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CSAT General
Studies PAPER 1
101 SPEED TEST
with 10 Practice Sets
TESTS
82 Topical
9 Sectional
10 Full Mock
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Preface
101 Speed Tests for CSAT Paper 1 with 10 Practice Sets
101 Speed Tests for CSAT Paper 1 with 10 Practice Sets is thoroughly revised and updated edition with addition of new questions
in different section. It contains all the IMPORTANT CONCEPTS which are required to crack this exam. This concepts are covered
in the form of 101 SPEED TESTS.
No matter where you PREPARE from – a coaching or any textbook/ Guide — 101 SPEED TESTS provides you the right ASSESSMENT
on each topic. Your performance provides you the right clues to IMPROVE your concepts so as to perform better in the final
examination.
It is to be noted here that these are not mere tests but act as a checklist of student’s learning and ability to apply concepts to
different problems.
The book is based on the concept of TRP – Test, Revise and Practice. It aims at improving your SPEED followed by STRIKE RATE
which will eventually lead to improving your SCORE.
How is this product different?

• The book contains 101 Speed Test on CSAT paper 1 pattern.
• Each test is based on topics which are most important for the CSAT Paper 1 exam. Each test contains 20 MCQs on the pattern
of the exam.
• The whole syllabus has been divided into 9 sections which are further distributed into 91 topics.
1. History is distributed into 16 topics.
2. Geography is distributed into 11 topics.
3. Indian Polity and Governance is distributed into 11 topics.
4. Economics is distributed into 13 topics.
5. General Science is distributed into 15 topics.
6. Ecology is distributed into 4 topics.
7. Science & Technology is distributed into 6 topics.
8. General Awareness is distributed into 8 topics.
9. Current Affairs is distributed into 7 topics.
• In the end of each section a Sectional Test is provided so as to sum up the whole section.
• Finally at the end 10 Practice Tests are provided so as to give the candidates the real feel of the final exam.
• In all, the book contains 2800+ Quality MCQ’s in the form of 101 tests.
• Solutions to each of the 101 tests are provided at the end of the book.
• Separate Time Limit, Maximum Marks, Cut-off, Qualifying Score is provided for each test.
• The book also provides a separate sheet, SCORE TRACKER where you can keep a record of your scores and performance.
• It is advised that the students should take each test very seriously and must attempt only after they have prepared that
topic.
• The General Awareness and Current Affairs sections have been updated.
• Once taken a test the candidates must spend time in analysing their performance which will provide you the right clues to
IMPROVE the concepts so as to perform better in the final examination.
It is our strong belief that if an aspirant works hard on the clues provided through each of the tests he/ she can improve his/
her learning and finally the SCORE by at least 20%.
DISHA EXPERTS
Contents
Section 1 : HISTORY Section 3 : INDIAN POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1. Pre-Historic Period 1-3 28. Indian Constitution 65-67
2. Indus Valley Civilisation 4-6 29. Fundamental Rights 68-70
3. Vedic Period 7-8 30. Political System 71-74
4. Buddhism and Jainism 9-11 31. Union Government 75-77
5. Mauryan Empire 12-14 32. State Government 78-80
6. Gupta Period and Gupta Dynasties 15-17 33. Panchayati Raj 81-83
7. Rashtrakuta and Chola Empire 18-20 34. Public Policy and Rights Issues 84-87
8. Delhi Sultanate 21-23 35. Legislature 88-89
9. Mughal Period 24-26 36. Executive 90-92
10. Emergence of New Kingdoms 27-29 37. Judiciary 93-94
11. Advent of Europeans 30-31 38. Section Test : Indian Policy and Governance 95-98
12. Initial Modern History 32-33 Section 4 : ECONOMICS
13. Reform Movement 34-35 39. Indian Economy 99-100
14. Indian Freedom Struggle-I (1857 – 1917) 36-37 40. Planning 101-102
15. Indian Freedom Struggle-I (1917 – 1947) 38-39 41. Economic and Social Development 103-104
16. Section Test : History 40-42 42. Sustainable Development 105-106
Section 2 : GEOGRAPHY 43. Agriculture in Indian Economy 107-108
17. Universe / Solar System 43-44 44. Industry and Infrastructure 109-110
18. Different Types of Landforms 45-46 45. Poverty and Unemployment 111-112
19. Interior of the Earth 47-48 46. Fiscal and Monetary Policy 113-114
20. Geomorphic Processes 49-50 47. Foreign Trade and External Assistance 115-116
21. Atmosphere and Hydrosphere 51-52 48. Demographics 117-118
22. Soil, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife 53-54 49. Social Sector Initiatives 119-120
23. Economic Geography 55-56 50. World Economy 121-122
24. Social Geography 57-58 51. Section Test : Economics 123-124
25. World Geography 59-60 Section 5 : GENERAL SCIENCE
26. Geography of India 61-62 52. Mechanics 125-127
27. Section Test : Geography 63-64 53. Heat and Thermodynamics 128-130
54. Sound 131-133 Section 8 : GENERAL AWARENESS
55. Electricity and Magnetism 134-135 77. World Organisation 180-182
56. Optics 136-137 78. World Socio-economic Panorama 183-185
79. World Political Panorama 186-187

57. Modern and Space Physics 138-140
80. Indian Socio-economic Panorama 188-189
58. Physical Chemistry 141-143
81. Indian Political Panorama 190-191
59. Inorganic Chemistry 144-145
82. Cultural Panorama 192-193
60. Organic Chemistry 146-147
83. Sports, Games, Books and Authors 194-195
61. Environmental Chemistry 148-149
84. Section Test : General Awareness 196-198
62. Botany 150-151
Section 9 : CURRENT AFFAIRS
63. Zoology 152-153
85. National Socio-Economic Issues 199-201
64. Genetics and Evolution 154-155
86. National Political Issues 202-204
65. Diseases and their Defence Mechanism 156-157 87. International Socio-Economic Issues 205-206
66. Section Test : General Science 158-159 88. International Political Issues 207-209
Section 6 : ECOLOGY 89. Trends in Science and Technology 210-213
67. Environmental Ecology 160-161 90. Awards, Honours and Sports 214-215
68. Biodiversity 162-163 91. Section Test : Current Affairs 216-218
92. Practice Test-1 219-225

69. Climate Change 164-165
70. Section Test : Ecology 166-167
Section 7 : SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
71. Space Science 168-169
72. Defence 170-171
73. Atomic and Nuclear Science 172-173
74. Biotechnology 174-175
75. Computer and Information Technology 176-177 100. Practice Test-9 306-314
76. Section Test : Science and Technology 178-179 101. Practice Test-10 315-323
101 SPEED TEST - HINTS & SOLUTIONS 1-160

101 SP EED TEST (Topics)
Success Gap =
Max. Cut-off Qualifying Marks S cored =
S peed Tes t Time Qualifying Mark s -
Marks Mark s Mark s Correct Ans wers × 1
Marks S cored
1 30 40 18 27
2 30 40 18 27
3 30 40 18 27
4 30 40 18 27
5 30 40 18 27
6 30 40 18 27
7 30 40 18 27
8 30 40 18 27
9 30 40 18 27
10 30 40 18 27
11 30 40 18 27
12 30 40 18 27
13 30 40 18 27
14 30 40 20 29
15 30 40 20 29
16 30 40 20 29
17 20 40 18 27
18 20 40 18 27
19 20 40 18 27
20 20 40 18 27
21 20 40 20 29
22 20 40 20 29
23 20 40 18 27
24 20 40 18 27
25 20 40 18 27
26 20 40 18 27
27 20 40 18 27
28 20 40 20 29
29 20 40 20 29
30 20 40 20 29
31 20 40 18 27
32 20 40 18 27
33 20 40 18 27
34 20 40 18 27
35 20 40 18 27
Success Gap =
Max. Cut-off Qualifying Mark s S cored =
Mark s Mark s Marks Correct Ans wers × 1
Marks S cored
36 20 40 18 27
37 20 40 18 27
38 20 50 18 27
39 20 40 18 27
40 20 40 18 27
41 20 40 18 27
42 20 40 18 27
43 20 40 18 27
44 20 40 18 27
45 20 40 18 27
46 20 40 18 27
47 20 40 18 27
48 20 40 18 27
49 20 40 18 27
50 20 40 18 27
51 30 40 18 27
52 30 40 18 27
53 30 40 18 27
54 30 40 18 27
55 30 40 18 27
56 30 40 18 27
57 30 40 18 27
58 30 40 18 27
59 30 40 18 27
60 30 40 18 27
61 30 40 18 27
62 30 40 18 27
63 30 40 18 27
64 30 40 18 27
65 30 40 18 27
66 30 40 18 27
67 20 40 18 27
68 20 40 20 29
69 20 40 20 29
70 20 40 18 27
Success Gap =
Max. Cut-off Qualifying Mark s S cored =
Mark s Mark s Marks Correct Ans wers × 1
Marks S cored
71 20 40 18 27
72 20 40 18 27
73 20 40 18 27
74 20 40 18 27
75 20 40 18 27
76 20 40 18 27
77 20 40 18 27
78 20 40 18 27
79 20 40 18 27
80 20 40 20 29
81 20 40 20 29
82 20 40 20 29
83 20 40 20 29
84 20 50 20 29
85 20 40 20 30
86 20 40 20 30
87 20 40 20 30
88 20 40 20 30
89 20 40 20 30
90 20 40 20 30
91 20 40 20 30
92 2 hours 200 90 120
93 2 hours 200 90 110
94 2 hours 200 90 120
95 2 hours 200 90 110
96 2 hours 200 90 110
97 2 hours 200 90 110
98 2 hours 200 90 110
99 2 hours 200 90 115
100 2 hours 200 90 115
101 2 hours 200 90 120
SECTION - 1 : HISTORY
Pre-Historic Period 1
Max. Marks : 40 No. of Qs. 20 Time : 30 min. Date : ........./......../................
1. Consider the following statements: Select the answer from the codes given below:
1. Middle Palaeolithic culture was quite widespread (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
phenomenon between 6,00,000 and 60,000 B.C. (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. Some of the most important sites of Middle Palaeolithic
5. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
period are Bhimbetka, Nevasa, Pushkar, Rohiri hills
to the microlithic tools of Mesolithic Culture?
of upper Sind, and Samnapur on Narmada.
1. They were characterized by parallel-sided blades
Which of the above statement(s) is /are correct?
taken out from prepared cores of such fine material
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
as chert, chalcedony, crystal, jasper, carnelian, agate,
(c) 1 and 2 Both (d) None etc.
2. Which of the following are the important sites of Lower 2. These tools were generally 10 to 50 cm. long.
Palaeolithic cultures in India?
3. They include smaller version of upper Palaeolithic
1. Pahalgam in Kashmir, Belan valley in Allahabad
types such as points, scrapers, burins, awls, etc.
district (Uttar Pradesh)
4. Some new tool-types were lunates, trapezes, triangles,
2. Bhimbetka and Adamgarh in Hoshangabad district,
(Madhya Pradesh) arrowheads of various shapes and sizes.
3. 16 Rand Singi Talav in Nagaur district (Rajasthan) Select the answer from the codes given below:
4. Nevasa in Ahmadnagar district (Maharashtra) (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
Select the answer from the codes given below (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 6. Which of the following were important sites of Mesolithic
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 culture?
3. The Palaeolithic Age in India is divided into three phases, 1. Kotdiji in Rajasthan
based on tool technology. Which of the following phases 2. Langhnaj in Gujarat
is/are correctly matched with its tools? 3. Sarai Nahar Rai, Chopani Mando, Mahdaha and
(a) Lower Palaeolithic – handaxe and cleaver industries Damdama in Uttar Pradesh
(b) Middle Palaeolithic – tools made on flakes 4. Bhimbetka and Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh.
(c) Upper Palaeolithic – tools made on flakes and blades Select the answer from the codes given below:
(d) All of the above (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
4. Which of the following statements are correct with regard (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
to the Upper Palaeolithic Culture?
7. Which of the following are important rock-painting sites
1. The middle Palaeolithic culture slowly evolved into
of Prehistoric Rock Art?
the Upper Palaeolithic culture.
1. Murhana Pahar in Uttar Pradesh
2. Upper Palaeolithicage can be dated between 1,50,000
B.C. and 40,000 B.C. 2. Bhimbetka, Adamgarh, Lakha Juar in Madhya
3. The upper Palaeolithic tools have been found in Pradesh
Rajasthan, parts of the Ganga and Belan valleys, 3. Kupagallu in Karnataka
Central and Western India, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh 4. Chargul in north-west Pakistan.
and Karnatak.
Select the answer from the codes given below:
4. One of the most remarkable discoveries of the Upper
Palaeolithic period is that of rubble built, roughly (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
circular platform of about 85 cm in diameter. (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2 Pre-Historic Period
8. In the Indian context, the Neolithic agriculture based (a) The Kayatha culture is characterized by a sturdy
regions can roughly be divided into many regions. Which red-slipped ware painted with designs in chocolate
of the following may be called such region? colour.
1. The Indus system and its western Borderland (b) The Malwa ware is painted black-on-red but has a
2. Ganga valley matt surface treated with a wash.
3. Western India and the northern Deccan and (c) The Ahar people made a distinctive black-and-red
4. The southern Deccan. ware decorated with white designs.
Select the answer from the codes given below: (d) The Prabhas wares have a glossy surface due to which
they are also called Lustrous Red Ware.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
13. The pottery forms used during the Cha1colithic cultures
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
were:
to the Neolithic Age? 1. dishes-on-stand 2. spouted vases
1. The ceramic occupation (c. 7000 B.C.) at Kile Ghul 3. stemmed cups 4. pedestalled bowls
Mohammad during the early food-producing era Select the answer from the codes given below:
shows a basic subsistence economy of the Indus (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
valley and beginning of trade and crafts. (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. From the bone remains, it is clear that humped variety
14. Consider the following statements:
of cattle also came to be domesticated.
1. Most of the Chalcolithic cultures flourished in semi-
3. The beads found with burial remains show that people
arid regions
used beads made of lapis lazuli, carnelian, banded
agate and white marine shell. 2. The Jorwe settlements were comparatively larger in
number than other Chalcolithic settlements
4. A single copper bead has also been found. The
occurrence of shell bangles and pendants made of Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
mother of- pearl indicates long-distance trade. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Select the answer from the codes given below: (c) 1 and 2 Both (d) None
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 15. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 to the houses of Chalcolithic cultures?
10. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct with 1. People built rectangular and circular houses of mud
regard to the Neolithic Age wattle-and-daub.
1. Three radiocarbon dates from Koldihwa provide the 2. The circular houses were mostly in isolation.
earliest evidence for the domesticated variety of rice 3. These houses and huts had roofs of straw supported
going back to about c. 6500 B.C. which make it the on bamboo and wooden rafters.
oldest evidence of rice in any part of the world.
4. Floors were made of rammed clay
2. The bone remains from Koldihwa and Mahgara show
that cattle, sheep and goat were domesticated in the
region. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 16. Consider the following statements regarding cultivation of
Chalcolithic people:
(c) 1 and 2 Both (d) None
1. They raised cattle as well as cultivated both kharif
11. Which of the following important Chalcolithic cultures in
and rabi crops in rotation
India are not matched to its period?
(a) Ahar culture : 2800 – 1500 B.C 2. Wheat and barley were grown in the area of Inamgaon
and Ahar
(b) Kayatha culture : 2450 – 1700 B.C.
3. They also cultivated jowar and bajra and so also kulth,
(c) Jorwe culture : 2300 – 2000 B.C.
ragi, green peas, lentil and green and black grams.
(d) Malwa culture: 1900 – 1400 B.C.
12. The most distinguishing feature of the Cha1colithic
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
cultures is their distinct painted pottery. Related to this
which of the following statement is not correct? (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Pre-Historic Period 3
17. Which of the following statements are correct with regard 19. The rock paintings were an important and distinct feature
to the religion the Chalcolithic cultures? of the Mesolithic people though their beginning may
1. The worship of mother goddess and the bull was in be traced to the upper Palaeolithic period. Which of the
following are the characteristics of these paintings?
vogue
1. These paintings are made on the walls of rock
2. The bull cult seems to have been predominant in
shelters
Malwa during the Ahar period
2. Maximum of them have been found at Bhimbetka in
3. A large number of these both naturalistic as well as Madhya Pradesh
stylised lingas have been found from most of the
3. They throw light on the social and economic life on
sites.
Mesolithic people.
4. The Mother Goddess is depicted on a huge storage jar
of Inamgaon
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
20. Paleolithic or Old Stone Age sites are widely found in
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 various parts of the Indian subcontinent. Which of the
18. Which of the following are characteristics of the Neolithic following statements are correct in this regard?
culture? 1. Food was obtained by hunting animals and gathering
1. beginning of agricultural activities edible plants and tubers.
2. domestication of animals 2. People used stone tools, hand-sized and flaked-off
large pebbles for hunting animals.
3. grinding and polishing of stone tools having sharper
edges 3. Stone implements are made of a hard rock known as
quartzite.
4. use of pottery
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Response 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Grid 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Indus Valley
Civilisation 2
1. Which of the following statements are correct with regard Select the answer from the codes given below:
to the geographical extent of Harrapan Civilisation? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
1. The Indus Valley Civilization encompassed most of (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Pakistan and parts of northwestern India, Afghanistan 5. Consider the following statements:
and Iran, extending from Baluchistan in the west to
1. Kalibangan was an important port and trading centre
Uttar Pradesh in the east, northeastern Afghanistan to
of the Harappan people.
the north and Maharashtra to the south.
2. At Mohenjodaro the ‘Great Bath’ was surrounded by
2. Many Indus Valley Civilisation sites have also been
corridors on all sides and was approached at either
discovered along the Ghaggar-Hakra beds.
end.
3. Due to its distinct geographical feature, agro-pastoral
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
economy was the dominant feature in this region.
4. The extent of Indus Valley Civilization is smaller than
ancient civilization of both Egypt and Mesopotamia. (c) 1 and 2 both (d) None
Select the answer from the codes given below: 6. Which of the following statements is not correct regarding
agriculture of Harappans?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
1. The availability of fertile Indus alluvium contributed
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 to the surplus in agricultural production.
2. The most interesting urban feature of Harappan civilization 2. The granaries discovered at sites like Harappa,
is its town-planning. It is marked by: Mohenjodaro and Lothal served as the storehouses
1. considerable uniformity with some regional variations for grains.
as well. 3. Harrapan people learnt to grow cotton from
2. streets intersect each other at right angles in a criss- Mesopotamia.
cross pattern. 4. Cotton, quite possibly could have been used for trade
Select the answer from the codes given below: as some woven and dyed cotton cloth has been found
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only at Mohenjo-daro.
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None 7. Consider the following statements:
3. Which of the following was the first recorded European to 1. During Harrapan period the use of silver was more
visit Harappa on his way to the Punjab? common than gold.
1. Sir Alexander Cunningham 2. The weapons produced by the Harappans were mostly
ofensive in nature.
2. Alexander Burnes
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
3. Charles Masson
(c) 1 only (b) 2 only
4. Sir John Marshall
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None
4. Which of the statements are correct regarding the town
planning of the Harappans?
1. Copper was brought mainly from Khetri in
1. The drains were covered with manholes bricks or
Rajasthan.
stone slabs.
2. Gold might have been obtained from the Himalayan
2. The houses were largely built of mud- bricks and
river-beds and South India
stones.
3. Silver was imported from Mesopotamia as well.
3. The drainage system was elaborate and well lay out.
4. Harappans used bronze though in limited manner.
4. The difference in the size of the houses suggests that
the rich lived in the larger houses whereas the one- Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
room buildings or barracks might have been intended (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
for the poorer section of the society. (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Indus Valley Civilization 5
9. Which of the following statements are correct? 3. The evidence of fire worship has been found at
1. The bronze ‘dancing girl’ figurine has been discovered Kalibangan and Lothal.
at Harappa. 4. Harappan people had a belief in life after death.
2. The evidence of beadmakers’ shops has been found at Select the answer from the Codes given below:
Chanhudaro and Lothal. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
3. Pottery-making was also an important industry in the (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Harappan period. 14. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
4. The Harappans seals were generally square in shape to the burial practices of Harrapan people?
and were made of steatite. 1. Dead bodies were generally rested in north-south
Select the answer from the codes given below: direction with their head towards north and the feet
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 towards south.
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 2. At Lothal three joint or double burials with male and
10. Precious stones were used during the Harappan period female bodies together were discovered.
for making beads. In this respect which of the following 3. Kalibangan has yielded evidence of a symbolic burial
statements are correct? i.e., a burial which contains pots but no bones or
skeleton.
1. The source of lapis-lazuli was located in Badakshan
mines in northeast Afghanistan. Select the answer from the codes given below:
2. Turquoise and Jade might have been brought from (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
South Bihar (Jharkhand). (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Western India supplied agate, chalcedony and 15. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
carnelian. to the writing skills of Harrapan people?
4. Timber of good quality and other forest products were 1. The Harappans used ideograms i.e., a graphic symbol
obtained from the northern regions such as Jammu. or character to convey the idea directly.
Select the answer from the codes given below: 2. Some inscriptions are thought to have followes
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 boustrophedonic style.
3. The inscriptions are thought to have been mostly
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
written from left to right.
1. The Harappan society appears to have been matriarchal
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
in nature.
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. The Harappan Society comprised of people following
diverse professions. 16. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
to the decline of Harrapan civilisation?
1. Natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only might have caused the decline of the civilization.
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 2. Increased aridity and drying up of the river Ghaggar-
12. Which of the following statements are correct with regard Harka on account of the changes in river courses
to Harrapan Civilisation? might have contributed to the decline.
1. A piece of woven cloth has been found at Kot Diji. 3. The Harappan civilization was destroyed by the
2. The people were fond of ornaments. Aryans who came to India from north-west around
3. The knowledge about their dress styles comes from 1500 BC.
the terracotta figurines and stone sculptures of the Select the answer from the codes given below:
period. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
Select the answer from the codes given below: (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 17. Consider the following statements:
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 1. The Harappan civilization appeared all of a sudden
13. Which of the following statements are correct with regard 2. Better technology to exploit the fertile plains of river
to the religious beliefs of Harrapan people? Indus might have resulted in increased agricultural
1. The Harappan religion is normally termed as animism production.
i.e., worship of trees, stones etc. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. Some scholars refer to the worshiping of linga (phallus) (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
and yoni (female sex organ) by the Harappans. (c) 1 and 2 both (d) None
6 Indus Valley Civilization
18. In which of the following phases of Harappan civilization Select the answer from the codes given below:
marked with the beginning of town-planning in the form of (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
mud structures? (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) Early Harappan phase (3500 BC–2600 BC) 20. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
(b) Mature Harappan phase (2600 BC–1900 BC) to the Great Bath of Mohenjodaro ?
(c) Late Harappan phase (1900 BC–1400 BC) 1. It is surrounded by corridors on all sides and is
(d) None approached at either end a by a flights of steps in
north and south
2. A thin layer of bitumen was applied to the bed of the
to the town planning during the Harrapan Period?
Bath to ensure that water did not seep in.
1. The most interesting urban feature of Harappan
3. Water was supplied by a large well in an adjacent
civilization is its town-planning room
2. The drainage system of the Harappans was elaborate 4. There was no drain for the outlet of the water was a
and well laidout big fault
3. The main street is connected by narrow lanes Select the answer from the codes given below-
4. The residential buildings are built in the upper town (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
(citadal)
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Response 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Grid 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Vedic Period 3
1. Which of the following statements are correct with regard 5. Consider the following statements-
to the Rig Vedic period? 1. The early Vedic religion has been designated by the
1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak argues that the Aryans came name of henotheism or kathenotheism—a belief in
from the Arctic region on astronomical calculations. single god, each in turn standing out as the highest.
2. B.C. Max Muller placed the beginning of the Vedic 2. Vedas were said to be revealed texts, called shruti
literature in the latter half of the second millennium (heard) as they were said to have not been composed,
B.C. but rather orally revealed to humans by the gods.
3. The Rigveda has been included by the UNESCO in the Which of the above statement(s) is /are correct?
list of literature signifying World Human Heritage. (a) 1only (b) 2 only
Select the answer from the codes given below –
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
6. Fire (Agni) was essential to the Vedic religious world
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 because it had tremendous power. It –
2. Which of the following were the rivers mentioned during 1. Transforms the physical, material goods offered into
Early Vedic Period?
“food” for the gods.
1. Kubha 2. Suvastu
2. Purifies the offerings made to the gods.
3. Krumu 4. Prapa
3. Represents both creative and destructive energy.
Select the answer from the codes given below-
4. Is the very basis of human domestic life (without heat
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
and cooking, there can be no life).
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
to the Vedic Period? (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
1. The word ‘Veda’ is derived from the root ‘vid’, which (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
means to know. 7. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
2. The Yajur Veda is set to tune for the purpose of to the Rig Vedic society?
chanting during sacrifice. 1. The vis or clan was the basic unit of the Rigvedic
3. The Vedic hymns were sung in praise of various gods society.
and godesses. 2. Family was patriarchal in nature.
4. The Rig Veda is the earliest of the four Vedas and it 3. Monogamy was the usual norm of marriage but
consists of 1028 hymns. polygamy was also practiced.
Select the answer from the codes given below: 4. Marriages took place after attaining maturity.
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4 Select the answer from the codes given below-
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) None (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
4. Consider the following statements: (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
1. The language group who spoke Sanskrit was called as 8. Consider the following statements-
‘Aryans’. 1. The prayers to propitiate gods for physical protection
2. At the outset, the Aryans were wandering in the and for material gains were the main concerns of the
areas of Saptasindhu region, i.e. northwestern part of Rig Vedic people.
India. 2. The functions of different gods reflect the needs in the
3. The Aryans were follower of ‘nature-worship’, and Rig Vedic society.
through sacrifices, they express their faith.
Which of the above statement(s) is / are correct?
4. Regarding Vedic culture, we find two stages of its
development, termed as Early Vedic Period and Later
Vedic Period, (c) 1 and 2 both (d) None
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? 9. The origins of Indian music are traced in-
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4 (a) Rig Veda (b) Yajur Veda
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (c) Sama Veda (d) Atharva Veda
8 Vedic Period
10. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 17. Concept of Purushartha emrged during the Later Vedic
1. Because of non-Aryan resistance the Aryans could Period. Which of the following were the elements of
not move towards east in the Later Vedic Period. Purushartha during this period?
2. The king performed various rituals and sacrifices 1. Dharma 2. Artha
to strengthen his position during the Later Vedic 3. Kama 4. Moksha.
Period. Select the answer from the codes given below:
Select the answer from the codes given below: (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None 18. Match the following lists –
11. Consider the following statements: List-I List- II
1. Iron was not used during the Later Vedic Period. 1. Brahma-vivaha (i) father gives his daughter’s
2. The four divisions of society (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, hand to the knowledgeable
Vaisyas and Sudras) or the Varna system was and well-behaved
thoroughly established during the Later Vedic bridegroom with proper
period. rites and rituals
3. Gods like Indra and Agni lost their importance during 2. Daiva-vivaha (ii) father gives the bride’s
the Later Vedic Period. hand to the priest, engaged
Which of the above statement(s) is / are correct? in sacrifice
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only 3. Prajapatya-vivaha (iii) father greets bridegroom
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 and appealls the couple to
12. Pravahana Jaivali was a popular king of follow religious duties
1. Videha 2. Kasi 4. Arsha-vivaha (iv) after receiving a pair of
cattle from the groom,
3. Kurus 4. Panchalas
father gives the bride’s
13. Match the following. hand to the bridegroom
1. Nishka (i) Later Vedic coin Choose the correct code:
2. Ushas (ii) Rig Vedic coin (a) 1-i, 2-ii, 3-iii, 4-iv (b) 1-ii 2-iii, 3- iv, 4- i
3. Apala (iii) Goddess (c) 1- ii, 2-iii, 3-i, 4-iv (d) 1-iii, 2-ii, 3-i, 4- iv
4. Krishnala (iv) Woman poet 19. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
Choose the correct code: to the Later Vedic Period?
(a) 1-i, 2-ii, 3-iii, 4-iv (b) 1-ii 2-iii, 3- iv, 4- i 1. Iron was used extensively in this period.
(c) 1- ii, 2-iii, 3-i, 4-iv (d) 1-iii, 2-ii, 3-i, 4- iv 2. Gods of the Early Vedic period like Indra and Agni
14. Which of the following statement(s) is /are correct? lost their Importance during Later Vedic Period.
1. To understand the knowledge of the Vedas in a proper 3. A large number of new officials were involved in the
and systematic manner, the Aranyakas were created. administration in addition to the existing purohita,
2. To understand the philosophical content of Vedas, the senani and gramani.
Shad-darshanas were created. Select the answer from the codes given below:
Select the answer from the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None 20. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
15. During early vedic period the source of law were: to the Early Vedic society?
(a) Vedic literature 1. The family was the basic unit of the Rig Vedic
(b) Tradition society.
(c) Experiences of elder people. 2. It was patriarchal in nature.
(d) All of the above 3. Monogamy was the usual norm of marriage but the
16. Various crafts in the Early Vedic period were: chiefs at times practiced polygamy
1. Carpentry 2. Weaving 4. The Rig Vedic society was a simple and largely an
3. Goldsmith 4. Pot-making egalitarian society.
Select the answer from the codes given below: Select the answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4 (a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Response 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Grid 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Buddhism and
Jainism 4
1. Which of the following statements are correct with regard 5. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
to the Charvaka School of philosophy? to the Buddhism?
1. Brihaspati is supposed to be the founder of the 1. It is believed that soon after the Buddha’s death a
Charvaka School of philosophy. council was called at Rajagriha where Upali recited
2. It deals with the materialistic philosophy. the Sutta Pitaka and Ananda recited the Vinaya
3. There is no other world. Pitaka.
4. The whole universe according to them is thus 2. It considered the world as full of misery.
consisted of five elements i.e. earth, water, fire, air 3. Man’s duty is to seek liberation from this painful
and ether. world.
Select the answer from the codes given below: 4. It strongly criticised blind faith in the traditional
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only scriptures like the Vedas.
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Select the answer from the codes given below:
2. Consider the following statements: (a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only
1. During the sixth century BC numerous religious sects (c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
arose in the mid-Gangetic plains as a result of an 6. The knowledge realized by Buddha is reflected in the four
upheaval of new ideas and the resulting rise of new noble truths which includes:
philosophical tenets. 1. There is suffering in human life.
2. Sixth century BC also witnessed many religious 2. There is cause of suffering
movements in different parts of the world. 3. There is cessation of suffering
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? 4. Path of Liberation is Yajna (sacrifice)
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Select the answer from the codes given below:
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None (a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only
3. Which of the following statements are correct with regard (c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
to the Jain philosophy? 7. Which of the following are four Noble Truths of Buddha’s
1. Like the Charvakas, the Jains too do not believe in the teachings?
Vedas. 1. The world is full of sorrow.
2. They admit the existence of a soul. 2. There are causes of sorrow.
3. They agree that suffering (pain) can be stopped by 3. This sorrow can be stopped.
controlling the mind and by seeking right knowledge 4. Freedom from sorrow is possible by practicing
and perception and by observing the right conduct. Nirjara.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) None
4. Match the following. 8. Which of the following are among the eight fold path of
(Name) (Symbol) Buddhism?
1. Rishabha (i) Lion 1. Right speech
2 Ajitnath (ii) Bull 2. Right action
3. Parswanath (iii) Elephant 3. Right means of livelihood
4. Mahavir (iv) Serpent 4. Right mindfulness
Choose the correct option from the codes given below: Select the answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1-i, 2-ii, 3-iii, 4-iv (b) 1-ii 2-iii, 3- iv, 4- i (a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 1- ii, 2-iii, 3-i, 4-iv (d) 1-iii, 2-ii, 3-i, 4- iv (c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
10 Buddhism and Jainism
9. It is believed that soon after the Buddha’s death a council Select the answer from the codes given below –
was called at Rajagriha where- (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
1. Upali recited the Vinaya Pitaka (rules of the order). (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Ananda recited the Sutta Pitaka (Buddha’s sermons 14. The Tripitakas of Buddhist literature are written in the
or doctrines and ethics).
language:
(a) Sanskrit (b) Prakrit
(c) Pali (d) Hindi
(c) 1 and 2 Both (d) None
to the contribution of Buddhism to Indian culture?
to the Second Buddhist Council?
1. The concept of ahimsa was its chief contribution
1. It was held in 383 BC.
2. Its contribution to the art and architecture of India
2. The idea of this council was to settle a dispute on
was notable.
Vinaya Pitaka, the code of discipline.
3. It promoted education through residential universities
3. It was held under the patronage of King Kalasoka and
like those at Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramasila.
the presidency of Sabakami.
4. The language of Pali and other local languages
4. It was held at Pataliputra.
developed through the teachings of Buddhism.
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
11. It means to keep one’s body, heart and mind in their real
form. Bad thoughts occupy the mind when their form is
to Buddhism?
forgotten. When actions take place according to the bad
thoughts, one has to experience pain. This explanation is 1. The most important disciples of Buddha were
related to one of the eightfold paths of Buddism called- Sariputta, Moggallanna, Ananda, Kassapa and Upali.
(a) Right Conduct 2. Kings like Prasenjit of Kosala and Bimbisara and
Ajatshatru of Magadha accepted Buddism
(b) Right Means of Livelihood
3. Buddha did not involve himself in fruitless
(c) Right Mindfulness
controversies regarding metaphysical questions like
(d) Right Effort
god, soul, karma, rebirth, etc.
to the Buddhist Sangha?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
1. The monks were organized into the Sangha for the
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
purpose of spreading his teachings.
17. Consider the following statements regarding Jaina
2. There was no separate code for nuns in the Sangha.
religion?
3. The membership was open to all persons, male or
1. Jain religion does believe in worshipping an
female and without any caste restrictions.
individual.
4. The Sangha was governed on democratic lines and
2. It worships the real qualities of a soul who has attained
was empowered to enforce discipline among its
the state of ‘Jin’.
members.
3. ‘Jin’ is one who has destroyed the veils of Karmas on
knowledge, intuition and power of soul.
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4
(c) (1), (3), and (4) (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
13. Which of the following are causes for the Decline of
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Buddhism in India?
18. The religious philosophy of Jainism teaches that there are
1. The revival of Brahmanism and the rise of Bhagavatism
nine truths or realities (Nav-tattva). Which of the following
led to the fall of popularity of Buddhism.
are among them?
2. The use of Pali, the language of the masses as the
1. soul (jiva) 2. non-soul (ajiva)
language of Buddhism was given up from the 1st
century A.D. 3. merit (punya) 4. sin or demerit (papa)
3. After the birth of Mahayana Buddhism, the practice Select the answer from the codes given below:
of idol worship and making offerings led to the (a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only
deterioration of moral standards. (c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Buddhism and Jainism 11
19. Which of the following statements are correct with regard 20. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
to the Jain Philosophy? to the Philosophically an important doctrine of Jain
1. Jiva is a conscious substance which is different in ‘Anekantavad’ ?
different individuals. 1. Reality can be examined from many standpoints.
2. Ajiva is the opposite of jiva comprising of dharma,
2. A thing can be described from at least seven
adharma, akash, pudgala and kala
standpoints (saptabhangi) and all can be equally true.
3. Asrava denotes the inflow of karmic matter by the
soul. 3. This doctrine has contributed to the tolerance
4. Samvara means union of jiva with pudgala (matter) of contrary opinions among theologians and
or soul with non-soul particles. philosophers.
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Response 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Grid 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Mauryan Empire
5
1. Consider the following statements: 5. Which of the following statements is correct with regard to
1. The Buddhist literature Anguttara Nikaya gives Alexander the Great?
a list of sixteen great kingdoms called ‘Sixteen 1. He defeated Porus and annexed his kingdom.
Mahajanapadas’. 2. He defeated Porus and treated him generously.
2. Avanti was the capital of Kosala. 3. He could not win the army of Porus.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? 4. He defeated Ambhi of Taxila with the help of Porus.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 6. Which of the following statements are correct?
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None 1. The manuscript of Arthashstra was first discovered by
2. Of all the kingdoms of north India, Magadha emerged as R. Shama Sastri in 1904.
most powerful and prosperous because- 2. The Arthashstra contains 15 books and 180 chapters
1. The strategic position of Magadh between the upper 3. The Mudrarakshasa written by Visakadatta is a drama
and lower part of the Gangetic valley was a great in Sanskrit.
advantage. Select the answer from the codes given below:
2. It had a fertile soil. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
3. The iron ores in the hills near Rajgir and copper and (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
iron deposits near Gaya added to its natural assets. 7. Which of the following statements are correct?
4. It was located at the centre of the highways of trade of 1. Chandragupta Maurya embraced Jainism towards the
those days which contributed to its wealth. end of his life and stepped down from the throne in
Select the answer from the codes given below: favour of his son Bindusara.
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only 2. Bindusara was called by the Greeks as “Amitragatha”
meaning slayer of enemies.
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
3. Bindusara received Deimachus as ambassador from
the Syrian king Antiochus I.
to Bimbisara?
4. Bindusara appointed his son Asoka as the governor of
1. Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. Taxila
2. He was given the Kasi region as dowry which yielded Select the answer from the codes given below:
large revenue.
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
3. He was a contemporary of both Mahavira and
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Buddha.
4. He maintained friendly relations with Anga. to the Mauryan king Ashoka?
Select the answer from the codes given below: 1. He suppressed a revolt in Taxila during his father
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only Bindusara’s reign.
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 2. According to Taranatha of Tibet Asoka captured
4. Consider the following statements: power after killing his ninety-nine brothers.
1. Mahapadma Nanda uprooted the kshatriya dynasties 3. The effects of the Kalinga war were described by
in north India and assumed the title ekarat. Asoka himself in the Rock edict XIII.
2. The Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela of Kalinga 4. Asoka embraced Buddhism under the influence of
refers to the conquest of Kalinga by the Nandas. Buddhist monk, Upagupta.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? Select the answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Mauryan Empire 13
9. The main features of Asoka’s Dhamma as mentioned in his 14. Which of the following statements is not correct with
various Edicts were: regard to the Satavahanas of Deccan?
1. Service to father and mother, practice of ahimsa, love (a) The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka.
of truth, reverence to teachers and good treatment of (b) The Nasik and Nanaghad inscriptions throw much
relatives. light on the reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni.
2. Prohibition of animal sacrifices and festive gatherings (c) Gautamiputra Satakarni issued coins on which the
and avoiding expensive and meaningless ceremonies image of ships was inscribed.
and rituals. (d) Vashishtaputra Pulamayi extended the Satavahana
3. Efficient organization of administration in the direction power up to the mouth of the Krishna River.
of social welfare and maintenance of constant contact 15. Consider the following statements:
with people through the system of Dhammayatras. 1. There was a remarkable progress in the fields of trade
4. Humane treatment of servants by masters and and industry during the Satavahana rule.
prisoners by government officials. 2. The greatest port of the Satavahanas was Kalyani on
Select the answer from the codes given below: the west Deccan.
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4 Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
10. Which of the following statements are correct with regard (c) 1 and 2 both (d) None
to the Mauryan Administration? 16. Consider the following statements:
1. The Mauryan state had well organised civil services. 1. The founder of the Saka rule was Maues who is
2. Samharta was in charge of the collection of all considered to be the founder of the Vikrama era.
revenues of the empire. 2. Kushana king Wima Kadphises or Kadphises II issued
3. The land revenue was normally fixed as one sixth of gold coins with high-sounding titles like the ‘Lord of
the produce. the Whole World’
4. The Mauryan army was well organised the salaries Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
were paid in cash. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Select the answer from the codes given below: (c) 1 and 2 both (d) None
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4 17. Which of the following are the salient features of Gandhara
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 art?
11. Which of the following statements are correct with regard 1. Moulding human body in a realistic manner with
to the Mauryan art? minute attention to physical features like muscles,
1. The monuments before the period of Asoka were moustache and curly hair.
mostly made of wood and therefore perished. 2. Thick drapery with large and bold fold lines.
2. The use of stone started from the time of Asoka. 3. Rich carving, elaborate ornamentation and symbolic
3. Even of the numerous monuments of Asoka, only a expressions.
few have remained. The only remaining stupa is at 4. The main theme was the new form of Buddhism -
Sanchi. Mahayanism - and the evolution of an image of
4. The caves presented to the Ajivikas furnish the finest Buddha.
specimen of the Mauryan art. Select the answer from the codes given below:
Select the answer from the codes given below: (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4 (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 18. Which of the following statements are correct regarding
12. The script mostly employed in the edicts of Asoka is- Chandragupta Maurya?
1. Pali 2. Sanskrit 1. He was the first ruler who unified entire India under
3. Karoshti 4. Brahmi one political unit.
13. Consider the following statements: 2. Kautilya was the real architect of the Mauryan Empire
1. Pushyamitra Sunga was a staunch follower of and was also the Prime Minister of Chandragupta
Buddhism. Maurya.
2. During the reign of Pushyamitra Sunga the Buddhist 3. Buddhist sources like Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa
monuments at Bharhut and Sanchi were renovated describe Chandragupta Maurya as a person of humble
and further improved. origin.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
14 Mauryan Empire
19. Which of the following statements are correct? Select the answer from the codes given below:
1. The Jain text, Parisistha Parvam, describes that with (a) 1, 2, and 3 only (b) 2, 3, and 4 only
the help of Chanakya, Chandragupta defeated the (c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Nanda king and captured him. 20. Which of the following statements is not correct with
2. Chandra Gupta defeated the invading army of the regarding the Maurya king Ashoka?
Greek Kshatrapa Seleucus who had succeeded (a) Ashoka is said to have added only Kalinga to the
Alexander in the eastern part of his empire. Mauryan Empire.
3. The Junagarh rock inscription of Rudradaman says (b) According to the Jaina texts, Ashoka was very cruel
in his early life and captured the throne after killing
that a dam on the Sudarshana lake for irrigation was
his 99 brothers.
constructed by Pushyagupta, ·a provincial governor
(c) Ashoka is the first king in the Indian history who has
of Chandragupta Maurya.
left his records engraved on stones.
4. Seleucus sent Megasthenese as his ambassador to the
(d) The Ashokan inscriptions are found in India, Nepal,
court of Chandragupta.
Pakistan and Afghanistan.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Response 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Grid 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Gupta Period and
Gupta Dynasties 6
to sources of Gupta empire? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4
1. The Puranas throw light on the royal genealogy of the (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Gupta kings.
2. Literary works like the Devichandraguptam and 5. Consider the following statements -
the Mudhrakshasam written by Visakadatta provide 1. According to inscriptions, the Gupta kings assumed
information regarding the rise of the Guptas. titles like Paramabhattaraka, Maharajadhiraja,
3. The Chinese traveler Fahien has left a valuable Parameswara, Samrat and Chakravartin.
account of the social, economic and religious 2. Provinces in the Gupta Empire were known as
conditions of the Gupta empire. Uparikas and provincial governors as Bhuktis.
4. The most important source for the reign of
Chandragupta II is the Allahabad Pillar inscription.
Select the answer from the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4 (c) 1 and 2 Both (d) None
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 6. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
2. Consider the following statements: to the religion during Gupta period?
1. In the first campaign Samudragupta defeated Achyuta 1. Brahmanism reigned supreme.
and Nagasena.
2. Jain Council was held at Valabhi.
2. An inscription mentions that Samudragupta defeated
twelve rulers in his South Indian Expedition. 3. Buddhism and Jainism progressed tremendously.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
to the Gupta king Chandragupta II?
1. His greatest of the military achievements was his war 1. During the Gupta period, the caste system became
against the Saka Rudrasimha III, rigid.
2. He also called himself Vikramaditya 2. The position of women had become miserable during
3. He gave his daughter Prabhavati in marriage to the the Gupta period.
Vakataka prince Rudrasena II. 3. The practice of untouchability had begun during
4. He defeated a confederacy of enemy chiefs in Vanga. Gupta period
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
4. The famous Chinese pilgrim, Fahien visited India during (c) 1 and 2 only (d) None
the reign of Chandragupta II. Which of the following 8. Which of the following statements is not correct with
statements are correct regarding Fahien? regard to the art and architecture during Gupta period?
1. He came to India by the land route through Khotan,
(a) The Buddha statue unearthed at Saranath was unique
Kashgar, Gandhara and Punjab.
piece of Gupta art.
2. He returned by the sea route, visiting on the way
Ceylon and Java. (b) The beautiful statue of standing Buddha at Mathura
3. According to him the economic condition of the reveals a little Greek style.
empire was prosperous. (c) The Bhitari monolithic pillar is of Kumargupta.
4. He refers to the North-west region as the ‘land of (d) The gigantic copper statue of Buddha, originally found
Brahmanism’. at Sultanganj now kept at Birmingham museum.
16 Gupta Period and Post Gupta Dynasties
9. Which of the following statements are correct with regard 1. Harsha organized a religious assembly at Kanauj to
to the literary achievements during Gupta period? honour the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang towards the
1. Bharavi’s Kritarjuniya is the story of the conflict close of his reign.
between Arjuna and Siva. 2. The Kanauj Assembly went on continuously for 23
2. Kalidasa wrote the Sanskrit drama Shakuntalam. days.
3. Visakadatta wrote two Sanskrit dramas- 3. Tsang explained the values of Mahayana doctrine in
Mudrarakshasa and Devichandraguptam. the Kanauj assembly and established its superiority
4. Sudraka was a renowned poet of this age who wrote over others.
Meghadutam. 4. Hiuen Tsang mentions about the conference held at
Select the answer from the codes given below: Allahabad (Prayag).
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4 Select the answer from the codes given below:
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
10. Which of the following statement(s) is/ are correct? (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
1. Aryabhatiyam of Aryabhatta deals with mathematics 15. Which of the following statements are correct regarding
and astronomy Harsha’s Administration?
2. Varahamihira composed Pancha Siddhantika 1. Taxation was heavy i.e. one-fourth of the produce
3. Vagbhata was the author of Ashtangasamgraha was collected as land tax.
Select the answer from the codes given below: 2. It was organized on the same lines as the Guptas did.
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 3. Cruel punishments of the Mauryan period continued
in the times of Harsha.
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
4. The maintenance of public records was the salient
11. The founder of the Nalanda University was -
feature of administration.
(a) Samudragupta (b) Chandragupta II
(c) Kumaragupta I (d) None
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
12. Which of the following statements are correct?
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
1. Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese traveler who visited India
16. Which of the following statements are correct regarding
in the seventh centuryA.D.
the architecture of Pallava?
2. Harshvardhana wrote Ratnavali, Nagananda and
1. The Pallavas introduced the art of excavating temples
Priyardarsika.
from the rock.
3. Prabhakaravardhana assumed the title Maharajadhiraja
2. Mahendravarman I introduced the rock-cut temples.
and Paramabhattaraka.
3. The five rathas, popularly called as the Panchapanadava
4. The Harshacharita was written by Banabhatta.
rathas, signifies five different styles of temple
architecture.
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, and 3
Harsha?
1. The Banskhera inscription contains the signature of
to the sources of Gupta Period?
Harsha.
1. The Puranas throw light on the royal genealogy of the
2. In his first expedition, Harsha drove out Sasanka from
Gupta kings
Kanauj.
2. Mudhrakshasam written by Visakadatta provide
3. Harsha fought against Dhuruvasena II of Valabhi and
information regarding the rise of the Guptas
defeated him.
3. The Chinese traveler Hsuen Tsang, who visited
4. The Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II mentions
India during the reign of Chandragupta II, had left a
Harsha defeated Pulakesin.
valuable account of Gupta empire
4. Mehrauli Iron Pillar inscription and Allahabad Pillar
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4 inscription belong to Gupta period.
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 Select the answer from the codes given below:
14. Which of the following statements are correct regarding (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
assemblies organized by Harsha?
(c) 1, 2, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Gupta Period and Post Gupta Dynasties 17
18. Consider the following statements: 2. The Allahabad Pillar inscription mentions that
1. The founder of the Gupta dynasty was Sri Gupta. Samudragupta defeated twelve rulers in his South
2. Sri Gupta was succeeded by Ghatotkacha. Indian Expedition.
3. Chandragupta I was the first to be called 3. He defeated the rulers of South India but gave them
Maharajadhiraja (the great king of kings). back their kingdoms. He only insisted on them to
4. The Mehrauli Iron Pillar inscription mentions acknowledge his suzerainty.
Chandragupta I’s extensive conquests.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, and 3
(c) 1, 2, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
19. Which of the following statements are correct with regard 20. He gave his daughter Prabhavati in marriage to the
to the Gupta ruler Samudragupta? Vakataka prince Rudrasena II. Who is this Gupta ruler?
1. In the first campaign Samudragupta defeated Achyuta (a) Samudragupta (b) Chandragupta I
and Nagasena. (c) Chandragupta II (d) Skandagupta
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Response 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Grid 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Rashtrakuta and
Chola Empire 7
to Rashtrakuta kings? (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
1. The Rashtrakutas were of Kannada origin and (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Kannada language was their mother tongue. 6. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
2. Dantidurga was the founder of the Rashtrakuta to the scholars in the Rashtrakuta court?
dynasty. 1. Trivikrama wrote Nalachampu .
3. Amoghavarsha I was a follower of Buddhism. 2. The Kavirahasya was composed by Halayudha during
4. Amoghavarsha I wrote the famous Kannada work, the reign of Krishna III.
Kavirajamarga. 3. Jinasena composed Parsvabhudaya, a biography of
Select the answer from the codes given below: Parsva in verses.
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 1, 2, and 4 4. Gunabhadra wrote the Adipurana, the life stories of
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 various Jain saints.
2. Who built the Rashtrakuta capital, the city of Malkhed or Select the answer from the codes given below:
Manyakheda? (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
(a) Dantidurga (b) Amoghavarsha I (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
(c) Krishna III (d) None 7. Consider the following statements:
3. Which of the following administrative units during 1. At Ellora, the most remarkable Temple, Kailasa temple,
was excavated during the reign of Amoghavarsha I.
Rastrakuta period are arranged in descending order of their
size? 2. The Kailasa temple consists of four parts – the main
shrine, the entrance gateway, an intermediate shrine
(a) Rashtras- vishayas- bhukti
for Nandi and mandapa surrounding the courtyard.
(b) Rashtras - bhukti - vishayas
3. In Kailasa temple the sculpture of the Goddess Durga
(c) Vishayas - rashtras - bhukti is shown as slaying the Buffalo demon.
(d) Vishayas - bhukti - rashtras 4. In Kailasa temple another sculpture Ravana was
4. Consider the following statements: making attempts to lift Mount Kailasa, the abode of
1. The Hindu sects of Vaishnavism and Saivism Siva.
flourished during the period of Rashtrakutas Which of the above statements are correct?
2. Jainism declined during the period of Rashtrakutas (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 8. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None to Chola King RajarajaI?
5. Which of the following statements are correct with regard 1. He defeated the Pandya ruler, Amarabhujanga
to Kannada literature during Rastrakuta period? 2. He defeated the Chera ruler Bhaskararavivarman in
1. The Kannada literature saw its beginning during the the naval battle of Kandalursalai
period of the Rashtrakutas. 3. He conquered the Gangavadi, Tadigaipadi and
2. Amogavarsha’s Kavirajamarga was the first poetic Nolambapadi located in the Mysore region.
work in Kannada language. 4. He defeated Jayasimha II, the Western Chalukya
3. Pampa was the greatest of the Kannada poets who king
wrote Vikramasenavijaya. Select the answer from the codes given below:
4. Ponna was another famous Kannada poet and he (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
wrote Santipurana. (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Rashtrakuta and Chola Empire 19
9. Rajendra I continued his father’s policy of aggressive Select the answer from the codes given below:
conquests and expansion. His important wars were: (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
1. He defeated Mahinda V, the king of Sri Lanka (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
attempted to recover from the Cholas the northern
part of Ceylon.
2. He restored Vengi throne to its rulers Saktivarman to Military Administration of Chola?
and Vimaladitya by defeating the Telugu Cholas. 1. The Cholas maintained a regular standing army
3. He defeated Jayasimha II, the Western Chalukya consisting of elephants, cavalry, infantry and navy.
king. 2. The royal troops were called kadagams.
4. He defeated Mahipala I of Bengal. 3. Within this there was a personal troop to defend the
Select the answer from the codes given below: king known as Velaikkarar.
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
4. The Cholas paid special attention to their navy.
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
to Chola King RajarajaI? (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
1. He assumed a number of titles like Mummidi Chola, (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Jayankonda and Sivapadasekara. He was a devout 15. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
follower of Saivism. to Provincial Administration of Chola?
2. He completed the construction of the famous
1. The Chola Empire was divided into Mandalams.
Rajarajeswara temple or Brihadeeswara temple at
Tanjore in 1010 A.D. 2. Each Mandalam was divided into valanadus and
3. He helped in the construction of a Buddhist monastery nadus.
at Nagapattinam. 3. In each nadu there were a number of autonomous
Select the answer from the codes given below: villages.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 Select the answer from the codes given below:
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, and 3
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
to the Chola Administration? (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. The extent and resources of the Chola Empire 16. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
increased the power and prestige of monarchy. to Village Administration during Chola period?
2. The land revenue department was well organized. It 1. The system of village autonomy with sabhas reached
was called as puravuvarithinaikkalam. its culmination during the Chola rule.
3. All lands were carefully surveyed and classified for 2. Two inscriptions of Parantaka I found at Uttiramerur
assessment of revenue.
provide details of the formation and functions of
4. The residential portion of the village was called ur
village councils.
nattam.
Select the answer from the codes given below: 3. That village was divided into five wards
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4 Select the answer from the codes given below:
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
12. Which of the following statements is/are correct with (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, and 3
regard to the Chola Kings?
17. Which of the following were disqualifications to become a
1. Kulottunga I became famous by abolishing tolls and
ward member of village committees during Chola period?
earned the title – Sungam Tavirtta Cholan.
2. The founder of the Imperial Chola line was 1. Those who had been members of the committees for
Vijayalaya. the past three years.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 2. Those who had failed to submit accounts as committee
(c) 1 and 2 both (d) None members.
13. Which of the following were qualifications to become a 3. Those who had committed sins.
ward member of village committees during Chola period?
4. Those who had stolen the property of others.
1. Ownership of at least one fourth veli of land.
2. Own residence.
3. Above thirty years and below seventy years of age. (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
4. Knowledge of Puranas (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
20 Rashtrakuta and Chola Empire
18. Which of the following statements are correct with regard 4. Arabian horses were imported in large numbers to
to Chola society? strengthen the cavalry.
1. The practice of ‘sati’ was not prevalent Select the answer from the codes given below:
2. The inscriptions of the later period of the Chola rule (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
mention about two major divisions among the castes (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
– Valangai and Idangai castes 20. Which of the following statements are correct with regard
3. The devadasi system or dancing girls attached to to development of Tamil literature during the Chola
temples emerged during this period. period?
Select the answer from the codes given below – 1. The Ramayana was composed by Kamban
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 2. Periyapuranam or Tiruttondarpuranam was composed
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, and 3 by Sekkilar
19. Which of the following statements are correct with 3. Jayankondar composed Nalavenba
regarding socio-economic life of Chola? 4. The Moovarula written by Ottakuthar depicts the life
1. Jainism flourished during the Chola period. of three Chola kings.
2. The temples remained centres of economic activity Select the answer from the codes given below:
during Chola period. (a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
3. The weaving industry, particularly the silk-weaving (c) 1, 2, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
at Kanchi flourished.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Response 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Grid 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Delhi Sultanate
8
1. In the ensuing Second Battle of Tarain in 1192, Muhammad Select the answer from the codes given below:
Ghori thoroughly routed the army of Prithiviraj, who (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
was captured and killed. Causes for the failure of Hindu (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
kingdoms were –
5. Which of the following statements is not correct regarding
1. lack of unity among Hindu princes
Alauddin Khalji?
2. mutual conflict among Hindu princes
3. military methods of Hindu princes were out of date (a) He introduced the system of dagh (branding of horses)
and far inferior to those of Muslims. and prepared huliya (descriptive list of soldiers).
4. Hindu princes continued to rely on elephants while (b) He maintained a large permanent standing army and
the Muslims possessed quick-moving cavalry. paid them in cash.
Select the answer from the codes given below: (c) He established four separate markets in Delhi.
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4
(d) He appointed a high officer called Sahab-i-Riyasat to
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
control each market.
Slave dynasty of Delhi Sultanate? 6. His enterprises and novel experiments ended in miserable
1. The Slave dynasty was also called Mamluk dynasty. failures because they were all far ahead of their time. This
2. Qutbuddin Aibak was a slave of Mahmud of Ghazni. description is about-
3. Aibak was called Lakh Baksh or giver of lakhs (a) Raziya Sultan
because he gave liberal donations. (b) Alauddin Khalji
4. Iltutmish belonged to the Ilbari tribe. (c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
(d) Firoz Tughlaq
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
administration of Delhi Sultanate?
Iltutmish? 1. The Delhi Sultanate was an Islamic state with its
1. He received the mansur, the letter of recognition, religion Islam.
from the Abbasid Caliph in 1229 by which he became 2. There was no clear law of succession during this
the legal sovereign ruler of India. period.
2. He created a new class of ruling elite of forty powerful 3. The military department was called Diwani Ariz.
military leaders, the Forty.
4. Diwani Insha was the department of religious affairs.
3. He nominated his daughter Raziya as his successor.
4. He founded the Qutab Minar at Delhi.
Select the answer from the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3, and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 8. Delhi Sultans introduced reforms in the land revenue
4. Which of the following statements are correct regarding administration in India. The lands were classified as-
Balban? 1. iqta land 2. khalisa land
1. He gave important posts to the Indian Muslims.
3. inam land
2. He destroyed the nobles called the Forty
3. He believed that the Sultan was God’s shadow on Select the answer from the codes given below:
earth. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
4. He introduced the Persian festival of Nauroz. (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
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dropped all active proceedings, leaving the new sect to progress as
it might, with the impulse gained from the re-action consequent on
this late unfortunate excitement against it. But they still kept a
watchful eye on their proceedings, though with hands for a while
powerless; and treasured up accumulating vengeance through
tedious years, for the day when the progress of political changes
should bring the secular power beneath their influence, and make it
subservient to their purpose of dreadful retribution. That day had
now fully come.
peter’s threatened martyrdom.
The long expected favorite and friend of the Jewish people, having
been thus hailed sovereign by their grateful voices, and having
strengthened his throne and influence by his opening acts of
liberality and devotion to the national faith, now entered upon a reign
which presented only the portents of a course most auspicious to his
own fame and his people’s good. Uniting in his person the claims of
the Herodian and Asmonaean lines,――with the blood of the heroic
Maccabees in his veins,――crowned by the imperial lord of the
civilized world, whose boundless power was pledged in his support,
by the obligations of an intimate personal friendship, and of a sincere
gratitude for the attainment of the throne of the Caesars through his
prompt and steady exertions,――received with universal joy and
hope by all the dwellers of the consolidated kingdoms of his
dominion, which had been long thriving under the mild and equitable
administration of a prudent governor,――there seemed nothing
wanting to complete the happy auspices of a glorious reign, under
which the ancient honors of Israel should be more than retrieved
from the decline of ages. Yet what avails the bright array of happily
conspiring circumstances, to prince or people, against the awful
majesty of divine truth, or the pure, simple energy of human
devotion? Within the obscurer corners of his vast territories, creeping
for room under the outermost colonnades of that mighty temple
whose glories he had pledged himself to renew,――wandering like
outcasts from place to place,――seeking supporters only among the
unintellectual mass of the people,――were a set of men of whom he
probably had not heard until he entered his own dominions. They
were now suggested to his notice for the first time, by the decided
voice of censure from the devout and learned guardians of the purity
of the law of God, who invoked the aid of his sovran power, to check
and utterly uproot this heresy, which the unseasonable tolerance of
Roman government had too long shielded from the just visitations of
judicial vengeance. Nor did the royal Agrippa hesitate to gratify, in
this slight and reasonable matter, the express wishes of the reverend
heads of the Jewish faith and law. Ah! how little did he think, that in
that trifling movement was bound up the destiny of ages, and that its
results would send his name――though then so loved and
honored――like Pharaoh’s, down to all time, a theme of religious
horror and holy hatred, to the unnumbered millions of a thousand
races, and lands then unknown;――an awful doom, from which one
act of benign protection, or of prudent kindness, to that feeble band
of hated, outcast innovators, might have retrieved his fame, and
canonized it in the faithful memory of the just, till the glory of the old
patriarchs and prophets should grow dim. But, without one thought of
consequences, a prophetic revelation of which would so have
appalled him, he unhesitatingly stretched out his arm in vindictive
cruelty over the church of Christ, for the gratification of those whose
praise was to him more than the favor of God. Singling out first the
person whom momentary circumstances might render most
prominent or obnoxious to censure, he at once doomed to a bloody
death the elder son of Zebedee, the second of the great apostolic
three. No sooner was this cruel sentence executed, than, with a
most remarkable steadiness in the execution of his bloody plan, he
followed up this action, so pleasing to the Jews, by another similar
movement. Peter, the active leader of the heretical host, ever
foremost in braving the authority of the constituted teachers of the
law, and in exciting commotion and dissatisfaction among the
commonalty, was now seized by a military force, too strong to fear
any resistance from popular movements, which had so much
deterred the Sanhedrim. This occurred during the week of the
passover; and such was king Agrippa’s profound regard for all things
connected with his national religion, that he would not violate the
sanctity of this holy festival by the execution of a criminal, however
deserving of vengeance he might seem in that instance. The fate of
Peter being thus delayed, he was therefore committed to prison,
(probably in castle Antonia,) and to prevent all possibility of his
finding means to escape prepared ruin again, he was confined to the
charge of sixteen Roman soldiers, divided into four sets, of four men
each, who were to keep him under constant supervision day and
night, by taking turns, each set an equal time; and according to the
established principles of the Roman military discipline, with the
perfect understanding that if, on the conclusion of the passover, the
prisoner was not forthcoming, the guards should answer the failure
with their lives. These decided and careful arrangements being
made, the king, with his gratified friends in the Sanhedrim and
among the rabble, gave themselves up to the enjoyment of the great
national festival, with a peculiar zest, hightened by the near prospect
of the utter overthrow of the advancing heresy, by the sweeping blow
that robbed them of their two great leaders, and more especially of
him who had been so active in mischievous attempts to perpetuate
the memory of the original founder of the sect, and to frustrate the
good effect of his bloody execution, by giving out that the crucified
Jesus still lived, and would yet come in vengeance on his murderers.
While such triumphant reflections swelled the festal enjoyments of
the powerful foes of Christ, the unhappy company of his persecuted
disciples passed through this anniversary-week with the most
mournful reminiscences and anticipations. Ten years before, in
unutterable agony and despair, they had parted, as they then
supposed forever, with their beloved Lord; and now, after years of
devotion to the work for which he had commissioned them, they
were called to renew the deep sorrows of that parting, in the removal
of those who had been foremost among them in the great work,
cheering them and leading them on through toil and peril, with a
spirit truly holy, and with a fearless energy, kindred with that of their
divine Lord. Of these two divinely appointed chiefs, one had already
poured out his blood beneath the executioner’s sword, and the other,
their great leader, the Rock of the church, was now only waiting the
speedy close of the festal week, to crown his glorious course, and
his enemies’ cruel policy, by the same bloody doom; meanwhile held
in the safe keeping of an ever-watchful Roman guard, forbidding
even the wildest hope of escape. Yet why should they wholly
despair? On that passover, ten years before, how far more gloomy
and hopeless the glance they threw on the cross of their Lord! Yet
from that doubly hopeless darkness, what glorious light sprang up to
them? And was the hand that then broke through the bands of death
and the gates of Hades, now so shortened that it could not sever the
vile chains of paltry tyranny which confined this faithful apostle, nor
open wide the guarded gates of his castle prison? Surely there was
still hope for faith which had been taught such lessons of undoubting
trust in God. Nor were they thoughtless of the firm support and high
consolations which their experience afforded. In prayer intense and
unceasing, they poured out their souls in sympathetic grief and
supplication, for the relief of their great elder brother from his deadly
peril; and in sorrowful entreaty the whole church continued day and
night, for the safety of Peter.
Castle Antonia.――For Josephus’s account of the position and erection of this work, see
my note on page 95, (section 8.) There has been much speculation about the place of the
prison to which Peter was committed. The sacred text (Acts xii. 10,) makes it plain that it
was without the city itself, since after leaving the prison it was still necessary to enter the
city by “the iron gate.” Walch, Kuinoel and Bloomfield adopt the view that it was in one of the
towers or castles that fortified the walls. Wolf and others object to the view that it was
without the walls; because, as Wolf says, it was not customary to have public prisons
outside of the cities, since the prisoners might in that case be sometimes rescued by a bold
assault from some hardy band of comrades, &c. But this objection is worth nothing against
castle Antonia, which, though it stood entirely separated from the rest of the city, was vastly
strong, and by its position as well as fortification, impregnable to any common force;――a
circumstance which would at once suggest and recommend it as a secure place for one
who, like Peter, had escaped once from the common prison. There was always a Roman
garrison in Antonia. (Josephus, Jewish War, V. v. 8.)
In the steady contemplation of the nearness of his bloody doom,

the great apostle remained throughout the passover, shut off from all
the consolations of fraternal sympathy, and awaiting the end of the
few hours which were still allotted by the religious scruples of his
mighty sovran. In his high and towering prison in Castle Antonia,
parted only by a deep, broad rift in the precipitous rocks, from the
great terraces of the temple itself, from whose thronged courts now
rung the thanksgiving songs of a rejoicing nation, he heard them,
sending up in thousands of voices the praise of their fathers’ God,
who still remembered Israel in mercy, renewing their ancient glories
under the bright and peaceful dominion of their new-crowned king.
And with the anthems of praise to God which sounded along the
courts and porches of the temple, were no doubt heard, too, the
thanks of many a grateful Hebrew for the goodness of the generous
king, who had pledged his royal word to complete the noble plan of
that holy pile, as suited the splendid conceptions of the founder. And
this was the king whose decree had doomed that lonely and
desolate prisoner in the castle, to a bloody and shameful
death,――as a crowning offering at the close of the great festival;
and how few among that vast throng, before whose eyes he was to
yield his life, would repine at the sentence that dealt exterminating
vengeance on the obstinately heretical preacher of the crucified
Nazarene’s faith! Well might such dark visions of threatening ruin
appal a heart whose enthusiasm had caught its flame from the
unholy fires of worldly ambition, or devoted its energies to the low
purpose of human ascendency. And truly sad would have been the
lonely thoughts of this very apostle, if this doom had found him in the
spirit which first moved him to devote himself to the cause which now
required the sacrifice of life. But higher hopes and feelings had
inspired his devoted exertions for ten years, and higher far, the
consolations which now sustained him in his friendless desolation.
This very fate, he had long been accustomed to regard as the earthly
meed of his labors; and he had too often been threatened with it, to
be overwhelmed by its near prospect. Vain, then, were all solemn
details of that awful sentence, to strike terror into his fixed
soul,――vain the dark sureties of the high, steep rock, the massive,
lofty walls, the iron gates, the ever-watchful Roman guards, the
fetters and manacles, to control or check the
“Eternal spirit of the chainless mind!――
Brightest in dungeons, Liberty! thou art,
For there thy habitation is the heart.”
Thus sublimely calm, sat Peter in his prison, waiting for death.
Day after day, all day long, the joyous feast went on beneath
him:――the offering, the prayer and the hymn varying the mighty
course, from the earliest morning supplication to the great evening
sacrifice. Up rolled the glorious symphony of the Levites’ thousand
horns, and the choral harmony of their chanting voices,――up rolled
the clouds of precious incense to the skiey throne of Israel’s
God,――and with this music and fragrance, up rolled the prayers of
Israel’s worshiping children; but though the glorious sound and odor
fell delightfully on the senses of the lonely captive, as they passed
upwards by his high prison-tower, no voice of mercy came from
below, to cheer him in his desolation. But from above, from the
heaven to which all these prayer-bearing floods of incense and
harmony ascended, came down divine consolation and miraculous
delivery to this poor, despised prisoner, with a power and a witness
that not all the solemn pomp of the passover ceremony could
summon in reply to its costly offerings. The feeble band of sorrowing
Nazarenes, from their little chamber, were lifting unceasing voices of
supplication for their brother, in his desperate prospects, which
entered with his solitary prayer into the ears of the God of Hosts,
while the ostentatious worship of king Agrippa and his reverend
supporters, only brought back shame and woful ruin on their impious
supplications for the divine sanction to their bloody plans of
persecution. At last the solemn passover-rites of “the last great day
of the feast” were ended;――the sacrifice, the incense and the song,
rose no more from the sanctuary,――the fires on the altars went out,
the hum and the roar of worshiping voices was hushed, and the
departing throngs poured through the “eternal” and the “beautiful”
gates, till at last the courts and porches of the temple were empty
through all their vast extent, and hushed in a silence, deep as the
ruinous oblivion to which the voice of their God had doomed them
shortly to pass; and all was still, save where the footfall of the
passing priest echoed along the empty colonnades, as he hurried
over the vast pavements into the dormitories of the inner temple; or
where the mighty gates thundered awfully as they swung heavily
together under the strong hands of the weary Levites, and sent their
long reverberations among the walls. Even these closing sounds
soon ceased also; the Levite watchmen took their stand on the
towers of the temple, and paced their nightly rounds along the flat
roofs, guarding with careful eyes their holy shrine, lest the impious
should, under cover of night, again profane it, (as the Samaritans
had secretly done a few years before.) And on the neighboring castle
of Antonia, the Roman garrison, too, had set their nightly watch, and
the iron warriors slumbered, each in his turn, till the round of duty
should summon him to relieve guard. Within the dungeon keep of the
castle, was still safely held the weighty trust that was to be answered
for, on peril of life; and all arrangements were made which so great a
responsibility seemed to require. The prisoner already somewhat
notorious for making unaccountable escapes from guarded
dungeons, was secured with a particularity, quite complimentary to
his dexterity as a jail-breaker. The quaternion on duty was divided
into two portions; each half being so disposed and posted as to
effect the most complete supervision of which the place was
capable,――two men keeping watch outside of the well-bolted door
of the cell, and two within, who, not limited to the charge of merely
keeping their eyes on the prisoner, had him fastened to their bodies,
by a chain on each side. In this neighborly proximity to his rough
companions, Peter was in the habit of passing the night; but in the
day-time was freed from one of these chains, remaining attached to
only one soldier. (This arrangement was in accordance with the
standard mode of guarding important state-prisoners among the
Romans.) Matters being thus accommodated, and the watch being
set for the next three hours, Peter’s two fast companions, finding him
but indifferent company, no doubt, notwithstanding his sociable
position, soon grew quite dull in the very tame employment of seeing
that he did not run away with them; for as to getting away from them,
the idea could have no place at all in the supposition. These sturdy
old veterans had probably, though Gentiles, conformed so far to
Judaical rituals as to share in the comfortable festivities of this great
religious occasion, and could not have suffered any heathenish
prejudices to prevent them from a hearty participation in the joyous
draughts of the wine, which as usual did its part to enliven the hearts
and countenances of all those who passed the feast-day in
Jerusalem. The passover coming so many months after the vintage
too, the fermentation of a long season must have considerably
energized “the pure juice of the grape,” so that its exhilarant and
narcotic powers could have been by no means feeble; and if the
change thus wrought by time and its own inherent powers, at all
corresponds to that which takes places in cider in this country under
the same circumstances, the latter power must have so far
predominated, as to leave them rather below than above the
ordinary standard of vivacity, and induce that sort of apathetic
indifference to consequences, which is far from appropriate in a
soldier on duty over an important trust. Be that as it may, Peter’s two
room-mates soon gave themselves quietly up to slumber. If any
scruple arose in their heavy heads as to the risk they ran in case of
his escape, that was soon soothed by the consideration of the vast
number of impassable securities upon the prisoner. They might well
reason with themselves, “If this sharp Galilean can manage to break
his chains without waking us, and burst open this stout door in spite
of bars, without rousing the sentinels who are posted against it on
the outside, and make his way unseen and unchecked through all
the gates and guards of Castle Antonia――why, let him. But there’s
no use in our losing a night’s rest by any uneasiness about such a
chance.” So stretching themselves out, they soon fell into a sound
sleep, none the less pleasant for their lying in such close quarters;
for it is natural to imagine, that in a chilly March night in Jerusalem,
stowing three in a bed was no uncomfortable arrangement.
Circumstanced as he was, Peter had nothing to do but conform to
their example, for the nature of his attachment to them was such,
that he had no room for the indulgence of his own fancies about his
position; and he also lay down to repose. He slept. The sickening
and feverish confinement of his close dungeon had not yet so broken
his firm and vigorous frame, nor so drained its energies, as to hinder
the placid enjoyment of repose; nor did the certainty of a cruel and
shameful death, to which he was within a few hours to be dragged,
before the eyes of a scoffing rabble, move his high spirit from its self-
possession:――
“And still he slumbered
While in ‘decree, his hours’ were numbered.”
He slept. And from that dark prison-bed what visions could beguile
his slumbering thoughts? Did fancy bear them back against the tide
of time, to the humble, peaceful home of his early days,――to the
varied scenes of the lake whereon he loved to dwell, and along
whose changeful waters he had learned so many lessons of
immortal faith and untrembling hope in his Lord? Amid the stormy
roar of its dark waters, the voice of that Lord once called him to
tempt the raging deep with his steady foot, and when his feeble faith,
before untried, failed him in the terrors of the effort, His supporting
hand recalled him to strength and safety. And had that lesson of faith
and hope been so poorly learned, that in this dark hour he could
draw no consolation from such remembrances? No. He could even
now find that consolation, and he did. In the midst of this “sea of
troubles,” he felt the same mighty arm now upholding him, that bore
him above the waters, “when the blue wave rolled nightly on deep
Galilee.” Again he had stood by those waters, swelling brightly in the
fresh morning breeze, with his risen Lord beside him, and received
the solemn commission, oft-renewed, to feed the flock that was so
soon to lose the earthly presence of its great Shepherd. In the
steady and dauntless execution of that parting commission, he had
in the course of long years gone on in the face of death,――“feeding
the lambs” of Christ’s gathering, and calling vast numbers to the fold;
and for the faithful adherence to that command, he now sat waiting
the fulfilment of the doom that was to cut him down in the midst of
life and in the fullness of his vigor. Yet the nearness of this sad
reward of his labors, seemingly offering so dreadful an interpretation
of the mystical prophecy that accompanied that charge, moved him
to no desperation or distress, and still he calmly slept, with as little
agitation and dread as at the transfiguration, and at the agony of the
crucifixion eve; nor did that compunction for heedless inattention,
that then hung upon his slumbering senses, now disturb him in the
least. It is really worth noticing, in justice to Peter, that his
sleepiness, of which so many curious instances are presented in the
sacred narrative, was not of the criminally selfish kind that might be
supposed on a partial view. If he slept during his Master’s prayers on
Mount Hermon, and in Gethsemane, he slept too in his own
condemned cell; and if in his bodily infirmity he had forgotten to
watch and pray when death threatened his Lord, he was now equally
indifferent to his own impending destruction. He was, evidently, a
man of independent and regular habits. Brought up a hard-working
man, he had all his life been accustomed to repose whenever he
was at leisure, if he needed it; and now too, though the “heathen
might rage, and the people imagine a vain thing,――though the
kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers took counsel
together” against him, and doomed him to a cruel death,――in spite
of all these, Peter would sleep when he was sleepy. Not the royal
Agrippa could sleep sounder on his pavilioned couch of purple. In
the calm confidence of one steadily fixed in a high course, and
perfectly prepared for every and any result, the chained apostle gave
himself coolly to his natural rest, without borrowing any trouble from
the thought, that in the morning the bloody sword was to lay him in
“the sleep that knows no earthly waking.” So slept the Athenian
sage, on the eve of his martyrdom to the cause of clearly and boldly
spoken truth,――a sleep that so moved the wonder of his agonizing
disciples, at the power of a good conscience and a practical
philosophy to sustain the soul against the horrors of such distress;
but a sleep not sounder nor sweeter than that of the poor Galilean
outcast, who, though not knowing even the name of philosophy, had
a consolation far higher, in the faith that his martyred Lord had taught
him in so many experimental instructions. That faith, learned by the
painful conviction of his own weakness, and implanted in him by
many a fall when over confident in his own strength, was now his
stay and comfort, so that he might say to his soul, “Hope thou in
God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the help of my countenance
and my God.” Nor did that hope prove groundless. From him in
whom he trusted, came a messenger of deliverance; and from the
depths of a danger the most appalling and threatening, he was soon
brought, to serve that helping-God through many faithful years,
feeding the flock till, in his old age, “another should gird him, and
carry him whither he would not.” He who had prayed for him in the
revelation of his peculiar glories on Mount Hermon, and had so
highly consecrated him to the great cause, had yet greater things for
him to do; and to new works of love and glory he now called him,
from the castle-prison of his royal persecutor.
Ten years.――This piece of chronology is thus settled. Jesus Christ, according to all
common calculation, was crucified as early as the twentieth year of the reign of Tiberius.
Irenaeus maintains that it was in the fifteenth of that reign. Eusebius and Epiphanius fix it in
the eighteenth, or, according to Petavius’s explanation of their meaning, in the seventeenth
of his actual reign. Tertullian, Julius Africanus, Jerome, and Augustin, put it in the sixteenth.
Roger Bacon, Paulus Burgensis, and Tostatus, also support this date, on the ground of an
astronomical calculation of the course of the moon, fixing the time when the passover must
have occurred, so as to accord with the requirement of the Mosaic law, that it should be
celebrated on a new moon. But Kepler has abundantly shown the fallacy of this calculation.
Antony Pagus, also, though rejecting this astronomical basis, adheres to the opinion of
Tertullian, Jerome, &c. Baronius fixes it in the nineteenth of Tiberius. Pearson, L. Cappel,
Spanheim, and Witsius, with the majority of the moderns, in the twentieth of Tiberius. So
that the unanimous result of all these great authorities, places it as early as this last
mentioned year. A full and highly satisfactory view of all these chronological points and
opinions, is given by the deeply learned Antony Pagus, in his great “Critical Historico-
Chronological Review of Baronii.” Saecul. I. Ann. Per. Gr.‒Rom. 5525. ¶ 3‒13.
Now, from Josephus it is perfectly evident that Agrippa did not leave Rome until some
time after the beginning of the reign of Claudius, and it is probable not before the close of
the first year. Counting backwards through the four years of Caligula, this makes five years
after the death of Tiberius, and eight on the latest calculation from the death of Christ; while
according to the higher and earlier authority, it amounts to nine, ten, eleven, or to twelve
years from the crucifixion to Agrippa’s arrival in Judea. And moreover, it is not probable that
the persecution referred to occurred immediately on his arrival. Indeed, from the close way
in which Luke connects Agrippa’s death with the preceding events, it would seem as if he
would fix his “going down from Jerusalem to Caesarea,” and his death at the latter place,
very soon after the escape of Peter. This of course being in the end of Claudius’s third year,
brings the events above, down to the eleventh or twelfth from the crucifixion, even
according to the latest conjecture as to the date of that event. Probably, however, the
connection of the two events was not as close as a common reading of the Acts would lead
one to suppose.
So also Lardner, in his Life of Peter, says, “The death of Herod Agrippa happened before
the end of that year,” in which he escaped. (Lardner’s Works 4to. Vol. III. p. 402, bottom.)
Natalis Alexander fixes Peter’s escape in the second year of Claudius, and the forty-
fourth from Christ’s birth, which is, according to his computation, the tenth from his death.
(Church History, Saec. I. Cap. vi.)
A chain on each side.――That this was a common mode of fastening such prisoners
among the Romans, appears from the authorities referred to by Wolf, (Cur. Philology in Acts
xii. 6,) Kuinoel and Rosenmueller, (quoting from Walch,) and Bloomfield, all in loc.
Quaternion.――That is, a band of four. See Bloomfield in defense of my mode of

disposing them about the prison,――also Rosenmueller, &c. Wolf quotes appositely from
Polybius; but Kuinoel is richest of all in quotations and illustrations. (Acts xii. 4, 5.)
the deliverance.
Peter was now quietly sleeping between his two guards, when his
rest was suddenly broken by a smart blow on the side, too
energetically given to be mistaken for an accidental knock from the
elbow of one of his heavy bed-fellows. Rousing his senses, and
opening his eyes, he was startled by a most remarkable light shining
throughout his dungeon, which his last waking glance had left in utter
darkness. In this unaccountable illumination, he saw standing before
him and bending over him, a form in which he could recognize only
the divine messenger of deliverance. The shock of such a surprise
must have been overwhelming;――to be waked from a sound sleep
by an appearance so utterly unearthly, might have struck horror into
the stoutest heart; but Peter seems to have suffered no such
emotion to hinder his attendance to the heavenly call. The
apparition, before he could exercise thought enough to sit up of
himself, had raised him up from his bed, and that without the
slightest alarm to his still slumbering keepers,――for “immediately
the chains fell from his hands,”――a motion which by the rattling of
the falling irons should have aroused the sleepers if any sound could
have impressed their senses. The impulse of the now unmanacled
captive might have been to spring forth his dungeon without the
slightest delay, but his deliverer’s next command forbade any such
unnecessary haste. His first words were, “Gird thyself; and tie on thy
sandals.” Before laying himself down, he had, as usual, thrown off
his outer garments and loosened his girdle, so that his under dress
need not so much confine him in sleep as to prevent that perfect
relaxation which is necessary for comfortable repose. Just as now-a-
days, a man in taking up such a lodging as often falls to a traveler’s
lot, will seldom do more than pull off his coat and boots, as Peter did,
and perhaps unbutton his waist-band and suspenders, so that on a
sudden alarm from his rest, the first direction would very properly be,
to “gird himself,” (button his trowsers,) “and tie on his sandals,” (put
on his shoes or boots.) The next direction given to Peter, also, “Cast
thy garment about thee,” (put on thy coat,) would be equally
appropriate. The meaning of all this particularity and deliberation
was, no doubt, that there was no need whatever of hurry or slyness
about the escape. It was not to be considered a mere smart trick of
jail-breaking, by which Peter was to crawl out of his dungeon in such
a hurry as to leave his coat and shoes behind him, but a truly
miraculous providence insuring his deliverance with a completeness
and certainty that allowed him to take every thing that belonged to
him. Having now perfectly accoutred himself in his ordinary style,
Peter immediately obeyed the next order of his deliverer,――“Follow
me.” Leaving his two bed-fellows and room-mates sleeping hard,
without the slightest idea of the evacuation of the premises which
was so deliberately going on, to their great detriment, Peter now
passed out through the open door, following the divine messenger in
a state of mind altogether indescribable, but still with just sense
enough to obey the directions which thus led him on to blissful
freedom. The whole scene bore so perfectly the character of one of
those enchanting dreams of liberty with which painful hope often
cheats the willing senses of the poor captive in slumber, that he
might well and wisely doubt the reality of an appearance so
tempting, and which his wishes would so readily suggest to his
forgetful spirit. But passing on with his conductor, he moved between
the sentinels posted at the doors, who were also equally unaware of
the movement going on so boldly under their noses, or rather over
them, for they, too, were faster bound in slumber than their prisoner
had been in his chains; and he now stepped over their outstretched
bodies as they lay before the entrances. These soldiers, too,
evidently looked upon their duty as a sort of sinecure, rationally
concluding that their two stout comrades on the inside were rather
more than a match for the fettered and manacled captive, and that if
he should be at all obstreperous, or even uneasy, the noise would
soon enough awake them from their nap. And thus excessive
precaution is very apt to overshoot itself, each part of the
arrangement relying too much on the security of all the rest. The two
passengers soon reached the great iron gate of the castle, through
which they must pass in order to enter the city. But all the seeming
difficulties of this passage vanished as soon as they approached it.
The gate swung its enormous mass of metal self-moving through the
air, and the half-entranced Peter went on beneath the vacant portal,
and now stood without the castle, once more a free man in the fresh,
pure air. The difficulties and dangers were not all over yet, however.
During all the great feast-days, when large assemblies of people
were gathered at Jerusalem from various quarters, to guard against
the danger of riots and insurrection in these motley throngs,――the
armed Roman force on duty, as Josephus relates, was doubled and
tripled, occupying several new posts around the temple, and, as the
same historian particularly mentions, on the approaches of castle
Antonia, where its foundations descended towards the terraces of
the temple, and gave access to the colonnades of the temple. On all
these places the guard must have been under arms during this
passover, and even at night the sentries would be stationed at all the
important posts, as a reasonable security against the numerous
strangers of a dubious character, who now thronged the city
throughout. Yet all these peculiar precautions, which, at this time,
presented so many additional difficulties to the escaping apostle,
hindered him not in the least. Entering the city, he followed the
footsteps of his blessed guide, unchecked, till they had passed on
through the first street, when all at once, without sign or word of
farewell, the mysterious deliverer vanished, leaving Peter alone in
the silent city, but free and safe. Then flashed upon his mind the
conviction of the true character of the apparition. The departure of
his guide leaving him to seek his own way, his senses were, by the
necessity of this self-direction, recalled from the state of
stupefaction, in which he had mechanically followed on from the
prison. With the first burst of reflection, he broke out in the
exclamation, “Now I know of a truth, that the Lord has sent forth his
messenger, and has rescued me out of the hand of Herod, in spite of
all the expectation of the Jewish people.” Refreshed and encouraged
by this impression, he now used his thoroughly awakened senses to
find his exact situation, and after looking about him, he made his way
through the dark streets to a place where he knew he should find
those whose despairing hearts would be inexpressibly rejoiced by
the news of his deliverance. This was the house of Mary, the mother
of John Mark, where the disciples were accustomed to assemble.
Going up to the gate-way, he rapped on the door, and at once
aroused those within; for in their sleepless distress for the
imprisoned apostle, several of the brethren had given up all thoughts
of sleep, and, as Peter had suspected, were now watching in prayer
within this house. The noise of a visitant at this unseasonable hour of
the night, immediately brought to the door a lively damsel, named
Rhoda; who, according to the Jewish custom of employing females
in this capacity, acted as portress of the mansion of Mary. Prudently
requiring some account of the person who made this late call, before
she opened the door of the persecuted Christians to an unknown
and perhaps an ill-disposed character, she was struck with almost
frantic joy at hearing the well-known voice of the much mourned
Peter, craving admittance. In the highth of her thoughtless gladness,
she ran off at once to make known the delightful fact to the disciples
in the house, without even seeming to think of the desirableness of
admitting the apostle, perhaps because she very naturally wanted to
tell such pleasant news first herself. Bursting into the room where the
disciples were at prayer for their lamented leader, whom they
supposed to be then fast bound for death in the dungeon of Antonia,
she communicated the joyful fact, that “Peter was before the gate.” A
declaration so extravagantly improbable, at once suggested the idea
of her having lost her wits through her affectionate sorrow for the
sufferings and anticipated death of the great apostle, and they
therefore replied, “Thou art crazy.” Rhoda, somewhat excited by
such a provoking expression of incredulity, loudly repeated her
slighted piece of good news, and so gravely maintained the truth of
it, that some of the more superstitious at last began to think there
must be something in it, and seriously suggested, that it must be a
supernatural messenger come to give them notice of his certain
doom,――“It is his guardian angel.” Peter, however, was all this
while standing outside during this grave debate about his real entity,
and shivering with the cold of a chilly March night, grew quite
impatient at the girl’s inconsiderate folly, and knocked away with
might and main, making a noise of most unspiritual character, till at
last the disciples determined to cut short the debate by an actual
observation; so opening the door to the shivering apostle, the light
brought his material existence to a certainty beyond all doubt. Their
amazement and joy was bursting forth with a vivacity which quite
made up for their previous incredulity; when the apostle, making a
hushing sign with his hand,――and with a reasonable fear, too, no
doubt, that their obstreperous congratulations might be heard in
other houses around, so as to alarm the neighbors and bring out
some spiteful Jews, who would procure his detection and
recapture,――having obtained silence, went on to give them a full
account of his being brought out of prison by the Lord, and after
finishing his wonderful story, said to them, “Tell these things to
James and the brethren.” From this it would seem that the apostles
were all somewhere else, probably having found that a temporary
concealment was expedient for their safety, but were still not far from
the city. His own personal danger was of so imminent a character,
however, that Jerusalem could not be a safe place for him during the
search that would be immediately instituted after him by his
disappointed and enraged persecutors. It was quite worth while,
therefore, for him to use the remaining darkness of the night to
complete his escape; and without staying to enjoy their outflowing
sympathies, he bade them a hasty farewell, and, as the historian
briefly says, went to another place. Where this “other place” was,
he does not pretend to tell or know, and the only certain inference to
be drawn from the circumstance is, that it was beyond the reach or
knowledge of the mighty and far-ruling king, who had taken such
particular pains to secure Peter’s death. The probabilities as to the
real place of his retirement will, however, be given, as soon as the
sequel of events in Jerusalem has been narrated, as far as concerns
the discovery of his escape.
Bright light.――Some commentators have attempted to make out an explanation of this

phenomenon, by referring the whole affair to the effects of a sudden flash and stroke of
lightning, falling on the castle, and striking all the keepers senseless,――melting Peter’s
chains, and illuminating the place, so that Peter, unhurt amid the general crash, saw this
opportunity for escaping, and stepping over their prostrate bodies, made his way out of the
prison, and was out of sight before they came to. The most important objection to this
ingenious speculation is, that it directly contradicts every verse in Luke’s account of the
escape, as well as the general spirit of the narrative. Another weighty reason is, that the
whole series of natural causes and effects, proposed as a substitute for the simple
meaning, is brought together in such forced and uncommon coincidences, as to require a
much greater effort of faith and credulity for its belief, than the miraculous view, which it
quite transcends in incredibility. The introduction of explanations of miracles by natural
phenomena, is justifiable only so far as these may illustrate the accompaniments of the
event, by showing the mode in which those things which are actually mentioned as physical
results, operated in producing the impressions described. Thus, when thunder and lightning
are mentioned in connection with miraculous events, they are to be considered as real
electrical discharges, made to accompany and manifest the presence of God; and where
lambent flames are described as appearing in a storm, they, like the corpos santos, are
plainly also results of electrical discharges. So too, when mighty winds are mentioned, they
are most honestly taken to be real winds, and not deceptive sounds or impressions; and
when a cloud is mentioned, it is but fair to consider it a real cloud, made up, like all other
clouds, of vapor, and not a mere non-entity, or a delusion existing only in the minds of those
who are mentioned as beholding it. But where nothing of this kind is spoken of, and where a
distinct personal presence is plainly declared, the attempt to substitute a physical accident
for such an apparition, is a direct attack on the honesty of the statement. Such attempts,
too, are devoid of the benefits of such illustrations as I have alluded to as desirable; they
bring in a new set of difficulties with them, without removing any of those previously
obstructing the interpretation of the facts. In this case, the only circumstance which could be
reasonably made to agree with the idea of lightning, is the mention of the bright light; while
throughout the whole account, the presence of a supernaturally mysterious person, acting
and speaking, is perfectly unquestionable. The violation of all probability, shown in this
forced explanation, will serve as a fair instance of the mode in which many modern German
critics are in the habit of distorting the simple, manifest sense of the sacred writers, for the
sake of dispensing with all supernatural occurrences. (See Kuinoel for an enlarged view and
discussion of this opinion. Other views of the nature of the phenomenon are also given by
him, and by Rosenmueller, on Acts xii. 7.)
Morning dawned at last upon the towers and temple-columns of

the Holy City. On the gold-sheeted roofs and snowy-pillared
colonnades of the house of God, the sunlight poured with a splendor
hardly more glorious than the insupportable brilliancy that was sent
back from their dazzling surfaces, streaming like a new morning
upon the objects around, whose nearer sides would otherwise have
been left in shade by the eastern rays. Castle Antonia shared in this
general illumination, and at the first blaze of sunrise, the order of
Roman service announced the moment for relieving guard. The
bustle of the movement of the new sentries towards their stands,
must at last have reached the ears of Peter’s forsaken companions.
Their first waking thoughts would of course be on their responsible
charge, and they now became for the first time aware of the
important deficiency. In vain did their heavy eyes, at first winking with
sleepiness, but now wide open with amazement, search the dim
vacancy for their eloped bed-fellow. The most inquisitive glance fell
only on the blank space between them, scarcely blanker than the
forlorn visages of the poor keepers, who saw in this disappearance
the seal of their certain death, for having let the prisoner escape. But
they had not much time to consider their misfortune, or condole upon
it; for the change of sentries now brought to the door the quaternion
whose turn on duty came next. With a miserable grace did the
unhappy occupants of the cell show themselves at the open door,
with the empty chains and fetters dangling at their sides, from which
their late companion had so curiously slipped. Most uncomfortable
must have been the aspect of things to the two sentinels who had
been keeping their steady watch outside of the door, and who shared
equally with the inside keepers, in the undesirable responsibilities of
this accident. There stood their comrades with the useless chains
displayed in their original attachments; but, amazing! what in the
world had they done with the prisoner? The ludicrous distress and
commotion resulting from this unpleasant revelation, was evidently
well appreciated even by the sacred historian, whose brief but pithy
expression is not without a latent comic force. “There was no small
stir among the soldiers to know what was become of Peter.” A
general search into all the holes and corners of the dungeon, of
course, ensued; and the castle was no doubt ransacked from top to
bottom for the runaway, whose escape from its massive gates
seemed still impossible. But not even his cloak and sandals, which
he had laid beside him at the last change of guards,――not a shred,
not a thread had been left to hint at the mode of his abstraction. Yet
this was so bad a story for the ears of the royal Agrippa, that it would
not do to give up the search while any chance whatever remained.
But all rummaging was perfectly fruitless; and with sorrowful hearts,
they now went with their report to the vindictive king, to acknowledge
that most unpardonable crime in Roman soldiers,――to have slept
on their posts, so that a prisoner of state had escaped on the eve of
execution.
Baronius, (Church Annuals, 44, § 8,) speaking of Peter’s escape from his chains, favors
us with a solemn statement of the important and interesting circumstance, deriving the
proofs from Metaphrastes, (that prince of papistical liars, and grand source of Romish
apostolical fables,) that these very chains of Peter are still preserved at Rome, among other
venerable relics of equal authenticity; having been faithfully preserved, and at last found
after the lapse of four hundred years. The veritable history of this miraculous preservation,
as given by the inventive Metaphrastes, is, that the said chains happened to fall into the
hands of one of Agrippa’s servants who was a believer in Christ, and so were handed down
for four centuries, and at last brought to light. It is lamentable that the list of the various
persons through whose hands they passed, is not given, though second in importance only
to the authentic record of the papal succession. This impudent and paltry falsehood will
serve as a fair specimen of a vast quantity of such stuff, which litters up the pages of even
the sober ecclesiastical histories of many papistical writers. The only wonderful thing to me
about this story is, that Cave has not given it a place in his Lives of the Apostles, which are
made up with so great a portion of similar trash.
Baronius, in connection with this passage, suggests the castle of Antonia as the most
probable place of Peter’s confinement. “Juxta templum fortasse in ea munitissima turri quae
dicebatur Antonia.” (Baronius, Church Annuals, C. 44, § 5.) A conjecture which certainly
adds some weight to my own supposition to that effect; although I did not discover the
coincidence in time to mention it in my note on page 194.
Meanwhile, with the early day, up rose the royal Agrippa from his
purple couch, to seize the first moment after the close of the
passover for the consummation of the doom of the wretched
Galilean, who, by the royal decree, must now yield the life already
too many days spared, out of delicate scruple about the inviolate
purity of that holy week. Up rose also the saintly princes of the
Judaic law, coming forth in their solemn trains and broad
phylacteries, to grace this most religious occasion with their reverend
presence, out of respectful gratitude to their great sovran for his
considerate disposition to accord the sanction of his absolute secular
power to their religious sentence. Expectation stood on tiptoe for the
comfortable spectacle of the streaming life-blood of this stubborn
leader of the Nazarene heresy, and nothing was wanting to the
completion of the ceremony, but the criminal himself. That
“desideratum, so much to be desired,” was, however, not so easily
supplied; for the entrance of the delinquent sentinels now presented
the non-est-inventus return to the solemn summons for the body of
their prisoner. Confusion thrice confounded now fell on the faces that
were just shining with anticipated triumph over their hated foe, while
secret, scornful joy illuminated the countenances of the oppressed
friends of Jesus. But on the devoted minions of the baffled king, did
his disappointed vengeance fall most cruelly; in his paroxysm of
vexation, and for an event wholly beyond their control they now
suffered an undeserved death; making so tragical a catastrophe to a
story otherwise decidedly comical, that the reader can only comfort
himself with the belief that they were a set of insolent reprobates
who had insulted the distresses of their frequent victims, and would
have rejoiced in the bloody execution of the apostle.
King Herod Agrippa, after this miserable failure in his attempt to

“please the Jews,” does not seem to have made a very long stay in
Jerusalem. Before his departure, however, to secure his own solid
glory and his kingdom’s safety, as well as the favor of his subjects,
he not only continued the repairs of the temple, but instituted such
improvements in the fortifications of the city, as, if ever completed,
would have made it utterly impregnable even to a Roman force; so
that the emperor’s jealousy soon compelled him to abandon this
work; and soon after he left Jerusalem, and went down to Caesarea
Augusta, on the sea-coast, long the seat of government of Palestine,
and a more agreeable place for the operations of a Gentile court and
administration, (for such Agrippa’s must have been from his Roman
residence,) than the punctilious religious capital of Judea. But he
was not allowed to remain much longer on the earth, to hinder the
progress of the truth, by acts of tyranny in subservience to the base
purposes of winning the favor of his more powerful subjects. The
hand of God was laid destroyingly on him, in the midst of what

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1. Pre-Historic Period 1-3 28. Indian Constitution 65-67

2. Indus Valley Civilisation 4-6 29. Fundamental Rights 68-70

3. Vedic Period 7-8 30. Political System 71-74

4. Buddhism and Jainism 9-11 31. Union Government 75-77

5. Mauryan Empire 12-14 32. State Government 78-80

8. Delhi Sultanate 21-23 35. Legislature 88-89

9. Mughal Period 24-26 36. Executive 90-92

10. Emergence of New Kingdoms 27-29 37. Judiciary 93-94

12. Initial Modern History 32-33 Section 4 : ECONOMICS

13. Reform Movement 34-35 39. Indian Economy 99-100

16. Section Test : History 40-42 42. Sustainable Development 105-106

Section 2 : GEOGRAPHY 43. Agriculture in Indian Economy 107-108

21. Atmosphere and Hydrosphere 51-52 48. Demographics 117-118

23. Economic Geography 55-56 50. World Economy 121-122

24. Social Geography 57-58 51. Section Test : Economics 123-124

25. World Geography 59-60 Section 5 : GENERAL SCIENCE

26. Geography of India 61-62 52. Mechanics 125-127

55. Electricity and Magnetism 134-135 77. World Organisation 180-182

56. Optics 136-137 78. World Socio-economic Panorama 183-185

79. World Political Panorama 186-187

Section 6 : ECOLOGY 89. Trends in Science and Technology 210-213

68. Biodiversity 162-163 91. Section Test : Current Affairs 216-218

92. Practice Test-1 219-225

101 SPEED TEST - HINTS & SOLUTIONS 1-160

peter’s threatened martyrdom.

In the steady contemplation of the nearness of his bloody doom,

Brightest in dungeons, Liberty! thou art,

For there thy habitation is the heart.”

“And still he slumbered

While in ‘decree, his hours’ were numbered.”

Quaternion.――That is, a band of four. See Bloomfield in defense of my mode of

Bright light.――Some commentators have attempted to make out an explanation of this

Morning dawned at last upon the towers and temple-columns of

King Herod Agrippa, after this miserable failure in his attempt to

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