ANCIENT HISTORY

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

SETO TOPICWISE QUESTIONS

Codes
Sources of Ancient History 9. Which among the following places A B C D A B C D
have given the earliest evidence of
1. The Veda which is partly in prose and
agriculture in Indian sub-continent?
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 4 2 13
partly in verse is (c) 4 1 2 3 (d) 1 3 2
(a) Rigveda a) Pratapgarh (b) Mehrgarh
(b) Samaveda
(c) Quetta (d) Kalat
(c) Yajurveda (d) Atharvaveda
10. Consider the cultures given below, Indus Valley Civilisation
2. For which of the following offences, 14. Which among the following is not the
who were the first to paint their
Manu recommended higher punishment unique feature of Dholavira site of the
to Brahmanas than the person of other pottery?
a) Mesolithic Indus Valley Civilisation?
varnas?
(b) Chalcolithic (a) Its cities were horizontally divided in
(a) Profanity (b) Treason multiple parts
() Murder (o) Theft
(c)Neolithic
d) Iron age (b) Its cities were unevenly divided
3. The Aryans dedicated whole of a (c) Its cities were divided into two parts
separate Mandala in Rigveda dedicated 11. Megalith is/are (o) None of the above
*********
(a) a certain group of palaeolithic caves
(b) a technical term for pre-historic rock 15. Consider the following statements
(a) Agni (b) Varuna
cut caves about recent excavations (2014), in
(c) Indra (d) Soma
(c)pre-historic burial monument Rakhigarhi.
4. The Satapatha Brahmana and Taittriya (d) monolithic belonging to neolithic 1. Discovery of new mounds at Rakhigarhi
Brahmana are the Brahmana text period has established it as the second largest
belonging to .... Harappan ite, in area of extent.
12. Which of the following statement
a) Rigveda (b) Samaveda 2. Typical Harappan seals and potsherds
) Yajurveda (o) Atharvaveda
regarding Stone-copper age are true?
are absent in Rakhigarhi excavations.
1. Stone-copper culture had an essentially
5. In Pali text, which among the following urban background. Which of the statement(5) given above
is referred as Nigantha Nataputta? 2. Inspite of food producing economy, the is/are correct?
a) Gautama Buddha (b) Parshvanatha infant mortality was very high. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Rishabhadas (o) Mahavira 3. People were not aware of the art of (c) Both 1 and 2 a) Neither 1 nor 2

6. The inscription of Ashoka and the mixing tin with copper and thus, forging 16. Which of the following metal has so far
the much stronger and useful metal
Brahmi script were deciphered by .... not been discovered in Harappansites
called bronze.
(a) Alexander Cunningham
4. People of this age were familiar with
(a) Copper (b) Gold
(b) James Princep the art of writing and they used to (c) Silver (d)Iron
(c) Max Mueller live in the cities as the people of Bronze 17. Which of the following distinguishes
(d) Motimer Wheeler age. the Harappan from other contemporay
7. The king was the ruler of all except Select the correct answer using the codes civilisations of the world?
Brahmanas". This was the view of. . given below. (a) Religious beliefs and social life
(a) 1,3 and 4 (6) Development of science and
(a) Manu (b) Yajnavalkya
(d) Gautama (b) Both 1 and 4 technologyy
(c) Apasthamba
(c) Both 2 and 3 ()Town planning, drainage and sanitai
(d) All of the above (a) Uniform weights and measures d
The Pre-Historic Age
8. The earliest evidence of rice cultivation 13. Match the following. commercial contacts
came from which of the following valley? List A List B
18. Traces of rice cultivation have bee
(a) Central Ganga valley found at
A. Nevasan Lower Palaeolithic
(b) Belan valley (a) Kalibangan and Ropar
B. Sohan 2. Mesolithic
(c) Gomal valley
(b) Lothal and Rangpur
C. Terian 3. Chalcolithic (C) Alamgirpur and Harappa
(d) Bolan valley D. Kot-Dijan 4. Middle Palaeolithic
(a) All Harappan sites
ANCIENT HISTORY
1-71
The Vedic Age 25. Match the following. (d) the way to end sorrow lies in
following
following Gods in order List List I the eight-fold path
19. Arrange the
of their importance in the Rigvedic (Vedic (Actual Status or 31. Jainism
Gods) Functions)
was
propagated in South India
society. by
Agni 2. Varuna A. Pushan 1. God of storm and thunder (a) Bhadrabahu (b) Gautama
4. Marut
3. Indra B. Aditi 2. God of marriages (c) Indrabhuti (o) Sudharman
Codes C. Varuna 3. Mother of Surya 32. Consider the
(b) 3, 1,2, 4 following statements.
(a)4,2, 1,34 D. Indra 4. God of water, clouds,
1. There is no mention about any Jain
(c) 2, 1,3, (o) 1.2,3,4 Oceans
Tirthankara in Rigveda.
.
Codes
20. The sage, which is said to have 2. As per Vishnu Purana, Rishabha is
Aryanised Southern India was A B C D AB C D considered as an incarnation of
(b) Vishwamitra (a) 3 1 4 2 (b) 2 3 4 1
(a) Agastya Narayana.
(c) 2 1 3 4 (o) 4 3 21
(c) Vashishta Which of the statement(5) given above
is/are true?
(0) Yagyavalkya
Pre-Mauryan Age (The Rise of a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
21. The word Arya comes from the root Jainism and Buddhism) (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
word 26. According to Jain tradition,
(a) meaning to make fire where did 33. Mahavira preached in
Rishabha, the first Tirthankara live?
(b) meaning to cultivate (a) Magadhi (b) Ardha-Magadhi
(a) Hastinapur (b) Kaushambi
(c) to domesticate animals (c) Mathura (d) Taxila
(c)Suraseni (o) Apabhramsa
(d) to buid a house 34. Which of the following was not
27. Which event is known Dhammachak as a
22. The staple food of the Rigvedic Aryan similarity between Buddhism and
ka-Pavattana (turning the wheel of Jainism?
was
Dhamma)? (a) Both had equal faith in ahimsa
(a) vegetables and fruits (a) When Buddha left his palace of home
(b) Both were agnostic and rejected the
(b) barley and rice to seek the truth
(c) milk and its products Vedic thoughts
(b) When Gautama Buddha attained
(d) rice and pulses (c) Both accepted followers without any
Nirvana
caste distinction
23. Various social rituals and performance (c) The event, when Buddha was offered a
d) Both believed in Law of Doctrine of
of several ceremonies or Samskaras bowl of milk from a young woman,
Karma
from conception to have been described Sujata
(d) When Buddha gave his first sermon on 35. The most well-known variety of grain
inthe
deliverance from suffering to his five grown by the Vedic Aryans was known
(a) Grihya Sutras
former companions in a deer park near as
(b) Dharma Sutras
Benaras (a) Vrihi (b) Mugda
(c) Upanishads c)Ikshu () Yava
28. The triratna (3 gems) of Jainism consist
(o) Srauta Sutras
of 36. What did the term niyoga, with
24. Match the following. (a) right faith, right contacts, right strength reference to women, stand for in the

List II (b) right faith, right knowledge and right Vedic society?
List
conduct (a) The performance of vedic sacrifices by
A. Brahmavarta 1. The land between a women independently
(c) wealth, land and inteligence
Saraswati and
luxurious living, happiness and faith (b) The vow of celibacy taken by women of
Drishadvat including (d)
aristocratic society
Kurukshetra and the 29. Match the following.
(c) Cohabitation of a childless widow with
area occupied by List
List her husband's brother until the birth of
Matsyas, Panchalas, (Place, where held)
Sursenas (Buddhist Council) a son

A. First 1. Pataliputra (d) Symbolic self-immolation of a widow

B. Brahmarshidesha 2. The land between
2. Vaishali with her husband
the divine rivers B. Second
Saraswati and 3. Kundalvan
Drishadvati.
C. Third
D. Fourth 4. Rajagriha
Mahajanapadas
3. Region between the 37. Buddhist and Jain texts list 16 powerful
C. Madhyadesh
Ocean on East and Codes states (Solah-Mahajanapada), that
the ocean in the West A BC D ABC D flourished in the early 6th century BC.
(b) 4 2 1 3
and the mountains. (a) 3 4 21
1 3 4 2
Which is not one of these states?
(C) 3 1 2 4 (o)
D. Aryavarta 4. The region between (a) Kosala (b) Anga
the Himalayas andd 30. Of the following Four Noble Truths a) Amri
() Magadha
Vindhya hills. taught bythe Buddha, the basic truth
38. Vatsa or Vamsa, South of the Ganga was
was
noted for its fine cotton textiles. Its
Codes (a) existence of sorrow
A B C D A BC D capital was
(b) sorrow causation
4 1 (a) Kaushambi (b) Mithila
a) 1 2 3 4 2 3 by
(b)
4 21
(c) cessation of sorrow is possible (d) Vaishali
(c) 2 1 4 3 (d) 3 elimination of desire (c) Champa
1-72 GSPI General Studies (Paper 1)
39. The
Principality
located in the Jaipur
of the Matsya was 4b.
Which of the following statement(s)
Codes
area of Rajasthan about Mauryan coinage is/are incorrect:
ABC DE
and its capital was 2 15 3
1. Mauryas issued a number of silver and (a) 4
(a) 4 21
Viratnagara (Modern Bairat) copper punch-marked coins and also (b) 3 5
4
3 21
(b) Ahichchhatra (Modern Ramnagar) Some silver bar coins. (c) 5
2 1 3 4 5
(c) Takshashila (Taxila) (d)
2. They can be easily ascribed to particular
(d) Ujayini (Ujain) 49. Match the following.
Mauryan kings.
40. Which of the List List II
following texts
of the Mahajanapadas?
gives a list 3. They enable us to know the economic
(Major Rock Edicts)
conditions of the Mauryan period. (Contents)
(a) Therigatta (b) Mahabharata 4. The symbols on the Mauryan coins are A. Sixth 1. System of
(c) Jatakas (d) Anguttara Nikaya definitely official markings
B. Seventh
dhammayatras.
2. Conquest
41. The Select the correct answer using the codes
period from 6th to 4th century BC
given below. through dhamma
saw the struggle for supremacy instead of war.
amongst the four Mahajanapadas. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 3. Need for
C. Eighth efficient
Which is not one of these states? c) Both 2 and 3 o) Both 2 and 4
organisation of
(a) Magadha (b) Kosala 46. Which of the
following areas were administration.
(c) Surasena D. Ninth 4. Attack of
(d) Avanti conquered by Chandragupta Maurya?
1. Ganges valley meaningless
The Mauryan Empire ceremonies and
2. North-Western India rituals.
42. Sanchi 3. Central India upto Narmada E. Thirteenth 5. Need for
stupa was said to be originally
built by the following king of Mauryan 4. Deccan tolerance among
empire Select the correct answer using the codes all religious
(a) Dasaratha (b) Samprati given below. sects
(c) Ashoka o) Bindusara (a) Both 1,2 and 3 (b) Both 1, 3 and 4
Codes
43. Which of the (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) All of these
A BC DE
following statements
about the Indica ofMegasthenese is/are 47. Ashoka's death was followed by the (a) 3 5 14 2
incorrect? division of the Maurya empire into two (b) 2 1 45 3
1. It is available in its original. parts under separate ulers. Pick the (c) 1 4 2 3 5
correct answer from among the (o) 5 2 3 1 4
2. It gives a detailed account of the town
and military administration of the following. 50. Match the following.
Mauryas. 1. Devavarman in the Eastern part
2. Dasaratha in the Eastern part List List lI
3. It divides the Mauryan society into seven
classes. 3. Kunala in the Western part (Provinces) (Capitals)
4. It attests to the prevalence of slavery 4. Salissuka in the Eastern part A. Uttarapatha Ujain
and usury in India during the Mauryan Select the correct answer using the codes (Northern Province)
B. Avantiratha (Western 2. Suvarnagi
period given below.
Select the correct answer using the codes (a) Both 1 and 4 Province)
given below. (b) Both 1 and 2
C. Dakshinapatha 3. Tosali
(a) Only 1 (c) Both 2 and 3 (Southern Province)
D. Prachya (Eastern | 4. Pataliputra
(b) Both 1 and 2 (o) Both 3 and 4
(C) Both 3 and 4 Province)
48. Match the following.
(d) Both 1 and 4 E.Central Province 5. Taxila
List List I Codes
44. Which of the following statements
about Ashokan edicts are true? (MajorRock (Contents) A BC DE
Edicts) (a) 5 1 2 3 4
1. Majority of them describe his
relationship with Buddhism and the A. First 1. Courtesy to relation and (b) 1 2 5 3
elders, consideration for ) 2 3 1 4 5
Sangha animals. (d) 3 2 1 4 5
2. All of them are written in the Prakrit
B. Second 2. Respect to Brahmins.
language.
3. Brahmi was the script used in all of them.
C. Third 3. Measures of social
weltare.
Post-Mauryan Age
1 . The most popular Saka ruler in India
4. Their evidence is corroborated by that
of
D. Fourth 4. Relationship between
several literary sources. was
servants and masters
Select the correct answer using the codes and proper treatment of (a) Ghamalika (6) Rudradaman
given below. prisoners. (c) Nahpara (d) Ushavaata

(a) Both 3 and 4 E. Fifth 5. Prohibition of animal According to Harshacharita, who killed
sacritices and festive the
(b) Both 2 and 4 Maurya King Brihadratha?
c) Both 1 and 3
gatherings (a) Kanishkal (b) Pushyamitra

(d) All of the

above (c) Dashratha (d) Ashoka
ANCIENTHISTORY
1-73
India, the
two political centre of 59. With reference to
Tn
Kushana pOwer were Sangam literature, 65. Which of the following Puranas give us
consider the following statements.
Kosi and
Avanti
1. Puram category refers to
information about genealogy of the
(a) Mathura militarism, the Guptas?
Peshawar and horse, iron arrowheads etc.
b) 1. Vayu 2. Matsya
and Meerut 2. Aham category of
(c) Kalsi Lumbini
literature idealises the 3. Vishnu 4. Bhagavata
Taxila and love aspect.
d) 5. Skanda 6. Brahmana
true Which of the
AWhich statement is regarding the
is/are correct?
statement(s) given above 7. Markandeya
Arhat? Select the correct answer using the codes
who strives to attain nibbana and (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(a) One given below.
having achieved this goal for himself, (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 1,2,3 and 4
disappears from the cycle of samsara
60. Which of the (b) 2,4,5 and 6
b) One who has attained great wisdom,
one
following is not the
but decides to refrain from taking the
anthology of Sangam literature? (c) 3,5,6 and 7
final step into nibbana
(a) Ettutotai (b) Tirrukurala (d) All of the above
c) One who is born an ascetic in an earlier
(c) Pattupattu (o) Aingurunuru 66. Arrange the following Gupta emperors
birth 61. Which of the following is in the chronological order.
the above matched?
correctly 1. Samudragupta
(d) None of 2. Kumaraguptal
Dynasties Rulers 3. Chandraguptal 4. Skandagupta
56. Matchthe following. (a) Cheras Karikala 5. Ghatotkachagupta 6. Chandragupta ll
List List I (b) Chola Select the correct answer using the codes
Simuka
A. Chaitya 1. Three baskets (c) Pandya Nedujeliyan given below.
B. Tripitaka 2. Pillared hall (d) Satvahana (a) 5, 3, 1, 6,2, 4
Senguttan
3. A Buddhist Shrine (b) 3, 4, 1,2,6,5
C. Vihara 62. Which of the following statement(s) is/
D. Mandapa 4. A Buddhist Monastery are correct? (c) 4, 2,5, 1,6,3
1.
() 2,1, 4,6,5,3
Silappadikaram was written by Sattanar.
Codes 2. Manimekalai was written by 67. The Gupta rulers did not require as
A BC D A B C D Tllango
Adigal many ofñicials as the Mauryas did.
(a) 3 1 4 2 (b) 4 3 1 2 Which one of the following is not a
Codes
3 14 c) 1 2 3 4
(c) 2 (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 reason for this?
56. According to Mahayana perspective, (c) Both 1 and 2 (a) Much of the imperial administration
(a) Neither 1 nor 2
was managed by feudatories and
which statement is not true?
beneficiaries
(a) It increased the gulf between the The Gupta Empire (b) The state did not take part in economic
attainments of Arhat and Buddha
63. The Gupta coins give us information activities on any big scale as it did in
(b) It also introduced the idea of
about Maurya times
transcendent Buddhas and
1. chronology and territory ofthe Guptas. (c) The participation of leading artisans
Bodhisattvas, who stood between
2. personal life, tastes and hobbies of the merchants, elders etc in rural and urban
nibbana and samsara
Guptas. administration also lessened the need
c) It conceived of many Buddhas and
for maintaining a large retinue of
Bodhisattvas such as Maitreya, 3. script and science of metallurgy of the
officers
Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri Guptas.
(d) The Gupta emperors generally
(0) It conceived of only Buddha at a time, 4. economic conditions of the Gupta
period.
patronised Brahmanism rather than
who could deliver in their Kshetra
heterodox sects
(fields) Which of the statements given above are
correct? 68. Consider the following statements
57. Consider the following statements. about taxation during Gupta period.
a)1,2 and 3 (b) 2,3 and 4
1. Hellenistic influence is an important 1. The principal sources of revenue were
aspect of the Mathura School of Art.
(c) 1,3 and 4 (d) All of these
the bhaga, duties at ports, ferries and
2. The Mathura School of Art was not only 64. Kalidasa's works include fortified stations.
religious but also secular. 1. Abhigyana Sakuntalam 2. Rulers got income from the crown lands,
Which of the statement(s) given above 2. Meghadootam mines etc.
is/are correct? 3. Raghuvamsa 3. Taxes were collected only in kind.
(a) Only 1 4. Malavikagnimitram 4. Forced labour was not unknown and we
(b) Only 2
5. Ritusambhara hear of a special kind of corvee called
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
bhotta-visti on the horders of Tibet.
6. Kumarasambhava
5. Extra taxation was resorted to in times of
South India Select the correct answer using the codes
emergency, from which even temples
58. The earliest available work in the
given below. were not exempted.
a) 1,3, 4 and 5
Sangam Tamils is Which of the statements given above are
(a) Maduraikanchi (b) Tolkappiyam (b) 1,2,3 and 4 correct?
(c) 1,2, 4, 5 and 6
(c) Pattinapalai (a) 1,2 and4 (b) 1,2,3 and 4
(d) Tirumurugarrupadai (d) All of the above (c) 1,2,4 and 5 (d) All of these
 GSP General Studies (perr
1-76 ber 1)

34. With reference to ancient Jain:

19. Match the
following 26. Lord Buddha preached the following
which one of the following Jainism,
List List
four noble truths. Put them in
correct
is correct
statements
below.
(Rigvedic Name) order using the codes given (a) Jainism was spread in South
(Modern Name) 1. There is suffering under the leadership of Sthulabah India
Gomati 1. Gomal 2. There is cessation of sufferin9
Krumu 2. Kurram to the b) The Jains who remained under
3. There is a path leading leadership of Bhadrabahu wera n
C. Suvasthu 3. Swati cessation of suffering. Shvetambaras after the council
D. Drishadvati 4. Ghaggar 4. There is a cause of suffering. held at
Codes above Pataliputra
Which of the statements given
A BC D A B C D
(c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the
are correct? Kalinga King Knaravela in the 1st
(a)2 4 3 1 (b) 1 2 3 4 (a) 1,4, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 4, 3 and 2 century BC
)4 3 21 (d) 1 4 3 2 4 and 3
(c)1,3, 2 and 4 (d) 1,2, (d) In the initial stage of Jainism, the Jaino
20. Consider the following statements and
27. Which of the following statement is worshipped images unike Buddhists
select the differences between a Chaitya
and a Vihara. not correct? 35. Which amongst the following statement
at
(a) Chaitya is a place of worship whereas (a) The statue of Gomateshwara regarding the satavahanas is
Sravanabelagola represents the last not
Vihara is a living place for Buddhist saints correct?
Tirthankara of the Jains
(b) Vihara is a place of worship whereas (a) The Satavahanas are identified with the
Chaitya is a place of living for Buddhist
(b) India's largest Buddhist monastery is Andhras of the Puranas
in Arunachal Pradesh
saints c) The Khajuraho temples were built (b) The Satavahanas claimed the descent
(C) Chaitya and Vihara both can be used as of the Brahmins and followed
under Chandela kings
a place for living Brahmanical Vedic tradition
(d) The Hoysalesvara temple
(d) There is not much difference between the (c) Satavahanas and Shakas were
dedicated to Shiva
two involved in a prolonged conflict
28. The stupa site which is not connected
21. Which of the
following propounded that with any incident of Lord Buddha's life (d)Vasishthiputra Satakarni deieated
Shaka ruler Rudradaman
"destiny determines everything, man is is
powerless"? (a) Sarnath (b) Sanchi 36. Match the following.
(a) Jains (b) Buddhists (c) Bodhgaya (o) Kushinagara List List II
(c) Ajivikas ) Mimansakas 29. Prabhas Giri is a pilgrim spot of
A. Janakiharana 1. Pravarasena
22. Jivaka, the royal physician of Rajgriha, a) Buddhists (b) Jains Vakataka
was the son of the Ganika named as (c) Saivites (o) Vaishnavites
a) Salavati (b) Ramaniya
B. Kiratarjuniya Kumaradasa
30. Which of the following Ashokan C. Ravanavadha 3. Bharavi
(c) Basantsena (d) Amrapali inscription is in Kharosthi script?
(a) Kalsi
D. Setubandha 4. Maghal
23. The Tripitaka was written in (b) Girnar
(c) Shahbazgarhi (d) Meerut E. Shisupalavadha 5. Bhatti
(a) Brahmi (b) Kharoshti
(c) Pali (d) Sanskrit 31. Turamaya, a contemporary of Ashoka, Codes
24. Which of the was the ruler of AB C DE
following pairs are correctly (a) Egypt (b) Corinth a) 1 3 2 4 5
matched?
(c) Macedonia () Syria (b) 4 3 1 25
1. Gayatri Mantra Rigveda 32. The practice of Military (c) 2 3 5 4
2. Griha and Kalpa Vedangas Governorship (d) 2 5 3 4 1
Dharma Sutras was first introduced in India by the
3. God Ashwin Protector of conjugal (a) Greeks b) Shakas 37. Which of the
(c) Parthians
one following was a Saiva
love and life (d) Mughals sect of ancient India?
Codes 33. The Jains believe that Jainism is the (a) Ajivika
(a) Both 1 and 2 (b) Both 1 and 3 outcome of the teachings of 24 (b) Mattamayura
(c) Both 2 and 3 (d) All of these Tirthankaras. In the light of this (c) Mayamata
25. Consider the following statements. statement, which one amongst the (d) Isana Shiva Gurudeva Paddhati
1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was following is correct of Vardhamana
38. Which site
Mahavira? provides the earliest evidence
assassinated by his Commander- (a) He was the 1st Tirthankara and the of the domestication of animals?
in-Chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.
founder of Jainism 1. Sohan river valley of
2. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti, was Punjab
assassinated by his Brahmana Minister (b) He was the 23rd Tirthankara, the first 2. Bagor in Rajasthan
Vasudeva Kanva, who usurped the 22nd Tirthankaras being considered 3. Belan valley in Mirzapur
throne. legendary 4.
(Uttar Pradesn)
(c) He was the last and 24th Tirthankara,
Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh
3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was Select the correct answer
deposed by the Andhras. who was not considered as the using the codes
founder of the new faith but a given below.
Which of the statement(6) given is/are
reformer of the existing religious sect (a) 1,2 and 3
correct?
(d) He was not one of the 24th (b) 2 and4
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2
(d) All of these
Tirthankara (C) 2,3 and 4
c) Only 3
(d) All of the above
ANCIENT HISTORY
1-77
39. Which of the following is not comectly 2. Its proceedings were conducted in 49. Which of the following statements are
matched? Sanskrit. true about Jainism?
(a) Kula Kulapa 3. It was held during the lifetime of
1. Jain monks did not indulge in
(b) Grama Gramani Buddha.
metaphysical discussions.
(c) Vis Vispati 4. Its main purpose was to maintain the
2. Mahavira followed a liberal policy
(o) Rashtra Patil purity of Buddha's teachings.
towards women.
40. Which of the following pairs is correctly Which of the statements given above 3. Jainism did not encourage
are corect? agriculture.
matched?
4. Jainism used Prakrit to
a) Both 1 and 4 propagate
1. Matsya Virat (b) 2,3 and4 teaching as it was the language of the
2. Asmaka Potana (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) All of these common people.

Kamboja Taxila 45. Who among the

following scholars Select the correct answer using the codes
4. Gandhara Rajpura were contemporary of Kanishka? given below.
5. Anga Champa Ashvaghosa 2. Nagarjuna (a) 1,2 and3
Shuktamati 3. Vasumitra 4. Chanakya (b) 1,3 and4
6. Cn edi
Codes Select the correct answer using the () 2,3 and4
(a) 1,2,3 and 4 (b) 2,3,5 and 6 codes given below. (d) Both 2 and 3
3, 4,5 and 6 (o) 1,2,5 and 6 (a) Both 1 and 2 50. Which of the following was the actual
(c)
(b) Both 3 and 4 cause of the Kainga War?
41. Match the following.
(c) Both 2 and 4 (a) Ashoka wanted to control both the land
List List II (o) 1,2 and3 and sea routes to South India and any
(King) (Kingdom) 46. The Buddha did not talk of hostile power obstructing the route
1. Magadha
spiritual Would have to be conquered
A. Pradyota aspects such as God, soul, life after
B. Udayana 2. Vatsa death etc because (b) Kalinga had grown very powerful during
(a) he did not intend to establish a formed the reign of Bindusara and was posing
C. Prasenjit 3. Avanti
a danger to the Mauryan empire
D. Ajatshatru 4. Kosala religion
(b) he was concerned only With ethical (c) The Nagas, the sea-faring people of
aspects of life Kalinga, were indulged in piracy and
Codes
c) he wanted to resolve only the practical bstructing the foreign trade
A BCD ABC D (d) Kalinga was a throne in the body-politic
(a) 1 4 2 3 (b) 2 3 1 4 aspects of life
of the empire
c)3 2 4 1 (0) 4 1 3 2 (d) he considered such speculation as
unnecessary 51. Match the following.
42. Match the following.
47. Consider the following with reference List List I
List List I to the disintegration and decline of
A. Amatyas 1. Concerned with
A. Vrajpati .Spy the Mauryan empire
economic functions
B. Purpati 2. Commander of Mud forts 1. Brahmanical revolt. and some military
C. Kshata 3. Chamberlain 2. King Ashoka's pacifist policies. duties.
D. Spasa 4. Head of the Pasture land 3. Invasions from outside. B. Tirthas |2. Highest category of
4. Weakness of Ashoka's successors. officials and were
Codes eighteen in numbers.
Which of the above reasons led to the
A BCD ABC D disintegration and decline of the C. Adhyakshya 3. Functioned in
a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 4 3 21 administration and
Mauryan empire?
(c) 4 2 31 (d) 1 3 4 2 judicial capacity.
(a)1,2 and4 (b) 2 and 4
D. Mahamattas 4. The Arthashastra
43. With reference to the history of ancient (c) 1 and 3 d) All of these
uses this term in the
India, which of the following was/were 48. Which of the following is true about sense of a minister.
common to Buddhism and Jainism?
Jainism? Codes
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance
1. Arya Sudharman was the only A BC D A B C D
and enjoyment.
Gandhara, who survived Mahavira. (a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 3 4 1
2. Indifference to the authority of the
2. During the reign of Dhanananda, the (c) 3 2 1 4 (d) 4 1 23
Vedas.
last ruler of Magadha, Sambhutavijaya 52. The description of the administration of
3. Denial of efficiency of rituals. headed the Jaina church.
Which of the statement(5) given above Pataliputra is available in
3. The book Kalpasutra was written by
is/are correct? Bhadrabahu who was contemporary of (a) Divyavadana
(6) Arthashastra
(a) Only 1 (b) Both 2 and 3 Chandragupta Maurya.
(c) Indica
(c) Both 1 and 3 (d) All of these 4. The first Jain Council was presided
Over by Devardhi Kshemashramana, (d) Ashoka's inscriptions
44.
Consider the following statements in
Select the correct answer using the 53. The word Sangam is associated in Tamil
the context of First Buddhist Council.
codes given below. history with
1. Anand and Upali laid down the Sutta
(a) Both 1 and 3 (b) Both 2 and 4 (a) the literature produced during the reign
Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka respectively.
c) 1,2 and 3 (d) 1,3 and4 of the Pallava dynasty of Kanchi.
 1-78 GSP General Studies ( tudies (aper1)
(6) the poems written 2. Yajna Satkarni (Satavahana
lrismudradhiing
in
Pandyan kings of the Earlypraise
of the (b) They laid claim to divinity was described as
Christian era (C) Appointments to the most importan by Bana.
(c) the court poetry of Chola himseir
were kings, who offices were made by the ruler 3. The office of Amatya and P
famous for
patronising artists (d)The kings often laid down codes o
appears first in the
(d) a
college or assembly (literary guidance
for the of their
Satavahanas.
inscriptions of the
academy) Tamil scholars held under
of egulation
the royal officers and the people Which of the statements given
patronage of Pandyan kings are
at Madurai 59. Consider the following statements. correct?

54. 1. Muziris was an ancient sea port on tne (a) Both 1 and 2 (b) Both 2 and
Consider the following Mauryan rulers. Malabar Coast in Karnataka which served (c) Both 1 and 3 3
1. Ashoka
2. Dasaratha
(d) All of these
as one of the world's greatest trading
3. Brihadratha 4. Kunal 63. In which of the
Who among them bore the
title of
centre in the East.
2. As per historical records, the port was inscriptions has the name of EolAshoka
onng
Devanampiya:
(a) Only 1 used for trade of goods ranging from been mentioned?
(a) Bhabru Edict
(b) Both 1 and 2 spices to precious stones with Greeks,
(c) 1.2 and 3 (d) All of the above Romans and rest. (b) Rock Edict XlI|
55. 3. It was a key centre for trade and hub of the
Which of the following is not correctly spice route in ancient times befween
(C)Rummendei Pillar Inscription
matched? (d) Minor Rock Edict of Maski
southern India on one side and Egyptians,
School of
Ideology Phoenicians, Greeks and Roman Empire 64. Which of the following dynasties
Philosophy on the other side. arose after the decline of
(a) Vedanta Methods of self-inquiry Which of the following statements is/are Satavahana empire?
(b) Nyaya Brahma as fundamental correct? 1. The Abhiras 2. The lkshvakus
force 3. The Chutusatkarni 4. The
C) Samkhya Origin from purusha and
(a) Only 1 (b) 1,2 and 3 Pallavas
(c) 2 and 3 (d) None of these Select the correct answer using the
prakriti
60. Match the codes given below.
(d) Mimasa Philosophy related to following. a) 1,2 and 4 (b) Only 2
Vedic rituals List List II (c) Both 2 and 4 (d) All of these
56. Match the
following. (Dynasty) (Feature)
65. Match the
List A. The | 1. The restorer of Varna following.
List II
(Rock Edicts and Kushanaas Srama- Dharma. List List II
(Contents) B. The
inscriptions of 2. First inscription in (Tamil Work(s) (Dealing with
Ashoka) Satavahanas chaste Sanskrit.
A. Tolkappiyam 1. Love story of
C. The Sakas 3. Visit of
A 14 Major 1. New system of St Thomas. Kovalan and
Rock Edicts administration (Western) Madhavi.
D. Parthians 4. Largest number of
after Kalinga War. B. Tirukkural 2. Adventures of
B. Copper COins.
Kalinga Rock 2. Various principles the daughter
Edicts of Dhamma. Codes born of the
C. Minor Rock 3 Ashoka's A BC D union of
Edicts conversion to (a) 1 2 3 4 Kovalan and
Buddhism.
D. Bhabru-Bairat 4. Personal history
(b)
(c)
4
4
1
1
2
3
3
2
Madhavi
C. Silappadikaram 3. Deals with
Rock Edicts of Ashoka and (d) 1 2 4 3
grammar and
Summary of his
61. Which one of the poetries
Dhamma. following is not true D. Manimekalai
about the differences between Varna and 4. Deals with
Codes
Jati? philosophy and
ABC D AB C D
(a) The Varna are divided on the basis of their WIse maxXims.
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 1 4 3
() 1 2 43 functions, whereas the Jati hierarchy is
(d) 2 1 3 4 Codes
organised on the principle of the absolute
57, The entire fourth book of Kautilya's purity of the Brahmana caste and the ABCD A BCD
Arthashastra deals with Kantaka (a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 3 4 12
relative impurity of all other castes
Shodhana, which means (b) The Varna are
()1 2 4 3 (d) 3 4 21
broad categories
(a) the suppression of criminals and other subsuming within them a large number of 66. Match the following.
anti-social elements Jati in a rather loose fashion
(b) criminal justice (c) The Varna system operates at the
List List II
(c) Both (a) and (b) pan-India level whereas Jati A. First Sangam
generally 1. Madurai
(d) intelligence and espionage operates at local level B.
58. Which of the following statements (d) The Varna is a religious Second Sangam 2. Tennadura

Jati is a social category

category whereas C. Third Sangam
3. Kavatupuram
about the Mauryan kings is not correct?
had extensive 62. Consider the following statements. Codes
(a) They powers
encompassing adrninistrative, judiclal 1.Pulumavi Ind (Satavahana king) founded ABC
and legislative functions the town of (a) 12 3
A BC
Navanagar (c) 2 3 1
(b) 3
(d) 1 3 2
ANCIENT HISTORY
1-79

e7. Consider the following about society 72. Match the following 80. Who among the following took the
in Vedic era.
List List II title of Vikramaditya?
1, The chariot race was a popular sport
(a) Chandraguptal (b) Chandragupta l
among vedic Aryans. A. Chandragupta 1. Kumardevi
2, The references to gambling' are not
cSamudragupta (d) Skandagupta
B. Samudragupta 2. Dattadevi
found in Rigveda. 81. Match the following
C. Chandragupta l 3. Dhruvdevi
Which of the above statement(s) is/are D. Kumaragupta List ListI
4. Mahadevi
correct?
A. Ajit Kesh Kamblin 1. Fatalism
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 Codes B. Sanjay Vethaliputta 2. Atomist
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these A BC D A BCD
C. Pakudh Kachayan 3. Materialism
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 4 3 2
68. Match the following (c)3 2 1 4 D. Puran Kashyap 4. Materialism-
(o) 2 3 4
List List I Synicism
73. Which of the following is the correct
A. Sadbhaga 1. Customs and tols. Codes
sequence of administrative divisions in
2. Land revenue. A BC D A BC D
B. Bali the Gupta period?
(a)3 4 1 2 (b) 1 2 3 4
C. Shulka 3. A petty cess besides (a) Bhukti, Vishya, Vithi, Grama (c) 2 1 3 4 (d) 1 2 4 3
king's normal shave. (b) Vishya, Bukti, Vithi, Grama
82. There was brisk commercial contact
C) Vithi, Grama, Bukti, Vishya
Codes
(d) None of the above
between Rome and Tamil Nadu during
A B C A BC the Sangam period. Many articles
(a)3 1 2 (b) 1 2 3 74. Consider the following ste cements. were exported from Tamil Nadu to
(c) 2 1 3 (d) 1 3 2 1. Rome. Which one of the following
Sengutturan, the son of Imayavaramban
was the contemporary of Yajna Sri Satkarni. items was not included in the export?
69. Match the following.
2. The Silappadikaram gives a detailed (a) Spices (b) Beryl (o) vony (o) Wine
List List I account of the exploits of Senguttuvan. 83. Which one of the following objects of
A. Fa-Hien 1. Indians had no Which of the statement(s) given above Roman manufacture has been most
sense of history. is/are correct? abundantly found in India?
B. Alberuni 2. There was no (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (a) Potsherds (b) Bronze icons
provision of death () Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 c) Lamps (d) Coins
sentence 75. The Paditrupputtu is a collection of poems 84. Match the following.
C. Hiuen Tsang 3. Indians will not in the praise of which of the following List List lI
take anything kings? (Post) (Functions)
wrongfully and (a) Chera (b) Chola
yield more than A. Chauroddharanika 1. Guild of
C) Pandya (d) None of these Artisans
fairness requires.
76. Which of the B. Danda Pasika 2. Magistrate
one following is correctly
Codes matched? in towns
A BC A B C (a) Kural Kamban C. Vinaya-sthiti 3. Watchman
(a) 2 13 (b) 1 2 3 (b) Aingurunuru Paranar thapaka
(c)3 2 1 () 1 3 2 (c) Purananrur Mamalanar D. Kulika 4 Police
70. Which of the following Gupta (a) Silappadikaram llango Adigal Codes
inscriptions are in the nature of 77. Which of the followirg poets of AB C D ABC D
Prasastis? the Sangam age has referred to a Mauryan (a) 4 2 13 (b) 2 3 4 1
expedition against a Tamil chieftain? c)3 2 1 4 (d) 3 4 2
1. Allahabad pillar 2. Eran pillar
3. Mehrauli pillar (a) Paranar (b) Awalyar 85. The first major inscription in classical
4. Junagadh rock
5. Bhitari pillar (c) llango Adigal (d) Mamulanar Sanskrit is that of
Select the correct answer using the 78. Which of the following characterised the (a) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
codes given below. Tamil Society of the Sangam Age? (b) Kanishkal
1. Complex Caste System. (c) Rudradaman
(a) Both 1 and 2 (b) 2,3,4and 5
(c) All of these (o) None of these 2. Prohibition of inter-marriage between the (d) Samudragupta
Kings and the Vellalas. 86. Fa-Hien's mission to India was to
T1. Consider the following statements. 3. Vegetarianism among the Brahamanas (a) learn about the administrative system
1. The temple architecture prevalent
4. Gradual Aryanisation. of the Gupta kings
between Himalaya and VindhyaS was
Codes b) understand the social position of
known as Nagara style.
(a) Only 1 (b) Both 1 and 2 Women during the Gupta period
2. Nagara style often incorporated a
) Both 2 and 3 (d) Only 4 (c) visit the Buddhist institutions and to
circular ground plan.
collect copies Buddhist
Which of the statement(s) given above 79. The first translator of Mahabharata into
manuscripts
1s/are correct? Tamil was (d) get full knowledge about the condition
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (a) Perundevanar (b) Kamban of peasants during the period of
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these (c) Hala (d) Bharavi Gupta kings
 1-80
GSP General Studies (pe
87. The
Yogachara School of Thought in 94. The silver coins issued by the Guptas
(a) Ashoka (b) Chandra
Buddhism founded by
was (c) Harsha (d) Anangapala
(a) Nagarjuna were called
(b) Maiteryanath 101. Consider the following statemente
(c) Asanga (a) Rupaka (b) Karshapana
(o) Vasubandhu (c) Dinara (d) Pana 1. Gupta emperors claimed divine right s
88. In sanskrit
plays written during the 95. Which of the following is not
themselves. ight tor
Gupta Period, women and Sudras 2. Their administration was hignhly
(a) Sanskrit speak correctly matched? centralised.
(b) Prakrit
) Pali Finding(s) Scholar(s) 3. They elaborated the tradition of
(d) Suraseni
89. What (a) Time taken by the Bhaskaracha grants land
is the correct
order in which the chronological Earth to orbit the Sun -rya Which of the statements given above
in India? following appeared (b) Calculation of the Budhayana correct? e
value of t (pie) (a) Both 2 and 3 (b) Both 1 and 2
1. Gold coins
2. (Invention of digit zero: Kautilya (c) Both 1 and 3 (d) All of these
Punch-marked silver coins
3. Iron plough a) The game of snakes Gyandev
4. Urban culture and ladders 102, Which of the following statement is not
Select the correct answer correct?
using the codes 96. Match the following. The earliest indian coins
given below. (a) bore no
(a) 3, 4, 1 and 2 List List lI inscriptions
(b) 3, 4, 2 and 1
c) 4,3, 1and 2 A. Vishakhdatta 1. Medicine (b) The Satavahanas of Deccan mad
(d) 4,3, 2 and 1 coins of lead
B. Varahamihira 2. Drama
90. Consider the
following statements. C. Charaka 3. Astronomy
(c) Guptas issued Hupaka the silver coins
1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended the D. Brahmagupta 4. Mathematics
(d) Gold coinage in India was started by
Fourth Great Buddhist Council held Harshavardhana
by
Kanishka.
Codes 103. Which of the following Smritikaras gave
2. The Chinese
pilgrim Hiuen Tsang met ABCD AB C D the widowa position next to that of
Harsha and found him to be
antagonistic (a) 1 3 4 2 (b) 2 1 3 4 son in matter of inheritance?
the
to Buddhism.
()2 3 14 (o) 3 4 1 2 (a) Yajnavalakya (b) Manu
Which of the statement(s)
given above 97. From the AD 3rd century, when the (c) Brihaspati (d) Katyayana
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 Hun a invasion ended the Roman 104. Which of the
(b) Only 2 following statements
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 empire, the Indian merchants relied regarding Ashoka stone pillars is
more and more on the incorrect?
91. Where is the famous
Kandariya Mahadeva (a) African trade a) These are highly polished
temple located? (b) West-European trade (b) These are monolithic
(a) Amravati (b) Haridwar (c) South-East Asian trade (c) The shaft of pillars is taperating in
(c) Khajuraho (d) Nasik (d) Middle-Eastern trade shape
92. Which of the following ports handled the 98. Sudraka's Mricchakatikam is a (d) These are parts of architectural structures
North Indian trade during the a) drama
Gupta (b) novel 105. The five Hellinic kings, all
Period? (c) poem (d) short story contemporaries of Ashoka, found
a) Tamralipta (b) Broach mentioned in Rock Edict XII are
99. Who of the following Gupta kings
) Kalyan (d) Cambay (a) Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas
granted permission to Meghaverma,
93. The famous Jain Scholar Hemachandra the ruler of Sri Lanka to build a and Alexander
was patronised by Buddhist temple at Gaya? (b) Antiochus, Arrian, Apian, Plutarch and
(a) Amoghavarsha (a) Chandraguptal (b) Samudragupta Magas
(b) Dharmapala (c) Chandragupta ll (o) Skandagupta (c) Antiochus, Nearchus, Hercules, Megas
and Alexander
(c) Chandragupta Maurya 100. In the courtyard of the Quwwat-ul-
(o) Diogenes, Hercules, Diodotus, Magas
(0) Kumarapala Chalukya Islam mosque of Delhi stands the and Alexander
famous Iron pillar in the memory of

Answers
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (a) (a)
4. 5. (d) 6 (d) 7. (b) 8. (d)
11. (c) 12. (a) 9. C) 10. (a)
13. 4 (b) 15. (d) 16. (b) 17. (d) 18. (d) 19. (b)
21. (C) 22. (a) 23. (c) 24. (a) 25. (d) 26. a) 27. (a)
20. (a)
28. (b) 29. (b) 30. (C)
31. (a) 32. (a) 33. (c) 34. (c) 35. (d) 36. (c) 37. (b) 38. (b) 39. (d) 40. (d)
41. C) 42. (b) 43. b) 44. (a) 45. (d) 46. (c) 47. (d) 48. (d) 49. (a) 50. (a)
51. (d) 52. (c) 53. (d) 54.(b) 55. (b) 56. (b) 57. (c) 58. (b) 59. c) 60. ()
61. (6) 62. (6) 63. (d) 64. (d) 65. (b) 66. (c) 67. (a) 68. (a)
71. a) 72. a) 73. (a) 74. (a) 75. (a) 76. (d) 77. (d)
69. (a) 70. (a)
78. (d) 79. (a) 80. 6)
81. (a) 82. (d) 83. (d) 84. (d) 85. (C) 86. (c) 87. (b) 88. C) 89. (d) 90.(d)
91. (c) 92. (a) 98. (a) 94. (a) 95. (c) 96. (c) 97. (c) 98. (a) 99.
101. (d) 102. (d) 103. (c) 104. (d) 105. (a) (d) 100. (b)
 SET UPSC QUESTIONS (2017-2005)
2017 2. Sarvastivadin held
of phenomena
that the constituents 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on
were not wholly his way to enlightenment.
the difference
With reference tO momentary, but existed forever in a
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own
hetween the culture of Rigvedic Aryans latent form.
salvation to help all sentient beings on
and IndusValley people, which of the Which of the statements given above their path to it.
following statements is/are correct? is/are correct? Which of the statements given above
used the coat of mail
1. Rigvedic Aryans (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
and helmet in warfare whereas the is/are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
people of Indus Valley Civilisation did (a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3
not leave any evidence of using them. (c) Only 2 (d) 1,2 and3
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and 2016
copper whereas Indus valley people
knew only copper and iron. 6. What is/are common to the two 2015
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the historical places krnown as Ajanta and 11. Which of the following kingdoms were
horse whereas there is no evidence of Mahabalipuram? associated with the life of the Buddha?
Indus Valley people having been aware 1. Both were built in the same
period. 1. Avanti 2. Gandhara
of this animal. 2. Both belong to the same religious 3. Kosala 4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code denomination Select the correct answer using the codes
given below 3. Both have rock-cut monuments.
given below.
(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3 Select the correct answer using the codes (a) 1,2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
(c)1 and 3 (d) 1,2 and 3 given below (c) 1,3 and 4 (d) 3 and 4
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 3
2. With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana,
(c) 1 and 3
consider the following statements.
1.It is a song and dance performance. (d) None of the above 2014
2. Cymbals are the only musical 7. In the context of the history of India, 12. Which one of the following pairs does
instruments used in the performance consider the following pairs: not form part of the six systems of
3. It is performed to narrate the life and Term Indian philosophy?
Description
deeds Lord Krishna. 1. Eripatti (a) Mimamsa and Vedanta
Land, revenue from
Which of the statements given above which was set apart for (b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
is/are correct? the maintenance of the (c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(a) 1,2 and3 (b) 1 and 3 village tank (d) Sankhya and Yoga
c) 2 and 3 o) Only 1 2. Taniyurs Villages donated to a 13. The national motto of India, 'Satyameva
single Brahmin or a Jayate' inscribed below the emblem of
3. Who among the following was/were group of Brahmins
associated with the introduction of India is taken from
3. Ghatikas Colleges generally (a) Katha Upanishad
Ryotwar Settlement in India during attached to the temples
the British rule? (b) Chandogya Upanishad
1. Lord Cornwallis Which of the pairs given above is/are () Aitareya Upanishad
2. Alexander Read
corectly matched? (d) Mundaka Upanishad
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 3
3. Thomas Munro 14. Which of the following kingdoms were
) 2 and 3 (o) 1 and 3
Select the correct answer using the code associated with the life of the Buddha?
given below. 8. Which one of the following books of 1. Avanti 2. Gandhara
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 3 ancient India has the love story of the 3. Kosala 4. Magadha
(c) 2 and 3 d) 1,2 and 3
son of the founder of Sunga dynasty? Select the correct answer using the codes
(a) apnavasavadatta (b) Malavikagnimitra below.
4. Which one of the following
very was a (d) Ratnavali
(c) Meghadoota (a) 1,2 and3 (b) 2 and 4
important seaport in the Kakatiya
9. Who of the following had first (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1,3 and 4
kingdom? deciphered the edicts of Emperor
(a) Kakinada 15. Chaitra I of the national calendar based
Ashoka? on the Saka Era corresponds to which
(b) Motupali
(a) Georg Buhler (b) James Prinsep one of the following dates of the
C) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
(c) Max Muller (d) William Jones Gregorian calendar in a normal year of
() Nelluru
10. With reference to the religious history 365 days?
5. With reference to the
of India, consider the
religious history of India, consider the following (a) 22nd March (or 21st March)
following statements (b) 15th May (or 16th May)
statements. 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the (c) 31st March (or 30th March)
Hinayana sect of Buddhism. (d) 21st April (or 20th April)
sects of Jainism.
1-82 GSPI Generalstudiess Paper

2013 . The wages, rules of

work,
and prices were fixed by the guia.
standards
2010
16. Which one 25. There are only two known
of the its
best the following describes
concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
(a) The extinction of the
3. The guild had judicial powers
Own members.
over
cave paintings of the
Gupta
ancient India. One of these is
examplperioedis y
flame of desire the codes
Select the correct answer using
(b) The complete annihilation
(c) A state of bliss and rest
of self given below.
of Ajanta caves. Where
surviving example ofGupta
the ånotthineray
(d) A mental
stage beyond all
(a) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(b) Only 3
(d) All of these
(a) Bagh caves

(b) Ellora caves

paintings
comprehension (c) Lomas Rishi caves
17. Which of the
following characterises/
characterise the people of Indus
2011 (d) Nasik caves

Civilisation? 21. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilisation, 26, Why did Buddhism start declinina:
1. They possessed great consider the following statements India in the early medieval time
temples. palaces and
1. It was predominantly a secular 1. Buddha was by that time considered
2. They worshipped, both male one of the incarnations
and
CIVilisation and the religious element, of Vishnu
female deities the thus became a part of Vaishnavis
though present, did not dominate
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in Scene 2. The invading tribes from Central de..
warfare. 2. During this period, cotton was used for the time of last Gupta king
adoto.
Select the correct answer using the codes manufacturing textiles in India. Hinduism and persecuted Buddhistsopded
given below. of the statement(s) given above 3. The kings of Gupta dynasty
Which strongly opposed to Buddhism.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2 is/are correct?
(c) All of these (d) None of these (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 Which of the statement(s) given
(c) Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 is/are correct? above
18. Which of the (d)
following statements 22. The 'dharma' and 'rita'
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 3
is/are applicable to Jain Doctrine? depict a central (c) 2 and 3
1. The surest idea of ancient Vedic civilisationof (d) 1,2 and 3
way of annihilating Karma is India. In this context, consider the
to practice penance
2. Every object, even the smallest particles
following statements
1. Dharma was a Conception of
2009|
has a soul.
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and
obligations and of the discharge of 27. Anekantavada is a core
theory and
must one's duties to oneself and to others. philosophy of which one of the
be ended.
2. Rita' was the fundamental moral law following?
Select the correct answer using the codes governing the functioning of the (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism
given below. universe and all it contained. C)Sikhism (d) Vaishnavism
(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3 Which of the statement(s) given above
()1 and 3 (o) All of these 28. Mahamastakabhisheka, a
is/are correct? great
religious event, is associated with and
19. With reference to the (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
history of
c) Both 1 and 2
done for who of the following?
philosophical thought in India, (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) Bahubali (b) Buddha
consider the following statements 23. The Jain philosophy holds that the
(c) Mahavirj (d) Nataraja
Tegarding Samkhya school. world is maintained by
1. Samkhya does not accept the theory of
29. Where is the famous Virupaksha temple
(a) universal law (6) universal truth
rebirth or transmigration of soul. located?
c)universal faith d) universal soul
(a) Bhadrachalam (b) Childambaram
2. Samkhya holds that it is the 24. India maintained its early cultural
self-knowledge that leads to liberation () Hampi
contacts and trade links with
and not any influence or agent. (0) Srikalahasti
South-East Asia across the Bay of
Which of the statement(s) given above Bengal. For this pre-eminence of
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
early maritime history of Bay of 2006
Bengal, which of the following could
be the most 30. Who among the following laid the
(C) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 convincing explanation/
explanations? foundation of Rashtrakuta empire
a) As compared to other countries, India (a) Amoghavarsha
2012 had a beter ship building technology (b) Dantidurga
in ancient and medieval times
20. With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of () Dhruva
ancient India that played a very (b) The rulers of Southern India always (d) Krishnal
important role in the country's patronised traders, Brahmin priests 31.
and Buddhist monks in this context The initial
design and construeu
economy, which of the following
(c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of of which massive temple took plat
statement(s) is/are correct? during the reign of Suryavarman '
Bengal facilitated sea voyages
1. Every guild was registered with the (d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing (a) Sri Mariamman temple
central authority of the state and the
administrative
explanations in this context (b) Angkor Wat temple
the chief
king was
(c) Batu caves temple
authority on them.
(d) Kamakhya temple
ANCIENT HISTORY 1-83

82. Between
which
of the following was the 34. Consider the following statements. (a) Mahapadma Nanda
ancient town of Takshasila located? 1. The lkshavaku rulers of Southern India b) Chandragupta Maurya
Jhelum
(a) Indus and were antagonistic towards Buddhism. c) Ashoka
(b) Jhelum and Chenab 2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were (o) Samudragupta
(c) Chenab and Ravi Patrons of Buddhism.
(d) Ravi and Beas Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct? 2005
33. With reference to the invaders in
ancient ndia, which one of the (a) Only 1 36. Who among the following was not a
following is the correct chronological (b) Only 2 contemporary of the other?
order? (c) Both 1 and 2 (a) Bimbisara
(a) Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas (o) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) Gautama Buddha
(b) Greeks, Kushanas, Sakas 35. The Allahabad Pillar Inscription is c) Milinda
(c) Sakas, Greeks, Kushanas associated with which one of the (d) Prasenijit
(d) Sakas, Kushanas, Greeks
following?

Answers
1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (C) 4. (6) 5. 6) 6. (6) 7. (d) 8. b) 9. (b) 10. (b)
11. (d) 12. (C) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (a) 16. (a) 17. (b) 18. d) 19. (6) 20. (c)
21. c) 22. C) 23. a) 24. d) 25. a) 26. (a) 27. (b) 28. (a) 29. (c) 30. (6)
31. (b) 32 a 33. ( 34. b) 35. a) 36. ()