1. The Gupta dynasty ruled during :
(a) 319-500 A.D.
(b) 319-324 A.D.
(c) 325-375 A.D.
(d) 566-597 A.D.
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (a) 319-500 A.D.
- The Gupta dynasty was in power from 275 to 550 AD.
- It was formed by King Srigupta around 275 AD, but Chandragupta I was the first strong ruler of the dynasty between 319 and 335 AD.
- He was given the title of ‘Maharajadhiraja’ to demonstrate his importance, making option (a) the most accurate answer.
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2. Which of the following rulers had performed four Ashwamedhas?
(a) Pushyamitra Shunga
(b) Pravarasena-I
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Chandragupta-II
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2003, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011]
Ans. (b) Pravarasena-I
- Pravarsena-I, the King of Vakataka, conducted four Ashwamedhas and various other Vedic sacrifices.
- His successor Pravarsena-II was a great lover of literature and wrote the work ‘Setuband.
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3. Who is known as the Napoleon of India?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Chandragupta- II Vikramaditya
(c) Great Ashoka
(d) Samudragupta
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009, Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2005, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990]
Ans. (d) Samudragupta
- Historian A.V. Smith wrote a book called ‘Early History of India’ and gave the Gupta dynasty’s ruler Samudragupta (335-375 AD) the nickname ‘Napoleon of India’ due to his impressive military victories.
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4. Who is called ‘the Napoleon of Ancient India’?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Pushyamitra
(c) Kanishka
(d) Samudragupta
[56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (d) Samudragupta
- Historian A.V. Smith described Samudragupta (335-375 AD), from the Gupta dynasty, as the ‘Napoleon of India’ in his book “Early History of India” due to his remarkable military accomplishments.
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5. Who among the following Gupta Kings had another name Devagupta?
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Chandragupta- II
(c) Kumaragupta
(d) None of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]
Ans. (b) Chandragupta- II
- Chandragupta-II, a Gupta ruler, is also known as Devagupta.
- This was discovered from inscriptions found in Sanchi and Vakataka.
- Other names he is known by are Devaraja and Devashri.
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6. The first Gupta ruler to assume the title of “Param Bhagavata” was
(a) Chandragupta- I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Srigupta
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009]
Ans. (b) Samudragupta
- A writing on copper from Samudragupta from Nalanda and Gaya talks about how Samudragupta was known as the “Param Bhagavata”.
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7. The first Gupta ruler to assume the title of ‘Parama Bhagavata’ was
(a) Chandragupta- I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Ramagupta
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (b) Samudragupta
- An inscription made on copper from the places Nalanda and Gaya talks about Samudragupta being referred to as Param Bhagavata.
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8. The Allahabad Pillar inscription is associated with which one of the following?
(a) Mahapadma Nanda
(b) Chandragupta Maurya
(c) Ashoka
(d) Samudragupta
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (c) Ashoka & (d) Samudragupta
- The Ashoka pillar inscription of Allahabad is connected to Samudragupta (335-375 AD).
- It is seen as a very important historical record of the classical Gupta period written in good Sanskrit by Harisena.
- It is also known as ‘Prayag Prashasti’.
- The inscription is a compliment to Samudragupta and talks about the political and military feats of his rule, such as his travels to the South.
- It was constructed by Ashoka and was initially located in Kaushambi, then moved to Allahabad by Akbar.
- Jahangir and Birbal are also mentioned there.
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9. The Ashoka Pillar at Allahabad provides information about the reign of?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Chandragupta- I
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Samudragupta
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (d) Samudragupta
- The Ashoka pillar inscription of Allahabad is connected to the reign of Samudragupta (335-375 AD).
- This document, written in perfect Sanskrit by Harisena, is the most important piece of history from the classical Gupta age.
- It is sometimes referred to as the ‘Prayag Prashasti’, and it praises Samudragupta’s political and military accomplishments, including his trips to the south.
- The pillar was built by Ashoka and was originally located in Kaushambi, but was moved to Allahabad by Akbar.
- The names of Jahangir and Birbal can also be found on the inscription.
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10. Prayag Prashasti tells about the military campaign of –
(a) Chandragupta- I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Kumaragupta
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (b) Samudragupta
- The Ashoka pillar inscription of Allahabad is connected to Samudragupta’s rule (335-375 AD).
- It is an extremely important record of the classical Gupta era written in excellent Sanskrit by Harisena.
- It is also known as ‘Prayag Prashasti’ and is a tribute to Samudragupta, which details his political and military successes, including his southward expeditions.
- It was originally created by Ashoka in Kaushambi, which was later moved to Allahabad by Akbar.
- Jahangir and Birbal are also mentioned in the inscription.
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11. An inscription by which of the following is found on the pillar containing Prayag Prasasti of Samudragupta?
(a) Jahangir
(b) Shahjahan
(c) Aurangzeb
(d) Dara Shikoh
[U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (a) Jahangir
- Prayag Prashasti is the name of Allahabad’s pillar, which was made by Ashoka.
- It has 4 inscriptions, which include a message from Ashoka’s wife Karuvaki, a message written by Harisena in Sanskrit and Brahmi, and a message from Emperor Jahangir in Persian.
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12. Which of the following inscriptions reveals information about the Silk Weavers Guild?
(a) Dashpur Inscription
(b) Prayag Prashasti
(c) Eran Inscription
(d) Hathigumpha Inscription
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (a) Dashpur Inscription
- Mandasor is also known as Dasor or Dashpur.
- In Dashpur, Sanskrit inscriptions from the early 6th century were found in the village of Sodani.
- These inscriptions describe the victory of King Yasodharman of the Aulikara dynasty over King Mihirakula of the Huns.
- Bandhuvarma, praised by the poet Vatya Bhatti in the Mandsaur stone inscription, was a vassal of the Gupta King Kumaragupta-I.
- During his reign, a temple dedicated to Surya was built by the silk weavers at Dashapur and was later renovated by the same guild.
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13. ‘Prithivyah Pratham Veer’ was the title of –
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Rajendra- I
(c) Amoghavarsha
(d) Gautamiputra Shatkarni
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (a) Samudragupta
- In Tej Ram Sharma’s book ‘A Political Histories of the Imperial Guptas’, he talks about the Ashvamedha Yajna ceremony that Samudragupta performed.
- After this, he earned the title of ‘Prithivyama Pratiratha’, meaning the bravest person on Earth without any rivals.
- The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission has removed this question from the evaluation.
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14. The iron column, located in the courtyard of Delhi’s Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is a retention of
(a) Ashok
(b) Chandra
(c) Harsha
(d) Anangapal
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (b) Chandra
- The Mehrauli Iron Pillar, found in Delhi, now sits near the Qutub Minar.
- It is believed to have been created for Chandragupta II of the Gupta clan in 410 AD, who was devoted to Lord Vishnu.
- At the top of the pillar, the symbol of Lord Vishnu, Garuda, is engraved as a tribute.
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15. Which dynasty was distracted the most by the Hunas invasion?
(a) Maurya
(b) Kushan
(c) Gupta
(d) Shunga
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (c) Gupta
- During the time when Skandagupta was in power, Hunas tried to take over India but were unsuccessful.
- This invasion was like a raid and didn’t really affect India much, but it contributed to the weakening of the Gupta Empire.
- After Skandagupta died, Hunas were able to take over some parts of the northwest in the 5th and 6th centuries.
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16. The Hunas invaded India during the reign of :
(a) Chandragupta-II
(b) Kumaragupta-I
(c) Skandagupta
(d) Budhagupta
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006]
Ans. (c) Skandagupta
- The Hunas tried to invade India during the rule of Skandagupta, but he was able to fight them off.
- The invasion was not very serious, but it did contribute to the weakening of the Gupta Empire.
- After Skandagupta died, the Hunas managed to take control of some parts of the northwest in the 5th and 6th centuries.
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17. Who among the following Gupta Rulers conquered Hunas?
(a) Chandragupta- II
(b) Kumaragupta- I
(c) Skandagupta
(d) Bhanugupta
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (c) Skandagupta
- Skandagupta was the ruler when the Hunas first tried to invade India.
- He was successful in defeating them, but it was a short attack and did not have a lasting effect.
- After Skandagupta died, the Hunas took over many parts of the northwest in the 5th and 6th centuries, causing the Gupta Empire to decline.
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18. The Gupta emperor who defeated the ‘Hunas’ was?
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Chandragupta- II
(c) Skandagupta
(d) Ramagupta
[53rd to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (c) Skandagupta
- Skandagupta was the ruler during the first attack of the Hunas.
- He was able to defeat them, but the invasion did weaken the Gupta Empire.
- After Skandagupta died, Hunas took over some of the regions in the northwest in the 5th and 6th centuries.
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19. Who among the following Gupta rulers defeated Hunas?
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Chandragupta- II
(c) Kumaragupta
(d) Skandagupta
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (d) Skandagupta
- Skandagupta was ruling when the Hunas first attacked India, but they were easily defeated.
- Although this attack didn’t have a long-term effect, it weakened the Gupta Empire.
- After Skandagupta died, the Hunas took control of many parts of the northwest in the 5th and 6th centuries.
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20. From which inscription it is known that Skandagupta defeated Hunas?
(a) Bhitari Pillar Inscription
(b) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
(c) Mandsaur Inscription
(d) Udayagiri Inscription
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (a) Bhitari Pillar Inscription
- The Bhitari Pillar inscription is located in Bhitari, part of Saidpur tehsil in Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh.
- It tells the story of a war between Skandagupta and Hunas.
- This was the first invasion of India by Hunas during Skandagupta’s reign, and they were defeated by him.
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21. There were different causes for the downfall of the Gupta Empire. Which one among the statements given below was not the cause?
(a) Huna invasion
(b) Feudal set-up of administration
(c) Acceptance of Buddhism by the later Guptas
(d) Arab invasion
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (d) Arab invasion
- The Gupta Empire fell before the Arab invasion.
- The Arabs invaded India during a later time period after the Gupta dynasty had already ended.
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22. Who is known as a ‘Saka-conqueror’?
(a) Chandragupta- I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Kumaragupta
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (c) Chandragupta- II
- Chandragupta-II ‘Vikramaditya’, who was a Gupta Ruler, is known as the ‘Saka Conqueror’.
- This is because he defeated the last Saka king Rudrasimha-III in the early 5th century and took control of the Saka power.
- After winning this battle, he took the title of ‘Sakari’.
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23. Who was the first Gupta ruler to issue silver coins?
(a) Chandragupta- I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Kumaragupta
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (c) Chandragupta- II
- Chandragupta- II, a ruler of the Gupta Empire, was nicknamed ‘Vikramaditya’ and ‘Saka Conqueror’ because he defeated the last Saka king Rudrasimha- III in the early 5th century.
- After this victory, he took on the title of ‘Sakari’ and issued silver coins known as Rupak
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24. From the third century AD when the Huna invasion ended the Roman Empire, the Indian merchants relied more and more on the :
(a) African trade
(b) Western European trade
(c) South-East Asian trade
(d) Middle-Eastern trade
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (c) South-East Asian trade
- When the Huna conquered the Roman empire in the 3rd century A.D., Indian traders began to rely more heavily on trading with Southeast Asia.
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25. Which one of the following ports was in use for the north Indian trade during the Gupta period?
(a) Kalyan
(b) Tamralipti
(c) Broach
(d) Cambay
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (e) None of the above/More than one of the above
- During the Gupta period, most of the Indian trade was with South-East Asia and Tamralipti in Bengal was the most important port for this.
- However, there were other ports such as Bharuch, Kalyan, and Cambay that were used to trade with countries in the west.
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26. Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta period?
(a) Tamralipti
(b) Bhadoch
(c) Kalyan
(d) Cambay
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (a) Tamralipti
- During the Gupta period, the port of Tamralipti in Bengal was an important trading hub with Southeast Asia, China, Lanka, Java, Sumatra, and northern India.
- The port of Bhrigu Kachchha (Bharuch) on the western coast was also used by the Gupta rulers to trade with Western countries.
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27. Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta Period?
(a) Bharuch
(b) Kalyan
(c) Cambay
(d) Tamralipti
[U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014]
Ans. (d) Tamralipti
- During the Gupta period, Tamralipti in Bengal was an important port where trade with Southeast Asia, China, Lanka, Java, Sumatra and northern India took place.
- The rulers of the Gupta dynasty also did a lot of trading with countries in the West from the port of Bhrigu Kachchha (Bharuch).
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28. India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of the early maritime history of the Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations?
(a) As compared to other countries, India had better shipbuilding technology in ancient and medieval times
(b) The rulers of Southern India always patronized traders, Brahmin priests, and Buddhist monks in this context
(c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
(d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations for this context
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
- India had strong cultural and trading connections with Southeast Asia due to the winds of the Bay of Bengal.
- This made it easier to travel between the two places, which increased their trade and cultural exchange.
- Therefore, option (c) is the right answer.
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29. With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy which of the following statement is/are correct?
1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the state, and the King was the chief administrative authority on them.
2. The wages, rules of work, standards, and prices were fixed by the guild.
3. The guild had judicial powers over its members.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) 2 and 3 only
- Guilds were extremely significant in old India’s economy.
- These groups were created by merchants to manage their commerce in an orderly way.
- Guilds had the power to control their members and set salaries, rules of work, standards, and prices.
- Each guild had a leader who was not chosen by the kingdom.
- They were also essential to oversee local governments.
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30. Centers located in Gujarat, Bengal, Deccan, and Tamil The country during the Gupta period was associated with which of the following:
(a) Textile manufacture
(b) Gems and precious stones
(c) Handicrafts
(d) Opium cultivation
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010]
Ans. (a) Textile manufacture
- During the Gupta period, Gujarat, Bengal, Deccan, and Tamil Nadu were known for their textile production.
- This makes option (a) the right choice.
- Textile manufacturing was a major industry then.
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31. Who among the following is known for his work on medicine during the Gupta period?
(a) Sushruta
(b) Saumilla
(c) Shudraka
(d) Shaunaka
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (e) None of the above/More than one of the above
- Sushruta is known as the father of surgery and is believed to have lived around 600 BC.
- He was from Kashi.
- Shaunak was a sage of the Rigveda, Shudraka was a dramatist of the Gupta period, and Sawmill was a playwright from the Gupta period who was remembered by Kalidasa.
- None of these people worked in the field of medicine during the Gupta period.
- The Bihar Public Service Commission initially thought the correct answer was option (a), which is incorrect since the Gupta period began around 275 AD, which is 1000 years later than Sushruta time.
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32. Who among the following is known for his Ayurvedic thematic composition during the Gupta period?
(a) Saumilla
(b) Shudraka
(c) Shunaka
(d) Sushruta
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2002, I.A.S. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (d) Sushruta
- Sushruta is known as the father of surgery, and he lived in Kashi.
- It is thought that he lived around 600 BC.
- Shaunak was a sage from the Rigveda, Shudraka was a dramatist from the Gupta period, and Sawmill was a playwright of the Gupta period who was praised by Kalidasa.
- All of these people did not work in medicine during the Gupta period.
- The Bihar Public Service Commission had the wrong answer because the Gupta period began in 275 AD, which is about 1000 years after Sushruta’s time (600 BC to 1500 BC).
- Therefore, it is not correct to say that Sushruta was part of the Gupta period.
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33. Who among the following is not associated with medicine in ancient India?
(a) Dhanvantari
(b) Bhaskaracharya
(c) Charaka
(d) Susruta
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (b) Bhaskaracharya
- Dhanvantari was one of the nine advisors of Chandragupta II and was an expert in Ayurveda.
- Charaka and Sushruta were also known for their knowledge of Ayurveda.
- Charaka wrote ‘Charaka Samhita’ and was the doctor of Kanishka.
- Bhaskaracharya was a great astronomer and mathematician and composed the works.
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34. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below is correct?
1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by AD first century.
2. Transplanting of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of AD third century.
3. The concept of the sine of an angle was known in AD fifth century.
4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in AD seventh century.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) 1, 3 and 4
- The olden times are remembered for their scientific progress.
- In the 1st century AD, people had access to surgical tools, but they couldn’t transplant human organs yet.
- Maths grew during the Gupta period.
- People at the time knew how to calculate sine, cosine, and inverse sine, according to the writings of ‘Surya Siddhanta’ and ‘Aryabhatiya’.
- Brahmagupta wrote about cyclic quadrilaterals in 700 AD.
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35. Which of the following among the Nine Gems of Chandragupta was associated with Astrology?
(a) Vararuchi
(h) Sanku
(c) Kshapanaka
(d) Amar Singh
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (c) Kshapanaka
- Chandragupta II had nine special advisors known as the Nine Gems.
- They were Kalidasa (a poet), Dhanvantari (a doctor), Varahamihira (an astronomer), Amar Singh (a lexicographer), Shanku (Architect), Kshapanaka (Astrologer), Vararuchi (Grammarian), Vetala Bhatta (Magician), Ghata Karpara (Diplomat).
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36. Kalidasa was in the ruling period of –
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Ashoka
(c) Chandragupta- I
(d) Chandragupta- II
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990]
Ans. (d) Chandragupta- II
- Chandragupta II had nine advisors who were experts in their fields.
- These were: Kalidasa (poet), Dhanvantari (physician), Varahamihira (astronomer), and Amar Singh (Lexicographer), Shanku (Architect), Kshapanaka (Astrologer), Vararuchi (Grammarian), Vetala Bhatta (Magician), Ghata Karpara (Diplomat).
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37. Which (among these) are Gupta’s gold coins?
(a) Kaudi
(b) Dinara
(c) Nishka
(d) Pan
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (b) Dinara
- The Gupta rulers made gold coins called dinars.
- Fahien reported that people used these coins for everyday transactions.
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38. The Gupta gold coin was called –
(a) Karshapana
(b) Dinara
(c) Nishka
(d) Suvarna
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017]
Ans. (b) Dinara
- The Gupta rulers minted coins called dinars, which Fahien said people used for everyday transactions.
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39. The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called :
(a) Karshapana
(b) Dinara
(c) Rupaka
(d) Nisc
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1996, U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (c) Rupaka
- The coins which were released by the Gupta ruler were known as “Rupaka”.
- These coins have been discovered in Bihar, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Orissa.
- The most amount of coins have been found in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
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40. Who of the following was the first Gupta ruler to issue coins?
(a) Chandragupta-I
(b) Ghatotkacha
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Srigupta
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (a) Chandragupta-I
- Chandragupta was the first Gupta ruler to make coins.
- There is no proof that Ghatokacha and Srigupta, who came before Chandragupta, made coins.
- Samudragupta also made different types of coins, but this was after Chandragupta-I.
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41. In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period women and Sudras speak:
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Prakrit
(c) Pali
(d) Sauraseni
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (b) Prakrit
- In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period, people from different social classes spoke different languages.
- Women and people from the lower class spoke Prakrit, while those from the upper class spoke Sanskrit.
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42. Which one of the following is the main teaching of Gita?
(a) Karma yoga
(b) Gyan yoga
(c) Bhakti yoga
(d) Nishkama karma yoga
(e) Asparsa yoga
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (d) Nishkama karma yoga
- Nishkama Karma is doing something without wanting anything in return.
- This is the main idea of Karma Yoga, which is a path to freedom.
- The goal is to do something for the benefit of others, rather than for your own benefit.
- This teaching is best known from the Bhagavad Gita.
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43. The first inscriptional evidence of the Sati Pratha has been found from –
(a) Eran
(b) Junagarh
(c) Mandsaur
(d) Sanchi
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (a) Eran
- An old inscription from Eran, from 510 AD, has been discovered that mentions the practice of Sati Pratha.
- It was in relation to a female war commander named Gopraj and her wife.
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44. Who established Gupta Samvat?
(a) Chandragupta- I
(b) Srigupta
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Ghatotkach
[M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991]
Ans. (a) Chandragupta- I
- Chandragupta-I began the Gupta Samvat calendar in 319 AD.
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45. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below:
List – I List – II
(Emperor) (Titles)
| A. Ashoka |
1. Parakramank |
| B. Samudragupta |
2. Priyadarsin |
| C. Chandragupta-II |
3. Kramaditya |
| D. Skandgupta |
4. Vikramaditya |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 3 2 1 4
(c) 2 1 4 3
(d) 4 3 2 1
[U.P.P.C.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (c) 2 1 4 3
- The correctly matched list is as follows –
| A. Ashoka |
Priyadarshini |
| B. Samudragupta |
Parakramanka |
| C. Chandragupta-II |
Vikramaditya |
| D. Skandagupta |
Vikramaditya |
|
46. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the code given below the lists.
List–I List-II
(Kings) (Queens)
| A. Chandragupta |
1. Duttadevi |
| B. Samudragupta |
2. Kubernaga |
| C. Chandragupta II |
3. Kumaradevi |
| D. Kumargupta I |
4. Anantdevi |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 3 1 2 4
(b) 2 1 3 4
(c) 1 2 3 4
(d) 4 3 2 1
[U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (a) 3 1 2 4
| List–I (Kings) |
List-II (Queens) |
| A. Chandragupta |
3. Kumaradevi |
| B. Samudragupta |
1. Duttadevi |
| C. Chandragupta II |
2. Kuberanaga |
| D. Kumaragupta I |
4. Anant Devi |
|
47. The gradual decline of towns was an important feature of which period?
(a) Gupta period
(b) Pratihara era
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Satavahana era
[40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (a) Gupta period
- During the Gupta period, towns slowly started to decrease in population.
- Many cities that were once thriving in the valley had declined by then.
- For example, Patliputra, the biggest city at the time, had become a small village when Hiuen-Tsang visited India.
- Mathura, Sonpur, and Sohgama were all large cities that showed signs of decline as well.
- This highlights the fact that town decline was a major trend during the Gupta period.
|
48. Which ruling dynasty donated the maximum number of villages to temples and Brahmins?
(a) Gupta Dynasty
(b) Pala Dynasty
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Pratihara
[39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (a) Gupta Dynasty
- The leader of the Gupta dynasty gave lots of towns to places of worship and priests.
- Additionally, the money earned from the land of the village was given to the person who owned it.
|
49. In Ancient India, which dynasty’s rule was considered the Golden Age?
(a) Mauryan
(b) Shunga
(c) Gupta
(d) Magadha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (c) Gupta
- The Gupta period in ancient India is seen as a golden time because there was a lot of progress in art and culture.
|
50. During which age, did women enjoy equality with men?
(a) Gupta age
(b) Mauryan age
(c) Cholas
(d) None of these
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (d) None of these
- In ancient India, women were not treated well except during the Vedic age.
- During the Gupta, Maurya, and Chola ages, evidence shows that women were not in a good position compared to men.
- Therefore, the situation of women has never been equal to men in any age.
|
51. What was the land revenue rate in the Gupta age?
(a) Fourth part of the production
(b) Sixth part of the production
(c) Eighth part of the production
(d) Half part of the production
[42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (b) Sixth part of the production
- During the Gupta period, people who farmed on the ruler’s land had to give away a sixth of their crop as tax.
- This tax was called ‘Udrang’ and ‘Bhag’ in Gupta inscriptions.
|
52. What is the land revenue rate in religious books?
(a) 1/3
(b) 1/4
(c) 1/6
(d) 1/8
[40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (c) 1/6
- Religious texts say that 1/6th of the crop should be given as land tax.
|
53. What is a valid tax according to Hindu law?
(a) Half of the yields
(b) One-sixth of the yields
(c) One-third of the yields
(d) One-fourth of the yields
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (b) One-sixth of the yields
- In all religious writings, the amount of money paid for land is 1/6 of what is produced.
|
54. The Gupta Empire granted tax-free agrarian land to which of the following?
(a) Military officials
(b) Civil officials
(c) Brahmins
(d) Courts scholars
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (c) Brahmins
- The Gupta Empire gave land to religious people (Brahmins) who didn’t have to pay taxes.
|
55. With reference to forced labor (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) It was considered a source of income for the state, a sort of tax paid by the people
(b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gutap Empire
(c) The forced laborer was entitled to weekly wages.
(d) The eldest son of the laborer was sent as the forced laborer.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (a) It was considered a source of income for the state, a sort of tax paid by the people
- Vishti was a type of labour that was required by the government, the Governor or a local leader.
- It is mentioned in Gupta copper inscriptions to describe taxes.
- An inscription from Junagarh shows that it was used in Gujarat and Malwa.
- It was not paid labor, just a form of tax instead.
- Wage labor did exist in ancient India, but it was not called Vishti.
- It could be asked of anyone, not just the eldest son.
|
56. Which type of land was called ‘Aprahat’?
(a) Without cultivated forest land.
(b) Irrigated land.
(c) Dense forest land.
(d) Cultivated land.
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (a) Without cultivated forest land.
- Lands that could not be farmed were called ‘Aprahat’ during the Gupta period.
- This was a part of the taxation system.
|
57. With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote
(a) measurement of land
(b) coins of different monetary value
(c) classification of urban Land
(d) religious rituals
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (a) measurement of land
- During the Gupta period, Kulyavapa and Dronavapa were two different kinds of land measurements.
|
58. In ancient India, the irrigation tax was called –
(a) Bidakabhagam
(b) Hiranya
(c) Udranga
(d) Uparnika
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]
Ans. (a) Bidakabhagam
- In old India, the irrigation fee was called ‘Bidakbhag’ or ‘Udakbhag.’
- During the Mauryan period, Hiranya was a type of cash tax.
- The tax on land was called ‘Udrang’ in Gupta records.
- The tax on people who lived on the land.
|
59. In the 3rd AD, Warangal was famous for–
(a) Copper pots
(b) Gold Jewellery
(c) Iron implements
(d) Elephant-teeth work
[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (c) Iron implements
- Warangal was well known for the creation of iron tools.
- The Agaria people lived there, and making iron was their usual job.
|
60. Tormad was from the racial group of –
(a) Sithian
(b) Huna
(c) Yaochi
(d) Saka
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (b) Huna
- Tornado was the one in charge of the second Huna attack on India.
|
61. Who amongst the following had defeated the Huna ruler Mihirakula?
(a) Budhagupta
(b) Yashodharman
(c) Shashanka
(d) Prabhakaravardhana
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) Yashodharman
- Mihirkula was part of the Asian Huna people and was one of the most powerful rulers of the Hephthalites.
- The Gwalior inscription showed his rule which included Gwalior.
- In 528 A.D. Mihirkula was defeated by the Aulikara king Yasodharman.
|
62. Chinese traveler ‘Sungyun’ came to India in:
(a) 515 AD to 520 AD
(b) 525 AD to 529 AD
(c) 545 AD to 552 AD
(d) 592 AD to 597 AD
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (a) 515 AD to 520 AD
- Sungyun, a Chinese visitor, arrived in India from 518 to 521 AD.
- During his three-year stay, he gathered writings of Buddha’s teachings.
|
63. The ancient Indian play Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadutt has its subject on :
(a) A conflict between Gods and Demons of ancient Hindu lore
(b) A romantic story of an Aryan prince and a tribal woman
(c) The story of the power struggle between two Aryan tribes
(d) The court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (d) The court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya
- Dr. K.P. Jayaswal believed that Visakhadatta and Chandragupta were alive at the same time.
- His play “Mudrarakshasa” talks about the things Chandragupta Maurya did.
|
64. In the ancient period, which Varna was also called ‘Sarthavaha’?
(a) Brahmana
(b) Kshatriya
(c) Vaishya
(d) Shudra
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (c) Vaishya
- The leader of trade guilds, called Sarthavaha or Srenipramukh, determined the correct way to do business and it was called Samay and Srenidharma.
- This is why Sarthavaha is linked to the Vaishya.
|
65. Read the following statements carefully–
1. Gupta Emperors claimed divine rights for themselves
2. Their administration was highly centralized
3. They extended the tradition of land grants.
Answer on the basis of the following codes :
(a) 1, 2, and 3 are true
(b) 1 and 2 are true
(c) 1 and 3 are true
(d) 2 and 3 are true
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (c) 1 and 3 are true
- The Gupta Empire had a monarchy, which believed they were from a different source than the Mauryas.
- They practiced giving away land as part of their tradition.
- The government was not very centralized, but more of a federal system.
- Therefore, options 1 and 3 are correct.
|
66. With reference to the period of the Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul were well-known as
(a) ports handling foreign trade
(b) capitals of powerful kingdoms
(c) places of exquisite stone art and architecture
(d) important Buddhist pilgrimage centers
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans (a) ports handling foreign trade
- During the Gupta period, both internal and external trade were very successful.
- Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul were all ports that managed international trade.
|
67. The game of ‘Chess’ is said to have originated in –
(a) China
(b) Iran
(c) Indonesia
(d) India
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]
Ans.(d) India
- Chess began in India during the Gupta period and was called ‘Chaturanga.’
- It spread from India to Iran and then Europe.
|
68. ‘Mrichchhakatika’ is an ancient Indian book written by Shudraka that deals with :
(a) The love affair of a rich merchant with the daughter of a courtesan
(b) The victory of Chandragupta II over the Shaka Kshatrapas of Western India
(c) The military expeditions and exploits of Samudragupta
(d) The love affairs between a Gupta King and a Princess of Kamarupa
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (a) The love affair of a rich merchant with the daughter of a courtesan
- The Little Clay Cart by Sudraka is a story about a wealthy merchant’s romance with the daughter of a prostitute.
- It also talks about how society changed during the Gupta era and mentions some Shudra officials in Ujjain.
|
69. Whose contribution is there in ancient Sankhya Darshan?
(a) Kapila
(b) Gautam
(c) Nagarjuna
(d) Charvak
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (a) Kapila
- Sankhya Darshan is one of the oldest philosophical systems in India.
- It was created by Maharshi Kapila, who is known as the ‘teacher’ of Sankhya Darshan.
- He wrote the ‘Sankhya Sutra’ and Tatvasamas.
|
70. The system of philosophy propounded by Kapila Muni is :
(a) Purva Mimansa
(b) Sankhya Philosophy
(c) Nyaya Philosophy
(d) Uttar Mimansa
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998]
Ans. (b) Sankhya Philosophy
- Sankhya Darshan is an ancient philosophical system from India.
- It was founded by Maharishi Kapila, also known as the “Acharya”.
- He wrote two important texts, the “Sankhya Sutra” and ” Tatvamasi.
|
71. ‘Sankhya’ Philosophy is propounded by –
(a) Gautam
(b) Jaimini
(c) Kapila
(d) Patanjali
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (c) Kapila
- Sankhya Darshan is an old philosophy from India.
- Maharshi Kapila is the leader of this philosophy and he wrote two books – the Sankhya Sutra and the Tatvasamas.
|
72. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding the Samkhya School
1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of the soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (b) Only 2
- The Sankhya School is part of the six main philosophies of India.
- It believes that reincarnation happens and that ignorance is the reason for suffering.
- It states that knowledge is the only way to free oneself from suffering, not any outside help.
- Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
|
73. Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement I: Kapila is the earliest exponent of the Samkhya system
Statement II: Kapila teaches that a man’s life is shaped by the forces of nature and not by any divine agency
(a) Statement I and Statement II both are true
(b) Statement I is false, but Statement II is true
(c) Statement I and Statement II both are false
(d) Statement I is true, but Statement II is false
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (a) Statement I and Statement II both are true
- Kapila Muni was the first person to teach the Samkhya philosophy.
- This philosophy states that our lives are impacted by the natural world, not by any god or divine being.
|
74. Who propagated ‘Yoga Darshan’?
(a) Patanjali
(b) Gautam
(c) Jaimini
(d) Shankaracharya
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2007, U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2003, U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2002,U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (a) Patanjali
- Maharshi Patanjali is seen as the creator of ‘Yoga Darshan.’
- Yoga has a long history in Indian culture. It is mentioned in texts such as Upanishad, Mahabharat, Bhagavad Geeta, Jain, and Buddha.
- Patanjali provided a structured philosophical theory of yoga, so it is known as ‘Patanjali Darshan’.
|
75. The inventor of Yoga was –
(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Charaka
(c) Patanjali
(d) Ramdeva
[Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (c) Patanjali
- Maharshi Patanjali is often seen as the creator of the philosophy of yoga.
- Though yoga in India has been around for a long time, it was Patanjali who wrote it out in a compact form, thus earning him the title of ‘The Founder of Yoga Darshan’.
- His teachings can be found in many ancient Indian texts such as The Upanishads.
|
76. When is International Yoga Day celebrated?
(a) 2 April
(b) 21 June
(c) 5 June
(d) 21 May
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (b) 21 June
- Every year on June 21, people all around the world celebrate International Yoga Day, which began in 2015.
|
77. Which one of the following is not part of “Ashtanga yoga”?
(a) Anusmriti
(b) Pratyahara
(c) Dhyana
(d) Dharana
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (a) Anusmriti
- Ashtanga Yoga is a type of yoga with eight spiritual practices.
- These include Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharna, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
- Anusmirti is not part of Ashtanga Yoga.
|
78. With reference to Hatha Yoga, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Hatha Yoga was practiced by Nathpanthis.
2. The Hatha Yoga technique was also adopted by the Sufis.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (c) Both 1 and 2
- Hatha Yoga was practiced in India by the Nathpanthi people.
- Matsyendra Nath and his student Gorakhnath are thought to be the originators of the Nath sect.
- The Sufi Saints also adopted Hatha Yoga techniques.
- The Persian book ‘Bahar-Al-Hayat’, which was written by the Sufi Saint of the Shatari order Mohammad Gaus, contains information about Hatha Yoga.
|
79. The writer of Mahabhashya ‘Patanjali’ was a contemporary of–
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka
(c) Pushyamitra Shunga
(d) Chandragupta I
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (c) Pushyamitra Shunga
- Patanjali and Pushymitra Shunga lived during the same time period (184-148 BC).
|
80. The founder of the school of Navya-Nyaya was:
(a) Raghunath Shiromani
(b) Gangesh
(c) Sridhara
(d) Udayana
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (b) Gangesh & (d) Udayana
- Udayana, a scholar from Mithila, and Gangesh revolutionized the creation of the Navya-Nyaya school.
|
81. “Live well, as long as you live. Live well even by borrowing, for once cremated, there is no return.” This rejection of the afterlife is an aphorism of the:
(a) Kapalika Sects
(b) Sunyavada of Nagarjuna
(c) Ajivikas
(d) Charvakas
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1994]
Ans. (d) Charvakas
- Charvakas believed that having a good life while alive is the most important thing.
- They said that it’s okay to borrow money if it helps you enjoy life because once you die, there’s no coming back.
|
82. Which one of the following is the highest value according to Charvaka?
(a) Dharma
(b) Artha
(c) Kama
(d) Moksha
(e) Bhakti
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (c) Kama
- Charvaka, also known as Lokayata, is an old Indian materialism school of thought.
- They believed that knowledge comes from direct experience, observing, and using logic.
- They did not accept the Vedas, rituals, or anything supernatural.
- Ajita Kesakambali is known as the original leader of the Charvakas.
- According to them, pleasure should be enjoyed and pain should be avoided as much as possible.
- They did not believe in denying pleasure or living an austere life out of fear of pain.
- The Sarvasiddhanta samgraha also supports Charvaka’s hedonist view that the best way to enjoy life is by having good food, beautiful company, nice clothes, and other luxuries.
- They thought death was the end of life and that there was no need to strive for a higher state of being.
|
83. The Nyaya Philosophical system was propagated by:
(a) Charvaka
(b) Gautama
(c) Kapila
(d) Jaimini
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (b) Gautama
- Gautama, also known as Akshapada, developed the Nyaya Darshan, which is based on logic and decision-making.
- This Darshan recognizes 16 different materials or elements, and the main text for it is called the Nyaya Sutra, written by Gautama.
- Other Darshans, such as Sankhya Darshan and Purva Mimamsa.
|
84. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the code given below the lists:
List–I List-II
(Philosophy) (Methods of achieving salvation)
| A. Nyaya Darshan |
1. Acquisition of real knowledge |
| B. Mimamsa Darshan |
2. Knowledge of self |
| C. Sankhya Darshan |
3. Performing Vedic rituals |
| D. Vedanta Darshan |
4. Logical thinking |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 2 4 1 3
(b) 4 3 1 2
(c) 1 4 2 3
(d) 3 4 1 2
[U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (b) 4 3 1 2
- Following are the matches:-
| List–I (Philosophy) |
List-II (Methods to achieve Salvation) |
| A. Nyaya Darshan |
Logical thinking |
| B. Mimamsa Darshan |
Performing Vedic rituals |
| C. Sankhya Darshan |
Acquisition of real knowledge |
| D. Vedanta Darshan |
Knowledge of self |
|
85. The author of ‘Nyaya Darshan’ was-
(a) Gautama
(b) Kapila
(c) Kanad
(d) Jaimini
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (a) Gautama
- Nyaya Darshan – Logical thinking
- Mimamsa Darshan – Performing Vedic rituals
- Sankhya Darshan – Acquisition of real knowledge
- Vedanta Darshan – Knowledge of self
|
86. The founder of Nyaya Philosophy was
(a) Kapil
(b) Kanad
(c) Gautam
(d) Jaimini
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) Gautam
- Nyaya Darshan – Logical thinking
- Mimamsa Darshan – Performing Vedic rituals
- Sankhya Darshan – Acquisition of real knowledge
- Vedanta Darshan – Knowledge of self
|
87. Mimansa was initiated by–
(a) Kanad
(b) Vasistha
(c) Vishwamitra
(d) Jaimini
[Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (d) Jaimini
- Nyaya Darshan – Logical thinking
- Mimamsa Darshan – Performing Vedic rituals
- Sankhya Darshan – Acquisition of real knowledge
- Vedanta Darshan – Knowledge of self
|
88. The theory of Karma is related with :
(a) Nyaya
(b) Mimansa
(c) Vedanta
(d) Vaisheshika
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (b) Mimansa
- Karma is a part of the Mimamsa philosophy.
- It is also known as Karma Mimamsa, Purva Mimamsa, or Dharma Mimamsa.
- Kamari Bhatta, the teacher of Mimansa, is seen as the connection between Purva Mimamsa and Vedanta.
|
89. Which of the following schools of philosophy is of the opinion that Vedas contain the eternal truth?
(a) Sankhya
(b) Vaisheshika
(c) Mimansa
(d) Nyaya
(e) Yoga
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (c) Mimansa
- The ‘Mimamsa’ philosophy believes that the Vedas hold everlasting truth.
- The ‘Purva Mimamsa’ is about ‘Karma Kanda’ and ‘Uttara Mimamsa’.
|
90. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(d) Sankhya and Yoga
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (c) Lokayata and Kapalika
- Hindu philosophy is based on a set of beliefs and teachings that originated in India.
- The main Hindu philosophy is made up of 6 systems called Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimansa, and Vedanta.
- Lokayata and Kapalika are not part of these 6 systems.
|
91. The Founder of Advaita Philosophy is –
(a) Sankaracharya
(b) Ramanujacharya
(c) Madhvacharya
(d) Mahatma Buddha
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (a) Sankaracharya
- Adi Shankara in the 8th century was the main person to explain Advaita Vedanta.
- He put together the ideas of earlier thinkers.
|
92. By which of the following according to Advaita Vedanta, Mukti can be obtained?
(a) Gyana
(b) Karma
(c) Bhakti
(d) Yoga
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (a) Gyana
- Advaita Vedanta states that one can be liberated by gaining knowledge.
- It focuses on understanding the correct beliefs and the connection between the Soul and Brahman which leads to freedom.
|
93. Who among the following is not related to the Philosophy of Vedanta?
(a) Shankaracharya
(b) Abhinav Gupta
(c) Ramanuja
(d) Madhava
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (b) Abhinav Gupta
- Abhinav Gupta is not connected to the Vedanta philosophy.
- Vedanta philosophy has had a huge influence on Hinduism and its traditions.
- Three important scholars of Vedanta, Shankaracharya (from the 8th century), Ramanuja (from the 11th century), and Madhava (from the 13th century), offered different interpretations of the philosophy.
|
94. Who among the following is called the founder of Indian Atomism?
(a) Maharshi Kapil
(b) Maharshi Goutam
(c) Maharshi Kanad
(d) Maharshi Patanjali
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) Maharshi Kanad
- Maharshi Kanad was the founder of the Vaisheshika School of Indian philosophy.
- He created the theory of atoms and was known as the creator of Indian Atomism.
- This theory stated that physical objects are made up of atoms.
- The Vaisheshika School was the start of physics in India.
- Kanad was the first to figure out that an atom is the smallest piece of any material.
- Atoms can’t be seen with the human eye and can’t be broken down further.
- This school of thought focused on the discussion of material elements such as earth, water, fire, air, and sky, and how they could form new objects when combined.
|
95. Which of the following philosophies of India propounded the atom theory?
(a) Yoga
(b) Nyaya
(c) Sankhya
(d) Vaisheshika
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020]
Ans (d) Vaisheshika
- Maharishi Kanada is known for coming up with the idea of atoms.
- He was a scientist and philosopher who started the Vaisheshika School of Indian Philosophy, where he expressed his views on atoms in the form of philosophy and physics in the Sanskrit language.
|
96. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer from the codes given below :
| List- I (Eras) |
List- II (Reckoned from) |
| A. Vikrama era |
1. 3102 B.C. |
| B. Saka era |
2. 320 A.D. |
| C. Gupta era |
3. 78 A.D. |
| D. Kali era |
4. 58 B.C. |
| |
5. 248 A.D. |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 2 4 5 1
(b) 1 3 2 4
(c) 4 5 2 3
(d) 4 3 2 1
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (d) 4 3 2 1
- Vikramaditya celebrated his victory over Saka by beginning the Vikram era in either 57 or 58 B.C.
- Kanishka started the Saka era in 78 A.D.
- Chandragupta-1 began the Gupta era in 319-320 A.D.
- It is believed that the Kali era started in 3102 B.C.
|
97. Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the code given below:
1. Vikram Samvat began in 58 BC.
2. Saka Samvat began in 78 AD.
3. The Gupta era began in 319 AD.
4. The era of Muslim rule in India began in 1192 AD.
Code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Vikram Samvat started in either 57 or 58 BC and Saka Samvat began in 78 AD.
- The Gupta dynasty was started by Srigupta, but the rule of Chandragupta-I is seen as the beginning of the Gupta empire.
- Muhammad Bin Qasim took control of the Sindh region in the 8th century, but Muslim rule in India officially began in 1192 AD after Ghori’s victory in the battle of Tarain.
- All of the statements are correct.
|
98. The Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I is dated in the Saka year 465. If the same were to be dated in Vikrama Samvat, the year would be :
(a) 601
(b) 300
(c) 330
(d) 407
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (a) 601
- Vikram Samvat started in 57 or 58 BC, and Saka Samvat began in 78 AD.
- Srigupta was the founder of the Gupta dynasty, but the reign of Chandragupta-I is seen as the start of the Gupta empire.
- In the early 8th century, Muhammad Bin Qasim took control of the Sindh region.
- The time of Muslim rule in India began in 1192 AD after Ghori won the battle of Tarain.
- All the statements mentioned in the question are correct.
|
99. A Chalukya inscription is dated in the year 556 of the Saka era. It is equivalent to–
(a) 478 A.D.
(b) 499 A.D.
(c) 613 A.D.
(d) 634 A.D.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002]
Ans. (d) 634 A.D.
- The Saka era was established by the great king Kanishka in 78 AD.
- This era is used to determine the dates for events and inscriptions from the past.
- For example, the Chalukya inscription, which is dated in 556, is equivalent to 634 A.D.
- when the Saka era is taken into account.
|
100. According to Puranas, the prime place of Chandravanshi’s ruler was –
(a) Kasi
(b) Ayodhya
(c) Pratishthan Pur
(d) Shravasti
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009]
Ans. (c) Pratishthan Pur
- The Puranas say that Chandravanshi (or Somvanshi) was one of the three major dynasties (the other two being Suryavansha and Agnivansha) of the Kshatriya caste.
- The main place of the Chandravanshi rulers was Prayaga, But after the cataclysm, in the Dwapar era, the Chandravanshiya Sanwaran had established the capital at Pratisthanpur (present day Jhusi, Allahabad).
|
101. The Capital of Maukharri was _______
(a) Thanesar
(b) Kannauj
(c) Purushpur
(d) None of the above
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (b) Kannauj
- The Maukhari dynasty was a branch of the Gupta family, originally from Gaya.
- The rulers of the Maukhari made Kannauj their capital and the main rulers were Hari Varma, Aditya Varma, Ishan Varma, Sarva Verma, and Graha Varma.
|
102. Information regarding the time of Harsha is contained in the books of :
(a) Harisena
(b) Kalhana
(c) Kalidasa
(d) None of these
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (b) Kalhana
- We know about Harsha from two sources: Banabhatta, the court poet of Harsha, wrote Harshacharita, and Kalhana wrote Rajatarangini.
- Books by Kalidasa and Harisena don’t tell us anything about Harsha.
|
103. Who has written the ‘Harshacharita’?
(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Banabhatta
(c) Vishnugupta
(d) Parimalgupta
[47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (b) Banabhatta
- The famous writer Banabhatta wrote the text “Harshacharita”.
- This is the main source of information about the Vardhana dynasty.
- The story includes details about the current ruler and the lives of their family members before them.
|
104. The capital of Harsha’s empire was –
(a) Kannauj
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Prayaga
(d) Thanesar
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (a) Kannauj
- Chinese reports showed that Harsha and his sister Rajyashri both governed Kannauj.
- Harsha moved his main base of power from Thanesar to Kannauj in order to help Rajyashri manage Kannauj properly.
|
105. Emperor Harsha had shifted his capital from Thaneshwar to –
(a) Prayaga
(b) Delhi
(c) Kannauj
(d) Rajgriha
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (c) Kannauj
- Chinese reports showed that Harsha and his sister Rajyashri both ruled Kannauj.
- Harsha moved his main court from Thanesar to Kannauj to help Rajyashri manage it better.
- Kannauj was a great place for Harsha to manage his huge kingdom.
|
106. Harshavardhana organized two great religious conventions:
(a) Kannauj and Prayaga
(b) Prayaga and Thaneshwar
(c) Thanesar and Vallabhi
(d) Vallabhi and Prayaga
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (a) Kannauj and Prayaga
- Harsha held a big gathering in Kannauj of different religions and sects to show the greatness of Mahayana compared to other religions.
- Chinese records say that the rulers of 20 countries came with their wise Brahmins, Shramads, and courtiers.
- Hiuen Tsang was the leader of the meeting.
- Every fifth year of Harsha’s rule, a special gathering took place at the Sangam area of Prayaga, which was called the ‘Mahamoksha council’.
- Hiuen Tsang also went to the sixth one, which had 18 rulers from different countries.
|
107. The place in U.P. where Harsh Vardhana organized the Buddha mega convention –
(a) Kashi
(b) Prayag
(c) Ayodhya
(d) Sarnath
[U.P. Lower (Sub.) (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (b) Prayag
- Harsha held a large gathering of different religions and beliefs in Kannauj to show the superiority of Mahayana over other religions.
- Chinese records say that leaders from 20 countries, accompanied by their important Brahmins, Shramads, and courtiers, attended this event; it was presided over by Hiuen Tsang.
- Every five years during Harsha’s rule, a ceremony took place at the Sangam region of Prayaga, which was known as the ‘Mahamoksha council’.
- Hiuen Tsang attended the 6th ceremony which was attended by 18 rulers from different countries.
|
108. Emperor Harsha’s Southward march was stopped on the Narmada River by :
(a) Pulakeshin-I
(b) Pulakeshin-II
(c) Vikramaditya-I
(d) Vikramaditya -II
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (b) Pulakeshin-II
- Emperor Harsha was not able to continue his journey south when he was stopped by Pulakeshin II, the king of the Chalukyan empire, who defeated him.
- This can be seen in the Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II and in Hiuen Tsang’s records.
|
109. Among the following rulers who had defeated Harshavardhana?
(a) Kirtivarman II
(b) Vikramaditya II
(c) Pulkeshin I
(d) Pulakeshin II
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (d) Pulakeshin II
- Emperor Harsha was not able to continue his journey southwards when he was stopped by the Chalukyan leader Pulakeshin II at the Narmada River.
- This event is recorded in the Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II and Hiuen Tsang’s writings.
|
110. The Chalukyan ruler Pulakesin’s victory over Harsha was in the year –
(a) 612 A.D.
(b) 618 A.D.
(c) 622 A.D.
(d) 634 A.D.
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) 618 A.D.
- Harsha was trying to move south but was stopped by the Chalukya king Pulakeshin on the Narmada River.
- Pulakeshin ruled over parts of modern Karnataka and Maharashtra and his capital was in Badami.
- It is believed that the battle between Harsha and Pulakeshin happened between 630 and 634 AD.
- In 2016, researchers from the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute found evidence that the battle might have taken place in 618 AD.
- The Jharkhand Provincial Service Commission accepted this as the correct answer.
|
111. From the decline of the Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?
1. The Guptas of Magadha
2. The Paramaras of Malwa
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
5. The Yadavas of Devagiri
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1, 2, and 5
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
(c) 2, 3, and 4
(d) 5 and 6
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021]
Ans (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
- The Later Guptas took over Magadha (now Bihar) in the early 7th century.
- The Paramaras didn’t rule the western and central parts of India, while the Pushyabhutis of Thanesar (current day Haryana) did for the 6th and 7th centuries.
- The Maukharis dynasty was in charge of parts of Uttar Pradesh and Magadha until the Later Guptas took over again in 606 AD.
- The Yadavas of Devagiri ruled from 1187 to 1317 AD in the western parts of India, and the Maitrakas of Valabhi ruled western and northern parts of current-day Gujarat from the late 5th to the late 8th centuries.
|
112. Poet Bana was inhabitant of –
(a) Pataliputra
(b) Thanesar
(c) Bhojpur
(d) None of the above
[41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (d) None of the above
- Banabhatta, the poet, was born in Prithikuta, a village located by the Son River in Aurangabad district (now in the state of Bihar).
- His parents were Chitrabhanu and Rajdevi.
|
113. In whose reign period the Chinese Traveller Hiuen-Tsang visited India?
(a) Chandragupta – II
(b) Harsh
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Chandragupta- I
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990]
Ans. (b) King Harshabardhan
- Harsha’s time was marked by the arrival of Hiuen-Tsang, who had a wish to explore places associated with the Buddha and learn Buddhist scriptures found in India.
- He left China’s capital, Changan, in 629 AD and wrote a book about his trip called ‘Sei-Yu-Kei’.
|
114. Which Chinese traveler visited India during Harshavardhana’s rules?
(a) Fa-Hien
(b) Hiuen-Tsang
(c) I-Tsing
(d) Taranath
[56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (b) Hiuen-Tsang
- Hiuen-Tsang’s arrival was a very important moment in Harsha’s reign.
- He wanted to go to places associated with Buddha and learn more about Buddhism, which could be found in India.
- He began his journey in 629 AD from Changan, the capital of the Tang Dynasty.
- He wrote a book about his Indian travels called ‘Sei-Yu-Kei’.
|
115. 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
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans (c) A bill of exchange
- After the Harsha period, Hundi was seen as a type of exchange agreement.
- According to the Reserve Bank of India, Hundis are financial tools that were developed in India and used for trading and credit transactions.
|
116. The famous Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of -:
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Chandragupta II
(c) Ramagupta
(d) Srigupta
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017]
Ans (b) Chandragupta II
- Fa-Hien went to India while Chandragupta-II was in charge (between 375AD and 415AD).
|
117. The Chinese traveler Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang), who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The roads and river routes were completely immune from robbery.
2. As regards punishment for offenses ordeals by fire, water, and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (b) 2 and 3
- Hiuen Tsang spent time in India and traveled to almost every region.
- He wrote that the roads and rivers weren’t totally safe, and he was robbed a few times.
- So, statement 1 is wrong.
- Hiuen Tsang said that punishment for criminals was very strict.
- Tests of fire, water, and poison were used to decide if someone was guilty or not.
- His records showed that taxes were put on trade routes, rivers, products, and goods.
- This allowed the government to get a lot of money. So, statements 2 and 3 are true.
|
118. Who sent Hiuen-Tsang as an emissary in the court of Harsha?
(a) Taai-Sunga
(b) Tung-Kuaan
(c) Ku-Yen-Vu
(d) None of above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2007]
Ans. (d) None of above
- Hiuen-Tsang lived at the same time as Taai-Sunga.
- Taai-Sunga did not allow his people to travel to the West, but Hiuen-Tsang still came to India via the silk route in 629 AD.
- 13 years later, when he returned to China, the emperor was very pleased and asked him to be his spiritual advisor.
|
119. During Hiuen Tsang’s tour in India’s most famous city for the production of cotton clothes –
(a) Varanasi
(b) Mathura
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Kanchi
[41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (b) Mathura
- The traveler from China, Hiuen-Tsang, visited India during the time of Harsha.
- He said that Mathura was well known for its cotton fabric production.
- Thanesar was thriving because of its trading activities.
- Ujjayini and Kannauj were also doing well economically.
|
120. The term ‘Kausheya’ has been used for –
(a) Cotton
(b) Flax
(c) Silk
(d) Wool
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (c) Silk
- During the time of the Gupta Empire and afterward, the term ‘Kausheya’ was used to describe silk.
|
121. Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang studied at the University of –
(a) Taxila
(b) Vikramshila
(c) Magadh
(d) Nalanda
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995, 46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (d) Nalanda
- Hiuen Tsang, a traveler from China, arrived in India during the reign of Harsha and went to Nalanda University in 637.
- The Vice-Chancellor of the University at that time was Acharya Sheelbhadra.
- Hiuen Tsang studied Yogashashtra for 1 and a half years and also gave a speech during his second visit to the University.
|
122. The major reason behind remembering Hiuen-Tsang is-
(a) Respect for Harsha
(b) Study in Nalanda
(c) Trust in Buddhas
(d) Composition of Sei-Yu-Kei
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (d) Composition of Sei-Yu-Kei
- Hiuen Tsang wrote a book called ‘Sei-yu-Kei’ based on his travels.
- He is remembered for this book because it contains lots of details about ancient India.
|
123. The Chinese traveler who visited Bhinmal was :
(a) Fahien
(b) Sangyun
(c) Hieun Tsang
(d) I-tsing
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2007]
Ans. (c) Hieun Tsang
- Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese Buddhist who visited India during the time of Harsha’s rule.
- He also went to Bhinmal. His written work is called ‘Sei-Yu-Kei.
- ‘Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese Buddhist who visited India during the time of Harsha’s rule.
- He also went to Bhinmal. His written work is called ‘Sei-Yu-Kei.’
|
124. The famous Travelogue ‘Si-Yu-Ki’ is linked with
(a) Fahien
(b) Al Biruni
(c) Megasthenes
(d) Hiuen-Tsang
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (d) Hiuen-Tsang
- The Si-Yu-Ki is a Buddhist document written by Chinese explorer Hiuen-Tsang.
- It includes details about his journey.
|
125. Chinese traveler I-tsing was on a tour of Bihar in about
(a) 405 A.D.
(b) 635 A.D.
(c) 637 A.D.
(d) None of the above
[40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (d) None of the above
- In 671 or 672 AD, I-tsing and 37 other Buddhists wanted to visit Buddhist sites in the West, so they left China’s Canton city.
- While his companions returned home, I-tsing continued to India by sea.
- After his visit, he returned to China in 693-94 AD by way of Sumatra.
|
126. Chinese writers mention India by the name of–
(a) Fo-Kwo-ki
(b) Yin-tu
(c) Si-Yu-Ki
(d) Sikia-Pono
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (b) Yin-tu
- In the past, Chinese authors talked about India by the name of ‘Yin-tu’ or ‘Thian-tu’, which is a different way of saying Hindu or Sindhu.
|
127. Nalanda University was destroyed by –
(a) Muslims
(b) Kushans
(c) Scythians
(d) Mughals
[43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (a) Muslims
- Nalanda University brought in many scholars and students from various places like Tibet, China, Greece, and Persia.
- Unfortunately, at the end of the 12th century, it was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji’s army.
- This was seen as the last, destructive event that caused Buddhism to decline in India.
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128. Nalanda Vihar was destroyed by :
(a) Bakhtiyar Khalji
(b) Qutubddin Aibak
(c) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
(d) Alauddin Khalji
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
[60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (a) Bakhtiyar Khalji
- Nalanda University was visited by people from Tibet, China, Greece, and Persia.
- Unfortunately, it was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji’s army at the end of the 12th century.
- This was the last blow to Buddhism in India.
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129. The most ancient monastery in India is-
(a) Nalanda
(b) Udantpuri
(c) Vikramshila
(d) Bhaja
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (a) Nalanda
- Nalanda is the oldest monastery located in Bihar.
- It has been around since the time of Buddha and Mahavira in the 6th century BC.
- Nothing has been found to indicate that the site was there before the Gupta period in the 5th century AD.
- Kumaragupta was the first person to give money to the Nalanda monastery.
- Later, Buddha Gupta, Tathagata Gupta, and Baladitya also contributed to the monastery.
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130. Nalanda is located in –
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Andhra Pradesh
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Bihar
[M.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (d) Bihar
- Nalanda is the oldest monastery in Bihar, dating back to the time of Buddha and Mahavira in the sixth century BC.
- There is no evidence that it was occupied before the Gupta period (fifth century AD).
- Kumaragupta was the first to donate to the Nalanda monastery, and others such as Buddha Gupta, Tathagata Gupta, and Baladitya also gave contributions.
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131. During the Gupta Period, the main business center was –
(a) Kannauj
(b) Ujjain
(c) Dhar
(d) Devgiri
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993]
Ans. (a) Kannauj
- After the Gupta period, the main business area moved from Ujjain to Kannauj.
- During the Gupta period, Ujjain had become important because Chandragupta-II had made it his second capital.
- Harsha later chose Kannauj as the capital instead of Thaneswar.
- Kannauj was located on the banks of the Ganga and Jamuna rivers, making it a popular area for business and a center of power for three empires: the Palas, and Pratiharas.
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132. Assertion (A): The main feature of the agrarian structure in the pre-Gupta period was the development of feudalism.
Reason (R): Landowner is middle class and a dependent peasant class came into existence in this period.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Code :
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- Option (a) is the right answer because both the statement and the reason given are true and the reason explains the statement correctly.
|
133. With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system?
1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
2. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord
Code :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans.(b) 2 and 3 only
- The feudal people were not very powerful since they had to obey the king’s commands.
- They were allowed to take taxes and govern, but the relationship between them and the king was not the same as it was in Europe.
- The Indian feudal system was different and it showed the start of a system of control and land ownership.
|
134. Consider the following statements:
1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended the fourth Great Buddhist Council held by Kanishka
2. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang met Harsha and found him to be antagonistic to Buddhism
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
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- The Chinese traveler Fa-Hien visited India during the time of Chandragupta-II between 399 and 414 AD.
- Then, in 629 AD, another Chinese traveler, Hiuen-Tsang, came to India from Changan, the capital of Tang rulers.
- Harsha was already interested in Buddhism before he met Hiuen-Tsang, and after their meeting, he became a Buddhist and gave royal support to the Mahayana.
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135. In travel through India, Fahhien mentioned a hospital, it was located at
(a) Ujjain
(b) Kaushambi
(c) Tamralipti
(d) Pataliputra
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (d) Pataliputra
- Fa Hien talked about a hospital in Patliputra (capital city).
- Kind people gave money to fund it.
- Poor and sick people were treated there, with doctors looking after them and giving them food and medicine as needed.
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136. The Chinese Pilgrim who visited India in the early 6th century was –
(a) Ywan Chwang
(b) Fahien
(c) Sung Yun
(d) I-tsing
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) Sung Yun
- In 518 AD, a Chinese traveler named Sung Yun traveled to India and spent three years gathering information about the teachings of Buddha.
|
137. Which one of the following statements is not true for Shankaracharya, Saint of the 8th century?
(a) He established four religious centers in different parts of India
(b) He countered the spread of Buddhism and Jainism.
(c) He named Prayag Teerthraj
(d) He propagated Vedanta
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (c) He named Prayag Teerthraj
- Shankaracharya, also known as Shankara, was born in the 8th century in Kaladi, a small village in Kerala.
- During this time, Hinduism, which had been diminished by the arrival of Jainism and Buddhism, was renewed with Shankaracharya’s emergence.
- He promoted the greatness of the Vedanta and traveled all over India on foot to study and compile the Vedas.
- His philosophy is known as Advaita Vedanta.
- He also established four important centers of Hinduism which are Sringeri (Karnataka) in the South, Dwarka (Gujarat) in the West, Puri (Odisha) in the East, and Jyotirmath (Joshimath, Uttarakhand) in the North.
- Prayaga is mentioned in the Vedas and the Puranas and was then known as Prayaga or Tirth Raj (King of Thirths, i.e. pilgrimage center.
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138. Adi Shankar who later became Shankaracharya was born in :
(a) Kashmir
(b) Kerala
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) West Bengal
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999]
Ans. (b) Kerala
- Shankaracharya, also known as Shankara, was born in the 8th century in Kaladi, a small village in Kerala.
- His emergence helped Hinduism, which had been weakened by Jainism and Buddhism, become more prominent again.
- He believed in Advaita Vedanta, which is based on the Vedas, and he traveled all over India on foot to study and compile them.
- He founded four religious centers, located in the south (Sringeri, Karnataka), west (Dwarka, Gujarat), east (Puri, Odisha) and north (Jyotirmath, Joshimath, Uttarakhand).
- Prayaga, which is mentioned in Hindu scriptures, was renamed as Prayaga or Tirth Raj (King of Thirths, i.e. pilgrimage center).
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139. Where are the four monasteries established by Adi ‘Shankaracharya’ situated?
(a) Sringeri, Dwarka, Joshimath, Prayaga
(b) Dwarka, Joshimath, Prayaga, Kanchi
(c) Joshimath, Dwarka, Puri, Sringeri
(d) Puri, Sringeri, Dwarka, Varanasi
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (c) Joshimath, Dwarka, Puri, Sringeri
- Shankara, also known as Shankaracharya, was born in the 8th century in Kerala’s small village of Kaladi.
- At this time, Hinduism had diminished due to the arrival of Jainism and Buddhism, but its status was restored when Shankaracharya emerged.
- He spread the teachings of the Vedanta and traveled all over India on foot to study and compile the Vedas.
- His philosophy is called Advaita Vedanta.
- There are four main religious centers associated with him, located in the south (Sringeri, Karnataka), west (Dwarka, Gujarat), east (Puri, Odisha), and north (Jyotirmath, Uttarakhand).
- Prayaga is mentioned in Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Puranas as the ‘King of Thirths’ or a pilgrimage center.
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140. Which of the following is not included in Chardham?
(a) Puri
(b) Dwaraka
(c) Mansarovar
(d) Rameshwaram
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (c) Mansarovar
- The ‘Chardham’ are four religious sites located in India: Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameshwaram.
- The ‘little Chardham’ are four sites located in Uttarakhand: Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath.
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141. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched:
(a) Ravi Kirti – Pulakeshin II
(b) Bhavabhuti – Yasovarman of Kannauj
(c) Harisena – Harsha
(d) Dandi – Narasimha Varman
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (c) Harisena – Harsha
- Harisena was the person who put together the Prayaga Prashasti and was the assistant to Samundragupta.
- Banabhatta was the writer of poems for the ruler Harsha
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142. Match List- I with List- II and choose the answer according to the code-
List – I List – II
(Courtier poet) (King)
| A. Amir Khusro |
1. Chandragupta II |
| B. Kalidas |
2. Samudragupta |
| C. Harisena |
3. Harshvardhan |
| D. Banabhatta |
4. Alauddin Khalji |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 4 3 2 1
(d) 2 4 1 3
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (b) 4 1 2 3
- Amir Khusro was the poet of Alauddin Khalji’s court.
- Kalidas was the poet of Chandragupta II and one of the nine important people in his court.
- Harisena was the loyal assistant of Samudragupta and Banabhatta was the poet of Harashvard
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143. Match the following and select the correct answer from the codes given below :
| A. Bhoj |
1. Ujjain |
| B. Durgawati |
2. Vidisha |
| C. Samudragupta |
3. Dhar |
| D. Ashoka |
4. Gondwana |
Code :
A B C D
(a) 4 3 2 1
(b) 3 4 1 2
(c) 4 3 1 2
(d) 3 4 2 1
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (d) 3 4 2 1
- The correctly matched list is as follows :
| A. Bhoj |
Dhar |
| B. Durgawati |
Gondwana |
| C. Samudragupta |
Vidisha |
| D. Ashoka |
Ujjain |
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144. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs:
| Famous Place |
Present State |
| 1. Bhilsa |
Madhya Pradesh |
| 2. Dwarasamudra |
Maharashtra |
| 3. Girinagar |
Gujarat |
| 4. Sthanesvara |
Uttar Pradesh |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 4 only
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans (a) 1 and 3 only
- Bhilsa is a place in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh that has archaeological sites.
- The Hoysala dynasty, which had control of the modern Karnataka region, had its capital called Dwarasamudra.
- Girinar is a mountain range situated in Junagarh, Gujarat.
- Sthanesvara (Thaneswar) is a well-known town and Hindu pilgrimage destination located by the Saraswati River.
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