ANCIENT QUESTIONS 1979-2023 - Sheet2

Question 1

44,”Match List I (Ancient Site) with the II (Archaeological Finding) and select the correct answer using the codes given below this list: List 1 (Ancient Site) List II (Archaeological Findings
) A. Lothal 1. Ploughed Field
B. Kalibangan 2. Dockyard
C. Dholavira 3. Terracotta replica of a plough
D. Banawali 4. An Inscription Comprising ten large-sized signs of the happen Script Codes: A B C D”,(a) 1 2 3 4,(b) 2 1 4 3,(c) 1 2 43,(d) 2 1 3 4

Answer 1

44,b,”Self-explanatory.”
The excavated site of Lothal is the only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization. A metropolis with an upper and a lower town had in on its northern side a basin with vertical wall, inlet and outlet channels which has been identified as a tidal dockyard.
Kalibangan excavations in present western Rajasthan shows a ploughed field, the first site of this nature in the world.
One of the most exciting discoveries at Dholavira is a large wooden “signboard” just outside the north entrance to the citadel. This is actually one of the longest Indus inscriptions known. There are 10 symbols in the panel, each one is about 37 centimetres high and the board on which the letters were inscribed appears to have been about 3 meters long.
A clay model of plough has been found from Banawali. It is an archaeological site belonging to Indus Valley Civilization period in Fatehabad district of Haryana.
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Question 2

45,”The ancient Indian Play Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadutt has its subject on”,(a) A conflict between gods and demons of ancient Hindu lore,(b) A romantic story of an Aryan Prince and a tribal woman,(c) The story of the power struggle between two Aryan tribes,(d) The court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya

Answer 2

45,d,”Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadutt deals with the court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya. Mudrarakshasa (The Minister Signet’s Ring) is a Sanskrit drama written by Vishakhadatta. The Minister Signet’s Ring centers around the schemes of Chanakya to frustrate the plots of Rakshasa, the minister of Dhana Nanda, the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty. Consequently, Chanakya was able to place Chandragupta on the throne of Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), the capital of Magadh.”

Question 3

46,”In ancient Indian Buddhist Monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the:”,(a) Occasion to elect the Sanghaparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya,(b) Confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season,(c) Ceremony of initiation of a new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved and yellow robes are offered,(d) Gathering of Buddhist Monks on the next day to the full moon day of Ashadha when they take up abode the next four months of the rainy season

Answer 3

46,B,”On Pavarana Day, it is the tradition of Buddhist monks to confess any misdeeds that they have done over the previous months of the rains retreat when they have been primarily practicing in the confines of a monastery and not traveling. This is usually a positive occasion for the monastic community when they let go of recent shortcomings and start afresh in their practice of the Way.”

Question 4

47,”Assertion (A): Harshavardhana convened the Prayag Assembly Reason (R): He wanted to popularize only the Mahayana form of Buddhism”,(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A,(b) Both A and R are individually true, R is NOT a correct explanation of A,(c) A is True But R is false,(d) A is False, But R is True

Answer 4

47,B,”The Prayaga Assembly was an assembly of universal character for offerings of royal charities to all classes of people. It was known as the Maha Moksha Parishad. Harsha was at his best in the Prayaga Assembly as a generous monarch and an admirer of all the major faiths of his country. In the later part of his reign, however, Harsha became an exponent of the Mahayana form of Buddhism. It is suggested that his strong liking for Mahayanism was due to his close association with Hiuen Tsang, famously described as the Chinese “Master of the Law.””

Question 5

48,”Which one of the following animals was NOT represented on the seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture?”,(a) Cow,(b) Elephant,(c) Rhinoceros,(d) Tiger

Answer 5

48,A,”Cow was not represented on the seals and terracotta art of Harappan civilization.”

Question 6

49,”Assertion (A): The Aham and Puram poems of the Padinen Kilukanakku group formed a continuation of the Sangam composition Reason (R): They were included under The Post Sangam works As Against the Sangam works proper”,(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 a correct explanation of A,(c) A is true, but R is false,(d) A is false, but R is true

Answer 6

49,A,”On the basis of interpretation and context, the Sangam literature can be described into two types viz. Agam (inner) and Puram (outer). The topics of Agam are related to personal and human aspects such as love and sexual things. The topics of Puram are related to human experiences and emotions such as Heroism, Valor, Ethics, and Philanthropy. The poems have also been classified on nature themes which are known as Thinal. Patinenkilkanakku is the post Sangam work that is of Agam as well as Puram context.”

Question 7

50,”Assertion (A): The origin of feudal system in ancient India can be traced to military campaigns Reason (R): There was considerable expansion of the feudal system during the Gupta period.”,(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 a correct explanation of A,(c) A is true, but R is false,(d) A is false, but R is true

Answer 7

50,BThe sources of the Gupta period suggest that certain important changes were taking place in the agrarian society. Feudal development surfaced under the Guptas with the grant of fiscal and administrative concessions to priests and administrators. Started in the Deccan by the Satavahanas, the practice became a regular affair in Gupta times.”

Question 8

51,”Assertion (A): The emphasis of Jainism on nonviolence (ahimsa) prevented agriculturalists from embracing Jainism. Reason (R): Cultivation involved killing of insects and pests.”,(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 false

Answer 8

51,A,”Agriculturists were prevented from embracing Jainism because cultivation involves killing pests and insects, which was against the principle of nonviolence (ahimsa) of Jainism.”

Question 9

52,”Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion?”,(a) Nanda,(b) Maurya,(c) Sunga,(d) Kanva

Answer 9

52,A,”Dhana Nanda was the last king of the Nanda Empire. When Alexander the Great invaded India, the ruler of the Magadha Empire was Dhana Nanda. Alexander and his army heard the glory of the army of the Nanda Empire.”

Question 10

53,”Assertion (A): Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Maurya Empire Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India”,(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A,(b) Both A and R true, but R is not a correct explanation of A,(c) A is true, but R is false,(d) A is false, but R is true

Answer 10

53,A,”Since its independence, Kalinga became an arch enemy of Magadha and allied itself with Chola and Pandya countries of South against Magadha. Thus, Ashoka invaded Kalinga. Kalinga had a vast army and could be detrimental to the security of the Maurya Empire. It was also true that due to her commercial relations with Malay, Java, and Ceylon, Kalinga had enormous material prosperity. Possibly this had also provoked Asoka to invade Kalinga.”

Question 11

54,”The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by the”,(a) Greeks,(b) Shakas,(c) Parthians,(d) Mughals

Answer 11

54,A,”The practice of military governorship was first introduced by the Greeks. It was Alexander who, while returning from India, parceled out his captured territory among his military generals.”

Question 12

55,”The term ‘Aryan’ denotes”,(a) an ethnic group,(b) a nomadic people,(c) a speech group,(d) a superior race

Answer 12

C

Question 13

56,”From the third century AD when the Hun invasion ended the Roman Empire, the Indian merchants relied more and more on the”,(a) African trade,(b) West European trade,(c) South East Asian trade,(d) Middle Eastern trade

Answer 13

56,C,”Hun inroads in western and central India had upset the trade of the Guptas in India with the Roman Empire, which led to the devastation of the Gupta economy. With the decline of trade relations with the Roman Empire through West Indian ports, trade with Southeast Asia and China vastly prospered through ports like Kaveri Pattanam and Tamralipta.”

Question 14

57,”Which one of the following ports handled the north Indian trade during the Gupta period?”,(a) Tamralipti,(b) Broch,(c) Kalya,(d) Cambray

Answer 14

57,A,”Tamralipti (Tamluk) in the Ganga delta handled a large part of north Indian trade with countries of Southeast Asia, such as Suvarnabhumi (Burma), Yavadvipa (Java), and Kamboja (Kampuchea). Other three ports are located near Gujarat region and not associated with stronghold of Gupta region.”

Question 15

58,”Which one of the following was initially the most powerful city-state of India in the 6th century B.C.?”,(a) Gandhar,(b) Kamboj,(c) Kashi,(d) Magadh

Answer 15

58,D,”The rise of Magadha in the 6th century BC as a powerful kingdom in the Gangetic Valley was due to many factors like strategic location, rich iron ores for weapon making, trade routes and linkages via river networks, and dense forests for wood and elephants for army works.”

Question 16

59,”The following persons came to India at one time or another: 1. Fa-Hien 2. I-Tsing 3. Megasthenese 4. Hieun Tsang The correct chronological sequence of their visits is:”,(a) 3,1,2,4,(b) 3,1,4,2,(c) 1,3,2,4,(d) 1,3,4,2,

Answer 16

59,B,”Megasthenes was a Greek historian who came to India in the fourth century BC as a representative or ambassador of Seleucus Nicator. He lived in the court of Chandragupta Maurya for about five years (302-298 B.C.). Megasthenes has written an account of India and also that of Chandragupta’s reign in his book entitled “INDIKA”. Fa-Hien (also Faxian, Fa-hsien) is the famous Chinese pilgrim who visited India during the rule of Chandra Gupta II in 414 CE. Hiuen Tsang (also Xuanzang, Hsuan Tsang) was the celebrated Chinese traveler who visited India in Ancient Times. His visit to India was an important event of the reign of Harshavardhana. I-Tsing visited India after Harsha period during the 8th Century AD.”

Question 17

60,”The Indo-Greek kingdom set up in north Afghanistan in the beginning of the second century BC was”,(a) Bactria,(b) Scythia,(c) Zedrasia,(d) Aria

Answer 17

60,A,”Various branches of Indo-Greek or Yavanas established in the North-Western part of India. One branch ruling in Bactria, in Afghanistan.”

Question 18

61,”Assertion (A): According to Asoka’s edicts, social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion. Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion”,(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 a correct explanation of A,(c) A is true, but R is false,(d) A is false, but R is true

Answer 18

61,A,”The best way to understand what Ashoka means by Dhamma. Dhamma was not a particular religious faith or practice or an arbitrarily formulated royal policy. It is primarily an ethic of social conduct. Dhamma related to various social norms which were current in his time. Dhamma was not the policy of a heretic but a system of beliefs created out of different religious faiths.”

Question 19

62,”Assertion (A): The Gandhara School of art bears the mark of Hellenstic influence Reason (R): Hinayana form was influenced by that art”,(a) Both A and R true, and R is the correct explanation of A,(b) Both A and R true, but R is not a correct explanation of A,(c) A is true, but R is false,(d) A is false, but R is true

Answer 19

62,C,”The origins of Greco-Buddhist art are to be found in the Hellenistic Greco-Bactrian kingdom (250 BC-130 BC), located in today’s Afghanistan, from which Hellenistic culture radiated into the Indian subcontinent with the establishment of the Indo-Greek kingdom (180 BC-10 BC). Gandhara art influenced Mahayan Buddhism and not Hinayan which actually opposed image formation of Buddha.”

Question 20

63,”Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve foodgrains to be utilized during the crises in the country?”,(a) Sohagaura Copper plate,(b) Rummindei pillar edict of Ashoka,(c) Prayag -Prasasti,(d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra

Answer 20

63,A,”The Sohgaura copper plate refers to a pair of kosthagara (dvara kotthaka); the two storehouses described as tri-garbha (i.e., having three rooms).”

Question 21

64,”Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? 1. Lothal: Ancient dockyard 2. Sarnath: First sermon of Buddha 3. Rajgir: Lion capital of Asoka 4. Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist learning Select the correct answer using the codes given below”,(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4,(b) 3 and 4,(c) 1,2, and 4,(d) 1 and 2

Answer 21

64,C,”Lion capital of Ashoka had been found from Sarnath, Sanchi, Rampurva, Vaishali, and Lauriya Nandangarth. Lothal, one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, located in the Bhal region of the modern state of Gujarat, in the western part of India. Sarnath, located just 12 km from the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, is the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Nalanda was an acclaimed Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar) in India.”

Question 22

65,”The concept of Eight-fold path forms the theme of”,(a) Dipavamsa,(b) Divyavadana,(c) Mahaparinibbana Sutta,(d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta

Answer 22

65,D,”The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta: The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of the Dharma Sutra or Promulgation of the Law Sutra is a Buddhist text that is considered to be a record of the first teaching given by Gautama Buddha after he attained enlightenment.”

Question 23

66,”The given map relates to (a) Kaniska at the time of his death (b) Samudragupta after the close of his south Indian campaign (c) Asoka towards the close of his reign (d) Empire of Thaneshwar on the eve of Harsha’s accession”

Answer 23

66,C,”Self Explanatory.”

Question 24

67,”The Asokan major rock edict which tell us about the sangam kingdom include rock edicts”,(a) I and X,(b) I and XI,(c) II and XIII,(d) II and XIV

Answer 24

67,C,”Major Rock Edict II provides for care for man and animals, describes Chola, Pandyas, Satyapura, and Keralaputra Kingdoms of South India. Major Rock Edict XIII is the largest inscription from the edict. The King considered the victory by “Dhamma” to be the foremost victory, mentioning the Dhamma victory over the Greek king named Antiochus. It also mentions the Dhamma victory over the following foreign kings and in the south over the Cholas and Pandyas as far as Ceylon.”

Question 25

68,”Many of the Greeks, Kushanas, and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because (a) Buddhism was in the ascendant at that time (b) They had renounced the policy of war and violence (c) Caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them (d) Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society”

Answer 25

68,D,”Many of the Greeks, Kushanas, and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society.”

Question 26

69,”What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? 1. Gold coins 2. Punch-marked silver coins 3. Iron plough 4. Urban culture Select the correct answer using the codes given below”,(a) 3, 4, 1, 2,(b) 3, 4, 2, 1,(c) 4, 3, 1, 2,(d) 4, 3, 2, 1

Answer 26

69,D,”First urban culture refers to the Indus Valley Civilization (2250-1750 BC). Iron plough was used in Vedic times. The first coins issued in India were punch-marked. The largest number of punch-marked coins (mostly silver), which have been found and can be assigned to the Mauryan period, come from eastern UP and Bihar. Gold coins were issued by Indo-Greeks and Kushan rulers after the Mauryans.”

Question 27

70,”Which one the following statements regarding Asokan stone pillars is incorrect?”,(a) These are highly polished,(b) These are monolithic,(c) The shaft of pillars is tapering in shape,(d) These are parts of architectural structures

Answer 27

70,D,”Ashokan pillars are considered to be monoliths and independent structures and are not associated with other structures.”
The Ashokan stone pillars were not part of any architectural structure. These pillars were freestanding and were erected in open spaces or at important locations along the main roads. The pillars were originally surmounted by animal capitals consisting of four lions, elephants, bulls or horses, which symbolized various aspects of Ashoka’s Dharma. The pillars were inscribed with edicts that conveyed Ashoka’s message of peace, tolerance, and social justice. The inscriptions were written in Prakrit language and Brahmi script. The Ashokan stone pillars are considered as one of the finest examples of ancient Indian art and architecture.

Read more at: https://edurev.in/question/952109/Which-of-the-following-statement-regarding-Ashokan

Question 28

71,”Match list I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the list List - I List - II
A. Gupta: 1. Badami
B. Chandella 2 Panamalai
C. Chalukya 3 Khajuraho
D. Pallava 4 Deogarh Codes : A B C D”,(a) 4 3 1 2,(b) 4 2 3 1,(c) 2 3 4 1,(d) 3 4 1 2

Answer 28

71,A,”Self Explanatory.”

Question 29

72,”The following maps show four of the sixteen mahajanapadas that existed in ancient India. The places marked A, B, C, and D respectively are The Places marked A, B, C, and D respectively are (a) Matsya, Cedi, Kosala, Anga (b) Surasena, Avanti, Vatsa, Magadha (c) Matsya, Avanti, Vatsa, Anga (d) Surasena, Cedi, Kosala, Magadha”

Answer 29

72,C,”In the 6th century BC, ancient India had a number of kingdoms that emerged during the Vedic Age. This period saw socio-economic development along with religious and political developments across the Indo-Gangetic plain. These permanent settlements led to the evolution from Janapadas to Mahajanapadas. 22 Mahajanapadas are mentioned in Astadhyayi of Panini. 16 Mahajanapadas are mentioned in Anguttara Nikaya of Sutta Pitak.”

The sixteen Mahajanapadas enumerated in the Anguttara Nikaya are – (1) Anga, (2) Magadha, (3) Kasi, (4) Kosala, (5) Yajji, (6) Malla, (7) Chhedi, (8) Yamsa, (9) Kuru, (10) Pancala, (11) Maccha, (12) Surasena, (13) Assaka, (14) Avanti, (l5)Gandhara (16) Kamboja.

Question 30

73,”Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Asoka?”,(a) Kalsi,(b) Rummindei,(c) Special Kalinga Edict,(d) Maski

Answer 30

73,D,”Maski was the first edict of Emperor Ashoka that contained the name Ashoka in it, instead of the earlier edicts that referred to him as “Devanampriya” or “Priyadarshi.””

Question 31

74,”The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called”,(a) Rupaka,(b) Karshapana,(c) Dinara,(d) Pana

Answer 31

74,A,”In the Pre-Gupta and Gupta period, the gold coins were called Dinaras, derived from Kushanas with a weight of 144 grains. The silver coin was called Rupaka, based on Sakas of Ujjaini weighing 32-36 grains.”

Question 32

75,”In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as”,(a) Vajrapani,(b) Manjusri,(c) Padmapani,(d) Maitreya

Answer 32

75,C,”Avalokitesvara (watchful lord), also called Padmapani (Lotus bearer), whose attribute is compassion, which reaches down to Avichi, the lowest Buddha Purgatory. His heaven is Akanishtha, and his Sakti is Tara. Avalokitesvara is given a female form in China and Japan.”

Question 33

76,”Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India?”,(a) Chaturvedimangalam,(b) Parishad,(c) Ashtadikgaja,(d) Manigrama

Answer 33

76,D,”Merchants of Southern India formed Trade Guilds to organize and expand their trading activities. In 1296 AD epigraphy Tittandatanapuram, the Anjuvannam guild finds mention in a big assembly of several merchants and weavers, including Manigramam and Valanjiyar of south Ilangai (Sri Lanka), indicating that it had an influential position in that settlement.”

Question 34

77,”Match List I with list II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the list List I : List II
A. Varahamihira 1. Prabandha Chintamanl
B. Visakhadatta 2. Mrchchhakatikam
C. Sudraka 3. Brhat Samhita
D. Bilhana 4. Devi Chandraguptam
5. Vikramankadevacharita Codes : A BC D”,(a) 3 4 5 2,(b) 3 4 2 5,(c) 5 3 4 1,(d) 1 3 5 2

Answer 34

77,B,”Self Explanatory.”

Question 35

78,”Which one of the following is not a part of early Jaina Literature?”,(a) Therigatha,(b) Acarangasutra,(c) Sutrakritanga,(d) Brihatkalpasutra

Answer 35

78,A,”The Therigatha (Therigatha), often translated as Verses of the Elder Nuns, is a Buddhist scripture, a collection of short poems of early women who were elder nuns (having experienced 10 Vassa or monsoon periods) from around 600 BCE. In the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism, the Therigatha is classified as part of the Khuddaka Nikaya, the collection of short books in the Sutta Pitaka.”

Question 36

79,”The river most mentioned in early Vedic Literature is”,(a) Sindhu,(b) Sutudri,(c) Sarasvati,(d) Ganga

Answer 36

79,A,”In the Rigveda, the land where the Vedic Aryans lived is called by the name of Sapta-Sindhu or the land of the seven rivers, which included the Indus or Sindhu with its principal tributaries on the west and the river Saraswati on the east.”

Question 37

80,”Who among the following is known for his work on medicine during the Gupta period?”,(a) Saumilla,(b) Sudraka,(c) Shaunaka,(d) Susrutha”

Answer 37

80,D,”Susruta was a pioneer in the field of surgery during the Gupta period. He wrote “Susruta Samhita,” a treatise on medicine. He belonged to the 4th century AD. Susruta’s greatest contribution was in the fields of Rhinoplasty (plastic surgery) and Ophthalmic surgery (removal of cataracts). Susruta Samhita also gives a description of 101 instruments used in surgery. The Compendium of Susruta is one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda.”

Question 38

81,”Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment 2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas 3. Denial of efficacy of rituals 4. Non-injury to animal life Select the correct answer using the codes given below”,(a) 1,2,3 and 4 ,(b) 2,3,and 4 ,(c) 1,3, and 4 ,(d) 1 and 2

Answer 38

81,B,”Similarities between Buddhism and Jainism are: The source of both religions is the Vedic religion, and both are indebted to Upanishads. Both Gautam Buddha and Mahavir belonged to princely families and not to priestly families. Both deny the existence of God. Both denied the authority of the Vedas and the necessity of performing sacrifices and rituals. Both have accepted the theories of Karma, rebirth, and Moksha. Both taught in the language of the common people, i.e., Prakrit and not in Sanskrit, which was the language of the priests. Both of them were opposed to animal sacrifices. Both of them admitted disciples from all castes and both sexes. Ahimsa is the prominent principle of both religions. Both Buddhism and Jainism put stress on right conduct and right knowledge and not on religious ceremonial and ritual as the way to obtain salvation. Both religions came as a sort of reform of Hindu religion.”

Question 39

82,”Match List I with list II and select the correct answer by using codes given below the list List I List II
A. Visakhadatta 1. Medicine
B. Varahamihira 2. Drama
C. Charaka 3. Astronomy
D. Brahamagupta 4. Mathematics Codes : A B C D”,(a) 1 3 4 2 ,(b) 2 1 3 4 ,(c) 2 3 1 4 ,(d) 3 4 1 2

Answer 39

82,C,”Self Explanatory.”

Question 40

83,”In the context of ancient Indian society, which one of the following terms does not belong to the category of the other three? (a) Kula (b) Vamsa (c) Kosa (d) Gotra”

Answer 40

83,C,”The Sanskrit word ‘kula’ sometimes indicates caste and sometimes indicates dynasty. It has a lot to do with occupation and with birth. The word ‘vamsa’ means ‘lineage’ or ‘family.’ ‘Gotra’ is the lineage or clan assigned to a Hindu at birth. In most cases, the system is patrilineal, and the gotra assigned is that of the person’s father. ‘Kosa’ does not belong to the category of the other three because Kamandaka, in his Nitisara, took ‘artha’ as a synonym of wealth or ‘kosa.’”

Question 41

84,”Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows divorce to a wife deserted by her husband? (a) Kamasutra (b) Manavadharmashastra (c) Sukra Nitisara (d) Arthashastra”

Answer 41

84,D,”Divorce was forbidden for men and women both. Religious law books did not give permission for divorce, but in the ‘Arthashastra,’ it allowed divorce even after religious marriage to a wife who has been deserted by her husband and lays down waiting periods of one to twelve years, which vary according to circumstances and class.”

Question 42

85,”Which one of the following was a saiva sect in ancient India? (a) Ajivika (b) Mattamayura (c) Mayamata (d) Isanasivagurudevapaddhati”

Answer 42

85,B,”One of the moderate Salva sects known as Mattamayura flourished at the same time in Central India and a little later in some parts of Deccan. Epigraphic evidence shows that many of the Mattamayura Acharyas were preceptors of Kalachuri-Chedi kings.”

Question 43

86,”Who among the following was a Brahmavadini who composed some hymns of the Vedas? (a) Lopamudra (b) Gargi (c) Leelavati (d) Savitri”

Answer 43

86,A,”Lopamudra: The Rig Veda (Royal Knowledge) has long conversations between the sage Agasthya and his wife Lopamudra that testify to the great intelligence and goodness of the latter. As the legend goes, Lopamudra was created by sage Agasthya and was given as a daughter to the King of Vidarbha. She wrote a hymn of two stanzas making an impassioned plea for his attention and love.”

Question 44

87,”The word “Hindu” as a reference to the people of Hind (India) was first used by (a) the Greeks (b) the Romans (c) the Chinese (d) the Arabs”

Answer 44

87,A,”The ancient Greeks used to mispronounce the river Sindhu as Indos. When Alexander invaded India, the Macedonian army referred to the river as Indus and the land east of the river as India. The Greek writers who wrote about Alexander preferred to use the same name.”