TEST 26 – PART 2

Thematic (1) 2024 – History 1

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1. Answered
2. Review

1. Question 1 of 100

   1. Question

   Consider following pairs:
   Buddhist councils : places
   (A) First Buddhist councils 1. Patliputra
   (B) Second Buddhist councils 2.Vaisali
   (C) Third Buddhist councils 3.Rajgriha
   How many of the above pairs are incorrectly matched?
   (A) Only one pair
   (B) Only two pairs
   (C) All three pairs
   (D) None of the pairs

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   Correct
   

   Incorrect
   

   Buddhist Councils
   Pair 1 is incorrect : The first Buddhist Council was held at Rajagraha under the chairmanship of Mahakasapa immediately after the death of Buddha. Its purpose was to maintain the purity of the teachings of the Buddha.
   Pair 2 is correct : The second Buddhist Council was convened at Vaisali around 383 B.C.
   Pair 3 is incorrect : The third Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra under the patronage of Asoka. Moggaliputta Tissa presided over it. The final version of Tripitakas was completed in this council.
   The fourth Buddhist Council was convened in Kashmir by Kanishka under the chairmanship of Vasumitra. Asvagosha participated in this council. The new school of Buddhism called Mahayana Buddhism came into existence during this council. The Buddhism preached by the Buddha and propagated by Asoka was known as Hinayana. The Buddhist texts were collected and compiled some five hundred years after the death of the Buddha. They are known as the Tripitakas, namely the Sutta, the Vinaya and the Abhidhamma Pitakas. They are written in the Pali language.

   Unattempted
   

   Buddhist Councils
   Pair 1 is incorrect : The first Buddhist Council was held at Rajagraha under the chairmanship of Mahakasapa immediately after the death of Buddha. Its purpose was to maintain the purity of the teachings of the Buddha.
   Pair 2 is correct : The second Buddhist Council was convened at Vaisali around 383 B.C.
   Pair 3 is incorrect : The third Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra under the patronage of Asoka. Moggaliputta Tissa presided over it. The final version of Tripitakas was completed in this council.
   The fourth Buddhist Council was convened in Kashmir by Kanishka under the chairmanship of Vasumitra. Asvagosha participated in this council. The new school of Buddhism called Mahayana Buddhism came into existence during this council. The Buddhism preached by the Buddha and propagated by Asoka was known as Hinayana. The Buddhist texts were collected and compiled some five hundred years after the death of the Buddha. They are known as the Tripitakas, namely the Sutta, the Vinaya and the Abhidhamma Pitakas. They are written in the Pali language.
2. Question 2 of 100

   2. Question

   consider the following satements about Kushanas.
   (1) the founder of Kushan dyanasty was Kadphises 1.
   (2) Kanishka was the great patron of Hinyana buddhism .
   (3) Kushans are the first rulers in India to issue gold coins on large scale.
   (4) Gandhara school art patronised by kushans.
   How many of the above statements is/are not correct ?
   (A) Only one
   (B) Only two
   (C) All three
   (D) None

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   Correct
   

   Incorrect
   

   Statement 1 is correct : The Kushanas were a branch of Yuchi tribe, whose original home was central Asia. They first came to Bactria displacing the Sakas. Then they gradually moved tothe Kabul valley and seized the Gandhara region. The founder of the Kushana dynasty was Kujula Kadphises or Kadphises I.
   Statement 2 is incorrect : Kanishka was the most important ruler of the Kushana dynasty. Kanishka was the great patron of Mahayana bhudhism. He was the founder of the Saka era which starts from 78 A.D. He was notonly a great conqueror but also a patron of religion and art. Kanishka embraced Buddhism in the early part of his reign. However, his coins exhibit the images of not only Buddha but also Greek and Hindu gods.
   Statement 3 is correct : Vima Kadphises, Kushana ruler was the first to issue gold coins on a large scale.
   Kushanas issued mostly gold coins and numerous copper coins which are found in most parts of north India up to Bihar.
   The Gold Dinara's or Suvarnas were based on the Roman denarius.
   Many Indian gods and goddesses depicted on Kushana coins besides many Persian and Greek deities.
   Statement 4 is correct : It mostly flourished in the areas of Afghanistan and present North-Western India. The prominent locations were Taxila, Peshawar, Begram, and Bamiyan. The best of the Gandhara sculpture was produced during the first and second centuries A.D. It originated during the reign of Indo-Greek rulers but the real patrons of this school of art were the Sakas and the Kushanas,particularly Kanishka. Gandhara art was a blend of Indian and Graeco-Roman elements.

   Unattempted
   

   Statement 1 is correct : The Kushanas were a branch of Yuchi tribe, whose original home was central Asia. They first came to Bactria displacing the Sakas. Then they gradually moved tothe Kabul valley and seized the Gandhara region. The founder of the Kushana dynasty was Kujula Kadphises or Kadphises I.
   Statement 2 is incorrect : Kanishka was the most important ruler of the Kushana dynasty. Kanishka was the great patron of Mahayana bhudhism. He was the founder of the Saka era which starts from 78 A.D. He was notonly a great conqueror but also a patron of religion and art. Kanishka embraced Buddhism in the early part of his reign. However, his coins exhibit the images of not only Buddha but also Greek and Hindu gods.
   Statement 3 is correct : Vima Kadphises, Kushana ruler was the first to issue gold coins on a large scale.
   Kushanas issued mostly gold coins and numerous copper coins which are found in most parts of north India up to Bihar.
   The Gold Dinara's or Suvarnas were based on the Roman denarius.
   Many Indian gods and goddesses depicted on Kushana coins besides many Persian and Greek deities.
   Statement 4 is correct : It mostly flourished in the areas of Afghanistan and present North-Western India. The prominent locations were Taxila, Peshawar, Begram, and Bamiyan. The best of the Gandhara sculpture was produced during the first and second centuries A.D. It originated during the reign of Indo-Greek rulers but the real patrons of this school of art were the Sakas and the Kushanas,particularly Kanishka. Gandhara art was a blend of Indian and Graeco-Roman elements.
3. Question 3 of 100

   3. Question

   This was the one the famous play written by kalidasa. It tells the story of King Dushyanta who, while on a hunting trip, meets a girl, the adopted daughter of a sage, and marries her.
   It was among the first Sanskrit works to be translated into English.
   Which among the following describes above passage ?
   (A) Abhijnanashakuntalam
   (B) Kumarsambhava
   (C) Meghaduta
   (D) Raghuvamsa

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   Correct
   

   Incorrect
   

   The Recognition of Sakuntala is a play written in Sanskrit by the Indian poet Kalidasa. It tells the story of the Indian King, Dushyanta, and his marriage to the maiden Sakuntala.
   According to the myths, Sakuntala is abandoned by her parents at birth and grows up in a small hermitage (sort of like a monastery) belonging to the sage Kanva. One day, while Kanva is away from the hermitage, King Dushyanta stumbles upon Sakuntala while hunting. Dushyanta falls immediately inlove. He approaches Sakuntala, courts her, and then marries her.

   Unattempted
   

   The Recognition of Sakuntala is a play written in Sanskrit by the Indian poet Kalidasa. It tells the story of the Indian King, Dushyanta, and his marriage to the maiden Sakuntala.
   According to the myths, Sakuntala is abandoned by her parents at birth and grows up in a small hermitage (sort of like a monastery) belonging to the sage Kanva. One day, while Kanva is away from the hermitage, King Dushyanta stumbles upon Sakuntala while hunting. Dushyanta falls immediately inlove. He approaches Sakuntala, courts her, and then marries her.
4. Question 4 of 100

   4. Question

   Consider the following books :
   (1) Ratnavali
   (2) Nagananda
   (3) priyardasika
   (4) Raghuvamsa
   (5) Kadambari
   How many of the above books were written by Harshavardhana ?
   (A) Only two
   (B) Only three
   (C) All five
   (D) None

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   Correct
   

   Incorrect
   

   Harshavardhana was born in 590 AD to King Prabhakaravardhana of Sthaneshvara (Thanesar, Haryana). He belonged to the Pushyabhuti also called the Vardhana dynasty.
   Ratnavali (Precious Garland) is a Sanskrit drama about a beautiful princess named Ratnavali, and a great king named Udayana. It is attributed to the Indian emperor Harsha (606–648).
   Nagananda (Joy of the Serpents) is a Sanskrit play attributed to emperor Harsha (ruled 606 C.E. – 648 C.E.). Nagananda is among the most acclaimed Sanskrit dramas. Through five acts, it tells the popular tory of Vidyadhar King Jimutavahana’s self-sacrifice to save the Nagas.
   Raghuvamsa is a Sanskrit mahakavya (epic poem) by the most celebrated Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Though an exact date of composition is unknown, the poet is presumed to have flourished in the 5th century CE.
   Priyadarshika is a gripping Sanskrit drama revolving around Kings, wars and love. It is written by Harsha and is centred around the life of princess Aranyaka.
   Kadambari is a famous book composed by Banabhatta.
   Hence, Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyardasika were written by Harshavardhana.

   Unattempted
   

   Harshavardhana was born in 590 AD to King Prabhakaravardhana of Sthaneshvara (Thanesar, Haryana). He belonged to the Pushyabhuti also called the Vardhana dynasty.
   Ratnavali (Precious Garland) is a Sanskrit drama about a beautiful princess named Ratnavali, and a great king named Udayana. It is attributed to the Indian emperor Harsha (606–648).
   Nagananda (Joy of the Serpents) is a Sanskrit play attributed to emperor Harsha (ruled 606 C.E. – 648 C.E.). Nagananda is among the most acclaimed Sanskrit dramas. Through five acts, it tells the popular tory of Vidyadhar King Jimutavahana’s self-sacrifice to save the Nagas.
   Raghuvamsa is a Sanskrit mahakavya (epic poem) by the most celebrated Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Though an exact date of composition is unknown, the poet is presumed to have flourished in the 5th century CE.
   Priyadarshika is a gripping Sanskrit drama revolving around Kings, wars and love. It is written by Harsha and is centred around the life of princess Aranyaka.
   Kadambari is a famous book composed by Banabhatta.
   Hence, Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyardasika were written by Harshavardhana.
5. Question 5 of 100

   5. Question

   Arrange the following Dynasties according to their time of rules :
   (1) Sunga Dynasty
   (2) Kanva dynasty
   (3) Shaisunaga dynasty
   (4) Harshvardhana
   (A) 1, 2, 3, 4
   (B) 1, 2 ,4, 3
   (C) 3, 1, 4, 2
   (D) 3, 1, 2, 4

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   Correct
   

   Incorrect
   

   Sunga Dynasty : 185 BCE–73 BCE
   Kanva dynasty: 72 BCE- 28 BCE
   Shaisunaga dynasty – 413 BCE–345 BCE
   Harshvardhana : 606 to 647 CE.
   Shaishunaga dynasties believed to have been the second ruling dynasty of Magadha, an empire of ancient India. According to the Hindu Puranas, this dynastywas the second ruling dynasty of Magadha, succeeding Nagadashaka of the Haryanka dynasty.
   The Sunga Dynasty was an ancient dynasty established in the post-Mauryan period. The Sunga dynasty was established by Pushyamitra Sunga by overthrowing the Maurya dynasty in 185 BCE. There were ten rulers in the Sunga dynasty who in total ruled for about 112 years.
   The Kanva dynasty or Kanvayana was the eighth ruling dynasty of Magadha, established after Vasudeva Kanva overthrew the preceding Shunga dynasty and ruled from 72 BCE to 28 BCE.
   King Harshavardhana was also known as Harsha. He was the son of Prabhakar Vardhana, the founder ofthe Pushyabhuti Dynasty or the Vardhana Dynasty. Harshavardhana is considered as one of the most prominent Indian emperors in the 7th century AD.

   Unattempted
   

   Sunga Dynasty : 185 BCE–73 BCE
   Kanva dynasty: 72 BCE- 28 BCE
   Shaisunaga dynasty – 413 BCE–345 BCE
   Harshvardhana : 606 to 647 CE.
   Shaishunaga dynasties believed to have been the second ruling dynasty of Magadha, an empire of ancient India. According to the Hindu Puranas, this dynastywas the second ruling dynasty of Magadha, succeeding Nagadashaka of the Haryanka dynasty.
   The Sunga Dynasty was an ancient dynasty established in the post-Mauryan period. The Sunga dynasty was established by Pushyamitra Sunga by overthrowing the Maurya dynasty in 185 BCE. There were ten rulers in the Sunga dynasty who in total ruled for about 112 years.
   The Kanva dynasty or Kanvayana was the eighth ruling dynasty of Magadha, established after Vasudeva Kanva overthrew the preceding Shunga dynasty and ruled from 72 BCE to 28 BCE.
   King Harshavardhana was also known as Harsha. He was the son of Prabhakar Vardhana, the founder ofthe Pushyabhuti Dynasty or the Vardhana Dynasty. Harshavardhana is considered as one of the most prominent Indian emperors in the 7th century AD.
6. Question 6 of 100

   6. Question

   Proviences under following rulers called by name:
   (A) Mauryan rulers. 1.Chakra
   (B) Gupta. 2.Bhuktis
   (C) Delhi Sultans 3.Iqtas
   (A) A(1) B.(2) C(3)
   (B) A(1) B(3) C(2)
   (C) A(3) B(2) C(1)
   (D) A(2) B(1) C(3)

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   Correct
   

   Incorrect
   

   Unattempted
   
7. Question 7 of 100

   7. Question

   Match the pairs :
   Buddhist councils : chairperson
   (1) Rajagriha. – i.Mogliputra Tissa
   (2) Pataliputra. – ii.Mahakasapa
   (3) Kashmir. – iii. Vasumitra
   How many of the above pairs are incorrectly matched?
   (A) Only one
   (B) Only two
   (C) All three
   (D) None

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   Correct
   

   Incorrect
   

   First Buddhist Council
   • Venue: In Sattaparnaguha Cave situated outside Rajgriha (the modern city of Rajgir).
   • Year: 486 BC.
   • King: Ajatasatru, son of King Bimbisara (Haryanka Dynasty).
   • Presiding Priest: Venerable Maha Kasyapa with 500 monks.
   • Took place 3 months after the Buddha’s Passing.
   • The First Buddhist Council collected together and arranged the Buddhist Scriptures known as the Pali Tipitaka.
   • Resulted in:
   (1) Vinaya Pitaka which mainly contains the rules of the Buddhist order. This was recited by Upali.
   (2) Suttapitaka was recited by Ananda. It contains the great collections of Buddha’s sermons on matters of doctrine and ethical beliefs.
   Second Buddhist Council
   • Venue: Vaishali.
   • Year: 386 BC
   • King: Kalasoka (Shisunaga Dynasty).
   • Presiding Priest: Sabakami.
   • Took place 100 years after the Buddha’s passing.
   • In order to settle a serious dispute on Vinaya.
   • The dispute arose over the ‘Ten Points.’
   • This is a reference to claims of some monks breaking ten rules, some of which were considered major.
   Third Buddhist Council
   • Venue: Pataliputra (today’s Patna).
   • Year: 250 BC.
   • King: Ashoka (Maurya Dynasty).
   • Presiding priest: Mogaliputta Tissa (Upagupta).
   • Its objective was to reconcile the different schools of Buddhism and to purify the Buddhist movement, particularly from opportunistic factions which had been attracted by the royal patronage.
   • The responses to doctrinal questions and disputes formulated at the Third Council were recorded by Moggaliputta Tissa in the Kathavatthu, one of the books of the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
   Resulted in:
   (1) Made Sthaviravada School as an orthodox school – believed that the past, present, and future are all simultaneous. They may have contributed some formative influence to Mahayana.
   (2) Codification of Abhidhamma Pitaka, dealing with Buddhist philosophy written in Pali.
   Fourth Buddhist Council:
   • Venue: Kundalavana, Kashmir.
   • Year: 72 AD
   • King: Kanishka (Kushan Dynasty), was a patron of Buddhism and was instrumental in spreading the religion in north-western borders of India.
   • Presiding Priest: Vasumitra; deputed by Asvaghosha.
   • The fourth Buddhist Council had to deal with a serious conflict between the Sarvasthivada teachers of Kashmir and Gandhara.

   Unattempted
   

   First Buddhist Council
   • Venue: In Sattaparnaguha Cave situated outside Rajgriha (the modern city of Rajgir).
   • Year: 486 BC.
   • King: Ajatasatru, son of King Bimbisara (Haryanka Dynasty).
   • Presiding Priest: Venerable Maha Kasyapa with 500 monks.
   • Took place 3 months after the Buddha’s Passing.
   • The First Buddhist Council collected together and arranged the Buddhist Scriptures known as the Pali Tipitaka.
   • Resulted in:
   (1) Vinaya Pitaka which mainly contains the rules of the Buddhist order. This was recited by Upali.
   (2) Suttapitaka was recited by Ananda. It contains the great collections of Buddha’s sermons on matters of doctrine and ethical beliefs.
   Second Buddhist Council
   • Venue: Vaishali.
   • Year: 386 BC
   • King: Kalasoka (Shisunaga Dynasty).
   • Presiding Priest: Sabakami.
   • Took place 100 years after the Buddha’s passing.
   • In order to settle a serious dispute on Vinaya.
   • The dispute arose over the ‘Ten Points.’
   • This is a reference to claims of some monks breaking ten rules, some of which were considered major.
   Third Buddhist Council
   • Venue: Pataliputra (today’s Patna).
   • Year: 250 BC.
   • King: Ashoka (Maurya Dynasty).
   • Presiding priest: Mogaliputta Tissa (Upagupta).
   • Its objective was to reconcile the different schools of Buddhism and to purify the Buddhist movement, particularly from opportunistic factions which had been attracted by the royal patronage.
   • The responses to doctrinal questions and disputes formulated at the Third Council were recorded by Moggaliputta Tissa in the Kathavatthu, one of the books of the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
   Resulted in:
   (1) Made Sthaviravada School as an orthodox school – believed that the past, present, and future are all simultaneous. They may have contributed some formative influence to Mahayana.
   (2) Codification of Abhidhamma Pitaka, dealing with Buddhist philosophy written in Pali.
   Fourth Buddhist Council:
   • Venue: Kundalavana, Kashmir.
   • Year: 72 AD
   • King: Kanishka (Kushan Dynasty), was a patron of Buddhism and was instrumental in spreading the religion in north-western borders of India.
   • Presiding Priest: Vasumitra; deputed by Asvaghosha.
   • The fourth Buddhist Council had to deal with a serious conflict between the Sarvasthivada teachers of Kashmir and Gandhara.
8. Question 8 of 100

   8. Question

   Collection of buddhist text known as Tripitakas.
   (A) Sutta pitakas. 1. philosophical analysis and systematization of the teaching.
   (B) Vinaya pitakas 2. Monastic rules of behaviour
   (C) Abhidhamma pitkas 3. speeches and messages of Buddha
   How many of the above pairs are correctly matched ?
   (A) Only one
   (B) Only two
   (C) All three
   (D) None

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   Correct
   

   Incorrect
   

   Buddhism started in India over 2,600 years ago as a way life that had a potential of transforming a person.It is one of the important religions of South and SouthEastern Asian countries.The religion is based upon the teachings, life experiences of its founder Siddhartha Gautam, born in circa 563 BCE.
   Three Pitakas
   Pair 2 is correct : The Vinaya Pitaka consists of rules of conduct and discipline applicable to the monastic life of the monks and nuns.
   Pair 1 is not correct : The Sutta Pitaka consists of the main teaching or Dhamma of Buddha. It is divided into five Nikayas or collections:
   o Digha Nikaya
   o Majjhima Nikaya
   o Samyutta Nikaya
   o Anguttara Nikaya
   o Khuddaka Nikaya
   Pair 3 is not correct : The Abhidamma Pitaka is a philosophical analysis and systematization of the teaching and the scholarly activity of the monks.
   Other important Buddhist texts include Divyavadana, Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, Milind Panha etc.

   Unattempted
   

   Buddhism started in India over 2,600 years ago as a way life that had a potential of transforming a person.It is one of the important religions of South and SouthEastern Asian countries.The religion is based upon the teachings, life experiences of its founder Siddhartha Gautam, born in circa 563 BCE.
   Three Pitakas
   Pair 2 is correct : The Vinaya Pitaka consists of rules of conduct and discipline applicable to the monastic life of the monks and nuns.
   Pair 1 is not correct : The Sutta Pitaka consists of the main teaching or Dhamma of Buddha. It is divided into five Nikayas or collections:
   o Digha Nikaya
   o Majjhima Nikaya
   o Samyutta Nikaya
   o Anguttara Nikaya
   o Khuddaka Nikaya
   Pair 3 is not correct : The Abhidamma Pitaka is a philosophical analysis and systematization of the teaching and the scholarly activity of the monks.
   Other important Buddhist texts include Divyavadana, Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, Milind Panha etc.
9. Question 9 of 100

   9. Question

   According to sangama text ,which of tbe following describe Tolkappiyam correctly.
   (A) It is a love story of Kovalan and Madhavi of Kaveripattinam.
   (B) Deals with the adventures of Manimekalai,the daughter born of kovalan nad Madhavi.
   (C) It is a treatises on Polity,ethics and social norms.
   (D) An early work on tamil grammar.

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   Correct
   

   Incorrect
   

   Tolkappiyam is the most ancient extant Tamil grammar text and the oldest extant long work of Tamil literature.
   There is no firm evidence to assign the authorship of this treatise to any one author. Tholkapiyam, some traditionally believe, was written by a single author named Tholkappiyar, a disciple of Vedic sage Agastya mentioned in the Rigveda (1500–1200 BCE).
   Silappadikaran written by Ilango Adigal .t deal with the story of Kovalan and Madhavi of Kaveripattinam.
   Manimekalai deals with the adventures of Manimekalai,the daughter born of kovalan nad Madhavi.

   Unattempted
   

   Tolkappiyam is the most ancient extant Tamil grammar text and the oldest extant long work of Tamil literature.
   There is no firm evidence to assign the authorship of this treatise to any one author. Tholkapiyam, some traditionally believe, was written by a single author named Tholkappiyar, a disciple of Vedic sage Agastya mentioned in the Rigveda (1500–1200 BCE).
   Silappadikaran written by Ilango Adigal .t deal with the story of Kovalan and Madhavi of Kaveripattinam.
   Manimekalai deals with the adventures of Manimekalai,the daughter born of kovalan nad Madhavi.
10. Question 10 of 100

    10. Question

    Consider the following statements:
    (1) Battle of Hydaspes fought between Alexander and the ruler of Abhisara on karri plain.
    (2) Alexander defeated Porus and annexed his kingdom.
    (3) Alexander’s soldiers refuse to crossed the river Ravi.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Alexander’s Invasion of India (327-325 B.C.) :
    After two centuries of the Persian invasion, Alexander from Macedonia invaded India. On the eve of his invasion, there were a number of small kingdoms in northwestern India. The leading kings were Ambhi of Taxila, the ruler of Abhisara and Porus who ruled the region between the rivers of Jhelum and Chenab. In 327 B.C. Alexander crossed the Hindukush Mountains and spent nearly ten months in fighting with the tribes. He crossed the Indus in February 326 B.C. with the help of the bridge of boats. He was warmly received by Ambhi, the ruler of Taxila.
    Statement 1 is not correct : From there Alexander sent a message to Porus to submit. But Porus refused and decided to fight against Alexander. Then Alexander marched from Taxila to the banks of the river Hydaspes (Jhelum).
    On the other side of the river he saw the vast army of Porus. As there were heavy floods in the Hydaspes (Jhelum) river, Alexander was not able to cross it.
    Statement 2 is not correct : The famous battle of Hydaspes was fought on the plains of Karri. It was a well-contested battle. Although Porus had a strong army, he lost the battle. Alexander was impressed by the courage and heroism of this Indian prince, treated him generously and reinstated him on his throne.
    Statement 3 is not correct : Alexander continued his march as far as the river Beas encountering opposition from the local tribes. He wanted to proceed still further eastwards towards the Gangetic valley. But he could not do so because his soldiers refused to fight.
    Alexander could not persuade them and therefore decided to return home.

    Unattempted
    

    Alexander’s Invasion of India (327-325 B.C.) :
    After two centuries of the Persian invasion, Alexander from Macedonia invaded India. On the eve of his invasion, there were a number of small kingdoms in northwestern India. The leading kings were Ambhi of Taxila, the ruler of Abhisara and Porus who ruled the region between the rivers of Jhelum and Chenab. In 327 B.C. Alexander crossed the Hindukush Mountains and spent nearly ten months in fighting with the tribes. He crossed the Indus in February 326 B.C. with the help of the bridge of boats. He was warmly received by Ambhi, the ruler of Taxila.
    Statement 1 is not correct : From there Alexander sent a message to Porus to submit. But Porus refused and decided to fight against Alexander. Then Alexander marched from Taxila to the banks of the river Hydaspes (Jhelum).
    On the other side of the river he saw the vast army of Porus. As there were heavy floods in the Hydaspes (Jhelum) river, Alexander was not able to cross it.
    Statement 2 is not correct : The famous battle of Hydaspes was fought on the plains of Karri. It was a well-contested battle. Although Porus had a strong army, he lost the battle. Alexander was impressed by the courage and heroism of this Indian prince, treated him generously and reinstated him on his throne.
    Statement 3 is not correct : Alexander continued his march as far as the river Beas encountering opposition from the local tribes. He wanted to proceed still further eastwards towards the Gangetic valley. But he could not do so because his soldiers refused to fight.
    Alexander could not persuade them and therefore decided to return home.
11. Question 11 of 100

    11. Question

    Consider the following books?
    (1) Dayabhaga
    (2) Shatapatha brahmana
    (3) Manusmriti
    (4) Brihad Aranyaka
    How many of the above books is/are not correct on Agriculture rituals in later vedic period?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) Only three
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    • The Dayabhaga is a Hindu law treatise written by Jimutvahana which primarily focuses on inheritance procedure.The central difference between the texts is based upon when one becomes the owner of property.
    • Shatapatha Brahmana, Madhyandina recension belongs to Shukla Yajurveda. It is divided into 14 Kandas, 100 Adhyayas, 68 Prapathakas, 436 Brahmanas and 7179 Kandikas.
    Agricultural activities increased during the Late Vedic period. The Satapatha Brahmana mentions rituals related to ploughing undertaken by the kings.
    This suggests the importance given to cultivation by the rulers, and the shift to agriculture to support the increasing population.
    The god Balarama is depicted with a plough, which suggests the importance of cultivation. The Vedic people cultivated barley and rice, and wheat.
    Wheat was the staple food of Punjab region. The Vedic people began to use rice in the Ganga-Yamuna doab. The use of rice, rather than wheat, is noticed in the Vedic rituals.
    • Manusmrti is one of the best-known legal texts of early India, written in Sanskrit and compiled between second century BCE and second century CE.
    Manusmriti records the words of Lord Brahma only. The text states the law of all the social classes.
    • The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the Principal Upanishads and one of the first Upanishadic scriptures of Hinduism. A key scripture to various schools of Hinduism, the Brihadaranyaka Upanisad is tenth in the muktika or “canon of 108 Upanishads”.
    Hence, The Satapatha Brahmana is on Agriculture rituals in later vedic period

    Unattempted
    

    • The Dayabhaga is a Hindu law treatise written by Jimutvahana which primarily focuses on inheritance procedure.The central difference between the texts is based upon when one becomes the owner of property.
    • Shatapatha Brahmana, Madhyandina recension belongs to Shukla Yajurveda. It is divided into 14 Kandas, 100 Adhyayas, 68 Prapathakas, 436 Brahmanas and 7179 Kandikas.
    Agricultural activities increased during the Late Vedic period. The Satapatha Brahmana mentions rituals related to ploughing undertaken by the kings.
    This suggests the importance given to cultivation by the rulers, and the shift to agriculture to support the increasing population.
    The god Balarama is depicted with a plough, which suggests the importance of cultivation. The Vedic people cultivated barley and rice, and wheat.
    Wheat was the staple food of Punjab region. The Vedic people began to use rice in the Ganga-Yamuna doab. The use of rice, rather than wheat, is noticed in the Vedic rituals.
    • Manusmrti is one of the best-known legal texts of early India, written in Sanskrit and compiled between second century BCE and second century CE.
    Manusmriti records the words of Lord Brahma only. The text states the law of all the social classes.
    • The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the Principal Upanishads and one of the first Upanishadic scriptures of Hinduism. A key scripture to various schools of Hinduism, the Brihadaranyaka Upanisad is tenth in the muktika or “canon of 108 Upanishads”.
    Hence, The Satapatha Brahmana is on Agriculture rituals in later vedic period
12. Question 12 of 100

    12. Question

    Which of the following Upanishad contain dialogue between husband(Yajnavalkya) and wife(gargi) on Aatma-Parmatma?
    (A) Brihadaranyaka
    (B) chhandogya
    (C) katha upanishad
    (D) tai taiya upanisha

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the Principal Upanishads and one of the first Upanishadic scriptures of Hinduism. A key scripture to various schools of Hinduism, the Brihadaranyaka Upanisad is tenth in the muktika or “canon of 108 Upanishads”.
    The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is estimated to have been composed about 7th-6th century BCE, excluding some parts estimated to have been composed after the Chandogya Upanishad. The Sanskrit language text is contained within the Shatapatha Brahmana, which is itself a part of the Shukla Yajur Veda.
    The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is a treatise on Atman (Self), includes passages on metaphysics, ethics and a yearning for knowledge that influenced various Indian religions, ancient and medieval scholars, and attracted secondary works such as those by Adi Shankara.
    In the sixth and eighth brahmana of the third chapter in Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad is the dialogue between Gargi Vachaknavi – the female Vedic sage, and Yajñavalka, on the nature of universe.

    Unattempted
    

    The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the Principal Upanishads and one of the first Upanishadic scriptures of Hinduism. A key scripture to various schools of Hinduism, the Brihadaranyaka Upanisad is tenth in the muktika or “canon of 108 Upanishads”.
    The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is estimated to have been composed about 7th-6th century BCE, excluding some parts estimated to have been composed after the Chandogya Upanishad. The Sanskrit language text is contained within the Shatapatha Brahmana, which is itself a part of the Shukla Yajur Veda.
    The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is a treatise on Atman (Self), includes passages on metaphysics, ethics and a yearning for knowledge that influenced various Indian religions, ancient and medieval scholars, and attracted secondary works such as those by Adi Shankara.
    In the sixth and eighth brahmana of the third chapter in Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad is the dialogue between Gargi Vachaknavi – the female Vedic sage, and Yajñavalka, on the nature of universe.
13. Question 13 of 100

    13. Question

    Consider the following statements about Jianism :
    (1) Svetambaras were the one who stayed behind and led by the monk named Sthulabhadra.
    (2) Digambars were travelled to South India during famine.
    (3) Chandragupta Maurya followed Svetambar sect.
    How many of the statements given above is/are not correct ?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Jainism came to prominence in the 6th century B.C., when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion. Jain order has been divided into two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara.
    Statement 2 is correct : The division occurred mainly due to famine in Magadha which compelled a group led by Bhadrabahu to move South India .During the 12 years famine, the group in South India stick to the strict practices while the group in Magadha adopted a more lax attitude and started wearing white clothes. After the end of famine, when the Southern group came back to Magadha, the changed practices led to the division of Jainism into two sects.
    Digambara:
    o Monks of this sect believe in complete nudity. Male monks do not wear clothes while female monks wear unstitched plain white sarees.
    o Follow all five vows (Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya).
    o Believe women cannot achieve liberation.
    o Bhadrabahu was an exponent of this sect.
    Major Sub-Sects
    o Mula Sangh
    o Bisapantha
    o Terapantha
    o Taranpantha or Samaiyapantha
    O Svetambara:
    o Monks wear white clothes.
    o Follow only 4 vows (except brahmacharya).
    o Believe women can achieve liberation.
    o Statement 1 is correct : Sthulabhadra was an exponent of this sect.
    o Major Sub-Sects
    o Murtipujaka
    o Sthanakvasi
    o Terapanthi
    Statement 3 is incorrect : It is believed that Chandragupta Maurya adopted Jainism and became an ascetic under the influence of the Jain saint Bhadrabahu.

    Unattempted
    

    Jainism came to prominence in the 6th century B.C., when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion. Jain order has been divided into two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara.
    Statement 2 is correct : The division occurred mainly due to famine in Magadha which compelled a group led by Bhadrabahu to move South India .During the 12 years famine, the group in South India stick to the strict practices while the group in Magadha adopted a more lax attitude and started wearing white clothes. After the end of famine, when the Southern group came back to Magadha, the changed practices led to the division of Jainism into two sects.
    Digambara:
    o Monks of this sect believe in complete nudity. Male monks do not wear clothes while female monks wear unstitched plain white sarees.
    o Follow all five vows (Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya).
    o Believe women cannot achieve liberation.
    o Bhadrabahu was an exponent of this sect.
    Major Sub-Sects
    o Mula Sangh
    o Bisapantha
    o Terapantha
    o Taranpantha or Samaiyapantha
    O Svetambara:
    o Monks wear white clothes.
    o Follow only 4 vows (except brahmacharya).
    o Believe women can achieve liberation.
    o Statement 1 is correct : Sthulabhadra was an exponent of this sect.
    o Major Sub-Sects
    o Murtipujaka
    o Sthanakvasi
    o Terapanthi
    Statement 3 is incorrect : It is believed that Chandragupta Maurya adopted Jainism and became an ascetic under the influence of the Jain saint Bhadrabahu.
14. Question 14 of 100

    14. Question

    Consider the following statements regarding Satavahana dynasty:
    (1) Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana Dynasty.
    (2) They started practice of giving tax free lands to priests.
    (3) First native Indian kings to have issued their own coins which had the rulers’ portraits on them.
    How many of the statements given above is/are not correct?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All three
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    • In the Deccan, the Satavahanas established their independent rule after the decline of the Mauryas. Their rule lasted for about 450 years. They were also known as the Andhras. The Puranas and inscriptions remain important sources for the history of Satavahanas. Among the inscriptions, the Nasik and Nanaghad inscriptions throw much light on the reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni. The coins issued by the Satavahanas are also helpful in knowing the economic conditions of that period.
    Statement 3 is correct : Also The Satavahanas were the first native Indian kings to have issued their own coins which had the rulers’ portraits on them. Gautamiputra Satakarni started this practice which he imbibed from the Western Satraps after vanquishing them.
    •Statement 1 is correct : The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka. He was succeeded by Krishna, who extended the kingdom up to Nasik in the west. The third king was Sri Satakarni. He conquered western Malwa and Berar. He also performed asvamedha sacrifices.
    • Statement 2 is correct : The Satavahanas are known for starting the practice of giving royal grants of land to Brahmans and Buddhist monks.

    Unattempted
    

    • In the Deccan, the Satavahanas established their independent rule after the decline of the Mauryas. Their rule lasted for about 450 years. They were also known as the Andhras. The Puranas and inscriptions remain important sources for the history of Satavahanas. Among the inscriptions, the Nasik and Nanaghad inscriptions throw much light on the reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni. The coins issued by the Satavahanas are also helpful in knowing the economic conditions of that period.
    Statement 3 is correct : Also The Satavahanas were the first native Indian kings to have issued their own coins which had the rulers’ portraits on them. Gautamiputra Satakarni started this practice which he imbibed from the Western Satraps after vanquishing them.
    •Statement 1 is correct : The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka. He was succeeded by Krishna, who extended the kingdom up to Nasik in the west. The third king was Sri Satakarni. He conquered western Malwa and Berar. He also performed asvamedha sacrifices.
    • Statement 2 is correct : The Satavahanas are known for starting the practice of giving royal grants of land to Brahmans and Buddhist monks.
15. Question 15 of 100

    15. Question

    Consider the following statements:
    (1) Dravida style has one single shikhara.
    (2) In it the central tower is shaped like a pyramid.
    (3) The temple premise was laid out in the panchayatan style with a principal temple and four subsidiary shrines.
    (4) Gupta’s led the foundation in Dravidian style architecture.
    How many of the above statements is/are not correct about Dravidian style of temple architecture ?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) Only three
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Most of the architectural remains that survive from Ancient and Medieval India are religious in nature. In different parts of the country, distinct architectural style of temples was result of geographical, ethnic and historical diversities. Two broad orders of temples in the country are known as Nagara in the north and Dravidain the south.
    Dravid Style :
    Deployed for Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu from the 7th to 18th century, characterized by its pyramidal tower.
    Unlike the nagara temple, the dravida temple is enclosed within a compound wall.
    The front wall has an entrance gateway in its centre, which is known as Gopura/ Gopuram.
    Statements 1 and 2 are correct : Consists of a square-chambered sanctuary topped by a superstructure or tower (Vimana). It has pyramidical shaped central tower (called Vimana in Dravida style). In this style, there is only one single Shikhara or Vimana.
    Consists of an attached pillared porch or hall (Mandapa) which precede the door leading to the nucleus cell.
    The vimana is like a stepped pyramid that rise up geometrically rather than the curving shikhara of north India.
    Each story is delineated by a parapet of miniature shrines, and barrel-vault roofs at the centre.
    The tower is topped by a dome-shaped cupola and a crowning pot and finial.
    The temple premise was laid out in the panchayatan style with a principal temple and four subsidiary shrines. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
    Statement 4 is incorrect : The Pallavas laid the foundation of Dravidian architecture.

    Unattempted
    

    Most of the architectural remains that survive from Ancient and Medieval India are religious in nature. In different parts of the country, distinct architectural style of temples was result of geographical, ethnic and historical diversities. Two broad orders of temples in the country are known as Nagara in the north and Dravidain the south.
    Dravid Style :
    Deployed for Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu from the 7th to 18th century, characterized by its pyramidal tower.
    Unlike the nagara temple, the dravida temple is enclosed within a compound wall.
    The front wall has an entrance gateway in its centre, which is known as Gopura/ Gopuram.
    Statements 1 and 2 are correct : Consists of a square-chambered sanctuary topped by a superstructure or tower (Vimana). It has pyramidical shaped central tower (called Vimana in Dravida style). In this style, there is only one single Shikhara or Vimana.
    Consists of an attached pillared porch or hall (Mandapa) which precede the door leading to the nucleus cell.
    The vimana is like a stepped pyramid that rise up geometrically rather than the curving shikhara of north India.
    Each story is delineated by a parapet of miniature shrines, and barrel-vault roofs at the centre.
    The tower is topped by a dome-shaped cupola and a crowning pot and finial.
    The temple premise was laid out in the panchayatan style with a principal temple and four subsidiary shrines. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
    Statement 4 is incorrect : The Pallavas laid the foundation of Dravidian architecture.
16. Question 16 of 100

    16. Question

    ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of
    (A) Chalukya
    (B) Chandela
    (C) Rashtrakuta
    (D) Vijayanagara

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Vijayanagar School: More than one mandaps were built in each temple. The central mandap came to be known as Kalyan Mandap.
    The Kalyana Mandapa, an open pavilion, was used for ceremonies involving the symbolic marriage of the temple’s divinity to his consort. Its interior, surrounded by impressive columns, contains a platform in the centre for the performance of sacred dances.

    Unattempted
    

    Vijayanagar School: More than one mandaps were built in each temple. The central mandap came to be known as Kalyan Mandap.
    The Kalyana Mandapa, an open pavilion, was used for ceremonies involving the symbolic marriage of the temple’s divinity to his consort. Its interior, surrounded by impressive columns, contains a platform in the centre for the performance of sacred dances.
17. Question 17 of 100

    17. Question

    With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?
    (A) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
    (B) Rock cut Elephant at Dhauli
    (C) Rock cut Monuments at Mahabalipuran
    (D) Varaha Image at Udayagiri

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Rock cut Elephant at Dhauli is the oldest rock edict of Ashoka of 250 BC. Dhauli is located on the bank of river Daya, about 8 km from Bhuhaneswar. Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli was created during Ashoka’s reign (272-231 BC).
    It is the earliest among the four options.
    • Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar was created in 11th AD
    Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram are 7th century AD creations.
    The Varaha Image at Udayagiri was created in the 5th century AD.

    Unattempted
    

    Rock cut Elephant at Dhauli is the oldest rock edict of Ashoka of 250 BC. Dhauli is located on the bank of river Daya, about 8 km from Bhuhaneswar. Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli was created during Ashoka’s reign (272-231 BC).
    It is the earliest among the four options.
    • Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar was created in 11th AD
    Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram are 7th century AD creations.
    The Varaha Image at Udayagiri was created in the 5th century AD.
18. Question 18 of 100

    18. Question

    With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following statement where Famous work of sculpture and it’s site is mentioned.
    (1) A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below at Ajanta.
    (2) A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock at Mount Abu.
    (3) Arjuna’s Penance/Descent of Ganga sculpted on the surface of huge boulders at Mamallapuram.
    How many of the statements given above is/are not correctly matched?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    The Varaha Temple at Khajuraho enshrines a colossal monolithic image of Varaha, the boar Incarnation of Lord Vishnu. So Statement 2 is wrong.
    Arjuna’s Penance/Descent of Ganga sculpted on the surface of huge boulders at Mamallapuram. Statement 3 is correct.
    A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below at Ajanta. Statement 1 is correct.

    Unattempted
    

    The Varaha Temple at Khajuraho enshrines a colossal monolithic image of Varaha, the boar Incarnation of Lord Vishnu. So Statement 2 is wrong.
    Arjuna’s Penance/Descent of Ganga sculpted on the surface of huge boulders at Mamallapuram. Statement 3 is correct.
    A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below at Ajanta. Statement 1 is correct.
19. Question 19 of 100

    19. Question

    In context of rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements.
    (1) The Badami caves is the example of oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
    (2) The Barabar rock cut caves were originally made for Alivikas by Emperor Samudragupta.
    (3) At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
    How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All three
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1 is incorrect-The Barabar Caves are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. The Badami cave temples are a complex of four Hindu cave temples located in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district in northern part of Karnataka, India. The caves are considered an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami Chalukya architecture, which dates from the 6th century.
    Statement 2 is incorrect- The Barabar rock-cut chambers date back to the 3rd century BC, Maurya period. of Ashoka (r. 273 BC to 232 BC.) and his son, Dasaratha. These caves were used by ascetics from the Ajivika sect, founded by Makkhali Gosala.
    Statement 3 is correct- Ellora is a World Heritage Site The 12 Buddhist (caves 1-12), 17 Hindu (caves 13-29) and 5 Jain (caves 30-34) caves, built in proximity, demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian history.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1 is incorrect-The Barabar Caves are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. The Badami cave temples are a complex of four Hindu cave temples located in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district in northern part of Karnataka, India. The caves are considered an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami Chalukya architecture, which dates from the 6th century.
    Statement 2 is incorrect- The Barabar rock-cut chambers date back to the 3rd century BC, Maurya period. of Ashoka (r. 273 BC to 232 BC.) and his son, Dasaratha. These caves were used by ascetics from the Ajivika sect, founded by Makkhali Gosala.
    Statement 3 is correct- Ellora is a World Heritage Site The 12 Buddhist (caves 1-12), 17 Hindu (caves 13-29) and 5 Jain (caves 30-34) caves, built in proximity, demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian history.
20. Question 20 of 100

    20. Question

    Consider the following statements in reference to Ellora caves:
    (1) Ellora caves are one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple caves complexes in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    (2) The site presents monuments and artwork of Buddhism and Hinduism only.
    (3) Ajanta also has excavated double-storeyed caves but at Ellora, the triple storey is a unique achievement.
    How many of the above statements is/are not correct ?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1 is correct : Ellora is one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple caves complexes in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India. The site presents monuments and artwork of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism from the 600 to 1000 CE period.
    Statement 2 is incorrect : The site presents monuments and artwork of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.
    Cave 16 of Ellora features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world, the Kailasha temple, a chariot shaped monument dedicated to Shiva. The Kailasha temple excavation also presents the gods, goddesses and mythologies found in Vaishnavism, Shaktism and relief panels summarizing the two major Hindu Epics.
    The IndraSabha (Cave 32) is a two storeyed cave with a monolithic shrine in its court.The IndraSabha Jain temple is historically significant as it contains evidence of active worship inside by the Jain community, in the form of layered deposits and textual records.
    Most famous of the Buddhist caves is Cave 10, a worship hall called the ‘Vishvakarma cave’ (literally the cave of one who accomplishes everything, or the architect of the gods).
    Buddhist caves are big in size and are of single, double and triple storeys. Their pillars are massive. Ajanta also has excavated double-storeyed caves but at Ellora, the triple storey is a unique achievement. Hence, option 3 is correct.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1 is correct : Ellora is one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple caves complexes in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India. The site presents monuments and artwork of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism from the 600 to 1000 CE period.
    Statement 2 is incorrect : The site presents monuments and artwork of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.
    Cave 16 of Ellora features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world, the Kailasha temple, a chariot shaped monument dedicated to Shiva. The Kailasha temple excavation also presents the gods, goddesses and mythologies found in Vaishnavism, Shaktism and relief panels summarizing the two major Hindu Epics.
    The IndraSabha (Cave 32) is a two storeyed cave with a monolithic shrine in its court.The IndraSabha Jain temple is historically significant as it contains evidence of active worship inside by the Jain community, in the form of layered deposits and textual records.
    Most famous of the Buddhist caves is Cave 10, a worship hall called the ‘Vishvakarma cave’ (literally the cave of one who accomplishes everything, or the architect of the gods).
    Buddhist caves are big in size and are of single, double and triple storeys. Their pillars are massive. Ajanta also has excavated double-storeyed caves but at Ellora, the triple storey is a unique achievement. Hence, option 3 is correct.
21. Question 21 of 100

    21. Question

    With reference to the cultural history India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to
    (A) un assembly of village elders
    (B) a religious sect
    (C) a style of temple construction
    (D) an administrative functionary

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    An hindu temple is a Panchayatana one when the main shrine is surrounded by four bisubsidiary shrines. The origin of the name are the sanskrit words Pancha(five) et avatana (containing) Generally, the Hindu temple are built along a west-east axis So the four subsidiary shrines are at the north east, southeast, south-west, north-west.

    Unattempted
    

    An hindu temple is a Panchayatana one when the main shrine is surrounded by four bisubsidiary shrines. The origin of the name are the sanskrit words Pancha(five) et avatana (containing) Generally, the Hindu temple are built along a west-east axis So the four subsidiary shrines are at the north east, southeast, south-west, north-west.
22. Question 22 of 100

    22. Question

    The Nagar, the Dravida and the Vesara are the
    (A) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent.
    (B) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified.
    (C) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture.
    (D) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India.

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Three main styles of Indian temple architecture :
    

    Unattempted
    

    Three main styles of Indian temple architecture :
    
23. Question 23 of 100

    23. Question

    The Lingaraja Temple is located at?
    (A) Bhubaneswar (Odisha)
    (B) Bijapur (Maharashtra)
    (C) Kolkata (West Bengal)
    (D) Hastinapur (Uttar Pradesh)

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    The Lingaraja temple is said to have been built first by the ruler Yayati Kesari in the 7th century who shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneshwar remained the Kesari capital, till Nripati Kesari founded Cuttack in the 10th century.

    Unattempted
    

    The Lingaraja temple is said to have been built first by the ruler Yayati Kesari in the 7th century who shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneshwar remained the Kesari capital, till Nripati Kesari founded Cuttack in the 10th century.
24. Question 24 of 100

    24. Question

    Hoysala monuments are found in which of the following cities :
    (A) Hampi and Hospet
    (B) Halebid and Belur
    (C) Mysore and Bangalore
    (D) Sringeri and Dharwar

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Art historians recognize the exceptionally intricate sculptural artistry of the Chennakshava temple at Blur and the Hoysaleshwara temple at Halchid to be among the masterpieces of South Asian art making. The name of Hoysala synonymous with artistic achievement.

    Unattempted
    

    Art historians recognize the exceptionally intricate sculptural artistry of the Chennakshava temple at Blur and the Hoysaleshwara temple at Halchid to be among the masterpieces of South Asian art making. The name of Hoysala synonymous with artistic achievement.
25. Question 25 of 100

    25. Question

    Consider the following pairs :
    (1) Harappan Civilisation: Painted Black and Red Ware
    (2) The Kushans : Gandhara School of Art
    (3) The Mughals : Ajanta Paintings
    (4) The Marathas : Pahari School of Painting
    How many of the above pairs is/are not correct ?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All three
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Kushan art produced during the Kushan dynasty from about the late 1st to the 3rd century CE in an area that now includes parts of Central Asia, Northern India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
    Pair 2 is correct : The Shakas and the Kushanas were patrons of Gandhara School. Gandhara school is known for the first sculptural representations of the Buddha in human form.
    Gandhara school of art was one of the major schools of art in the history of ancient India.
    One example of the Gandhara style of art is the Bamiyan Buddha statues.
    It mostly flourished in the areas of Afghanistan and present North-Western India.
    Pair 1 is incorrect : The Painted Grey Ware culture (PGW) is an Iron Age Indian culture of the Western Gangetic plain and the Ghaggar-Hakra valley on the Indian subcontinent, conventionally dated c.1200 to 600-500 BCE.
    Pair 3 is incorrect : The Ajanta Caves constitute ancient monasteries and worship-halls of different Buddhist traditions carved into a 75-metre (246 ft) wall of rock.
    The caves also present paintings depicting the past lives and rebirths of the Buddha, pictorial tales from Aryasura’s Jatakamala, and rock-cut sculptures of Buddhist deities.
    Pair 4 is incorrect : Pahari painting is an umbrella word for a type of Indian painting that originated in the Himalayan hill kingdoms of North India and is mainly done in miniature size. In terms of design and colour, it is quite comparable to Rajput paintings.
    These paintings were largely done in miniature painting forms throughout the era of the 17th to 19th centuries when they were formed and developed.
    Pahari painting evolved from Mughal painting, albeit it was primarily patronised by Rajput rulers who dominated many sections of the region, and it gave rise to a new idiom in Indian painting.
    Based on their regional diversity, Pahari paintings in India can be divided into two groups.
    – Basohli and Kullu Style – Chaurapanchasika style
    – Guler and Kangra Style – Calm colours and modification

    Unattempted
    

    Kushan art produced during the Kushan dynasty from about the late 1st to the 3rd century CE in an area that now includes parts of Central Asia, Northern India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
    Pair 2 is correct : The Shakas and the Kushanas were patrons of Gandhara School. Gandhara school is known for the first sculptural representations of the Buddha in human form.
    Gandhara school of art was one of the major schools of art in the history of ancient India.
    One example of the Gandhara style of art is the Bamiyan Buddha statues.
    It mostly flourished in the areas of Afghanistan and present North-Western India.
    Pair 1 is incorrect : The Painted Grey Ware culture (PGW) is an Iron Age Indian culture of the Western Gangetic plain and the Ghaggar-Hakra valley on the Indian subcontinent, conventionally dated c.1200 to 600-500 BCE.
    Pair 3 is incorrect : The Ajanta Caves constitute ancient monasteries and worship-halls of different Buddhist traditions carved into a 75-metre (246 ft) wall of rock.
    The caves also present paintings depicting the past lives and rebirths of the Buddha, pictorial tales from Aryasura’s Jatakamala, and rock-cut sculptures of Buddhist deities.
    Pair 4 is incorrect : Pahari painting is an umbrella word for a type of Indian painting that originated in the Himalayan hill kingdoms of North India and is mainly done in miniature size. In terms of design and colour, it is quite comparable to Rajput paintings.
    These paintings were largely done in miniature painting forms throughout the era of the 17th to 19th centuries when they were formed and developed.
    Pahari painting evolved from Mughal painting, albeit it was primarily patronised by Rajput rulers who dominated many sections of the region, and it gave rise to a new idiom in Indian painting.
    Based on their regional diversity, Pahari paintings in India can be divided into two groups.
    – Basohli and Kullu Style – Chaurapanchasika style
    – Guler and Kangra Style – Calm colours and modification
26. Question 26 of 100

    26. Question

    How many of the following is/are not Indo-Aryan language?
    (1) Gujarati
    (2) Tamil
    (3) Oriya
    (4) Marathi
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All four
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Tamil; a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of South India and North-east Sri Lanka.
    Modern Indo Aryan Group :The languages belonging to this group are Hindi, assamese, bengali, Guarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Urdu etc. The language developed under this group are mainly spoken in the northern, western and eastern parts of India.

    Unattempted
    

    Tamil; a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of South India and North-east Sri Lanka.
    Modern Indo Aryan Group :The languages belonging to this group are Hindi, assamese, bengali, Guarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Urdu etc. The language developed under this group are mainly spoken in the northern, western and eastern parts of India.
27. Question 27 of 100

    27. Question

    Mahabalipuram temples were built by
    (A) Pallavas
    (B) Cheras
    (C) Cholas
    (D) Pandyas

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Mamallapuram temples are built by great Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman-I (AD 630: 68).
    Mamallapuram, also called Mahabalipuram or Seven Pagodas, is a town that lies along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, 60 km south of Chennai. It contains many surviving 7th- and 8th-century Pallava temples and monuments, chief of which are the sculptured rock relief popularly known as “Arjuna’s Penance,” or “Descent of the Ganges,” a series of sculptured cave temples, and a Shiva temple on the seashore.

    Unattempted
    

    Mamallapuram temples are built by great Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman-I (AD 630: 68).
    Mamallapuram, also called Mahabalipuram or Seven Pagodas, is a town that lies along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, 60 km south of Chennai. It contains many surviving 7th- and 8th-century Pallava temples and monuments, chief of which are the sculptured rock relief popularly known as “Arjuna’s Penance,” or “Descent of the Ganges,” a series of sculptured cave temples, and a Shiva temple on the seashore.
28. Question 28 of 100

    28. Question

    Write the following in chronological order
    (1) Puri – Jagannath temple
    (2) Meenakshi temple
    (3) Mahahalipuram temples
    (4) Qutab Minar
    Select the correct answer from the codes given below
    (A) 1.2.4.3
    (B) 1.4.2.3
    (C) 1.4.3.2
    (D) 3.1.2.4

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    The Jagannath Temple of Puri Initiated by the ruler of Kalinga Anant Chodaganga The lay mohan and the Vimana portions of the temple were built during his reign (1078 – 1148 AD).
    • Meenakshi Temple: Is located in Madurai in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Sundareswar (form of Lord Shiva) and Meenakshi form of Goddess Parvati).
    The main sanctum sanctorum 19 helleved to be more than 1500 Year old.
    Mahabalipuram temples Mamallapuram, the city of Mamalla is after the title of great Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman (630-68 AD).
    Qutub Minar in red and huff standstone is the highest tower in IndIa. Qutub ud din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199.

    Unattempted
    

    The Jagannath Temple of Puri Initiated by the ruler of Kalinga Anant Chodaganga The lay mohan and the Vimana portions of the temple were built during his reign (1078 – 1148 AD).
    • Meenakshi Temple: Is located in Madurai in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Sundareswar (form of Lord Shiva) and Meenakshi form of Goddess Parvati).
    The main sanctum sanctorum 19 helleved to be more than 1500 Year old.
    Mahabalipuram temples Mamallapuram, the city of Mamalla is after the title of great Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman (630-68 AD).
    Qutub Minar in red and huff standstone is the highest tower in IndIa. Qutub ud din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199.
29. Question 29 of 100

    29. Question

    With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs:
    Historical person : Known as :
    (1) Aryadeva : Jaina scholar
    (2) Dignaga : Buddhist scholar
    (3) Nathamuni : Vaishnava scholar
    How many pairs given above is/are not correctly matched ?
    (A) None of the pairs
    (B) Only one pair
    (C) Only two pairs
    (D) All three pairs

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Pair 1 is incorrect: Āryadeva (3rd century), a disciple of Nāgārjuna, is a central figure in the development of early Indian Madhyamaka philosophy. The Madhyamaka school of Buddhism, the followers of which are called Mādhyamikas, was one of the two principal schools of Mahāyāna Buddhism.
    Pair 2 is correct: Dignāga, (born c. 480 CE—died c. 540), was a Buddhist logician and author of the Pramāṇasamuccaya (“Compendium of the Means of True Knowledge”), a work that laid the foundations of Buddhist logic.
    Pair 3 is correct: Nathamuni founded aSanskrit-Tamil school at Srirangam (Tamil Nadu state), which continues to be a great Vaishnavite centre in South India.

    Unattempted
    

    Pair 1 is incorrect: Āryadeva (3rd century), a disciple of Nāgārjuna, is a central figure in the development of early Indian Madhyamaka philosophy. The Madhyamaka school of Buddhism, the followers of which are called Mādhyamikas, was one of the two principal schools of Mahāyāna Buddhism.
    Pair 2 is correct: Dignāga, (born c. 480 CE—died c. 540), was a Buddhist logician and author of the Pramāṇasamuccaya (“Compendium of the Means of True Knowledge”), a work that laid the foundations of Buddhist logic.
    Pair 3 is correct: Nathamuni founded aSanskrit-Tamil school at Srirangam (Tamil Nadu state), which continues to be a great Vaishnavite centre in South India.
30. Question 30 of 100

    30. Question

    Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?
    (A) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates.
    (B) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts.
    (C) A bill of exchange
    (D) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Hundi is a financial instrument that developed in Medieval India for use in trade and credit transactions.
    They were used
    • As remittance instruments (to transfer funds from one placeto another)
    • As credit instruments (to borrow money)
    o trade transactions (as bills of exchange).
    The period assigned to Harsha or Harsha Vardhana reign is 606AD until 648 AD.
    Chinese Pilgrim Huen Tang visited Harsha.
    Harshacharita was authored by Banabhatta.

    Unattempted
    

    Hundi is a financial instrument that developed in Medieval India for use in trade and credit transactions.
    They were used
    • As remittance instruments (to transfer funds from one placeto another)
    • As credit instruments (to borrow money)
    o trade transactions (as bills of exchange).
    The period assigned to Harsha or Harsha Vardhana reign is 606AD until 648 AD.
    Chinese Pilgrim Huen Tang visited Harsha.
    Harshacharita was authored by Banabhatta.
31. Question 31 of 100

    31. Question

    Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?
    (A) Chanhudaro
    (B) Kot Diji
    (C) Sohgaura
    (D) Desalpur

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    There are seven important cities in the Indus valley civilization:
    (1) Mohanjodaro
    (2) Harappa
    (3) Kalibangan
    (4) Lothal
    (5) Chanhudaru
    (6) Dholavira
    (7) Banawali
    Surkotada, Lothal, and Dholavira are the important port towns in the Indus valley. Harappa, Mohanjodaro, Banawali and Dholavira are considered as the four main Harappan Sites. Till 1999, over 1,056 urban areas and settlements had been found. 96 sites have been excavated, mostly in the region of the Indus and Ghaggar Hakra Rivers and their tributaries. Among the settlements were the most important urban centres of Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Ganeriwala, Dholavira, and Rakhigarhi.

    Unattempted
    

    There are seven important cities in the Indus valley civilization:
    (1) Mohanjodaro
    (2) Harappa
    (3) Kalibangan
    (4) Lothal
    (5) Chanhudaru
    (6) Dholavira
    (7) Banawali
    Surkotada, Lothal, and Dholavira are the important port towns in the Indus valley. Harappa, Mohanjodaro, Banawali and Dholavira are considered as the four main Harappan Sites. Till 1999, over 1,056 urban areas and settlements had been found. 96 sites have been excavated, mostly in the region of the Indus and Ghaggar Hakra Rivers and their tributaries. Among the settlements were the most important urban centres of Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Ganeriwala, Dholavira, and Rakhigarhi.
32. Question 32 of 100

    32. Question

    Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?
    (1) Avanti
    (2) Gandhara
    (3) Kosala
    (4) Magadha
    How many of the above options is/are correct ?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All four
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Buddha traveled through the towns and villages in the kingdoms of Kosala and Magadha teaching his philosophy.
    Other regions where he wandered were Vaishali, Vajji, etc.
    Jetavana (Jeta garden) was perhaps the best known amongst the beautiful gardens provided to Buddha’s entourage and it was close to Sravasti, capital of the Kosala kingdom.
    Perhaps the second-most important monastic resort of Buddha was the “bamboo grove” in Rajgriha, capital of Magadha, provided by king Bimbisara.
    Gandhara is not directly associated with the life of Buddha.
    During the rule of Ashoka Gandhara was influenced by Buddhist culture.
    Avanti was not related to the life of Buddha.
    Buddha belonged to the Shakya clan whose capital was Kapilavastu, and who were later annexed by the growing Kingdom of Kosala during the Buddha’s lifetime.

    Unattempted
    

    Buddha traveled through the towns and villages in the kingdoms of Kosala and Magadha teaching his philosophy.
    Other regions where he wandered were Vaishali, Vajji, etc.
    Jetavana (Jeta garden) was perhaps the best known amongst the beautiful gardens provided to Buddha’s entourage and it was close to Sravasti, capital of the Kosala kingdom.
    Perhaps the second-most important monastic resort of Buddha was the “bamboo grove” in Rajgriha, capital of Magadha, provided by king Bimbisara.
    Gandhara is not directly associated with the life of Buddha.
    During the rule of Ashoka Gandhara was influenced by Buddhist culture.
    Avanti was not related to the life of Buddha.
    Buddha belonged to the Shakya clan whose capital was Kapilavastu, and who were later annexed by the growing Kingdom of Kosala during the Buddha’s lifetime.
33. Question 33 of 100

    33. Question

    With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?
    (A) Avalokiteshvara
    (B) Lokesvara
    (C) Maitreya
    (D) Padmapani

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    It is believed that Maitreya is still not Buddha and resides in the Tusita Heaven, which is one of the realms of Buddhist cosmology.
    A popular representation of the Maitreya Boddhisattva is the Laughing Buddha. It is said to be an incarnation of Maitreya.
    It is believed to appear on the Earth in the future as many scriptures showcase it as the successor of Gautam Buddha, the present Budha.

    Unattempted
    

    It is believed that Maitreya is still not Buddha and resides in the Tusita Heaven, which is one of the realms of Buddhist cosmology.
    A popular representation of the Maitreya Boddhisattva is the Laughing Buddha. It is said to be an incarnation of Maitreya.
    It is believed to appear on the Earth in the future as many scriptures showcase it as the successor of Gautam Buddha, the present Budha.
34. Question 34 of 100

    34. Question

    Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
    (A) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
    (B) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
    (C) Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.
    (D) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
    The Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku, and two epics named – Silappathikaram and Manimegalai .
    Tolkappiyam was authored by Tolkappiyar and is considered the earliest of Tamil literary work. Though it is a work on Tamil grammar but it also provides insights on the political and socio-economic conditions of the time.
    Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies) consist of eight works – Aingurunooru, Narrinai, Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal and Padirruppatu.
    The Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls) consists of ten works – Thirumurugarruppadai, Porunararruppadai, Sirupanarruppadai, Perumpanarruppadai, Mullaippattu, Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanji, Kurinjippatttu,Pattinappalai and Malaipadukadam.
    Pathinenkilkanakku contains eighteen works about ethics and morals. The most important among these works is Tirukkural authored by Thiruvalluvar, the tamil great poet and philosopher.
    The two epics Silappathikaram is written by Elango Adigal and Manimegalai by Sittalai Sattanar. They also provide valuable details about the Sangam society and polity.

    Unattempted
    

    The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
    The Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku, and two epics named – Silappathikaram and Manimegalai .
    Tolkappiyam was authored by Tolkappiyar and is considered the earliest of Tamil literary work. Though it is a work on Tamil grammar but it also provides insights on the political and socio-economic conditions of the time.
    Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies) consist of eight works – Aingurunooru, Narrinai, Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal and Padirruppatu.
    The Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls) consists of ten works – Thirumurugarruppadai, Porunararruppadai, Sirupanarruppadai, Perumpanarruppadai, Mullaippattu, Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanji, Kurinjippatttu,Pattinappalai and Malaipadukadam.
    Pathinenkilkanakku contains eighteen works about ethics and morals. The most important among these works is Tirukkural authored by Thiruvalluvar, the tamil great poet and philosopher.
    The two epics Silappathikaram is written by Elango Adigal and Manimegalai by Sittalai Sattanar. They also provide valuable details about the Sangam society and polity.
35. Question 35 of 100

    35. Question

    With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:
    (1) It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
    (2) It is the only circular temple built in India.
    (3) It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
    (4) Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (A) Only two
    (B) Only three
    (C) Only one
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1 is correct : According to an inscription dated to 1323 CE (Vikram Samvat 1383), the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (1055 – 1075). It is said that the temple was the venue of providing education in astrology and mathematics based on the transit of the Sun.
    Statement 2 is incorrect : This circular temple is one among the very few such temples in India. It is not the only circular temple built in India.
    Statement 3 is incorrect : It is, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple because of the presence of multitude of shivalingas inside itscells. So it promote Shaivite cult in the region not vaishnavite culture.
    Statement 4 is correct : Many of these curious visitors have compared this temple with the Indian parliament building (Sansad Bhawan) as both are circular in style. So, many have drawn conclusions that this temple was the inspiration behind the Parliament building.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1 is correct : According to an inscription dated to 1323 CE (Vikram Samvat 1383), the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (1055 – 1075). It is said that the temple was the venue of providing education in astrology and mathematics based on the transit of the Sun.
    Statement 2 is incorrect : This circular temple is one among the very few such temples in India. It is not the only circular temple built in India.
    Statement 3 is incorrect : It is, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple because of the presence of multitude of shivalingas inside itscells. So it promote Shaivite cult in the region not vaishnavite culture.
    Statement 4 is correct : Many of these curious visitors have compared this temple with the Indian parliament building (Sansad Bhawan) as both are circular in style. So, many have drawn conclusions that this temple was the inspiration behind the Parliament building.
36. Question 36 of 100

    36. Question

    Consider the following pairs:
    Historical place – Well-known for
    (1) Burzahom – Rock-cut shrines
    (2) Chandraketugarh – Terracotta art
    (3) Ganeshwar – Copper artefacts
    How many of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
    (A) only one pair is correct :
    (B) only two pairs are correct
    (C) All of the pairs are correct
    (D) None of the pairs are correct

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. as Burzahom site (Jammu and Kashmir) is a Neolithic site. Rock cut shrines were not found in Neolithic period.
    Pair 2 is correctly matched Chandraketugah is a site in West Bengal near Kolkata. According to historians, the place dates back to the 3rd century, which is preMauryan era. The place has always generate curiosity among the archaeologists and various excavations have taken place here and a number of terracotta artworks has been unearthed.
    Pair 3 is correctly matched. Ganeshwar is a famous site in Khetri belt in Rajasthan. Ganeshwar complex sites have yielded more than 5000 copper objects, with some typical Harappan types like thin blades, arrow-heads etc.

    Unattempted
    

    Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. as Burzahom site (Jammu and Kashmir) is a Neolithic site. Rock cut shrines were not found in Neolithic period.
    Pair 2 is correctly matched Chandraketugah is a site in West Bengal near Kolkata. According to historians, the place dates back to the 3rd century, which is preMauryan era. The place has always generate curiosity among the archaeologists and various excavations have taken place here and a number of terracotta artworks has been unearthed.
    Pair 3 is correctly matched. Ganeshwar is a famous site in Khetri belt in Rajasthan. Ganeshwar complex sites have yielded more than 5000 copper objects, with some typical Harappan types like thin blades, arrow-heads etc.
37. Question 37 of 100

    37. Question

    The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at
    (A) Ajanta
    (B) Badami
    (C) Bagh
    (D) Ellora

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Some important paintings at Ajanta are:
    Scenes from the Jataka stories of the life of the Gautama Buddha, the Buddha’s former lives as a bodhisattva, etc.
    Paintings of various Bodhisattvas in tribhanga pose in Cave 1:
    Vajrapani (protector and guide, a symbol of Buddha’s power),
    Manjusri (manifestation of Buddha’s wisdom) and
    • Padmapani (Avalokitesvara) (symbol of Buddha’s compassion).
    The Dying Princess in Cave number 16.

    Unattempted
    

    Some important paintings at Ajanta are:
    Scenes from the Jataka stories of the life of the Gautama Buddha, the Buddha’s former lives as a bodhisattva, etc.
    Paintings of various Bodhisattvas in tribhanga pose in Cave 1:
    Vajrapani (protector and guide, a symbol of Buddha’s power),
    Manjusri (manifestation of Buddha’s wisdom) and
    • Padmapani (Avalokitesvara) (symbol of Buddha’s compassion).
    The Dying Princess in Cave number 16.
38. Question 38 of 100

    38. Question

    In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?
    (A) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters.
    (B) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck.
    (C) Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story.
    (D) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck.
    The techniques of movement are built around the two basicpostures of the Chowk and the Tribhanga.
    The chowk is a position imitating a square – a very masculine stance with the weight of the body equally balanced. The tribhanga is a very feminine stance where the body is deflected at the neck, torso and knees. Tribhanga consists of three bends in the body; at the neck, waist and knee, hence the body is oppositely curved at waist and neck which gives it a gentle “S” shape and is considered the most graceful and sensual of the Odissi positions.

    Unattempted
    

    One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck.
    The techniques of movement are built around the two basicpostures of the Chowk and the Tribhanga.
    The chowk is a position imitating a square – a very masculine stance with the weight of the body equally balanced. The tribhanga is a very feminine stance where the body is deflected at the neck, torso and knees. Tribhanga consists of three bends in the body; at the neck, waist and knee, hence the body is oppositely curved at waist and neck which gives it a gentle “S” shape and is considered the most graceful and sensual of the Odissi positions.
39. Question 39 of 100

    39. Question

    Which of the following rulers had poet Harisena, in his court?
    (A) Chandragupta I
    (B) Samudragupta
    (C) Chandragupta II
    (D) Ashoka

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta, a famous ruler of the Gupta dynasty.
    Court poets under Gupta and Mauryan empire:
    Kalidasa
    He was a Classical Sanskrit writer, extensively considered as the greatest poet and dramatist of Gupta Period.
    The six major works of Kalidasa are
    Abhijnanashakuntala
    Vikramorvashi
    Malavikagnimitra
    The epic poems
    Raghuvamsha
    Kumarasambhava
    Meghaduta
    Vishakhadatta
    The famous plays of Vishakhadatta are Mudrarakṣhasa.
    Mudrarakshasha means “Ring of the Demon” and it recites the ascent of Chandragupta Maurya to throne.
    Shudraka
    He is a king as well as poet.
    The famous three Sanskrit plays contributed by him areMrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart).
    Vinavasavadatta
    A bhana (short one-act monologue)
    Padmaprabhritaka

    Harisena
    Harisena was a panegyrist, Sanskrit poet, and government minister.
    He wrote poems praising the bravery of Samudra Gupta, which is engraved on Allahabad pillar.
    Bhasa
    He wrote 13 plays which echo the lifestyle of the Gupta Era along with its prevalent beliefs and culture.

    Unattempted
    

    Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta, a famous ruler of the Gupta dynasty.
    Court poets under Gupta and Mauryan empire:
    Kalidasa
    He was a Classical Sanskrit writer, extensively considered as the greatest poet and dramatist of Gupta Period.
    The six major works of Kalidasa are
    Abhijnanashakuntala
    Vikramorvashi
    Malavikagnimitra
    The epic poems
    Raghuvamsha
    Kumarasambhava
    Meghaduta
    Vishakhadatta
    The famous plays of Vishakhadatta are Mudrarakṣhasa.
    Mudrarakshasha means “Ring of the Demon” and it recites the ascent of Chandragupta Maurya to throne.
    Shudraka
    He is a king as well as poet.
    The famous three Sanskrit plays contributed by him areMrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart).
    Vinavasavadatta
    A bhana (short one-act monologue)
    Padmaprabhritaka

    Harisena
    Harisena was a panegyrist, Sanskrit poet, and government minister.
    He wrote poems praising the bravery of Samudra Gupta, which is engraved on Allahabad pillar.
    Bhasa
    He wrote 13 plays which echo the lifestyle of the Gupta Era along with its prevalent beliefs and culture.
40. Question 40 of 100

    40. Question

    How many following pair/s is/are not correct ?
    CITY – RIVERS
    (1) Mohenjodaro – Ravi
    (2) Ropar – Sutlaj
    (3) Lothal – Bhogava
    (4) Dholavira. – Luni
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) Only three
    (D) All

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Pair 1 is not correct : Moenjodaro, group of mounds and ruins on the right bank of the Indus River, northern Sindh province, southern Pakistan.
    Pair 2 is correct : Ropar, also spelled Rupar, also called Rupnagar, town, eastern Punjab state, northwestern India. The town lies on the Sutlej River near the head of the great Sirhind Canal, about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Chandigarh.
    Pair 3 is correct : The archaeological remains of the Harappan port-town of Lothal is located along the Bhogava river, a tributary of Sabarmati, in the Gulf of Khambat.
    Pair 4 is correct : Dholavira is an archaeological site at Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District, in the state of Gujarat in western India. It is situated at the bank of river Luni.

    Unattempted
    

    Pair 1 is not correct : Moenjodaro, group of mounds and ruins on the right bank of the Indus River, northern Sindh province, southern Pakistan.
    Pair 2 is correct : Ropar, also spelled Rupar, also called Rupnagar, town, eastern Punjab state, northwestern India. The town lies on the Sutlej River near the head of the great Sirhind Canal, about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Chandigarh.
    Pair 3 is correct : The archaeological remains of the Harappan port-town of Lothal is located along the Bhogava river, a tributary of Sabarmati, in the Gulf of Khambat.
    Pair 4 is correct : Dholavira is an archaeological site at Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District, in the state of Gujarat in western India. It is situated at the bank of river Luni.
41. Question 41 of 100

    41. Question

    The inscription on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad provide information about which of the following rulers?
    (A) Chandragupta Maurya
    (B) Chandragupta I
    (C) Chandragupta II
    (D) Samudragupta

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    We know about Samudragupta from a long inscription, actually a poem in Sanskrit, composed by his court poet, Harisena nearly 1700 years ago. This was inscribed on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad.
    This inscription is of a special kind known as a prashasti, a Sanskrit word, meaning ‘in praise of’.

    Unattempted
    

    We know about Samudragupta from a long inscription, actually a poem in Sanskrit, composed by his court poet, Harisena nearly 1700 years ago. This was inscribed on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad.
    This inscription is of a special kind known as a prashasti, a Sanskrit word, meaning ‘in praise of’.
42. Question 42 of 100

    42. Question

    Who among the following is known as Shakas conqueror?
    (A) Sri Gupta
    (B) Chandragupta II
    (C) Ashoka
    (D) Kumaragupta

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Chandragupta II led an expedition to western India, where he overcame Rudra Singh III, the last ruler of Shakas, and came to be known as Shakas conqueror.
    About Shaka rulers:-
    The beginning of the Saka Era can be related to the ascent of the king Chashtana.
    Scythians (referred to as Sakas in Indian sources) were a group of Iranian nomadic pastoral tribes.
    In the second century BC, central Asian nomadic tribes and tribes from the Chinese region invaded the region of present-day Kazakhstan whose inhabitants were Scythians.
    This promoted the Scythians to move towards Bactria and Parthia. After defeating the Parthian king, they moved towards India. Scythians who migrated to India are known as Indo-Scythians.
    The Sakas had an Indian kingdom larger than the Indo-Greeks.

    Unattempted
    

    Chandragupta II led an expedition to western India, where he overcame Rudra Singh III, the last ruler of Shakas, and came to be known as Shakas conqueror.
    About Shaka rulers:-
    The beginning of the Saka Era can be related to the ascent of the king Chashtana.
    Scythians (referred to as Sakas in Indian sources) were a group of Iranian nomadic pastoral tribes.
    In the second century BC, central Asian nomadic tribes and tribes from the Chinese region invaded the region of present-day Kazakhstan whose inhabitants were Scythians.
    This promoted the Scythians to move towards Bactria and Parthia. After defeating the Parthian king, they moved towards India. Scythians who migrated to India are known as Indo-Scythians.
    The Sakas had an Indian kingdom larger than the Indo-Greeks.
43. Question 43 of 100

    43. Question

    Which of the following was unknown to Indus Valley Civilisation?
    (A) Bronze
    (B) Barley
    (C) Iron
    (D) Cotton

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    The Neolithic period is followed by Chalcolithic (copper-stone) period when copper and bronze came to be used. The new technology of smelting metal ore and crafting metal artifacts is an important development in human civilization. Generally, Chalcolithic cultures had grown in river valleys. Most importantly, the Harappan culture is considered as a part of Chalcolithic culture.
    There was a great progress in all spheres of economic activity such as agriculture, industry and crafts and trade. Wheat and barley were the main crops grown besides sesame, mustard and cotton. Surplus grain is stored in granaries. Animals like sheep, goats and buffalo were domesticated.
    Bronze and copper vessels are the outstanding examples of the Harappan metal craft. Gold and silver ornaments are found in many places.But iron was not known to them.
    In forein trade main exports were several agricultural products such as wheat, barely, peas, oil seeds and a variety of finished products including cotton goods, pottery, beads, terracotta figures and ivory products.
    Known: Cotton, Barley, Wheat, Ragi, Peas, Rice etc.
    Metalas known: Gold ,silver, lead ,bronze ,copper ,steatite etc.Unknown: sugar cane, Maize, Iron, Horse.

    Unattempted
    

    The Neolithic period is followed by Chalcolithic (copper-stone) period when copper and bronze came to be used. The new technology of smelting metal ore and crafting metal artifacts is an important development in human civilization. Generally, Chalcolithic cultures had grown in river valleys. Most importantly, the Harappan culture is considered as a part of Chalcolithic culture.
    There was a great progress in all spheres of economic activity such as agriculture, industry and crafts and trade. Wheat and barley were the main crops grown besides sesame, mustard and cotton. Surplus grain is stored in granaries. Animals like sheep, goats and buffalo were domesticated.
    Bronze and copper vessels are the outstanding examples of the Harappan metal craft. Gold and silver ornaments are found in many places.But iron was not known to them.
    In forein trade main exports were several agricultural products such as wheat, barely, peas, oil seeds and a variety of finished products including cotton goods, pottery, beads, terracotta figures and ivory products.
    Known: Cotton, Barley, Wheat, Ragi, Peas, Rice etc.
    Metalas known: Gold ,silver, lead ,bronze ,copper ,steatite etc.Unknown: sugar cane, Maize, Iron, Horse.
44. Question 44 of 100

    44. Question

    Which of the following rulers was Banabhatta the court poet of ?
    (A) Kumaragupta
    (B) Skandagupta
    (C) Vishnugupta
    (D) Harshavardhana

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Harshavardhana, who ruled nearly 1400 years ago, was one such ruler. His court poet, Banabhatta, wrote his biography, the Harshacharita, in Sanskrit. This gives us the genealogy of Harsha, and ends with him becoming king.
    Facts about Harshavardhana:
    Harshavardhana was born in 590 AD to King Prabhakaravardhana of Sthaneshvara (Thanesar, Haryana).
    He belonged to the Pushyabhuti also called the Vardhana dynasty.
    He was a Hindu who later embraced Mahayana Buddhism.
    He was married to Durgavati.
    He had a daughter and two sons. His daughter married a king of Vallabhi whereas his sons were killed by his own minister.
    King Harshavardhana deeds were praised by Chinese Buddhist traveller Xuanzang in his writings.

    Unattempted
    

    Harshavardhana, who ruled nearly 1400 years ago, was one such ruler. His court poet, Banabhatta, wrote his biography, the Harshacharita, in Sanskrit. This gives us the genealogy of Harsha, and ends with him becoming king.
    Facts about Harshavardhana:
    Harshavardhana was born in 590 AD to King Prabhakaravardhana of Sthaneshvara (Thanesar, Haryana).
    He belonged to the Pushyabhuti also called the Vardhana dynasty.
    He was a Hindu who later embraced Mahayana Buddhism.
    He was married to Durgavati.
    He had a daughter and two sons. His daughter married a king of Vallabhi whereas his sons were killed by his own minister.
    King Harshavardhana deeds were praised by Chinese Buddhist traveller Xuanzang in his writings.
45. Question 45 of 100

    45. Question

    Consider the following assertion with the given reason with reference to history of ancient India :
    Assertion: Some kings tried to control large portions of the route.
    Reason: The traders travelling along the silk route brought taxes, tributes and gifts for the kings of that area.
    Use the code given below to select the correct answer—
    (A) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
    (B) Both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
    (C) Assertion is correct but the reason is not correct.
    (D) Assertion is not correct but the reason is correct.

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
    Some kings tried to control large portions of the route. This was because they could benefit from taxes, tributes and gifts that were brought by traders travelling along the route.
    In return, they often protected the traders who passed through their kingdoms from attacks by robbers.

    Unattempted
    

    Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
    Some kings tried to control large portions of the route. This was because they could benefit from taxes, tributes and gifts that were brought by traders travelling along the route.
    In return, they often protected the traders who passed through their kingdoms from attacks by robbers.
46. Question 46 of 100

    46. Question

    Consider the following statement about Indus Valley Civilization:
    1) Stone buildings were most popular form of construction.
    2) Ancient text refered Indus region as mehula.
    3) Most seals have inscriptions in a pictographic scipt that is yet to be deciphered.
    4) Faience were an artificially produced material and were used to make beads, bangles, earrings, and tiny vessels.
    How many of the above statements is/are not correct ?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All four
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1 is not correct : Stone buildings were not the most popular form of construction. In 1931, Sir John Marshall estimated the duration of the occupation of Mohenjodaro between 3250 and 2750 B.C. The Harappan culture was distinguished by its system of town planning on the lines of the grid system – that is streets and lanes cutting across one another almost at right angles thus dividing the city into several rectangular blocks. The large-scale use of burnt bricks in almost all kinds of constructions and the absence of stone buildings are the important characteristics of the Harappan culture.
    Statement 2 is correct : Meluha is the Sumerian name which has been found in the Mesopotamia Records from 2350 BC onwards. Many scholars associate the name with Indus Valley Civilization. It is believed that people from the Indus Valley Civilization exported sesame oil to the Mesopotamia Civilization.
    Statement 4 is correct : Much evidence is available to understand the social life of the Harappans. The dress of both men and women consisted of two pieces of cloth, one upper garment and the other lower garment. Beads were worn by men and women. Jewelleries such as bangles, bracelets, fillets, girdles, anklets, ear-rings and finger rings were worn by women. These ornaments were made of gold, silver, copper, bronze and semi precious stones. Faience were artificially produced material made by melting quartz rock and then regrinding the glassy frit to make a paste that is then fired once again. These were used in making beads, bangles, earrings, and tiny vessels. Use of faience was also common in Egyption civilization.
    The Harappan script has still to be fully deciphered. The number of signs is between 400 and 600 of which 40 or 60 are basic and the rest are their variants. The script was mostly written from right to left. The mystery of the Harappan script still exists and there is no doubt that the decipherment of Harappan script will throw much light on this culture.
    Most seals have inscriptions in a pictographic script that is yet to be deciphered. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1 is not correct : Stone buildings were not the most popular form of construction. In 1931, Sir John Marshall estimated the duration of the occupation of Mohenjodaro between 3250 and 2750 B.C. The Harappan culture was distinguished by its system of town planning on the lines of the grid system – that is streets and lanes cutting across one another almost at right angles thus dividing the city into several rectangular blocks. The large-scale use of burnt bricks in almost all kinds of constructions and the absence of stone buildings are the important characteristics of the Harappan culture.
    Statement 2 is correct : Meluha is the Sumerian name which has been found in the Mesopotamia Records from 2350 BC onwards. Many scholars associate the name with Indus Valley Civilization. It is believed that people from the Indus Valley Civilization exported sesame oil to the Mesopotamia Civilization.
    Statement 4 is correct : Much evidence is available to understand the social life of the Harappans. The dress of both men and women consisted of two pieces of cloth, one upper garment and the other lower garment. Beads were worn by men and women. Jewelleries such as bangles, bracelets, fillets, girdles, anklets, ear-rings and finger rings were worn by women. These ornaments were made of gold, silver, copper, bronze and semi precious stones. Faience were artificially produced material made by melting quartz rock and then regrinding the glassy frit to make a paste that is then fired once again. These were used in making beads, bangles, earrings, and tiny vessels. Use of faience was also common in Egyption civilization.
    The Harappan script has still to be fully deciphered. The number of signs is between 400 and 600 of which 40 or 60 are basic and the rest are their variants. The script was mostly written from right to left. The mystery of the Harappan script still exists and there is no doubt that the decipherment of Harappan script will throw much light on this culture.
    Most seals have inscriptions in a pictographic script that is yet to be deciphered. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
47. Question 47 of 100

    47. Question

    The world’s oldest bronze sculpture, dancing girl is found in the city of:
    (A) Kalibangan
    (B) Mohenjodaro
    (C) Harappa
    (D) Lothal

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    This mesmerizing sculpture, famously known as ‘The Dancing Girl’ is one of the highest achievements of the artists of Mohenjodaro. The ‘Dancing Girl’ is a sculpture made of bronze. It belongs to the Indus Valley Civilization and dates back to circa 2500 BCE. It is 10.5 cm in height, 5 cm in width and 2.5 cm in depth.
    Presently, it is on display in the Indus Valley Civilization gallery in the National Museum, New Delhi.

    Unattempted
    

    This mesmerizing sculpture, famously known as ‘The Dancing Girl’ is one of the highest achievements of the artists of Mohenjodaro. The ‘Dancing Girl’ is a sculpture made of bronze. It belongs to the Indus Valley Civilization and dates back to circa 2500 BCE. It is 10.5 cm in height, 5 cm in width and 2.5 cm in depth.
    Presently, it is on display in the Indus Valley Civilization gallery in the National Museum, New Delhi.
48. Question 48 of 100

    48. Question

    Consider the following:
    (1) Rig Veda
    (2) Samaveda
    (3) Yajurveda
    (4) Atharva veda
    How many of the above is/are a later vedic book?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only three
    (C) All
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda, are often called later Vedic, because they were composed after the Rigveda. Some other books were composed by priests, and described how rituals were to be performed. They also contained rules about society. Later Vedic period was the period in which three Vedas (Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda) along with their respective brahmanas, Upanishads and Aranyakas were composed.

    Unattempted
    

    Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda, are often called later Vedic, because they were composed after the Rigveda. Some other books were composed by priests, and described how rituals were to be performed. They also contained rules about society. Later Vedic period was the period in which three Vedas (Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda) along with their respective brahmanas, Upanishads and Aranyakas were composed.
49. Question 49 of 100

    49. Question

    The iron pillar at Mehrauli, is located in which UT/state?
    (A) Maharashtra
    (B) Bihar
    (C) Delhi
    (D) Madhya Pradesh

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    The iron pillar at Mehrauli, Delhi, is a remarkable example of the skill of Indian crafts persons. It is made of iron, 7.2 m high, and weighs over 3 tonnes. It was made about 1500 years ago. There is an inscription on the pillar mentioning a ruler named Chandra, who probably belonged to the Gupta dynasty. The amazingfact about the pillar is that, it has not rusted in all these years. The Mehrauli inscription praises the Gupta emperor Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s achievements.
    The iron pillar of Chandragupta dates from the late fourth to early fifth century A.D. It is situated in the Qutb Mosque’s courtyard. It is thought to have had the emblem of the mythical bird Garuda, the Guptas’ symbol, at the top, but it is now missing.

    Unattempted
    

    The iron pillar at Mehrauli, Delhi, is a remarkable example of the skill of Indian crafts persons. It is made of iron, 7.2 m high, and weighs over 3 tonnes. It was made about 1500 years ago. There is an inscription on the pillar mentioning a ruler named Chandra, who probably belonged to the Gupta dynasty. The amazingfact about the pillar is that, it has not rusted in all these years. The Mehrauli inscription praises the Gupta emperor Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s achievements.
    The iron pillar of Chandragupta dates from the late fourth to early fifth century A.D. It is situated in the Qutb Mosque’s courtyard. It is thought to have had the emblem of the mythical bird Garuda, the Guptas’ symbol, at the top, but it is now missing.
50. Question 50 of 100

    50. Question

    Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below—
    LIST-I (Epics). LIST-II (Poets)
    (A) Silappadikaram. 1. Valmiki
    (B) Manimekalai. 2. Sattanar
    (C) Meghaduta. 3. Kalidasa
    (D) Ramayana. 4. Ilang
    (A) A B C D – 2431
    (B) A B C D – 4312
    (C) A B C D – 4231
    (D) A B C D – 2134

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Epics are grand, long compositions, about heroic men and women, and include stories about gods.
    A famous Tamil epic, the Silappadikaram, was composed by a poet named Ilango, around 1800 years ago. It is the story of a merchant named Kovalan, who lived in Puhar and fell in love with a courtesan named Madhavi, neglecting his wife Kannagi.
    Another Tamil epic, the Manimekalai was composed by Sattanar around 1400 years ago.This describes the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi.
    Meghaduta is one of Kalidasa’s best-known poems; in which a monsoon cloud is imagined to be a messenger between lovers who are separated from one another.
    Valmiki is recognised as the author of the Sanskrit Ramayana. The Ramayana is about Rama, a prince of Kosala, who was sent into exile.

    Unattempted
    

    Epics are grand, long compositions, about heroic men and women, and include stories about gods.
    A famous Tamil epic, the Silappadikaram, was composed by a poet named Ilango, around 1800 years ago. It is the story of a merchant named Kovalan, who lived in Puhar and fell in love with a courtesan named Madhavi, neglecting his wife Kannagi.
    Another Tamil epic, the Manimekalai was composed by Sattanar around 1400 years ago.This describes the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi.
    Meghaduta is one of Kalidasa’s best-known poems; in which a monsoon cloud is imagined to be a messenger between lovers who are separated from one another.
    Valmiki is recognised as the author of the Sanskrit Ramayana. The Ramayana is about Rama, a prince of Kosala, who was sent into exile.
51. Question 51 of 100

    51. Question

    Who among the following compiled Puranas?
    (A) Vyasa
    (B) Manhak
    (C) Lopamudra
    (D) Vikramaditya

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    The total number of Puranas is 18 but earlier, according to Matsya Purana; there was only one Purana and all other forms had originated from it. According to Brahmin Purana, the Puranas are supposed to have been compiled by Vyasa. Vishnu Purana shows that Vyasa gave his Puran Samhita to his disciple Lomharsh.
    Ugrasrava was Lomharsh’s son. He was also associated with the compilation of Puranas.
    Mankhak was a Sanskrit great poet of Kashmir. His famous compositions are ‘Shree Kantha charit mahakavya’ and ‘Mankhakosh’.
    Mahabharata was compiled by ‘Vyasa’, one of the compilators of Puranas. The writing work of Mahabharata was done 1500 years ago.

    Unattempted
    

    The total number of Puranas is 18 but earlier, according to Matsya Purana; there was only one Purana and all other forms had originated from it. According to Brahmin Purana, the Puranas are supposed to have been compiled by Vyasa. Vishnu Purana shows that Vyasa gave his Puran Samhita to his disciple Lomharsh.
    Ugrasrava was Lomharsh’s son. He was also associated with the compilation of Puranas.
    Mankhak was a Sanskrit great poet of Kashmir. His famous compositions are ‘Shree Kantha charit mahakavya’ and ‘Mankhakosh’.
    Mahabharata was compiled by ‘Vyasa’, one of the compilators of Puranas. The writing work of Mahabharata was done 1500 years ago.
52. Question 52 of 100

    52. Question

    How many of the following statements is/are correct about Rig Vedic Period ?
    (1) Rig Vedic society was patriarchal one but there was no practice of sati.
    (2) Some of the hymns in the Rigveda are in the form of dialogues between a sage named Vishvamitra, and two rivers, Beas and Yamuna.
    (3) Main occupation of Rig Vedic Aryans was cattle rearing.
    (4) Rig Vedic Aryans believed in natural as well as Idol worship.
    (A) Only two
    (B) Only three
    (C) All
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    The cities of the Harappan Culture had declined by 1500 B.C. Consequently, their economic and administrative system had slowly declined. Around this period, the speakers of Indo-Aryan language, Sanskrit, entered the north-west India from the Indo-Iranian region. Their initial settlements were in the valleys of the north-west and the plains of the Punjab. Later, they moved into Indo-Gangetic plains. Statement 3 is correct : As they were mainly a cattle keeping people, they were mainly in search of pastures. By 6th century B.C., they occupied the whole of North India, which was referred to as Aryavarta. This period between 1500 B.C and 600 B.C may be divided into the Early Vedic Period or Rig Vedic Period (1500 B.C -1000 B.C) and the Later Vedic Period (1000B.C – 600 B.C).
    Statement 1 is correct : Rig vedic period: During the Rig Vedic period, the Aryans were mostly confined to the Indus region. The Rig Veda refers to Saptasindhu or the land of seven rivers. This includes the five rivers of Punjab, namely Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej along with the Indus and Saraswathi. The political, social and cultural life of the Rig Vedic people can be traced from the hymns of the Rig Veda. The Rig Vedic society was patriarchal. The basic unit of society was family or graham. There was no child marriage and the practice of Sati was absent during the Early Vedic or Rigvedic Period.
    Statement 4 is not correct : The head of the family was known as grahapathi. The Rig Vedic Aryans worshiped the natural forces like earth, fire, wind, rain and thunder. They personified these natural forces into many gods and worshipped them. There were no temples and no idol worship during the early Vedic period. Prayers were offered to the gods in the expectation of rewards. Ghee, milk and grain were given as offerings.
    Statement 2 is not correct : In the Rigveda, there is a hymn in the form of a dialogue between Sage Vishvamitra and two rivers Beas and Sutlej were worshipped as goddesses.

    Unattempted
    

    The cities of the Harappan Culture had declined by 1500 B.C. Consequently, their economic and administrative system had slowly declined. Around this period, the speakers of Indo-Aryan language, Sanskrit, entered the north-west India from the Indo-Iranian region. Their initial settlements were in the valleys of the north-west and the plains of the Punjab. Later, they moved into Indo-Gangetic plains. Statement 3 is correct : As they were mainly a cattle keeping people, they were mainly in search of pastures. By 6th century B.C., they occupied the whole of North India, which was referred to as Aryavarta. This period between 1500 B.C and 600 B.C may be divided into the Early Vedic Period or Rig Vedic Period (1500 B.C -1000 B.C) and the Later Vedic Period (1000B.C – 600 B.C).
    Statement 1 is correct : Rig vedic period: During the Rig Vedic period, the Aryans were mostly confined to the Indus region. The Rig Veda refers to Saptasindhu or the land of seven rivers. This includes the five rivers of Punjab, namely Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej along with the Indus and Saraswathi. The political, social and cultural life of the Rig Vedic people can be traced from the hymns of the Rig Veda. The Rig Vedic society was patriarchal. The basic unit of society was family or graham. There was no child marriage and the practice of Sati was absent during the Early Vedic or Rigvedic Period.
    Statement 4 is not correct : The head of the family was known as grahapathi. The Rig Vedic Aryans worshiped the natural forces like earth, fire, wind, rain and thunder. They personified these natural forces into many gods and worshipped them. There were no temples and no idol worship during the early Vedic period. Prayers were offered to the gods in the expectation of rewards. Ghee, milk and grain were given as offerings.
    Statement 2 is not correct : In the Rigveda, there is a hymn in the form of a dialogue between Sage Vishvamitra and two rivers Beas and Sutlej were worshipped as goddesses.
53. Question 53 of 100

    53. Question

    which among the folloing Upanishad mentions Atithi Devo Bhava?
    (A) mundak Upanishad
    (B) Tait-triya Upanishad
    (C) chandogya Upanishad
    (D) Aitareya Upanishad

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Atithi Devo Bhava, mentioned in Tait-triya Upanishad. It was originally coined to depict a visiting person whose date of arrival and departure is not fixed.
    ‘Atithi’ originally meaning “without a fixed calendrical time”,’Devo’ meaning “God” and “Bhav” meaning Be or Is, hence signifies The Guest Is God.

    Unattempted
    

    Atithi Devo Bhava, mentioned in Tait-triya Upanishad. It was originally coined to depict a visiting person whose date of arrival and departure is not fixed.
    ‘Atithi’ originally meaning “without a fixed calendrical time”,’Devo’ meaning “God” and “Bhav” meaning Be or Is, hence signifies The Guest Is God.
54. Question 54 of 100

    54. Question

    In the context of pre-medieval early Hindu temples, consider the following statements:
    (1) Gopuram was the most important part of the temple.
    (2) Garbagagriha was found only in some temples of north-east India.
    (3) Often, a tower, known as the Shikhara, was built on top of the temple.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1 is not correct : The most important part of the temple was the room known as the garbhagriha, where the image of the chief deity was placed. It was here that priests performed religious rituals, and devotees offered worship to the deity.
    Most temples also had a space known as the mandapa. It was a hall where people could assemble. Often, as at Bhitargaon, a tower, known as the shikhara, was built on top of the garbhagriha, to mark this out as a sacred place. Building shikharas required careful planning.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1 is not correct : The most important part of the temple was the room known as the garbhagriha, where the image of the chief deity was placed. It was here that priests performed religious rituals, and devotees offered worship to the deity.
    Most temples also had a space known as the mandapa. It was a hall where people could assemble. Often, as at Bhitargaon, a tower, known as the shikhara, was built on top of the garbhagriha, to mark this out as a sacred place. Building shikharas required careful planning.
55. Question 55 of 100

    55. Question

    Rishabnath was also called Aadibrahma because?
    (A) Due to his strength
    (B) First to tell Moksha Marg
    (C) Religious Preaching
    (D) Showing the path of livelihood

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Lord Rishabhdev also known as Lord Adinath was the first Jain Tirthankar of present time cycle. He lived before civilization developed. Because of this, he had the name of Ādināth – the original lord. He became a Siddha, a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its karma.
    Facts about Rishabhnath:
    He is said to exist before Indus Valley Civilisation.
    It is mentioned that in Bhagavata Purana, he is referred to as Lord Vishnu.
    Vedas also mention the name of Rishabhnath.
    He had many sons including – Bharat and Bahubali (Note: The Gomateshwara Statue is dedicated to Bahubali; and is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. It is located in Shravanabelagola in Karnataka.)
    It is also believed that the name of the script ‘Brahmi’ is inspired by his daughter’s name.

    Unattempted
    

    Lord Rishabhdev also known as Lord Adinath was the first Jain Tirthankar of present time cycle. He lived before civilization developed. Because of this, he had the name of Ādināth – the original lord. He became a Siddha, a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its karma.
    Facts about Rishabhnath:
    He is said to exist before Indus Valley Civilisation.
    It is mentioned that in Bhagavata Purana, he is referred to as Lord Vishnu.
    Vedas also mention the name of Rishabhnath.
    He had many sons including – Bharat and Bahubali (Note: The Gomateshwara Statue is dedicated to Bahubali; and is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. It is located in Shravanabelagola in Karnataka.)
    It is also believed that the name of the script ‘Brahmi’ is inspired by his daughter’s name.
56. Question 56 of 100

    56. Question

    The ideology of Charvakism, Jainism and Buddhis was uphold by which of the following philosophical system.
    (A) Orthodox System of Indian Philosophy
    (B) Unorthodox System of Indian Philosophy
    (C) Both A and B
    (D) None of the above

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Unorthodox systems of Indian Philosophy uphold the ideology of Charvakism, Ajivika, Jainism and Buddhism. Unorthodox Schools of Indian Philosophy are the Schools that do not accept the authority of Vedas and are by definition unorthodox (nastika) systems.
    The following schools belong to heterodox schools of Indian Philosophy.
    Charvaka (Brihaspati): Charvaka is a materialistic, sceptical and atheistic school of thought.
    According to Charvaka there is no other world. Hence, death is the end of humans & pleasure is the ultimate object in life.
    It is also known as the Lokayata Philosophy-the philosophy of masses.
    Buddhist philosophy- Buddhism is a non-theistic philosophy whose tenets are not especially concerned with the existence or nonexistence of God.
    Buddha considered the world as full of misery and considered a man’s duty to seek liberation from this painful world. He strongly criticized blind faith in the traditional scriptures like the Vedas.
    Jain Philosophy- A basic principle is anekantavada, the idea that reality is perceived differently from different points of view, and that no single point of view is completely true.
    According to Jainism, only the Kevalins, those who have infinite knowledge, can know the true answer, and that all others would only know a part of the answer.

    Unattempted
    

    Unorthodox systems of Indian Philosophy uphold the ideology of Charvakism, Ajivika, Jainism and Buddhism. Unorthodox Schools of Indian Philosophy are the Schools that do not accept the authority of Vedas and are by definition unorthodox (nastika) systems.
    The following schools belong to heterodox schools of Indian Philosophy.
    Charvaka (Brihaspati): Charvaka is a materialistic, sceptical and atheistic school of thought.
    According to Charvaka there is no other world. Hence, death is the end of humans & pleasure is the ultimate object in life.
    It is also known as the Lokayata Philosophy-the philosophy of masses.
    Buddhist philosophy- Buddhism is a non-theistic philosophy whose tenets are not especially concerned with the existence or nonexistence of God.
    Buddha considered the world as full of misery and considered a man’s duty to seek liberation from this painful world. He strongly criticized blind faith in the traditional scriptures like the Vedas.
    Jain Philosophy- A basic principle is anekantavada, the idea that reality is perceived differently from different points of view, and that no single point of view is completely true.
    According to Jainism, only the Kevalins, those who have infinite knowledge, can know the true answer, and that all others would only know a part of the answer.
57. Question 57 of 100

    57. Question

    Nalanda and Vikramshila were patronised by the
    (A) Palas
    (B) Parmaras
    (C) Chandelas
    (D) All the above

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Nalanda was a Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery, in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. They reportedly chided King Harsha for patronising Nalanda during the great age of the Guptas, was prized and cherished by the Palas. Vikramashila was one of the two most important centres of learning in India during the Pala Empire, along with Nalanda. Vikramashila was one of the largest Buddhist universities.

    Unattempted
    

    Nalanda was a Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery, in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. They reportedly chided King Harsha for patronising Nalanda during the great age of the Guptas, was prized and cherished by the Palas. Vikramashila was one of the two most important centres of learning in India during the Pala Empire, along with Nalanda. Vikramashila was one of the largest Buddhist universities.
58. Question 58 of 100

    58. Question

    How many of the following are beliefs of Buddhism?
    (1) The world is full of sorrows.
    (2) If desires are conquered, nirvana will be attained.
    (3) People suffer on account of desires.
    (4) The existence of God and Soul must be recognised.
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) Only three
    (D) All four

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Buddhist philosophy refers to the philosophical investigations and systems of inquiry that developed among various Buddhist schools in India following the death of the Buddha and later spread throughout Asia. The Buddhist path combines both philosophical reasoning and meditation. The four Noble Truths of Buddhism are- The world is full of sorrows, Desire is root cause of sorrow, If desire is conquered all sorrows can be removed, Desire can be removed by following the eightfold path.

    Unattempted
    

    Buddhist philosophy refers to the philosophical investigations and systems of inquiry that developed among various Buddhist schools in India following the death of the Buddha and later spread throughout Asia. The Buddhist path combines both philosophical reasoning and meditation. The four Noble Truths of Buddhism are- The world is full of sorrows, Desire is root cause of sorrow, If desire is conquered all sorrows can be removed, Desire can be removed by following the eightfold path.
59. Question 59 of 100

    59. Question

    The ultimate goal of education in Jainism is?
    (A) Ahimsa
    (B) Renunciation
    (C) Moksha
    (D) Mandatory promotion of human welfare

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    In Jainism, moksha is the highest and the noblest objective that a soul should strive to achieve. In fact, it is the only objective that a person should have; other objectives are contrary to the true nature of soul. With the right view, knowledge and efforts all souls can attain this state. That is why Jainism is also known as mokṣamārga or the “path to liberation”.

    Unattempted
    

    In Jainism, moksha is the highest and the noblest objective that a soul should strive to achieve. In fact, it is the only objective that a person should have; other objectives are contrary to the true nature of soul. With the right view, knowledge and efforts all souls can attain this state. That is why Jainism is also known as mokṣamārga or the “path to liberation”.
60. Question 60 of 100

    60. Question

    What was manufactured in the Chola era using the “Lost wax” technique?
    (A) Household utensils
    (B) Bronze statues
    (C) Weapons
    (D) Toiletries

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Bronze statues were made by using “lost wax” technique in Chola era. First, an image was made of wax. This was covered with clay and allowed to dry. Next it was heated, and a tiny hole was made in the clay cover. The molten wax was drained out through this hole. Then molten metal was poured into the clay mould through the hole. Once the metal cooled and solidified, the clay cover was carefully removed , and the image was cleaned and polished.

    Unattempted
    

    Bronze statues were made by using “lost wax” technique in Chola era. First, an image was made of wax. This was covered with clay and allowed to dry. Next it was heated, and a tiny hole was made in the clay cover. The molten wax was drained out through this hole. Then molten metal was poured into the clay mould through the hole. Once the metal cooled and solidified, the clay cover was carefully removed , and the image was cleaned and polished.
61. Question 61 of 100

    61. Question

    How many of the following statements is/are correct about socio-religious life of the Later Vedic Period ?
    (1) Varna system became lost relevance during this period.
    (2) Agriculture became chief occupation.
    (3) Importance of the samiti and sabha had diminished during the later vedic period.
    (4) The importance of prayers declined and that of sacrifices incrised.
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only three
    (C) All
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Iron was used extensively in this period and this enabled the people to clear forests and to bring more land under cultivation.Agriculture became the chief occupation. Improved types of implements were used for cultivation.
    The four divisions of society (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras) or the Varna system was thoroughly established during the Later Vedic period. The two higher classes – Brahmana, and Kshatriya enjoyed privileges that were denied to the Vaisya and Sudra. A Brahmin occupied a higher position than a Kshatriya but sometimes Kshatriyas claimed a higher status over the Brahmins. Many sub-castes on the basis of their occupation appeared in this period.
    In the later Vedic period, a large number of new officials were involved in the administration in addition to the existing purohita, senani and gramani. At the lower levels, the administration wascarried on by the village assemblies. The importance of the Samiti and the Sabha had diminished during the later Vedic period. Gods of the Early Vedic period like Indra and Agni lost their importance period. Sacrifices were still important and the rituals connected witht hem became more elaborate. The importance of prayers declined and that of sacrifices increased.

    Unattempted
    

    Iron was used extensively in this period and this enabled the people to clear forests and to bring more land under cultivation.Agriculture became the chief occupation. Improved types of implements were used for cultivation.
    The four divisions of society (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras) or the Varna system was thoroughly established during the Later Vedic period. The two higher classes – Brahmana, and Kshatriya enjoyed privileges that were denied to the Vaisya and Sudra. A Brahmin occupied a higher position than a Kshatriya but sometimes Kshatriyas claimed a higher status over the Brahmins. Many sub-castes on the basis of their occupation appeared in this period.
    In the later Vedic period, a large number of new officials were involved in the administration in addition to the existing purohita, senani and gramani. At the lower levels, the administration wascarried on by the village assemblies. The importance of the Samiti and the Sabha had diminished during the later Vedic period. Gods of the Early Vedic period like Indra and Agni lost their importance period. Sacrifices were still important and the rituals connected witht hem became more elaborate. The importance of prayers declined and that of sacrifices increased.
62. Question 62 of 100

    62. Question

    In Later vedic period king performed some types of sacrifices.
    Match the folloing pairs :
    Sacrifies – meaning
    (1) Rajasuya – A. consecration ceremony
    (2) Asvamedha – B. horse sacrifice
    (3) Vajpeya – C. chariot race
    (A) 1.A 2.C 3.B
    (B) 1.B 2.C 3.A
    (C) 1. C 2.B 3.A
    (D) 1 .A 2.B 3.C

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Larger kingdoms were formed during the later Vedic period.Many jana or tribes were amalgamated to form janapadas orrashtras in the later Vedic period. Hence the royal power had increased along with the increase in the size of kingdom. The king performed various rituals and sacrifices to strengthen his position. They include Rajasuya (consecration ceremony), Asvamedha(horse sacrifice) and Vajpeya (chariot race).

    Unattempted
    

    Larger kingdoms were formed during the later Vedic period.Many jana or tribes were amalgamated to form janapadas orrashtras in the later Vedic period. Hence the royal power had increased along with the increase in the size of kingdom. The king performed various rituals and sacrifices to strengthen his position. They include Rajasuya (consecration ceremony), Asvamedha(horse sacrifice) and Vajpeya (chariot race).
63. Question 63 of 100

    63. Question

    It is an early type of Buddhist monastery consisting of an open court surrounded by open cells accessible through an entrance porch. Theses were originally constructed to shelter the monks when it became difficult for them to lead the wanderer’s life.
    Which of the following have been addressed in above statement:
    (A) Vihara
    (B) Stupa
    (C) chaitya
    (D) sangha

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Vihara, early type of Buddhist monastery consisting of an open court surrounded by open cells accessible through an entrance porch. The viharas in India were originally constructed to shelter the monks during the rainy season, when it became difficult for them to lead the wanderer’s life.
    Stupa, Buddhist commemorative monument usually housing sacred relics associated with the Buddha or other saintly persons. The hemispherical form of the stupa appears to have derived from pre-Buddhist burial mounds in India.
    Chaitya was a shrine or a buddhist place of worship, where the buddhist devotees used to assamble for prayers and worship.

    Unattempted
    

    Vihara, early type of Buddhist monastery consisting of an open court surrounded by open cells accessible through an entrance porch. The viharas in India were originally constructed to shelter the monks during the rainy season, when it became difficult for them to lead the wanderer’s life.
    Stupa, Buddhist commemorative monument usually housing sacred relics associated with the Buddha or other saintly persons. The hemispherical form of the stupa appears to have derived from pre-Buddhist burial mounds in India.
    Chaitya was a shrine or a buddhist place of worship, where the buddhist devotees used to assamble for prayers and worship.
64. Question 64 of 100

    64. Question

    Consider the following statement:
    (1) Buddha was born in Gaya.
    (2) As per Upanishads ultimately, both the atman and the brahman were one.
    (3) There is no mention of women thinkers in Upanishads.
    (4) As per vanaprastha ashram one had to live in the forest and meditate.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?
    (A) Only two
    (B) Only three
    (C) All
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Buddha was born in Lumbini, a part of Shakya gana and he was a kshatriya. Many of Upanishads thinkers felt that there was something permanent in the universe that would last even after death. They described this as the atman or the individual soul and the brahman or the universal soul. They believed that ultimately, both the atman and the brahman were one. Most Upanishadic thinkers were men, especially brahmins and rajas. Occasionally, there is mention of women thinkers, such as Gargi, who was famous for her learning, and participated in debates held in royal courts.
    Four ashramas were recognised:
    brahmacharya, grihastha, vanaprastha and samnyasa. Brahmin, kshatriya and vaishya men were expected to lead simple lives and study the Vedas during the early years of their life (brahmacharya). Then they had to marry and live as householders (grihastha). Then they had to live in the forest and meditate (vanaprastha). Finally, they had to give up everything and become samnyasins.

    Unattempted
    

    Buddha was born in Lumbini, a part of Shakya gana and he was a kshatriya. Many of Upanishads thinkers felt that there was something permanent in the universe that would last even after death. They described this as the atman or the individual soul and the brahman or the universal soul. They believed that ultimately, both the atman and the brahman were one. Most Upanishadic thinkers were men, especially brahmins and rajas. Occasionally, there is mention of women thinkers, such as Gargi, who was famous for her learning, and participated in debates held in royal courts.
    Four ashramas were recognised:
    brahmacharya, grihastha, vanaprastha and samnyasa. Brahmin, kshatriya and vaishya men were expected to lead simple lives and study the Vedas during the early years of their life (brahmacharya). Then they had to marry and live as householders (grihastha). Then they had to live in the forest and meditate (vanaprastha). Finally, they had to give up everything and become samnyasins.
65. Question 65 of 100

    65. Question

    Satavahana were known as?
    (A) Uttardhaiyni
    (B) Dakshinapatha
    (C) Matraputras
    (D) Rajadirajas

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Around 200 years later a dynasty known as the Satavahanas became powerful in western India. The most important ruler of the Satavahanas was Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni.
    He and other Satavahana rulers were known as lords of the dakshinapatha, literally the route leading to the south, which was also used as a name for the entire southern region.
    He sent his army to the eastern, western and southern coasts.

    Unattempted
    

    Around 200 years later a dynasty known as the Satavahanas became powerful in western India. The most important ruler of the Satavahanas was Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni.
    He and other Satavahana rulers were known as lords of the dakshinapatha, literally the route leading to the south, which was also used as a name for the entire southern region.
    He sent his army to the eastern, western and southern coasts.
66. Question 66 of 100

    66. Question

    Cotton was invented first in Indus Valley civilisation, but the technique to make silk out of cotton was first invented in?
    (A) India
    (B) Greece
    (C) China
    (D) Europe

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Some people from China who went to distant lands on foot, horseback, and on camels, carried silk with them. The paths they followed came to be known as the Silk Route.
    Sometimes, Chinese rulers sent gifts of silk to rulers in Iran and west Asia, and from there, the knowledge of silk spread further west.
    About 2000 years ago, wearing silk became the fashion amongst rulers and rich people in Rome. It was very expensive, as it had to be brought all the way from China, along dangerous roads, through mountains and deserts. People living along the route often demanded payments for allowing traders to pass through.
    Hence, Techniques of making silk were first invented in China around 7000 years ago.

    Unattempted
    

    Some people from China who went to distant lands on foot, horseback, and on camels, carried silk with them. The paths they followed came to be known as the Silk Route.
    Sometimes, Chinese rulers sent gifts of silk to rulers in Iran and west Asia, and from there, the knowledge of silk spread further west.
    About 2000 years ago, wearing silk became the fashion amongst rulers and rich people in Rome. It was very expensive, as it had to be brought all the way from China, along dangerous roads, through mountains and deserts. People living along the route often demanded payments for allowing traders to pass through.
    Hence, Techniques of making silk were first invented in China around 7000 years ago.
67. Question 67 of 100

    67. Question

    According to Prayaga Prasasti,he was a great conqueror. He took the title as He known for his Dakshinapatha. He issued gold coins with the legend restorer of the ashvamedha.
    Who among the following described in above passage?
    (A) Ashoka
    (B) Chandraguta 1
    (C) Chandragulta 2
    (D) Samudragupta

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Samudragupta (330-380 A.D.) Samudragupta was the greatest of the rulers of the Gupta dynasty. The Allahabad Pillar inscription provides a detailed account of his reign. It refers to three stages in his military campaign:
    (1) Against some rulers of North India.
    (2) His famous Dakshinapatha expedition against South Indian rulers.
    (3) A second campaign against some other rulers of North India.
    In the first campaign Samudragupta defeated Achyuta and Nagasena. Achyuta was probably a Naga ruler. Nagasena belonged to the Kota family which was ruling over the upper Gangetic valley.
    They were defeated and their states were annexed. As a result of this short campaign, Samudragupta had gained complete mastery over the upper Gangetic valley. Then Samudragupta marched against the South Indian monarchs. The Allahabad Pillar inscription mentions that Samudragupta defeated twelve rulers in his South Indian Expedition. They were Mahendra of Kosala, Vyaghraraja of Mahakanthara, Mantaraja of Kaurala, Mahendragiri of Pishtapura, Swamidatta of Kottura, Damana of Erandapalla, Vishnugupta of Kanchi, Nilaraja of Avamukta, Hastivarman of Vengi, Ugrasena of Palakka, Kubera of Devarashtra and Dhananjaya of Kushtalapura. Samudragupta’s policy in South India was different.
    He did not destroy and annex those kingdoms. Instead, he defeated the rulers but gave them back their kingdoms. He only insisted on them to acknowledge his suzerainty. The third stage of Samudragupta’s campaign was to eliminate his remaining north Indian rivals. He fought against nine kings, uprooted them and annexed their territoriesAfter these military victories, Samudragupta performed the asvamedha sacrifice. He issued gold and silver coins with the legend ‘restorer of the asvamedha’. It is because of his military achievements Samudragupta was hailed as ‘Indian Napoleon’.

    Unattempted
    

    Samudragupta (330-380 A.D.) Samudragupta was the greatest of the rulers of the Gupta dynasty. The Allahabad Pillar inscription provides a detailed account of his reign. It refers to three stages in his military campaign:
    (1) Against some rulers of North India.
    (2) His famous Dakshinapatha expedition against South Indian rulers.
    (3) A second campaign against some other rulers of North India.
    In the first campaign Samudragupta defeated Achyuta and Nagasena. Achyuta was probably a Naga ruler. Nagasena belonged to the Kota family which was ruling over the upper Gangetic valley.
    They were defeated and their states were annexed. As a result of this short campaign, Samudragupta had gained complete mastery over the upper Gangetic valley. Then Samudragupta marched against the South Indian monarchs. The Allahabad Pillar inscription mentions that Samudragupta defeated twelve rulers in his South Indian Expedition. They were Mahendra of Kosala, Vyaghraraja of Mahakanthara, Mantaraja of Kaurala, Mahendragiri of Pishtapura, Swamidatta of Kottura, Damana of Erandapalla, Vishnugupta of Kanchi, Nilaraja of Avamukta, Hastivarman of Vengi, Ugrasena of Palakka, Kubera of Devarashtra and Dhananjaya of Kushtalapura. Samudragupta’s policy in South India was different.
    He did not destroy and annex those kingdoms. Instead, he defeated the rulers but gave them back their kingdoms. He only insisted on them to acknowledge his suzerainty. The third stage of Samudragupta’s campaign was to eliminate his remaining north Indian rivals. He fought against nine kings, uprooted them and annexed their territoriesAfter these military victories, Samudragupta performed the asvamedha sacrifice. He issued gold and silver coins with the legend ‘restorer of the asvamedha’. It is because of his military achievements Samudragupta was hailed as ‘Indian Napoleon’.
68. Question 68 of 100

    68. Question

    Consider the following statements:
    (1) Fahien. (a) Harshwardhan
    (2) Hiuen Tsang. (b) Chandragupta 2
    (3) Al-beruni. (c) Mahmud of Ghazni
    Try to match the following travellers with their contemporary rulers.
    (A) 1(a) 2(b) 3(c)
    (B) 1(a) 2(c) 3(b)
    (C) 1(b) 2(a) 3(c)
    (D) 1(b) 2(c) 3(a)

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Fahien’s Visit The famous Chinese pilgrim, Fahien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. Out of his nine years stay in India, he spent six years in the Gupta empire. He came to India by the land route through Khotan, Kashgar, Gandhara and Punjab. He visited Peshawar, Mathura, Kanauj, Sravasti, Kapilavastu, Kusinagara, Pataliputra, Kasi and Bodh Gaya among other places. He returned by the sea route, visiting on the way Ceylon and Java. The main purpose of his visit was to see the land of the Buddha and to collect Buddhist manuscripts from India. He stayed in Pataliputra for three years studying Sanskrit and copying Buddhist texts.
    In his early life, Harsha was a devout Saiva but later he became an ardent Hinayana Buddhist. Hiuen Tsang converted him to Mahayana Buddhism. Harsha prohibited the use of animal food in his kingdom and punished those who kill any living being. He erected thousands of stupas and established travellers’ rests all over his kingdom. He also erected monasteries at the sacred places of Buddhists. Once in five years he convened a gathering of representatives of all religions and honoured them with gifts and costly presents. He brought the Buddhist monks together frequently to discuss and examine the Buddhist doctrine.Alberuni was in the Mahmud’s court and wrote the famous Kitab-i-Hind, an account on India.

    Unattempted
    

    Fahien’s Visit The famous Chinese pilgrim, Fahien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. Out of his nine years stay in India, he spent six years in the Gupta empire. He came to India by the land route through Khotan, Kashgar, Gandhara and Punjab. He visited Peshawar, Mathura, Kanauj, Sravasti, Kapilavastu, Kusinagara, Pataliputra, Kasi and Bodh Gaya among other places. He returned by the sea route, visiting on the way Ceylon and Java. The main purpose of his visit was to see the land of the Buddha and to collect Buddhist manuscripts from India. He stayed in Pataliputra for three years studying Sanskrit and copying Buddhist texts.
    In his early life, Harsha was a devout Saiva but later he became an ardent Hinayana Buddhist. Hiuen Tsang converted him to Mahayana Buddhism. Harsha prohibited the use of animal food in his kingdom and punished those who kill any living being. He erected thousands of stupas and established travellers’ rests all over his kingdom. He also erected monasteries at the sacred places of Buddhists. Once in five years he convened a gathering of representatives of all religions and honoured them with gifts and costly presents. He brought the Buddhist monks together frequently to discuss and examine the Buddhist doctrine.Alberuni was in the Mahmud’s court and wrote the famous Kitab-i-Hind, an account on India.
69. Question 69 of 100

    69. Question

    Who led the foundation of Nalanda University?
    (A) Sandagupta
    (B) Kumargupta
    (C) Buddhagupta
    (D) Chandragupta II

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Kumaragupta was the son and successor of Chandragupta II. His reign was marked by general peace and prosperity. He issued a number of coins and his inscriptions are found all over the Gupta empire. He also performed an asvamedha sacrifice. Most importantly, he laid the foundation of the NalandaUniversity which emerged an institution of international reputation. At the end of his reign, a powerful wealthy tribe called the ‘Pushyamitras’ defeated the Gupta army.

    Unattempted
    

    Kumaragupta was the son and successor of Chandragupta II. His reign was marked by general peace and prosperity. He issued a number of coins and his inscriptions are found all over the Gupta empire. He also performed an asvamedha sacrifice. Most importantly, he laid the foundation of the NalandaUniversity which emerged an institution of international reputation. At the end of his reign, a powerful wealthy tribe called the ‘Pushyamitras’ defeated the Gupta army.
70. Question 70 of 100

    70. Question

    According to Tamil Literature Sangam text, how many of the below pairs are correctly match the categories of people living in villages.
    (1) Adimai : landowners
    (2) Uzhavar. : ploughmen
    (3) Vellalar : slaves
    (A) Only one pair
    (B) Only two pairs
    (C) All three pairs
    (D) None of the pairs

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Early Tamil literature (the Sangam texts) also mentions different categories of people living in the villages – large landowners or vellalar, ploughmen or uzhavar and slaves or adimai. It is likely that these differences were based on differential access to land, labour and some of the new technologies. In such a situation,questions of control over land must have become crucial, as these were often discussed in legal texts.

    Unattempted
    

    Early Tamil literature (the Sangam texts) also mentions different categories of people living in the villages – large landowners or vellalar, ploughmen or uzhavar and slaves or adimai. It is likely that these differences were based on differential access to land, labour and some of the new technologies. In such a situation,questions of control over land must have become crucial, as these were often discussed in legal texts.
71. Question 71 of 100

    71. Question

    With reference to the history of ancient India, Avalokitesvara , Manjusri, Akasagarbha were related to
    (A) Philosophers
    (B) Jain Monks
    (C) Bodhisattvas
    (D) Playwriters

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Bodhisattva is an important concept in Buddhism.It is broadly understood as the attainment of a mindset (chitta) like Buddha. The individuals who are on the path to becoming Buddha or attaining salvation are known as BodhisattvasThere are 8 important Bodhisattvas who represent different aspects of Buddha. They are as following:
    (1) Avalokitesvara (Buddha’s Compassion): Avalokiteshwara means one who can see all. He represents infinite compassion and mercy. He is the most popularBodhisattva of all. He represents the ideal of welfare in which he postpones his own transformation into Buddha to help others.
    (2) Manjusri (Buddha’s Wisdom): The literal meaning of his name is ‘Gentle Glory’. He represents Pragya or transcendental wisdom at a very early age.
    (3) Samantabhadra (Buddha’s Aspirations): The meaning of Samantabhadra is ‘Universal Worthy’ and he is associated with practice and meditation. He madeten vows to fulfil his journey of becoming a Buddha.
    (4) Ksitigarbha (Buddha’s Merit): He is popular as a Buddhist monk in the mostly East Asia. While the name literally means Earth Womb, he is revered as theguardian of children and patron deity of deceased children. He carries a staff.
    (5) Maitreya (Buddha’s Activity): He is also known as Ajita Boddhisattva. It is believed that he will arrive when people will forget the path of righteousness. He isconsidered as the successor of Gautam Buddha. In Buddhist traditions, he is revered as someone who will achieve complete enlightenment and will teachdharma to people.
    (6) Vajrapani (Buddha’s Power): He is described as one of the 3 protective deities around Buddha, others are Manjusri and Avlokiteshwara. Vajrapani represents Buddha’s power while Buddha’s wisdom is symbolised by Manjushri, and Avalokiteshwara manifests as Buddha’s compassion.
    (7) Sarvanivarana-Vishkambhin (Buddha’s Qualities): He is invoked to remove or eliminate all the obstacles to insure a successful meditation.
    (8) Akasagarbha (Buddha’s Blessings): He is boundless as space. He was the twin brother of Ksitigarbha. He manifests as a blessing.

    Unattempted
    

    Bodhisattva is an important concept in Buddhism.It is broadly understood as the attainment of a mindset (chitta) like Buddha. The individuals who are on the path to becoming Buddha or attaining salvation are known as BodhisattvasThere are 8 important Bodhisattvas who represent different aspects of Buddha. They are as following:
    (1) Avalokitesvara (Buddha’s Compassion): Avalokiteshwara means one who can see all. He represents infinite compassion and mercy. He is the most popularBodhisattva of all. He represents the ideal of welfare in which he postpones his own transformation into Buddha to help others.
    (2) Manjusri (Buddha’s Wisdom): The literal meaning of his name is ‘Gentle Glory’. He represents Pragya or transcendental wisdom at a very early age.
    (3) Samantabhadra (Buddha’s Aspirations): The meaning of Samantabhadra is ‘Universal Worthy’ and he is associated with practice and meditation. He madeten vows to fulfil his journey of becoming a Buddha.
    (4) Ksitigarbha (Buddha’s Merit): He is popular as a Buddhist monk in the mostly East Asia. While the name literally means Earth Womb, he is revered as theguardian of children and patron deity of deceased children. He carries a staff.
    (5) Maitreya (Buddha’s Activity): He is also known as Ajita Boddhisattva. It is believed that he will arrive when people will forget the path of righteousness. He isconsidered as the successor of Gautam Buddha. In Buddhist traditions, he is revered as someone who will achieve complete enlightenment and will teachdharma to people.
    (6) Vajrapani (Buddha’s Power): He is described as one of the 3 protective deities around Buddha, others are Manjusri and Avlokiteshwara. Vajrapani represents Buddha’s power while Buddha’s wisdom is symbolised by Manjushri, and Avalokiteshwara manifests as Buddha’s compassion.
    (7) Sarvanivarana-Vishkambhin (Buddha’s Qualities): He is invoked to remove or eliminate all the obstacles to insure a successful meditation.
    (8) Akasagarbha (Buddha’s Blessings): He is boundless as space. He was the twin brother of Ksitigarbha. He manifests as a blessing.
72. Question 72 of 100

    72. Question

    Match the Mahajanpadas with their capital.
    Mahajanapadas Capitals
    (1) Vatsa A. Rajgriha
    (2) Avanti B.Ayodhya
    (3) Kosala C. Kaushambi
    (4) Magadha D.Ujjain
    (A) 1.A 2.C 3.B 4.D
    (B) 1.B 2.C 3.A 4.C
    (C) 1. C 2.D 3.B 4.A
    (D) 1 .A 2.B 3.C 4.D

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Vatsa The Vatsa kingdom was situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. Its capital was Kausambi near modern Allahabad. Its most popular ruler was Udayana.
    He strengthened his position by entering into matrimonial alliances with Avanti, Anga and Magadha. After his death, Vatsa was annexed to the Avanti kingdom.
    Avanti The capital of Avanti was Ujjain. The most important ruler of this kingdom was Pradyota. He became powerful by marrying Vasavadatta, the daughter of Udayana. He patronized Buddhism. The successors of Pradyota were weak and later this kingdom was taken over by the rulers of Magadha.
    Kosala Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala. King Prasenajit was its famous ruler. He was highly educated. His position was further strengthened by the matrimonial alliance with Magadha. His sister was married to Bimbisara and Kasi was given to her as dowry.
    Subsequently there was a dispute with Ajatasatru.
    After the end of the conflict, Prasenajit married the daughter of Bimbisara. After the death of this powerful king, Kosala became part of the Magadha.
    Magadha Of all the kingdoms of north India, Magadha emerged powerful and prosperous. It became the nerve centre of political activity in north India. Magadha was endowed by nature with certain geographical and strategic advantages. These made her to rise to imperial greatness. Her strategic position between the upper and lower part of the Gangetic valley was a great advantage. It had a fertile soil. The iron ores in the hills near Rajgir and copper and iron deposits near Gaya added to its natural assets. Her location at the centre of the highways of trade of those days contributed to her wealth. Rajagriha was the capital of Magadha. During the reign of Bimbisara and Ajatasatru, the prosperity of Magadha reached its zenith.

    Unattempted
    

    Vatsa The Vatsa kingdom was situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. Its capital was Kausambi near modern Allahabad. Its most popular ruler was Udayana.
    He strengthened his position by entering into matrimonial alliances with Avanti, Anga and Magadha. After his death, Vatsa was annexed to the Avanti kingdom.
    Avanti The capital of Avanti was Ujjain. The most important ruler of this kingdom was Pradyota. He became powerful by marrying Vasavadatta, the daughter of Udayana. He patronized Buddhism. The successors of Pradyota were weak and later this kingdom was taken over by the rulers of Magadha.
    Kosala Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala. King Prasenajit was its famous ruler. He was highly educated. His position was further strengthened by the matrimonial alliance with Magadha. His sister was married to Bimbisara and Kasi was given to her as dowry.
    Subsequently there was a dispute with Ajatasatru.
    After the end of the conflict, Prasenajit married the daughter of Bimbisara. After the death of this powerful king, Kosala became part of the Magadha.
    Magadha Of all the kingdoms of north India, Magadha emerged powerful and prosperous. It became the nerve centre of political activity in north India. Magadha was endowed by nature with certain geographical and strategic advantages. These made her to rise to imperial greatness. Her strategic position between the upper and lower part of the Gangetic valley was a great advantage. It had a fertile soil. The iron ores in the hills near Rajgir and copper and iron deposits near Gaya added to its natural assets. Her location at the centre of the highways of trade of those days contributed to her wealth. Rajagriha was the capital of Magadha. During the reign of Bimbisara and Ajatasatru, the prosperity of Magadha reached its zenith.
73. Question 73 of 100

    73. Question

    In the context of ancient Indian history, “Tamizhakam” refers to:.
    (A) a new culture that developed as a result of contacts between Arabs & people of South India around 1st century AD.
    (B) is another name for megalithic structures built around burials.
    (C) is a name of migrant tribes from north to south during 1st century BC.
    (D) cultural & economic contacts between the north & south as a result of trade between people which became important from 4th century BC.

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    ‘Tamizhakham’ refers to the cultural & economic contacts established between the north & south as a result of trade between people which became important from 4th century BC.

    Unattempted
    

    ‘Tamizhakham’ refers to the cultural & economic contacts established between the north & south as a result of trade between people which became important from 4th century BC.
74. Question 74 of 100

    74. Question

    Ghiyasuddin balban and Alauddin Khilji were both the abled rulers of Delhi Sultanate. Which of the followings were common to both?
    (1) Blood and Iron policy
    (2) Belief in the divine rights of kingship.
    (3) Included non-muslims into nobility.
    (4) Did not recognise the political superiority of Caliph.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (A) 1 and 2 only
    (B) 1, 2 and 3 only
    (C) 2, 3 and 4 only
    (D) 1 and 4 only

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Alauddin Khilji was an autocratic ruler who revived Balban’s theory of divine rights of kingship. Like Balban, he also followed the policy of Blood and Iron against any challenge to his sovereignty.
    However, it was only Alauddin who allowed non-muslims into the nobility. The nobility of Balban comprised only Turkish and non-Turkish muslims.
    Alauddin did not recognise the Caliph to be his political superior. The tradition of Caliphate was just theoretically alive. He was the first Sultan to do so. Balban obeyed the tradition of Caliphate as the part of his duty.

    Unattempted
    

    Alauddin Khilji was an autocratic ruler who revived Balban’s theory of divine rights of kingship. Like Balban, he also followed the policy of Blood and Iron against any challenge to his sovereignty.
    However, it was only Alauddin who allowed non-muslims into the nobility. The nobility of Balban comprised only Turkish and non-Turkish muslims.
    Alauddin did not recognise the Caliph to be his political superior. The tradition of Caliphate was just theoretically alive. He was the first Sultan to do so. Balban obeyed the tradition of Caliphate as the part of his duty.
75. Question 75 of 100

    75. Question

    The Arab merchant, Sulaiman, who visited India in the middle of 9th century accounted that:
    (1) The ruler was constantly at war with his neighbours.
    (2) It was customary for the king to be accompanied by a force of 50,000 elephants.
    Which one of the following rulers is being referred in the statements given above?
    (A) Dhruva, the Rashtrakuta ruler.
    (B) Nagabhatta II, the Pratihara ruler.
    (C) Dharmapala, the ruler of Pala kingdom.
    (D) Amoghavarsha, the Rashtrakuta ruler

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    An Arab merchant, Sulaiman, visited India in the middle of 9th century wrote an account of Pala king ‘Dharmapala’. He says that:
    ● The Pala ruler was constantly at war with his neighbours, but his troops were more numerous than his adversaries.
    ● It was customary for the Pala king to be accompanied by a force of 50,000 elephants, and that 10 to 15 thousand men in his army were employed in fulling and washing clothes.
    Statement 1 could be true for any of the ruler mentioned in the options, but it needs to be seen in the context of accounts recorded by Sulaiman.

    Unattempted
    

    An Arab merchant, Sulaiman, visited India in the middle of 9th century wrote an account of Pala king ‘Dharmapala’. He says that:
    ● The Pala ruler was constantly at war with his neighbours, but his troops were more numerous than his adversaries.
    ● It was customary for the Pala king to be accompanied by a force of 50,000 elephants, and that 10 to 15 thousand men in his army were employed in fulling and washing clothes.
    Statement 1 could be true for any of the ruler mentioned in the options, but it needs to be seen in the context of accounts recorded by Sulaiman.
76. Question 76 of 100

    76. Question

    Consider the following statements:
    (1) Art of Mughal painting was mainly initiated in Akbars regime.
    (2) Mughal painters brought the technique of foreshortening to Indian painter’s repertoire.
    (3) Mir Sayyad Ali was the court painter of Akbar.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (A) 1 and 2
    (B) 2 and 3
    (C) 1 and 3
    (D) 1,2 and 3

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Mughal Era Miniature Painting

    The paintings made in the Mughal period had a distinctive style as they were drawing from Persian antecedents. There was a change in colour palette, themes and forms. The focus shifted from depicting the god to glorifying the ruler and showing his life. They focused on hunting scenes, historical events and other court related paintings. The Mughal paintings brought together Persian naturalistic style with the opulence of a great dynasty and created some beautifully illustrated folios.
    These paintings were considered unique because of the use of brilliant colours. The painters were supposed to concentrate on ensuring the accuracy of line drawing. Except religious paintings, the Mughals were known for their diverse themes.Even though they made only miniature paintings, the illustration in paintings are considered amongst the most unique paintings in the world.
    They brought the technique of foreshortening to the Indian painter’s repertoire. Under the technique, “objects were drawn in a way that they look closer and smaller than they really are.
    The styles of paintings under the successive rulers are as follows:
    Early Mughal Painters

    Babur established the Mughal dynasty after fighting a series of wars. He did not have much time to commission paintings, but he is said to have patronised the Persian artist called Bihzad who made some illustrations of the Mughal family tree.

    Humayun:
    • Humayun was mostly engaged in containing his rivals till he was forced out of India by Sher Shah in 1540.
    • It was, however, during his refuge at the court of Shab Tahmasp of Persia that Humayun acquired love of the art of painting. Humayun was so influenced by the art practised there that he commissioned Mir Syed Ali and Khwaja Abdus Samad, two Persian masters, to illustrate manuscripts for him. These two painters (first joined him in Afghanistan) joined Humayun’s entourage on his triumphant return to India.
    • Humayun’s contribution to the evolution of Mughal painting is very important. There are several important features of the Mughal school which seem to have originated in the paintings done during Humayun’s period.Hence Art of Mughal painting was mainly initiated in Humayun‘s regime.
    • An important painting from Humayun’s period is titled ‘Princes of the House of Timur’ and dated c.1550. It has been executed on cloth, quite large in size. Such a large format is unusual even for paintings in Persia, and it has been suggested that it probably relates to the Mongol tradition of having paintings in their tents.
    • The Persian master artists Abdus Samad and Mir Sayid Ali, who had accompanied Humayun to India, were in charge of the imperial atelier during the early formative stages of Mughal painting, but large numbers of artists worked on large commissions, the majority of them apparently Hindu.
    • Mughal painting flourished during the late 16th and early 17th centuries with spectacular works of art by master artists such as Basawan, Lal, Miskin, Kesu Das, and Daswanth.
    Akbar:

    Akbar was responsible for establishment of an entire department devoted to the paintings and scribing of his documents. He established a formal artistic studio called Tasvir Khana where the artists were hired on salary and they developed their own styles. Akbar looked upon paintings as a means of study and amusement. He believed that a painting could show the demeanor of the subject and regularly gave awards to those painters who created lifelike images.

    Unattempted
    

    Mughal Era Miniature Painting

    The paintings made in the Mughal period had a distinctive style as they were drawing from Persian antecedents. There was a change in colour palette, themes and forms. The focus shifted from depicting the god to glorifying the ruler and showing his life. They focused on hunting scenes, historical events and other court related paintings. The Mughal paintings brought together Persian naturalistic style with the opulence of a great dynasty and created some beautifully illustrated folios.
    These paintings were considered unique because of the use of brilliant colours. The painters were supposed to concentrate on ensuring the accuracy of line drawing. Except religious paintings, the Mughals were known for their diverse themes.Even though they made only miniature paintings, the illustration in paintings are considered amongst the most unique paintings in the world.
    They brought the technique of foreshortening to the Indian painter’s repertoire. Under the technique, “objects were drawn in a way that they look closer and smaller than they really are.
    The styles of paintings under the successive rulers are as follows:
    Early Mughal Painters

    Babur established the Mughal dynasty after fighting a series of wars. He did not have much time to commission paintings, but he is said to have patronised the Persian artist called Bihzad who made some illustrations of the Mughal family tree.

    Humayun:
    • Humayun was mostly engaged in containing his rivals till he was forced out of India by Sher Shah in 1540.
    • It was, however, during his refuge at the court of Shab Tahmasp of Persia that Humayun acquired love of the art of painting. Humayun was so influenced by the art practised there that he commissioned Mir Syed Ali and Khwaja Abdus Samad, two Persian masters, to illustrate manuscripts for him. These two painters (first joined him in Afghanistan) joined Humayun’s entourage on his triumphant return to India.
    • Humayun’s contribution to the evolution of Mughal painting is very important. There are several important features of the Mughal school which seem to have originated in the paintings done during Humayun’s period.Hence Art of Mughal painting was mainly initiated in Humayun‘s regime.
    • An important painting from Humayun’s period is titled ‘Princes of the House of Timur’ and dated c.1550. It has been executed on cloth, quite large in size. Such a large format is unusual even for paintings in Persia, and it has been suggested that it probably relates to the Mongol tradition of having paintings in their tents.
    • The Persian master artists Abdus Samad and Mir Sayid Ali, who had accompanied Humayun to India, were in charge of the imperial atelier during the early formative stages of Mughal painting, but large numbers of artists worked on large commissions, the majority of them apparently Hindu.
    • Mughal painting flourished during the late 16th and early 17th centuries with spectacular works of art by master artists such as Basawan, Lal, Miskin, Kesu Das, and Daswanth.
    Akbar:

    Akbar was responsible for establishment of an entire department devoted to the paintings and scribing of his documents. He established a formal artistic studio called Tasvir Khana where the artists were hired on salary and they developed their own styles. Akbar looked upon paintings as a means of study and amusement. He believed that a painting could show the demeanor of the subject and regularly gave awards to those painters who created lifelike images.
77. Question 77 of 100

    77. Question

    Consider the following statements about Mughal Painting art:
    (1) In Jahangir’s period, three dimensional figures in Mughal art of paintings were introduced.
    (2) He was keen naturalist and brought naturalism to portrait paintings.
    (3) ‘Gulshan beg’ was the masterpiece from Jahangir’s period.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (A) 1 and 3
    (B) 2 and 3
    (C) 1,2,3
    (D) 2 Only

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Akbar also recognised the beauty of those Indian artists who had worked for previous rulers and invited them to work in his tasvir khana. Hence, the ‘Indian influence’ started in the Mughal paintings. The defining features of paintings in Akbar’s period are the use of 3 dimensional figures and the continued use of foreshortening.
    The Mughal paintings reached its zenith in the period of Jahangir. He was a naturalist by nature and preferred the paintings of flora and fauna, i.e. birds, animals, trees and flowers. He emphasised on bringing naturalism to portrait painting. One of the unique trends that developed in this period was of decorated margins around the paintings that were sometimes as elaborate as the paintings themselves.
    • Govardhan was a noted painter during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
    • Farrukh Beg (1545- 1615) was a Persian born Mughal painter who served in the court of Mirza Muhammad Hakim before working for Mughal Emperor Akbar and Jahangir. His most noted work was under the Mughal emperor Jahangir called as the Gulshan Album.

    Unattempted
    

    Akbar also recognised the beauty of those Indian artists who had worked for previous rulers and invited them to work in his tasvir khana. Hence, the ‘Indian influence’ started in the Mughal paintings. The defining features of paintings in Akbar’s period are the use of 3 dimensional figures and the continued use of foreshortening.
    The Mughal paintings reached its zenith in the period of Jahangir. He was a naturalist by nature and preferred the paintings of flora and fauna, i.e. birds, animals, trees and flowers. He emphasised on bringing naturalism to portrait painting. One of the unique trends that developed in this period was of decorated margins around the paintings that were sometimes as elaborate as the paintings themselves.
    • Govardhan was a noted painter during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
    • Farrukh Beg (1545- 1615) was a Persian born Mughal painter who served in the court of Mirza Muhammad Hakim before working for Mughal Emperor Akbar and Jahangir. His most noted work was under the Mughal emperor Jahangir called as the Gulshan Album.
78. Question 78 of 100

    78. Question

    Consider the following statements
    (1) Sair-e-Gulfarosha-The festival is also known as Phool Walon Ki Sair and is the annual festival of flowers conducted in Old Delhi.
    (2) Tyagaraja Aradhan-It is held annually to commemorate the ‘Samadhi’ day of the famous Tamil saint and composer Tyagaraja.
    (3) Onam-It is the state festival of Tamil Nadu.
    (4) Pongal-It is a harvest festival celebrated by Konkans around the world.
    Select the correct statements
    (A) Only 1 statement is correct
    (B) Only 2 statements are correct
    (C) Only 3 Statements are correct
    (D) All of the above statements are correct

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Sair-e-Gulfaroshan
    The festival is also known as Phool Walon Ki Sair and is the annual festival of flowers conducted in Old Delhi. It is a symbol of communal harmony that the procession of pankhas or palm leaf fans which are heavily decorated with flowers are taken from the tomb of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki in Mehrauli to the Jog Maya Temple. The festival owes its origin to Queen Mumtaz Mahal who was the wife of Mughal emperor Akbarshah II (19 th century). It was banned by the British but reinstated in 1962.
    Tyagaraja Aradhana
    It is held annually to commemorate the ‘Samadhi’ day of the famous Tamil saint and composer Tyagaraja. It is held in the month of January near Thanjavur on the banks of the river Kaveri The festival is attended by leading exponents of Carnatic music who come to pay their tribute to the saint. Saint Tyagaraja along with Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri, comprise the Trinity of Carnatic music. It is eagerly awaited by thousands of Carnatic music lovers who come to watch the performances.
    Onam
    Onam, the state festival of Kerala falls in the beginning of the month of Chigam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar. It is mainly a harvest festival but it also celebrates the homecoming of mighty asura King Mahabali from Patala (the Underground). Elaborate feasts, dances, flowers, boats and elephants are a part of the colourful and vibrant festival of Onam. A prominent feature of Onam is the Vallamkali (the Snake Boat race). The most popular Vallamkali is held in the Punnamada Lake and the winners are awarded the Nehru Boat Race Trophy. Traditional games, known as Onakanikal also form a part of the Onam celebrations.
    Pongal
    Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamils around the world. It is celebrated from 13-16 January and marks the beginning of Uttarayan i.e. six month northward journey of the Sun. The word ‘Pongal’ means ‘to boil’ in Tamil and the boiling of the first rice is an important ritual obeyed during the festival. It is held in the month of ‘Thai’, a time when various crops like rice, sugarcane, turmeric etc are harvested. It is an occasion for giving thanks to nature and celebrating the life cycles that give us grain.

    Unattempted
    

    Sair-e-Gulfaroshan
    The festival is also known as Phool Walon Ki Sair and is the annual festival of flowers conducted in Old Delhi. It is a symbol of communal harmony that the procession of pankhas or palm leaf fans which are heavily decorated with flowers are taken from the tomb of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki in Mehrauli to the Jog Maya Temple. The festival owes its origin to Queen Mumtaz Mahal who was the wife of Mughal emperor Akbarshah II (19 th century). It was banned by the British but reinstated in 1962.
    Tyagaraja Aradhana
    It is held annually to commemorate the ‘Samadhi’ day of the famous Tamil saint and composer Tyagaraja. It is held in the month of January near Thanjavur on the banks of the river Kaveri The festival is attended by leading exponents of Carnatic music who come to pay their tribute to the saint. Saint Tyagaraja along with Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri, comprise the Trinity of Carnatic music. It is eagerly awaited by thousands of Carnatic music lovers who come to watch the performances.
    Onam
    Onam, the state festival of Kerala falls in the beginning of the month of Chigam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar. It is mainly a harvest festival but it also celebrates the homecoming of mighty asura King Mahabali from Patala (the Underground). Elaborate feasts, dances, flowers, boats and elephants are a part of the colourful and vibrant festival of Onam. A prominent feature of Onam is the Vallamkali (the Snake Boat race). The most popular Vallamkali is held in the Punnamada Lake and the winners are awarded the Nehru Boat Race Trophy. Traditional games, known as Onakanikal also form a part of the Onam celebrations.
    Pongal
    Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamils around the world. It is celebrated from 13-16 January and marks the beginning of Uttarayan i.e. six month northward journey of the Sun. The word ‘Pongal’ means ‘to boil’ in Tamil and the boiling of the first rice is an important ritual obeyed during the festival. It is held in the month of ‘Thai’, a time when various crops like rice, sugarcane, turmeric etc are harvested. It is an occasion for giving thanks to nature and celebrating the life cycles that give us grain.
79. Question 79 of 100

    79. Question

    During the reign(s) of which of the following rulers of the Delhi Sultanate was the city of Delhi attacked by the Mongols?
    (1) Iltutmish
    (2) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
    (3) Alauddin Khalji
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    (A) 1, 2 and 3
    (B) 1 and 2 only
    (C) 3 only
    (D) 1 and 3 only

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    In 1221, during the reign of Iltutmish, the Mongols, under Changez Khan, came up to the Indus in pursuit of the Khwarizmi prince Jalaluddin who had crossed the river into India. Despite remaining there for three months Changez Khan did not cross into India, instead preferring to devote his attention to conquering the remaining portions of the Khwarizmi empire.
    In the early years of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign (1324-51), the Mongols under their leader Tarmashrin burst into Sindh, and a force reached up to Meerut, about 65 km from Delhi.
    The first time the Mongols launched a serious campaign to establish their rule over Delhi was in 1299, when a Mongol force under Qutlugh Khwaja entered many streets in the city. In 1303, the Mongols appeared again and the people of Delhi had to face many hardships. On both these occasions the Mongols retreated without achieving anything.
    The ruler of the Delhi Sultanate on both these occasions was Alauddin Khalji.

    Unattempted
    

    In 1221, during the reign of Iltutmish, the Mongols, under Changez Khan, came up to the Indus in pursuit of the Khwarizmi prince Jalaluddin who had crossed the river into India. Despite remaining there for three months Changez Khan did not cross into India, instead preferring to devote his attention to conquering the remaining portions of the Khwarizmi empire.
    In the early years of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign (1324-51), the Mongols under their leader Tarmashrin burst into Sindh, and a force reached up to Meerut, about 65 km from Delhi.
    The first time the Mongols launched a serious campaign to establish their rule over Delhi was in 1299, when a Mongol force under Qutlugh Khwaja entered many streets in the city. In 1303, the Mongols appeared again and the people of Delhi had to face many hardships. On both these occasions the Mongols retreated without achieving anything.
    The ruler of the Delhi Sultanate on both these occasions was Alauddin Khalji.
80. Question 80 of 100

    80. Question

    Which of the following statements is/are correct reharding Fa-Hien’s account in Gupta empire?
    (1) The administration was strict and punishments were severe.
    (2) There was an efficient spy system.
    (3) People enjoyed a large degree of personal freedom and there was no state interference in the individual‟s life.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    (A) 1, 2 and 3
    (B) 1 and 2 only
    (C) 3 only
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Fahien‘s account on the Gupta administration provides useful information. He characterises the Gupta administration as mild and benevolent. There were no restrictions on people‘s movements and they enjoyed a large degree of personal freedom. There was no state interference in the individual’s life. Punishments were not severe.
    o Imposing a fine was a common punishment. There was no spy system.
    o The administration was so efficient that the roads were kept safe for travelers, and there was no fear of thieves. He mentioned that people were generally prosperous and the crimes were negligible.

    Unattempted
    

    Fahien‘s account on the Gupta administration provides useful information. He characterises the Gupta administration as mild and benevolent. There were no restrictions on people‘s movements and they enjoyed a large degree of personal freedom. There was no state interference in the individual’s life. Punishments were not severe.
    o Imposing a fine was a common punishment. There was no spy system.
    o The administration was so efficient that the roads were kept safe for travelers, and there was no fear of thieves. He mentioned that people were generally prosperous and the crimes were negligible.
81. Question 81 of 100

    81. Question

    Which among the following were the causes of the success of Turks against the Rajputs?
    (1) Turks possessed superior weapons as compared to Indians.
    (2) Mutual rivalries and hostilities among Rajput rulers.
    (3) Growth of feudalism in India.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (A) 2 only
    (B) 1 and 2 only
    (C) 2 and 3 only
    (D) 1, 2 and 3

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1 is incorrect: Researches show that the Turks did not possess superior weapons as compared to Indians. For instance, iron stirrup had spread in India from the 8th century onwards. Indian bows were more accurate and deadly. Indian swords were considered to be the best in the world.
    Statement 2 is correct: Rajputs failed pose a united front against Turks because of their mutual rivalries and hostilities.
    Statement 3 is correct: Rise of local chiefs had weakened the administrative structure and military organisation in Indian states.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1 is incorrect: Researches show that the Turks did not possess superior weapons as compared to Indians. For instance, iron stirrup had spread in India from the 8th century onwards. Indian bows were more accurate and deadly. Indian swords were considered to be the best in the world.
    Statement 2 is correct: Rajputs failed pose a united front against Turks because of their mutual rivalries and hostilities.
    Statement 3 is correct: Rise of local chiefs had weakened the administrative structure and military organisation in Indian states.
82. Question 82 of 100

    82. Question

    Which among the following ideas were common to Kabir and Guru Nanak?
    (1) An ideal state which would be presided over by a philosopher-king.
    (2) Belief in pilgrimages to approach God
    (3) Denunciation of caste system
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    (A) 1 and 2 only
    (B) 2 only
    (C) 3 only
    (D) 1 and 3 only

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Kabir and Guru Nanak believed in oneness of God. Guru Nanak laid great emphasis on the purity of character and conduct as the first condition of approaching God, and the need of a guru for guidance. Like Kabir, he strongly denounced idol-worship, pilgrimages and other formal observances of the various faiths. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
    o Guru Nanak had no intention of founding a new religion. His catholic approach aimed at bridging distinctions between the Hindus and the Muslims, in order to create an atmosphere of peace, goodwill and mutual interaction. Like Kabir, Guru Nanak also believed in human equality and brotherhood, and strongly denounced the caste system. He also considered the rulers of his time to be irreligious tyrants. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
    o However, unlike Kabir, he postulated an ideal state which would be presided over by a philosopher-king who would base his conduct on morality, justice and equality. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

    Unattempted
    

    Kabir and Guru Nanak believed in oneness of God. Guru Nanak laid great emphasis on the purity of character and conduct as the first condition of approaching God, and the need of a guru for guidance. Like Kabir, he strongly denounced idol-worship, pilgrimages and other formal observances of the various faiths. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
    o Guru Nanak had no intention of founding a new religion. His catholic approach aimed at bridging distinctions between the Hindus and the Muslims, in order to create an atmosphere of peace, goodwill and mutual interaction. Like Kabir, Guru Nanak also believed in human equality and brotherhood, and strongly denounced the caste system. He also considered the rulers of his time to be irreligious tyrants. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
    o However, unlike Kabir, he postulated an ideal state which would be presided over by a philosopher-king who would base his conduct on morality, justice and equality. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
83. Question 83 of 100

    83. Question

    Consider the following terms in the context of Medieval India and their correct matches.
    (1) Jajmani system: Art of craft production
    (2) Mallahzadas: Cattle traders
    (3) Milkiyat: Private Land of Zamindars
    Select the correct matches using the codes below.
    (A) 1 only
    (B) 2 and 3 only
    (C) 3 only
    (D) 1 only

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1: Zamindars in Bengal who remunerated blacksmiths, carpenters, even goldsmiths for their work by paying them “a small daily allowance and diet money”. This later came to be described as the jajmani system, though the term was not in vogue in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
    Statement 2: Despite the abundance of cultivable land, certain caste groups were assigned menial tasks and thus relegated to poverty.
    In Muslim communities menials like the halalkhoran, those who cut meat were housed outside the boundaries of the village; similarly the mallahzadas, boatmen in Bihar were comparable to slaves.
    Statement 3: The zamindars held extensive personal lands termed milkiyat, meaning property. Milkiyat lands were cultivated for the private use of zamindars, often with the help of hired labour. The zamindars could sell or donate these lands at will. Zamindars also derived their power from the state that they could often collect revenue on behalf of the state.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1: Zamindars in Bengal who remunerated blacksmiths, carpenters, even goldsmiths for their work by paying them “a small daily allowance and diet money”. This later came to be described as the jajmani system, though the term was not in vogue in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
    Statement 2: Despite the abundance of cultivable land, certain caste groups were assigned menial tasks and thus relegated to poverty.
    In Muslim communities menials like the halalkhoran, those who cut meat were housed outside the boundaries of the village; similarly the mallahzadas, boatmen in Bihar were comparable to slaves.
    Statement 3: The zamindars held extensive personal lands termed milkiyat, meaning property. Milkiyat lands were cultivated for the private use of zamindars, often with the help of hired labour. The zamindars could sell or donate these lands at will. Zamindars also derived their power from the state that they could often collect revenue on behalf of the state.
84. Question 84 of 100

    84. Question

    With reference to the Sufi movement in India, consider the following statements:
    (1) It took roots in both rural and urban areas.
    (2) It exercised a deep social as well as political influence.
    (3) It remained confined to northern India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (A) Only one
    (B) None
    (C) All three
    (D) Only two

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1 is correct: Sufi mystics wandered from place to place to spread their message. They established hold in both cities as well as villages of India.
    Statement 2 is correct: The saints belonging to Suhrawardi order of Sufism, accepted the service of state and some of them held important posts in ecclesiastical department. They helped the rulers by creating a climate of opinion in which people of different sects could live in peace and harmony.
    At a time when struggle for political power was the prevailing madness, the Sufi saints reminded men of their moral obligations. To a world torn by strife and conflict they tried to bring peace and harmony. In this manner they exercised a deep social and political influence.
    Statement 3 is incorrect: The saints belonging to Chisti order of Sufism dispersed and extended their message to eastern and southern parts of India. Qadiri order founded by Abdul Qadir whose tomb is at Baghdad. Its influence is extensively seen among the Muslims of south India.
    Sufism crystallized itself into various ‘Silsilahs’ or orders.
    The 4 most popular among these were Chistis, Suhrawardis, Qadiriyahs and Naqshbandis. It rebelledagainst all forms of religious formalism, orthodoxy, falsehood and hypocrisy and endeavoured to create a new world order in which spiritual bliss was the only and the ultimate goal.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1 is correct: Sufi mystics wandered from place to place to spread their message. They established hold in both cities as well as villages of India.
    Statement 2 is correct: The saints belonging to Suhrawardi order of Sufism, accepted the service of state and some of them held important posts in ecclesiastical department. They helped the rulers by creating a climate of opinion in which people of different sects could live in peace and harmony.
    At a time when struggle for political power was the prevailing madness, the Sufi saints reminded men of their moral obligations. To a world torn by strife and conflict they tried to bring peace and harmony. In this manner they exercised a deep social and political influence.
    Statement 3 is incorrect: The saints belonging to Chisti order of Sufism dispersed and extended their message to eastern and southern parts of India. Qadiri order founded by Abdul Qadir whose tomb is at Baghdad. Its influence is extensively seen among the Muslims of south India.
    Sufism crystallized itself into various ‘Silsilahs’ or orders.
    The 4 most popular among these were Chistis, Suhrawardis, Qadiriyahs and Naqshbandis. It rebelledagainst all forms of religious formalism, orthodoxy, falsehood and hypocrisy and endeavoured to create a new world order in which spiritual bliss was the only and the ultimate goal.
85. Question 85 of 100

    85. Question

    Which among the following was/were the reforms initiated by Alauddin Khalji?
    (1) System of branding of horses
    (2) Deregulation of grain market
    (3) Measurement of land
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    (A) Only one
    (B) None
    (C) All three
    (D) Only two

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Alauddin Khalji maintained a large permanent standing army and paid them in cash from the royal treasury. He introduced the system of dagh (branding of horses) and prepared huliya (descriptive list of soldiers). In order to ensure maximum efficiency, a strict review of army from time to time was carried out. Hence statement 1 is correct.
    The introduction of paying salaries in cash to the soldiers led to price regulations popularly called as Market Reforms.
    Alauddin Khalji established four separate markets in Delhi, one for grain; another for cloth, sugar, dried fruits, butter and oil; a third for horses, slaves and cattle; and a fourth for miscellaneous commodities.
    Each market was under the control of a high officer called Shahna-i-Mandi.
    So, the market regulation was tightened.
    o The supply of grain was ensured by holding stocks in government store-houses. Regulations were issued to fix the price of all commodities.Hence statement 2 is not correct.
    o A separate department called Diwani Riyasat was created under an officer called Naib-i-Riyasat. Every merchant was registered under the Market department.
    o There were secret agents called munhiyans who sent reports to the Sultan regarding the functioning of these markets. The Sultan also sent slave boys to buy various commodities to check prices.
    o Violation of regulations was severely punished. Harsh punishment was given if any shopkeeper charged a higher price, or tried to cheat by using false weights and measures. Even during the famine the same price was maintained.
    Apart from market reforms, Alauddin Khalji took important steps in the land revenue administration.
    o He was the first Sultan of Delhi who ordered for the measurement of land. Hence statement 3 is correct.
    o Even the big landlords could not escape from paying land tax.
    o Land revenue was collected in cash in order to enable the Sultan to pay the soldiers in cash.
    o His land revenue reforms provided a basis for the future reforms of Sher Shah and Akbar.

    Unattempted
    

    Alauddin Khalji maintained a large permanent standing army and paid them in cash from the royal treasury. He introduced the system of dagh (branding of horses) and prepared huliya (descriptive list of soldiers). In order to ensure maximum efficiency, a strict review of army from time to time was carried out. Hence statement 1 is correct.
    The introduction of paying salaries in cash to the soldiers led to price regulations popularly called as Market Reforms.
    Alauddin Khalji established four separate markets in Delhi, one for grain; another for cloth, sugar, dried fruits, butter and oil; a third for horses, slaves and cattle; and a fourth for miscellaneous commodities.
    Each market was under the control of a high officer called Shahna-i-Mandi.
    So, the market regulation was tightened.
    o The supply of grain was ensured by holding stocks in government store-houses. Regulations were issued to fix the price of all commodities.Hence statement 2 is not correct.
    o A separate department called Diwani Riyasat was created under an officer called Naib-i-Riyasat. Every merchant was registered under the Market department.
    o There were secret agents called munhiyans who sent reports to the Sultan regarding the functioning of these markets. The Sultan also sent slave boys to buy various commodities to check prices.
    o Violation of regulations was severely punished. Harsh punishment was given if any shopkeeper charged a higher price, or tried to cheat by using false weights and measures. Even during the famine the same price was maintained.
    Apart from market reforms, Alauddin Khalji took important steps in the land revenue administration.
    o He was the first Sultan of Delhi who ordered for the measurement of land. Hence statement 3 is correct.
    o Even the big landlords could not escape from paying land tax.
    o Land revenue was collected in cash in order to enable the Sultan to pay the soldiers in cash.
    o His land revenue reforms provided a basis for the future reforms of Sher Shah and Akbar.
86. Question 86 of 100

    86. Question

    Consider the following statements regarding Islamic rule in India:
    (1) The people who adopted Islam accepted giving zakat as one of the pillars of the faith.
    (2) Ulama performed religious functions and refrained themselves from political affairs of the court.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (A) 1 only
    (B) 2 only
    (C) Both 1 and 2
    (D) Neither 1 nor 2

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1 is correct. The developments that followed the coming of Islam were not confined to ruling elites; in fact they permeated far and wide, through the subcontinent, amongst different social strata – peasants, artisans, warriors, merchants, to name a few. All those who adopted Islam accepted, in principle, the five “pillars” of the faith: that there is one God, Allah, and Prophet Muhammad is his messenger (shahada); offering prayers five times a day (namaz/salat); giving alms (zakat); fasting during the month of Ramzan (sawm); and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj).
    Statement 2 is incorrect. The Muslim rulers were to be guided by the ulama, who were expected to ensure that they ruled according to the shari‘a. Ulama were the scholars of islamic studies. As preservers of this tradition they performed various religious, political, judicial and teaching functions.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1 is correct. The developments that followed the coming of Islam were not confined to ruling elites; in fact they permeated far and wide, through the subcontinent, amongst different social strata – peasants, artisans, warriors, merchants, to name a few. All those who adopted Islam accepted, in principle, the five “pillars” of the faith: that there is one God, Allah, and Prophet Muhammad is his messenger (shahada); offering prayers five times a day (namaz/salat); giving alms (zakat); fasting during the month of Ramzan (sawm); and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj).
    Statement 2 is incorrect. The Muslim rulers were to be guided by the ulama, who were expected to ensure that they ruled according to the shari‘a. Ulama were the scholars of islamic studies. As preservers of this tradition they performed various religious, political, judicial and teaching functions.
87. Question 87 of 100

    87. Question

    Which of the following statements is/are incorrect regarding the Vijayanagara Empire?
    (1) Vijayanagara rulers were follower of the god Virupaksha.
    (2) The empire was founded in the fourteenth century.
    (3) They did not use mortar or any other cementing agent for construction of fortification walls.
    Select the answer using the code given below.
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All three
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1 is correct. According to tradition and epigraphic evidence two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336. This empire included within its fluctuating frontiers peoples who spoke different languages and followed different religious traditions. The Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on behalf of the god Virupaksha.
    Statement 2 is correct. Vijayanagara or “city of victory” was the name of both a city and an empire. The empire was founded in the fourteenth century. In its heyday it stretched from the river Krishna in the north to the extreme south of the peninsula.
    Statement 3 is correct. No mortar or cementing agent was used in the construction of fortification walls. The stone blocks were wedge shaped, which held them in place and the inner portion of the walls was of earth packed with rubble.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1 is correct. According to tradition and epigraphic evidence two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336. This empire included within its fluctuating frontiers peoples who spoke different languages and followed different religious traditions. The Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on behalf of the god Virupaksha.
    Statement 2 is correct. Vijayanagara or “city of victory” was the name of both a city and an empire. The empire was founded in the fourteenth century. In its heyday it stretched from the river Krishna in the north to the extreme south of the peninsula.
    Statement 3 is correct. No mortar or cementing agent was used in the construction of fortification walls. The stone blocks were wedge shaped, which held them in place and the inner portion of the walls was of earth packed with rubble.
88. Question 88 of 100

    88. Question

    Who among the following were bhakti saints of Maharashtra?
    (1) Gnanadeva
    (2) Chaitanya
    (3) Tukaram
    (4) Shankaradeva
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) Only three
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Gnanadeva (or Dnyaneshwar) was the founder of the bhakti Movement in Maharashtra in the thirteenth century. It was called Maharashtra dharma. He wrote a commentary of Bhagavat Gita called Gnaneswari (or Dnyaneshwari).
    Another bhakti saint of Maharashtra was Tukaram, a contemporary of Sivaji. He was responsible for creating a background for Maratha nationalism. He opposed all social distinctions.
    In the late fifteenth century, Shankaradeva emerged as one of the leading proponents of Vaishnavism in Assam. His teachings, often known as the Bhagavati dharma because they were based on the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, focused on absolute surrender to the supreme deity, in this case Vishnu.
    Chaitanya was a well-known saint and reformer of Bengal who popularised the Krishna cult. He renounced the world, became an ascetic and wandered all over the country preaching his ideas. He proclaimed the universal brotherhood of man and condemned all distinction based on religion and caste.

    Unattempted
    

    Gnanadeva (or Dnyaneshwar) was the founder of the bhakti Movement in Maharashtra in the thirteenth century. It was called Maharashtra dharma. He wrote a commentary of Bhagavat Gita called Gnaneswari (or Dnyaneshwari).
    Another bhakti saint of Maharashtra was Tukaram, a contemporary of Sivaji. He was responsible for creating a background for Maratha nationalism. He opposed all social distinctions.
    In the late fifteenth century, Shankaradeva emerged as one of the leading proponents of Vaishnavism in Assam. His teachings, often known as the Bhagavati dharma because they were based on the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, focused on absolute surrender to the supreme deity, in this case Vishnu.
    Chaitanya was a well-known saint and reformer of Bengal who popularised the Krishna cult. He renounced the world, became an ascetic and wandered all over the country preaching his ideas. He proclaimed the universal brotherhood of man and condemned all distinction based on religion and caste.
89. Question 89 of 100

    89. Question

    Consider the following statements:
    (1) Srauta Sutra is related with vedic sacrifice.
    (2) Grihya Sutra is related to the designing of the sacrificial pot and contains early reference of Geometry.
    (3) Sulva Sutra is the manual of human conduct and is the source of various laws.
    Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All three
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1 is correct. Srauta Sutra is based on older vedic literature. It is a part of Kalpa Sutras written in Sanskrit. It consists of instructions relating to use of the Shruti, a corpus in ritual and the manner of performance of rituals (includes vedic sacrifices).
    Some of the early Srauta sutras were composed in the late Brahmana period like Baudhayana and Vadhula Sutras.
    Statement 2 and statement 3 are incorrect. Grihya Sutras is the oldest text, gives the idea about the caste system, marriage system and positions of women in the society. It also tells about the sacrifice or fire place in the house. But the designing of sacrificial pots and early reference of geometry is related with Sulva Sutra. Indian mathematics is supposed to have originated from Sulva Sutras.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1 is correct. Srauta Sutra is based on older vedic literature. It is a part of Kalpa Sutras written in Sanskrit. It consists of instructions relating to use of the Shruti, a corpus in ritual and the manner of performance of rituals (includes vedic sacrifices).
    Some of the early Srauta sutras were composed in the late Brahmana period like Baudhayana and Vadhula Sutras.
    Statement 2 and statement 3 are incorrect. Grihya Sutras is the oldest text, gives the idea about the caste system, marriage system and positions of women in the society. It also tells about the sacrifice or fire place in the house. But the designing of sacrificial pots and early reference of geometry is related with Sulva Sutra. Indian mathematics is supposed to have originated from Sulva Sutras.
90. Question 90 of 100

    90. Question

    “This ruler was given a title of ‘Vichitrachitta’, which is a sanskrit word meaning unique thoughts or weird thoughts. He was pioneer in building temples with stones. Cave temples were also his contribution. His interests also included music, painting and writing books.”
    The above passage describes which of the following rulers?
    (A) Rajaraja Chola I
    (B) Mahendravarman I
    (C) Harihara I
    (D) Prataprudra II

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Mahendravarman I (600-630 A.D.)was the most remarkable of the Pallavas monarch. A ardent Jaina in his earlier life, he was later persuaded by one Appar, a Saiva saint, to worship Siva. He introduced a new technique in the temple architecture. He carved out temples from huge rocks without using bricks, wood and mortar. It is considered to be an innovation in the field of South Indian art and architecture.
    Therefore, he was called as Vichitrachitha. The inscription at Mandagapattu mentions Mahendravarman I with numerous titles such as Vichitrachitta (curious-minded),Chitrakarapuli (tiger among artists), Chaityakari (temple builder), which show his interest in art activities. He was responsible for building temples at Panamalai, Mandagapattu, and Kanchipuram. Hence only option (B) is correct.
    Harihara I and his brother Bukka were originally in the service of the Kakatiya ruler of Warangal. Later they joined the ruler of Kampili and, on the annexation of that principality to the Delhi sultanate, were taken prisoners and carried to Delhi. In 1336, Muhammad bin Tughlaq allowed them to return to Kampili, where they started a rebellion. In the course of this rebellion, the city of Vijayanagar was founded on the bank of the Tungabhadra River. Within a decade or so, the two brothers established their control over the whole valley of Tungabhadra.
    Rajaraja Chola I (c. 985 – c. 1014 CE) – During his reign, the Cholas expanded beyond South India with their domains stretching from Sri Lanka in the south to Kalinga in the north. Raja Raja Chola also launched several naval campaigns that resulted in the capture of the Malabar Coast as well as the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Raja Raja built the Brihadeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. During his reign, the texts of the Tamil poets Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar were collected and edited into one compilation called Thirumurai.
    Prataparudra II (A.D.1295 and ruled till A.D.1323) He pushed the western border of his kingdom up to Raichur. He introduced many administrative reforms. He divided the kingdom into 75 Nayakships, which was later adopted and developed by the Rayas of Vijayanagara. In his time the territory constituting Andhra Pradesh had the first experience of a Muslim invasion. In A.D.1303, the Delhi Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji sent an army to plunder the kingdom.
    But Prataparudra defeated them at Upparapalli in Karimnagar district. In A.D. 1310, when another army under Malik Kafur invaded Warangal, Prataparudra yielded and agreed to pay a large tribute. In A.D.1318, when Ala-ud-din Khilji died, Prataparudra withheld the tribute.
    It provoked another invasion of the Muslims. In A.D.1321, Ghiaz-ud-din Tughlaq sent a large army under Ulugh Khan to conquer the Telugu country then called Tilling.
    He laid siege to Warangal, but owing to internal dissensions he called off the siege and returned to Delhi.
    Within a short period, he came back with a much bigger army. In spite of unpreparedness, Prataparudra fought bravely. For want of supplies, he surrendered to the enemy who sent him to Delhi as a prisoner, and he died on the way.
    Thus, ended the Kakatiya rule, opening the gates of the Telugu land to anarchy and confusion yielding place to an alien ruler.

    Unattempted
    

    Mahendravarman I (600-630 A.D.)was the most remarkable of the Pallavas monarch. A ardent Jaina in his earlier life, he was later persuaded by one Appar, a Saiva saint, to worship Siva. He introduced a new technique in the temple architecture. He carved out temples from huge rocks without using bricks, wood and mortar. It is considered to be an innovation in the field of South Indian art and architecture.
    Therefore, he was called as Vichitrachitha. The inscription at Mandagapattu mentions Mahendravarman I with numerous titles such as Vichitrachitta (curious-minded),Chitrakarapuli (tiger among artists), Chaityakari (temple builder), which show his interest in art activities. He was responsible for building temples at Panamalai, Mandagapattu, and Kanchipuram. Hence only option (B) is correct.
    Harihara I and his brother Bukka were originally in the service of the Kakatiya ruler of Warangal. Later they joined the ruler of Kampili and, on the annexation of that principality to the Delhi sultanate, were taken prisoners and carried to Delhi. In 1336, Muhammad bin Tughlaq allowed them to return to Kampili, where they started a rebellion. In the course of this rebellion, the city of Vijayanagar was founded on the bank of the Tungabhadra River. Within a decade or so, the two brothers established their control over the whole valley of Tungabhadra.
    Rajaraja Chola I (c. 985 – c. 1014 CE) – During his reign, the Cholas expanded beyond South India with their domains stretching from Sri Lanka in the south to Kalinga in the north. Raja Raja Chola also launched several naval campaigns that resulted in the capture of the Malabar Coast as well as the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Raja Raja built the Brihadeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. During his reign, the texts of the Tamil poets Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar were collected and edited into one compilation called Thirumurai.
    Prataparudra II (A.D.1295 and ruled till A.D.1323) He pushed the western border of his kingdom up to Raichur. He introduced many administrative reforms. He divided the kingdom into 75 Nayakships, which was later adopted and developed by the Rayas of Vijayanagara. In his time the territory constituting Andhra Pradesh had the first experience of a Muslim invasion. In A.D.1303, the Delhi Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji sent an army to plunder the kingdom.
    But Prataparudra defeated them at Upparapalli in Karimnagar district. In A.D. 1310, when another army under Malik Kafur invaded Warangal, Prataparudra yielded and agreed to pay a large tribute. In A.D.1318, when Ala-ud-din Khilji died, Prataparudra withheld the tribute.
    It provoked another invasion of the Muslims. In A.D.1321, Ghiaz-ud-din Tughlaq sent a large army under Ulugh Khan to conquer the Telugu country then called Tilling.
    He laid siege to Warangal, but owing to internal dissensions he called off the siege and returned to Delhi.
    Within a short period, he came back with a much bigger army. In spite of unpreparedness, Prataparudra fought bravely. For want of supplies, he surrendered to the enemy who sent him to Delhi as a prisoner, and he died on the way.
    Thus, ended the Kakatiya rule, opening the gates of the Telugu land to anarchy and confusion yielding place to an alien ruler.
91. Question 91 of 100

    91. Question

    Which of the following statements about prehistoric paintings is/are incorrect?
    (1) Most of the paintings belongs to the mesolithic age.
    (2) Common themes of the paintings were hunting and social life of the people.
    (3) Mineral ochre mixed with lime and water used for painting.
    (A) 1 only
    (B) 1 and 3 only
    (C) 3 only
    (D) None of the above

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    The pre-historic paintings were generally executed on rocks and these rock engravings were called Petroglyphs. The first set of pre-historic paintings was discovered in Bhimbetaka caves in Madhya Pradesh. The Bhimbetaka paintings were discovered in 1957-58 by an archaeologist named V.S. Wakankar. These paintings generally depict animals like bison, beers and tigers etc. They have been called the ‘Zoo Rock Shelter’ because it depicts elephant, rhinoceros, cattle, snake, spotted deer, barasingha, etc.
    There are three major phases of pre-historic paintings:

    Upper Paleolithic Period (40000-10000 BC)

    The walls of the rock shelter caves were made of quartzite and so they used minerals for pigments. One of the most common mineral was ochre or geru mixed with lime and water. They used different minerals to make colours like red, white, yellow and green, which widened their palette. The white, dark red and green were used to depict large animals like bison, elephant, rhino, tigers etc. For the human figurines, red was used for hunters and the green mostly for dancers.

    Mesolithic Period (10000-4000 BC)

    This period mainly saw the use of red colour. In comparison to the Upper Paleolithic period, the size of the paintings also became smaller during this period. One of the most common scenes depicted in these paintings is of group hunting and several other paintings depict grazing activity and riding scenes.

    Chalcolithic period (2000-700 BC)

    This period saw the increase in the number of paintings using the green and yellow colour. Mostly battle scenes were depected in paintings.

    Unattempted
    

    The pre-historic paintings were generally executed on rocks and these rock engravings were called Petroglyphs. The first set of pre-historic paintings was discovered in Bhimbetaka caves in Madhya Pradesh. The Bhimbetaka paintings were discovered in 1957-58 by an archaeologist named V.S. Wakankar. These paintings generally depict animals like bison, beers and tigers etc. They have been called the ‘Zoo Rock Shelter’ because it depicts elephant, rhinoceros, cattle, snake, spotted deer, barasingha, etc.
    There are three major phases of pre-historic paintings:

    Upper Paleolithic Period (40000-10000 BC)

    The walls of the rock shelter caves were made of quartzite and so they used minerals for pigments. One of the most common mineral was ochre or geru mixed with lime and water. They used different minerals to make colours like red, white, yellow and green, which widened their palette. The white, dark red and green were used to depict large animals like bison, elephant, rhino, tigers etc. For the human figurines, red was used for hunters and the green mostly for dancers.

    Mesolithic Period (10000-4000 BC)

    This period mainly saw the use of red colour. In comparison to the Upper Paleolithic period, the size of the paintings also became smaller during this period. One of the most common scenes depicted in these paintings is of group hunting and several other paintings depict grazing activity and riding scenes.

    Chalcolithic period (2000-700 BC)

    This period saw the increase in the number of paintings using the green and yellow colour. Mostly battle scenes were depected in paintings.
92. Question 92 of 100

    92. Question

    which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched ?
    Painting Area
    (1) Warli. Maharashtra
    (2) Pithora. Gujarat
    (3) Manjusha. Bihar
    (4) Patua. Odisha
    (A) Only two
    (B) All four
    (C) Only three
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Warli Painting
    The name of the painting comes from the people who have been carrying the painting tradition that goes back to 2500-3000 BC. They are called the Warlis, indigenous people that occupy mainly the Gujarat- Maharashtra border. These paintings have close resemblance to the mural paintings of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh that date back to the pre historic period. These ritualistic paintings have a central motif of a chaukat or chauk, which is surrounded by scenes portraying fishing, hunting, farming, dances, animals, trees and festivals. Among the Goddesses, Palaghata (goddess of fertility) is drawn and among the male gods, those spirits that have taken human form are represented. Traditionally, the paintings are done on the walls using very basic graphic vocabulary,including a triangle, a circle and a square.
    Pithora Paintings
    The paintings are done by some tribal communities of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and is said to serve religious and spiritual purpose. They are painted in the walls of the houses to bring peace and prosperity. They are drawn on special family- occasions as a ritual. Depiction of animals are common especially horse.
    Manjusha Painting is goier ellow eds swien mont boit beriqeni 916 2sqarle saad azer This art form belongs to Bhagalpur region of Bihar. It is also known as Angika art, where ‘ang’ refers to one of the Mahajan Pada. Since snake motifs are always present, it is also called snake painting. These paintings are executed on boxes of jute and paper.
    Patua Art

    The art of Bengal, Patua art dates back around a thousand years. It started out as a village tradition by painters telling Mangal Kavyas or auspicious stories of Gods and Goddesses. These paintings are done on pats or scrolls and for generations, the scroll painters or patuas have been going to different villages to sing their stories in lieu of food or money.
    Traditionally these were painted on cloth and told religious stories; today they are painted with poster paints on sheets of paper sown together, usually used to comment on political and social issues. These patuas mostly come from Midnapur district of the state, while those who call themselves chitrakar are from North and South 24 Parganas and Birbhum districts.

    Unattempted
    

    Warli Painting
    The name of the painting comes from the people who have been carrying the painting tradition that goes back to 2500-3000 BC. They are called the Warlis, indigenous people that occupy mainly the Gujarat- Maharashtra border. These paintings have close resemblance to the mural paintings of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh that date back to the pre historic period. These ritualistic paintings have a central motif of a chaukat or chauk, which is surrounded by scenes portraying fishing, hunting, farming, dances, animals, trees and festivals. Among the Goddesses, Palaghata (goddess of fertility) is drawn and among the male gods, those spirits that have taken human form are represented. Traditionally, the paintings are done on the walls using very basic graphic vocabulary,including a triangle, a circle and a square.
    Pithora Paintings
    The paintings are done by some tribal communities of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and is said to serve religious and spiritual purpose. They are painted in the walls of the houses to bring peace and prosperity. They are drawn on special family- occasions as a ritual. Depiction of animals are common especially horse.
    Manjusha Painting is goier ellow eds swien mont boit beriqeni 916 2sqarle saad azer This art form belongs to Bhagalpur region of Bihar. It is also known as Angika art, where ‘ang’ refers to one of the Mahajan Pada. Since snake motifs are always present, it is also called snake painting. These paintings are executed on boxes of jute and paper.
    Patua Art

    The art of Bengal, Patua art dates back around a thousand years. It started out as a village tradition by painters telling Mangal Kavyas or auspicious stories of Gods and Goddesses. These paintings are done on pats or scrolls and for generations, the scroll painters or patuas have been going to different villages to sing their stories in lieu of food or money.
    Traditionally these were painted on cloth and told religious stories; today they are painted with poster paints on sheets of paper sown together, usually used to comment on political and social issues. These patuas mostly come from Midnapur district of the state, while those who call themselves chitrakar are from North and South 24 Parganas and Birbhum districts.
93. Question 93 of 100

    93. Question

    Consider the following statements regarding Pattachitra paintings:
    (1) It is a famous form of miniature painting from parts of the Odisha State.
    (2) Charcoal is used rather than brush to draw outlines.
    (3) Themes of these paintings inspired from Vaishnavism.
    Which of the above statements is/are correct?
    (A) 3 only
    (B) 1 and 2
    (C) 1 and 3
    (D) 1,2 and 3

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    A traditional painting of Odisha, the name Pattachitra comes from a Sanskrit word patta, which means canvas/cloth and chitra means picture. The paintings show a mix of classical and folk elements, with a bias towards the latter. The base of the painting is treated cloth while the colours used comes from natural sources including burnt coconut shells, Hingula, Ramaraja and lamp black. No pencil or charcoal is used, rather brush is used to draw the outlines in red or yellow after which the colours are filled. The background is decorated with foliage and flowers and the paintings have a intricately worked frame. Once the final lines are drawn, the painting is given a coating of lacquer to give it a glossy finish.
    The themes of these paintings are inspired from Jagannath and Vaishnava cult, sometimes from Shakti and Shaiva cults.
    Raghurajpur in Odisha is known for this art form. The pattachitra paintings depict images that are similar to the old murals of the state, especially the ones in Puri and Konark. Pattachitra on palm leaf is known as talapattachitra. The hard dried leaves of palm trees are sewn together as a canvas on which images are drawn using white or black ink. A number of superimposing layers are glued together and some areas are left so that there are small window like openings that reveal second images under the first layer of the leaf.

    Unattempted
    

    A traditional painting of Odisha, the name Pattachitra comes from a Sanskrit word patta, which means canvas/cloth and chitra means picture. The paintings show a mix of classical and folk elements, with a bias towards the latter. The base of the painting is treated cloth while the colours used comes from natural sources including burnt coconut shells, Hingula, Ramaraja and lamp black. No pencil or charcoal is used, rather brush is used to draw the outlines in red or yellow after which the colours are filled. The background is decorated with foliage and flowers and the paintings have a intricately worked frame. Once the final lines are drawn, the painting is given a coating of lacquer to give it a glossy finish.
    The themes of these paintings are inspired from Jagannath and Vaishnava cult, sometimes from Shakti and Shaiva cults.
    Raghurajpur in Odisha is known for this art form. The pattachitra paintings depict images that are similar to the old murals of the state, especially the ones in Puri and Konark. Pattachitra on palm leaf is known as talapattachitra. The hard dried leaves of palm trees are sewn together as a canvas on which images are drawn using white or black ink. A number of superimposing layers are glued together and some areas are left so that there are small window like openings that reveal second images under the first layer of the leaf.
94. Question 94 of 100

    94. Question

    Consider the following statements about Classical Sanskrit theatre:
    (1) Characters in sanskrit plays mainly classified as Nayaka, Nayika and Vidushaka.
    (2) There can be a happy as well as sad ending according to play theme.
    (3) Lead character is always male who achieves desire objects at the end.
    Which of the above statements is/are correct?
    (A) 1 only
    (B) 1 and 2
    (C) 1 and 3
    (D) 1,2, and 3

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Theatre in India began as a narrative art form, which emcompassed a concoction of music,dance and acting. Kalidasa is perhaps the most popular among the Sanskrit playwrights. His three works Malavikagnimitra, Vikramorvashi and Shakuntalam are some of the finest examples of classical Sanskrit drama. Kalidasa was unparallel in his portrayal of the eternal conflict between desire and duty.
    Some of the other examples of plays are Uttaramacharitra and Mahaviracharitra by Bhavabhuti, Mudrarakshasa by Visakhadatta and Ratnavali by Harshavardhan.
    In the classical Sanskrit tradition, plays were categorised into ten types – namely Anka, Bhana, Dima, Ithamgra, Nataka, Prahasana, Prakarna, Svakarna, Vithi and Vyayog. Natya Shastra describes only two of these – Nataka and Prakarna.
    Classical Sanskrit play was bound by some rigid conventionsBR> •They were generally four to seven-act plays.
    •They always had happy-endings, where the hero wins or does not die
    •The protagonist was male who would always achieve the object of his desire at the end
    •The plays had well defined opening, progression, development, pause and conclusion

    Sanskrit plays followed an almost ritualistic progression.The play started with a number of pre-play rituals, also known as purva-raga, most of as to which were performed behind the curtain.
    Characters in Sanskrit plays were important. They were broadly classified into three kinds which are Nayaka (Hero or the Protagonist), Nayika (Heroine) and the Vidusaka (Clown).
    Nayaka (Hero), played by males may be of different personalities like Lalita (Kind-hearted), Shanta (Calm & composed), Uddhata (Agitated or arrogant) etc. Hero may also be ‘Pratinayaka’ (Anatagonist) like Ravana, Duryodhana, etc.
    Nayika (Herione), played by females are queens, friends, courtesans (ganika), divine lady (Divya).
    Vidusaka (Clown), the comic character plays a vital role in the plays. He is the noble and good-hearted, often a friend of hero. He questions the prevailing social norms through satire.

    Unattempted
    

    Theatre in India began as a narrative art form, which emcompassed a concoction of music,dance and acting. Kalidasa is perhaps the most popular among the Sanskrit playwrights. His three works Malavikagnimitra, Vikramorvashi and Shakuntalam are some of the finest examples of classical Sanskrit drama. Kalidasa was unparallel in his portrayal of the eternal conflict between desire and duty.
    Some of the other examples of plays are Uttaramacharitra and Mahaviracharitra by Bhavabhuti, Mudrarakshasa by Visakhadatta and Ratnavali by Harshavardhan.
    In the classical Sanskrit tradition, plays were categorised into ten types – namely Anka, Bhana, Dima, Ithamgra, Nataka, Prahasana, Prakarna, Svakarna, Vithi and Vyayog. Natya Shastra describes only two of these – Nataka and Prakarna.
    Classical Sanskrit play was bound by some rigid conventionsBR> •They were generally four to seven-act plays.
    •They always had happy-endings, where the hero wins or does not die
    •The protagonist was male who would always achieve the object of his desire at the end
    •The plays had well defined opening, progression, development, pause and conclusion

    Sanskrit plays followed an almost ritualistic progression.The play started with a number of pre-play rituals, also known as purva-raga, most of as to which were performed behind the curtain.
    Characters in Sanskrit plays were important. They were broadly classified into three kinds which are Nayaka (Hero or the Protagonist), Nayika (Heroine) and the Vidusaka (Clown).
    Nayaka (Hero), played by males may be of different personalities like Lalita (Kind-hearted), Shanta (Calm & composed), Uddhata (Agitated or arrogant) etc. Hero may also be ‘Pratinayaka’ (Anatagonist) like Ravana, Duryodhana, etc.
    Nayika (Herione), played by females are queens, friends, courtesans (ganika), divine lady (Divya).
    Vidusaka (Clown), the comic character plays a vital role in the plays. He is the noble and good-hearted, often a friend of hero. He questions the prevailing social norms through satire.
95. Question 95 of 100

    95. Question

    Consider the following statements about Charvaka philosophy is not correct:
    (A) Brihaspati laid the foundation of the school.
    (B) This school denied existence of brahma and God.
    (C) This school believes in the concept of rebirth.
    (D) Charvaka believed that there was nothing wrong with sensual pleasure.

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Charvaka school of philosophy
    •It is an ancient school of Indian The materialist systems were often called “Lokayata,” which means “that which is found among people in general.”
    •Charvaka holds direct perception, empiricism, and conditional inference as proper sources of knowledge, embraces philosophical skepticism and rejects ritualism and supernaturalism.
    •Brihaspati is traditionally referred to as the founder of Charvaka or Lokāyata philosophy.
    •The Charvaka did not believe in karma, rebirth or an afterlife.
    •Charvaka believed that there was nothing wrong with sensual pleasure. Since it is impossible to have pleasure without pain, Charvaka thought that wisdom lay in enjoying pleasure and avoiding pain as far as possible.
    •Charvakas rejected many of the standard religious conceptions of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Ajivakas, such as an afterlife, reincarnation, samsara, karma and religious rites. They were critical of the Vedas, as well as Buddhist scriptures.
    •Charvakas concluded that the inference could not be used to ascertain metaphysical truths.

    Unattempted
    

    Charvaka school of philosophy
    •It is an ancient school of Indian The materialist systems were often called “Lokayata,” which means “that which is found among people in general.”
    •Charvaka holds direct perception, empiricism, and conditional inference as proper sources of knowledge, embraces philosophical skepticism and rejects ritualism and supernaturalism.
    •Brihaspati is traditionally referred to as the founder of Charvaka or Lokāyata philosophy.
    •The Charvaka did not believe in karma, rebirth or an afterlife.
    •Charvaka believed that there was nothing wrong with sensual pleasure. Since it is impossible to have pleasure without pain, Charvaka thought that wisdom lay in enjoying pleasure and avoiding pain as far as possible.
    •Charvakas rejected many of the standard religious conceptions of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Ajivakas, such as an afterlife, reincarnation, samsara, karma and religious rites. They were critical of the Vedas, as well as Buddhist scriptures.
    •Charvakas concluded that the inference could not be used to ascertain metaphysical truths.
96. Question 96 of 100

    96. Question

    Select the correct UNESCO World heritage Natural Sites and their location.
    (1) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary – Assam
    (2) Kaziranga National Park – MadhyaPradesh
    (3) Keoladeo National Park – Uttarakhand
    (4) Sundarban National Park – West Bengal
    (5) Nanda Devi National Park – Himachal Pradesh
    Select the correct pairs.
    (A) only 1 pair is correct
    (B) only 2 pairs are correct
    (C) only 3 pairs are correct
    (D) All of the pairs are correct

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    UNESCO Natural Sites in India are as follows:
    1.Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam), 1985
    2.Kaziranga National Park (Assam), 1985
    3.Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur (Rajasthan), 1985
    4. Sundarban National Park (West Bengal), 1987
    5.Nanda Devi National Park (1988) and Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand), 2005
    6.Western Ghats, 2012 (Sub-clusters include Agasthyamalai, Periyar, Anamalai, Nilgiri, Talakaveri, Kudremukh and Sahyadri)
    7.Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh), 2014
    8.Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim) (2016)

    Unattempted
    

    UNESCO Natural Sites in India are as follows:
    1.Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam), 1985
    2.Kaziranga National Park (Assam), 1985
    3.Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur (Rajasthan), 1985
    4. Sundarban National Park (West Bengal), 1987
    5.Nanda Devi National Park (1988) and Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand), 2005
    6.Western Ghats, 2012 (Sub-clusters include Agasthyamalai, Periyar, Anamalai, Nilgiri, Talakaveri, Kudremukh and Sahyadri)
    7.Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh), 2014
    8.Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim) (2016)
97. Question 97 of 100

    97. Question

    Consider the following statements:
    (1) Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram includes Pancha Ratha, Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance or Descent of the Ganges, Caves Temples and is situated in Tamil Nadu.
    (2) Group of Monuments at Pattadakal situated in Karnataka includes Nine Hindu temples and one jain temple which includes Virupaksha temple, Papanatha temple, etc.
    (3) Khajuraho group of Monuments is a Group of Hindu and Jain temples which include Kandariya Mahadeva.
    Select the option with incorrect statement
    (A) Only one
    (B) Only two
    (C) All three.
    (D) None

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Statement 1 is correct, as Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram includes Pancha Ratha, Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance or Descent of the Ganges, Caves Temples and it is situated in Tamil Nadu.
    Statement 2 is correct and Group of Monuments at Pattadakal situated in Karnataka includes Nine Hindu temples and one jain temple which includes Virupaksha temple, Papanatha temple, etc.
    Statement three is correct as Khajuraho group of Monuments is a Group of Hindu and Jain temples which include Kandariya Mahadeva.

    Unattempted
    

    Statement 1 is correct, as Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram includes Pancha Ratha, Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance or Descent of the Ganges, Caves Temples and it is situated in Tamil Nadu.
    Statement 2 is correct and Group of Monuments at Pattadakal situated in Karnataka includes Nine Hindu temples and one jain temple which includes Virupaksha temple, Papanatha temple, etc.
    Statement three is correct as Khajuraho group of Monuments is a Group of Hindu and Jain temples which include Kandariya Mahadeva.
98. Question 98 of 100

    98. Question

    Match the following pair
    (1) Algebra -A. Jyotisa
    (2) Geometry -B. Rekha Ganita
    (3) Astronomy -C. Khagolshastrh
    (4) Astrology-D. Bija ganita
    Choose the correct pair
    (A) 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A
    (B) 1-D, 2-B, 3-C,4-A
    (C) 1-C, 2- A, 3-D, 4- B
    (D) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    MATHEMATICS! Also called Ganita by the general name, it includes: Arithmetic (Pattin Ganita/Anka Ganita)
    Algebra (Bija ganita)
    Geometry (Rekha Ganita)
    Astronomy (Khagolshastra)
    Astrology (Jyotisa).

    Unattempted
    

    MATHEMATICS! Also called Ganita by the general name, it includes: Arithmetic (Pattin Ganita/Anka Ganita)
    Algebra (Bija ganita)
    Geometry (Rekha Ganita)
    Astronomy (Khagolshastra)
    Astrology (Jyotisa).
99. Question 99 of 100

    99. Question

    With reference to history of India, consider the following texts:
    (1) Charaka Samhita
    (2) Ashtadhyayi
    (3) Milind Panho
    What is the correct chronological sequence of the composition of the above texts?
    (A) 1-2-3
    (B) 3-2-1
    (C) 2-3-1
    (D) 1-3-2

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    Correct
    

    Incorrect
    

    Ashtadhyayi, a Sanskrit treatise on grammar was written in the 6th to 5th century BCE by the Indian grammarian Panini. This work set the linguistic standards for Classical Sanskrit. It sums up in 4,000 sutras the science of phonetics and grammar that had evolved in the Vedic religion. Panini divided his work into eight chapters, each of which is further divided into quarter chapters.
    Beyond defining the morphology and syntax of Sanskrit language, Ashtadhyayi distinguishes between usage in the spoken language and usage that is proper to the language of the sacred texts.
    The Indo-Greek ruler Menander (165-145 BC) also known as Milinda was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena or Nagarjuna. Menander asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism. These questions and Nagasena‘s answers were recorded in the form of a book known as Milinda Panho (Questions of Milinda).
    Charaka Samhita, a work on Indian medicine and ayurveda in Sanskrit was composed around 100 CE. Charaka divided the treatise into eight parts, or ashtanga sthanas :
    sutra, nidana, vimana, sarira, endriya, chikitsa, kalpa, and siddha; each part contained multiple chapters.
    While Charaka delved into all aspects of medicine, including the logic and philosophy behind the Indian medicinal system, he placed special emphasis on the diagnosis of disease and treated Ayurveda as a comprehensive system of health care that dealt with both preventive and curative aspects. He also dealt elaborately with subjects such as fetal generation and development, anatomy of the human body, and function and malfunction of the body according to the tridosha (the three humours of the body)— vata, pitta, and kapha. He also discussed the classification of various diseases.
    Hence option (C) is correct.

    Unattempted
    

    Ashtadhyayi, a Sanskrit treatise on grammar was written in the 6th to 5th century BCE by the Indian grammarian Panini. This work set the linguistic standards for Classical Sanskrit. It sums up in 4,000 sutras the science of phonetics and grammar that had evolved in the Vedic religion. Panini divided his work into eight chapters, each of which is further divided into quarter chapters.
    Beyond defining the morphology and syntax of Sanskrit language, Ashtadhyayi distinguishes between usage in the spoken language and usage that is proper to the language of the sacred texts.
    The Indo-Greek ruler Menander (165-145 BC) also known as Milinda was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena or Nagarjuna. Menander asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism. These questions and Nagasena‘s answers were recorded in the form of a book known as Milinda Panho (Questions of Milinda).
    Charaka Samhita, a work on Indian medicine and ayurveda in Sanskrit was composed around 100 CE. Charaka divided the treatise into eight parts, or ashtanga sthanas :
    sutra, nidana, vimana, sarira, endriya, chikitsa, kalpa, and siddha; each part contained multiple chapters.
    While Charaka delved into all aspects of medicine, including the logic and philosophy behind the Indian medicinal system, he placed special emphasis on the diagnosis of disease and treated Ayurveda as a comprehensive system of health care that dealt with both preventive and curative aspects. He also dealt elaborately with subjects such as fetal generation and development, anatomy of the human body, and function and malfunction of the body according to the tridosha (the three humours of the body)— vata, pitta, and kapha. He also discussed the classification of various diseases.
    Hence option (C) is correct.
100. Question 100 of 100

     100. Question

     As per the accounts of Megasthenes on Indian Society during Mauryan age,
     (1) The division of society was on the basis of the occupation pursued by the people.
     (2) Although the code of punishment was severe but the incidences of thefts and robbery were common.
     (3) Slavery and polygamy were absent.
     Select the incorrect answer using the codes given below:
     (A) All three
     (B) Only one
     (C) Only two
     (D) None

     • A
     • B
     • C
     • D
     Correct
     

     Incorrect
     

     As per Megasthenes account on Mauryan society:
     (1) Indian society was divided into seven classes comprising of philosophers, agriculturists, soldiers, artisans, shepherds and hunters, officials in government and spies.
     This division of society was based on the occupation pursued by the people. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
     (2) People generally were honest, the incidences of thefts and robbery were rare. The code of punishment was severe. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.
     (3) Megasthenes says that slavery was absent but he talks about growing practise of polygamy, employment of women as bodyguards to king, spies, etc.
     Thus, statement 3 is incorrect.

     Unattempted
     

     As per Megasthenes account on Mauryan society:
     (1) Indian society was divided into seven classes comprising of philosophers, agriculturists, soldiers, artisans, shepherds and hunters, officials in government and spies.
     This division of society was based on the occupation pursued by the people. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
     (2) People generally were honest, the incidences of thefts and robbery were rare. The code of punishment was severe. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.
     (3) Megasthenes says that slavery was absent but he talks about growing practise of polygamy, employment of women as bodyguards to king, spies, etc.
     Thus, statement 3 is incorrect.