TEST SERIES

PRELIMS-2022
THEMATIC TEST – 1

ANCIENT HISTORY
100 MCQs & ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
(Full assessment of exam preparedness)
 This test is part of Shield IAS Prelims Test Series 2022

THEMATIC TEST BOOKLET Test Code

GENERAL STUDIES
PTPS22D512
PAPER-I

TOPIC: Ancient History

Time Allowed: Two Hours Maximum Marks: 200

INSTRUCTIONS

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXAMINATION, YOU SHOULD

CHECK THAT THIS TEST BOOKLET DOES NOT HAVE ANY UNPRINTED OR TORN or
MISSING PAGES OR ITEMS, ETC. IF SO, GET IT REPLACED BY A COMPLETE TEST
BOOKLET.
1. This Test Booklet contains 100 items (questions). Each item comprises four responses (answers). You
will select the response which you want to mark on the Answer Sheet. In case you feel that there is
more than one correct response, mark the response which you consider the best. In any case, choose
ONLY ONE response for each item.
2. You have to mark all your responses ONLY on the separate Answer Sheet (OMR sheet) provided.
Read the directions on the Answer Sheet.
3. All items carry equal marks.
4. Before you proceed to mark on the Answer Sheet, the response to various items in the Test booklet,
you have to fill in some particulars in the Answer Sheet as per the instructions contained therein.
5. After you have completed filling in all your responses on the Answer Sheet and the examination has
concluded, you should hand over to the Invigilator only the Answer Sheet. You are permitted to take
away with you the Test Booklet.

Penalty for wrong answers:

THERE WILL BE PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS MARKED BY A CANDIDATE IN THE
OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTION PAPERS.
(i) There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a wrong
answer has been given by the candidate, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be
deducted as penalty.
(ii) If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer, even if one of the
given answers happens to be correct and there will be the same penalty as above to that question.
(iii) If a question is left blank, i.e., no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that
question.

This test is part of Shield IAS Prelims Test Series 2022

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1. What is common between the religious (b) 2 only

practices of the Rig Vedic Aryans and (c) Both 1 and 2
Harappan people? (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) Worship of mother Goddess
(b) Fire worship 5. Which of the following texts gives an
(c) Animal worship account of the committee system of
(d) Singing of hymns administering the municipalities in the
cities?
2. In which part of India, evidences have 1. Indica by Megasthenes
been found supporting the facts that the 2. Arthashastra by Kautilya
Neolithic Age people lived in pits? Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) Kashmir (a) 1 only
(b) Rajasthan (b) 2 only
(c) Maharashtra (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) North eastern states (d) Neither 1 nor 2

3. Consider the following statements about 6. Consider the following statements :

Ashokan Major Rock Edicts: 1. Buddha accepted the concept of
1. The edicts focus on social and moral rebirth, but rejected the concept of
precepts. soul.
2. The edicts profess religious practices 2. Jain philosophy accepts the concept of
or the philosophical dimensions of soul.
Buddhism. 3. According to Buddha, the way to
Which of the above statements is/are achieve salvation is through following
correct? the Eightfold Path.
(a) 1 only 4. According to Mahavira, the way to
(b) 2 only achieve salvation is through
(c) Both 1 and 2 knowledge.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the above statements are true?
(a) 1 and 2 only
4. Consider the following statements about (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
the Mauryan administration: (c) 2 and 3 only
1. The state during this period actively (d) All of the above
took part, as well as regulated trade
and commerce. 7. Which of the following languages are used
2. Yukta, Rajjuka and Pradeshika are the in the Ashokan edicts?
only officers mentioned in the 1. Prakrit
Ashokan edicts. 2. Greek
Which of the above statements is/are 3. Kharosthi
correct?
Which of the above are true?
(a) 1 only

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(a) 1 and 2 only 2. The earliest inscriptional evidence of

(b) 1 and 3 only land grant in India that belongs to 1st
(c) 2 and 3 only Century BC was during the reign of
Satavahanas.
(d) All of the above
Which of the above statements is/are
correct?
8. Consider the following statements:
(a) 1 only
1. Mauryan town administration was
(b) 2 only
based on the five municipal boards.
(c) Both 1 and 2
2. Tamralipti was an important port
during the Indo-Greek period. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which of the above statements is/are true?
(a) 1 only 12. Consider the following statements in the
context of Indian history:
(b) 2 only
1. Some sites of Neolithic age were
(c) Both 1 and 2
urban in their character.
(d) None of the above
2. The agriculture started in the Neolithic
age.
9. Consider the following statements:
3. Clay modelling in the form of pottery
1. The famous Sanchi stupa was
took shape in the Neolithic age.
constructed during the Sunga period.
4. All Neolithic sites in India gradually
2. Emperor Harshvardhan constructed
developed into Chalcolithic sites.
the gateway railing which surrounds
Which of the above statements is/are true?
this stupa.
(a) 1 and 2 only
Which of the above is/are correct?
(b) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 2 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
13. Consider the following statements about
the Later Vedic age:
10. Which of the following religion flourished
1. Village becomes the administrative
during the Sunga period?
unit during this period.
(a) Buddhism
2. The concept of soul and life after
(b) Jainism
death developed during this period.
(c) Bhagvatism
3. The trade used to take place through
(d) Ajivika sect barter system.
Which of the above statements is/are true?
11. Consider the following statements: (a) 1 and 2 only
1. Satavahanas were finally succeeded by (b) 1 and 3 only
the Vakataka dynasty in Maharashtra
(c) 2 and 3 only
and Ikshvaku dynasty in Andhra
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Pradesh.

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(d) The standardized ratio of brick size.

14. Consider the following statements:
1. Varna originally meant the color 17. Match the following:-
difference between Rig Vedic Aryan List I List II
and non Aryan.
1. Kalibangan A. Punjab
2. Purushsukta in the 10th Mandal of Rig
2. Mohenjodaro B. Rajasthan
Veda is the first evidence of the Varna
division in the Indian society. 3. Harappa C. Gujrat
3. Varna division was initially based on 4. Surkotada D. Sind
the occupation and later on the birth. Select the correct answer from the codes
4. Word “Gotra” later assumed the given below:
meaning - exogamous clans. (a) 1-D, 2-B, 3-C, 4-A
Which of the above statements is/are true? (b) 1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D
(a) 1 and 2 only (c) 1-A, 2-C, 3-D, 4-B
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the above 18. Match List I with List II:
List I List II
15. Consider the following statements:
(Later Vedic (Rulers)
1. Allara Kalama and Udrak Ramputra Kingdoms)
were the teachers of Buddha.
1. Kuru A. Asvasena
2. Dhramchakkapavattana refers to the
first sermon by Buddha. 2. Panchala B. Dhavasana
Dvaitvana
3. Uppali and Ananda were the disciples
of Buddha. 3. Matasya C. Janaka
4. First Buddhist council was held at 4. Kasi D. Parikshit
Patliputra just after the death of lord 5. Videha E. PravahanaJaivali
Buddha.
Select the correct answer from the codes
Which of the above statements is/are true? given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only (a) 1-D, 2-A, 3-E, 4-C, 5-B
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1-D, 2-E, 3-B, 4-A, 5-C
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D, 5-E
(d) All of the above (d) 1-B, 2-D, 3-E, 4-A, 5-C

16. Which of the following statements does 19. Arrange the following units of political
not support the theory that Harappan organization of Vedic period in the
Civilisation had a centralized authority? descending order:
(a) Uniformity in the town planning. 1. Vis
(b) Strategic location of the sites. 2. Jana
(c) Citadel is found in many of the 3. Grama
Harappan sites.

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4. Rashtra (a) 1, 2 and 3

5. Kula (b) 2, 3 and 4
Select the answer from the codes given (c) 1, 3 and 4
below: (d) 1, 2 and 4
(a) 4, 2, 1, 3 and 5
(b) 2, 3, 1, 5 and 4 22. Which of the following statements is/are
(c) 5, 2, 1, 3 and 4 true about the land charters of post-
(d) 3, 2, 4, 1 and 5 Gupta period?
1. In some land grants, taxes and powers
20. Which of the following statements about of administration were explicitly
Mahavira are correct? delegated in a positive manner.
1. Believed that God has created this 2. Some charters specifically transferred
world and exercises control over it. peasants and artisans living in a
village and also cultivators occupying
2. Regarded all objects, animate or
a piece of land with the grant.
inanimate, as endowed with various
degrees of consciousness. 3. Some charters gave the beneficiary the
right to evict the existing peasants and
3. Rejected the authority of the Vedas
induce new ones.
and objected to the Vedic rituals and
Brahmin supremacy. 4. Once important element in the land
donation records was the list of
4. Advocated severe asceticism and
officers, either, with both proper
extreme penance for the attainment of
names and functional designations or
the highest spiritual state.
only with designations.
Select the answer from the codes below:
Select the answer from the codes below:
(a) All of them
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4
(d) All the above

21. Consider the following statements about

23. Arrange the following Chinese travelers,
Mahayana Buddhism:
who came to India, in correct
1. Deviated from the original teachings
chronological order.
of the Buddha.
1. Hiuen Tsang
2. Sought individual salvation through
2. Fahien
self-discipline and meditation.
3. Itsing
3. Believed in the heavenliness of the
Buddhas and bodhisattvas and 4. Wang Hiuen Tse
worshipped their images. Choose the answer from the codes below:
4. Developed two chief philosophical (a) 2, 1, 3, 4
systems, the Madhyamika and the (b) 2, 1, 4, 3
Yogachara. (c) 2, 4, 1, 3
Which of the above statements are correct? (d) 2, 3, 1, 4

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(a) New Stone Age

24. Which of the following statements about (b) Copper Age
Bana’s Harshacharita is not correct? (c) Iron Age
(a) It contains eight chapters and in the (d) Bronze Age
first chapter he describes Harsha’s life
and family.
27. One of the important reasons for the rise
(b) The sixth and seventh chapters deal of Mahajanpada of Magadha is attributed
with the wars and conquests of to the policies and ambitions of kings like
Harsha. Ajatsatru, Bimbasara etc. This is
(c) The last chapter gives us information corroborated by which of the following
about various religious sects living in sources:
the forests of the Vindhyas. 1. Jaina Sources
(d) The book gives us a good idea about 2. Buddhist Sources
the flourishing urban economy of
3. Ashokan Rock edicts
Harsha’s period.
Choose the correct code:
(a) 1 only
25. Which of the following statements about
(b) 2 only
Pulakesin II are correct?
(c) 2 and 3
1. He had to fight a bitter civil war
(d) 1 and 2
against his uncle before establishing
himself on the throne.
2. The Aihole inscription gives us 28. In which of the following Ashokan edicts
information about his achievements the name “Asoka” in addition to usual
and rule. “Devanam Piyadasi” is mentioned?
3. He was defeated by Harsha as is 1. Maski
evident from later Chalukyan 2. Gujarra
inscriptions. 3. Nittur
4. He started the suicidal Pallava – 4. Udaigolam
Chalukya conflict which went on for Choose the correct code:
centuries. (a) 1 and 2 only
5. He died a natural death after ruling for (b) 2 and 3 Only
about 33 years.
(c) 4 only
Select the answer from the codes given
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4
29. Consider the following statement about
(b) 2, 3 and 4
the Rig Vedic period:
(c) 1, 2 and 5
1. The impact of trade on the economy
(d) 2, 4 and 5 was negligible.
2. There has been limited evidence of
26. The people of Harappa and Mohenjo- horse in the Indus Valley Civilization,
Daro culture belonged to the

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however the horse was the important

animal of this age. 32. Consider the following statements about
3. There is no sign of urbanization during the second Jain council:
this period. 1. It was held at Mathura.
4. The houses of this period were made 2. It was presided over by Aryaskandilya
up of mud bricks Which of the above statement is/are true?
Which of the above statement(s) is/are (a) 1 only
correct?
(b) 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) All of the above
33. The Vedic term vrihi stands for
(a) Cotton
30. Consider the following statement about
(b) Wheat
the Later Vedic age:
(c) Rice
1. There was limited use of iron during
(d) Barley
this period mainly as weapon.
2. Concept of land as private property
34. Mahavira preached in which of the
did not develop during this period.
following languages/dialects?
3. Brahamans and Rajnas claimed grain
(a) Magadhi
from Vaisyas, the peasant class.
(b) Ardha – Magadhi
4. The coins of this age are found from
sites in upper Gangetic basin. (c) Suraseni
Which of the above statements is/are true? (d) Apabhramsa
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only 35. Navada Toli, Jorwe, and Bhramgiri were
the sites belonging to which of the
(c) 2 and 3 only
following age?
(d) All of the above
(a) Neolithic age
(b) Mesolithic age
31. Consider the following statements:
(c) Chalcolithic age
1. Sutras were composed in both prose
(d) None of the above
and verse.
2. Smritis were composed only in prose.
3. Sutras and Smriti are together called 36. Consider the following cities:-
Shastras. 1. Taxila
Which of the above statements is/are true? 2. Kashi
(a) 1 and 3 only 3. Valabhi
(b) 1 only 4. Pataliputra
(c) 2 and 3 only Which of the above were educational centers
in ancient India?
(d) All of the above
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

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(b) 1, 2, 3 only (b) Jainism

(c) 2, 3 and 4 (c) Bhagvatism
(d) All of the above (d) Ajivika sect

37. What was the status assigned to a person 41. Which one of the following forms of
born of a pratiloma marriage? endogamy was not recognized?
(a) Same as that of mother (a) Varna endogamy
(b) Same as that of father (b) Jati endogamy
(c) Intermediate between that of the two (c) Gotra endogamy
parents (d) None of the above
(d) Lower than that of either parent
42. Consider the following statements:
38. Consider the following statements: 1. Famous Parthian king was
1. The evidence of the furrowed field Gondaphernes in whose reign St.
during the Harappan age has come Thomas is said to have come to India
from Kalibangan. from Israel for the propagation of
2. The stone was not used in the Christianity.
buildings and houses during Harappan 2. The empire of Kanshika was spread
age. over a large area in the portion of five
Which of the above statement/s is/are countries i.e. Russia, Afghanistan,
correct? Iran, Pakistan and India.
(a) 1 only Which of the above statement/s is/are
(b) 2 only correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
39. Which of the following statements about (d) Neither 1 nor 2
the Mauryan age is not correct?
(a) Crown land was called Sita. 43. Consider the following statements about
(b) Shudras were involved in agriculture Post Mauryan period:
for the first time during this period. 1. The Chedi dynasty ruled over Kalinga.
(c) There were provisions for irrigation by 2. Amaravati School of Sculpture (150
the state. BC – 400 AD) was related to the
(d) The weight and measures were Kushanas.
regulated by the guilds of the traders Which of the above statement/s is/are
and merchants. correct?
(a) 1 only
40. Mauryan king Bindusara patronized (b) 2 only
which of the following? (c) Both 1 and 2
(a) Buddhism (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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(d) 1 only
44. Which of the following statements about
Samudragupta is incorrect? 48. Consider the following statements:
(a) He took the title Licchichividhutra as 1. Nagar form/style of temple
his mother was Licchichivi princess. architecture achieved its classical form
(b) The most detailed and authentic record during the time of Gupta rulers.
of his reign is preserved in the Prayaga 2. Kailasha temple at Ellora was
Prasasti/Allahabad pillar inscription, constructed by the kings of
composed by his court poet Harisena. Rashtrakuta dynasty.
(c) Samudragupta was a Shavite. 3. Lingaraja temple is situated in
(d) He married Kubernaga of Naga Khajuraho.
dynasty and married his own daughter Which of the above statements is/are
Prabhavatigupta with Vakataka prince correct?
Rudrasena II. (a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
45. Which of the following Indo- Greek kings (c) 1 and 2 only
is mentioned in the Buddhist text Milind-
(d) 2 only
Panaho?
(a) Menander
49. Consider the following statements
(b) Rudradaman
regarding Emperor Ashoka :
(c) Hesatrius
1. He believed that an individual harmed
(d) None of the above others’ as well as his own religion
when that individual honoured his
46. Which of the following pairs is incorrectly religion and condemned others’.
matched? 2. He was the son of Bimbisara.
(a) Devichandraguptam - Vishakadutta Which of the statements given above is/are
(b) Mrichachakathika - Sudraka correct?
(c) Kathasaritasagar - Somdev (a) 1 only
(d) Sawpanwasavdatta – Kalidas (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
47. Consider the following statements: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Chaitya is a Buddhist Temple.
2. Gautam Buddha did not believe in 50. Consider the following statements about
rebirth. Kondane Caves :
3. Gautam Buddha achieved 1. The images recently found in Kondane
Mahaparinirvana (death) in Bodhgaya. Caves in Maharastra were found in
Which of the above statement is/are correct? both natural caverns and man-made
(a) 1 and 3 only caves.
(b) All of the above 2. The man-made caves also feature
Buddhist architecture, such as a
(c) 2 and 3 only

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‘Chaitya’ (prayer hall) and a (a) 1 only

monastery. (b) 2 and 3 only
3. The Buddhist rock-cut architecture (c) 1 and 2 only
found in these caves belongs to the (d) 1, 2 and 3
Mahayana phase of Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are
53 Consider the following statements
correct?
regarding the Indus Valley Civilization:
(a) 1 only
1. The people of this civilization
(b) 1 and 2 worshipped trees.
(c) 2 and 3 2. Animals were also worshiped and
(d) 3 only many of them are represented on seals.
The most important of them is the
51. Consider the following statements one-horned animal unicorn.
regarding the Gupta Age: 3. There was no social differentiation in
1. Fa-hien states that the Chandalas lived this civilization.
outside the village, and dealt in meat Which of the statements given above is/are
and flesh. correct?
2. Gupta period is remarkable for the (a) 1 only
production of secular literature, which (b) 2 only
consisted of a fair degree of ornate (c) 1 and 3 only
court poetry.
(d) 1 and 2 only
3. The Gupta period was very rich in
terms of architecture.
54. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/ are
1. The official language of the
correct?
Satavahans was Prakrit.
(a) 1 only
2. ‘Gatha Saptasati’ (a Prakrit text) is
(b) 1 and 2 only
attributed to a Satavahana king ‘Hala’.
(c) 3 only
3. The Satavahans started the practice of
(d) 2 and 3 only granting tax-free villages to Brahmans
and Buddhist monks.
52. Consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are
1. Muziris was an ancient seaport and correct?
urban centre in south-eastern India . (a) 3 only
2. Muziris has found mention in the (b) 1 and 2 only
Sangam literature and a number of (c) 2 and 3 only
classical European historical sources.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. The port was a key to trade between
southern India and the Greeks and the
55. Bharatha, as a region was first mentioned
Roman Empire.
in the work of
Which of the statements given above is/are
(a) Patanjali
correct?

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(b) Panini (b) Atharva Veda

(c) Ptolemy (c) Mundaka Upanishad
(d) Pliny (d) Sam Veda

56. Consider the following statements with 59. Consider the following statements :
regard to the Haryanka Dynasty: 1. The Brahmi script was deciphered by
1. Ajatasatru was the king of Magadha at Werner Willikens and it helped
the time of Maha parinirvana of understand the Ashokan inscriptions.
Buddha. 2. The Uttaramerur inscription of the
2. Bimbisara was the 1st Indian King to Chola King Parantaka I helped us
maintain a standing army. understand the Local Self Government
3. Bimbisara, was the contemporary of of that period.
Buddha and not Mahavira. 3. While the Aihole inscription detailed
4. Ajatasatru introduced Ratnamasula in the rivalry between Harsha and
army. Pulakeshin-II, the Junagarh inscription
Which of the statements given above is/are detailed the development of irrigation
correct? facilities in the Mauryan period.
(a) 2 and 3 only Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(b) 1 and 3 only
(a) 1 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only
57. Analyse the following and identify the
correct statement:
(a) The Taittereya Brahmana states that, a 60. Consider the following statements
sacrifice is no sacrifice if the wife is regarding the education system in Ancient
not present. India:
(b) The Jain text Kalpasutra indicates that 1. The Nalanda University was
both during the lifetime of Mahavira established by Harshavardhan.
as well as after his death, the number 2. The Taxila University was established
of women ascetics and laity was by Dharmapala of Pala dynasty.
double than that of men. 3. Ghatikas played a crucial role in
(c) Women were allowed into the imparting education in South India.
Buddhist Sangha when Buddha was Which of the statements given above is/are
alive. correct?
(d) Women Bhakti saints challenged the (a) 1 and 2 only
patriarchal social order. (b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
58. The word ‘Sathyameva Jayate’ is taken (d) None of the above
from
(a) Yajur Veda 61. Consider the following statements:

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1. Megasthenes declared that famine was 3. The society was classified on the basis
very known in India. of profession and not on the basis of
2. References to famine are fairly birth.
common in the ancient Indian Which of the statements given above is/are
literature. correct?
3. The Arthashastra suggests that a king (a) 2 and 3 only
is justified in confiscating the hoarded (b) 1 and 2 only
wealth of his richer subjects in order (c) 1 and 3 only
to feed the hungry.
(d) 3 only
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
64. Which of the following edicts first refers
(a) 2 and 3 only
to sati system in India?
(b) 1 and 2 only
(a) Eran edict
(c) 3 only
(b) Indore edict
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Hathigupha edict
(d) Junagarhedict
62. Consider the following statements:
1. In the period between the Mauryas and
65. Which of the following Asokan inscription
the Guptas, much wealth and energy
makes a precise reference to taxation?
were spent on Jainism architecture.
(a) Rummindei inscription
2. The Sanchi gateways are more
(b) Allahabad pillar inscription
noteworthy for their carved
(c) Barbara cave Inscription
ornamentation, than their architecture.
The construction of these gateways, (d) Kandhar Inscription
from technical point of view, is
primitive. 66. What is/are main propositions of the
Which of the statements given above is/ are “advaita” Vedanta school of Hindu
correct? Philosophy?
(a) 1 only 1. It says that Supreme Cosmic Spirit is
(b) 2 only the One, the whole and the only
reality.
(c) Both 1 and 2
2. It advocates the neti-neti approach.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. It opposes Mimamsa school of
thought.
63. Consider the following statements with
Select the correct option from the codes
regard to Rigveda:
given below:
1. The occupation had become
(a) 1 and 2 only
hereditary.
(b) 2 and 3 only
2. The members of the same family took
same professions and thus belonged to (c) 1 and 3 only
the same varnas. (d) All of the above

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67. Consider the following statements about Select the correct option from the codes
Ashoka's Dhamma policy: given below:
1. It was a secular policy to maintain (a) 1 and 2 only
religious harmony in the empire. (b) 1 only
2. It was a policy to maintain social (c) 1 and 3 only
harmony in the empire. (d) all of the above
3. It was a policy of piety.
4. It was a religious policy of the king. 71. Which one of the following statements is
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrectly stated?
correct? (a) In the ‘Purusha-Sukta’ hymn of
(a) 1 only Rigveda, the four fold division of
(b) 1 and 2 only society has been expressly mentioned.
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) The term ‘Second Urbanization’ in
(d) All of the above ancient India refers to the urban
process in South India.

68. The gold coins in India issued by which of (c) In the Chola administrative system,
the followings rulers for the first time in the ‘Sabha’ was an assembly of adult
India? men in agrahara.
(a) Indo-Greeks (d) The story of the transformation of a
dancing girl into a Buddhist nun is
(b) Guptas
narrated in ‘Manimekhalai’.
(c) Mauryas
(d) Sungas
72. Consider the following statements:
1. The Ashokan inscription found at
69. The earliest evidence of rice cultivation in
Udegolam refers to the ancient city of
India comes from which of the following
Isila.
cultures ?
2. Rock edict V of Asoka mentions about
(a) Malwa culture
the appointment of Dharma
(b) Bolan valley culture
Mahamatras.
(c) Belan valley culture
3. Kanishka, who was an ardent Buddhist
(d) Banas valley culture king, introduced ‘Boddo’ on the gold
coin and ‘Sakamano boddo’ on the
70. Which among the following statements copper coin.
conform to the teachings of Buddhism? Which one of the above statements is
1. All conditioned things are in constant incorrect?
state of flux. (a) 1 only
2. In humans, there is no permanent, (b) 2 only
underlying substance that can be (c) 3 only
called the soul.
(d) None of the above
3. Nothing in the physical world can
bring lasting deep satisfaction of
desires.

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73. Which one of the following statements is 76. Match List-I with List – II and select the
incorrect? correct answer using the codes given
(a) The famous temple of Kailash, hewn below the lists :
out of the rock at Ellora was List I List II
constructed by Narsimhvarman I. (Text) (Subject)
(b) The grandest and loftiest temple of
A. Asthanga of 1. Poetics
Chola period, the Brihadeshwara
Vagbhata
temple was built by Rajaraja-I.
B. Bhagavritti of 2. Grammar
(c) An exquisite example of the Nagara
Vimal Mati
style of architecture is provided by
Lingaraja temple, Bhubaneshwar. C. Lilavati of 3. Mathematics
(d) The brick temple of Bhitargaon is a Bhaskara Charya
famous Gupta period monument D. Dhvanyaloka of 4. Medicine
exhibiting architectural feature of use Ananda Vardhana
of lime-mortar as cementing material. Codes :-
A B C D
74. Consider the following statements: (a) 1 2 3 4
1. In the Chola administrative system, (b) 4 2 3 1
the village granted to the Brahmans
(c) 1 3 2 4
are called ‘Agrahara’.
(d) 4 3 2 1
2. The early Tamil poet, who makes a
reference to the Nandas and Mauryas
in his work, is Illango. 77. Which one of the following statements in
not correct?
3. ‘The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’,
bearing on India’s trade in the early (a) Bhadrabalu wrote Kalpasutras during
centuries of the Christian era was the time of king Udayan of Magadh.
written by Pliny. (b) Mahavira attained Kaivalya-Jnana on
Which of the above statements are incorrect? the bank of the River Rijupalika.

(a) 1 and 2 (c) Jainism became the state religion of

Lichchavis.
(b) 1 and 3
(d) Haribhadra was a Jain scholar who
(c) 2 and 3
lived in the ninth century A.D.
(d) 1, 2 and 3

78. Consider the following passage and

75. Where is the pre-historic grain producing
identify the three tribal principalities
site of Mehargarh located?
referred to therein using the code given
(a) On the banks of Ghaggar River. below:
(b) In eastern Rann of Kutch.
In the early history of the far South in
(c) On the edge of Bolan River. India, three tribal principalities are
(d) In western Baluchistan. mentioned in Ashokan inscriptions of the
third century BC and in Kharavela

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inscription of the first century BC. They (a) Narmada

are - (b) Tapi
(a) Vakatakas, Cholas and Satvahanas (c) Tungabhadra
(b) Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras (d) Damodar
(c) Ikshvakus, Vakatakas and Pandyas
(d) Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas 83. The Ashtadhyayi of Panini, the
Mahabhasya of Patanjali and the Kashika
79. In reference to Jainism, the term Vritti of Jayaditya deal with-
Kaivalya refers to (a) Principles of Law
(a) Perfect knowledge (b) Principles of Phonetics
(b) Becoming a monk (c) Principles of Grammar
(c) Doing meditation (d) Principles of Linguistics
(d) Giving religious speech
84. In Buddhism, what does “Patimokkha”
80. “Use of white marble, long legs and stand for?
slender frames, human beings as central (a) A description of Mahayana Buddhism
characters and prominence of kings, (b) A description of Hinayana Buddhism
princess and palaces” were the (c) The rules of the Sangha
characteristic features of which one of the
(d) The questions of Ming Menander
following ancient art forms of India?
(a) Amaravati School of Art
85. Whose philosophy is called the Advaita?
(b) Gandhara School of Art
(a) Ramanujacharya
(c) Mathura School of Art
(b) Shankaracharya
(d) Pahari School of Art
(c) Nagarjuna
(d) Vasumitra
81. Which one of the following statements
regarding Harappan civilization is
86. Who destroyed the Empire of Chalukyas
correct?
of Badami?
(a) The standard Harappan seals were
(a) Cholas
made of clay.
(b) Pallavas
(b) The inhabitants of Harappa had
neither knowledge of copper nor (c) Pandyas
bronze. (d) Rashtrakutas
(c) The Harappan civilization was rural
based. 87. Which one of the following pairs is not
(d) The inhabitants of Harappa grew and correctly matched?
used cotton. (a) Hoysalas: Dwarasamudra
(b) Pallavas: Vatapi
82. The Chalukya king, Pulakesin II defeated (c) Pandyas: Madurai
Harshavardhan on the banks of which (d) Yadavas: Devagiri
river?

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88. The first major inscription in Classical 93. Third Buddhist Council was presided by
Sanskrit is that of– (a) Sabakami
(a) Chandragupta Vikramadiya (b) Mahakasyapa
(b) Kanishka I (c) Moggaliputta Tissa
(c) Rudradaman (d) Vasumitra and Asvaghosha
(d) Samudragupta
94. Which one of the following statements
89. The destruction of the Mauryan Empire about Chandragupta II is not correct ?
was followed by a series of invasions, and (a) Kalidasa and Amarasimha were
the first to invade India were the – famous scholars in his court.
(a) Bactrian –Greeks (b) He expanded his empire both through
(b) Parthians matrimonial alliances and conquests.
(c) Kushanas (c) He married a Naga princess, named
(d) Shakas Kubera Naga.
(d) He married his daughter Prabhavati to
90. Consider the following scholars of ancient an Ahom prince.
India:
1. Nagarjuna 95. In ancient peninsular India, who among
2. Ashvagosha the following assumed the title
"Vatapikonda'?
3. Bhavbhuti
(a) Mayurasharman
4. Patanjali
(b) Narasimhavarman
Which of the above scholars were patronized
by Kanishka? (c) Pulakesin II
(a) 1 and 2 (d) Vikramditya II
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4 96. Who among the following was appointed
by Ashoka to administer justice in his
(d) 1 and 3
empire?
(a) Shramana
91. The “Purusha Sukta” is found in the-
(b) Uparika
(a) Atharva Veda
(c) Rajuka
(b) Rig Veda
(d) Kumaramatya
(c) Sama Veda
(d) Yajur Veda
97. Consider the following statements:
1. Jainism in ancient India condemned
92. The name “Asoka” was first found in the-
the Varna system.
(a) Maski Edict
2. Jain religious literature was written in
(b) Junagarh Inscription
Ardhamagadhi.
(c) Sarnath Inscription
3. Mahavira admitted women into the
(d) Allahabad Pillar Inscription order of his followers.

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Which of these statements is/are correct? (a) An important Buddhist test in Pali.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) Miscellaneous work in prose and verse
(b) 1 and 2 associated with Mudrarakshasha.
(c) 3 only (c) Collection of long sermons ascribed to
(d) 2 and 3 Mahavira.
98. Who among the following composed the (d) Collection of short stories ascribed to
inscription of Allahabad Pillar Kautilya.
Inscription?
(a) Parsavanath 100. Which one of the following place has no
(b) Harisena Asokan edict?
(c) Banabhatta (a) Girnar
(d) Nagasena (b) Kandahar
(c) Pataliputra
99. With reference of Indian literary works, (d) Topra
what is ‘Digha Nikaya’?

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THEMATIC TEST – 1

ANCIENT HISTORY

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1. (b) Explanation: Fire altars have been found from Harappan sites like Kalibangan. Also
during Rig Vedic age, Agni (fire) was an important God. Mother Goddess was not
worshipped during the Vedic age. Animal worship was also absent during the Vedic age.
Singing of hymns was a practice during the Vedic age but absent during the Harappan age.

2. (a) Explanation: Pit dwelling cultures were found in Kashmir. These pit dwelling cultures
belong to the Neolithic Age.

3. (a) Explanation: The Ashokan edicts profess Dhamma, although it is inspired by Buddhism to
a great extent, but the edicts do no profess Buddhism.

4. (a) Explanation: Mauryan state was highly centralised. There are evidence of officers who
use to regulate weight and measure etc. There are also evidences that state took active part
in the trade and commerce. The officers called Dharammatyas are also mentioned in the
Ashokan edicts.

5. (a) Explanation: Megasthenes gives an account of the committee system of administering the
municipalities in the cities. There were 6 committees of five members each. The functions
of these 6 committees were:
1) Industrial Arts
2) Entertainment of Foreigners
3) Registration of Births & Deaths
4) Trade & Commerce
5) Public Sale of Manufactured Goods
6) Collection of Taxes on Articles Sold

6. (b) Explanation:
 According to Buddha, the way to achieving salvation or the attainment of Nirvana, is
by following the Middle Path, also known as Eightfold Path. The path consisted of the
practise of right living through right thought and attitude, right intention, right speech,
right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right awareness and right concentration.
 According to Mahavira, the way to achieve salvation is through penance and
abstinence.
 According to the Jaina philosophy the soul exists is every being while the Buddhist
Philosophy does not believe in the concept of soul.

7. (a) Explanation: The Ashokan edicts are in different languages based on the respective
language of the territory. (Kharosthi is a script used in the Ashokan edicts, it is not a
language)
The inscriptions are mostly in Prakrit language and Brahmi script. In north western region
they are written in Prakrit language and Kharosthi script. In Afghanistan, they are written
in Greek language and Aramaic script.

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8. (d) Explanation:
 Mauryan town administration was based on the six municipal boards and not five.
 Tamralipti (in Bengal) was an important port during the Mauryan period.

9. (d) Explanation: The Stupa was constructed during the period of Ashoka while gateway
railing was constructed during the Sunga period.

10. (c) Explanation: Bhagvatism was one of the chief new religions in the post-Mauryan era
which was centered around the idea of a supreme God, God of gods, called Hari and later
on as Vasudev, and emphasized the necessity of worshipping Him with devotion, in
preference to earlier methods of sacrifices and rituals. Bhagvatism, originating from
Mathura, flourished in the Sunga period.

11. (c) Explanation: Land Grants have important role in the history as they symbolise the start of
feudalism in the Indian society. The first evidence of land grant has come from the
Satavahana period.

12. (b) Explanation: First sign of urbanization comes from the Harappan period and not Neolithic
age. Only some of the Neolithic sites got converted into Chalcolithic sites while the others
declined.

13. (c) Explanation: Villages become the lowest administrative unit during the age of Buddha,
and since then this system is continuing till date. The concept of soul and life after death
developed during Later Vedic period which is for the first time mentioned in the
Upanishads. Since the coins were absent during this age the trade used to take place
through barter system.

14. (d) Explanation: The first evidence of the Varna division comes from the 10th Mandal of the
Rig Veda. Varna System was mobile during the Rig Vedic age and based on the
occupations.

15. (b) Explanation: The first Buddhist council was held at Rajgriha in 483 B.C. under the
patronage of Ajatshatru.

16. (c)

17. (d)

18. (a) Explanation: From the texts belonging to the later Vedic period we get the information
about some important kings of various dynasties. Many of these rulers were philosopher
kings.

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19. (a) Explanation: Kula refers to the families with common ancestors and kinship. Grama
means village. Collection of villages constitute a Vis. Jana refers to a region while Rashtra
means nation.

20. (c) Explanation: Mahavira teaches us that life and destiny of mankind is not the result of the
whims of some distant god. According to him, each one of us is what we have made
ourselves by our actions in this life and in previous lives. Mahavira believed that all the
objects on earth living or non-living have soul and consciousness. He rejected the authority
of Vedas and supremacy of Brahmins. Rather Jainism was a reaction against the Vedic
rituals.

21. (c) Explanation: Mahayana means “great vehicle” and Hinayana means “lesser vehicle.” A
great vehicle is like a large ship that can carry many people over the ocean. The word
vehicle is used to describe the Buddha’s teachings, since the ultimate purpose of the
teachings is to carry people from the shore of this impure world to the other shore of
enlightenment. Mahayana deviated from the original teaching of Buddha. Mahayana
believed in salvation through transfer of merit as well. Mahayana asserts that there are a
thousand Buddhas in this “fortunate eon” who will start universal religions, and there have
been and will be many more Buddhas in other world ages. Madhyamika and the
Yogachara are the philosophical systems in Mahayana.

22. (d) Explanation: The elements of feudalism and decentralization were explicitly visible in the
land charters of post-Gupta period. The delegation of taxes and administrative power in
land grants was an important sign of feudalism. Likewise in various grants the peasants and
artisans living in a village and also cultivators occupying a piece of land were given with
the grant. These could also be evicted from the land on the will of beneficiaries.

23. (b) Explanation: Fahien visited India during the Gupta Period. He came to India in early fifth
century AD. Huien Tsang visited India (630 AD) in post Gupta Period and during the reign
of Harsha. During the reign of Harsha, Wang HiuenTse (645 AD) was the last Chinese
envoy that visited India. I Tsing visited Nalanda monastery in Bihar during 670-80 A.D.

24. (d) Explanation: The Harsha Charita ranks as the first historical biography in Sanskrit
although it is written in a florid and fanciful style. It is the biography of Indian Emperor
Harsha by Banabhatta, also known as Bana, who was a Sanskrit writer of 7th century. In
chapter one Bana describes the descent of Harsha’s family and his own life to the end of
his youth. Chapter two talks about his journey to the royal camp. The last and eight
Chapter gives us information about various religious sects living in the forests of the
Vindhyas. Interestingly, the book tells us that the urban centers were declining during this
period.

25. (a) Explanation: Pulakesin (610–642 CE) is the most famous ruler of the Chalukya dynasty.
In his reign the Chalukyas of Badami saw their kingdom extend over most of the Deccan.

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For ascendency to throne, he had fought with his uncle Manglesh. He defeated Harsha on
the banks of the river Narmada. The Battle of Vatapi was a decisive engagement which
took place between the Pallavas and Chalukyas near the Chalukya capital of Vatapi
(present day Badami) in 642. The battle resulted in the defeat and death of the Chalukya
king Pulakesin II and the commencement of Pallava occupation of Vatapi which lasted
until 654.

26. (d) Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC), also known as the Indus Civilisation
was a Bronze Age civilisation in the north-western regions of South Asia, lasting from
3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, and in its mature form from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE.

27. (d) Explanation: Both Jaina and Buddhist sources inform us about this fact. In Ashokan
Edicts there is no mention of any earlier kings.

28. (d) Explanation: In four of these sites, the name “Ashoka” is mentioned apart from the name
“"DevanamPiyadasi".

29. (c) Explanation: The houses of this period were made up of wattle and daub. The early Vedic
economy was predominantly tribal and rural economy. Not even settled agriculture but
cattle-rearing was the primary occupation of this age. There are very few evidence of horse
during the Harappan age, however the word “Ashwa” (the Sanskrit term for horse) has
been frequently mentioned in the Rig Veda.

30. (b) Explanation: There are no coins unearthed which belong to the Later Vedic Age. The tax
was collected in the form of kind e.g. grains. Concept of Land as private property did not
develop during this period.

31. (a) Explanation: Smritis were composed only in verse since these were supposed to be
remembered by the students etc.

32. (c) Explanation: The first Jain council was held at Patliputra under the leadership of
Sthulabhadra. The second council was held at Mathura and was presided over by
Aryaskandilya.

33. (c) Explanation: The term Vrihi was used for Rice in Vedic Era. For Wheat, the term
Godhuma was used.

34. (b) Explanation: One of the reasons of the popularity of Jainism was the fact that Mahavira
preached in the local dialect. Mahavira preached in the vernacular dialect named Aradha
Magadhi i.e. Semi-Māgadhī, Māgadhī being the dialect of the ancient kingdom of
Magadha.

35. (c) Explanation: These sites belong to the Chalcolithic period. Chalcolithic sites were majorly

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located in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

36. (b) Explanation: Pataliputra was a major political centre and not an educational centre.

37. (d) Explanation: Pratiloma was a type of marital practice in which a man of lower class /
caste / varna married a girl of higher class / caste / varna.
According to the Dharmashastrakaras, a girl should marry in her own varna, failing which
she may marry one in any of the higher varna. Thus the Pratiloma marriages were
condemned. In order to discourage Pratiloma marriages it is written in the religious texts
that the status of the child born out of a Pratiloma marriage is inferior to that of either
parent.

38. (a) Explanation: The standardized bricks were used in Harappan age for building of houses
etc. However there has been no evidence of the use of stones in Harappan buildings.

39. (d) Explanation: The weight and measures were regulated by the state. There were officers
mentioned in Arthasashtra and Indica who were responsible for regulating the weight and
measures.

40. (d) Explanation: It’s interesting to note that the Mauryan kings patronized different sects.
Bindusara (the father of Ashoka) patronized Ajivika sect. Ashoka patronized Buddhism,
while Chandragupta Maurya adopted Jainism during the later days of his life.

41: (c) Explanation: Endogamy is the practice of marrying within a specific ethnic group, class,
or social group, rejecting others as being unsuitable for marriage. The marriage between
the same Gotra is not permitted in the ancient Hindu texts.

42. (c) Explanation: St. Thomas is traditionally believed to have sailed to India in 52AD to
spread the Christian faith among the Jews, the Jewish diaspora present in Kerala at the
time. He is supposed to have landed at the ancient port of Muziris.

43. (a) Explanation: The Chedi dynasty ruled over Kalinga i.e. modern day Odisha. Amaravati
School of Sculpture (150 BC – 400 AD) was related to the Satvahanas.

44. (d) Explanation: It was Chandragupta who married Kubernaga of Naga dynasty and married
his own daughter Prabhavatigupta with Vakataka prince Rudrasena II

45. (a) Explanation: Milind Panhao is a Buddhist text written in Sanskrit. In this text the Indo-
Greek King Menander is mentioned.

46. (d) Explanation: Svapnavasavadattam is a Sanskrit play written by the ancient Indian poet
Bhasa.

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47. (d) Explanation: Chaityas are Buddhist temples whereas Vihars are the places where
Buddhist monks live. Gautam Buddha believed in rebirth but he did not believe in the
concept of soul. Buddha achieved enlightenment in Bodhgaya whereas he achieved
Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar (UP).

48. (d) Explanation: Temple architecture of Nagar style achieved its classical form during the
reign of Rajput rulers in early Medieval era. In the Gupta times it was in its initial stage.
Kailas temple is one of the largest rock cut temples of India. It was constructed by Krishna-
I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Lingaraj temple is situated in Bhubaneswar and not in
Khajuraho.

49. (a) Explanation :

 Emperor Ashoka’s Girnar Rock Edict near Junagarh in Gujarat around the year 260 BC
reads as:
 ‘The King honours all religions and sects. His Sacred Majesty does not value gifts and
honours as he values the growth of the essential elements of all religious sects. But the
root of it is restraint of speech, that is, there should not be honour only of one’s own
religion and condemnation of other religions. On the other hand, other religions should
be honoured too. By doing this, one helps his own religion to grow and benefits the
religion of others also. By doing otherwise, one harms his own religion and injures the
other religions too. For whoever honours only his own religion and condemns other
religions injures more gravely his own religion. Hence concord alone is commendable
and all should listen, and be willing to listen, to the beliefs professed by others.’
 Emperor Asoka was the son of Bindusara Maurya.

50. (b) Explanation: The Buddhist rock cut structure belongs to the Hinayana phase of Hinduism.

51. (b) Explanation: The Gupta period was poor in terms of architecture. All that we find are a
few temples made of bricks in U.P. and a stone temple. The brick temples of Bhitargaon in
Kanpur, Bhitari in Ghazipur, and Deogarh in Jhansi may be mentioned.

52. (b) Explanation: Muziris was an ancient seaport and urban centre in south western India.

53. (d) Explanation: There was social differentiation in Indus Valley Civilization.

54. (d)

55. (b) Explanation: Panini lived in the 6th B. C., mentions ‘Bharata’ in his Ashtadhyayi.

56. (c) Explanation: Bimbisara was the contemporary of both Buddha and Mahavira. Bimbisara
introduced Ratnamasula in army.

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57. (d)

58. (c) Explanation: Satyameva jayate, the national motto of India, is taken from a hymn of the
ancient Indian wisdom text, the Mundaka Upanishad (III. 1.6), which reads : satyameva
jayate nanritam/ satyena pantha vitato devayanah/ yenakramantyrishayo hyaptakama/ yatra
tat satyasya paramam nidhanam 'Truth alone triumphs, not untruth.

59. (b) Explanation: The Brahmi script was deciphered by James Princep and it helped
understand the Ashokan inscriptions.

60. (b) Explanation:

 The Nalanda University was established by Kumaragupta.
 Dharmapala established the Vikramashila University.
 Ghatikas played crucial role in imparting education in the South India.

61. (a) Explanation: Megasthenes declared that famine was unknown in India, but he certainly
wrote from inadequate knowledge.

62. (b) Explanation: In the period between the Mauryas and the Guptas, much wealth and energy
were spent on Buddhist architecture, and the older Stupas were generally enlarged and
beautified. Of these, there are specially noteworthy –those at Bharhut and Sanchi in
Madhya Pradesh.

63. (d) Explanation: Members of the same family took to different professions and belonged to
different varnas as well.

64. (a) Explanation: The first evidence of sati (immolation of widow) is found in an inscription
(AD 510) at Eran in Madhya Pradesh.

65. (a) Explanation: Lumbini Pillar Edict in Nepal is known as the Rummindei Pillar Inscription .
The Lumbini Pillar Edict recorded that sometime after the twentieth year of his reign,
Ashoka travelled to the Buddha's birthplace and personally made offerings. He then had a
stone pillar set up and reduced the taxes of the people in that area.

66. (d)

67. (c) Explanation: Dhamma’, in a sense, was an ethical code to inculcate a social responsibility
among the people, it was different from various religions popular at that time. The ultimate
goal of Dhamma was to create a harmonious environment where all people, irrespective of
their caste and religion, lived in peace and harmony with each other so as to ensure the
security and stability of the empire.
For Ashoka, Dhamma was a way of life and was based on a high degree of social ethics

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and civic responsibility. Dhamma was meant to reach every member of the society for
which Ashoka formed a different cadre of officers known as the ‘Dhamma-Mahamattas’.

68. (a) Explanation: The first rulers in India to issue coins that can clearly be credited to the
kings were the Indo-Greeks. They became the first to issue gold coins in India.

69. (c) Explanation: Rice appeared in the Belan and Ganges valley regions of northern India as
early as 4530 BC and 5440 BC, respectively.[26] The early domestication process of rice
in ancient India was based around the wild species Oryza nivara.

70. (d)

71. (b) Explanation: The term ‘Second Urbanization’ in ancient India refers to the urban process
in Gangetic Valley, which started in 6th century B.C. The first urbanization connotes Indus
Valley Civilization.

72. (a) Explanation: The Asokan inscription found at Brahmagiri (and not at Udegolam) refers to
the ancient city of Isila.

73. (a) Explanation: The famous temple of Kailash, hewn out of the rock at Ellora was
constructed by Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna-I (and not by Narsimhavarman-I).

74. (c) Explanation: The early Tamil poet, who makes a reference to the Nandas and Mauryas in
his work, is Mamulanar (and not Illango).
Secondly, ‘The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’, bearing on India’s trade in the early
centuries of the Christian era was not written by Pliny.

75. (d) Explanation: The pre-historic grain producing site of Mehargarh is located in Western
Baluchistan (it is near Bolan Bars). It is the Pre-Harappan agriculture site.

76. (b) Explanation: Ashtanga in Sanskrit means 'eight components' and refers to the eight
sections of Ayurveda: internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology and paediatrics.
Līlāvatī is Indian mathematician Bhāskara II's treatise on mathematics, written in 1150. It
is the first volume of his main work, the Siddhānta Shiromani.

77. (a) Explanation: Bhadrabalu wrote Kalpasutras. However, Bhadrabalu was a contemporary of
Chandragupta Maurya with whom he went to Sravan Belgola (a place in Mysore around
324 BC.) Udayan was the king of Magadh in sixth century BC.

78. (d)

79. (a) Explanation: Kaivalya, also known as Kevala Jnana, means omniscience in Jainism and is
roughly translated as complete understanding or supreme wisdom. ... Jain scriptures speak

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of twelve stages through which the soul achieves this goal.

80. (b) Explanation: Characteristics of the Gandhara School of Art

 In this school of art the life size statues of Gautama Buddha were carved. Until then,
the Buddhist existence was shown in the form of symbols like lotus, umbrella etc.
 While carving the statues utmost care was given to the symmetry of the body including
the muscles and moustaches which were shown in a natural setting.
 In the specimens of the craftsmanship of this art-the folds and turns of the clothes were
exhibited with minute care and skill.
 In this art the ornaments that were carved on the statues received much attention which
added to the physical beauty of the statue.
 Polishing the statues is an important feature of this art.
 The specimens were mostly prepared in stone, terracotta and clay.
 The technique used in making the statues was Greek but, the idea, inspiration and
personality all were Indian.

81. (d) Explanation: The first evidence of cotton cultivation in the Indian subcontinent comes
from 7000 years ago from a site known as Mehrgarh. The ancient site of Mehrgarh is
presently located in the Baluchistan region of Pakistan. The earliest evidence of cotton
being used was discovered by John Marshall from a 6th millennium BCE Neolithic burial
at Mehrgarh. The burial had copper beads which were preserved through the process of
mineralization. Mehrgarh also produced the earliest evidence of farmers in South Asia.
From Mehrgarh, knowledge of cotton and its uses was utilized by people of Indus Valley
civilization. Traces of cotton were found at many sites of Indus Valley Civilisation.

82. (a) Explanation: Chalukya king Pulakesin II had defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of
River Narmada in 618 AD. Pulakeshin, who ruled from the Chalukyan capitalof Badami,
challenged Harsha’s conquests. The former had established himself as ‘lord paramount’ of
the south, as Harsha had of the north. Unwilling to tolerate the existence of a powerful
rival in the south, Harsha had marched from Kanauj with a huge force. Such was
Pulakeshin’s efficiency in guarding the passes of the Narmada that Harsha was compelled
to accept the river as the demarcation and retire from the field of battle.

83. (c) Explanation: Ashtadhyayi, Sanskrit Aṣṭādhyāyī (“Eight Chapters”) is a Sanskrit treatise
on grammar written in the 6th to 5th century bce by the Indian grammarian Panini.
The Mahābhāṣya attributed to Patañjali, is a commentary on selected rules of Sanskrit
grammar from Pāṇini's treatise, the Aṣṭādhyāyī.

84. (c) Explanation: Patimokkha stands for the rules of the Sangha. The Sutta Vibhanga contains
the Patimokkha, a set of monastic rules, 227 for the monks and 311 for the nuns.

85. (b) Explanation: Shankara’s Advaita ("non-dualism") interpretation of the sruti postulates the

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identity of the Self (Ātman) and the Whole (Brahman). According to Shankara, the one
unchanging entity (Brahman) alone is real, while changing entities do not have absolute
existence.

86. (d) Explanation: The last Chalukya king, Kirtivarman II, was overthrown by the Rashtrakuta
King Dantidurga in 753 A.D.

87. (b) Explanation: Kancheepuram was capital of the Pallava kingdom.

88. (c) Explanation: The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman, also known as the Girnar
Rock inscription of Rudradaman, is a Sanskrit prose inscribed on a rock by the Western
Satraps ruler Rudradaman I. It is located near Girnar hill near Junagadh, Gujarat, India.
The inscription is dated to shortly after 150 CE.

89. (b)

90. (a) Explanation: Kanishka patronized Parsva, Ashvaghosha, Nagarujna, Vasumitra and
Charka.

91. (b) Explanation: The Purusha Suktam is seen earliest in the Rg Veda, as the 90th Suktam of
its 10th mandalam, with 16 mantrams. Later, it is seen in the Vajasaneyi Samhita of the
Shukla Yajur Vedam, the Taittriya Aranyaka of the Krishna Yajur Vedam, the Sama Veda,
and the Atharvana Veda, with some modifications and redactions.

92. (a) Explanation: Maski is an archaeological site in the Raichur district of the state of
Karnataka, India. It lies on the bank of the Maski river which is a tributary of the
Tungabhadra. The site came into prominence with the discovery of a minor rock edict of
Emperor Ashoka by C. Beadon in 1915. It was the first edict of Emperor Ashoka that
contained the name Asoka in it instead of the earlier edicts that referred him as
Devanampiye piyadasi. This edict was important to conclude that many edicts found earlier
in the Indian sub-continent in the name of Devanampiye piyadasi, all belonged to Emperor
Ashoka. The edict is etched on a rock-face of Durgada-gudda, one of the gneissic outcrops
that are present in the site.

93. (c) Explanation: The third Buddhist council was held at Pataliputra in the Magadha Empire.
It was under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka.
The Third Buddhist Council was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa.
The Agenda of the Third Buddhist council was to analyze the different schools of
Buddhism and to purify them.
Ashoka sent several groups to different countries to spread Buddhism after this council.

94. (d) Explanation: Prabhavati-gupta, the daughter of Chandragupta and Kuvera-naga, married
the Vakataka king Rudrasena II, who ruled in the Deccan region to the south of the Gupta

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empire.

95. (b) Explanation: Narsimhavarman is the Pallava King who ruled South India between 630-
668 A.D. He got the title of 'Vatapikonda' after defeating the Chalukya King and acquired
Badami. 'Vatapikonda' means the conqueror of Vatapi.

96. (c) Explanation: Rajjukas were the officers for land measurement and fixing their boundaries.
They were also given power to punish the guilty and set free the innocents.

97. (d) Explanation: According to Mahavira, a person is born in a high or in lower varna in
consequence of the sins or the virtues acquired by him in the previous birth. Hence,
Jainism did not condemn the varna system, while Buddhism did.

98. (b) Explanation: The Allahabad Pillar inscription, a prashasti (eulogy) composed by Samudra
Gupta’s courtier Harishena, credits him with extensive military conquests.

99. (a) Explanation: The Digha Nikaya (dīghanikāya; "Collection of Long Discourses") is a
Buddhist scripture, the first of the five nikayas, or collections, in the Sutta Pitaka, which is
one of the "three baskets" that compose the Pali Tipitaka of (Theravada) Buddhism.

100. (c)

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