, who was contemporary of Chalukya King Pulakesin II. Dantidurga occupied all territories between the Godavari and Bhima river. He is said to have conquered Kalinga, Kosala, Kanchi, Srisailam, Malava, Lata etc. He annexed Maharashtra to his kingdom by defeating Chalukya King Kirtivarma.”

Question 36

36,”Consider the following statements: 1. The Ikshvaku rulers of southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism. 2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?”,(a) 1 only,(b) 2 only,(c) Both 1 and 2,(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 36

36,b,”Andhra Ikshvakus were one of the earliest recorded ruling dynasties of the Guntur-Krishna-Nalgonda regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Although the Ikshvaku rulers practiced the Vedic religion, they were also great patrons of Buddhism. Most of the kings and their household donated to the Buddhist cause. The Pala dynasty, ruling dynasty in Bihar and Bengal, India, from the 8th to the 12th century. The Palas were supporters of Buddhism, and it was through missionaries from their kingdom, that Buddhism was finally established in Tibet.”

Question 37

37,”Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other three”,(a) Bimbsara,(b) Gautama Buddha,(c) Milinda,(d) Prasenjit

Answer 37

37,c,”Menander I, known in Indian Pali sources as Milinda, was an Indo-Greek King of the Indo-Greek Kingdom (155-130 BC). Menander was also a patron of Buddhism, and his conversations with the Buddhist sage Nagasena are recorded in the important Buddhist work, the Milinda Panha (“The Wisdom of Milinda”; panna meaning “wisdom” in Pali). All others are contemporary of Buddha around 5th/6th BC.”

Question 38

38,”Consider the following statements: 1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended the fourth great Buddhist Council held by Kanishka. 2. The Chinese Pilgrim Hiuen Tsang met Harsha And Found Him to Be antagonistic to Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?”,(a) 1 only,(b) 2 only,(c) Both 1 and 2,(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 38

“The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD under the patronage of Kushan king Kanishka and the president of this council was Vasumitra, with Asvaghosa as his deputy. In his early life, Harsha was a devout Shaiva but later he became an ardent Hinayana Buddhist. Hiuen Tsang converted him to Mahayana Buddhism. Harsha prohibited the use of animal food in his kingdom and punished those who killed any living being.”

Question 39

39,”Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells?”,(a) Rig-veda,(b) Yajur-veda,(c) Atharva Veda,(d) Sama-veda

Answer 39

39,c,”Atharvaveda is the fourth of the Vedas. The Veda contains many mystic chants, spells, and prayers meant to either heal or harm or seek protection against harmful forces.”

Question 40

40,”With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the following statement is correct?”,(a) Jainism Was Spread in South India under the leadership of Sthalabahu,(b) The Jainas who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Shvetambars after the council held at Pataliputra,(c) Jainism employed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC,(d) In the initial stage of Jainism, worshipped images unlike Buddhists. Kharavela is believed to be a follower of Jainism

Answer 40

40,c,”Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC. Jainism spread in South India under the leadership of Bhadrabahu (not Sthalabahu). The Jainas who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Digambaras (not Shvetambaras) after the first council held at Pataliputra (modern Patna) by Sthulbahu.”

Question 41

41,”Consider the following statements: 1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha, was assassinated by his commander in chief Pushyamitra Sunga. 2. The Last Sunga King, Devabhuti, was assassinated by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne. 3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras. Which of these statements is/are correct?”,(a) 1 and 2,(b) only 2,(c) only 3,(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer 41

41,d,”All the three statements are correct: Emperor Brihadratha Maurya was the last Mauryan King of the Mauryan Empire. He was killed by Pushyamitra Sunga, a military general in the Mauryan Army. Devabhuti was the last Shunga ruler who was killed by his own minister Vasudeva Kanva in around 73 BC. Vasudeva Kanva thus assassinated the last ruler of the Shunga Dynasty and founded the Kanva Dynasty. According to the Vayu Purana, the Kanva was a minor dynasty having only four rulers: Vasudeva, Bhumimitra, Narayana, and Susarman. The rulers of the Kanva Dynasty ruled for 45 years, i.e., 73 to 28 BC. Susarman, the last ruler of the Kanva dynasty, was killed by the Andhra King Simuka.”

Question 42

42,”Consider the following statement: 1. Vardhamana Mahavira’s mother was the daughter of Lichchavi chief Chetaka. 2. Gautama Buddha’s mother was a princess from the Kosalan Dynasty. 3. Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, belonged to Banaras. Which of these statements is/are correct?”,(a) only 1,(b) only 2,(c) 2 and 3,(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer 42

42,c,”Statements 2 and 3 are correct: Mahavira was a Kshatriya of the Jnatri clan and a native of Kundagram, a suburb of the town of Vaishali (near Patna). He was the second son of Siddhartha and Trishala, a highly connected lady. In fact, Trishala was the sister of king Chetaka of Vaishali whose daughter Chellana was married to Bimbisara, king of Magadh. Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BC in Sakya Kshatriya at Lumbini, Kapilavatsu. Gautam’s father, King Suddhodana, seems to have been the elected ruler of Kapilavastu and headed the republican clan of the Sakyas. His mother, Queen Maya Devi, was a princess from the Kosalan dynasty. Parshvanatha, also known as Parshva, was the twenty-third Tirthankara of Jainism.”

Question 43

43,”Emperor Harsha’s southward march was stopped on the Narmada river by:”,(a) Pulakesin I,(b) Pulakesin II,(c) Vikramaditya I,(d) Vikramaditya II

Answer 43

43,b,”It is supposed from the descriptions of the Aihole Inscription that the battle between the opposing armies was fought somewhere between the Vindhya Mountains and the river Narmada. In that great battle, Pulakesin II successfully resisted the army of Harsha and did not permit the invaders to advance towards the south.”