Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
© Publisher
Edition - Sixth
Edition Year - 2022
Writer - SSGC
M.R.P.: 490/ISBN : 978-93-90927-64-7
Printed at Core Publishing Solution
Contact :
Sam-Samayik
Ghatna Chakra
188A/128, Chruchlane,
Allenganj, Prayagraj
(Allahabad) - 211002
Ph.: 0532-2465524, 2465525
Mob.: 9335140296
e-mail : ssgcald@yahoo.co.in
Website : ssgcp.com
e-shop : shop.ssgcp.com
Copyright 2021, by SamSamayik Ghatna Chakra
Private Limited. No Part of this
publication may be reproduces
or distributed in any form or by
any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise or
stored in database or retrieval
system without the prior
written permission of
publisher. The program listings
(if any) may be entered stored
and exeuted in a computer
system, but they may not be
reproduced for publication.
Writer & Associates :
l Kameshwar Shukla
l Dr. Vivek K. Tripathi
l Vivek Tripathi
l Abhay Pandey
l Vinod K. Tripathi
l Vimal K. Shukla
l Arpit Mishra
l Vicky Raj
B–2
INDEX
INDIAN HISTORY
nd
(2 in 8 Part Series)
Chapter
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Page No.
I. Ancient History of India
Stone Age
Indus Valley Civilization
Vedic Age
Buddhism
Jain Religion
Shaiva, Bhagavata Religion
Sixth century B.C.E - Political Condition
Greek Invasion
Maurya Empire
Post-Mauryan Period
Gupta and Post-Gupta Period
Architecture in Ancient India
South India (Chola, Chalukya, Pallava
and Sangam Period)
Ancient Literature and Litterateur
Pre-Medieval Period
II. Medieval History of India
Muslim Invasion of India
Delhi Sultanate: Slave Dynasty
Khalji Dynasty
Tughluq Dynasty
Lodi Dynasty
Vijayanagara Empire
Delhi Sultanate: Administration
Delhi Sultanate: Art and Architecture
Delhi Sultanate: Literature
Delhi Sultanate : Miscellaneous
Provincial Dynasty of North India
and Deccan Province
Bhakti and Sufi Movement
Mughal Dynasty : Babur
Humayun and Sher Shah
Akbar
Jahangir
Shah Jahan
Aurangzeb
Mughal Administration
Music and Paintings of Mughal Period
Mughal Literature
Mughal Period : Miscellaneous
Sikh Sect
Maratha State and Confederacy
Disintegration of the Mughal Empire
III. Modern History of India
Advent of European Companies
East India Company and Nawab of Bengal
Regional States: Punjab and Mysore
Governor/Governor General/ Viceroy
Economic Impact of British Rule on India
Revolt of 1857
Other Civil Uprisings
Development of Education in Modern India
Development of Press in Modern India
Social Religious Movement
B9-B16
B16-B31
B31-B48
B48-B69
B69-B79
B79-B85
B85-B95
B95-B96
B96-B117
B117-B126
B126-B149
B149-B163
B163-B176
B176-B185
B185-B192
B193-B198
B198-B204
B204-B209
B209-B217
B217-B219
B219-B225
B225-B229
B229-B231
B231-B235
B235-B240
B240-B245
B245-B259
B259-B263
B263-B267
B268-B280
B280-B285
B285-B288
B289-B293
B293-B298
B298-B302
B302-B305
B305-B313
B313-B316
B316-B323
B323-B325
B326-B334
B334-B340
B340-B344
B344-B365
B365-B372
B372-B386
B386-B400
B400-B406
B406-B416
B417-B437
Chapter
11. Political Organisation Established before
Congress
12. Indian National Congress
13. Moderates and Extremists
in Congress
14. Revolutionary Movement in India
15. Revolutionary Activities Outside India
16. Partition of Bengal and Swadeshi
Movement
17. Congress: Banaras, Culcutta, and Surat
Session
18. Formation of Muslim League (1906)
19. Morley-Minto Reforms
20. Delhi Durbar and Change of Capital
21. Lucknow Session of Congress
(The Lucknow Pact)
22. Home Rule League Movement
23. Gandhi and His Early Movement
24. Peasant Movement and Kisan Sabha
25. Trade Union and Communist Party
26. Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh
Massacre (1919)
27. Khilafat Movement
28. Non-Cooperation Movement
29. Formation of Swaraj Party (1923)
30. Simon Commission (1927)
31. Lahore Session of Congress, Proposal
of Complete Independence (1929)
32. Civil Disobedience Movement
33. Gandhi-Irwin Pact
34. Karachi Session of Congress (1931)
35. Round Table Conference
36. Communal Award And Poona
Pact (1932)
37. Congress Socialist Party (1934)
38. Provincial Election and Formation
of Cabinet (1937)
39. Tripuri Crisis of Congress (1939)
40. Indian Princely States
41. Second World War
42. Demand for Pakistan
43. Individual Satyagrah (1940)
44. Cripps Mission (1942)
45. Quit India Movement
46. Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad
Hind Fauj
47. Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)
48. Constituent Assembly (1946)
49. Formation of Interim Government (1946)
50. Partition of India and Independence
51. Constitutional Development of India
52. Modern History : Miscellaneous
53. Magazines, Books And Their Authors
54. Art and Culture
55. Award
Page No.
B437-B443
B443-B452
B452-B458
B458-B473
B473-B478
B478-B484
B484-B488
B488-B490
B490-B491
B491-B492
B492-B494
B494-B496
B497-B513
B513-B519
B519-B522
B522-B528
B528-B530
B531-B538
B538-B541
B541-B545
B545-B548
B548-B555
B555-B556
B556-B558
B558-B561
B562-B565
B565-B568
B568-B570
B570-B572
B572-B574
B574-B575
B575-B578
B578-B579
B579-B580
B581-B591
B591-B597
B597-B600
B600-B602
B602-B604
B604-B612
B612-B624
B625-B675
B676-B704
B705-B732
B732-B736
Question Paper Analysis
225 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) based question papers of General Studies of Union and State Public Service
Commission preliminary and mains are integrated in this release. Detailed list of 225 question papers are as follows:
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
No. of Ques.
IAS Pre exam 2011-2021
IAS Pre exam 1993-2010
UP PCS Pre exam 1998-2021
UP PCS Pre exam 1990-1997
UP PCS Mains exam 2002-2003
UP PCS Mains exam (including special exams) 2004-2017
UP PSCGIC exam 2010 and 2017
UP (UDA/LDA) Pre exam 2001-2006
UP (RO/ARO) Pre exam (General and Special exam) 2010-2018, 2021
UP (UDA/LDA) Mains exam (General and Special exam) 2010-2014
UP Lower Subordinate Pre exam (General and Special exam) 1998-2009
UP Lower Subordinate Pre exam (General and Special exam) 2013-2015
UP Lower Subordinate Mains exam (General and Special exam) 2013, 2015, 2016
UPPCS (RI) Pre Exam 2014
UP BEO Pre Exam 2019
Uttarakhand PCS Pre exam 2002-2016
Uttarakhand (UDA/LDA) Pre exam 2007
Uttarakhand PCS Mains exam 2002 & 2006
Uttarakhand (UDA/LDA) Mains exam 2007
Uttarakhand Lower Subordinate Pre exam 2010
Madhya Pradesh PCS Pre exam 1990-2006
Madhya Pradesh PCS Pre exam 2010
Madhya Pradesh PCS Pre exam 2012-2020
Chhattisgarh PCS Pre exam 2003-2005
Chhattisgarh PCS Pre exam 2008 & 2013 -2020
Chhattisgarh PCS Pre exam 2011
Rajasthan PCS Pre exam 1992
Rajasthan PCS Pre exam 1993-2012
Rajasthan PCS Pre exam 2013, 2018 & 2021
Bihar PCS Pre exam 1992-2020
Jharkhand PCS Pre exam 2003-2011
Jharkhand PCS Pre exam 2013, 2016 & 2021
100 × 11
150 × 18
150 × 25
120 × 8
150 × 2
150 × 31
150 × 3
150 × 3
140 × 8
120 × 5
100 × 11
150 × 2
120 × 3
100 × 1
120 × 1
150 × 7
150 × 1
150 × 2
100 × 1
150 × 1
75 × 15
150 × 2
100 × 9
75 × 2
100 × 9
150 × 1
120 × 1
100 × 11
150 × 5
150 × 19
100 × 2
100 × 5
225
1100
2700
3700
960
300
4650
450
450
1120
600
1100
300
360
100
120
1050
150
300
100
150
1125
300
900
150
900
150
120
1100
750
2850
200
500
28805
After exclusion of repeated questions from above questions of 225 papers around 28800 questions have been
categorized as following:
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
Current Affairs
History of India and Indian National Movement
Indian and World Geography
Indian Polity and Governance
Economic and Social Development
General issues on Environmental Ecology
General Science
State Related Question
In this sixth edition of PREVIEW ( iwokZoyksdu ) series, we are presenting Indian History in 2nd section. As per the
new revised format, 4925 questions have been collected from 225 question papers of Union and States Civil Service
Examinations. After elimination of 609 repetitive questions, 4316 questions have been included in this section. Repeated
questions were given below the original questions so that our aspirants can analyze the trend of repetitive questions.
B–7
I. Ancient History of India
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Stone Age
*The period without a documented evidence of its history
is called Prehistoric period. Proto-historic period is the
period having shreds of evidence of a script which is still
not deciphered. Proto-historic refers to the period between
prehistoric and historical period. *The time after which we get
documented description is called historic period. *Stone Age
comes under the Prehistoric period. *Indus valley civilization
and Copper Age culture comes under the protohistoric period.
*The historical period starts from Vedic Culture. *In India, the
research on Stone Age Civilization started at first in 1863. The
whole Stone Age has been categorized into three parts on the
basis of difference of tools used. These are Palaeolithic period,
Mesolithic period and Neolithic period.
*Paleolithic Period is further categorized into three periods on
the same basis(i) The Lower Palaeolithic period -Handaxe, Cleaver,
Chopper, etc.
(ii) The Middle Palaeolithic period- Points, Borer, Scrapper
(iii) The Upper Paleolithic period - Burins
*Chopper-chopping pebble pieces of tools were at first obtained
from Sohan river valley of Punjab (Pakistan). At first, handaxe pieces of equipment were found in Vadamadurai and
Attirapakkam near Madras. Other tools of this culture are
cleaver, scraper, etc. *Robert Bruce Foote was a British
geologist and Archeologist. *The expedition of L. Cambridge
team under the leadership of D. Tera did the most important
research in Sohan valley in 1935. *In Belan valley, the research
was carried under the direction of G.R. Sharma of Allahabad
University. Nearly 44 archaeological sites were found in this
valley which is related to the lower Paleolithic period. *Apart
from tools, the statue of bone-made Mother Goddess of this
age was obtained from Lohanda Nala region of Belan Valley
which is currently preserved at the Kaushambi museum.
*The life of Palaeolithic people was completely natural. They
were primarily dependent on hunting. They were unfamiliar
with fire, so they ate raw meat. Paleolithic people were
unfamiliar with farming and animal husbandry. *We
came to know about Mesolithic period only after C.L. Carlyle
discovered (1867-68) the Rock Painting from Vindhya region.
*According to the excavated evidence, the domestication
of animals began in the Mesolithic period. The earliest
Indian History
pieces of evidence of domestication of animals in India have
been found at Adamgarh (Hoshangabad, M.P.) and Bagor
(Bhilwara, Rajasthan). *A large number of implements made
of bones and horns have been found from the Mesolithic site,
Mahadaha (located in Pratapgarh district of U.P.). The book
entitled 'Puratattva Vimarsh' written by Dr. Jai Narayan Pandey
describes various pointed objects and ornaments made of bones
which have been reported from Sarai Nahar Rai, Damdama
and Mahadaha. *Damdama is a Mesolithic site in Pratapgarh
district of Uttar Pradesh. In Damdama, 41 human graves
have been found. Out of these graves, 5 are double burial.
One triple burial grave is also found here. A grave with four
human skeletons has been found at Sarai Nahar Rai.
*The Megaliths usually refer to the burials made up of large
stones in graveyards away from the habitation area. A large
fraction of these is assumed to be associated with burial or
post-burial rituals including memorials for those whose remains
may or may not be available. Some of these are; Chamber tomb,
Dolmens, Stone alignment, Stone circle (cromlech), Pit-circles, etc.
*According to 'Puratatva Vimarsh' by J.N. Pandey 17 human
skeletons were found from rock shelter 1 of Lekhahiya in
the Vindhya region. Some of these were in relatively pristine
condition while most of the others were warped. *According to
John R. Lucas of Oregon University, the USA, remnants of 27
human skeletons were found in Lekhahiya. *The rock shelters
of Bhimbetka are located 45 km west of Bhopal. UNESCO
has included the shell pictures of Bhimbetka in the list of its
world heritage. These caves exhibit the earliest traces of human
life on the Indian subcontinent and include the pictures of an
elephant, sambhar, deer, etc.
*Grains were first ever produced in Neolithic Age. It was the
time when people were introduced to agriculture. Koldihwa and
Mehrgarh were the two Neolithic villages from where clear
pieces evidence of rice and wheat have been found. *There
are mainly eight types of food grains consumed by modern
human society, namely barley, wheat, maize, millet, sorghum,
mustard, oat and rice. These crops were present in the form of
weed in different areas, which were later grown as seed by a
human being at different places, at different times. Barley was
the first grain to be cultivated by human beings during 8000
BC in western Asian countries located between the northeast
Mediterranean Sea and Iran. Later, in the same area, wheat
was also cultivated around 8000 BC. *Rice was the third grain
General Studies
B–9
to be cultivated by human beings in approx 7000 BC at the
Age. *Settlements of Chalcolithic period in India were found
Yangtze River in China. *Maize was cultivated in Central and
in South-East Rajasthan, Western Madhya Pradesh, western
South America during 6000 BC. The first evidence of maize
Maharastra and South-East India. *Navdatoli has revealed
was found in Mexico, *millet in 5500 BC in China, sorghum
in 5000 BC in East Africa, Mustard in 5000 BC in South-East
Asia and Oat in 2300 BC in Europe. *According to the latest
research, the earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian subcontinent was reported from the Lahuradewa site in Sant
Kabir Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh. The evidence of human
activity and beginning of rice cultivation at this site dated back
to around 9000-7000 BC. *Significantly before this research,
the earlier evidence of wheat was found at Mehrgarh (located
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
in Balochistan, Pakistan) belonging to around 7000 BC and the
earliest evidence of rice is known to be near the bank of the
river Belan, district Allahabad, from where rice bran was found
dating back to 6500 BC. *The cultural remains from Stone Age
to Harappan Civilization have been found in Mehrgarh located
in Balochistan (Pakistan).
*The Burzahom site is a prehistoric settlement in the village
of the same name in Kashmir valley. Both human and animal
skeletons were found here with trepanning (bored holes) marks.
In many pits, bones of dogs and antlered deer were found along
with human skeletons. The skeletons of humans were found in
excellent evidence of both round and rectangular residential
structures which are located near Indore. The former measures
about 3m in diameter and the later is 2m × 2.2m. *The roofs
were probably made of hay, tree branches and leaves and were
supported on massive wooden posts, 22cm in diameter, raised
at regular intervals around the huts. *The open spaces between
the posts were provided with mud-plastered bamboo screens.
*The house floors were made up of silt clay and river gravel,
with the surface coated with lime. The huts were provided with
one or two-mouthed ‘chulhas’ as well as storage jars and other
earthen vessels.
*Ochre-Coloured Pottery (known to archaeologists as OCP)
as the name implies, its main distinguishing feature was its
ochre colour. Other characteristics are its porous character and
the fact that it is invariably worn out at the edges. Most of its
evidence is mainly found from Atranjikhera and Hastinapur.
*The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry
of Culture, is a premier organization for the archaeological
researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the
nation. In 1871, the Archaeological Survey was established
as a separate department, and Alexander Cunningham was
the burial pits in a sitting position along with bones of animals.
appointed as its first Director-General. In 1901, during the
*The first excavation at the Burzahom site was carried out by
tenure of Lord Curzon, it was centralized as Archaeological
Helmut de Terra and Dr. Thomas Paterson in the year 1935.
Survey of India and John Marshall was appointed in 1902 as
*The people of Jorwe culture lived in large rectangular houses
its first Director-General. *National Human Museum, which
with wattle and daub walls and thatched roof. They believed
was renamed as Indira Gandhi National Human Museum
in life after death and therefore buried the dead inside the
is located in Bhopal (M.P.). It is an autonomous organization
houses under the floor. Children were buried in two urns that
under the Department of Culture.
were joined mouth-to-mouth and set horizontally in the pit,
while adults were placed in a supine position with the head
towards the north (north to south). These sites were found in
Daimabad, Inamgaon, Chandauli, Nevasa etc. *The ‘Ash
mounds’ have been found from a Neolithic site Sangana Kallu
located in Vellari district near Mysore in Karnataka. They
have also been found in Piklihal and Utnur. These ash mounds
are the burnt relics of seasonal camps of Neolithic herdsmen
community.
*Fire was first used as in the Neolithic period.
*Copper was the first metal used. Copper Age is also known
as the Chalcolithic age. The age in which instruments of
copper were used in addition to stone is called as Copper
B–10
1.
Robert Bruce Foote, who discovered first Palaeolithic
tool in India, was a/an –
(a) Geologist
(b) Archaeologist
(c) Paleobotanist
(d) Historian
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (a & b)
According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, Robert Bruce Foote
was a British geologist and archaeologist. He is considered
as the father of Indian pre-history. He was associated with
the Geological Survey and documented the antiquities of the
stone age. Hence, both options (a) and (b) can be considered
as correct.
General Studies
Indian History
2.
The three-age system, divided into stone, bronze and
iron from the collection of Copenhagen museum was
coined by –
(a) Thomson
(b) Lubbock
(c) Taylor
(d) Childe
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (a)
According to Commission Report Present archaeological
system of the three main ages-stone, bronze and iron-was
developed by the Danish archaeologist Christian Jurgensen
Thomsen in 1818 and 1820. He classified Object of Museum
in 1836.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
3.
According to the excavated evidence, the domestication
of animal began in –
(a) Lower Palaeolithic period
(b) Middle Palaeolithic period
(c) Upper Palaeolithic period
(d) Mesolithic period
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (d)
According to the excavated evidence, the domestication of
animals began in the Mesolithic period. The earliest pieces
of evidence of domestication of animals in India have
been found at Adamgarh (Hoshangabad, M.P.) and Bagor
(Bhilwara, Rajasthan).
4.
Which among the following sites provides evidence of
domestication of animals in the Mesolithic period?
(a) Odai
(b) Bori
(c) Bagor
(d) Lakhnia
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
5.
In Mesolithic context, evidence of animal
domestication has been found at :
(a) Langhnaj
(b) Birbhanpur
(c) Adamgarh
(d) Chopani Mando
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
6.
From which one of the following sites bone implements
have been found ?
(a) Chopani-Mando
(b) Kakoria
(c) Mahadaha
(d) Sarai Nahar Rai
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (c & d)
Indian History
A large number of implements made of bones and horns have
been found from the Mesolithic site, Mahadaha and Sarai
Nahar Rai (located in Pratapgarh district of U.P.). The book
entitled ‘Puratattva Vimarsh ‘ written by Dr. Jai Narayan
Pandey describes various pointed objects and ornaments
made of bones which have been reported from Sarai Nahar
Rai, Damdama and Mahadaha.
7.
Bone ornaments in the Mesolithic context in India
have been obtained from –
(a) Sarai Nahar Rai
(b) Mahadaha
(c) Lekhahia
(d) Chopani Mando
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (a & b)
See the explanation of above question.
8.
Three human skeletons in a single grave were recovered
at –
(a) Sarai Nahar Rai
(b) Damdama
(c) Mahadaha
(d) Langhnaj
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Damdama is a Mesolithic site in Pratapgarh district Uttar
Pradesh. In Damdama, 41 human graves were found. Out
of these graves, 5 are double burial. One triple burial grave
is also found here. A grave with four human skeletons has
been found at Sarai Nahar Rai.
9.
The cultivation of cereals first started in (a) Neolithic Age
(b) Mesolithic Age
(c) Palaeolithic Age
(d) Proto-Historic Age
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (a)
Grains were first ever produced in Neolithic Age. It was the
time when people were introduced to agriculture. Koldihwa
and Mehrgarh were the two Neolithic villages from where
clear pieces of evidence of rice and wheat have been found.
10. During the Neolithic Age the earliest evidence of the
origin of agriculture has been found at which of the
following place in the North-Western region of Indian
sub-continent?
(a) Munidgak
(b) Mehargarh
(c) Damb Sadat
(d) Balakot
(e) Amri
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
B–11
11. The earliest evidence of man in India is found in
(a) Nilgiri Hills
(b) Shiwalik Hills
(c) Nallamala Hills
(d) Narmada Valley
evidence of rice is known to be near the bank of the river Belan,
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (d)
district Allahabad, from where rice bran was found dating
back to 6500 B.C. With above reference, if Lahuradeva is one
option, then it will be the correct answer, but if Lahuradeva
In India, the first evidence of man was found in western
Narmada region of Madhya Pradesh. It was discovered in 1982.
12. The first cereal used by man was :
(a) Wheat
(b) Rice
(c) Barley
(d) Sorghum
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Pakistan) belonging to around 7000 B.C. and the earliest
There are mainly eight types of food grains consumed by
modern human society, namely barley, wheat, maize, millet,
sorghum, mustard, oat and rice. These plants were present in
the form of weed in different areas, which were later grown as
seed by a human being at different places, in different times.
Although, barley was the first grain to be cultivated by human
beings during 8000 B.C. in western Asian countries located
between the northeast Mediterranean Sea and Iran. Later, in
the same area, wheat was also cultivated around 8000 B.C.
is not an option, then Mehrgarh would be the right answer.
14. With reference to the cultural heritage of Uttar
Pradesh, which of the following statement/s is/are
correct?
(1) The oldest evidence of agriculture in the global
context has been obtained from many excavated
sites in this region.
(2) The oldest cultivated food grains are barley and
paddy.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below –
Code (a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (a)
From Lahuradev in Sant Kabir Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh,
oldest evidence of agriculture have been obtained. The
oldest food grains were barley and wheat. Hence option (a)
is correct.
15. Name the site which has revealed the earliest evidence
Rice was the third grain to be cultivated by human beings in
of settled life ?
approx 7000 B.C. at the Yangtze River of China. Maize was
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kile Gul Mohammad
cultivated in Central and South America during 6000 B.C.
(c) Kalibangan
(d) Mehrgarh
The first evidence of maize was found in Mexico, millet in
5500 B.C. in China, sorghum in 5000 B.C. in East Africa,
mustard in 5000 B.C. in South-East Asia and Oat in 2300
B.C. in Europe.
13. The earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian subcontinent comes from –
(a) Koldihwa
(c) Mehrgarh
(b) Lahuradeva
(d) Tokwa
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
According to the latest research, the earliest evidence of
agriculture in Indian sub-continent has been reported from
the Lahuradeva site in Sant Kabir Nagar district, Uttar
Pradesh. The evidence of human activity and beginning of
rice cultivation at this site dates back to around 7000-9000
B.C. Significantly before this research, the earlier evidence
of wheat was found at Mehrgarh (located in Balochistan,
B–12
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
16. The earliest evidence of agriculture in the Indian Subcontinent has been obtained from –
(a) Brahmagiri
(b) Burzahom
(c) Koldihwa
(d) Mehrgarh
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
17. The earliest evidence of Agriculture in Indian
subcontinent is found at
(a) Lothal
(b) Harappa
(c) Mehrgarh
(d) Mundigak
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
Indian History
18. Which one of the following periods is also known as
Chalcolithic Age?
(a) Old Stone Age
(b) New Stone Age
(c) Copper Age
(d) Iron Age
44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (c)
22. In which state of India is the Harappan Civilization
site Mandi situated?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Haryana
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Copper Age is also known as the Chalcolithic age. The age in
) Mandi is located to the east of the Yamuna river, in
Muzaffarnagar district, western Uttar Pradesh and
this area has been considered peripheral to the main
distribution area of the Harappan Civilization.
) A hoard of jewellery at Mandi was discovered during
an excavation carried out by D.V. Sharma (1999-2000).
which instruments of copper were used in addition to stone,
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
is called as Copper Age.
19. The cultural remains from Stone Age to Harappan
Civilization have been obtained from which one of the
following ancient sites?
(a) Amri
(b) Mehrgarh
(c) Kotdiji
(d) Kalibangan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
The cultural remains from Stone Age to Harappan
Civilization have been obtained from Mehrgarh located in
Balochistan (Pakistan).
20. Excavation at Navadatoli was conducted by –
(a) K.D.Bajpai
(b) V.S. Wakankar
(C) H.D. Sankalia
(d) Mortimer Whéeler
U.P. Lower Spl. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
Navdatoli has revealed excellent evidence of both round
and rectangular residential structures which are located near
Indore (Madhya Pradesh). The former measures about 3m in
diameter and the latter 2m × 2.2m. The roofs were probably
made of hay, branches and leaves and were supported on
massive wooden posts, 22cm in diameter, raised at regular
intervals around the huts. The open spaces between the posts
were provided with mud-plastered bamboo screens. The
house floors were made up of silt clay and river gravel, with
the surface coated with lime. The huts were provided with
one or two-mouthed ‘chulhas’ as well as storage jars and
other earthen vessels.
This site was excavated by Mr. H.D. Sankalia, Professor
Deccan College, Pune. This site was the most extensive
excavated rural Chalcolithic site of Indian sub-continent,
which is determined to be between 1600 B.C. and 1300 B.C.
21. In which state, the Navdatoli is located ?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Chhattisgarh
(d) Madhya Pradesh
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
Indian History
Ans (d)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
23. Consider the following statements pertaining to the
Ahar Civilization –
A. The natives of Ahar knew copper smelting
B. Rice was unknown to them
C. Metal work was one of the means of economy of the
Ahar
D. Black - Red coloured pottery have been found here, on
which generally white coloured geometrical designs
have been carved.
Choose the correct option –
(a) A, C and D are correct (b) A and B are correct
(c) A, B and C are correct (d) C and D are correct
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (a)
Ahar civilization belonged to chalcolithic period and
flourished around the Mewar region of Rajasthan. They used
copper tools and evidence of copper smelting is present too.
Hence (A) and (C) statements are correct. Rice was known to
them hence (B) is wrong. Mostly black-red coloured pottery
decorated with white geometric design have been found here.
Hence (D) is also correct.
24. Megaliths have been identified as(a) Caves for hermits
(b) Burial sites
(c) Temple sites
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (b)
The megaliths usually refer to the burials made up of large
stones in graveyards away from the habitation area. A large
fraction of these is assumed to be associated with burial
or post-burial rituals including memorials for those whose
remains may or may not be available. Few types of these
are; Chamber tomb, Dolmens, Stone alignment, Stone circle
(cromlech), Pit-circles, etc.
25. Ash mound is associated with the Neolithic site at –
(a) Budihal
(b) Sangana Kallu
(c) Koldihwa
(d) Brahmagiri
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (b)
General Studies
B–13
The ‘Ash mounds’ have been found from a Neolithic site
Sangana Kallu located in Vellari district near Mysore in
Karnataka. They have also been found in Piklihal and Utnur.
These ash mounds are the burnt relics of seasonal camps of
Neolithic herdsmen community.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
26. ‘Bhimbetka’ is famous for (a) Rock Paintings
(b) Buddhist Statues
(c) Minerals
(d) Origin of Son River
M.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (a)
The rock shelters of Bhimbetka are located 45 km west
of Bhopal. UNESCO has included the shell pictures of
Bhimbetka in the list of its world heritage. These caves exhibit
the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent
and include the pictures of an elephant, sambhar, deer, etc.
There are 133 Picture in 700 Rock Shelters.
27. In India, from which rock-shelter, pictures has been
found the most ?
(a) Ghagharia
(b) Bhimbetka
(c) Lekhahia
(d) Adamgarh
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
28. Which one of the following places is famous for prehistoric paintings ?
(a) Ajanta
(b) Bhimbetka
(c) Bagh
(d) Amravati
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (b)
The best example of prehistoric paintings is the rock-shelters
and caves of Bhimbetka, located in Raisen district of Madhya
Pradesh. The rock shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills
of the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern edge of the
central Indian plateau. The rock-cut paintings of Ajanta and
Bagh are related to post Mauryan period while Amravati,
which is famous for its cairn architecture is considered to be
built in Shunga’s period or Satavahana’s period.
29. Where are the caves of Bhimbetka situated?
(a) Bhopal
(b) Pachmarhi
(c) Singrauli
(d) Abdullahganj-Raisen
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
B–14
30. Which of the following Indian Archaeologists first
visited 'Bhimbetka Caves' and discovered prehistoric
significance of its rock paintings?
(a) Madho Swaroop Vatsa (b) H.D. Sankalia
(c) V.S. Wakankar
(d) V.N. Mishra
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (c)
'Bhimbetka Caves' are located in Raisen District of MP. They
are best example of Rock Painting of prehistoric era. It was
discovered by V.S. Wakankar in 1957. It is a UNESCO world
heritage site for its prominent prehistoric Rock Paintings.
31. Bhimbetka was discovered by
(a) Dr. H.D. Sankhalia
(b) Dr. Shyam Sundar Nigam
(c) Dr. Vishnudhar Vakankar
(d) Dr. Rajbali Pandey
Ans (c)
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020
See the explanation of above question.
32. The Ochre-coloured Pottery (O.C.P.) was christened at:
(a) Hastinapur
(b) Ahichhatra
(c) Noh
(d) Red Fort
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (a)
Discovery and Naming (Christen) of OCP was done by B.B.
Lal in 1951 at Hastinapur. Ochre-Coloured Pottery (known
to archaeologists as OCP) as the name implies, its main
distinguishing feature was its ochre colour, which gives it a
first appearance of being badly fired. Other characteristics
are its porous character and the fact that it is invariably worn
out at the edges.
33. In the Chalcolithic period people of Maharashtra
buried their dead under the floor of their houses in the
following orientation:
(a) North to South position
(b) East to West position
(c) South to North position
(d) West to East position
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (a)
The people of Jorwe culture lived in large rectangular houses
with wattle and daub walls and thatched roof. They believed
in life after death and therefore buried the dead inside the
houses under the floor. Children were buried in two urns that
were joined mouth-to-mouth and set horizontally in the pit,
while adults were placed in a supine position with the head
towards the north (north to south). These sites were found in
Daimabad, Inamgaon, Chandauli, Nevasa, etc.
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
34. Which of the following sites has yielded skeleton of the
dog along with human skeleton in burial ?
(a) Brahmagiri
(b) Burzahom
(c) Chirand
(d) Maski
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
38. From which rock shelter of Vindhyas, a maximum
number of human skeletons have been found?
(a) Morahana Pahar
(b) Ghagharia
(c) Baghahi Khor
(d) Lekhahia
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (d)
The Burzahom site is a prehistoric settlement in the village
of the same name in Kashmir valley. Both human and animal
skeletons were found here with trepanning (bored hole) marks.
In many pits, bones of dogs and antlered deer were found along
with human skeletons. The skeletons of humans were found in
the burial pits in a sitting position along with bones of animals.
The first excavation at the Burzahom site was carried out by
Helmut de Terra and Dr. Thomas Paterson in the year 1935.
According to 'Puratatva Vimarsh' by J.N. Pandey 17 human
skletons were obtained from rock shelter 1 of Lekhahiya in
the Vindhya region. Some of these were in relatively pristine
condition while most of the others were warped. According
to John R. Lucas of Oregon University, the USA, remnants
of 27 human skletons were found in Lekhahiya.
35. The evidence of burying the dog with human body is
found from which of the following places ?
(a) Burzahom
(b) Koldihwa
(c) Chaupani
(d) Mando
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
36. The evidence of pit dwelling has been obtained from –
(a) Burzahom
(b) Koldihwa
(c) Brahmagiri
(d) Sanganakallu
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
37. Consider the following pairs :
(Historical place)
(Well-known for)
1. Burzahom
Rock-cut shrines
2. Chandra-ketugarh Terracotta art
3. Ganeshwar
Copper artefacts
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly
matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (d)
Burzahom is a Neolithic site in Kashmir valley. The site
is famous for pit dwelling and neolithic tool industry and
not for rock cut shrines. Hence pair 1 is not correctly
matched. Chandraketugarh is located in the Ganga delta in
West Bengal. In early historic times, Chandraketugarh was
connected to the Ganga by the Vidyadhari river, and must
have been an important centre of trade, and possibly also
a political centre. Chandraketugarh was a major centre of
terracotta craft. Various kinds of artefacts have been found
at the site over the years, including coins, pottery, seals and
sealings and figurines made of ivory, wood and bronze. Hence
pair 2 is correctly matched. The Ganeshwar-Jodhpura culture
was located in the north-eastern part of Rajasthan. Hundreds
of copper objects have been found at this site. Hence pair 3
is correctly matched.
Indian History
39. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as
Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : The stone age people of the Vindhyas
migrated to the Ganga Valley in terminal
Pleistocene period.
Reason (R) : Due to climatic change, it was dry phase
in this period.
Choose the correct answer from 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 and (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.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (a)
Stone age people of the Vindhyas migrated to the Ganga
Valley in terminal pleistocene period because of climatic
change Vindhyan Valley had become dry.
40. Which of these departments/ministries deals with
Archaeological Survey of India as an accessory office ?
(a) Culture
(b) Tourism
(c) Science and Technology
(d) Human Resource and Development
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (a)
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry
of Culture, is a premier organization for the archaeological
researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the
nation. In 1871, the Archaeological Survey was established
as a separate department, and Alexander Cunningham was
appointed as its first Director-General. In 1901, during the
tenure of Lord Curzon, it was centralized and designated as
Archaeological Survey of India. In 1902 John Marshall was
appointed as its first Director General.
General Studies
B–15
41. Where is National Human Museum situated ?
(a) Guwahati
(b) Bastar
(c) Bhopal
(d) Chennai
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
National Human Museum, which was renamed as Indira
Gandhi National Human Museum is located in Bhopal (M.P.).
It is an autonomous organization under the Department of
Culture.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization is also known as the Harappa
Civilization. *Archaeologists use the term “culture” for a group
of objects, distinctive in style, that are usually found together
within a specific geographical area and at a period of time. *In
the case of Harappan culture, these distinctive objects include
seals, beads, weights, stone blades and even baked bricks.
*The Harappan seal is possibly the most distinctive artefact
of the Harappan or Indus valley civilization. *Seals were
discovered at Harappa by archaeologists Daya Ram Sahni
in the early decades of the 20th century (in 1921). *Another
archaeologist, Rakhal Das Banerji found similar seals at
Mohenjodaro, leading to the conjecture that these sites were
part of a single archeological culture. *Based on these finds,
John Marshall, Director-General of the ASI, announced the
discovery of a new civilization in the Indus valley to the world.
*Harappa is located in the Montgomery district (currently it is
Sahiwal district) of Punjab province, Pakistan. *Mohenjodaro
is located on the right bank of the Indus River in Larkana
District, Sindh, Pakistan. *According to the Stuart Piggott,
the two cities, Harappa and Mohenjodaro were “Twin capital
of an Extensive Kingdom”. *Harappa is located at the left
bank of Ravi River.
*The carbon-14 (C14) dating process indicates the Harappan
period to be from 2300 BC to 1700 BC which is highly
accepted. During the period 2300 BC to 1900 B.C., the growth
of this civilization was at its peak. Mesopotamia and Egyptian
civilization are contemporary to the Indus civilization. The
timeline of the Indus valley civilization by various researchers –
Researcher
John Marshall
Ernest Mackay
Madhav Swaroop Vats
C.J. Gadd
Mortimer wheeler
Walter A. Fairservis
B–16
Timeline
3250 B.C. -2750 B.C.
2800 B.C. – 2500 B.C.
3500 B.C. – 2500 B.C.
2350 B.C. – 1700 B.C.
2500 B.C. – 1700 B.C.
2000 B.C. – 1500 B.C.
*The Harappan culture covered parts of Punjab, Sindh,
Baluchistan, Gujarat, Rajasthan and the fringes of western
Uttar Pradesh. It extended from Manda (Jammu and Kashmir)
in the north to the Daimabad (Maharashtra) in the South, and
from the Sutkagen Dor of Baluchistan in the West to Alamgir
Pur Meerut (Utter Pradesh) in the north. The area formed a
triangle and accounted for about 13 lakhs square kilometers
which is larger than Pakistan and certainly bigger than ancient
Egypt and Mesopotamia.
*As the evidence stands, the population of Mohenjodaro, was
a mixture of at least four species –
1. Proto-Australoids (Caucasian)
2. Mediterraneans
3. Alpines
4. Mongoloids
*Founders of Indus valley civilization based on the assessments
of various archaeologists S.N. Archaeologists
Founder
1.
Dr. Laxman Swaroop
Arya
2.
V. Gordon Childeand
Wheeler
Sumerians
3.
Rakhal Das Banerji
Dravidians (Dravid)
*The cities excavated in Indus valley area can be categorized
in the following groups.
1. Central city
2. Coastal city and dockyards
3. Other cities and towns
*The three major cities of Indus valley civilization- Harappa,
Mohenjodaro and Dholavira were the large towns. *The vast
mounds were first reported by Charles Masson in 1826.
*During 1920-21, Mr. R.B. Dayaram Sahni surveyed the
Harappa culture in the Montgomery district (currently in
Sahiwal) of Punjab on the left side of Ravi river and in 1923
excavation process started with continuity. In the year 192021 and 1933-34, Mr. Madhav Swaroop Vats and in 1946.
Mr. Mortimer wheeler had started the excavation process on a
large (extensive) scale. *Harappa had two mounds, the eastern
side mound was known as city mound and the western one
was called as castle mound. The remnants of Granary were
available in the form of 12 rooms, which were arranged in
the form of two rows each, having six rooms each. *The first
artefact uncovered in Harappa was a unique stone seal carved
with a unicorn and an inscription. Similar seals with different
General Studies
Indian History
animal symbols and writings have been found throughout the
This site was discovered by B.B. Lal in 1961. *Ploughed field
region. Although the writing has not yet been deciphered,
surface has been found at this site. The pieces of evidence of
evidence found during the early archaeological excavations
Mesopotamian seals, wheels of a toy cart, fire altars are
is the major source to know about the Harappan culture. *The
pictures of elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, deer, sheep, etc. are
depicted on the seals and terracotta arts of Harappan culture.
But the cow was not depicted on the seals and terracotta art of
the Harappan cultures.
*Mohenjodaro has been variously interpreted as “Mound of
the dead men” in Sindhi language. Mohenjodaro is located
right of the Indus River in Larkana district, Sindh, Pakistan.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Mohenjodaro was discovered by Rakhal Das Banerjee in 1922.
found here.
*Dholavira, which is the second largest site of Harappan
Civilization in India (after Rakhigarhi) is located in Rann of
Kutch (Gujarat). R.S. Bisht and his colleagues excavated it in
1990-91. *Dholavira is one of the most prominent archaeological
sites of Harappa, which gives us important information about
great bath and reservoir which was of 7 metres in depth and 79
metres long. *The town was built in a rectangular shape. It was
*The most important public place of Mohenjodaro seems to
divided into three parts - fort, central town and lower town.
be Great bath. This great bath seems to have been used for
People of Dholavira were familiar with the advanced water
ritual bathing. *In Mohenjodaro, a large building, in the form
management system. From the earliest evidence, people used
of ruins, has been obtained. This is in the northeast direction
to store water in this reservoir by building dams.
of great bath, with the dimension 70.1 × 23.77 meters. This
*Surkotada is located in Kutch district of Gujarat. The
building, perhaps meant for the residence of a very high official,
possibly the high priest himself, or a college of priests. *The
main quality of Mohenjodaro was their roads. The main road
had a width of 9.15 meters, which was known as Rajpath. The
straight roads intersect each other at the right angle and the
parted roads form square and quadrangle shapes. *The artefacts
found from Mohenjodaro are mother goddess idol, dancing
girl statue, a seated male soapstone (Priest-King), Pashupati
(Shiva) seal, bones of elephants, and skeleton in the wells,
teeth of horse, evidence of cotton cloth, etc.
*The Chanhudaro situated 130 km southeast of
Mohenjodaro was discovered by N.G. Majumdar in 1931
and excavated on a large scale by E.J.H. Mackay in 193536. *Remnants of Jhukkar and Jhangar culture were
found at this site. This place may have been a industrial
hub where shell making, bangle making, bead making took
place. Ornamented elephant, toys, the vestige of a dog that
followed a cat, lipsticks, etc have been found at this site.
*Lothal is situated on the Bhogava River in Ahmedabad district
of Gujarat. It was discovered by S.R. Rao in 1954. Along the
eastern side of the town was a brick-basin, which has been
identified as dockyard by its excavator. Lothal city on the basis
of planning and material goods seems to be micro Harappa or
micro Mohenjodaro city. The evidence of Rice husk, metal
workers, shell ornament makers, bead makers shop, fire
altars, terra cotta figurine of a horse, a terracotta model
of a ship, Persian seal, painted jar, etc has been found here.
*Kalibangan is located in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan.
Indian History
evidence of horse bones and pot burials has been found here.
*Daimabad is situated on the left bank of the Pravara River in
Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. This site was discovered
by B.P. Bopardikar in 1958. Daimabad is famous for the
recovery of many bronze goods, some of which were influenced
by Harappan culture. *Rakhigarhi is situated in the Hisar
district of Haryana. This site is located in the Ghaggar-Hakra
River plain. This site was discovered by Surajbhan in 1969.
This site is the largest site of Indus Valley civilization in
India. *Ropar (Punjab) is located on the left bank of the river
Satluj. The current name of this city is Rupnagar. `This city
was discovered by B.B. Lal in 1950. This site was excavated by
Yashdatt Sharma 1953-55. *Rangpur is located in Saurashtra
region of western India, on the coast of Arabian Sea in Gujarat
state. On the basis of large vegetative remains, it can be said
that these people used to cultivate Rice, Bajra and Millet.
*Dadheri was a pre-historic excavation site of Govindgarh,
district Ludhiana (Punjab). Dadheri is known for its painted
grey ware culture, which is supposed to be associated with
the arrival of the Aryans.
Major sites of Indus Valley Civilization and related rivers –
Sites
Rivers
Harappa
Ravi
Mohenjodaro
Indus
General Studies
B–17
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Kalibangan
Ghaggar
Lothal
Bhogwa
Ropar
Sutlej
Manda
Chenab
Daimabad
Pravara
Alamgirpur
Sutkagendor
Bhagwanpura
Hindon
Dasht
Sarasvati
*Alamgirpur is located in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh.
It is situated along the Hindon River. A small terracotta beadlike structure coated with gold and evidence of cloth was
found at this site. Utensils with triangle, peacock and squirrel
impressions were found here.
*Hulas is located in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Hand
made and wheel made pottery with geometric or naturalistic
designs painted in black, chert blades, bone points, etc. have
been found here. *Banawali is located in the Fatehabad district
of Haryana. Clay figures of the mother goddess and toy plough
have been found here.
*Bhagwanpura is located in Kurukshetra district, Haryana.
It is located on the Southern bank of river Saraswati. The site
was excavated by J.P. Joshi. *Manda is situated on the bank of
river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir. It was excavated by J.P.
Joshi in 1982. It is considered a site used to procure wood from
Himalayan regions and send them downstream to other towns
of the Indus valley civilization. *Sonauli is an archaeological
site located in Baraut Tehsil, Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh,
where 125 graves belonging to Indus Valley Civilization were
found. These graves are oriented in a North-South direction
and most are identified as primary human burials. Some of the
burials are found with animal bones, gold, copper and bangles.
*Harappans were known to silver. The evidence of its proper
use has been found from Mohanjodaro and Harappa. These
people used to get silver from mines of Zawar and Ajmer in
Rajasthan. Other sources of silver for Harrapa and Mohenjodaro
were Afghanistan and Iran.
*The Harappan pottery is bright or dark red and uniformly
sturdy and well baked. It consists of wheel-made wares, both
plain and painted. The plain wares are usually of red clay with or
without a fine red slip. The painted pottery was of red and black
colours. Several methods were used by people for the decoration
of pottery. Polychrome pottery was rare and mainly comprised
small vases decorated with geometric patterns, mostly in red,
black and green and less frequently in white and yellow. The
colour- scheme adopted for painting was light black, chocolate
or light red over buff or greenish- buff background. *The Indus
Valley Civilization was a Bronze age Civilization. People of
B–18
this age were not familiar with iron. *The drainage system was
advanced and covered with slabs. *The trade and commerce
were in an advanced stage. The pieces of evidence of both
internal and external trade have been found. *Many pieces of
evidence of worshipping of Mother Goddess from Indus Valley
have been found.
*Marshall identified the figure which he found during
excavation as an early form of the Hindu God Shiva (or Rudra)
or Pashupati (lord of animals) from the excavation of Harappa.
The Pashupati seal in which the three faced male God is
shown sitting in a yogic posture, surrounded by a rhino and a
buffalo on one side and an elephant and a tiger on the other
side, make the historian conclude that the people of those days
worshipped Lord Shiva and cylindrical stones show that the
people worshipped Lingam, the symbol of Lord Shiva. *Cotton
was first cultivated in India for clothing. The evidence of
the earliest cotton cultivation was found in excavation in
India. From India, it reached to Greece where it was called
as “Hindon”. The cotton cultivation in India started in 3000
BC while it was cultivated in Egypt in 2500 BC. *Indus
Valley Civilization is considered to be a secular civilization
with no trace of theocratic or organized religion. *No temple
or place of worship has been found after excavation from
Indus Vally Civilization till date. The only religious source
from this civilization is statues made of mud and stone
and seals which were found here. By this, it is known that
female deities, Shiva or Pashupati and animals like snake,
elephant were worshipped. Worship of plant and trees, or
inanimate stone or other objects in the form of ‘Linga’ or
‘Yoni’ symbols was famous during that period.
Major metals and their production site –
Metals
Production sites
Copper
Khetri(Rajasthan) and Balochistan
Lazurite
Badakhshan (Afghanistan)
Turquoise
Iran
Silver
Jowar in Rajasthan and mine of Ajmer
Lead
Afghanistan
Shilajit
Himalaya
Garnet stone Gujarat
(Gomed)
*Ancient Egyptian Civilization flourished along the banks of
the river Nile for almost 3,000 years. Nile river is known as
‘lifeline of Egypt.’ The Nile is a major north-flowing river in
northeastern Africa, generally regarded as the longest river in
the world. Indus Valley Civilization (India) and Mesopotamian
civilisation of Egypt are the contemporary civilizations. The
correct sequence of the civilizations from North to South is:
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Aztec - Maya- Muiscu - Inca. The Aztec originated as a
nomadic tribe in Northern Mexico. The Maya Civilization
centreed around tropical lowlands of present Guatemala. The
Muisca civilization flourished in ancient Colombia whereas
Inca Civilization arose on the highlands of Peru. *People
of Sumerian Civilization were the first to develop the art of
writing in a proper system. Their original script was very simple
and primitive. *Cuneiform script of Sumeria is generally known
as one of the earliest systems of writing.
Researchers and their opinion on the disappearance of
Indus Valley Civilization –
Reason of devastation
Researchers
Flood
Marshall, Mackay, S.R. Rao
Attack of Aryan’s
Gordon Childe, Mortimer
Wheeler,and Stuart Piggott
Climate change
Aurel Stein, Amalananda Ghosh
Geological change
M.R. Sahni, H.T. Lambrick,
G.S. dell
Epidemic
K.U.R. Kennedy
1.
Human Society is unique because it depends mainly on–
(a) Culture
(b) Economy
(c) Religion
(d) Science
U.P.P.C.S.(Spl) (Mains) 2004
Ans. (b)
Human Society mainly depends on economy. As economy
changes, human society changes accordingly.
2.
Which of the following is related to Harappa civilization?
(a) Sumerian civilization
(b) Indus Valley Civilization
(c) Vedic civilization
(d) Mesopotamian civilization
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (b)
Harappa is an archaeological site related to Indus Valley
Civilization. Since the first archaeological evidence of
this civilization was obtained from Harappa, Indus Valley
Civilization is also known as Harappa Civilization. Along
with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, it was one of the three
ancient civilizations of the world.
3.
Indus Civilization existed in–
(a) Prehistoric age
(b) Proto-historic age
(c) Historic age
(d) Post-Historic age
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
Indian History
Historical period is determined with respect to the available
written literature. The period before which knowledge of the
art of writing was not available is called early historical age.
Indus Civilization is Proto historical civilization although
the writing was known during this period, but it is still to
be deciphered.
4.
Indus Valley civilization was Non-Aryan because (a) It was an Urban Civilization
(b) It has its own script
(c) It has an agricultural economy
(d) It extended up to the Narmada valley
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (a)
Indus Valley Civilization was an earliest known urban
civilization of Indian subcontinent whereas Aryan Civilization
was rural civilization.
5.
The important reason to keep Indus-Valley civilization
before Aryan civilization is –
(a) Script
(b) Town Planning
(c) Copper
(d) Potteries
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (d)
The knowledge of script and town planning of Indus Valley
Civilization was more developed than that of Pre-Aryans.
Different archaeological pieces of evidence of pottery have
been found in the early settlements of Mehrgarh from the
Indus Valley Civilization. Pottery found during excavations
proves that Indus Valley Civilization existed before Aryan
Civilization. The red potteries painted with black figures
were the speciality of Harappan Civilization, whereas the
grey painted potteries were used by Aryans.
6.
The Indus Valley culture was different from the Vedic
Civilization because
(a) It had the amenities of developed city life
(b) It has a pictographic script
(c) It lacked knowledge of iron and defensive arrow
(d) All of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004
Ans. (d)
The culture of the Indus Valley Civilization was different
from the Vedic culture in many ways. The Indus Valley
Civilization was urban while the Vedic culture was rural.
The script of Indus Valley Civilization was of depictive
expressions. The people of Indus Valley Civilization did not
know the use of iron, whereas the people of Vedic Civilization
used iron weapons extensively.
General Studies
B–19
7.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the code given below the lists.
List–I
List-II
A. Indus Valley Civilization1.Pastoral
B. Later Vedic Society
2. Land Lordism
C. Rigvedic Society
3. Agrarian
D. Medieval Period
4. Urban
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 4
2
3
1
(b) 2
1
4
3
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 4
3
1
2
The site of Indus Valley Civilization was excavated in
1920 and objects such as tools, weapons, ornaments of
archaeological or historical interest were found there but the
main source to know about this civilization is seals. There
were more than 3000 seals found.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (d)
List-I is matched to List-II as follows :List–I
List-II
Indus Valley Civilization
-
Urban
Later Vedic Society
-
Agrarian
Rigvedic Society
-
Pastoral
Medieval Period
-
Land Lordism
8.
The source of knowledge about Harappan culture is:
(a) Rock edicts
(b) Writing in terracotta seals
(c) Archaeological excavations
(d) All of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (c)
The first artefact uncovered in Harappa was a unique stone seal
carved with a unicorn and an inscription. Similar seals with
different animal symbols and writings have been found throughout
the region. Although the writing has not yet been deciphered,
evidence found during the early archaeological excavations is the
major source to know about the Harappan culture.
9.
Which of the following throw light on Harappan culture?
(a) Inscription
(b) Archaeological excavations
(c) Handwriting seals on the utensils
(d) Religious books.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
B–20
10. The main source of knowledge about the inhabitants
of Indus valley civilizations is the discovery of :
(a) Seals
(b) Utensils, Jewellery, weapons, tools
(c) Temple
(d) Scripts
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (a)
11. Which of the following match is not correct regarding
the origin of Harappan civilization?
(a) M. Rafique Mughal
- Harappan civilization
was inspired by
Mesopotamian
civilization
(b) E.J.H. Mackay
- Migration of people
from Sumer
(c) Mortimer Wheeler
- Migration of ‘idea of
civilization
(d) Amalandanda Ghosh - Pre-Harappan culture
matured to make
Harrapan civilization
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2013
Ans. (a)
About the origin of the Harappan civilization, many
scholars have presented different views. E.J.H. Mackay has
considered that the origin of the Harappan civilization was
due to the the migration of people from Sumer (Southern
Mesopotamia), while historian D.H. Gordon and Mortimer
Wheeler considered that the Harappan civilization was the
result of migration of idea of civilization from Western Asia.
In this context, Amalananda Ghosh considered that preHarappan culture matured into Harappan civilization. M.F.
Rafique Mughal consider that the development of Harappan
civilization occurred in the region of Ravi river at Harappa.
He refutes the old belief that Harappan civilization was
inspired by Mesopotamian civilization.
12. The earliest evidence of silver in India is found in the(a) Harappan culture
(b) Chalcolithic cultures of western India
(c) Vedic texts
(d) Silver Punch- marked coins
I.A.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
Harappans were known to silver. The evidence of its proper
use has been found from Mohan Jodaro and Harappa. These
people used to get silver from mines of Zawar and Ajmer in
Rajasthan. Other sources of silver were Afghanistan and Iran
for Harrapa and Mohenjodaro.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
13. The earliest evidence of animal domestication and
agriculture in India has come from
(a) Anjira
(b) Damb Sadat
(c) Kili Gul Muhammad (d) Mehargarh
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (d)
Mehrgarh is a Neolithic site located near the Bolan Pass on
the Karachi Plain of Balochistan (Pakistan) to the west of the
Indus river valley. Mehrgarh is now seen as a precursor to
the Indus valley civilisation displaying the whole sequence
from earliest settlement and the start of agriculture, to the
mature Harappan civilization.
Mehrgarh is one of the earliest sites with pieces of evidence
of farming and herding in South Asia.
14. Which colour was commonly used in the Harappan
Pottery?
(a) Red
(b) Blue-grey
(c) Yellow
(d) Blue
40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (a)
The Harappan pottery is bright or dark red and uniformly
sturdy and well baked. It consists of wheel-made wares, both
plain and painted. The plain ware is usually of red clay with
or without a fine red slip. The painted pottery was of red and
black colours. Several methods were used by people for the
decoration of pottery. Polychrome pottery was rareand mainly
comprised small vases decorated with geometric patterns,
mostly in red, black and green and less frequently in white
and yellow. The colour- scheme adopted for painting was
light black, chocolate or light red over buff or greenish buff
background.
15. The beginning of idol worship is to be considered in –
(a) Pre-Aryan
(c) Mauryan Period
Ans. (a)
(b) Vedic period
(d) Kushan Period
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
The pre-Aryan period is considered as the beginning of idol
worship. Idol worship was prevalent in Indus Civilization and
it is evident from the coins discovered from Mohenjodaro
Indian History
having the seal of God. They probably worshipped Mother
Goddess in addition to male and female deities.
16. Which one of the following animals was not represented
on the seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture?
(a) Cow
(b) Elephant
(c) Rhinoceros
(d) Tiger
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (a)
The pictures of elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, deer, sheep, etc.
are depicted on the seals and terracotta arts of Harappan
culture. But the cow was not depicted on the seals and
terracotta art of the Harappan cultures.
17. Match List- I (Ancient site) with List- II (Archaeological
finding) and select the correct answer using the code
given below the lists :
List- I
List- II
(Ancient site)
(Archaeological finding)
A. Lothal
1. Ploughed field
B. Kalibangan
2. Dockyard
C. Dholavira
3. Terracotta replica of a Plough
D. Banawali
4. An inscription comprising
ten large-sized signs of the
Harappan script
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 2
1
4
3
(c) 1
2
4
3
(d) 2
1
3
4
I.A.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
The archaeological remains of the Harappan port-town of
Lothal are located along the Bhogava River, a tributary
of Sabarmati, in the Gulf of Cambay. Kalibangan town is
located on the bank of Ghaggar River (Saraswati River)
in Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan. Kalibangan has given
the evidence of the earliest ploughed agricultural field ever
revealed through excavation. An inscription comprising ten
large-sized signs of the Harappan scripts were found from
Dholavira of Harappan script. Banawali is located in Hisar
district of Haryana from where a terracotta replica of a plough
was found.
General Studies
B–21
18. In which of the following Harappan cities, furrows of
ploughed fields have been found?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Kalibangan
Dholavira
Mohenjo-daro
Lothal
None of the above/More than one of the above
66th B. P.S.C. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the above explanation
19. Which among the following Harappan site terracotta
of 'plough' was found?
(a) Dholavira
(b) Banawali
(c) Kalibangan
(d) Lothal
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
20. A ploughed field was discovered at –
(a) Mohenjodaro
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Harappa
(d) Lothal
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
21. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List-I
List-II
A. Harappa
1. Cemetry R-37
B. Lothal
2. Dockyard
C. Kalibangan
3. Dancing Girl Statue
D. Mohenjo-Daro 4. Furrowed land
Codes :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 2
1
4
3
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 1
2
4
3
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (d)
22. Which one of the following ancient towns is wellknown for its eleborate system of water harvesting
and management by building a series of dams and
channelizing water into connected reservoirs?
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar
I.A.S. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (a)
Dholavira in Gujarat is well known for its elaborate
system of water harvesting and management by
building a series of dams and channelizing water into
connected reservoirs.
23. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
by using the codes given below the lists :
List-I
List-II
A. Harappa
1. Godavari
B. Hastinapur
2. Ravi
C. Nagarjuna Konda
3. Ganga
D. Paithan
4. Krishna
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 2
3
4
1
(c) 4
3
2
1
(d) 3
4
1
2
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (b)
The correctly matched list is as follows :
Harappa
Ravi river
Hastinapur
Ganga river
Nagarjuna Konda
Krishna river
Paithan
Godavari river
24. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the code given below :
List – I
List – II
(Harappan Settlement)
(River on which located )
A. Harappa
1. Bhogava
B. Kalibangan
2. Ghaggar
C. Lothal
3. Ravi
D. Ropar
4. Sutlej
Code :
A
B
C
D
The correctly matched list is as follows :
(a)
3
2
1
4
List-I
Harappa
Lothal
Kalibangan
Mohenjo-Daro
(b)
3
4
1
2
(c)
4
2
3
1
(d)
1
3
2
B–22
List-II
Cemetry R-37
Dockyard
Furrowed land
Dancing Girl Statue
4
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
The correctly matched list is as follows :
Village
River
Harappa
Ravi
Kalibangan
Ghaggar
Lothal
Bhogava
Ropar
Sutlej
Hence, option (a) is correct.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
25. The Great Bath was found from the Indus Valley
civilization at (a) Mohenjodaro
(b) Harappa
(c) Lothal
(d) Kalibangan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
The Great Bath is one of the well-known structures among the
ruins of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization at Mohenjo-daro
in Sindh, Pakistan. The foundation of Great Bath, measures
55 metres east-west and 33 metres north-south. In the Middle
of Great Bath the pond measures 11.8 metres x 7.04 metres
and has a maximum depth of 2.43 metres.
26. The ‘Great Bath’ was found at the archaeological site of
(a) Ropar
(b) Harappa
(c) Mohenjodaro
(d) Kalibangan
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
27. Which of the following statements about the Indus
civilization is not true?
(a) Accurate drainage system in cities
(b) Trade and commerce were in an advanced stage.
(c) Worshipping of Mother Goddess
(d) People knew about iron
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (d)
The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age Civilization.
People of this Age were not familiar with iron. The drainage
system was advanced and covered with slabs. The trade and
commerce were in an advanced stage. The pieces of evidence
of both internal and external trade have been found. Many
pieces of evidence of worshipping of Mother Goddess from
Indus Valley have been found.
28. Indus valley civilization is known for
1. For its town planning
2. For Mohenjodaro and Harappa
3. For their agricultural work
4. For its industrialization
Code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) All of the above
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (d)
Indian History
Town planning was the unique feature of the Indus Valley
Civilization. The cities and towns were well planned. Harappa
and Mohanjodaro were two major cities of Indus Valley
Civilization. Since the Harrapa site was discovered first, that
is why it is known as Harrapan Civilization. Kalibangan in
Rajasthan has given the first evidence (2800 B.C.) of the
ploughed agricultural field and evidence of business has
been found from Lothal. Thus, all four statements are correct.
29. Which of the following is not correctly matched –
(a) Alamgirpur
- Uttar Pradesh
(b) Lothal
- Gujarat
(c) Kalibangan
- Haryana
(d) Ropar
- Punjab
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
Kalibangan is located in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan.
It was excavated by A. Ghosh in 1951. The excavations
revealed that the western mound was a fortified enclosure
with rectangular salients and towns. Except this, all are
correctly matched.
30. For the Harrapan Cultural sites and its position, which
of the following is not correctly matched ?
(a) Alamgirpur
- Uttar Pradesh
(b) Banawali
- Haryana
(c) Daimabad
- Maharashtra
(d) Rakhigarhi
- Rajasthan
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (d)
Rakhigarhi village is situated in Hisar district of Haryana
along the bank of Ghaggar-Hakra river. This site was
discovered by Surajbhan in 1969. Rest of the options are
correctly matched.
31. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the code given below :
List – I
List – II
(Harappan Site)
(Location)
A. Manda
1. Rajasthan
B. Daimabad
2. Haryana
C. Kalibangan
3. Jammu-Kashmir
D. Rakhigarhi
4. Maharashtra
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 2
3
4
1
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 4
1
2
3
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (c)
General Studies
B–23
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The correctly matched Harappan sites and their relative
locations is as follows :
Harrapan sites Places
Manda
Jammu-Kashmir
Daimabad
Maharashtra
Kalibangan
Rajasthan
Rakhigarhi
Haryana
32. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the code given below the lists.
List–I
List-II
(Harappan Site)
(UT/State of India)
A. Balu
1. Uttar Pradesh
B. Manda
2. Jammu and Kashmir
C. Padri
3. Haryana
D. Hulas
4. Gujarat
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 3
2
1
4
(b) 2
3
4
1
(c) 2
4
3
1
(d) 3
2
4
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (d)
Correct match of List-I with List-II is as follows :List–I
List-II
(Harappan Site) (UT/State of India)
Balu
Haryana
Manda
Jammu and Kashmir
Padri
Gujarat
Hulas
Uttar Pradesh
33. Which of the following sites of Harappan culture are
located in Sindh?
1. Harappa
2. Mohenjodaro
3. Chanhudaro
4. Surkotada
Indicate the correct answer from the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 2, 3, and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (b)
Among the above options, Harappa is located in Punjab
(Pakistan), Mohenjodaro and Chanhudaro both are located
in Sindh province and Surkotada is located in Gujarat.
34. The excavation at Chanhudaro was directed by –
(a) J. H. Mackay
(b) Sir John Marshall
(c) R. E. M. Wheeler
(d) Sir Aurel Stein
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (a)
B–24
The ruined township of Chanhudaro situated 130 km
south-east of Mohenjodaro was discovered by N.G.
Majumdar in 1931 and excavated on a large scale by E.J.
H. Mackay in 1935-36. Mackay found bead making factory
and furnace here. Some phase cut bricks were found at
Chanhudaro.
35. Which site of Indus Valley is now in Pakistan?
(a) Kalibangan
(b) Harappa
(c) Lothal
(d) Alamgirpur
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl.) (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
Harappa is an archaeological site in Montgomery district of
Punjab province (now in Sahiwal district of Pakistan). It is
located on the bank of the Ravi river. Kalibangan is located
in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. Lothal is in Gujarat
and Alamgirpur is located in Uttar Pradesh.
36. Rangpur, where the contemporary of Harappan
civilization was found, is in –
(a) Punjab
(b) Eastern Uttar Pradesh
(c) Saurashtra
(d) Rajasthan
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (c)
Rangpur is located in Saurashtra region of western India on
the coast of Arabian sea in Gujarat state. On the basis of large
vegetative remains, it can be said that these people used to
cultivate Rice, Bajra and Millet.
37. Dadheri is a late Harappan site of –
(a) Jammu
(b) Punjab
(c) Haryana
(d) Uttar Pradesh
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (b)
Dadheri was a prehistoric excavation site of Govindgarh,
district Ludhiana (Punjab). Dadheri is known for its painted
grey ware culture which is supposed to be associated with
the arrival of the Aryans.
38. Which site of Indus Valley Civilization is located in
India?
(a) Harappa
(b) Mohenjodaro
(c) Lothal
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (c)
Lothal is situated near the village of Saragwala in the Dholka
Taluka in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat. It is situated 2
Kms from Saragwala village North on the bank of Bhogava
river. It was discovered by S.R. Rao in 1954. Harappa and
Mohenjo-Daro are situated in Pakistan.
General Studies
Indian History
39. The Harappan city represented by the archaeological
site of Lothal was situated on the river –
(a) Narmada
(b) Mahi
(c) Bhogva
(d) Bhima
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
44. Which of the following is not an Indus Valley
Civilization site?
(a) Kalibangan
(b) Ropar
(c) Patliputra
(d) Lothal
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
See the explanation of above question.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
40. Harappan civilization, Lothal, is located in–
(a) Gujarat
(b) Punjab
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Sindh
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
41. The port city of Indus Valley Civilization was –
(a) Harappa
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Lothal
(d) Mohenjodaro
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (c)
Lothal is the only place of Indus Valley Civilization from
where the pieces of evidence of ports have been found, which
is located in the east of the city.
42. What is the most significant feature of the Indus Valley
Civilization?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Burnt brick buildings
First true arches
Buildings of worship
Art and architecture
(e) None of the above/ More than one of the above
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Ans (a)
The use of burnt bricks in the construction of buildings was
one of the main features of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Burnt bricks were used in abundance in Harappa and
Mohenjo-Daro. In Lothal, burnt bricks were used in the
construction of drainage.
53 to 55 B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (b)
Indian History
th
Kalibangan, Ropar, and Lothal are related to Indus Valley
Civilization but Pataliputra adjacent to modern-day Patna
was a major city during Mahajanpada period.
45. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?
(a) Chanhudaro
(b) Kotdiji
(c) Sohgaura
(d) Desalpur
I.A.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (c)
Sohgaura is a village located on the bank of Rapti river in
Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh. A copper plate inscription
of Mauryan period has been found here whichgives us
information about the storehouses present here. Chanhudaro,
Kot Diji and Desalpur are Harrapan sites. Chanhudaro and
Kot Diji are present in the current Sindh province of Pakistan
whereas Desalpur is located in the Kutchh region of Gujarat.
46. The largest site of Harappa in India is –
(a) Alamgirpur
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Lothal
(d) Rakhigarhi
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004
Ans. (d)
With the recent discovery of two mounds, Rakhigarhi (350
hectares) in Haryana is the largest site.
47. The biggest Harappan site in India is
(a) Rakhigarhi
(b) Dholavira
(c) Kalibangan
(d) Lothal
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
48. Indus Valley Civilization, which was placed on the
banks of the river, they were?
43. Which of the following is a Harappan port?
(a) Alexandria
(b) Lothal
(c) Mahasthangarh
(d) Nagapattinam
rd
Ans. (c)
1. Sindhu
2. Chenab
3. Jhelum
4. Ganga
Choose the correct answer from the code given belowCode :
General Studies
B–25
(a) 1 and 2
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(d) All four
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (b)
Geographically Indus Valley Civilization was spread from
Jhelum-river to Hindon river, a tributary of Yamuna river in
South (Alamgirpur). It consisted of rivers like Chenab, Ravi,
Sutlej and Jhelum, but Ganga river did not belong to this.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
49. The people of Indus valley believed in –
(a) Spirit and Brahma
(b) Ritual
(c) Sacrificial system
(d) Mother Goddess
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (*)
Undeciphered script of Indus civilization has attracted
speculations and hypothesis. The people of Indus civilization
Sir John Marshall was the Director-General of the
Archaeological Survey of India from 1902 to 1928. He
appointed Mr. R.B. Dayaram Sahni, who carried out
excavations in the Larkana district of Sindh province and
Montgomery district of Punjab on the right side of Ravi
river. Mr. Sahni discovered the ruins of Harappa in 1921.
Mr. Rakhal Das Banerjee dug out the ruins of the city of
Mohenjodaro in 1922.
52. Two Indians who were associated with discovery of
Indus Valley Civilization, are :
(a) Rakhal Das Banerjee and Dayaram Sahni
(b) John Marshall and Ishwari Prasad
(c) Ashirwadi Lal Srivastava and Rangnath Rao
(d) Madhosarup Vats and V.B. Rao
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
probably worshipped Mother Goddess, Lord Shiva, they May
perform Yagya (fire pit found in Rajasthan and Gujarat sites)
burial rituals indicates belief in Atma or spirit, evidence of
human sacrifice also found in Mohenjodaro.
50. The Indus valley people worshipped –
(a) Shiva
(b) Indra and Varun
(c) Brahma
(d) Vishnu
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (a)
Marshall identified the figure which he found during
excavation as an early form of the Hindu God Shiva (or
Rudra) or Pashupati (lord of animals) from the excavation of
Harappa. The Pashupati seal in which the three faced male
God is shown sitting in a yogic posture, surrounded by a
rhino and a buffalo on the right, an elephant and a tiger on
the left, make the historian conclude that the people of those
days worshipped Lord Shiva or cylindrical stones show that
the people worshipped Lingam, the symbol of Lord Shiva.
51. Who was the director of the archaeological excavation
that led to the discovery of Harappa and Mohenjodaro?
(a) Lord Macaulay
(b) Sir John Marshall
(c) Clive
(d) Colonel Tad
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
B–26
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
53. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
using the codes given below the lists:
List-I
List-II
A. Harappa
1. N.G. Majumdar (1936-37)
B. Hastinapur
2. John Marshall (1913-34)
C. Takshashila
3. Daya Ram Sahni (1923-24 &
1924-25)
D. Kaushambi
4. B.B. Lal (1950-52)
Codes :
A
B C D
(a) 4
2
1
3
(b) 1
3
4
2
(c) 3
4
2
1
(d) 4
1
3
2
U.P.R.O/A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (c)
The correclty matched list is as follows :
List-I
List-II
Harappa
Daya Ram Sahni (1923-24 & 1924-25)
Hastinapur
B.B. Lal (1950-52)
Takshashila
John Marshall (1913-34)
Kaushambi
N.G. Majumdar (1936-37)
54. Which one of the following is not correctly matched ?
(a) Harappa
- Daya Ram Sahni
(b) Lothal
- S.R. Rao
(c) Surkotada
- J.P. Joshi
General Studies
Indian History
(d) Dholavira
- B.K. Thapar
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (d)
Harappa was excavated by Daya Ram Sahni, Lothal was by
S.R. Rao and Surkotada by J.P. Joshi. But Dholavira was
not excavated by B.K. Thapar. Instead, it was excavated by
R.S. Bisht. Therefore, option (d) is not correctly matched.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
55. The first archaeologist who excavated Harappa, but
could not recognize its significance, was :
(a) A. Cunningham
(b) Sir John Marshall
(c) Mortimer Wheeler
(d) George F. Dales
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (a)
Alexander Cunningham, who headed the Archaeological
Survey of India, visited this site in 1853 and 1856.
Cunningham made a few small excavations at the site and
reported some discoveries of ancient pottery, stone, tools and
a stone seal but did not recognize its significance. Later, John
Marshall sent Rakhal Das Banerjee and Daya Ram Sahni to
begin the further excavation of this Harappan site. Hence,
option (a) is the correct answer.
58. Mohenjodaro is situated in which of the following?
(a) Gujarat state of India
(b) Punjab state of India
(c) Sindh Province in Pakistan
(d) Afghanistan
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
59. What is the correct chronological order in which the
following appeared in India ?
1. Gold coins
2. Punch- marked silver coins
3. Iron plough
4. Urban culture
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 3, 4, 1, 2
(b) 3, 4, 2, 1
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2
(d) 4, 3, 2, 1
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (d)
Harappan Civilization, the most ancient civilization of India
is famous for its town planning. Indus Valley Civilization was
56. Who among the following was not associated with the
excavation of Harappa and Mohenjodaro?
(a) R. D. Banerjee
(b) K.N. Dikshit
(c) M.S. Vats
(d) V.A. Smith
56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (d)
a Bronze Age Civilization. The knowledge of iron was known
In 1921, Daya Ram Sahni surveyed Harappa. In 1926, M.S.
Vats was associated with the survey of Harrapa. Mohenjodaro
was discovered in 1922 by Rakhal Das Banerjee. In addition
to him, some other scholars like K.N. Dixit, Ernest Mackay,
Aurel Stein, A. Ghosh, J.P. Joshi also contributed in the
discovery of this civilization. Hence, it is clear that V.A.
Smith was not associated with the discovery of Harappan
Civilization rather was a British Indologist and art historian.
60. The first metal used by man was :
(a) Gold
(b) Silver
(c) Copper
(d) Iron
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (c)
57. From which one of the following places, remains of
wells have been found in houses belonging to the
developed stage of the Indus Valley Civilization?
(a) Harappa
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Lothal
(d) Mohenjodaro
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (*)
Remains of Well and Bathroom have been found in
approximately every major city of Indus Civilization.
Indian History
much later after bronze during, the Vedic period around 1000
B.C. The first punch-marked coin came into existence in India
in 6 B.C. Gold coins were introduced by Indo-Greek rulers
during second century B.C.
Copper was the metal which was first used by humans, though
there is variation in the period around the globe as far as the
use of copper is concerned.
61. An ivory scale in Harappan context was found at –
(a) Kalibangan
(c) Dholavira
Ans. (b)
(b) Lothal
(d) Banawali
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014
An ivory scale in the Harappan context was found at Lothal.
Lothal is a place associated with Indus Valley Civilization
currently in Gujarat.
General Studies
B–27
62. Which metal has so far not been discovered in
Harappan sites?
(a) Copper
(b) Gold
(c) Silver
(d) Iron
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Harappan civilization is also known as the Bronze Age
Civilization. From here pieces of evidence of gold, silver,
copper and brass have been found, except iron. In fact, the
people of Harappa were not aware of iron. In India, the
beginning of Iron Age is considered to be from the later Vedic
period (app. 1000 B.C.).
63. Which one among the following sites is located in the
valley of Ghaggar and its associated rivers?
(a) Alamgirpur
(b) Lothal
(c) Mohenjodaro
(d) Banawali
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010
Ans. (d)
Banawali is an archaeological site belonging to Indus Valley
Civilization period in Fatehabad district, Haryana. Banawali
is located in the valley of Ghaggar and its tributaries. Hence,
option (d) is the correct answer.
64. Consider the following statements and select the correct
answer from the given code :
1. Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Ropar and Kalibangan
are the main sites of Indus valley civilization.
2. People of Harappa developed the road, proper
housing and drainage system.
3. People of Harappa were unknown about the use
of metals.
Code :
(a) 1 and 2 are correct
(b) 1 and 3 are correct
(c) 2 and 3 are correct
(d) 1, 2 and 3 are correct
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (a)
Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Ropar, Lothal and Kalibangan are the
main sites of Indus Valley Civilization. In this civilization,
most of the cities were designed in a grid pattern. A proper
drainage system was aligned along the roads, which was
covered with big stones and bricks. The forms of art were
found from various sites of this civilization including seals,
pottery, gold ornaments and necklaces.
65. Assertion (A) : Mohenjodaro and Harappa cities are
dead now.
Reason (R) : They were discovered during excavations.
In the context of the above, which one of
the following is correct?
B–28
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. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (b)
Mohenjodaro (now in Pakistan) is in the Larkana district of
Sindh province on the right bank of the Indus river. Harappa
is located in the Montgomery district of Punjab province of
Pakistan. Rakhaldas Banerjee and Dayaram Sahni were the
two archaeologists who excavated the two major cities of
Indus Valley Civilization. At present, these towns are extinct.
Therefore, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) both are correct, but
the reason is not the correct explanation. Therefore, option
(b) is the correct answer.
66. From where the evidence of rock-cut architecture was
found, with reference to Harappa civilization?
(a) Kalibangan
(b) Dholavira
(c) Kot Diji
(d) Amri
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (b)
Dholavira, which is the second largest site of Harappan
Civilization in India (after Rakhigarhi) is located in Rann
of Kutch (Gujarat). R.S. Bisht and his colleagues excavated
this site in 1992. Dholavira is one of the most prominent
archaeological sites of Harappa which gives us important
information about great bath and rock-cut reservoir which
was 7 metres deep and 79 metres long.
67. Dholavira is located in the State of –
(a) Gujarat
(b) Haryana
(c) Punjab
(d) Rajasthan
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
68. Which Harappan city is divided into three parts?
(a) Lothal
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Dholavira
(d) Surkotada
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (c)
Dholavira is a Harappan site located in Kutch district of
Gujarat. The town was built in a rectangular shape. It was
divided into three parts- fort, central town and lower town.
General Studies
Indian History
69. In which of the following site remnants of three
townships have been revealed?
(a) Mohenjodaro
(b) Sanghol
(c) Kali Bangan
(d) Dholavira
(e) None of the above
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of the above question.
70. A highly advanced water management system of
Harappan times has been unearthed at–
(a) Alamgirpur
(b) Dholavira
(c) Kalibangan
(d) Lothal
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (b)
From Dholavira, a huge Rock-cut reservoir is found, whose
size is about 80.4 m × 12 m and 7.5 meters deep, having
a huge capacity to store water. People of Dholavira were
familiar with the advanced water management system.
From the earliest evidence, people used to store water in this
reservoir by building dams.
71. Which of the following sites has yielded evidence of a
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (a)
Sonauli is an archaeological site located in Baraut Tehsil,
Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, where 125 graves belonging
to Indus Valley Civilization were found. These graves
oriented in a North-South direction and most are identified
as primary human burials. Some of the burials are found with
animal bones and gold, copper and bangles.
73. For clothing, cotton cultivation was first introduced in–
(a) Egypt
(b) Mesopotamia
(c) Central America
(d) India
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (d)
Cotton was first cultivated in India for clothing. In 1922,
Rakhal Das Banerjee took interest in the site of MohenjoDaro for excavation. Evidence of the earliest cotton
cultivation was found by excavation in India. From India,
it reached Greece where it was called as “Hindon”. The
cotton cultivation in India started in 3000 B.C. while it was
cultivated in Egypt in 2500 B.C.
platform is separated by a road (12 to 20 ft). The evidence
74. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the
following statements
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the
religious element, though present, did not dominate
the scene.
2. During this period, cotton was used for
manufacturing textiles in India.
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) 2011
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (c)
of double burial also has been found from Kalibangan. If we
Indus Valley Civilization is considered to be a secular
double burial?
(a) Kuntasi
(b) Dholavira
(c) Lothal
(d) Kalibangan
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (*)
The evidence of triple burial has been found from Lothal.
It was an important trade centre of the Harrapan culture.
Its town planning was different than that of Harappa and
Mohenjodaro. The city was divided into six sections. Each
section was built on a wide platform of baked bricks, and each
follow the number of burials, option (c) will be the correct
answer, if we follow the evidence, both the options (c) and
(d) will be the correct answer.
(a) Human burials
(b) Animal burials
(c) Residential building
(d) Protecting wall
Indian History
Cotton textiles were produced during the Harappan period
as shown by artefact evidence.
72. Recently, from excavations of Harappan site Sonauli
what was found ?
civilization with no trace of theocratic or organized religion.
75. Which of the following characterizes/characterize the
people of Indus Civilization?
1. They possessed great places and temples.
2. They worshipped, both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
General Studies
B–29
(a) 1 and 2
(c) All of these
Ans. (b)
(b) Only 2
(d) None of these
I.A.S. (Pre) 2013
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
No temple or place of worship has been found in excavation
from Indus Vally Civilization till date. The only religious
source from this civilization is statues made of mud and stone
and seals which were found here. By this, it is known that
female deities, Shiva or Pashupati and animals like snake,
elephant were worshipped. Worship of plant and trees, or
inanimate stone or other objects in the form of ‘Linga’ or
‘yoni’ symbols were famous during that period.
76. One of the following sites from where the famous
bull-seal of Indus Valley Civilization was found(a) Harappa
(b) Chanhudaro
(c) Lothal
(d) Mohenjodaro
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
Mohenjodaro is an archaeological site in the province of
Sindh, Pakistan (excavated by R.D. Banerjee in 1922). From
this site, various sculptures, seals, pottery, gold and jewellery
have been found. But the most famous among them is the
humped bull seal.
77. Which one of the following animals is not depicted on
the Harappan seal ?
(a) Bull
(b) Elephant
(c) Horse
(d) Sheep
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2009
Ans. (c)
People of Harappa civilization were known to horses, but
no pieces of evidence has been found on seals. A great
majority of seals found in Indus valley civilization carry
short inscriptions with pictures of the one-horned bull (most
common), the buffalo, the tiger, the rhinoceros, the goat
and the elephant.
78. Remains of which animal have not been discovered in
the Indus Valley Civilization?
(a) Lion
(b) Horse
(c) Cow
(d) Elephant
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (a)
Among given options, the evidence of cow and elephant have
been found and there is some dispute regarding horse, but
the latest excavation has revealed the evidence of horse. The
evidence of lion from the excavation of Harrapan Civilization
has not been mentioned anywhere. Hence,option (a) is the
correct answer.
B–30
79. According to the report of IIT Kharagpur study group,
continuous low rainfall for how many years was the
cause of fall of the Indus valley civilization?
(a) 600 years
(b) 700 years
(c) 800 years
(d) 900 years
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (d)
According to the reports of IIT Kharagpur, the continuous
low or negligible rainfall for 900 years was the cause of fall
of the Indus Valley Civilisation. In other words, it can be said
that continuous drought for 900 years led the fall of Indus
Valley Civilisation.
80. A horned deity engraved on a terracotta cake has been
recovered from
(a) Banawali
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Lothal
(d) Surkotada
U.P. Lower Spl. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
From excavations at Kalibangan, a series of ‘fire altars’ on
mud-brick platforms were discovered. A triangular terracotta
cake found at Kalibangan had a carving of a horned deity on
one side and an animal (goat) being dragged by a rope by a
human on the other. This shows the way to the emergence
of a sacrificial tradition in the entire era.
81. Which of the following civilizations flourished on the
bank of River Nile ?
(a) Roman Civilization
(b) Indus Valley Civilization
(c) Greek Civilization
(d) Egyptian Civilization
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
Ans. (d)
Ancient Egyptian Civilization flourished along the banks of
the River Nile for almost 3,000 years. Nile River is known as
‘lifeline of Egypt.’ The Nile is a major north-flowing river in
northeastern Africa, generally regarded as the longest river in
the world. Indus Valley Civilization (India) and Mesopotamia
(Civilization of Egypt) are the contemporary civilization.
82. What is the correct North-South sequence of the
following civilizations?
(a) Maya – Aztec – Muisca – Inca
(b) Maya – Muisca – Inca – Aztec
(c) Aztec – Muisca – Maya – Inca
(d) Aztec – Maya – Muisca – Inca
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (d)
General Studies
Indian History
The correct sequence of the following civilization from
North to South is: Aztec - Maya- Muiscu - Inca. The
Aztec originated as a nomadic tribe in Northern Mexico.
The Maya Civilization centred around tropical lowland of
present Guatemala. The Muisca civilization flourished in
ancient Colombia, whereas Inca Civilization arose from the
highlands of Peru.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
83. The first ancient civilization to develop the art of
writing in a proper system was?
(a) Indus
(b) Egypt
(c) Sumerian
(d) China
R.A.S. / R.T.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (c)
People of Sumerian Civilization were the first to develop
the art of writing in a proper system. Their primary script
was very simple and primitive. Cuneiform script of Sumeria
is generally known as one of the earliest system of writing.
Vedic Age
*The word 'Vedic' is derived from Sanskrit word 'Veda' which
means knowledge. The civilization that developed in India
after Indus civilization is called Vedic or Aryan Civilization.
*Arya means Great or highborn. In classic Sanskrit the word
Arya means – 'A noble man'. The history of Aryans is mainly
known from Vedas. Generally Aryans are said to be the author
of the Vedas. There is a difference of opinion on the place of
origin of Aryans. Prominent historians have different theories
on the homeland of Aryans.
Homeland of Aryans
Scholars
Kashmir or Himalayan region
Brahmarshi Desh
Seven Indus states
Devika State
South Russia
Central Asia
North Pole
L.D. Kala
P. Ganganath Jha
Dr. Avinash Chandra Das
D.S. Trivedi
Gorden Childe & Nehring
Max Muller
P. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Tibet
Hungary
Germany
Swami Dayanand Saraswati
Gyles
Hart & Penca
*Vedic Age is divided into two parts – Rigvedic or Pre-Vedic
Age (1500-1000 BCE) and Later-Vedic Age (1000-600 BCE).
*Each of the Vedas is divided into four parts (or the sections).
Their correct order is Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas
and Upanishads. *Samhitas and Brahmanas form the KarmaIndian History
Kanda segment of the Vedas. *Aranyakas and Upanishads
from the Gyan-Kanda segment of the Vedas. They explicitly
focus on philosophy and spirituality. *The history of Rigvedic
age is known from Rigveda. It is the oldest known book in the
world but scholars have dispute over its author and period of
composition. *Iron is not mentioned in Rigveda but is found
in later vedic literature. *Four rivers of Afghanistan namely
Krumu, Kubha, Gomati and Suvastu are mentioned in
Rigveda. *It also mentions seven rivers of the Sapta-Sindhu
states (land of seven rivers). These are Saraswati, Vipasa,
Parushni, Vitasta, Sindhu (Indus), Shutudri and Asakini.
River Yamuna and Ganga are mentioned in Rigveda three
and one times respectively. *A river of Kashmir Marudvridha
is also mentioned. *River Indus is mentioned for the most
number of times while river Saraswati was the most sacred
river which was known as ‘Matetama’ (best of all mothers),
‘Devitama’ (best of all goddesses) and ‘Naditama’ (best of
all rivers). *Indus is called 'Hiranyani' for its importance and
the place where it falls is called ‘Peravat’ or Arabian Sea.
*Ganga-Yamuna doab and its adjoining areas were called as
Brahmarshi Desh by Aryans. They gave the name Madhya
Desh to the area between Himalaya and Vindhyachal mountain
ranges. Later Aryans expanded themselves to the whole of
North India and the area come to be known as Aryavarta.
Rivers of Rigvedic Age –
Ancient Name
Asakini
Vipasa
Parushni
Vitasta
Kubha
Modern Name
Chenab
Beas
Ravi
Jhelum
Kabul
Krumu
Gomati
Suvastu
Sadaneera
Shutudri
Drishdvati
Kurram
Gomal
Swat
Gandak
Sutlej
Ghaggar
*Vedic literature is also called Shruti. The Vedas are the
most ancient literature in India. There are four VedasRigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda.
*Rigveda, Yajurveda and samveda are also called Vedtrayi
or Trayi. *Each Vedas have four parts – Samhita, brahmana
text, Aranyakas and Upanishad. *Rigveda has 10 mandals,
1028 suktas and 10552 verses (Richa). 2 to 7 mandals of
Rigveda are known to be most ancient.
Rigvedic Mandals and their writers –
General Studies
B–31
Mandals
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth
Ninth
Writers
Madhutchanda, Dirghatama, etc.
Gritsamad
Vishwamitra
Vamdeva
Atri
Bhardwaj
Vashishtha
Kanva & Angiras
Aangiras, Kashyap, etc.
*The Samaveda is shortest among all the four Vedas. It
Tenth
Vimda Trit, Indrani, Shachi,Shardha,etc
and Mujavats. In the post-Vedic period, this region of Kuru &
is closely connected with the Rig Veda. It has taken many
verses from the Rig Veda. The Samaveda is compiled for
ritual application and all its verses are meant to be chanted in
ceremonies. *Samaveda Samhita consists of total 1875 verses.
Amongst these except 75 or 99 verses, all are compiled in Rig
Veda.
*Priest Chanting mantras were called Brahma in Atharvaveda.
The first reference to the ‘Anga’ and ‘Magadha’ is found in
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
*Gayatri Mantra is mentioned in the third mandal. It is
written by Vishwamitra. It is dedicated to Lord Sun (Surya).
*All 114 mantras in the ninth mandal are dedicated to ‘Soma’.
*Three varnas are described in the beginning namely –
Brahma, Kshatra and Visha. The word Shudra is mentioned
for the first time in Purush Sukta of 10th mandal. *The priests
of Rigveda were called ‘Hota’. *Aitreya and Kaushitki are
the two Brahmanas of Rigveda. *According to Patanjali, there
are 21 branches of Rigveda.
*Yajurveda in Sanskrit means ‘wisdom of sacrificial formulas.’
This Veda, compiled a century or two after the Rig-Veda,
contains prose and verse formulas that were to be pronounced
by the priests performing the manual part of the sacrifice. It
describes in prose about the procedural details of performing
different rituals and Yajnas using the hymns of the Rig Veda.
The Samhitas of Yajur Veda is divided into two parts: Shukla
(White) Yajur Veda and Krishna (Black) Yajur Veda. Shukla
Yajur Veda has a separate Brahmana text written as Satapatha
Brahmana. *Vajasneyi is the samhita of Shukla Yajurveda.
*Shukla Yajurveda is available only in the poetic form whereas
Krishna Yajurveda contains both poetic as well as prose form.
*The Shatpath Brahmana is a prose text describing Vedic
rituals, history and mythology associated with the Yajurveda. In
context to Ancient Indian Vedic literature, Shatpath Brahmana
has been placed just after the Rig Veda. It also describes social
subjects including Vedic rituals. *‘Purusha Medha’ has been
mentioned in Shatpath Brahmana. *The Shatapatha Brahmana
narrates the story of King Videgha Madhava (a king of Videha)
accompanied by his priest Rishi Gautama Rahugana. King
was carrying fire (Agni Vaisvanara) in his mouth which on
incitation of his guru fells out of his mouth and burned the
earth towards his east.
B–32
the Atharvaveda where they are mentioned along with Gandhari
Panchala was considered as the axis of Aryan culture because
here great achievements happened in science, mathematics,
astronomy, religion and philosophy. *‘Ayurveda’ that is
‘Science of Life’ appeared first in Atharvaveda. Ayurveda is
an Upaveda of Atharvaveda. It is also considered as Upanga
of Atharvaveda. Atharvaveda describes the thoughts and
superstitions of common people. It comprises of various
contents such as disease prevention, coordination, loyalty,
marriage and love poetry. *The Gopatha Brahmana is the
only Brahmana associated with the Atharvaveda. It is a genre
of the prose texts describing the Vedic rituals.
*The Upanishad literature is not a religious scripture but
represents a philosophy for all times and for all. The philosophy
of Upanishads does not oppose any school of thought, religion
or interpretation of the scriptures but its method for explaining
its concepts is unique. *The word salvation or Moksha is not
used in Vedas. It was firstly discussed in Upanishads. *Moksha
means ‘’liberation’’. The continuous cycle of life and death
is not the actual aim of the human soul. *According to the
Upanishads, the core of our self is not the body or the mind
but the Atman (Soul).
*Kathopanishad is the story of the conversation between
Yama, Lord of death and Nachiketa, the young 12 years old boy
who left home in search of the meaning of death and beyond.
This forms the subject matter of one of the Upanishads called
Katha Upanishad or Kathopanishad.
*The phrase ''Satyameva Jayate'' is a Sanskrit word taken
from the 'Mundakopanishad'. The meaning of the word
is “truth alone triumphs.” It was adopted as the national
motto of India. It is inscribed in the script at the base of the
national emblem. It was adopted by the Government of India
on 26 January, 1950. *Satyakama Jabala is a boy, and later
General Studies
Indian History
a Vedic sage, who first appears in chapter IV of ancient Hindu
text, the Chhandogya Upanishad. *The phrase “Tamso Ma
Jyotirgamaya” is originally mentioned in Brihadaranyaka
Upanishad. This phrase means - “lead us from darkness to
light or lead us from ignorance to truth”.
*Puranas are the sacred literature of Hinduism. There are 18
Puranas namely, (1) Matsya Purana (2) Markandeya Purana (3)
Bhagavat Purana (4) Bhavishya Purana (5) Brahmanda Purana
(6) Brahma Vaivrata Purana (7) Brahma Purana (8) Vamana
Purana (9) Varaha Purana (10) Vishnu Purana (11) Vayu Purana
(12) Agni Purana (13) Narada Purana (14) Padma Purana (15)
Linga Purana (16) Garuda Purana (17) Skanda Purana (18)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Kurma Purana. *Out of these 18 Puranas, Srimad Bhagvatam
is considered as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of all the Vedic literature.
*Shrimad Bhagavad Gita was originally written in Sanskrit
language often referred in short as Gita. There are 700 verses in
this Hindu scripture and this is the part of the epic Mahabharata.
*Mahabharata originally has only 8,800 Shlokas and its
original name is ‘Jaya’ or Jayasamhita. *Mahabharata today
has 100,000 Shlokas and is believed to be written by Sage
Terms of Rigvedic period and their meaning –
Nivi
Clothes worn below waist
Vasas
Clothes worn above waist
Taksha
Karma
Carpenter
Metal worker
Veknat
Moneylender
Aritri
Boatmen
*The religion of early Vedic Aryans was mainly related to
worship of the nature and performing of Yajnas. *The most
interesting aspect of Rig Vedic religion was its polytheistic
character in which a number of Gods were worshipped. The
Rig Vedic Aryans worshipped nature with intense feeling
and endowed it with animated soul. Vedic Gods were mainly
classified into three groups- (1) God of sky-Varuna, Mitra,
Surya, Vishnu, etc. (2) God of space- Indra, Rudra, etc. (3)
God of earth- Agni, Brihaspati, Soma, etc. *‘Indra’ has been
described as the most powerful deity in the Rig Veda. ‘Indra’
is called Purandara (Destroyer of forts). Very large number
of Rigvedic hymns (as maximum as 250 hymns) are devoted
to him followed by ‘Agni’ (200 hymns). *Boghaz-Koi
Veda Vyasa. *Puranas have five characteristics like Sarga,
inscription (Asia Minor, Turkey) is important because there
Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara and Vanshanucharita. Among
is mention of four Vedic Gods, namely Indra, Varuna, Mitra
these, Sarga and Pratisarga are the natural creation and
and Nasatyas. *According to ancient Hindu scriptures, during
renovation (cosmogony). *Vansa means the history of Sage and
Vedic period, the ‘Hindu’ tradition recognized four stages or
God. *Manvantara is meant for the period of different Manus
ashramas in human life namely Brahmacharya, Grihastha,
and Vanshanucharit means Genealogy of kings. *Pancha-Jana
suggested five specific tribes whose eponymous ancestors were
the founders of the clans, namely Yadu, Turvasa, Druhya,
Anu and Puru. *There is an ancient story mentioned in the Rig
Veda called the Dasharajnya or ‘War of 10 Kings’ long before
Ramayana. There lived a descendant of India’s eponymous king
Bharata, named Sudas. The greatest achievement of Sudas was
his thumping victory over a confederacy of ten kings.
*Many hymns of the Rig Veda were composed by women and
they were called Brahmavadini. The prominent amongst them
Vanaprastha and Sanyasa. *In the context of ancient Indian
society, Vansha, Gotra and Kula are the words associated with
the family system. The word 'Kosa' is related to the treasury.
*As a Rigvedic term, Gotra simply means “cow shelter” or
“herd of cows”.
*Cow was considered as “Aghanya” during Vedic period.
“Aghanya” means not worthy to be killed. This status of the
cow shows that how pious it was considered during the Vedic
period. *Cattle breeding was the most important economic
activity of the Rigvedic people. Prayers were offered to increase
the number of cattle. It was medium of exchange. *Cow is
were Lopamudra, Vishwawara, Sikta, Nivavari and Ghosa.
*Lopamudra was the wife of Agastya Rishi/sage.
*Family or Kul was the smallest unit of Rigvedic society.
*Griha word is used for family. *Rigvedic society was a
patriarchal society. It is known from Varun sukta that a father
can sell his child. *The word ‘Yava’ mentioned in Rig Veda is
Rig Veda. Usually, Dharma signifies cosmic ordinance often
used for the food grain barley. The gold necklace was called
in the world have a proper place and function. *The concept
as ‘Nishka’.
of ‘Rit’ i.e., universal principal of natural order, is of Vedic
Indian History
considered as a deity in some suktas of Rig Veda.
*Dharma and Rita in the Vedic period appear as early as the
in connection with the sense of natural or divine law. ‘Rita’ as
such is closely related to universal harmony in which all things
General Studies
B–33
origin. The ‘Rit’ has been the basis of Indian culture, legal
theory, politics and philosophy. *God Varuna was supposed to
uphold ‘Rit’ or the natural order that is why he was also called
as ‘Ritasyagopa’.
*Most popular and prevalent system of governance during the
Vedic era was inherited monarchy. Although some examples of
election by the people were also found but the general interest
mentioned as the controlling powers upon the autocracy of
*Bal Gangadhar Tilak in his book ‘The Arctic Home in the
Vedas’ propounded the theory that North Pole (Arctic region)
was the original home of Aryans. "Although this theory of Tilak
is not acceptable to historians.
the king. *The ‘Sabha’ was the assembly of the learned and
1.
of the public was towards monarchy. *During the Vedic era,
the two institutions namely ‘Sabha’ and the ‘Samiti’ has been
elite ones, while the ‘Samiti’ was the assembly of the common
people in the state.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Name of kings having territories in different directions –
East
Samrat
West
Swarat
North
Virat
South
Bhoj
Centre
Raja
*The distinction between Sabha and Samiti cannot be made
out with precision, but it is clear that ‘Sabha’ and ‘Samiti’ are
clearly mentioned at least eight times and six times respectively
in the Rigaveda according to Atharvaveda, Sabha and Samiti
are the two daughters of Prajapati.
Purohit
Senani
Gramin
Mahishi
Suta
Sangrahita
Bhagdudh
Akshavap
Palagal
Kshata
'Aryan' is a term meaning 'noble' which was used as a selfdesignation by Indo-Iranian people. In classic Sanskrit the
word Arya means- 'A nobleman'. The word was used by the
Advisor of king
Head of army
Head of Village
Wife of king
Head of Chariot army
Treasurer
Tax collector
Accountant
Messenger
Keeper of the King's household
people of the Vedic period in India as an ethnic label for
themselves as well as to refer noble class. Scholars point out
that even in ancient times, the idea of being an 'Aryan' was
religious, cultural and linguistic, not racial.
2.
Meaning of the term ‘Arya’ in classical Sanskrit is
(a) Believer of the God
(b) A hereditary cast
(c) A believer in particular religion
(d) A Noble man
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (d)
*There are total sixteen Sanskars that have been described.
Three are performed before birth, twelve during life and
one after death. It seems that Upnayan Sanskar is the most
important and commonly performed besides the wedding
ceremony and ritual after death. The sixteen Sanskaras are as
follows- Garbhadhana (Conception), Punsavana (Foetus
protection), Simantonnayana (Satisfying the cravings of
the pregnant mother), Jatakarma (Childbirth), Namakaran
(Naming the child), Nishkramana (Taking the child
outdoors for the first time), Annaprasana (Giving solid
food), Mundan (Hair cutting), Karnavedha (Ear piercing),
Vidhyarambha (Starting education), Upanayana (Sacred thread
ceremony), Vedarambha (Study of Vedas), Keshant (Hair cut),
Samavartana (Returning home after completion of education),
Vivaha (Marriage) and Antyesthi (Cremation).
B–34
The term ‘Aryan’ denotes :
(a) An ethnic group
(b) A nomadic people
(c) A speech group
(d) A superior race
I.A.S. (Pre) 1999
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
3.
Which one of the following is oldest Veda :
(a) Yajurveda
(b) Rig Veda
(c) Samaveda
(d) Atharvaveda
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (b)
In Indian literature, Vedas are the most ancient scriptures
which are four in numbers, namely Rig Veda, Yajurveda,
Samaveda and Atharvaveda. Rig Veda is the most important
and oldest among all these.
4.
‘Trayi’ is a name for –
(a) Three Vedas
(b) Dharma, Sangha and Buddha
(c) Three Gods in Hindu Pantheon
General Studies
Indian History
(d) Three seasons
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (a)
Rig Veda, Yajurveda and Samaveda are called Vedatrayi or
simply Trayi.
In which Vedic text the term ‘Varna’ is found referred
for the first time?
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Atharvaveda
(c) Samaveda
(d) Yajurveda
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
5.
The 'Varnas' have been known from Rig Veda since a hymn
in the Rig Veda portrays the Brahmin (Priest), the Kshatriya
(noble), the Vaishya (commoner) and the Shudra (servant)
issued forth at creation from the mouth, arms, thighs and the
feet of the primeval person (Purusha). Although the literal
meaning of the word Varna is colour or class (in Sanskrit).
6.
The ‘Purush Sukta’ related to Varna System is
originally found in –
(a) Atharvaveda
(b) Samaveda
(c) Rig Veda
(d) Manusmriti
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
7. Match the following:
A. Atharvaveda
1.
B. Rig Veda
2.
C. Yajurveda
3.
D. Samaveda
4.
Code :
A
B
C
(a) 3
1
2
(b) 1
2
3
(c) 2
3
4
(d) 3
4
1
D
3
1
3
(d)
1
4
2
3
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (a)
Rigveda consists of 1028 hymns and 10552 mantras.
Yajurveda contains the description of stotras and rituals.
The Samaveda consists of many hymns which are taken
from Rig Veda and are indeed lyrical and melodious. The
Atharvaveda contains a lot of knowledge of the physical
world and spirituality.
9.
In Rig Veda there are........ mantras –
(a) 1028
(b) 1017
(c) 1128
(d) 1020
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
God Grace
Sacrifice process
Medicine
Music
See the explanation of above question.
10. The Rig Veda is the
(a) Collection of hymns
(c) Collection of words
D
4
4
1
2
Ans. (a)
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
The correctly matched list is as follows Atharvaveda
-
Medicine
Rig Veda
-
God Grace
Yajurveda
Samaveda
-
Sacrifice process
Music
Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
Indian History
C
1
4
2
1.
2.
3.
4.
List- II
Musical hymns
Hymns and rituals
Charms and spells
Hymns and prayers
Ans. (*)
Ans. (a)
8.
List- I
A. Rig Veda
B. Yajurveda
C. Samaveda
D. Atharvaveda
Code :
A
B
(a) 4
2
(b) 3
2
(c) 4
1
(b) Collection of stories
(d) Text of war
U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
The Rig Veda is an ancient collection of Vedic Sanskrit
hymns. It consists of thousands of such hymns of several
seers, each hymn averaging around ten verses. It is one of
the four canonicals sacred texts (Shruti) of Hinduism known
as ‘Vedas.’
11. Match the List-I and List-II and choose your answer
from the codes given below:
List-I
List-II
A. Rig Veda
i. Gopatha
B. Samaveda
ii. Shatpatha
C. Atharvaveda
iii. Aitariya
D. Yajurveda
iv. Panchvisha
Code:
General Studies
B–35
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
A
iv
ii
iii
i
B
ii
iv
iv
ii
Ans. (c)
C
iii
iii
i
iv
D
i
i
ii
iii
Rig Veda is the oldest Veda. It comprises of 10 Mandals. The
9th Mandal of Rig Veda comprises 114 mantras dedicated
to ‘Soma.’
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2013
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
(c) Gods related to plants and drugs
(d) ‘Soma’, the god who is named after the drink
40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (d)
12. Which one of the following Brahmana texts belongs
to the Rigveda?
(a) Aitareya Brahmana
(b) Gopatha Brahmana
(c) Shatapatha Brahmana (d) Taittitriya Brahmana
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
13. ‘Gopatha Brahmana’ is associated with –
(a) Yajurveda
(b) Samveda
(c) Atharvaveda
(d) Rig Veda
U.P.R.O./A.R.O (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
The Gopatha Brahmana is the only Brahmana, a genre of the
prose texts describing the Vedic rituals, associated with the
Atharvaveda. The text is associated with both the Shaunaka
and the Paippalada recensions of the Atharvaveda.
14. Which of the following is a Samhita of Shukla Yajurveda?
(b) Maitrayani
(c) Taittiriya
(d) Kathak
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
There are two branches of Yajurveda-Shukla Yajurveda and
Krishna Yajurveda. Vajasnami is the Samhita of Shukla
Yajurveda. Shukla Yajurveda is available only in the poetic
form whereas Krishna Yajurveda contains both poetic as
well as prose form.
15. Which Mandala of Rig Veda is completely dedicated
to ‘Soma’?
(a) Seventh Mandala
(b) Eighth Mandala
(c) Ninth Mandala
(d) Tenth Mandala
42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
B–36
(a) Indra and his elephant
(b) Urvashi and the Heaven
The correctly matched order is :
Rig Veda
Aitariya
Samaveda
Panchvisha
Atharvaveda
Gopatha
Yajurveda
Shatpatha
(a) Vajasanami
16. The ninth mandala of the Rig Veda is devoted wholly to:
See the explanation of above question.
17. Rights and Rituals related to Yajnas are mentioned in–
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Samaveda
(c) Brahmin Granthas
(d) Yajurveda
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
Yajurveda in Sanskrit means ‘wisdom of sacrificial formulas.’
This Veda, compiled a century or two after the Rig-Veda,
contains prose and verse formulae that were to be pronounced
by the priests performing the manual part of the sacrifice. It
describes in prose about the procedural details of performing
different rituals and Yajnas using the hymns of the Rig Veda.
The Samhitas of Yajur Veda are divided into two parts: Shukla
or white Yajur Veda and Krishna or black Yajur Veda. Shukla
Yajur Veda has a separate Brahmana text written as Satapatha
Brahmana whereas the Krishna Yajur Veda has the Brahmana
prose discussions.
18.
Which one of the following four Vedas contains an
account of magical charms and spells?
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Yajurveda
(c) Atharvaveda
(d) Samaveda
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (c)
The earliest description of charms and spells can be found
in Atharvaveda.
19. The compilation of which among the following is based
upon the Rig Veda?
(a) Yajurveda
(b) Samaveda
(c) Atharvaveda
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
General Studies
Indian History
The Samaveda is shortest among all the four Vedas. It is
closely connected with the Rig Veda. It has taken many verses
from the Rig Veda. The Samaveda is compiled inclusively
for ritual application and all of its verses are meant to be
chanted in ceremonies. Samaveda Samhita consists a total
of 1875 verses. Amongst these except 75 or 99 verses, all of
them are compiled in Rig Veda.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
20. The earliest evidence of the use of iron in India has
been discovered from :
(a) Taxila
(b) Atranjikhera
(c) Kaushambi
(d) Hastinapur
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (b)
Atranjikhera is a prehistoric and historic excavated
archaeological site on the bank of Kali river, a tributary
of Ganga. This site was first identified by Sir Alexander
Cunningham in 1862 but excavated by R.C. Gaur in 1962.
The earliest evidence of iron used in the region dates back
to 1150 B.C.
21. Upanishads are books on –
(a) Religion
(b) Yoga
(c) Law
(d) Philosophy
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (d)
The Upanishad literature is not a religious scripture but
represents a philosophy for all times and for all. The
philosophy of Upanishads does not oppose any school of
thought, religion or interpretation of the scriptures, but its
method for explaining its concepts is unique. Upanishad
means pupils sit near the teacher to learn from him about
the secret doctrine.
22. The main theme of Upanishads is –
(a) Social structure
(b) Philosophy
(c) Law
(d) State
U.P.Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
23. Which one of the following Vedic literature talks about
salvation :
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Later Samhitas
(c) Brahmins
(d) Upanishads
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2003
Ans. (d)
Indian History
The word salvation or Moksha is not used in Vedas, It was
firstly discussed in Upanishads. Moksha means ‘‘liberation’’.
The continuous cycle of life and death is not the actual aim
of the human soul. According to the Upanishads, the core of
our self is not the body or the mind but the Atman (Soul).
24. The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is
mentioned in the :
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Ans. (c)
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Chhandogyopanishad
Kathopanishad
Kenopanishad
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Kathopanishad is the story of the conversation between Yama,
Lord of death and Nachiketa, the young 12 years old boy,
who left home in search of the meaning of death and beyond.
This forms the subject matter of one of the Upanishads called
Katha Upanishad or Kathopanishad.
25. ‘Nachiketa’ legend finds mention in :
(a) Atharvaveda
(b) Satapatha Brahmin
(c) Kathopanishad
(d) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
26. King Asvapati of the Upanishadic period was the ruler of:
(a) Kashi
(b) Kekaya
(c) Panchala
(d) Videha
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (b)
The Upanishads state that some Kshatriya kings who were
great scholars and philosophers also imparted knowledge to
Brahmins. Some of them were- King Janak of Videha, King
Pravahanjabali of Panchal, King Asvapati of Kekaya and
King Ajatshatru of Kashi. Asvapati was a Kshatriya king.
He was well known as a learned teacher of the age. The
Kekaya kingdom was situated on the bank of river Beas, east
of Gandhara kingdom. King Asvapati ruled Kekaya when
Janak was the king of Videha.
27. Which of the following is the correct order of the Vedic
literature?
(a) Vedic Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads
(b) Vedic Samhitas, Upnishads, Aranyakas, Brahmanas
(c) Vedic Samhitas, Aranyakas, Brahmanas, Upnishads
General Studies
B–37
(d) Vedic Samhitas, Vedangas, Aranyakas, Smritis
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (a)
Each of the Vedas is divided into four parts (or the sections).
The correct order of them is Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas
and Upanishads. Samhitas and Brahmanas form the KarmaKanda segment of the Vedas. Aranyakas and Upanishads
from the Gyan-Kanda segment of the Vedas. They explicitly
focus on philosophy and spirituality.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
28. The river mentioned most in early Vedic literature is :
(a) Sindhu
(b) Shutudri
(c) Sarasvati
(d) Ganga
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (a)
Sindhu river was the most important river during the Vedic
period; that is why it was mentioned most of the times in the
Rig Veda. Sindhu river due to its economic importance was
called as ‘Hiranyani’ and its place of termination referred
to as ‘Peravat’ which means ‘Arabian Sea.’ Saraswati river
was the most pious river of Rigvedic Aryans and called as
“Naditama’’.
29. Vedic river Askini is identified with which one of the
following rivers?
(a) Beas
(b) Ravi
(c) Chenab
(d) Jhelum
U.P. P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (c)
Vedic river Askini is identified with a present-day river named
as Chenab, also popularly known as Chandrabhaga. The
river Chenab originates from Tandi in Lahul Spiti where two
rivulets namely Chandra and Bhaga meet to form this river.
30. Which of the following rivers mentioned in the Rig Veda
indicates the relations of Aryans with Afghanistan?
(a) Askini
(b) Parushni
(c) Kubha, Kramu
(d) Vipasha, Shutudri
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
Rivers mentioned in the Rig Veda namely Kubha (Kabul),
Kramu (Kurram), Gomti (Gomal) and Suvastu (Swat) were
flowing through Afghanistan which indicates that there were
deep relations of Aryans with the country.
31. The Vedic river Kubha was located in:
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Chinese Turkistan
(c) Kashmir
(d) Punjab
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (a)
B–38
See the explanation of above question.
32. Match the List-I and List-II and choose the correct
answer from the code given below:
List-I
List-II
(Vedic Rivers)
( Modern Name)
A. Kubha
1. Gandak
B. Parushni
2. Kabul
C. Sadaneera
3. Ravi
D. Shutudri
4. Sutlej
Code:
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
4
3
(b) 2
3
1
4
(c) 3
4
2
1
(d) 4
1
3
2
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (b)
Rivers given in the options are correctly matched as follows
with their modern names –
Kubha
Kabul
Parushni
Ravi
Sadaneera
Gandak
Shutudri
Sutlej
33. In the period of Mahabharata, the name of Mahanadi was
(a) Kaveri
(b) Tapti
(c) Mahananda
(d) Ganga
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (e)
The name of Mahanadi during the period of Mahabharat
was 'Chitrotpala'. In the Bhishma festival of Mahabharata,
the Chitrotpala river is praised as Punayadayini and Sin
Vashinini. Indian people drank the water of Chitrotpala.
This fact is proved by the following Verse of Mahabharata –
"efÛe$eeslheuee efÛe$ejLeeb cebpegueeb Jeeefnveer leLee~ ceboeefkeâveeR JewlejCeeR keâes<eeb
Ûeeefhe ceneveoerced~~"
The Mahanadi has been called Chitrotpala Ganga in the
Mahoba copper plate of Someshwar Dev.
34.
Which of the following custom emerged during the
post-Vedic period :
(a) Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha
(b) Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra
(c) Brahmcharya, Grihasthaashramas, Vanaprastha,
Sanyasa
(d) Indra, Surya, Rudra, Maruta
I.A.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a & c)
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
According to ancient Hindu scriptures, during Post-Vedic
period, the ‘Hindu’ tradition recognized four stages or
ashramas in human life namely Brahmacharya, Grihastha,
Vanaprastha and Sanyasa and four purusharth namely
Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha.
35. The ‘dharma’ and ‘rita’ depict a central idea of ancient
Vedic civilization of India. In this context , consider the
following statements :
1. ‘Dharma’ was a conception of obligations and the
discharge of one’s duties to oneself and to others.
2. ‘Rita’ was the fundamental moral law governing
the functioning of the universe and all it contained.
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) 2011
Ans. (c)
Dharma and Rita in the Vedic period appear as early as
the Rig Veda. Usually, Dharma signifies cosmic ordinance
often in connection with the sense of natural or divine
law. ‘Rita’ as such is closely related to universal harmony
in which all things in the world have a proper place and
function. So the term ‘Rita’ means an impersonal law,
while Dharma characterizes those personal actions that
engender or maintain the cosmic order.Thus, the correct
answer is option (c).
36. Who among the following Vedic deities was believed
to be their priest ?
(a) Agni
(b) Brihaspati
(c) Dyaus
(d) Indra
U.P.P.C.S. (Main) 2013
Ans. (b)
Brihaspati is also known as Deva-guru (teacher or priest of
Gods), is the guru of the Devas (Gods).
37. Who among the following was a Brahmavadini who
composed some hymns of the Vedas?
(a) Lopamudra
(b) Gargi
(c) Leelavati
(d) Savitri
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (a)
Many hymns of the Rig Veda were composed by women and
they were called Brahmavadini. The prominent amongst them
were Lopamudra, Vishwawara, Sikta, Nivavari and Ghosa.
Lopamudra was the wife of Agastya Rishi/sage.
Indian History
38. During the Rigvedic Period word ‘Nishka’ was used
for a Jewellery but in later period it was used for the
meaning of :
(a) Arms
(b) Farming equipment
(c) Script
(d) Coin
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (d)
During Vedic period, the gold necklace was called as ‘Nishka’
which later transformed the way for the gold coins.
39. During the Rig Vedic period Nishka was an ornament of–
(a) Ear
(b) Neck
(c) Arm
(d) Wrist
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
40. ‘Nishka’ in ancient India was known as –
(a) Gold Ornament
(b) Cows
(c) Copper Coins
(d) Silver Coins
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
41. Boghaz-Koi is important because:
(a) It was an important trading centre between Central
Asia and Tibet
(b) Inscriptions were found which mentioned the names
of Vedic Gods and Goddesses
(c) Original Texts of the Vedas were composed here
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
Boghaz-Koi inscription (Asia Minor, Turkey) is important
because there is mention of four Vedic Gods, namely Indra,
Varuna, Mitra and Nasatyas.
42. Which of the following inscriptions tells about the
Aryan’s movement of Aryan from Iran to India ?
(a) Man Sehra
(b) Shahbazgarhi
(c) Boghaz-Koi
(d) Junagarh
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
43. An inscription of 14th century B.C. which describes
the Vedic Gods has been found in
(a) Ecbatana
(b) Boghaz-Koi
General Studies
B–39
(c) Babylon
Ans. (b)
(d) Bisotun
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
Boghaz-Koi inscription which mentions four Vedic God
namely Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Nasatyas, is the 14th
century B.C. inscription. It is important in Indian history
because inscription of 14th century B.C. was discovered here.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
44. Who among the following wrote on the original
homeland of the Aryans?
(a) Sankaracharya
(b) Annie Besant
(c) Vivekanand
(d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (d)
Bal Gangadhar Tilak in his book ‘The Arctic Home in the
Vedas ‘’propounded the theory that North Pole (Arctic
region) was the original home of Aryans. But this theory of
Tilak is not acceptable to historians.
45. The name of scripture in which ‘’Purusha Medha’ was
mentioned is:
(a) Krishna Yajurveda
(b) Shukla Yajurveda
(c) Shatpath Brahmana
(d) Panchvish Brahmana
U.P. P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (*)
‘Purusha Medha’ has been mentioned in Shatpath Brahmana
of Shukla Yajurveda and Taittiriya Brahmana of Krishna
Yajurveda, Krishna and Shukla Yajurveda.
46. The priest associated with King Videgha Madhava
referred in Shatapatha Brahmana was –
(a) Rishi Bharadwaj
(b) Rishi Vashishta
(c) Rishi Vishwamitra
(d) Rishi Gautama Rahugana
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (d)
It is believed that Saraswati was the scene of the activities
of the famous Vedic tribes - the Bharatas, the Purus, and the
Kurus. The Shatapatha Brahmana narrates the story of King
Videgha Madhava (a king of Videha) accompanied by his
priest Rishi Gautama Rahugana, carrying the sacred fire to
east preserving thereby the tradition that the Kosalas and the
Videhas received from their culture.
47. In the post-Vedic period which was considered as the
axis of Aryan Culture
(a) Anga, Magadha
(b) Kosal, Videha
(c) Kuru, Panchala
(d) Matsya, Shurasena
B–40
Ans. (c)
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
In the post-Vedic period, this region of Kuru, Panchala was
considered as the axis of Aryan culture because here great
achievements happened in science, mathematics, astronomy,
religion and philosophy.
48. The word Gotra occurs for the first time in
(a) Atharvaveda
(b) Rig Veda
(c) Samaveda
(d) Yajurveda
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (b)
As a Rigvedic term, gotra simply means “cow shelter” or
“herd of cows”. The specific meaning “family, lineage kin”
(as it were “herd within an enclosure”) is relatively more
recent, first recorded around post-Vedic period.
49. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of
(a) Bhakti
(b) Image worship and yajnas
(c) Worship of nature and yajnas
(d) Worship of nature and bhakti
I.A.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (c)
The religion of early Vedic Aryans was mainly related to
worship of the nature and performing of Yajnas. The Aryans
in the early Vedic period described life as manifestation of
nature. Worship of different forces of nature formed a part
of their religious belief. They believed that some divine
power works behind the objects of nature such as fire, water,
wind, etc.
50. In the Rigvedic period, people believed mainly in –
(a) Idol worship
(c) Goddess worship
Ans. (d)
(b) One God belief
(d) Sacrifice and rituals
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Sacrifice or Yajna was the central feature of Rigvedic religion.
Domestic sacrifice was the general rule. Community sacrifice
offered by kings were grand festivals. It was believed that
Gods were pleased by Yajna or sacrifice.
51.
Famous Battle of ‘Ten Kings’ was fought on the bank
of the river –
(a) The Ganges
(b) Brahmaputra
(c) Kaveri
(d) Parushni
42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (d)
General Studies
Indian History
There is an ancient story mentioned in the Rig Veda called the
Dasharajnya or ‘War of 10 Kings’ on the bank of Parushni
River. There lived a descendant of India’s eponymous king
Bharata, named Sudas. The greatest achievement of Sudas
was his thumping victory over a confederacy of ten kings.
52. The famous battle of ‘Ten Kings’ as described in the
Rig Veda was fought on the bank of
(a) Parushni
(b) Saraswati
(c) Vipasa
(d) Asikni
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
53. Which of the following river among the following
referred as ‘Matetama’, 'Devitama' and ‘Naditama’
in the Rig Veda.
(a) Sindhu
(b) Saraswati
(c) Vitasta
(d) Yamuna
56. The word ‘Yava’ mentioned in Rig Veda is used for
which agricultural product ?
(a) Barley
(b) Gram
(c) Rice
(d) Wheat
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (a)
The word ‘Yava’ mentioned in Rig Veda is used for the food
grain barley. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
57. Match list-I with list-II and choose the correct answer
from the code given below –
List-I
List-II
A. Vrihi
(i) Sugarcane
B. Mudga
(ii) Rice
C. Yava
(iii) Mung bean
D. Ikshu
(iv) Millet
Code –
(a) A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii), D-(iv)
(b) A-(iv), B-(iii), C-(ii), D-(i)
(c) A-(iii), B-(iv), C-(i), D-(ii)
(d) A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i)
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (b)
Ans (d)
Saraswati River was considered as the most pious and
respected river during the Rigvedic period. In the Rig
Veda, Saraswati is referred as ‘Matetama,’ 'Devitama' and
“Naditama’ means best of all mothers, best of all Goddesses
and the best of all rivers respectively.
54. Give the name of the tribe which is not related to the
‘Panchjana’ of the Rig Veda Aryans:
(a) Yadu
(b) Puru
(c) Turvasa
(d) Kikat
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (d)
Pancha-Jana suggested five specific tribes whose eponymous
ancestors were the founders of the clans, namely Yadu,
Turvasa, Druhya, Anu and Puru. Kikat was not among them.
55. In the ancient period chief-livelihood source of the Aryans
was –
(a) Agriculture
(b) Hunting
(c) Artcraft
(d) Business
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
The correctly matched list is as follows –
Vrihi – Rice
Mudga – Mung bean
Yava – Millet
Ikshu – Sugarcane
58. The Rigvedic "Pani" belong to which class of citizens?
(a) Priests
(b) Ironsmiths
(c) Goldsmiths
(d) Traders
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (d)
"Pani" during the Rigvedic period were a class of traders.
59. The System of Governance prevalent in the Vedic era
was–
(a) Autocratic
(b) Democratic
(c) Republic
(d) Descended monarchy
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (d)
Most popular and prevalent system of governance during the
Vedic era was descended monarchy. Although some examples
In ancient time, the Aryans were dependent on Agriculture
and hunting for their livelihood.
Indian History
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre.) 2021
of election by the people were also found but the general
interest of the public was towards monarchy.
General Studies
B–41
60. 'Sabha' of Vedic-era –
(a) Was an institution of mercantile people of the villages
(b) Was a royal court
(c) Was council of ministers
(d) National Assembly of all the people of the state
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
During the Vedic era, the two institutions namely ‘Sabha’
and the ‘Samiti’ have been mentioned as the controlling
powers upon the autocracy of the king. The ‘Sabha’ was the
assembly of the learned and elite ones, while the ‘Samiti’ was
the assembly of the common people in the state.
61. The Rigvedic tribal assembly associated with judicial
function was
(a) Sabha
(b) Samiti
(c) Vidhata
(d) All of these
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
Several tribal or the clan-based assemblies such as the Sabha,
Samiti, Vidatha are mentioned in the Rigveda. Among them
Sabha was associated with the judicial function. Sabha is
mentioned eight times in Rigveda. Sabha and Samiti are
mentioned as two daughters of Prajapati in Atharvaveda.
62. In which of the Vedas, Sabha and Samiti are called as
two daughters of Prajapati ?
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Samveda
(c) Yajurveda
(d) Atharvaveda
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (d)
The clear distinction between Sabha and Samiti cannot be
made but it is clear that ‘Sabha’ and ‘Samiti’ were clearly
mentioned in the Atharva Veda as the two daughters of
Prajapati.
63. ‘Ayurveda’ that is ‘Science of Life’ appeared first in :
(a) Aranyaka
(b) Samveda
(c) Yajurveda
(d) Atharvaveda
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (d)
‘Ayurveda’ that is ‘Science of Life’ appeared first in
Atharvaveda. Ayurveda is an Upaveda of Atharva Veda. It
describes the thoughts and superstitions of common people.
It comprises of various contents such as disease prevention,
coordination, loyalty, marriage and love poetry.
B–42
64. Rig-vedic religion was–
(a) Polytheistic
(b) Monotheistic
(c) Monistic
(d) Libertarian
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (a)
The most interesting aspect of Rig Vedic religion was its
polytheistic character in which a number of Gods were
worshipped. The Rig Vedic Aryans worshipped nature
with intense feeling and endowed it with animated soul.
Vedic Gods were mainly classified into three groups- (1)
God of sky-Varuna, Mitra, Surya, Vishnu, etc. (2) God
of space- Indra, Rudra, etc. (3) God of the earth- Agni,
Brihaspati, Soma, etc. Whenever these Vedic saints
worship any God, they consider him to be the Supreme
God, this is known as Ekaikyavaad. Else than this in
Rigveda Ekeshwarvaad is supported by saying Ekm
Satt Vipra bahudha badanti". Ekeshwarvaad of Rigveda
included vision of Advaityavaad, Sarvadevtavaad and
Bahudevatavaad. But the concept of one supreme God of
Vedas is different form the moder Ishwarvaad.
65. The largest number of Rigvedic hymns are devoted to
(a) Agni
(b) Indra
(c) Rudra
(d) Vishnu
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
Ans. (b)
‘Indra’ has been described as the most powerful deity in the
Rig Veda. ‘Indra’ is the most important divinity in the RigVeda. A very large number of Rig Veda hymns (as maximum
as 250 hymns) are devoted to him followed by ‘Agni’ (200
hymns).
66. The largest number of the Hymns in Rig Veda belongs to–
(a) Agni
(b) Varuna
(c) Vishnu
(d) Yama
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (a)
The largest number of hymns in Rigveda belongs to god
Indra. But in the present question, in the absence of Indra
we choose Agni (Second largest).
General Studies
Indian History
67. Who among the following was the most popular God
of the early Vedic Aryans ?
(a) Varuna
(b) Vishnu
(c) Rudra
(d) Indra
In Vedas, Indra is the King and the Dev of Svarga
(Heaven). He is the God of heaven, lightning, thunder and
rains. Guardian of the Moral order (Rit) was lord Varuna.
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (d)
Some hymns, are prayers to God Indra for punishing the
sinners, but in the absence of option 1, 2 and 4 we choose
1 and 4.
See the explanation of above question.
71. 800 B.C. to 600 B.C. is related to which era?
68. Who among the following is regarded as War-God in
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
the Rig Veda ?
(a) Agni
(b) Indra
(c) Surya
(d) Varuna
In the Rig Veda, a maximum number of hymns are devoted
to the God ‘Indra’. He was the Storm-God and referred to as
the Sky-God and the God of War. The Vedas describe Indra
69. Who of the following Gods was considered as War-God
in the Vedic literature?
(d) Mitra
(d) Mahabharata era
800 B.C. to 600 B.C. is related to Brahmana era. Often period
during seventh century B.C. to third century B.C. is called
as Sutra Period.
72. Gayatri Mantra is found in which book?
(a) Upanishad
(c) Rig Veda
as the God who wields the thunderbolt.
(c) Agini
(c) Ramayana era
Ans. (a)
Ans. (b)
(b) Indra
(b) Sutra era
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
(a) Varuna
(a) Brahmin era
Ans. (c)
(b) Bhagwatgita
(d) Yajurveda
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
The Gayatri Mantra was first written in Sanskrit in the Rig
Veda by the Brahmarshi Vishwamitra. Its meaning is “May
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
the Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along
the righteous path.”
73.
1. Was the God of thunder.
The ‘Mantra’ famous with the name of ‘Gayatri
Mantra’ found in which of the following scriptures –
(a) Bhagwat Gita
(b) Atharvaveda
(c) Rig Veda
2. Punished the sinners.
(d) Manusmriti
See the explanation of above question.
70. Study the following statements about the Vedic God Indra
and select the correct answer from the codes given below:
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
3. Was the guardian of the moral order.
Ans. (c)
4. Was the God of rain.
See the explanation of above question.
Codes :
74. Who composed the Gayatri Mantra ?
(a) 1 and 2 are correct.
(a) Vasishtha
(b) 1 and 3 are correct.
(c) Indra
(c) 2 and 4 are correct.
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Indian History
(d) Parikshit
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
(d) 1 and 4 are correct.
Ans. (d)
(b) Vishwamitra
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
B–43
75. Sarga, Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara and Vanshanucharita are the indicators of
(a) Vedas
(b) Puranas
(c) Upanishads
(d) Sutras
(a) Brihatkatha
(b) Brahmins
(c) Brihatsamhita
(d) Jayasamhita
U.P.R.O/A.R.O. (Pre) 2014
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015
Ans. (b)
Ans. (d)
Mahabharata originally had only 8,800 slokas and its original
Puranas have five characteristics like Sarga, Pratisarga,
name was ‘Jaya’ or Jayasamhita. Mahabharata today has
Vansa, Manvantara and Vanshanucharita. Among these,
100,000 Shlokas and is believed to be written by Sage Veda
Sarga and Pratisarga are the natural creation and renovation
(cosmogony). Vansa means the history of Sage and God.
Manvantara is meant for the period of different Manus and
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
78. Originally the Mahabharata was known as –
Vanshanucharit means Genealogy of kings.
Vyasa.
79. The Shatasahasri-Samhita is the nickname of which
of the following texts?
(a) Rigveda
(b) Atharvaveda
(c) Ramayana
(d) Mahabharata
U.P.B.E.O. (Pre.) 2019
76. The number of Puranas is–
(a) 16
(b) 18
(c) 19
(d) 21
Ans. (d)
See the above explanation
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (b)
Puranas are the sacred literature of Hinduism. There are 18
Puranas namely, (1) Matsya Purana (2) Markandeya Purana
(3) Bhagavat Puranam(4) Bhavishya Purana (5) Brahmanda
Purana (6) Brahma Vaivrata Purana (7) Brahma Purana (8)
Vamana Purana (9) Varaha Purana (10) Vishnu Purana (11)
80. In Mahabharat by what name were the Kuninda-kings
known?
(a) Sarvasrestha
(b) Madhyam
(c) Dwij Srestha
(d) Dwij
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
Kuninda-Kings in Mahabharat were known by the name of
the Dwij Shrestha. They are mentioned in Sabha Parva of
Vayu Purana (12) Agni Purana (13) Narada Purana (14)
Mahabharata (Chapter 51, Part-1). In this, they had been
Padma Purana (15) Linga Purana (16) Garuda Purana (17)
addressed as 'Chief among Dwijs'.
Skanda Purana (18) Kurma Purana. Out of these 18 Puranas,
Srimad Bhagvatam is considered as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of all
the Vedic literature.
77. In which language was the ‘Shrimad Bhagavad Gita’
81. According to Hindu mythology, which serpent offered
himself as a rope for churning the ocean ?
(a) Kalia
(b) Vasuki
(c) Pushkar
(d) Sheshnag
originally written ?
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Urdu
(c) Pali
(d) Hindi
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (b)
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007
The churning of the ocean of milk was an elaborate process.
Mount Mandara or Mandar Parvat was used as the churning
Ans. (a)
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita was originally written in Sanskrit
rod and Vasuki, the king of serpents who abides on Shiva’s
language often referred in short as Gita. There are 700
neck, became the churning rope. Lord Vishnu, in the form
verses in this Hindu scripture and this is the part of the epic
of Kurma Avtar, came to their rescue and supported the
Mahabharata.
mountain on his back.
B–44
General Studies
Indian History
82. In which phase, the concept of untouchability was put
(d) Matsya Purana
(c) Mundakopanishad
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
clearly?
(a) Rigvedic phase
(b) Later Vedic phase
(c) Later Gupta phase
(d) Dharmashastra phase
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The concept of untouchability assumed definite shape in
the early Christian era which was the period known as the
era of Dharmashastra in ancient Indian history. During
this period, the Brahmanical religion was on ascendences.
Various scriptures were being written and the social customs
of different types were practised strictly and untouchability
was one of them.
83. From which Upanishad, the words “Satyameva
Jayate” have been taken ?
(a) Mandukopanishad
(b) Kathopnishad
(c) Chhandogyopanishad
(d) None of these
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
Ans. (d)
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
86. The Statement "Tamsoma Jyotirgamaya" was originally
mentioned in
(a) Upanishadas
(b) Mahakavyas
(c) Puranas
(d) Shaddarshanas
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
The statement "Tamsoma Jyotirgamaya" is originally
mentioned in Brihadaranyaka Upanishada. This statement
means - "lead us from darkness to light or lead us from
ignorance to truth"
87. The legend of Satyakam Jabal, which challenges the
stigma of being an unmarried mother, is mentioned in
The words “Satyameva Jayate’ is a Sanskrit word taken from
the ‘Mundakopanishad', not from 'Mandukopanishad'. The
meaning of the word is “truth alone triumphs.” It was adopted
as the national motto of India. It is inscribed in the script at
the base of the national emblem. On January 26, 1950, it was
adopted by the Government of India.
84. From where the word ‘Satyameva Jayate’ taken ?
(a) Jabal Upanishad
(b) Prashnophishad
(c) Chhandogya Upanishad
(d) Kathopanishad
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
(a) Manusmriti
(b) Bhagawadgita
Satyakama Jabala as a boy, and later a Vedic sage, who first
(c) Rig Veda
(d) Mundakopanishad
appears in chapter IV of ancient Hindu text, the Chhandogya
I.A.S. (Pre) 2004
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (d)
Upanishad challenged the stigma of an unmarried mother.
88. The literal meaning of which Upanishada is white horse?
(a) Kathopanishad
(b) Chhandogya Upanishad
(c) Taittriya Upanishad
See the explanation of above question.
(d) Eshopanishad
85. ‘Satyamev Jayate’ which is engraved on the Indian
(e) None of these
Emblem has been taken from –
(a) Rig Veda
Indian History
(b) Bhagavad Gita
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (e)
General Studies
B–45
(c) Cow
None of the Upanishads in the given options literally means
'white horse'. Shvetashvatara Upanishad is an ancient Sanskrit
text embedded in the Yajurveda. Shavetashvatara literally
89. Fundamental or basic script of the ‘Rig Veda’ was –
(b) Kharoshthi
(c) Pali
(d) Brahmi
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
It was the cow which was considered as “Aghanya” during
means 'carried on a white horse'.
(a) Devnagri
Vedic period. “Aghanya” means not worthy of being killed.
This status of the cow shows how pious it was considered
during the Vedic period.
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
93. Aghanya in Rig Veda is mentioned for –
Ans. (d)
The basic script of the Rig Veda was Brahmi. The work on
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
a script or ‘Bhasa’ is said to have been started by Brahma.
For thousands of years, the script was known after him as
the Brahmi script. The Rig Veda is divided into 10 Mandals,
which consists of 1028 Sukta and 10552 Mantra. According
to Patanjali, there are 21 branches of Rig Veda. The priests
(c) Samaveda
(d) Atharvaveda
(b) Cow
(c) Elephant
(d) Horse
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
94. The name 'Aghanya' mentioned in many passages of
the Rig Veda refers to :
90. In the Vedic rituals HOTA is associated with the–
(b) Yajurvaveda
(a) Goat
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010
of Rig Veda were called ‘Hota'.
(a) Rig Veda
(a) Priest
(b) Women
(c) Cows
(d) Brahmanas
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
95.
91. There is a similarity in Avesta and the Rig Veda, from
which region the Avesta is related to –
(a) India
(b) Iran
(c) Israel
(d) Egypt
In the early Rigvedic period, what was considered to
be the most valuable property?
(a) Land
(b) Cow
(c) Women
(d) Water
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
According to a definition given about the Aryans: “The IndoIranian group whose members composed the Zoroastrian
scriptures, the Avesta and the Hindu scriptures such as the
Vedas, called themselves Aryans. So it is clear that in the
Vedic period it was the region of present-day Iran, where
Zoroastrianism prevailed, and the ‘Avesta’ was written by
Zoroastrian.
92. Which of the following animals was considered as
Ans. (b)
Cattle breeding was the most important economic activity
of the Rigvedic people. Prayers were offered to increase the
number of cattle. It was a medium of exchange. A cow is
considered as a deity in some Suktas of Rig Veda.
96. In context on Indian culture 'Rit' means
(a) Natural law
(b) Artificial law
(c) Human law
(d) Social law
(e) None of these
“Aghanya” during the Vedic period:(a) Bull
B–46
(d) Elephant
(b) Sheep
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
The concept of 'Rit' i.e., the universal principle of natural
Ganga Dussehra, also known as Gangavataran, is a Hindu
order, is of Vedic origin. The 'Rit' has been the basis of Indian
festival celebrating the avatarana (descent) of the Ganges. It
culture, legal theory, politics and philosophy. God Varuna
is believed by Hindus that the holy river Ganges descended
was supposed to uphold 'Rit' or the natural order that is why
from heaven to Earth on this day. Ganga Dussehra takes place
he was also called as 'Ritasyagopa'.
on Dashami (10th day) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha)
97. In the context of ancient Indian society which one of
the following terms does not belong to the category of
the other three?
lasts ten days preceding this holy day.
100. The teacher who taught ‘Ved-Vedanga’ for livelihood,
was called –
(a) Kula
(a) Acharya
(b) Vansha
(b) Adhvaryu
(c) Kosa
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
of the Hindu calendar month Jyestha. The festival celebration
(c) Upadhyaya
(d) Gotra
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
In the context of ancient Indian society, Vansha, Gotra and
Kula are the words associated with the family system, but
the word Kosa is related to the treasury.
(b) 12
(c) 15
(d) 16
Uttarakhand U.D.A./LDA (Mains) 2007
Ans. (c)
Upadhyaya was the one who adopted teaching as a profession
to earn his livelihood and taught only a portion of Veda or
Vedangas.
98. What is the total number of Sanskaras?
(a) 10
(d) Purohita
101. With reference to the difference between the culture
of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (d)
the following statements is/are correct?
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet
in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley
There are total of sixteen Sanskars that have been described.
Three are performed before birth, twelve during life and
one after death. It seems that Upnayan Sanskar is the most
Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper
whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and
important and commonly performed, besides, of course, the
wedding ceremony and ritual after death.
99. "Ganga Dashehara" celebrated in which month and
iron.
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse
whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people
day according Hindu Calendar?
having been aware of this animal.
(a) Tenth bright lunar day of Jyeshtha
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(b) Tenth bright lunar day of Chaitra
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Tenth bright lunar day of Ashwin
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) Tenth bright lunar day of Magh
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (a)
Indian History
(d) 1,2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
General Studies
B–47
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Coat of mail and helmet made of gold and iron is mentioned
in Rigveda. Possibly they were used in warfare. Indus Valley
people were lacking in weapons and were possibly ruled by
a class of merchants. Indus valley civilization did not leave
any evidence of using weapons. Therefore, statement 1 is
correct. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper. Indus
Valley people knew only copper and bronze. The use of iron
spread in North India between 1000 BC - 600 BC. Therefore,
statement 2 is wrong. Rigvedic Aryans owed their success
in India to their use of horses and chariots and recently a
site called Bhagwanpura has been excavated in Haryana (of
Rigvedic period) where horse bones have also been found.
Evidence of the horse comes from a superficial level of
Mohanjo-daro and from a doubtful terracotta figurine from
Lothal. The remains of the horse are reported from Surkotada,
situated in west Gujarat, and belong to around 2000 BC,
but the identity is doubtful. In any case the Indus Valley
civilization was not horse centred. Therefore, statement 3 is
also wrong. So, the correct option is (a).
Buddhism
Rudrak Ramputt. Gautama got enlightened in the might of
Vaishakh Purnima after six years of continuous meditation
under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya at the age of 35. *After
enlightenment, he was called ‘Buddha’. *Another name of
the Buddha is ‘Tathagat’, which means - whose truth is the
knowledge. *He was called ‘Shakyamuni’ due to his birth in
Shakya clan. *After enlightenment, Gautama Buddha started
preaching his opinion. *From Uruvela (Bodh Gaya) he first
reached Rishipattan (present-day Sarnath, Varanasi). There
he gave the first sermon to five Brahmin sanyasis. This first
sermon was called ‘Dharmachakrapravartana’.
Symbols of Buddhism related to the life of Buddha –
Events
Symbols
Birth
Lotus & Bull
Great Departure
(Mahabhinishkramana)
Horse
Enlightenment (Nirvana)
Peepal (Bodhi tree)
First Sermon
Wheel
(Dharamachakrapravartana)
*Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini near Kapilavastu
in 563 BC. His father’s name was Shuddhodana who was
the chief of the Shakya clan. His mother was Mayadevi or
Mahamaya who was from Koliyan clan. The childhood
name of Gautam Buddha was Siddhartha. A few days after
Death (Parinirvana)
Stupa
*He spent the second, third, and fourth year of rain at the Rajgrih.
Bimbisara, the Ruler of Magadha built a ‘Mahavihara’ called
‘Velavan’ for his residence.
his birth, his mother died. Therefore, he was raised by his
*Travelling from Rajgriha, Buddha reached Vaishali, the
aunt Prajapati Gautami. He was married at the age of 16
capital of Lichchhivi where he spent the fifth year of the
to Yashodhara, daughter of Shakya Clan.
rain. *Lichchhivians built the famous ‘Kutagrasala’ in Mahavan
*In the later Buddhist texts, other names of Yashodhara
for his residence. *Vaishali’s royal courtesan, Amrapali, became
are Gopa, Bimba, Bhadkachhana, etc. Their son’s name
was Rahul. *Four scenes had a great impact on Buddha’s
life. These were an old man, a sick person, a deceased
and the blessed Saints. *Siddhartha decided to abandon
his wife and children and left the home while they were
his disciple and provided his Amravatika for the residence of
the Buddhist monks. *In the eighth year of Enlightenment,
Gautama Buddha permitted women to enter as Bhikshuni
into Buddhist Sangha at Vaishali on the advice of his beloved
disciple Anand. *Buddha’s aunt (Mahaprajapati) who raised
him as a mother was the first woman to enter the Buddhist Sangh.
sleeping. *At the time of renunciation, Siddhartha was
*Devadatta was the cousin of Buddha. *Devadatta firstly became
29 years old. *Abandoning of home in Buddhist texts
a follower and then became an enemy of Buddha. *He wanted
has been called ‘Mahabhinishkramana’. *He met the
to remove Buddha from the Buddhist Sangh and become the
Acharya of Sankhya philosophy, Alar Kalam, near Vaishali.
head of the Sangh himself, but he did not succeed in it. The most
Siddhartha reached Rajghrih and met another Dharmacharya
propagated skill of Buddhism was in the Koshal state.
B–48
General Studies
Indian History
*A wealthy businessman named Anathpindak of the Koshal
kingdom became his disciple and donated him ‘Jetavana’
Vihara for the Buddhist Sangh. *Koshal King Prasenjit also
adopted Buddhist religion along with his family, and he built
‘Pubbarama’ (Pura - Ram) vihara for Buddhist Sangh.
*Buddha spent his last rainy season in Vaishali. *While
preaching Buddhism, he reached Pava, where he stayed in
the Amravatika of Chund, a blacksmith. * He gave Buddha
‘Sukaramaddva’ food to eat, this caused him ‘bleeding’. *Then
he went to Kushinagar (Kushinara) and here he gave his last
sermon to Subhad. *He died in Kushinagar (capital of the
Republic Mall) in 483 BC at the age of 80. In Buddhist texts,
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
this event is called ‘Mahaparinirvana’.
*Buddha’s first sermon is termed as ‘Dharmachakrapravartana’. The sermon was related to sufferings, the cause
of suffering and its solution. *The concept of eight-fold path
forms the theme of ‘Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta’ which
means sermon of the turning of the wheel of law. He gave
‘Noble Eightfold Path’ and ‘Four Noble Truths’ which were
accepted as basic tenets by all Buddhist sects.
*The four noble truths are as followsi. There is suffering.
ii. There is the cause of suffering.
iii. There is a cessation of suffering.
iv. There is a path leading to the cessation of suffering.
The main reason for the spread of Buddhism was its simplicity.
Its eight-fold path known as ‘Arya-Satya’ and concept of
non-violence were simple and understandable by the common
people. Buddha spread his message in the simple language or
the language of common people. *Buddhism did not believe in
caste-distinctions. The non-Brahmins, particularly Dalits, were
attracted by the simplicity of Buddhism. They also followed
the missionary concept.
Buddhist Councils
Number
Year
Place
President
Rulers
First
483BC
Rajgriha
Mahakasappa Ajatashatru
Second
383BC
Vaishali
Sabakami
Kalasoka
Third
247BC
Pataliputra
Moggaliputta
Tissa
Ashok
Fourth
1st
Century
AD
Kundalvana
Vasumitra
Ashwaghosh
(Vice
President)
Kanishk
Indian History
*First century those who believed in traditional faith were called
‘Sthavir’ or ‘Theravadi’. These were led by Mahakachchayan.
*Those who accepted the change were called ‘Mahasanghika’.
They were led by Mahakasappa. *In the fourth Buddhist council, there was a dominance of the Mahasanghikas. The fourth
council held during the reign of Kanishka divided Buddhism
into two sects, namely Hinayana and Mahayana. In Mahayana,
Gautama Buddha was treated as God and its followers started
worshipping Buddha through idols. Gautama Buddha was
elevated to the position of God during the period of Kanishka.
*The fundamental difference between Hinayana and Mahayana
sects of Buddhism is regarding treating Buddha as God. Hinayana believes in Buddha as a great man, whereas Mahayana
started worshipping Buddha through idols treating him as God.
*Sarvastivada literally means "Doctrine that all exist".
Sarvastivadin described a complex system in which past present
and future phenomena are all held to have some form of their
own existence. *Like all Buddhist, the Sarvastivadins consider
everything empirical to be transient but they maintain that the
dharma factors are eternally existing realities. *Impermanence,
also called Anitya, is one of the essential doctrines and part
of three marks of existence in Buddhism. This doctrine was
presented by Buddha himself. The doctrine asserts that all
of conditioned existence, without exception, is "transient,
evanescent, inconstant". This impermanence is a source of
Dukkha (sufferings).
*Nagarjuna’s primary contribution to Buddhist philosophy
was the use of the concept of Sunyata or doctrine of void.
*The famous literary work “Madhyamika Karika” provides
one of Nagarjuna’s most famous quotations on emptiness or
co-arising. Nagarjuna was an eminent personality in the court
of Kanishka. *Hiuen Tsang called him one of the world's four
great guiding powers. *In the book "Madyamik Karika" he has
discussed the theory of relativity. He is also known as the
Indian Einstein. According to Chinese mythology, Nagarjuna
travelled to China and preached Buddhism. *‘Maitreya’ has
been called ‘future Buddha’ in Buddhist tradition. *“Padmapani or “Lotus-Bearer” is one of the most common epithets of
Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of infinite compassion. This
superbly modelled sculpture stands in a tribhanga or tri-bent
pose. *A Bodhisattva is a living being (sattva) who aspires to
enlightenment (bodhi) and carries out altruistic practices. The
Bodhisattva ideal is central to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition
as the individual who seeks enlightenment both for himself or
herself and for others.
General Studies
B–49
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
*In order to preach the doctrine of Buddhism (Mahatma Buddha), the Buddhists compiled a new type of literature (Tripitaka)
that can be divided into three categories - (1) Sutta Pitaka, (2)
Vinaya Pitaka and (3) Abhidhamma Pitaka. *Sutta Pitaka
contains the sayings and teachings of the Buddha. *Vinaya
Pitaka deals with the rules to be observed by members of the
Sangha. Abhiddhamma Pitaka presents the philosophical
exposition of the Dhamma. The Abhidhamma Pitaka consists of
seven books - Yamaka, Patthana, Kathavatthu, Puggalapannatti,
Dhatukatha, Vibhanga and Dhammasangani. *The religious
texts of the Buddhists, in which the stories of the previous
birth of Gautama Buddha are compiled, are called Jataka. It
is written in the Pali language.
*In Bhumisparsha Mudra, Buddha is seen seated with his right
hand as a pendant over the right knee reaching
towards the
ground with the palm inward while touching the lotus throne.
In the meantime, the left hand can be seen with the palm upright in his lap. This gesture represents the moment of the
Buddha's awakening as he claims the earth as the witness of
his enlightenment just before he realized enlightenment. It
is believed that the demon Mara tried to frighten him with the
armies of demons which represent the defeat of Mara and his
demonic army by Buddha.
*During the Buddhist period, some of the most important
centres of learning in India were Nalanda, Vikramshila and
Vallabhi. These centres of learning were not only popular
among the different Janapadas from where students came for
learning but also attracted students from abroad i.e. China,
Japan, Tibet and other countries of South-East Asia. *Some
of the educational centers like Taxila and Nalanda enjoyed
the status of Universities. *Nalanda was the main centre
for the education for Mahayana Buddhism and Vallabhi
for Hinayana Buddhism. *Vikramshila Mahavihara was
established by Pala King Dharmapala. *He also constructed
temples and monasteries here. *The University of Nalanda came
into existence during the Gupta Period.
•
•
•
•
•
Mahayana
Mahayana literally means - 'Great Vehicle.
Buddha is considered a god.
It believes in soul and rebirth.
It emphasizes on philanthropy and service. Its objective
is the welfare of all mankind.
Their principles are simple and accessible. In this, the
importance is given to the common devotees along with
the monk.
B–50
*Initially Kumaragupta - I gave donations to Nalanda Buddhist
Vihara and afterwards Buddhgupta, Tathagatgupta Nava Nalanda
and Baladitya also donated to this Vihara. *“Navnalanda
Mahavihara” is a modern centre of Buddhist study which
was established by the Bihar government in Nalanda in the
year 1951. *Odantipur (also called as Uddandapura) was
a prominent education centre of ancient time. It was situated
in Magadha, now Bihar, India. It was established by the Pala
emperor Gopala first.
*“Chaitya” literally means - related to Chita. *Samadhis were
built on the ground after the burial of dead bodies, they were
initially called Chaitya or Stupa. * In these samadhis, residues
of great men were kept safe therefore, Chaityas became a centre
of worship. *The houses built near monasteries or Chaitya Griha
were called Vihara. *The word stupa has been used for the first
time in Rig Veda. In Rig Veda texts, stupa means “tree stem.”
Rigveda refers to a stupa raised by the king Varuna above the
forest in a place having no foundation. Anything that is raised
on the ground like heap/pile might have been known as Stupa.
The Stupa at Bodhgaya is related to the enlightenment of Buddha. Sanchi Stupa is not related to any episode of Buddha’s life.
*In these stupas the remains of Buddha or his chief disciples
were kept, so they became the main centres of devotion and
worship of the Buddhists. * Stupa has 4 types - 1. Sharirik
(Body) Stupa, 2. Paribhaugik Stupa, 3. Uddheshika (Objective)
Stupas and 4. Pujarthak (Worshipping) Stupa.
*Gautama Buddha is known as ‘Light of Asia’. The book
‘Light of Asia’ on the life of Gautama Buddha was written by
Edwin Arnold. Mahaparinirvana temple is located in Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh. Statue of Lord Buddha in the
temple was obtained by excavation in 1876 AD. The statue of
Lord Buddha is 6.10 meters high in this temple and is placed
in a lying pose. *This idol reflects the period when Lord Buddha at the age of 80 left his earthly body and became free from
the bondage of death i.e Parinirvana. The difference between
Hinayana and Mahayana–
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hinayana
Hinayana literally means- the lesser vehicle.
Mahatma Buddha is considered a great man.
This is individualistic religion - According to this every
person should get salvation through his own efforts.
It does not believe in idol worship and devotion.
Its way of worship is very strict and it follows the monk life.
Its aim is to attain 'Arhat'.
Its major sects are Vaibhashika and Sautrantika.
General Studies
Indian History
• Its ideal is ‘Bodhisattva’.
• Its major sect are - ‘Shunyawad (Madhyamik) and ‘Vigyanwad’ (yogachar).
Buddhist texts and their authors
Text
Author
Milindpanho
Nagasen
Buddhcharita, Saudaranand,
Ashwaghosh
Sariputra Prakaran
Madhyami Kakarika
Vishuddhimagga
Abhidhmma Kosh
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
1.
4.
Gautam Buddha was born at –
(a) Vaishali
(b) Lumbini
(c) Kapilvastu
(d) Patliputra
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
5.
(a) 563 B.C.
(b) 561 B.C.
Which of these is another name of Buddha?
(a) Parth
(b) Prachhanna
(c) Mihir
(d) Gudakesh
(e) None the these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (e)
(c) 558 B.C.
(d) 544 B.C.
Parth and Gudakesh were the names of Arjuna of Mahabharat.
M.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Mihir and Prachhanna were not the names of the Buddha.
Nagarjuna
Buddhaghosh
Vasubandhu
When was Gautam Buddha born?
Ans. (a)
Hence intended answer is (e) but Chhattisgarh Public Service
Gautam Buddha, also known as Siddhartha (childhood name),
Commission has declared option (b) as the correct answer in
was born in 563 B.C. in Shakya Kshatriya family in Lumbini
initial answer key as well as in revised answer key.
near Kapilvastu (Nepal). His father’s name was Shuddhodana
who was the chief of the Shakya clan. His mother was Mayadevi
who was from the ‘Koliyan clan.’ At the age of 29, he left his
home on his horse “Kantaka” accompanied by Channa and this
was called as “Mahabhinishkramana”. He died at the age of 80
years in 483 B.C. at Kushinagar (the first capital city of Malla
Kingdom) which is known as “Mahaparinirvana”.
2.
From which inscriptions of the following dynasty
Lumbini was known as Buddha’s birthplace ?
(a) Mauryan
(b) Shung
(c) Satavahana
(d) Kushan
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (a)
From the Mauryan dynasty emperor Ashoka’s Rummindei
Which of the events of Buddha’s life is known as ‘Ma-
Pillar inscription, it is known that Lumbini is the birthplace of
habhinishkramana’?
Gautam Buddha. According to this inscription King Ashoka
(a) His death
came here (Lumbini) in the 20th year of his coronation and
(b) His birth
worshipped the place where Shakya Muni was born. In ad-
(c) His departure from home
dition to that, he also exempted Lumbini from tax as it was
(d) His attainment of enlightenment
the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (c)
7.
Which one of the following inscriptions of Ashoka
confirms the tradition that Gautama Buddha was
See the explanation of above question.
3.
6.
born in Lumbini ?
Gautam Buddha’s Mother was from which clan ?
(a) Basarh Pillar Inscription
(a) Shakya clan
(c) Licchavis clan
(b) Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscription
(b) Maya clan
(d) Koliyan clan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
Indian History
(c) Rampurwa Pillar Inscription
(d) Rummindei Pillar Inscription
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (d)
General Studies
B–51
See the explanation of above question.
See the explanation of above question.
8.
The inscription of which one of the following kings gives
the information that Sakyamuni Buddha was born in
Lumbini ?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Kanishka
(c) Harsha
(d) Dharmapala
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
9.
Where did Mahatma Buddha’s ‘Mahaparinirvan’ take
place?
(a) Lumbini
(b) Bodh Gaya
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Kapilvastu
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
53 to 55 B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (c)
rd
th
Mahatma Buddha delivered his first sermon at the site of
Deer Park at Sarnath. Later he moved towards Kosala, Kapilavastu, Vaishali and Rajgriha to propagate the teachings
of Buddhism. The king of Kosala Prasenjit with his entire
family adopted discipleship of Buddha. During his campaign,
he reached ‘Pava’, the capital of Mallas. At Pava, Buddha
stayed in the mango grove of Chund, the blacksmith. There
Chund provided him a large amount of Sukaramaddava,
which resulted in sickness with the flow of blood and violent
deadly pains, but Buddha reached Kushinara (Capital of
Republic of Malla). Here he abandoned his body in 483 BC
at the age of 80 years. It is also known as Mahaparinirvan.
10. Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana in the Republic of the–
(a) Mallas
(b) Lichchavi
(c) Sakyas
(d) Palas
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
11. Gautam Buddha attained “Mahaparinirvana” in
12. Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana at which place?
(a) Kusinara
(b) Shravasti
(c) Lumbini
(d) Sarnath
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (*)
See the explanation of above question.
13. Mahaparinirvana Temple is located at
(a) Kushinagar
(b) Sarnath
(c) Bodh Gaya
(d) Shravasti
U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (a)
Mahaparinirvana temple is situated in Kushinagar district of
Uttar Pradesh. It is very famous statue of Buddha. The image
was unearthed during an excavation in 1876. Carved from
Chunar sandstone, the statue represents the dying Buddha
reclining on his right side.
14. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with
the life of the Buddha?
1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
I.A.S. (Pre) 2015
I.A.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
From the given kingdoms, Gautam Buddha was associated
with Kosala and Magadha kingdom. He visited these two
kingdoms to propagate his teachings.
15. Who was the last person to get enlightenment from
Gautam Buddha ?
(a) Anand
(b) Sariputta
(c) Mogglan
(d) Subhadda
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (d)
Gautam Buddha, in his last years, went to his disciple named
kingdom of –
(a) Aung
(b) Magadha
Chund at Pava, where he suffered food poisoning after eating
(c) Malla
(d) Vatsa
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
pork offered by Chund. Then he went to Kushinagar (Capital
Ans. (c)
B–52
city and the Mallas Kingdom) where he gave his last Sermon to
General Studies
Indian History
“Subhaddha” and finally attained the “Mahaparinirvana” at
Kushinagar.
16. Who amongst the following was the last person
converted by the Buddha?
(a) Anand
(b) Vasumitra
(c) Goshal
(d) Subhadda
U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
17. The ruler of Suvarnabhumi, who founded a Buddhist
monastery at Nalanda and requested Devapala
through his ambassador to grant, five villages for its
maintenance, was
(a) Dharanindra
(b) Sangramadhananjaya
(c) Balaputradeva
(d) Chudamanivarmana
(e) None of the above/More than on of the above.
B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (c)
Balaputradeva was the ruler of Suvarnabhumi who founded
a Buddhist monastery at Nalanda and requested Devapala
through his ambassador to grant five villages for its
maintenance.
18. Where did Buddha reside during the last rainy season
of his life?
(a) Shravasti
(b) Vaishali
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Sarnath
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (b)
Buddha resided in Vaishali during the last rainy season of
his life. Actually, Buddha reached Beluva which was in the
suburb of Vaishali to spend his time during rainy reason at
the age of eighty years with his two disciples, one of them
popularly known as ‘Ananda.’
19. Which one of the following describes best the concept
of Nirvana in Buddhism?
(a) The extinction of the flame of desire
(b) The complete annihilation of self
(c) A state of bliss and rest
(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension
I.A.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (a)
Buddhism considers desire as the cause of all the pain. The
State of Nirvana in Buddhism is considered as a state which
is free from desire, pain, pleasure, etc. The literal meaning
Indian History
of the word Nirvana is ‘blown out’ and it can be seen as the
state of extinction of the flame of desire. Hence, option (a)
is the correct answer.
20. Who was Alara Kalama?
(a) A disciple of Buddha.
(b) A distinguished Buddhist monk.
(c) A king of Buddha’s time.
(d) A teacher of Buddha.
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (d)
Alara Kalama was one of the best and well known religious
teacher. Ascetic Buddha went to study under him. He stayed
and learnt many things, including meditation. He worked hard
and eventually equalled his teacher in learning. Finally, Alara
Kalama could not teach Buddha anymore, and he said, “You
are the same as I am now. There is no difference between
us. Stay here and take my place and teach my students with
me.” Alara Kalama was an Acharya of Samkhya philosophy
and was renowned for his spiritual strength.
21. At which place did Mahatma Buddha give his first
‘Dhammachakkhapavathana’?
(a) Lumbini
(b) Sarnath
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Vaishali
53 to 55 B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (b)
rd
th
After his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, Buddha went to Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon which is known in
Pali as the ‘Dhammachakkhapavathana’ or “Dharma Chakra
Pravartana.” Sarnath is one of the four holy places associated
with the life of Buddha. Other three important places related
to Buddhism are Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha) Bodhgaya
(the place of enlightenment of Buddha) and Kushinagar
(place of death popularly known as Mahaparinirvana in
Buddhism).
22. Where did Buddha preach his first sermon?
(a) Kashi
(b) Sarnath
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Bodh Gaya
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
General Studies
B–53
29. What does 'Triratna' means in Buddhism?
See the explanation of above question.
23. Who gave his first sermon in Sarnath.
(a) Mahavir
(b) Sankaracharya
(c) Mahatma Buddha
(d) Guru Nanak
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (c)
24. Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at
(a) Vaishali
(b) Kaushambi
(c) Sarnath
(d) Pawapuri
56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
(c) Sheel, Samadhi, Sangha
(d) Satya, Ahinsa, Karuna
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017
Buddha, Dhamma and Sangh are three jewels (Triratna) of
Buddhism. After the death of Buddha, his teachings were
collected in three parts known as Tripitakas. The Tripitakas
are Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
30. Buddha had visited Kaushambi during the reign of
See the explanation of above question.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
(b) Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
25. In Buddhist text “Dharmachakra Parvartana” is
known as –
(a) His (Buddha) sight
(b) First Sermon at Sarnath
(c) His religious norms
(d) Buddha rituals
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
26. ‘Dharmachakrapravartana’ was performed at –
(a) Sanchi
(b) Sravasti
(c) Sarnath
(d) Vaishali
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
(a) Satanika
(b) Udayana
(c) Bodhi
(d) Nicakshu
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
Mahatama Buddha visited Kaushambi during the reign of
“King Udayana”. It was his 9 resting place. Under the influence of Pindola Bharadwaj, Udayan turned to Buddhism and
donated Ghoshit Ram Vihar to Bhikshu Sangh.
th
31. First Buddhist Conference after the death of Buddha
was presided over by:
(a) Mahakashyapa
(b) Dharmasen
(c) Ajatashatru
(d) Nagasen
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
27. Gautam Buddha gave the maximum sermons at which
place ?
(a) Vaishali
(b) Shravasti
(c) Kaushambi
(d) Rajgriha
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (b)
Most of the disciples of Gautama Buddha were from Kosala
region. He delivered his maximum sermons at Shravasti, the
capital of Kosala.
28. Which philosophy accepts 'Triratna'?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Nyaya philosophy
(c) Yoga philosophy
(d) Jainism
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
Triratna (Three jewels) is associated with Buddha philosophy.
Here the three jewels are the Buddha, the Dhamma and the
Sangha.
B–54
(a) Tripitaka
Ans. (a)
The first Buddhist Council was held soon after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha, under the patronage of King
Ajatshatru with the monk Mahakasapa presided at Rajgriha,
in the Saptaparni Cave. The idea was to preserve Buddha’s
teachings (Sutta) and rules for disciples (Vinaya). Ananda,
one of the great disciples of Buddha, recited Suttas and
Upali; another disciple recited Vinaya. Abhidhamma Pitaka
was also included.
32. Who among the following conducted the first Buddhist Council ?
(a) Ananda
(b) Mahakassapa
(c) Moggaliputta Tissa
(d) Upali
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
Indian History
33. ‘Saptaparni Cave’ is situated in –
38. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir
(a) Sanchi
(b) Nalanda
during the reign of which king?
(c) Rajgriha
(d) Pawapuri
(a) Ashoka
(b) Kalasoka
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014
(c) Kanishka
(d) Ajatshatru
Ans. (c)
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010
See the explanation of above question.
34. Who among the following presided over the Buddhist
Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir?
(a) Parsva
(b) Nagarjuna
(c) Sudraka
(d) Vasumitra
See the explanation of above question.
39. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during the reign
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (c)
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana,
Kashmir under the patronage of Kushan King Kanishka and
the president of this council was Vasumitra, with Ashvaghosa as his deputy president. This council distinctly divided
Buddhism into two sects, namely Mahayana and Hinayana.
35. Which of the following rulers convened the Fourth
of –
(a) Kanishka
(b) Ashoka
(c) Harshvardhana
(d) Menander
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
40. Four Buddhist Councils were held in the following
places. Arrange them in chronological order by using
Buddhist Council in Kashmir?
the code given below :
(a) Ashoka
(b) Ajatashatru
1. Vaishali
2.
Rajgriha
(c) Kanishka
(d) Kalashoka
3. Kundalavana
4.
Pataliputra
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66th B.P.S.C. (Pre.) 2020
Ans. (c)
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 1, 3, 4
(d) 2, 1, 4, 3
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
See the explanation of above question
36. ‘Mahayana’ sect and Buddhism emerged during the
reign of –
(a) Ajatshatru
(b) Ashoka
(c) Dharmapala
(d) Kanishka
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question
37. A Buddhist Council during the reign of Kanishka was
Ans. (d)
First Buddhist council was held soon after the death of Buddha under the patronage of King Ajatashatru with the monk
Mahakassapa presiding at Saptaparni Cave at Rajgriha. The
second council took place during the reign of Kalasoka after
100 years of Buddha’s death in Vaishali and was presided
over by Sabakami. The third council was held during the
reign of Ashoka at Pataliputra, and the fourth council was
held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir (Kundalavana).
41. Second Buddhist Council was held at which place?
held at –
(a) Magadha
(b) Pataliputra
(a) Rajgriha
(b) Vaishali
(c) Kashmir
(d) Rajgriha
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Kashi (Varanasi)
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
Indian History
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains)2014
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
B–55
42. Where was the third Buddhist Council held?
(a) Taxila
(b) Sarnath
(c) Bodhgaya
(d) Pataliputra
53 to 55 B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (d)
rd
th
See the explanation of above question.
43. The first Buddhist Council was held during the reign of
(a) Aniruddha
(b) Ajatshatru
(c) Bimbisara
(d) Udayabhadra
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
44. The first Buddhist council was held in which of the
following cities.
(a) Nalanda
(b) Gaya
(c) Rajgir
(d) Bodhgaya
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
45. Second Buddhist- Council was organized by
(a) Ajatashatru
(b) Kalasoka
(c) Ananda
(d) Ashoka
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
46. Four important events of Buddha’s life and thereby
related four places are mentioned below.
Match Schedule- I and Schedule- II and select correct
answer from the codes given below Schedule - I
Schedule - II
A. Birth
1. Sarnath
B. Enlightenment
2. Bodhgaya
C. First preaching
3. Lumbini
D. Death
4. Kushinagar
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
4
3
(b) 2
3
1
4
(c) 3
2
1
(d) None of the above.
4
41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
B–56
Mahatma Buddha was born in 563 B.C. in Lumbini near
Kapilvastu (Nepal). He got enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.
Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath (Rishipattan) called
“Dharmachakrapravartana” and died in Kushinagar called
“Mahaparinirvana.
47. Which event of Buddha’s life is represented by the
wheel with deer, in Indian Art ?
(a) Great departure
(b) Enlightenment
(c) First preaching
(d) Nirvana
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
Ans. (c)
First preaching event of Buddha’s life is represented by the
wheel with deer in Indian art. Buddha delivered his first
preaching in Mrigadava Sarnath.
48. Match List- I (Sign) with List II (Meaning) and select
the correct answer using the codes given below.
List-I (Sign)
List –II (Meaning)
A. Birth
1. Bodhi tree
B. First Sermon
2. Dharma Chakra
C. Enlightenment
3. Horse
D. Great- Departure
4. Lotus
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 4
3
2
1
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 4
2
1
3
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (d)
The correctly matched list is as follows :
List - I
List - II
Birth
Lotus
First Sermon
Dharma Chakra
Enlightenment
Bodhi Tree
Great- Departure Horse
49. Karmapa Lama belongs to which of the following sects
of Tibetan Buddhism?
(a) Gelugpa
(b) Kangyupa
(c) Sakyapa
(d) Lingamapa
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (b)
Karmapa Lama belongs to the Kangyupa sects of Tibetan
Buddhism.
General Studies
Indian History
50. Which of the following statements is/are correct about
Lord Buddha?
1. He was born in Kapilvastu.
2. He attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.
3. He discarded the Vedic religion.
4. He preached noble truths
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (d)
Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in 563
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
BC in Lumbini (now in Nepal) in Shakya Kshatriya clan of
Kapilavastu. He believed in the theory of Karma. Buddha
discarded Vedas and Vedic rituals. Instead, he believed in
noble deeds and acts in place of Vedic rituals. He has given
four noble truths often known as Arya Satya
Alexander Cunningham and called the fifth generation tree.
It is a heritage site and only fallen leaves of this tree are allowed to touch and pick.
53. Which of the following Buddhist sacred place is situated on the Bank of River Niranjana.
(a) Bodhgaya
(b) Kushinagar
(c) Lumbini
(d) Rishipatan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (a)
The Buddhist sacred place, Bodhgaya where Buddha got
enlightenment, is situated on the bank of river Niranjana.
54. The teachings of Buddha are related to –
(a) Spirit disputes
(b) Celibacy
(1) Life means suffering
(c) Religious rituals
(2) The origin of suffering is attachment
(d) Purity and holiness of conduct
(3) The cessation of suffering is attainable
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
(4) There is a path to the cessation of suffering.
Ans. (d)
Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.
51. Mahabodhi Temple has been built at Bodh Gaya where(a) Gautama Buddha was born
(b) Gautama Buddha received enlightenment
(c) Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon
(d) Gautama Buddha passed away
45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
For full six years, Gautama sought a due solution to the
sufferings, ultimately he got enlightenment at the age of 35
years at Bodhgaya under Pipal tree on a Vaisakh Purnima
night. Hence he was called “Buddha.” Mahabodhi temple
was built at this site.
52. The ‘Bodhi Vriksh’ in Bodh Gaya belongs to which
generation of its family
(a) Third
(b) Fourth
(c) Fifth
(d) Sixth
48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
At present, the ‘Bodhi Vriksha’ at the Mahabodhi temple is
not the real one, where Mahatma Buddha got the enlightenment. According to the Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveller, king
Shashank destroyed the original tree in the seventh century.
Indian History
The present tree which we see was planted by the orders of
The teachings of Mahatma Buddha is mainly based on the
purity and holiness of conduct.
55. Who among the following wanted to become the leader
of the Sangha even during the lifetime of Buddha –
(a) Devadatta
(b) Mahakassapa
(c) Upali
(d) Ananda
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (a)
Devadatta, the cousin of Mahatma Buddha, in his early days,
he was a follower of Buddha and a good monk as well. But
later he tried to become the leader of Sangha in place of
Buddha but did not succeed. From the beginning, he was
thinking to become the leader of Sangha.
56. Whom of the following did Gautam Buddha nominate
for the leadership of Buddhist Sangha after his death?
(a) Ananda
(b) Mahakassapa
(c) Upali
(d) None of the above
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (d)
General Studies
B–57
Gautam Buddha did not appoint any successor and asked
his followers to work towards liberation. The teachings of
Buddha existed only in oral traditions. The Sangha held a
number of Buddhist councils to reach consensus on matters
of Buddhist doctrines and practices.
Sangha was allowed by Gautam Buddha at –
(a) Shravasti
(b) Vaishali
(c) Rajgriha
(d) Kushinagar
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
57. After the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha, the first
Buddhist council was held at
(a) Rajgriha (Rajgir)
(b) Gaya
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Vaishali
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
60. The entry of women as a “Bhikshuni” into the Buddhist
The first Buddhist council was held just after the death (Mahaparinirvana) of Lord Buddha during the tenure of Magadh
king Ajatshatru in the Saptakarni caves of Rajgriha (Rajgir).
58. The concept of Eightfold path forms the theme of :
(a) Dipavamsa
On the request of his disciple “Ananda”, Gautam Buddha
allowed the entry of women as Bhikshuni into Buddhist
Sangha at Vaishali. The first women who was admitted into
the Buddhist Sangha was Mahaprajapati Gautami.
61. Who is called 'Crypto-Buddhist'?
(a) Shankara
(b) Kapil
(c) Ramanuja
(d) Patanjali
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (a)
Adi Shankaracharya was one of the greatest philosophers of
Hinduism. Adi Shankaracharya is sometimes called a cryptoBuddhist by scholars because he challenged Buddhism and
took away many of its concepts and merged in the mainstream
(b) Divyavadana
Hinduism. Hence, Buddhism lost its unique appeal and after
(c) Mahaparinibban
external invasions on Buddhist monasteries, Buddhism had
(d) Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (d)
The concept of ‘eight-fold’ path forms the theme of Dharma
Chakra Pravartana Sutta. Buddha has given the eight-fold
path to get rid of miseries of life and attain Nirvana.
to leave India and take refuge in Tibet, China and other
southeast Asian countries.
62. What is “Tripitaka”?
(a) Three monkeys of Gandhiji
(b) Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh
59. Which of the following is/are true about Gautam Buddha.
1. He believes in “Karma”
(c) Triratnas of Mahavira
(d) Collection of the preachings of Buddha
2. He believes in rebirth
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2003
3. Attaining Nirvana
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
4. Belief in the power of God
Ans. (d)
Code :
(a) Only 1, 2, 3
(b) Only 1, 2
(c) Only 1
(d) All are true
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
Mahatma Buddha believed in the doctrine of “Karma.” He
used to believe in the concept of rebirth and attainment of
Nirvana but did not believe in the existence of God and his
power. Budha believes in rebirth. Previous life of buddha is
recorded in Jataka.
B–58
Tripitaka is the most important holy book of Buddhism. It has
been divided into three parts, namely, Sutta Pitaka – consists
of sermons and teachings of Buddha, Vinaya Pitaka – the
collection of the rules governing the Sangha and monks and
Abhidhamma Pitaka - which deals with the philosophy of
Buddhism.
63. Tripitakas are the sacred books of the
(a) Jains
(b) Hindus
(c) Parsees
General Studies
Indian History
(d) Buddhists
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Ans (d)
See the explanation of above question.
64. ‘Tripitaka’ texts are related to which religion?
(a) Vedic religion
(b) Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) Shaivism
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2012
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
65. ‘Tripitaka’ is associated with which of the following ?
(a) Jains
(b) Buddhists
(c) Sikhs
(d) Hindus
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
66. Which of the following Buddhist texts contains the
rules of Monastic life?
(a) Digha-Nikaya
(b) Vinaya Pitaka
(c) Abhidhamma Pitaka (d) Vibhasha Shastra
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
67. Which of the following Buddhist literature contains the
Buddha’s sermons on matters of ethics and doctrine?
(a) Vinaya Pitaka
(b) Jataka Stories
(c) Abhidhamma Pitaka (d) Sutta Pitaka
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (d)
Sutta Pitaka which is also called Sutra Pitaka in Sanskrit is
an extensive body of text constituting the basic doctrinal
section of the Buddhist canon. Sutta Pitaka is the book
of discourses, dealing with ethical principles of Buddha’s
teachings. One of the parts of Sutta Pitaka known as Digha
Nikaya, is a collection of 34 long Suttas including doctrinal
expositions, legends and moral rules.
68. "Yamaka" belongs to the Buddhist "Pitaka".
(a) Sutta
(b) Vinaya
(c) Abhidhamma
(d) None of these
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
Indian History
In order to preach the doctrine of Buddhism (Mahatma
Buddha), the Buddhist compiled a new type of literature
(Tripitaka) that can be divided into three categories - (1)
Sutta Pitaka, (2) Vinaya Pitaka and (3) Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Sutta Pitaka contains the sayings and teachings of the Buddha. Vinaya Pitaka deals with the rules to be observed by
members of the Sangha and Abhiddhamma Pitaka presents
the philosophical exposition of the Dhamma. The Abhidhamma Pitaka consists of seven books - Yamaka, Patthana,
Kathavatthu, Puggalapannatti, Dhatukatha, Vibhanga and
Dhammasangani.
69. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony
called Pavarana used to be held. It was the :
(a) Occasion to elect the Sanghparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya
(b) Confession by monks of their offences committed
during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy
season.
(c) Ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist
Sangha in which the head is shaved and when yellow
robes are offered
(d) Gathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the
full-moon day of Ashadha when they take up a fixed
abode for the next four months of rainy season.
I.A.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
During four months of the rainy season, the disciples of
Buddha live in Buddha Mahavihar. During this season, they
stop preaching their religion. After the rainy season, they
again start preaching with a welcoming ceremony called
Pavarana. In this ceremony, the monks, confess their offences
and discuss future work plan.
70. Ashokaram monastery was situated at –
(a) Vaishali
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Kaushambi
(d) Shravasti
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (b)
According to the famous Buddhist text mahavansh, the Mauryan ruler Ashoka built Ashokaram Bihar in Pataliputra under
the supervision of a monk named Indragupta.
71. Where is the highest in the world ‘Vishwa Shanti Stupa’
located in Bihar –
(a) Vaishali
(b) Nalanda
(c) Rajgir
(d) Patna
48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa or the World Peace Pagoda (height
400 metres) situated on the hills of Rajgir in Bihar is the
highest Vishwa Shanti Stupa in the world.
General Studies
B–59
72. The Giant Buddha statue of 80 feet at Bodhgaya was
constructed by –
(a) Japanese
(b) People of Thailand (Thai)
(c) Srilankan
(d) Bhutanese
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The Giant Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya, Bihar is 80 feet high.
It is in meditation posture or dhyana mudra where Buddha
is seated on a lotus in the open air. It took seven years to
complete and is made of sandstone blocks and red granite.
This statue was built with the help of Daijokyo sect of Japan.
73. Where the word ‘Stupa’ has been used for the first time?
(a) Rigveda
(b) Jatak Katha
(c) Artha Shastra
(d) Astadhyayee
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (a)
The word stupa has been used for the first time in Rig Veda.
In Rig Veda texts, stupa means “tree stem.” Rigveda refers to
a stupa raised by the king Varuna above the forest in a place
having no foundation. Anything that is raised on the ground
like heap/pile might have been known as Stupa.
74. The Stupa site which is not connected with any incident of Lord Buddha’s life, is :
(a) Sarnath
(b) Sanchi
(c) Bodhgaya
(d) Kusinara
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
The Stupa at Bodhgaya is related to the enlightenment of
Buddha. Sarnath is related to Dharma Chakra Pravartana
and Kushinagar or Kusinara is related to the death of Buddha while Sanchi Stupa is not related to any incident of
Buddha’s life.
75. It was also ancient name of world famous tourist
destination of Sanchi
(a) Kaknam
(b) Vetravati
(c) Besnagari
(d) Dashpura
Ans (a)
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020
Sanchi is one of the prominent spot for Buddhist tourism in
India. It is located at Sanchi in Raisen district of the Madhya
Pradesh. Sanchi, popularly known as Kaknam, Kakanaya,
Kakanadabota and Bota-Sriparvata in ancient times, has
a singular distinction of having remarkable specimen of
Buddhist art and architecture right from early Mauryan
period. Unesco world heritage site 'Mahastupa' (great stupa)
stands here.
B–60
76. Which is the correct chronological order of the following stupas?
(a) Bharhut, Sanchi, Amaravati, Dhamekh
(b) Amaravati, Sanchi, Bharhut, Dhamekh
(c) Sanchi, Amaravati, Bharhut, Dhamekh
(d) Dhamekh, Bharhut, Amaravati, Sanchi
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (*)
Bharhut and Sanchi stupas were constructed during the reign
of Mauryan emperor Ashoka. Some historical sources also
consider that Dhamekh stupa was built during the reign of
Ashoka. Amravati stupa was built during the period of Satvahanas. It is not possible to decide the chronological order
of the construction of Bharhut, Sanchi and Dhamekh stupa.
This question should be excluded from evaluation.
77. “World is unstable and transient “ is related to which
of the following?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Gita
(d) Vedanta
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
Impermanence also called as Anitya, is one of the essential
doctrines and a part of three marks of existence in Buddhism.
The doctrine asserts that all of the conditioned existence,
without exception, is transient, evanescent and inconstant.
All temporal things, whether material or mental, are compounded objects in a continuous change of condition subject
to decline and destruction.
78. Who advocated 'Neo-Buddhism'?
(a) Radhakrishnan
(b) Tagore
(c) Ambedkar
(d) Vivekananda
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (c)
Navayana/Neo-Buddhism means "new Vehicle" and refers
to the re-interpretation of Buddhism by B.R. Ambedkar.
Navayana rejects practices and precepts such as renouncing
monk and monasticism, Karma, re-birth after life, samsara,
meditation, enlightenment and four noble truths considered
to be foundational in the Buddhist traditions. It revises the
original buddha teachintgs about class struggle and social
equality.
79. Who among the following is known as the ‘Light of Asia’?
(a) Gautama Buddha
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Mahavir Swami
(d) Swami Vivekanand
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha, Gautama,
Shakyamuni or simply the Buddha, was a sage on whose
teachings Buddhism was founded. Buddha is also prominently known as the ‘Light of Asia’ or the Light Beam.
Edwin Arnold wrote a book “ the Light of Asia” based on
the life of Buddha.
80. Who amongst the following is known as the “Light of
Asia”?
(a) Jesus Christ
(b) Lord Buddha
(c) Paigamber Mohammad (d) Zarathustra
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
81. With reference to the cultural history of India, which
one of the following is the correct description of the
term 'paramitas'?
(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts are written in
aphoristic (sutra) style
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the
authority of Vedas
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the
Bodhisattva path
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval
South India.
I.A.S. (Pre.) 2020
Ans. (c)
'Paramitas' in Buddhist term is translated as perfection.
Towards the path of becoming Buddh, the paramitas represent
qualities that the bodhisathva strives to perfect in order to
purify karma and kleshas and develop bodhichitta.
82. Sir Edwin Arnold book ‘The Light of the Asia’ is based
on–
(a) Divavadana
(b) Lalitvistar
(c) Suttapitak
(d) Abhidhammapitak
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (b)
The 'Light of Asia' subtitled 'The Great Renunciation' is a
book by Sir Edwin Arnold. The first edition of the book was
published in July 1879. This book is based upon the contents
of ‘Lalit Vistara’.
83. What is the fundamental difference between Hinayana
and Mahayana sects of Buddhism?
(a) Belief in Non-violence
(b) Caste free society
(c) Worship of God and Goddess
(d) Worship of stupas
Indian History
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
The fundamental difference between Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism is regarding treating Buddha as
God. Hinayana believes in Buddha as a great man, whereas
Mahayana started worshipping Buddha through idols treating him as God.
84. Gautama Buddha was elevated to the position of God
during the period of –
(a) Asoka
(b) Kanishka
(c) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
(d) Harsha
45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
The fourth council held during the reign of Kanishka
divided Buddhism into two sects, namely Hinayana and
Mahayana. In Mahayana, Gautam Buddha was treated as
God and they started worshipping Buddha through idols.
Hence, Gautama Buddha was elevated to the position of
God during the period of Kanishka.
85. The first human statue worshipped in India were those
of–
(a) Brahma
(b) Vishnu
(c) Buddha
(d) Shiva
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
In India, Gautam Buddha was worshipped first through idols
by the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
86. The oldest sculpture of Buddha is made in which style?
(a) Gandhara Style
(b) Mathura Style
(c) Mauryan Style
(d) Gupta Style
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020
Ans (e)
During the Kushana period various statues of Buddha and
Bodhisatva (both in standing and sitting position) were made
in Mathura and Gandhara style. As per V.S. Agrawal, Buddh
statues were first made in Mathura only. As per Huein Tsang
first Buddha's statue was made in Kaushambi but various
other historian gives credit to Gandhara style for first statue
of Buddha. Hence it can not be said conclusively where first
statue of Buddha was made.
General Studies
B–61
87. Which of the following laid the foundation of idol worship in the country?
(a) Jainism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Ajivikas
(d) Vedic religion
(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise
from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and
thus life is transitory
(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this
context.
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
I.A.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (b)
In context of the following, Buddhism laid the foundation
of idol worship in the country. The followers of Mahayana
primarily started worshipping the idols of Buddha.
88. Name the ‘Mudra’ which is represented by the Gand-
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
haran Buddha image of Sarnath first Sermon.
(a) Abhaya
(b) Dhyana
(c) Dharm Chakra
(d) Bhumisparsha
I.A.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (c)
The Gandharan Buddha image was inspired by Hellenistic
realism, tempered by Persian, Scythian and Parthian models.
Ans. (b)
In Bhumisparsha Mudra, Buddha is seen seated with his right
hand as a pendant over the right knee stretching towards the
ground with the palm inward while touching the lotus throne.
The left hand can be seen with the palm upright in his lap.
This gesture represents the moment of the Buddha's awakening as he claims the earth as the witness of his enlightenment
just before he realized enlightenment. It is believed that the
demon Mara tried to frighten him with the armies of demons
which represents the defeat of Mara and his demonic army
by Buddha.
91. Sarnath Buddha image of Bhumisparsha Mudra
The main subject of this art is based on the life of Buddha.
belongs to –
The images consist of Dharma Chakra posture, Meditation
(a) Maurya period
(b) Shunga period
posture, Abhaya posture and Varada postures of Gautama
(c) Kushana period
(d) Gupta period
U.P.P.C.S.(Mains)2009
Buddha.
89. The standing statue of Gautam Buddha was built in
Ans. (d)
The Bhumisparsha Mudra of Gautama Buddha at Sarnath be-
which period?
(a) Gupta period
(b) Kushana Period
longs to the Gupta period. This mudra represents steadfastness.
(c) Maurya Period
(d) Guptotar Period
The “Dhyani Buddha Akshobhya” also is associated with the
earth witness mudra because he was immovable in keeping a
vow never to feel anger or disgust at others. The mudra also
symbolizes the union of skilful means (upaya), symbolized
by the right hand touching the earth and wisdom (prajna),
symbolized by the left hand on the lap in a meditation posture.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (b)
In India, the Gandhara art flourished during the Kushana rule.
Particularly Kanishka, the greatest of the Kushanas was a
great patron of art and architecture. It was during his reign that
Gandhara school of art flourished. Both sitting and standing
posture of Buddha’s statues were carved out in the Mathura
school. The Kushana art of Gandhara is mainly known for the
wealth of sculptures recovered from the numerous Buddhist
stupas and monasteries.
90. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand
gesture called ;’Bhumisparsha Mudra ‘. It symbolizes.
(a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and
to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation
(b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and
chastity despite the temptations of Mara
B–62
92. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider
the following pairs :
1. Parivrajaka
-
Renunciant and
Wanderer
2. Shramana
-
Priest with a high
status
3. Upasaka
-
Lay follower of
Buddhism
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
General Studies
Indian History
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
I.A.S. (Pre.) 2020
Ans. (b)
Ans. (c)
Upasaka are lay followers of Buddhism who are not monks.
Parivrajaka literally means male renunciant & wanderer.
Buddhist Bhikkhu is Primarily a parivrajaka.
A Shramana is a wandering monk in certain ascetic traditions,
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
including Jainism, Buddism & Ajvikism.
93. Sarnath Buddha image of Bhumi sparsh mudra belongs to –
(a) Kushan period
(b) Gupta period
(c) Vardhana period
(d) Rajput period
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
Rajgir is a pilgrimage centre for Buddhists, Hindus, and
Jains and is famous for its hot water springs. Lion Capital
of Ashoka is in Sarnath not in Rajgir. The remains of ancient
dockyard are found from Lothal, Gujarat. Mahatma Buddha
delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. Nalanda was a great
seat of Buddhist learnings.
96. In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as :
(a) Vajrapani
(b) Manjusri
(c) Padmapani
(d) Maitreya
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
“Padmapani or “Lotus-Bearer” is one of the most common
94. Assertion (A) : Kushinagar was the capital of Malla
Republic.
Reason (R) : Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana took
place in Kushinagar.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(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) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
Kushinagar was the capital of Malla and also one of the
sixteen Mahajanpadas of the 6 century B.C. Lord Buddha’s
Mahaparinirvana took place in Kushinagar. Therefore both
Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not
the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
epithets of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of infinite
compassion. This superbly modelled sculpture stands in a
tribhanga or tri-bent pose. A Bodhisattva is a living being
(sattva) who aspires to enlightenment (bodhi) and carries
out altruistic practices. The Bodhisattva ideal is central to
the Mahayana Buddhist tradition as the individual who seeks
enlightenment both for himself or herself and for others.
97. With reference to the religious history of India,
consider the following statements :
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of
Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas
fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
th
95. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
1. Lothal : Ancient dockyard
2. Sarnath : First Sermon of Buddha
3. Rajgir : Lion capital of Ashoka
4. Nalanda : Great seat of Buddhist learning
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 2
Indian History
Which of the statements given below is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
I.A.S. (Pre.) 2020
Ans. (b)
Sthaviravadins belong to the Hinyana set of Buddhism.
Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect
of Buddhism while deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas
fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
98. Consider the following :
1. Deification of the Buddha
2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
General Studies
B–63
101. Which Indian Buddhist monk had been sent to China
3. Image worship and rituals
Which of the above is/are the feature/features of
in the first century A.D. ?
Mahayana Buddhism?
(a) Tsang
(b) Ashvaghosha
(c) Vasumitra
(d) Nagarjuna
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
I.A.S. (Pre) 2019
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (d)
Ans. (d)
Nagarjuna was an eminent personality in the court of Kan-
Mahayana Buddhism believes in Buddha's extraterrestrial
ishka. Hiuen Tsang called him as one of the world's four
power and divinity. It believes in many forms and
incarnations of Buddha. Mahayana Buddhism is based
principally upon the path of Bodhisattva. Bodhisatta are
enlightened beings who postpone their own salvation in
order to help all sentient beings. Mahayana Buddhism
believes in idol worship and rituals.
great guiding powers. In the book "Madyamik Karika" he
99. With reference to the religious history of India,
consider the following statements:
1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana
sect of Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to
enlightenment.
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his salvation to help
all sentient beings on their path to it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
The word Bodhisattva is a compound word from bodhi
(enlightenment) and sattva (essence, spirit). Boddhisatva is
the goal and ideal of Mahayana Buddhism. The Mahayana
Buddhist do not aspire to enlightenment purely to free
themselves from suffering, but they do so out of compassion
to liberate other sentient beings. They delay achieving their
salvation to help all sentient being on their path to do it.
Thus, statement (1) is wrong whereas (2) and (3) are correct.
100. The largest and the most evolved rock-cut Chaitya hall
of the Hinayana phase is situated at :
(a) Pitalkhora
(b) Junnar
(c) Karle
(d) Bedsa
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
The Chaitya is the largest and most evolved cave temples of
the Hinayana phase of Buddhism, situated at Karle in Pune
district of Maharashtra.
B–64
has discussed the theory of relativity. He is also known as the
Indian Einstein'. According to Chinese mythology, Nagarjuna
travelled to China and preached Buddhism.
102. The Doctrine of void (Shunyata) was propounded by
the Buddhist philosopher :
(a) Nagarjuna
(b) Nagasena
(c) Ananda
(d) Ashvaghosha
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (a)
Nagarjuna’s primary contribution to Buddhist philosophy
was the use of the concept of Sunyata or doctrine of void.
The famous literary work “Madhyamika Karika” provides
one of Nagarjuna’s most famous quotations on emptiness
or co-arising.
103. To which Buddhist School did Nagarjuna belong ?
(a) Sautrantika
(b) Vaibhashika
(c) Madhyamika
(d) Yogachara
Uttrakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
104. Buddhist centre of learning is (a) Vikramshila
(b) Varanasi
(c) Girnar
(d) Ujjain
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (a)
During the Buddhist period, some of the most important
centres of learning in India were Nalanda, Vikramshila and
Vallabhi. These centres of learning were not only popular
among the different Janapadas, from where students came for
learning but also attracted students from abroad i.e. China,
Japan, Tibet and other countries of South-East Asia. Some
of the educational centres like Taxila and Nalanda enjoyed
the status of Universities.
General Studies
Indian History
105. Which one of the following rulers did not contribute
towards the expansion of Buddhism?
(a) Harshavardhan
(b) Kanishka
(c) Ashoka
(d) Pushyamitra Shunga
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Pushyamitra Shunga (185-149 BCE) was the founder and the
first ruler of the Shunga empire in east India. Pushyamitra
was originally a S"General" of the Mauryan Empire. In 185
BCE he assassinated the last Mauryan Emperor, Brihadratha
and proclaimed himself emperor. Buddhist texts state that
Pushyamitra cruelly persecuted the Buddhist.
106. Which among the following state 'Odantipur'
Education Centre was situated?
(a) Bengal
(b) Bihar
(c) Gujarat
(d) Tamil Nadu
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Odantipur (also called as Uddandapura) was a prominent educational centre of ancient time. It was situated in Magadha,
now Bihar, India. It was established by the Pala emperor
Gopala first.
107. Vallabhi University was situated in –
(a) Bihar
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Bengal
(d) Gujarat
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (d)
Vallabhi, one of the most important centres of Buddhist learning, was situated in Gujarat. It is also known as Vallabhipura
and was the capital of ancient Maitraka dynasty.
108. Nalanda University was founded during the dynasty of
(a) Maurya
(b) Kushan
(c) Gupta
(d) Pala
43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (c)
Nalanda was a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar) in India. Historians
often described Nalanda as a University. Nalanda flourished
under Gupta Empire and was famous for Buddhist religious
philosophy.
109. Who was the founder of Nalanda University?
(a) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
(b) Kumargupta
Indian History
(c) Dharmapal
(d) Pushyagupta
56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
Nalanda University was the world’s first International University founded in the 450 AD during the reign of the Kumar
Gupta. The great archaeologist Alexander Cunningham identified this site as Nalanda University in 1915-16.
110. Why was Nalanda University famous in the world?
(a) Medical Science
(b) Philosophy
(c) Buddhist Religious Philosophy
(d) Chemical Science
42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
111. With reference to the religious history of India,
consider the following statements:
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of
Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of
phenomena were not wholly momentary, but
existed forever in a latent form.
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) 2017
Ans.(b)
Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Buddhism, not
Jainism. So, statement 1 is incorrect.
Sarvastivada literally means "Doctrine that all exist".
Sarvastivadin described a complex system in which past
present and future phenomena are all held to have some form
of their own existence. Like all Buddhist, the Sarvastivadins
consider everything empirical to be impermanent but they
maintain that the dharma factors are eternally existing
realities. Impermanence, also called Anitya, is one of essential
doctrines and part of three marks of existence in Buddhism.
This doctrine was presented by Buddha himself. The doctrine
asserts that all of conditioned existence, without exception,
is "transient, evanescent, inconstant". This impermanence
is a source of Dukkha (sufferings). Therefore, statement 2
is correct.
General Studies
B–65
112. Out of two statements below first is Assertion(A) and
second is Reason (R), carefully read both statementsAssertion (A) : Till the end of twelfth century Nalanda
Mahavihara lost its glory
Reason (R)
: State protection ceased to be available
to Mahavihara.
With respect to the above-mentioned two statements,
which of the following is true?
(a) (A) and (R) both are true, and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A).
(b) (A) and (R) both are true, and (R) is not the correct
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (a)
In ancient India, Nalanda was a famous centre of Buddhist
learning and University as well. It was located at Rajgir (at
present Rajgriha) in southern Bihar. Nalanda University
came into existence during the period of Guptas. By the end
of the twelfth century, Mahavihara waned due to Muslim
invasion. The importance of Nalanda started declining due
to the Pala rulers of Bengal as they started giving protection
to Vikramshila University. Hence, both Assertion (A)
and Reason (R) are correct, and Reason (R) is the correct
explanation of Assertion (A).
113. ‘Nav Nalanda Mahavihar’ is famous for –
(a) Hsuan-Tsang memorial
(b) Birthplace of Mahavir
(c) Pali Research Centre
(d) Museum
48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
In 1951, the Nav Nalanda Mahavira, a modern-day centre
for Pali and Buddhism, was founded by the government of
Bihar near the ruins of ancient Nalanda.
114. Which of the following were common to both Buddhism
and Jainism ?
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
3. Denial of efficiency of rituals
4. Non-injury to animal life
B–66
Select the answer using the code given below :
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1,3 and 4
(d) 1 and 2
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (b)
The avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment was
prohibited in Buddhism, not in Jainism. While denial of the
efficiency of rituals, indifference to the authority of Vedas
and non-injury to animals are prohibited by both religions.
Both of them followed the path of Ahimsa.
115. With reference to the history of ancient India, which
of the following was/were common to both Buddhism
and Jainism?
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment.
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas.
3. Denial of the efficiency of rituals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
116. Which one of the following is not common between
Buddhism and Jainism?
(a) Ahimsa
(b) Indifference to Vedas
(c) Self-mortification
(d) Rejection of Rituals
44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
117. Lord Buddha preached the following four noble truths.
Put them in correct order using the codes given below :
A. There is suffering.
B. There is a cessation of suffering.
C. There is a path leading to the cessation of suffering.
D. There is the cause of suffering.
Code :
(a) ADBC
(b) ADCB
(c) ACBD
(d) ABDC
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
After attaining enlightenment, to preach his thoughts,
Gautama Buddha arrived at Rishipattan (Sarnath), where
he delivered his sermon to five Brahmans. It is also known
as Dharmachakra Pravartana. The sermon was related to
sufferings, the cause of suffering and its solution. The concept
of eight-fold path forms the theme of ‘Dharma Chakra
Pravartana Sutta’ which means sermon of the turning of
the wheel of law. He prescribed ‘Noble Eightfold Path’ and
‘Four Noble Truths’ which were accepted as basic tenets by
all Buddhist sects.
The four noble truths in chronological order are as followsi. There is suffering.
ii. There is the cause of suffering.
iii. There is a cessation of suffering.
iv. There is a path leading to the cessation of suffering.
118. Both Jainism and Buddhism believe that:
(a) Philosophy of karma and transmigration of soul were
correct
(b) Salvation could be possible only after death
(c) Both men and women could attain salvation
(d) Middle course of life was the best one
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (a)
Both Buddhism and Jainism believe in the concept of Karma,
which states that our past actions affect our present and future
life. One could do evil in this life and be reborn as a worm
in the next life. Similarly, afflictions in this life are often
explained away as the effects of Karma of a previous life
(or from misdeeds earlier in this life). Both of them believe
in the philosophy of Karma and rebirth.
119. According to philosophy of Buddhism :
Assertion (A) : Rejected the concept of Rebirth.
Reason (R) : Soul is mortal.
Choose the correct option:
(a) (A) and (R) both are true, and (R) is the proper
explanation of (A).
(b) (A) and (R) both are true, and (R) is not the proper
explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is untrue.
(d) (A) is untrue, but (R) is true.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (d)
Pratiyasamutpada is the essence of Buddhist teachings.
The invincibility of Vedas and immortalization of soul
propounded by Brahmin Grantha’s was inadmissible in
Buddhism. Even though they rejected the immortalization
Indian History
theory of soul, they accepted the principle of rebirth and
theory of Karma. According to them, life originates due to
the causes of various preconditions which are interdependent.
One type of state comes into being as a result of another
previous state. So it is clear that Assertion (A) is not correct,
but Reason (R) is correct.
120. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct about
Buddhism?
1. It did not reject caste and class.
2. It challenged highest social ranked Brahmins.
3. It pointed certain castes as low.
Choose the correct answer from the code given below.
Code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (c)
Although Buddhism had accepted the caste system up to
some extent but they challenged the social rank of Brahmins
who were at the top during that period. In Buddhism, some
of the castes were placed as low.
121. Anatmavada (no-self) is the doctrine of
(a) Sankhya
(b) Vedanta
(c) Buddhism
(d) Jainism
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (c)
Anatman or Anatmavada (the doctrine that atman or "I" does
not exist) is the doctrine of Buddhism.
122. The reason included in the expansion of Buddhism–
1. The simplicity of religion
2. Special appeal towards Dalits
3. Missionary concept of religion
4. Regional language
5. The soundness of Vedic spirit by Philosophers–
Code :
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 5
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (c)
The main reason for the spread of Buddhism was its
simplicity. Its eight-fold path known as ‘Arya-Satya’ and
concept of non-violence were simple and understandable
General Studies
B–67
by the common people. Buddha spread his message in
the simple language or the language of common people.
Buddhism did not believe in caste-distinctions. The nonBrahmins, particularly Dalits were attracted by the simplicity
of Buddhism. They also followed the missionary concept.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
123. Who has propounded the doctrine of momentariness?
(a) Buddha
(b) Jaina
(c) Charvaka
(d) Nyaya
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
The doctrine of Momentariness was propounded by the Buddha. It is one of the most important doctrines of Buddhism.
Through this doctrine, the Buddha expounded the basic
principle of impermanence.
124. Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early
medieval times ?
1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the
incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of
Vaishnavism.
2. The invading tribes from Central Asia till the
time of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and
persecuted Buddhists.
3. The Kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed
to Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (a)
Buddhism started declining in India in the early medieval
times because Buddha was by that time considered as
(c) There is no particular difference between both of them.
(d) Viharas and Chaityas both are used as dwelling place.
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
A Chaitya-Griha Buddhist cave is a meeting or assembly
chamber which is often used for prayer, while viharas are
the shelter accommodations of the monks during the rainy
season.
126. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas,
while the others are called Viharas. What is the
difference between the two?
(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the
dwelling place of the monks
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the
dwelling place of the monks
(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while
Vihara is the hall axial to it
(d) There is no material difference between the two
I.A.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
127. Consider the following statements:
1. The early chaityagrihas and viharas of Guntuphalli
in West Godavari district are rock cut.
2. The chaityas and Viharas of Eastern Deccan are
usually rock cut.
Of these statements:
(a) Only 1 is correct
(b) Only 2 is correct
(c) Both 1 and 2 are correct
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part
of Vaishnavism. The Kings of the Gupta dynasty were
not opposed to Buddhism even though they supported
Brahmanical faith. Statement (2) and (3) are not correct.
Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
125. Consider the following statements, what is the
difference between chaityas and viharas.
(a) Viharas is a place of worship while chaitya is dwelling
place of the Buddhist monks.
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship while Vihar is a dwelling
place.
B–68
Ans. (a)
Guntuphalli is in west Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
It has rock cut Chaityas and Viharas. There are pieces
of evidence of construction of chaitya and viharas from
2-49 century BC to 5-6 century AD. Chaitya and Viharas
of eastern Deccan are generally constructed using bricks.
Pieces of evidence of Buddhist architecture built using
bricks is found in large number from Nagarjunkaond,
Bejwada, Moli, Ghantshala, Amravati and Chejali etc.
General Studies
Indian History
128. Which form of Buddhism was prominent during the
Sultanate period?
(a) Theravada
(b) Hinayana
(c) Vajrayana
(d) Tantrayana
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
In the medieval period, Vajrayana sect of Buddhism was most
prominent. Vajrayana mostly flourished in the 8th century. The
principles of Vajrayana is found in 'Manjushri Moolkalp'
and 'Guhyasamaja'.
129. With reference to Indian history, who among the
following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the
world?
(a) Avalokiteshvara
(b) Lokesvara
(c) Maitreya
(d) Padmapani
I.A.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (c)
Maitreya makes his first appearance in Buddhist scriptures
in the Lakkavatti Sutta of Pali Tripitika. In this sutta, the
Buddha spoke of a future time in which the dharma is entirely forgotten. Eventually, "Another Buddha- Maitreya
will gain awakening, his monastic Sangh numbering in
the thousand, the Buddha said. This is the only time the
historical Buddha is recorded as mentioning Maitreya.
130. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Ajanata Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.
(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
(c) Pandu-lena Cava Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada
river.
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.
I.A.S. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (a)
Ajanta Caves are in the rocky northern wall of the V-shaped
gorge of the Waghora river. Hence option (a) is correct.
These caves are approximately 30 rock-out Buddhist cave
monuments in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
Jain Religion
*Jain is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘jin’ which means the
winner. *Founders of Jainism are called ‘Tirthankara’ while
Jain Mahatmas are called ‘Nirgranth’. *Jainism is considered
to have a total of 24 Tirthankars who propagated Jainism from
time to time. They are - 1. Rishabhdev, 2. Ajitnath, 3. Sambhav-nath, 4. Abhinandan, 5. Sumatinath, 6. Padmaprabha, 7.
Suparshvanath, 8. Chandraprabha, 9. Pushpadant (Suvidhinath), 10. Sheetalnath, 11. Shreyansa-nath, 12. Vasupujya 13.
Vimalnath, 14. Anantnath, 15. Dharmanath, 16 Shantinath,
17. Koonthunath 18. Aranath, 19. Mallinath, 20. Munisuvrata,
Indian History
21. Naminath, 22. Neminath or Arishtanemi, 23. Parshvanath
and 24. Mahavira Swami. *The first Tirthankara of Jainism
was Rishabhdev. *His other names are Rishabhnath, Adinath
and Vrishabhnath. *Rishabhdev and Arishtanemi are mentioned
in the Rig Veda. *Parshvanath is the as 23rd Tirthankara of
Jainism. *He was born in Kashi (Varanasi). *His father, Ashwasen was the king of Kashi. *Parshvnath obtained Kaivalya
(complete knowledge) in Ashrampad Udyan near Varanasi and
he attained Parinirvana on the mount Sammed Shikhar or Sammet Shikhar. Parshvanath asked his followers to follow four
restraints. These were - Ahimsa (Non-violence), Aparigraha
(forgoing-possession), Asteya (not-stealing) and Satya (truth).
Mahavira Swami was born in Kundagram near Vaishali about
540 BC. *His father Siddhartha was the chief of the Gyatrik
Kshatriya Sangh. *His mother Trishala was the sister of
Chetaka, the head of Lichchhavi Republic.* Mahavir Swamy’s
childhood name was Vardhaman. *His wife’s name was
Yashoda (daughter of Kundinya Gotra). They had a daughter
named Anojja (Priyadarshana). She was married to Jamali.
*The word 'Kaivalya' is used for ‘Complete knowledge ‘ in
Jain religion. Mahavira Swami obtained the Kaivalya (complete
knowledge) under a tree of ‘ Sal ‘ on the bank of Rijupalika
river near Jrimbhik village. Therefore he is called Kevalin. After
Kaivalya he was called Kevalin, Arhat (Yogya), Jin (Vijeta) and
Nirgranth (Bandhan Rahit).
*After attaining Kaivalya, Mahavira Swami started propagating
his principles. *Lichchhavi Chief of Vaishali, Chetaka, who
was his uncle, made a major contribution in the promotion of
Jainism. *Makkhali Gosala was a disciple of Mahavira in the
early period, but later he fell-out with of Mahavira due to the
difference of opinion and founded his own creed “Ajivaka.”.
The belief of the sect is known as ‘Niyatiwad’ according
to which every matter in the world is being controlled and
operated by destiny (fate).
*In Jain philosophy, the people (e.g. monks) are very keen
to uplift their souls and hence they sacrifice all worldly
enjoyments and adopt five great ‘Vratas’ (vows) – Ahimsa,
Satya, Brahmacharya, Asteya and Aparigraha. *These
Mahavrata’s are difficult to practice by average human beings. So they follow Anuvratas i.e. Ahimsa Anuvrat, Satya
Anuvrat, Brahmacharya Anuvrat, Asteya Anuvrat, and
Aparigraha Anuvrat.
*Mahavira Swami was the 24 and the last Tirthankara of Jain
religion. He denied the unmanliness of Vedas and opposed
related social-cultural traditions. By leaving the exclusive
belief of selfish and atheists, he accepted the middle path
known as ‘Anekantavad’ or ‘Syadvad’. Syadvad is also
known as the name of Saptabhangi Naya, which means
knowledge is relative.
General Studies
B–69
behind, it was hard to remember accurately whatever they
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Main Jain Tirthankar and their symbols –
learnt. Venerable Sthulabhadra and most of those who stayed
Rishabhdev
Bull
Ajitnath
Elephant
Sambhavnath
Horse
Padmaprabha
Lotus
mostly unclad. The latter took pride in their being true unclad
Suparshvanath
Sathiya (Swastik)
followers of the Lord and in due course came to be known as
Mallinath
Kalash (Urn)
Digamabars which means skyclad. Those on the other side
Naminath
Nilkamal (Blue lotus)
came to be known as Shwetambars on account of white cloth
Neminath
Shankha (Lonch)
that they wore.
Parshvanath
Snake
*First Jain Sabha was held in Pataliputra in the fourth century
Mahavira Swami
Lion
(310 BC) presided by Sthulbhadra. In this meeting, 12 Angas
*Three means are said to be important for attaining ‘ Moksha
‘ in Jain philosophy : Right Belief, Right Conduct and Right
knowledge. These three are also called ‘Ratnatraya’ in Jain
Religion. Freedom from the bondage and effect of evil omens
called Sanvar Tattva to make the spirit free from the bondage
of all. The destruction of Karma is the Nirjara element. *When
the remains of karma in the life are exhausted, then it attains
‘Moksha’. *‘Anant Chattushtya’ in Jainism is ‘Anant Gyan’
(infinite knowledge), ‘Anant Darshan’ (infinite perception),
‘Anant Virya’ (infinite power) and ‘Anant Anand’ (infinite
of Jainism were compiled. The followers of Bhadrabhu did
in the north used to cover their bodies with a plain, white cloth;
while those who had migrated with Bhadrabahuswami were
bliss).
*Mahavira Swamy established a Sangh during his
lifetime. *There were 11 major followers in this Sangh. They
were called ‘Ganadhar’. Their names are - Indrabhuti,
Agnibhuti, Vayubhuti (three brothers), Arya Vyakta, Sudharman,
Mandita, Mauryaputra, Akampita, Achalbhrata, Metarya and
Prabhasa. *After the death of Mahavira, Sudharman became the
first president of Jain Sangha. *After the death of Sudharman,
Jambu remained the president of Sangh for 44 years. *At the
time of the last Nand Ruler, Sambhootvijay and Bhadrabahu
were the presidents of Sangha. These two were the last
person to know about the ancient Jain texts of the 14 Purvas
given by Mahavira. *After Lord Mahavira’s departure, when
Bhadrabahuswami was the head of the religious order and Nand
dynasty was ruling over Magadha, Pataliputra the capital city
became the centre of learning and knowledge. At that time,
there occurred a severe famine that seems to have raged for 12
long years. During that period of shortage and scarcity, it was
not participate in this council. *The second Jain assembly was
held in the sixth century (512 AD) in Vallabhi and presided by
Devardhigan or Kshamashraman. In the second Jain Sabha, a
compilation of 12 Angas, 12 Upanga, 10 Prakirna, 6 Chedsutras,
4 Mulsutra, 2 Chulikasutra were compiled.
*Jain literature is called ‘Aagam’ (Principle). It consists of 12
Angas, 12 Upanga, 10 Prakiran, 6 Chedsutras, 4 Mulsutra, 2
Chulikasutra. The twelve Angas have an important place in Jain
Agam. These are Acharanga-Sutra, Sutrakrtanga, Sthananga,
Samavayanga, Bhagavati Vyakhyaprajnapti. Jnatrdharmakatha,
Upasakadasah, Antakrddasah, Anuttaraupapatikadasah, Prasnavyakarana, Vipaksruta and Dristivada. *There is a related
'Upanga' of every 12 Anga. These include the description of
the universe, classification of beings, astronomy, time division,
description of posthumous life etc. *10 Prakirna are the supplement to major texts.
*There are 6 'Chedsutra'. These contains a compilation of
rules of Jain monks. Six Chedsutra are- Jitakalpa, Brihatkalpa,
Nishith, Mahnishith, Vyavhar (Behavior) and Aachar Dasha.
There are four Moolsutra. These contain sermons of Jainism,
life in the forest, duties of the monks, rules of Yam, etc. *The
four Moolsutra are - Dashvaikalik, Utaradhyayan, Shadavshayak and Pindniryukti or Pakshik Sutra.
hard for Jain monks to observe the code of conduct laid down
*The two Chulikasutras (Nandi-sutra and Anuyagadvara-Sutra)
are independent texts of Jains, which are a kind of encyclopedia
* In these texts moral stories have been written for monks. *In
the Jain literature, the Grandson of Ashoka, Samprati, is de-
by the Lord. Bhadrabahuswami, therefore, decided to migrate
scribed as the patron of Jainism. *Ujjain became a major centre
to the South along with many followers. For those who stayed
of Jain religion during his rule. *The second major centre of
B–70
General Studies
Indian History
Jains was Mathura. Many temples, statues, records, etc. have
ruler Bhimdev I of Gujarat. *Shravanabelgola is situated in the
been found from here.
state of Karnataka. *During the reign of Gang ruler Rachamall
*Kharwel the Chedhi ruler of Kalinga was the great patron
IV (Panchamalla), Prime minister named Chamundaraya built
of Jain religion. *He built Vihars for the residence of Jain
monks by cutting down the hills of Udaygiri and Khandagiri
near Bhubaneswar. *Khajuraho’s temples are related to Hindu
a huge Jain statue of Bahubali (Gomateshwar) in 981 A.D.
Bahubali, is considered as the son of Rishabhdev, the first
religion and Jainism.
Tirthankar. *Mahamastak-abhishek is an important festival
*Dilawara Jain temple of Mount Abu is made of marbles. *It
of Jainism, which is held at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka
was built by the Samanta Vimalshah of Chalukya (Solanki)
State every 12 years.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The difference between Shwetambaras and Digambaras
•
•
•
•
•
Shwetambara
People of this community wear white clothes.
According to this philosophy, attainment of liberation
(Moksha) is possible for a woman.
People of this sect believe in taking food after attaining
enlightenment.
According to this opinion, Mahavir Swami was married.
According to this opinion, the 19th Tirthankara Mallinath
was a woman.
Other Jain texts and their composers
Jain texts
Composers
Kalpasutra
Bhadrabhu
Parishisht Parvan
Hemchandra
Syadvadmanjari
Mallisen
Dravya Sangrah
Nemichandra
Tatvarth Sutra
Umaswami
Nyayavtar
Shidhsen Diwakar
Nyaya Deepika
Dharmabhusan
ShlokVartik
Vidyanand Swami
Panchvishatika
Padamnandi
Pravachansar
Kund kund
1.
•
•
•
•
(c) Mahavira
Chhattisgarh P.C.S (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
3.
(b) Mahavira Swami
(c) Parshwanath
(d) Rishabh Dev
Who was the first Tirthankara of Jain religion ?
Indian History
(b) Kaushambi
(c) Giribraja
(d) Champa
Ans. (a)
First Tirthankara Rishabhdev or Aadinath is known as
the originator of Jain religion. Mahavira Swami was
24th Tirthankar of Jain religion, who propagated the Jain
philosophy during 6th Century B.C.
(b) Rishabhanath
(a) Varanasi
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (d)
(a) Parsvanath
Parshvanatha, the Jain ‘Thirthankara’ was associated
mainly with which of the following places?
The originator of the Jain religion is –
(a) Arya Sudharma
(d) Chetaka
(e) Trisala
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
2.
•
Digambara
The people of this sect are completely naked and perform
austerity (Tapsya).
According to this opinion, salvation (Moksha) is not
possible for a woman.
While Digambar is against it.
According to Digambar, Mahavir Swamy was unmarried.
The 19th Tirthankara, Mallinath was man according to
Digambara.
Lord Parshvanath was 23rd Tirthankara of Jain Religion. He
was born in Varanasi, was the son of King Aswasena and
Queen Vama of Varanasi. He obtained Kaivalya (complet
knowledge) in Ashrampad Udyan near Varanasi and he
attained Parinirvan on the Mount Sammed Shikhar or
Sammeta.
4.
Consider the following 'Tirthankara' and arrange them
in chronological order:
I. Abhinandan
II. Vimal Nath
General Studies
B–71
III. Munishubratha Nath
(c) Pavapuri
IV. Padmaprabhu
(d) Jalan Port
Select the correct answer from the code given below.
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Code :
(a) I, IV, II and III
(b) III, I, II and IV
(c) IV, III, I and II
(d) IV, I, III and II
Ans. (c)
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2020
Ans. (a)
Abhinandana Natha was 4th Tirthankara, Padmaprabhu was
6th Tirthankara, Vimal Nath was 13th and Munishubratha Nath
was 20th Tirthankara.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Where was Mahavira Swami born?
(a) Kundagram
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Magadha
(d) Vaishali
53rd to 55thB.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (a)
Mahavira Swami was born in Kundagram (Kundalpur) near
Vaishali in approx 599 BC. His mother Trishala was the
sister of Chetak, the head of Lichchhavi republic, and father
Siddhartha was the head of Gyatrik Kshatriya. Nandivardhan
was his elder brother.
6.
Kundalpur is the birthplace of –
(a) Emperor Ashoka
(b) Gautam Buddha
(c) Mahavira Swami
(d) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
7.
Mahavira Jain breathed his last at –
(a) Rajgir
(b) Ranchi
(c) Pavapuri
(d) Samastipur
45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (c)
Mahavira Swami was born in Kundagram near Vaishali in
599 BC. He attained Nirvana at the age of (approx) 72 years
in 527 BC in Pavapuri, located near Rajgriha (Rajgir).
The salvation place of Mahavirji, the originator of Jain
religion, is located at -:
(a) Maner
(b) Rajgir
B–72
9.
On the banks of which river did Mahavira Swami
attain enlightenment?
(a) Swarnasikta
(b) Palashini
(c) Ganga
(d) Rijupalika
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
5.
8.
See the explanation of above question.
Ans. (d)
Mahavir Swami attained enlightenment at the bank of river
Rijupalika in the village of Jrimbhik.
10. The word Tirthankara is related to –
(a) Buddhists
(b) Christians
(c) Hindus
(d) Jains
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (d)
The term Tirthankara is related to Jain Religion. It is
known that there were 24 Thirthankara who contributed
to Jain religion and who propagated Jain philosophy from
time to time. These are - (1) Rishabhdev (2) Ajitnath, (3)
Sambhavnath, (4) Abhinandannath, (5) Sumatinath, (6)
Padmaprabha, (7) Suparshvanath, (8) Chandraprabha,
(9) Suvidhinatha, (10) Shitalanath (11) Shreyanshnath,
(12) Vasupujya (13) Vimalnath (14) Anantnath (15)
Dharmnath (16) Shantinath, (17) Kunthunath, (18) Aranath,
(19) Mallinath, (20) Munisuvrata, (21) Naminatha, (22)
Arishtnemi, (23) Parshvanath, (24) Mahavira Swami.
11. Who was the last one in the order of Jain Tirthankaras?
(a) Parshvanath
(b) Risabhdev
(c) Mahavira
(d) Manisuvrata
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
12. Which one of the following was not a Jain Tirthankara ?
(a) Chandraprabhu
(b) Nathamuni
(c) Nemi
(d) Sambhav
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
Indian History
13. Prabhasgiri is a pilgrim spot of :
(a) Buddhists
(b) Jains
(c) Saivites
(d) Vaishnavites
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
Prabhasgiri is a Jain pilgrimage site located in Kaushambi,
U.P. The site Prabhasgiri is related to 6 Jain Tirthankar,
Padmaprabha.
C. Mahaveer
(iii) Snake
D. Shantinath
(iv) Deer
Code (a) A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i)
(b) A-(iv), B-(iii), C-(ii), D-(i)
(c) A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii), D-(iv)
(d) A-(iii), B-(i), C-(ii), D-(iv)
th
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
14
In Jain Religion, which word is used for ‘Complete
Intellect’?
(a) Jin
(b) Ratna
(c) Kaivalya
(d) Nirvana
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (c)
The word ‘Kaivalya’ is used for ‘Complete knowledge’ in the
Jain religion. Mahavira Swami obtained Kaivalya (complete
knowledge) under a tree of ‘Sal’ on the bank of Rijupalika
river near Jrimbhik village, after the rough austerity and
practice of 12 years. Therefore he is called ‘Kevlin.’
15. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
using the codes given below:
List-I
List-II
(Tirthankara)
(Cognizance)
A. Adinatha
1. Bull
B. Mallinatha
2. Horse
C. Parshavanatha
3. Snake
D. Sambhavnatha
4. Water Jar
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
4
3
2
(b) 1
3
2
4
(c) 3
1
4
2
(d) 3
1
4
2
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
Cognizance
Adinatha
-
Bull
Mallinatha
Parshavanatha
Sambhavnatha
-
Water Jar
Snake
Horse
16. Match list-I with list-II and choose the correct answer
from the code given below –
List-I
List-II
(Tirthankara)
(Their cognition)
A. Parshvanath
(i) Bull
B. Adinath
(ii) Lion
Indian History
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre.) 2021
The correctly matched list is as follows Parshvanath – Snake
Adinath – Bull
Mahaveer – Lion
Shantinath – Deer
17. Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly
matched?
(Tirthankar) - (Nirvan Place)
(a) Rishabhanath - Ashtapad
(b) Vasupujya - Sammedashikhar
(c) Neminath - Urjayanta
(d) Mahavira - Pavapuri
Ans (b)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Vasupujya (Father of Vasupujya Bhagwan) was the
king of Champa town in the Bharat sub-continent. His
queen was Jaya Devi. Besides being a great warrior
King Vasupujya was a compassionate and charitable
person. The queen too was benevolent and she inspired
the king in his charitable activities.
) Padmottar was born to queen Jaya Devi. It is said that
when the queen was pregnant, the king of gods came to
convey his veneration to the future Tirthankar and his
mother. As Indra is also known as Vasu, the new born
was named Vasupujya (Venerated by Vasu).
) He attained Kevala Jnana within one month of Tapsya
and Moksha at Champapuri, of Bihar in India on the
fourteenth day of the bright half of the month of Ashadh.
)
18. The doctrine of three jewels-Right faith, Right action
and Right Knowledge, is the crowning glory of :
(a) Buddhism
(b) Christianity
(c) Jainism
(d) None of these
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
The correctly matched list is as follows –
Tirthankaras
Ans (d)
Three means are said to be important for ‘Moksha’ in Jain
philosophy: Right faith, Right action and Right knowledge.
These are known as ‘Triratna’ in Jain religion. Freedom from
the bondage and effect of evil omens is called Sanvar Tattva to
make the spirit free from the bondage of all. The destruction
of Karma is the Nirjara element.
General Studies
B–73
19. Triratna or Three Jewels, i.e., right knowledge, right
faith and right action are related to which of the
following?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Hinduism
(c) Jainism
(d) Christianity
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66th B.P.S.C. (Pre.) 2020
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
20. The correct of Anuvrata was advocated by :
(a) Mahayana Buddhism
(b) Hinayana Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) The Lokayata school
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (c)
In Jain philosophy, the persons (e.g. monks) are very keen
to uplift their souls and hence they sacrifice all worldly
enjoyments and adopt five great ‘Vratas’ (vows) – Mahavratas ; Ahimsa, Satya, Brahmacharya, Asteya and
Aparigraha.
These Mahavrata’s are difficult to practise by average human
beings. So they follow Anuvratas i.e. Ahimsa Anuvrat, Satya
Anuvrat, Brahmacharya Anuvrat, Asteya Anuvrat, and
Aparigraha Anuvrat.
21. Syadvad is a doctrine of –
(a) Lokayatism
(b) Saivism
(c) Jainism
(d) Vaishnavism
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (c)
Mahavira Swami was the 24 Tirthankara of Jain religion. He
denied the unmanliness of Vedas and opposed related socialcultural traditions and humbugs. By leaving the exclusive
belief of selfists and atheists, he accepted the middle path
known as ‘Anekantavad’ or ‘Syadvad’. Syadvad is also
known as the name of Saptabhangi Naya, which means
knowledge is relative.
th
22. Which of the following Doctrines are associated with
Jainism?
(i) Anekantavada
(ii) Sarvastivada
(iii) Sunyavada
(iv) Syadvada
Select the correct answer using the code given below –
(a) (i) and (iv)
(b) (ii) and (iv)
(c) (i), (ii) and (iii)
(d) (ii) and (iii)
Ans (a)
B–74
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre.) 2021
See the explanation of above question.
23. 'Syadvada' is related to
(a) Charvaka
(b) Jaina
(c) Bauddha
(d) Samkhya
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
24. Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which
one of the following
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Vaishnavism
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
I.A.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (b)
Anekantavada is the core theory and philosophy of Jainism.
It is also known as the Saptabhangi theory.
25. With reference to the religious practices in India, the
"Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaivism
I.A.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (b)
Sthanakvasi is a sect of Svetambara Jainism and it was
founded in 1653 A.D. This sect originated from its predecessor reformist sect 'Lonka' that was found by Lonkasha. It
believes that idol worship is not essential in the path of soul
purification and attainment of Nirvana.
26. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created
and maintained by
(a) Universal Law
(b) Universal Truth
(c) Universal Faith
(d) Universal Soul
I.A.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (a)
As per Jain belief universal law is the essential and real form
of the universe. The universe and all its substances are eternal
(everlasting). All substances gradually change. Previous
forms give way to new ones without losing their inherent
qualities. Jains believe that the universe is without beginning
or end. The universe did not begin and end at any time. There
is no need of some almighty to create or manage the affairs
of the universe. The universe runs on itself according to its
cosmic laws (laws of nature).
General Studies
Indian History
27. Which of the following religions does not trust in the
concept of ‘final annihilation of the world’?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Hinduism
(d) Islam
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (b)
All the initial religious Jain literature has been written in the
specific branch of Prakrit language. Its twelve Angas are in
‘Ardha-Magadhi.’ These holy books were finally compiled
in the sixth century A.D. at Vallabhi near Gujarat. Today the
Jain literature has been translated into almost every language.
32. Which of the following place is known as a place of
Pilgrimages because of being related to Parshvanath?
See the explanation of above question.
28. The Basic point of Jainism is(a) Act
(b) Loyalty
(c) Non-violence
(d) Disfavour
(a) Champa
(b) Pava
(c) Sammed Shikhar
(d) Urjyant
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (c)
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Parshvanatha was the 23 Tirthankara of Jainism. Parshvanatha
was born to King Asvasena and Queen Vama of Varanasi in
850 BC. He belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty. He lived as
the formal prince of Varanasi and at the age of thirty, he
renounced the world to become a monk. He meditated for 84
days before attaining Kevala Jnana. He achieved Parinirvana
at Sammed Sikhar that’s why this place is also known as a
place of pilgrimage for Jains.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
rd
Jainism is also known as the religion of Ahimsa (nonviolence). Ahimsa supersedes all concepts, ideologies, rules,
customs and practices. Ahimsa, Anekantvad and Aparigraha
are the cardinal principles of Jainism.
29. Yapaniya was the sect of(a) Buddhist
(b) Jainism
(c) Shaivists
(d) Vaishnavists
U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
Yapaniya was a sect of Jain religion; which is believed to
have originated from Digambaras. However, they also used
to follow certain Shwetambar opinions. The Yapaniyas
worshipped nude images of the Tirthankaras in their temples.
30. Which of the following is the earliest holy book of Jain?
(a) Twelve Angas
(b) Twelve Upangas
(c) Fourteen Purvas
(d) Fourteen Uppurva
40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (c)
The Fourteen Purvas is the ancient Jain scripture, which was
preached by all Tirthankaras. At the time of the last Nand
Ruler, Sambhootvijay and Bhadrabahu were the presidents
of the Sangha. These two were the last to possess knowledge
about the ancient Jain texts 14 purvas given by Mahavira.
31. In which one of the following languages was the earliest
Jain literature compiled?
(a) Ardh-Magadhi
(b) Paali
(c) Prakrit
(d) Sanskrit
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (a)
Indian History
33. Which one of the following is not a part of early Jain
literature?
(a) Therigatha
(b) Acarangasutra
(c) Sutrakritanga
(d) Brihatkalpasutra
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (a)
The Therigatha is a Buddhist scripture in which the early nuns
(bhikshunis) recount their struggles and accomplishments
along the road to spiritual attainment. Their stories are told
with often heart-breaking honesty and beauty, revealing the
deeply human side of these extraordinary women and thus
serve as inspiring reminders of our potential to follow in their
footsteps. Rest are the part of Jain scriptures.
34. Who was the first founder of Shwetambar creed during
the first partition of Jain creed?
(a) Sthulabhadra
(b) Bhadrabahu
(c) Kalakacharya
(d) Deverdhi Kshama Sharaman
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (a)
General Studies
B–75
About 150 years after Lord Mahavira’s departure, when
In the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, 1st Jain Council was
Bhadrabahuswami was the head of the religious order and
held in which Shwetambara Agama were edited. Since all
Nand dynasty was ruling over Magadha, Pataliputra the
the ancient Jain text got destroyed, so to recompile them
capital city became the centre of learning and knowledge. At
that time there occurred a severe famine that seems to have
raged for 12 long years. During that period of shortage and
scarcity, it was hard for Jain monks to observe the code of
followers of Bhadrabahu did not participate.
38. Read the following statements related to Jaina
conduct laid down by the Lord. Bhadrabahuswami, therefore,
Literature and choose the appropriate option:
decided to migrate to the South along with many followers. For
Statement I : The Shvetambara Canon included the
those who stayed behind, it was hard to remember accurately
whatever they learnt. Venerable Sthulabhadra and most of
those who stayed in the north used to cover their bodies
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
another Jain council was organised in 4th century BC in which
12 Angas
Statement II: According to Shvetambara tradition, the
Angas were compiled at a council held
with a plain, white cloth; while those who had migrated
with Bhadrabahuswami were mostly unclad. The latter
at Vallabhi
took pride in their being true unclad followers of the Lord
(a) Statement I and Statement II both are true
and in due course came to be known as Digamabars which
(b) Statement I is false, but Statement II is true
means skyclad. Those on the other side came to be known
(c) Statement I and Statement II both are false
as Shwetamabars on account of white cloth that they wore.
(d) Statement I is true, but Statement II is false
35. The first disciple of Lord Mahavir was –
(a) Jamali
(b) Yashoda
(c) Bipin
(d) Prabhash
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (d)
The Shvetambara Canon includes 12 Angas. These are
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (a)
Among the early visitors to Mahavira during his wandering
was Jamali, his son-in- law. Jamali met Mahavira while
the later was in Kshatriya- Kundagram, the village where
Mahavira was born. He took the vow together with five
hundred of the warrior caste. Jamali was the first disciple of
Lord Mahavira.
Their compilation happened at 1st council held at Patliputra
about 310 BC. Hence option (d) is correct.
39. Consider the following statements :
1. Vardhamana Mahavira’s mother was the daughter
of Lichchhavi King Chetaka
2. Gautama Buddha’s mother was a princess from
36. Who was the first follower of Mahavira?
(a) Jamali
(b) Yashoda
(c) Aanojja
(d) Trishala
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
37. Svetambara Agama was finally edited at the Jain
Council of –
(a) Vaishali
(b) Balabhi
(c) Pawa
(d) Pataliputra
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (d)
B–76
Canonical traits of Jainism based on Mahavira's teaching.
the Koliyan dynasty
3. Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara,
belonged to Banaras
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (c)
Mahavira was born in 599 BC in a village named
Kundagram near Vaishali in Bihar. Mahavira’s original name
was Vardhamana. His father Siddhartha was the head of the
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Gyatrika Kshatriya clan under Vajji of Vaishali and his mother
Trishala was the sister of Chetaka, the king of Lichchhavi.
Mahavira was also related to Bimbisara, the ruler of
Magadha who married Chellana, the daughter of Chetaka.
Lord Gautam Buddha’s mother Maya, Suddhodana’s
wife, was a Koliyan princess. Parshvanatha was born to
King Asvasena and Queen Vama of Varanasi.
40. With reference to ancient Jainism, which one of the
following statements is correct?
(a) Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership
of Sthulabhadra
(b) The Jains who remained under the leadership of
Bhadrabahu were called Shvetambaras after the
Council held at Pataliputra
(c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king
Kharavela in the first century BC
(d) In the initial stage of Jainism, the Jainas worshipped
image unlike Buddhist
I.A.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
Option (c) is the correct answer. Bhadrabahuswami spread
Jainism in South India. Their followers are called Digambars.
Kalinga King Kharavela was the follower of Jainism. He gave
patronage to Jain Monks and donated for their livelihood.
41. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to
Jaina Doctrine?
1. The surest way of annihilating karma is to practice
penance.
2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (d)
Jainism believes that each object even a particle has a soul.
They also uphold the universal law of Karma. According to
this law, every action - thought, word or deed - produces an
effect which in turn serves as the cause of another action and
so on. This chain of cause and effect is known as Karma. It
follows that the state of the soul at any given time is due
to the Karma accumulated over countless ages. Karma not
only encompasses the casualty of transmigration but is also
conceived as an extremely subtle matter which infiltrates
the soul obscuring its natural, transparent and pure
Indian History
qualities. Based on its karma, a soul undergoes transmigration
and reincarnates in various states of existence like heaven or
hell, or as humans or animals.
42. “Samadhi Maran” is related to which Philosophy?
(a) Buddhist Philosophy
(b) Jain Philosophy
(c) Yoga Philosophy
(d) Lokayat Philosophy
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
Samadhi Maran, Sallekhana, Sanyasna Maran is the last
vow prescribed by Jain ethical code of conduct. The vow of
Samadhi Maran is observed by Jain ascetics and lay votaries
at the end of their life by gradually reducing the intake of
food and liquid. It is allowed when normal life is not possible
due to old age, incurable disease, or when a person is nearing
his end.
43. Consider the following statements:
1. The Ikshvaku rulers of Southern India were
antagonistic towards Buddhism.
2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were Patrons of
Buddhism.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 or 2
I.A.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (b)
During 3rd and 4thcentury Ikshvaku dynasty ruled over
southern India. Though Ikshvakus of southern India followed
a Vedic religion but also supported the Buddhist religion.
Bengal emerged as the prominent nucleus of Buddhism
during Pala dynasty. It was due to the support of Pala reign
behind Buddhist. Thus, statement (I) is wrong while statement
(II) is correct.
44. ‘Ajivaka’ sect was founded by:
(a) Anand
(b) Rahulabhadra
(c) Makkhali Gosala
(d) Upali
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (c)
Makkhali Gosala was a disciple of Mahavira in the early
period, later fell out with Mahavira due to the difference of opinion
General Studies
B–77
with him and founded an independent creed “Ajivaka.” The
belief of the sect is known as ‘Niyatiwad’ according to which
every matter in the world is being controlled and operated
by destiny (fate).
45. Who among these rendered that “Fate assigns
everything, human is incapable.”
(a) Jains
(b) Buddhists
(c) Aajivakas
(d) Mimansakas
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
46. The sect which believed in abiding nature of destiny:
(a) Jainism
(b) Ajivakas
(c) Charvaka
(d) Buddhism
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2013
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
47. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List-I
List-II
A. Lakulisa
1. Ajivaka
B. Nagarjuna
2. Sunyavada
C. Bhadrabahu
3. Pasupat
D. Gosala
4. Jain
Codes :
A
B
C
D
(a) 2
3
4
1
(b) 3
2
4
1
(c) 1
2
3
4
(d) 3
1
4
2
The act of cutting the mountain caves and developing
them as residence was fully developed during the period of
Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha. Residence were made
for Ajivaka followers after cutting the hills of Barabar and
Nagarjuni. ‘Cave of Sudama’ and ‘Karn Chaupad’ during
Ashoka Era were omnifamous in the caves of Barabar.
49. Which one of the following is not true about the
Barabar hill caves?
(a) There are in all four caves on the Barabar hill
(b) Inscriptions of Ashoka are found on the walls of three
caves.
(c) These inscriptions inform us about the dedication of
these caves to the Ajivakas
(d) These inscriptions date back to 6th century BC.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (d)
Barabar caves were located at a distance of approx 30 Km.
from Gaya. These caves were hewed out from rocks for
monks to live in. There are four caves on the Barabar hill
out of which inscriptions of Ashoka are found on the walls
of three caves. These caves were used by ascetics from the
Ajivaka sect (founded by Makkhali Gosala). These rockcut caves are related to the Mauryan period (321-185 BC).
Inscriptions on these caves date back to third century BC.
50. The famous pilgrimage of Buddhists as well as of
Jains in Uttar Pradesh is at
(a) Sarnath
(b) Kaushambi
(c) Devipatan
(d) Kushinagar
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (b)
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre)2017
Ans. (b)
The correctly matched list is as follows List-I
List-II
(Acharya)
(Doctrine)
Lakulisa
Pasupat
Nagarjuna
Sunyavada
Bhadrabahu
Jain
Gosala
Ajivaka
B–78
48. Who used the caves of Barabar as their shelter-house?
(a) Ajivakas
(b) Tharus
(c) Jains
(d) Tantrikas
40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (a)
The present Kaushambi district, carved out of Prayagraj on
4 April 1997, is located 33 miles away from the south-west
of Prayagraj. Kaushambi has been mentioned several times
in Vedic and Jain literature. According to Puranas, Nicakshu,
the sixth in line from Parikshita, transferred his capital from
Hastinapur to Kaushambi as Hastinapur was ravaged by
flood, invasion of locusts and upheavals in the Kuru family
itself. According to Jain texts, Kushambi was named due
to an excess of Kushamb trees in the town. It is the famous
pilgrimage site of Jains and Buddhists. Mahatma Buddha
th
General Studies
Indian History
preached many times in this city and made a number of
disciples here. There were many monasteries found here, but
the most famous among them was Ghoshitram monastery,
which was built by Shresthi Ghoshit.
51. Which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The statue of Gomateshwara at Sravanabelagola
represents the last Tirthankara of Jains
(b) India’s largest Buddhist monastery is in Arunachal
Pradesh
(c) The Khajuraho temples were built under Chandela
Kings
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
(d) The Hoyseleswara temple is dedicated to Shiva
I.A.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (a)
Shravanabelagola is a city located in the state of Karnataka.
The statue of Gommateshvara Bahubali at Shravanabelagola
is one of the most important tirthas in Jainism, but the last
tirthankara of Jainism was Mahavir Swami. Hence, option
(a) is wrong while the Tawang Monastery is the largest
Monastery in India, located in the Tawang town of Arunachal
Pradesh. The Khajuraho group of monuments was built
during the rule of the Rajput Chandela dynasty. Hoyseleswara
Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva.
52. Who built “Gommateshwara” statue at Sravanabelagola?
(a) Chamundraya
(b) Krishan-I
(c) Kumarpala
(d) Tejpala.
U.P. Lower Sub.(Pre) 2009
I.A.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
53. Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event, is
associated with and done for who of the following?
(a) Bahubali
(b) Buddha
(c) Mahavirji
(d) Natraja
I.A.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (a)
Mahamastakabhisheka, which is a great religious event, is
associated with Lord Bahubali. This ceremony used to be
held in the interval of twelve years time in Sravanbelgola
town in Karnataka. There is a huge statue of God/Saint of
Gomteshwar Bahubali. Its height is 57 feet.
Indian History
Shaiva, Bhagavata Religion
*According to the cosmogony related beliefs in ancient India,
the four epochs are as follows – Krita, Treta, Dvapara and
Kaliyuga. *Vaishnava Religion was developed from Bhagwat
Religion. Lord Krishna has been described as the son of Devaki
in the Chhandogya Upanishad.
*In the Rig Veda, Vishnu is mentioned as the God of the sky.
There were three major Gods of later Vedic period - Prajapati,
Rudra and Vishnu. *Vishnu is considered to be the guardian
and protector of the people. Patanjali has described Vasudev
as the form of Vishnu. In Vishnu Puran, Vasudev was also a
name of Vishnu. Thus, when Krishna-Vishnu relation was established with Narayana, then Vaishnavism became ‘Pancharatra
Dharma’. *Maharishi Panini has mentioned the worship of Vasudev and Bhagwat Dharma. He named Vasudev worshipers as
‘Vasudevak’. *This religion was initially prevalent in Mathura
and surrounding areas. According to Greek ambassador Megasthenes, the people of Sursen (Mathura) were worshipers of
‘Heracles’. ‘Heracles’ is related to Vasudeva Krishna. *The
religion gradually spread to the other parts of India. *The first
available stone monument associated with Bhagwat Dharma
was the Garuda pillar of Vidisha (Besanagar). It shows that
Heliodoras, the Greek Ambassador of Taxila, accepted Bhagvat
Religion and established this pillar. In the engraved article on
this, Heliodorus was called ‘Bhagwat’ and Vasudev was called
‘Devdevas’ or God of the Gods.
*The Bhagavata or Vaishnava religion reached at its peak in
the reign of Gupta kings. Gupta kings were the follower of
Vaishnava religion and they made it a religion of the state.
Most of the Gupta rulers hold the title of ‘ Parambhagavata.
Garuda, of Lord Vishnu, became the state symbol of Guptas.
*The Mehrauli Pillar mentions that Chandragupta- II had
established the Vishnu flag on Vishnupad mountain. On the
Bhitari Pillar Inscription it is mentioned that the statue of
Vishnu was established by Skandgupta.
*Amar Singh has described 42 names of Vishnu in his book
Amarkosha. *Chalukya rulers of Eastern Vengi were the
followers of Vaishnavism. ‘Garud’ was their state symbol like
Guptas. *Rashtrakuta king Dantidurg built a famous temple
of Dashavatara in Ellora. The story of ten incarnations of
Vishnu is mentioned in this temple . ‘Dashavatar Charit’ has
been composed by the Kshamendra. *Vaishnav Religion was
propagated in South India by Alvar Saints. The word ‘Alwar’
means - a wise person. The number of Alwar saints is said to
be 12. *Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha to kill the king
General Studies
B–79
of Giants, Hiranyaksha and released the Earth from his clutch.
In the pictures of the Purana, God Varaha has been shown balancing the earth on his teeth and arising from the sea. In this
incarnation, the head of Varaha is on the human body having
four arms holding Shankha, Chakra, Gada and Padma in his
hands like God Vishnu fighting with demon Hiranyaksha. This
is the third incarnation in the order of incarnations.
*Jnana, Karma and Bhakti have equal importance in Gita. Lord
Krishna predicted the importance of all three in the following
Shloka of Gita-
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ùes leg meJee&efCe keâcee&efCe ceefÙe mebÙemÙe celheje:~
DevevÙesvewJe Ùeesiesve ceeb OÙeeÙevle Gheemeves ~~
les<eecenb mecegælee& ce=lÙegmebmeej meeiejeled~
YeJeeefce veefÛejelheeLe& ceÙÙeeJesefMeÛeslemeeced ~~
In Advaita Vedanta, Shankaracharya had accepted the Brahma
as the only truth. Both Vedanta and Vishistadvaita Vedanta give
supremacy to Bhakti (devotion toward God). Mimamsa has
only propounded the Karma.
*The Rathyatra is celebrated every year at Puri, Orissa on dwity
of Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month with all due respect to Lord
Jagannath (Krishna), Balram (Balbhadra) and Subhadra.
Major temples related to Vaishnavism –
Temple
Place
Jagannath Temple
Puri (Odisha)
Dashavtara Temple
Deogarh (U.P.)
Vishnu Temple (Kankali Devi Temple) Tigawa (M.P.)
Vishnu Temple
Eran (M.P.)
Dwarikadhish Temple
Mathura (U.P.)
Dwarikadhish Temple
Dwarka (Gujarat)
*Religion devoted to Shiva is called ‘Shaiva Dharma’. The
worshipers of Shiva were called ‘Shaiva’. Shaiva is the oldest
religion in India. It is related to the prehistoric age. *People of
Indus Valley worshipped Shiva. The proof of this was a stamp
from Mohanjodaro, on which there was a figure of the Yogi.
On the head of Yogi there is a Trishul like jewellery and it has
three faces. Marshal related it to Rudra Shiva. *In Rig Veda,
Shiva has been called ‘Rudra’, who was famous for his ferocity.
Rudra has been called the God of the universe in Shatarudriya
Mantra of the Vajasenayi Samhita. In Atharvaveda, he has
been called Pashupati, Bhav, Bhupati etc. *Mahabhashya of
Patanjali reveals that in the second century BC, Shiva’s idol
was worshipped. Various names of Shiva were mentioned in
Mahabashya.
B–80
Some important were - Rudra, Mahadev, Girish, Bhav, Sarva,
Trayambak etc. *On the coins of Kushan rulers, the figures of
Shiva, Ursabha and Trishul were marked. Udayagiri Guhalekh
shows that Veersen, the prime minister of Chandragupta II had
built a Shaiva cave at Udaygiri hill. In the time of Kumar Gupta,
Shiva Ling was established in Khoh and Karamdanda. *Shiva
temple was built in Bhumara and Parvati temple was built
in Nachanakuthar during the Gupta period. Kalidas praised
Shiva’s glory in Kumarasambhavam. *The famous Kandaria
Mahadev Temple of Khajuraho was built by the Chandel rulers. *During the Rashtrakutas, the famous Kailash Temple
of Ellora was built. The propagation of Shaiva Religion was
done by Nayanars in South India. 'Nayanar Saints' were 63 in
numbers. The name of Tirugyan, Sundar Murthy, Sambundar
Appar, Manikkavach-agar, etc was remarkable. Chola rulers in
south India were the exclusive worshiper of Shiva. Chola ruler
Rajaraj I built the Raj Rajeshwar temple in Tanjore.
*Kulotung-I was a staunch follower of Shaiva Religion. He has
overthrown the statue of Vishnu established at the Chidambaram
temple into the sea due to his reverence for Shiva. *Twelve Jyotirlingas related to Shaiva religion are situated in different parts
of the country. These are Somnath, Nageshwar (near Dwarka),
Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Vishwanath (Kashi), Vaidyanath (parli,
Maharashtra), Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain), Omkareshwar (M.P.),
Bhimshankar (Nashik) Trayambakeshwar (Nashik), Ghushmeshvar, Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh), Rameswaram (TN).
There are four Shaiv sects mentioned in Vaman Purana. These
are Shaiva, Pashupati, Kapalik and Kalamukh. Pashupati
community was originated in the second century B.C. According to Puranas, the sect was founded by a Brahmachari
named Lukulish or Lukuli. The followers of this sect consider
Lakulish as the incarnation of Shiva. The devotees of the
Kapalik sect-worshipped Bhairav as an incarnation of Shiva
and worship him. The followers of this philosophy used to
eat meat, put ashes of the cremations on their body, and wear
the Narmund in hand.
*Vasav is considered the founder of the Lingayat sect of
Shaivism. Nathpanth sect was started by Matsyendra Nath
at the end of the tenth century believing Shiva as Adinath.
Baba Gorakhnath had promoted this sect in the tenth and
eleventh century.
Major Temple related to Shaivism–
Temples
Raj Rajeshwar Temple
Shiv Temple
Nataraj Temple
Virupaksha Temple
Vishwanath Temple
General Studies
Places
Tanjore (Tamil Nadu)
Bhomara (M.P.)
Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu)
Hampi (Karnataka)
Varanasi (UP)
Indian History
*The people of Shakti sect worshiped Power goddess of Shakti.
(c) Union of God with his Shakti
(d) None of the above
Shaiva Dharma has a close relationship with Shakti Dharma.
Antiquity of Shakti religion also goes to prehistoric age similar to Shaivism. The worship of Mother Goddess was very
popular in the Indus civilization. A number of the statues of
Mother Goddess have been found in excavation. Vedic literature provides information about the Goddess like Saraswati
Aditi, Usha, Lakshmi etc. A detailed description of the Goddess
Mahatmya is found in Mahabharata and Puranas.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Major Temple related to Shakti Sect –
Temples
Places
Vaishno Devi Temple
Jammu
Vindhyavasini Devi Temple
Vindhyachal
Chausath Yogini’s Temple
Bhedaghat (M.P.)
Parvati Temple
Nachana- Kuthar (M.P.)
Kamakhya Temple
Assam
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Kolkata
According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas, the
sequential order of the cycle of four epochs (yugas) is –
(a) Dvapara, Krita, Treta and Kali
(b) Krita, Dvapara, Treta and Kali
(c) Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali
(d) Treta, Dvapara, Kali and Krita
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
According to the cosmogony related beliefs of ancient India,
the four epochs are as follows – Krita, Treta, Dvapara and
Kaliyuga.
2.
Which one of the following was a Shaiva sect in ancient
India?
(a) Ajivika
(b) Mattamayura
(c) Mayamata
(d) Isanasivagurudeva Paddhati
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (b)
Shaiva sect named Mattamayura in ancient India was found
in the inscriptions of Chedi Dynasty.
Ardhanarisvara, a figure of half Siva and half Parvati,
represents :
(a) Union of male and female
(b) Union of God and Goddess
Indian History
Ans. (c)
Ardhanarishvara is a composite androgynous form of the
Hindu God Shiva and his consort Parvati. Ardhanarishvara
is depicted as half male and half female, split down the
middle. The right half is usually the male Shiva, illustrating
his traditional attributes. Ardhanarishvara represents the
synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe
and illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is
inseparable from Shiva, the male principle of God.
4.
1.
3.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Who were Nayanars?
(a) Shaiva
(c) Vaishnava
(b) Shakta
(d) Suryopasaka
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (a)
In the medieval period, the devotional spirit was mainly
spread in South India, especially in Tamil regions. There
were two major sects behind the development of devotional
spirit in the Tamil regions. The devotees worshipping God
Vishnu were called Alvara and the devotees worshiping
God Shiva were called Nayanara. They told that the
personal love and dedication towards God is the only way
to Moksha and opposed the caste system and its rigidity.
5.
Who were the ‘Nayanars’?
(a) Vaishnavites
(b) Shaivites
(c) Shaktas
(d) Sun worshippers
U.P.R.O..A.R.O. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
6.
Who among the following was not an ‘Alvar Saint’?
(a) Poigai
(b) Tirugyan
(c) Pudam
(d) Thirumangai
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
Poigai, Pudam and Thirumangai were Alvar Saints, while
Tirugyan was not an Alvar saint.
7.
Who contributes the most in the development of
Bhagavata sect?
(a) Persian
(b) Indo-Greek people
(c) Kushan
(d) Gupta
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (d)
General Studies
B–81
The Bhagavata or Vaishnava religion reached its peak in
the reign of Gupta kings. Gupta kings were the follower of
Vaishnava religion, and they made it a religion of the state.
Most of the Gupta rulers hold the title of ‘Parambhagavata.’
Garuda, the mount (Vahana) of Lord Vishnu was the state
symbol of Guptas.
8.
The originator of Bhagavata Religion was –
(a) Janak
(b) Krishna
(c) Yagyavalkya
(d) Surdas
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (b)
Traditionally, the originator of Bhagavata religion was
Vrishni descendant (Satvat), Lord Krishna who is also known
as Vasudeva. He was basically from Mathura. He has been
described as the son of Devaki and the disciple of Ghor
Angirasa in the Chandogya Upanishad.
9.
Which of the following epic has primarily mentioned
Krishna, son of Devaki?
(a) Mahabharata
(b) Chhandogya Upanishad
(c) Ashtadhyayi
(d) Bhagavata Purana
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 1999
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
10. Who were the first to worship Vasudeva Krishna :
(a) Bhagavatas
(b) Vedic Aryans
(c) Tamilians
(d) Abhirs
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (a)
Under the Bhagavata religion, the initial form of Vaishnavism
is shown in the worship of Lord Krishna, the son of Devaki.
The initial name of Krishna was prevalent in the Panini
age. The worshippers of Vasudev were known as Vasudevak
(Bhagavata) in that age. According to Indian belief, Lord
Krishna is considered as a supreme personality and has been
worshipped since ancient ages.
11. Who among the following deities is represented in art
as holding the plough ?
(a) Krishna
(b) Balarama
(c) Kartikeya
(d) Maitreya
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (b)
B–82
According to the Indian cultural traditions, Balaram, the
brother of Krishna is shown as holding plough in his arms.
He is also known by the name of Haldhar.
12. The number of forms of bhakti in the Bhagwata cult is–
(a) 7
(b) 8
(c) 9
(d) 10
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
The Navadha Bhakti (a forms of Bhakti) has been recognised
for acquiring Moksha in the Bhagavata cult. Thus, option (c)
is the correct answer.
13. The Besanagar inscription of Heliodorus is associated
with–
(a) Sankarshan and Vasudeva
(b) Sankarshan and Pradyumna
(c) Sankarshan, Pradyumna and Vasudeva
(d) Only Vasudeva
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (d)
The Garuda Pillar of Vidisha (Besanagar) is the first stone
monument related to Bhagavata religion. This shows that
the Yavana ambassador of Takshila (Taxila) accepted the
Bhagavata religion and worshipped it after its establishment.
Heliodorus is stated as ‘Bhagavata’ and Vasudeva is stated
as ‘Devadevas’ (‘God of Gods’) in the article inscribed on it.
14. The earliest archival evidence related to Bhagavat
Religion is(a) Allahabad’s inscription of Samudragupta
(b) Besnagar’s inscription of Heliodorus
(c) Bhitri’s inscription of Skanda Gupta
(d) Mehrauli’s pillar inscription
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
15. The earliest known epigraphic evidence of Bhagvatism
is :
(a) Prayaga Prashasti of Samudra Gupta
(b) Nasik inscription of Gautami Balshri
(c) Garuda Pillar at Besnagar
(d) Ayodhya inscription of Dhanadeva
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
Indian History
16. Heliodorus of ‘Besanagar inscription’ was a resident of–
(a) Pushkalavati
(b) Takshila (Taxila)
(c) Sakala
(d) Mathura
Jnana, Karma and Bhakti have the equal importance in Gita.
Lord Krishna predicted the importance of all three in the
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010
following Shloka in Gita-
Ùes leg meJee&efCe keâcee&efCe ceefÙe mebÙemÙe celheje:~
DevevÙesvewJe Ùeesiesve ceeb OÙeeÙevle Gheemeves ~~
les<eecenb mecegælee& ce=lÙegmebmeej meeiejeled~
YeJeeefce veefÛejelheeLe& ceÙÙeeJesefMeÛeslemeeced ~~
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
17. Which incarnation of Vishnu is depicted as saving the
Earth from the Sea?
(a) Kachhapa
(b) Matsya
(c) Varaha
(d) Narsingh
In Advaita Vedanta, Shankaracharya had accepted the
Brahma as the only truth. Both Vedanta and Vishistadvaita
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010
Ans. (c)
Vedanta gives supremacy to Bhakti (devotion toward God).
Mimamsa has only propounded the Karma.
20. The doctrine of Apurva is related to
Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha to kill the king of
Giants, Hiranyakshyap and released the Earth from his
clutch. In the pictures of the Purana, God Varaha has been
shown balancing the earth on his teeth and arising from the
sea. In this incarnation, the head of Varaha is on the human
body having four arms holding Shankha, Chakra, Gada and
Padma in his hands like God Vishnu fighting with demon
Hiranyaksha. This is the third incarnation in the order of
incarnations. Thus, the option (c) is the correct answer.
18. Which one of the following is the distinctive features
of a nastika and astika system in India ?
(a) Charvaka
(b) Jaina
(c) Buddha
(d) Mimamsa
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (d)
The word 'Apurva' is a technical term related to the Purva
Mimamsa system of Philosophy.
21. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List-I
List-II
A. Ashtadhyayi
1. Yaska
(b) Belief in the doctrine of re-birth
B. Mahabhashya
2. Katyayan
(c) Belief in the authenticity of the Vedas
C. Nirukta
3. Patanjali
(d) Belief in the existence of heaven and hell
D. Varttika
4. Panini
(a) Belief in the existence of God
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Codes :
Ans. (c)
A
B
C
D
In the context of 6 century BC, Astika sect belonged to those
(a) 4
3
1
2
who believed in the authenticity of Vedas and Nastika sect
(b) 2
3
1
4
was of those who did not believe in the authenticity of Vedas.
(c) 1
2
3
4
Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.
(d) 3
1
4
2
th
19. Which one of the following gives equal importance to
Jnana, Karma and Bhakti as a means of liberation?
(a) Advaita Vedanta
(b) Vishistadvaitvad Vedanta
(c) Bhagavad Gita
(d) Mimamsa
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (c)
Indian History
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (a)
The correctly matched list is as follows List-I
List-II
Ashtadhyayi
Panini
Mahabhashya
Patanjali
Nirukta
Yaska
Varttika
Katyayan
General Studies
B–83
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
22. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List-I
List-II
A. Ballabhacharya 1. Dwaitvad
B. Ramanuj
2. Pushtimarg
C. Madhvacharya 3. Vishistadwait
D. Shankar
4. Adwaitavad
Codes :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
3
4
2
(b) 2
4
1
3
(c) 2
3
1
4
(d) 4
1
3
2
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (c)
The correctly matched list is as follows List-I
List-II
Ballabhacharya
Pushtimarg
Ramanuj
Vishistadwait
Madhvacharya
Dwaitvad
Shankar
Adwaitavad
Upanishad, Brahmasutra and Bhagavad Gita are said to be
the ‘Prasthantrayi’ of Vedanta because these are the major
epics of Vedanta. Among them, the Upanishad is the Prime
Prasthan and the remaining two are known to be based on it.
Shankaracharya is the oldest among all of Vedanta Acharyas
who established his Vedanta cults by writing the gloss on
‘Brahmasutra.’
26. The ancient place where the narration of entire
Mahabharata was read in the conference of 60,000
hermits –
(a) Ahichhatra
(b) Hastinapur
(c) Kampilya
(d) Naimisharanya
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Naimisharanya in Sitapur district of U.P. is considered to be the
residence of 60,000 hermits. Here, Sut Goswami narrated the
entire Mahabharata in front of Saunak and other hermits, when
he was accomplishing the Yagya. Earlier, Vaisampayana narrated
the story of Mahabharata for King Janamejaya.
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Visistadvaita is one of the main branches of Vedanta.
It is a Sanskrit term which means "non-dualism with
differentiation". Vaishnavite Saint Ramanujacharya (C.10171137) is widely credited with spreading the philosophy of
Vishishtadvaitavad.
24. Which is called Lokayata Darshan?
(a) Jain
(b) Buddh
(c) Charvaka
(d) Samkhya
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (c)
Charvaka is characterised as a materialistic and aesthetic
school of thought. He was the founder of Lokayata
Philosophy. Accepted direct perception as the surest method
to prove the truth of anything. It insists on joyful living.
25. Which one of the following is not included in ‘Prasthan
trayi’ :
(a) Bhagavata
(b) Bhagavad Gita
(c) Brahma Sutra
(d) Upanishad
B–84
Ans. (a)
Ans. (d)
23. Who was the founder of Visistadvaita Siddhanta?
(a) Ramanujacharya
(b) Vallabhacharya
(c) Srikanthacharya
(d) Madhavacharya
Ans (a)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
27. With which religion is Kalika Purana associated ?
(a) Vaishnavism
(b) Shaktism
(c) Buddhism
(d) Jainism
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (b)
The Kalika Purana also called the Kali Purana, Sati Purana
or Kalika Tantra is one of the eighteen minor Puranas in
the Shaktism tradition of Hinduism. The text was likely
composed in the Assam region of India. The text is attributed
to sage Markendeya and starts off with the legends of Devi
trying to bring Shiva back from ascetic life into householder's
life by making him fall in love again.
28. Which Kand of Ramayana describes the first meeting
of Rama and Hanumana?
(a) Kishkindha Kand
(b) Sunder Kand
(c) Bal Kand
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
Ans. (a)
Valmiki was the author of Ramayana. There are total of seven
Kands in this Adi Kavya written in Sanskrit. The fourth Kand
of this Kavya is Kishkindha Kand in which the meeting of
Rama and Hanuman, death of Bali and Sugriva becoming
the king of Vanara is described.
General Studies
Indian History
29. The Rathyatra at Puri is celebrated in honour of which
Hindu deity?
(a) Lord Rama
(b) Lord Vishnu
(c) Lord Jagannath
(d) Lord Shiva
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (c)
The Rathyatra is celebrated every year at Puri, Orissa on
Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month with all due respect to
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Lord Jagannath (Krishna), Balram (Balbhadra) and Subhadra.
30. Kumbh Mela at Nasik is held on which of the following
river bank?
(a) Tapti River
(b) Narmada River
(c) Koyna River
(d) Godavari River
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2003
Ans. (d)
The Kumbha Mela is held on the bank of Godavari river
at an interval of every twelve years. It is also held on the
bank of Ganga at Haridwar, on the confluence place of the
Ganga and Yamuna at Prayag, on the bank of River Kshipra
(Shipra) at Ujjain.
Medina is a city located in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia.
It is the second sanctum city of Islam Religion after Mecca.
Vatican City is a sovereign country located in Italy with a
total area of 44 hectares which is also the smallest (both in
Population and Area) independent country of the world.
It is ruled by the Bishop of Rome who is also called as
Pope. It is also known as the capital of the Roman Catholic
Church. Pavapuri is the holiest place of Jains located 38
km. from Rajgir and 90 km. from Patna. The founder of
Jainism, ‘Mahavir Swami’ died at Pavapuri in 527 century
BC. Varanasi is the holiest place for Hindus located on the
left bank of Ganga river. This was an important centre for
education and culture in ancient times.
Sixth century B.C.E Political Condition
*Buddhist literature, Anguttaranikaya, is sufficient to conclude that before the birth of Gautama Buddha, all of North
31. In context of Indian culture who among the following
is called Ananga?
(a) Shiva
(b) Krishna
(c) Kama
(d) Laxman
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
India was divided into 16 major states. They were called
Kamdeva is the Hindu god of human love or desire. Rati
is the wife of Kamdeva. Other names used in reference to
Kamadeva are Ananga (incorporeal), Kandarpa (inflamer
even of a god), Madana (intoxicating), Manmatha (Churner
of hearts) etc.
padas are mentioned some different names in it. The names
32. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below –
A. Jainism
1. Madina
B. Hinduism
2. Vatican
C. Islam
3. Pavapuri
D. Christianity
4. Varanasi
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 3
1
4
2
(b) 1
2
4
3
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 2
3
1
4
M.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
Indian History
‘Sixteen (Shodasha) Mahajanapadas’. The names of these
sixteen Mahajanapadas were Koshal, Kashi, Magadha, Anga,
Vajji, Chedi, Malla, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchal, Matsya, Surasena,
Kamboja, Avanti, Assaka (Ashmaka) and Gandhar. In the Jain
literature ‘Bhagwatisutra’ also, names of these 16 Mahajanaof sixteen Mahajanapadas mentioned here are: Anga, Banga,
Malay, acha, Vacha (Vatsa), Magah (Magadha), Malav, Koch,
Ladh, Moli (Malla), Koshal, Kashi, Pathya, Sammutar, Awadh
and Vajji. *22 Mahajanapadas are mentioned in Panini’s
Ashtadhyayi. *The present part of northern Bihar known as
Bhagalpur and Munger district were part of the Anga Mahajanapada. Its capital city was Champa. In Mahabharata and
Puranas, its ancient name ‘Malini’ is mentioned. Champa was
considered to be among the six metros of India during Buddha’s time. The names of these six metropolia are described in
Mahaparinirvan-sutra. These are – Champa, Rajgriha, Benaras, Saket, Kaushambi and Shravasti. *Lichhavi’s of Vaishali
founded the world’s first republic. Vaishali has been called
‘Magadhham Puram’ in Suttanipata.
General Studies
B–85
Mahajanapadas Modern Places
1. Kuru
2. Panchal
Capital
Meerut, Delhi and
Ahicchatra
Thaneswar
(North Panchal)
Bareilly, Badaun and
Ahichhatra and
Farrukhabad
Kampilya (South
Panchal)
3. Shurasena
Areas near Mathura
Mathura
4. Vatsa
Allahabad and Banda
Kaushambi
5. Koshal
Awadh area (Faizabad Saket and Shravasti
division)
6. Malla
Deoria district
Kushinagar and
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Pawa
7. Kashi
8. Anga
9. Magadha
10. Vajji
11. Chedi
12.Matsya
13.Ashmaka
14.Avanti
15.Gandhar
Varanasi
Bhagalpur and
Munger
South Bihar (Patna
and Gaya district)
Muzaffarpur and
Darbhanga
Bundelkhand
Jaipur
Godavari Valley
(Andhra Pradesh)
West and Central
Malwa region
Varanasi
Champa
Girivraj or Rajgir
Mithila, Vaishali and
Janakpuri
Kotthivati/Suktimati
Viratnagar
Pottan/Pottil
(N. Avanti) Ujjain
and Mahishmati
(So Aranti)
Taxila
Peshawar and
Rawalpindi
16.Kamboj
South West Kashmir Raipur/Hatak
and Rajauri and Hajara
*Vaishali was the largest and most powerful republic of the
Buddha period. According to Puranas, the first dynasty to rule
Magadha’s was ‘Brihadratha’. The son of the first king of
this dynasty was Jarasandha, who made Girivraj (Rajgriha)
his capital. The Rajgriha has been described as the capital
of Jarasangha in the Van Parva of Mahabharata. According
to Buddhist texts, the first great ruler of Magadha was Bimbisara. He was related to Haryanka dynasty. *The famous
historical physician Jivaka, contemporary of Lord Buddha
was related to the court of Bimbisara. Bimbisara sent Jivaka
to the state of Avanti’s king Chandapradyota for medicinal
service. *Bimbisara is said to be the first and most powerful
emperor of Haryanka dynasty who was also the real founder
of Magadha Empire.
*The ruler of Magadha, Ajatashatru (492-460 BC) killed his
father Bimbisara, the founder of Haryanka dynasty and sat on
B–86
the throne. He was also killed by his son Udayin (different
from the king Udayan of Vatsa) for the same reason.
*Pataliputra was founded by Udayin, who was the successor of Ajatshatru. He built a fort at the confluence of Son and
Ganga river. *He shifted the capital of Magadha Empire from
Rajgriha to Pataliputra. It was also the capital of Sishunaga
dynasty, Nanda dynasty, and Maurya dynasty. Here Maurya
Emperor Ashok organised the Third Buddhist Council (247
B.C) which was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa. The
first Jain convention was held here too. *Megasthenese in
his book named ‘Indica’ has described the prosperity and the
ruling system in the period of Chandragupta Maurya. Pataliputra became the prime centre for Buddhists during the Gupta
period. But the importance of this city started declining from
later Gupta Period.
*Kasi was the most powerful city in the early 6th century B.C.
It was one of the richest and most prosperous Mahajanapadas.
Kashi had the long rivalry with Kosala, Anga and Magadha.
They always struggled for the supremacy.
*In sixth century BC, Chedi Mahajanapada was located in
modern Bundelkhand and its adjacent parts. Its capital was
‘Kotthivati’ which is known as ‘Suktimati’ of Mahabharata.
*Kharvel was the most important emperor of Chedi dynasty
of Kalinga. His Hathigumpha inscription is the major source
of information. The engraving of canals in Kalinga by King
Mahapadmananda is encrypted in this inscription. It is also
the first inscription which tells about the engraving of canals.
It describes the donation of villages to Jain monks. This
inscription also shows that Kharvel defeated the three states
Chola, Chera, and Pandyas of the South.
*The town Kalpi is situated in the Jalaun district of Uttar
Pradesh on the bank of river Yamuna. During the ancient period,
it was famous as 'Kalpriya' which was later known as Kalpi. It
was built during 4 century B.C. by King Vasudeva.
*Kuru Mahajanpad was located in the areas of Meerut, Delhi
and Thaneswar. Hastinapur city of Mahabharata was located
in this state. *The Panchala Mahajanapada was made up
of modern Ruhelkhand districts of Bareilly, Badaun and Farrukhabad districts. Initially, there were two parts - the capital
of North Panchal was Ahichchhatra and the South Panchal
was Kampilya. The famous city of Kanyakubja was located in
Panchala Mahajanpada. The boundaries of the Panchal ranges
from the foothills of the Himalayas to Chambal River in the
south, Koshal in the east and Kuru in the west. Panchal was
originally a monarchy, but it appears that by the time of Kautilya
it became a republic.
General Studies
Indian History
*Surashen Mahajanapada was found in the modern Braja
region. Its capital was Mathura. Ancient Greek writers
called this state ‘Surasenoi’ and its capital as ‘Mathora’. According to the Buddhist text ‘Anguttara Nikaya’ and Jain text
‘Bhagvati Sutra,’ the ‘Assaka’ or ‘Ashmaka’ was located in
between Godavari and Narmada River during the 6 century
whose capital was Paithan/Potan or Potali (Ancient name
Prathisthana). *Avanti Mahajanapada was found in the area
of western and central Malwa. There were two parts of this
Mahajanapada - the capital of Northern Avanti was Ujjayini
and the capital of Southern Avanti was Mahishmati. *Ujjayini
was the capital of Avanti during the Buddha period. The legend
of Udayan-Vasavadatta is related to Ujjain. Great poet Bhaas
has described this story in his drama ‘Svapnavasvadattam’, the
love story of Vatsa king Udayan and Vasvadatta, the daughter
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
th
of Avanti King Pradyot. *In the northern part of ancient India,
which was also called Uttarapatha, there were two Janapadas.
These were - Gandhara and Kamboj. Gandhar Mahajanpadas
was located in Peshawar and Rawalpindi districts of present day
Pakistan. It is known from Ramayana that Takshshila Nagar
was founded by Taksha, the son of Bharat. *Four of the sixteen
Mahajanpadas - Koshal, Magadha, Vatsas and Avanti were very
powerful. Out of the sixteen Mahajanpadas, eight were present
in Uttar Pradesh. These were Mahajanpadas - Kashi, Koshal,
Vatsa, Malla, Kuru, Panchal, Suresen and Chedi.
*Bimbisara died in 492 BC. After the Bimbisara, his son
‘Kunika’ Ajatshatru (is about 492-460 BC) became the ruler
of Magadha. He was an imperialist like his father. The struggle
between Magadha and Kosala kingdom started in the early
years of his rule. But later, there was a treaty between the ruler
of Magadha Ajatashatru and Koshal King Prasenjit. Prasenjit
married his daughter, Wajira, to Ajatshatru and again accepted
his right over Kashi.
The sequence of the dynasties that ruled Magadh are as follows :
Haryanka dynasty
544 BC - 412 (Shaishunaga
dynasty) BC (412 BCE-344 BCE)
Nanda dynasty
344 BC - 321 BC
Mauryan dynasty
321 BC - 184 BC
Sunga dynasty
184 BC - 75 BC
According to Puranas, the founder of Nanda dynasty,
Mahapadmananda was a Shudra ruler. He assumed the title
of ‘Ekrata and Ekchhatra.’ *Chandragupta Maurya had
Indian History
established the Mauryan empire after defeating the last Nanda
ruler Dhanananda with the help of his preceptor Chanakya.
*The Shunga dynasty was founded by Mauryan commander
Pushyamitra Shunga after killing the last Mauryan ruler
Brihadratha in 184 BC.
*Nanda dynasty of Magadha was founded after ending
Shishunaga dynasty. There were 9 kings in Nanda dynasty(1) Ugrasen, called Mahapadma in Puranas (2) Panduk (3)
Pandugati (4) Bhootpal (5) Rastrapal (6) Govishanak (7)
Dashasiddhak (8) Kaivart (9) Dhanananda. During last years
of Nanda dynasty, the kingdom witnessed turbulence because
of extortion and imposition of heavy taxes on small items.
Taking advantage of this, Chandragupta Maurya with the help
of Chanakya killed Dhananand and established Maurya Empire.
The ruling period of the kings from Bimbisara to Nandas
according to Buddhist literatureName of Dynasty
Harayanka
(544 - 412 BCE)
King’s Name
Bimbisara
Ajatshatru
Udayin and
his successor
Shishunaga
Shishunaga
(412 - 344 BCE)
Kakavarna
10 sons of
Kakavarna
Nand Dynasty
Ugrasen,
(344 - 321 BCE) Mahapadamanand
and their 8 Sons
Reign
544 - 492 BCE
492 - 460 BCE
460 - 412 BCE
412 - 394 BCE
394 - 366 BCE
366 - 344 BCE
344 - 321 BCE
*Aahat coins or Punch marked coins were the earliest extant
coins in India made of silver. The marks on them were made
by the stamp, so they were called as Aahat coins or Punch
marked coins. These coins were found in circulation between
sixth century B.C and the Mauryan period.
*Panini was known for his Sanskrit grammar. He was born in
Pushkalavati, Gandhara. The Ashtadhayi is one of the earliest
known grammars of Sanskrit. The Ashtadhyai consist of 4000
sutras or rules distributed among (eight chapters) which are
each sub-divided into four sections of padas. Panini mentioned
as many as 22 different Janapadas but also mentions 3 most
important provinces viz. Magadha, Ashmak and Kamboj.
*Nanyadev (1097-98 AD) was the founder of Karnata
dynasty. He was a great warrior. The capital of Karnata dynasty
was Simraon. The period of Karnata dynasty (1097-98 AD 1378 AD) was known as the golden period of Mithila.
*The last ruler of Karnata Dynasty was Harisimha Dev. He
was a great patron of art and literature. He was the pro founder
of Panji system.
The ruling period of the kings from Bimbisara to Nanda’s
according to the Puranas –
General Studies
B–87
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Kings
Shishunaga
Kakvarna
Kshemdharman
Kshemjit or Kshatrojas
Bimbisara
Ajatashatru
Darshak
Udayin
Nandivardhana
Mahanandin
Mahapadamanand
and his eight sons
Reign (in years)
40
26
36
24
28
27
24
33
40
43
100 (40 years according to some
scholars).
1.
The earliest extant coins of India were of –
(a) Copper
(b) Gold
(c) Lead
(d) Silver
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (d)
Aahat coins or Punch marked coins were the earliest extant
coins in India made up of silver. The marks on them were
made by the stamp, so they are called as Aahat coins or
Punch marked coins.
2.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the code given below the lists:
List-I
List-II
(King)
(State)
A.Pradyot
1. Magadha
B.Udyan
2. Vatsa
C.Prasenjit
3. Avanti
D.Ajatshatru
Code :
A
B
C
(a) 1
2
3
4. Kosala
D
4
(b)
4
3
2
1
(c)
3
2
4
1
(d)
4
1
3
2
U.P. Lower (Spl) (Pre) 2004
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Pradyota is the founder of the dynasty and the ruler of Avanti.
He is said to be the son of Pulika who is said to have killed
his master at Ujjain, to make his son the King. Pradyota was
a contemporary of Buddha & Bimbisara and found his name
in Mahavagga (a part of Vinaya Pitaka) & Puranas. He is
said to have ruled for 23 years. Bimbisara sends his Doctor
(Raj Vaidhya) Jivak to Pradyota for treatment of Jaundice.
4.
What was the name of the ruler of Kosala in
Samudragupta's "Prayag Prashasti"?
(a) Shiv Gupta
(b) Someshwar Deo
(c) Mahendra
(d) Mahipal
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (c)
The name of the ruler of Kosala, the Mahendra, is mentioned
over the Samudragupta's "Prayag prashasti".
5.
The epigraphical evidence reveals that under the
instructions of a Nanda king, a canal was dug in :
(a) Anga
(b) Vanga
(c) Kalinga
(d) Magadha
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (c)
6.
The Pali scriptures reveal that Pradyot was the king of Avanti.
Udayana was the king of Vatsa Mahajanpada. Prasenjit was
B–88
Chand-pradyota was the ruler of which ancient republic?
(a) Kasi
(b) Anga
(c) Avanti
(d) Vajji
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (c)
Hathigumpha inscription indicates the Kalinga victory of
Nanda’s King Mahapadmananda. According to this, King
Nanda took away the statue of King Jinsen and built a canal
in Kalinga.
Ans. (c)
of Kosal and Ajatshatru was the king of Magadha.
3.
What was the ancient name of Ujjain?
(a) Taxila
(b) Indraprastha
(c) Avantika
(d) None of above.
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (c)
Ujjain, located in Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, is
considered as the ancient historical town of India. This was
one of the two capitals of Avanti which was one among the
16 Mahajanapadas. It is also known as Avantika.
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
7.
The following map shows four of the sixteen
mahajanapadas that existed in ancient India :
The places marked A, B, C and D respectively are :
(a) Matsya, Chedi, Kosala, Anga
(b) Surasena, Avanti, Vatsa, Magadha
(c) Matsya, Avanti, Vatsa, Anga
(d) Surasena, Chedi, Kosala, Magadha
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
Options A, B,C,D show Matsya, Avanti, Vatsa and Anga
Mahajanapada respectively. Matsya Mahajanapada was
located in the Jaipur region of Rajasthan. Viratnagar was its
capital. Avanti Mahajanapada was located in the west and
central region of Malwa. It had two parts- Northern Avanti
(capital-Ujjayini) and Southern Avanti (capital-Mahishmati).
Modern Allahabad and Banda districts constituted Vatsa
Mahajanapada in ancient times. Its capital was Kaushambi.
Modern Bhagalpur and Munger districts of Bihar were under
the Anga Mahajanapada. Its capital was Champa.
8.
Matsya Mahajanapada of 6th Century B.C. was located
in:
The ancient city, which is mentioned in the Mahabharata
and Mahabhshya is Madhyamika (Nagari) and Viratnagar.
Viratnagar was founded by King Virat. It was the capital of
Matsya Kingdom. Its history is found in both Mahabharata
and Mahabhashya.
11. Who founded Pataliputra –
(a) Udayin
(b) Ashoka
(c) Bimbisara
(d) Mahapadmanada
th
48 to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (a)
Pataliputra was founded by Udayin, who was the successor of
Ajatshatru. He built a fort at the confluence of Son and Ganga
river. He shifted the capital of the Magadha Empire from
Rajgriha to Pataliputra. It was also the capital of Sisunaga
12. Which ruler had made Pataliputra the capital of his
(b) Rajasthan
empire for the first time?
(c) Bundelkhand
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Rohilkhand
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (b)
(b) Ashoka the Great
(c) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
(d) Kanishka
See the explanation of above question.
How many Mahajanapadas were located in present
day of Uttar Pradesh among the oldest sixteen
Mahajanapadas of India?
(a) 06
(b) 07
(c) 08
(d) 09
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (c)
Indian History
10. The ancient city which is mentioned in the Mahabharata
and Mahabhashya both
(a) Madhyamika (Nagari) (b) Karkot
(c) Viratnagar (Bairat)
(d) Raidh
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (*)
dynasty, Nanda dynasty, and Maurya dynasty.
(a) Western Uttar Pradesh
9.
Out of 16 Mahajanapadas, 8 were present in modern Uttar
Pradesh.
Kuru – Meerut, Delhi and Thaneshwar
Panchala - Bareilly, Badaun
Shurasena – Near Mathura
Vatsa – Allahabad and Banda
Koshal – Awadh area
Malla – Deoria
Kashi – Varanasi
Chedi – Bundelkhand area
42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (a)
Pataliputra was established by Udyain, the ruler of
Haryanka dynasty at the confluence of Son and Ganga river
and transferred his capital from Rajgriha to Pataliputra.
But Udayin is not mentioned in the above options. Here,
Chandragupta Maurya will be the correct answer.
General Studies
B–89
13. Who among the following kings had founded Pataliputra?
(a) Sisunaga
(b) Bimbisara
(c) Ajatashatru
(d) Udayin
44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
14. By which ruler Pataliputra was chosen as the capital
for the first time?
(a) Ajatashatru
(b) Kalashoka
(c) Udayin
(d) Kanishka
46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
15. The Legend of Udayan-Vasavadatta is related to(a) Ujjain
(b) Mathura
(c) Mahishmati
(d) Kaushambi
U.P. Lower (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (a)
The legend of Udayan-Vasavadatta is related to Ujjain.
Great poet Bhaas has described this story in his drama
‘Svapnavasvadattam’, the love story of Vatsa king Udayan
and Vasvadatta, the daughter of Avanti King Pradyot. The
story is during the time when Udayan was imprisoned in
Ujjayini.
16. In which century did the first Magadhan Empire rise?
(a) Fourth Century B.C. (b) Sixth Century B.C.
(c) Second Century B.C. (d) First Century B.C.
42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
The first Magadhan empire flourished in 6 century B.C.
The actual founder of this empire was king Bimbisara
(approximately 544-492 century B.C). He was related to
Haryanka dynasty.
th
17. Which one of the following was initially the most
powerful city-state in India in the 6th century B.C. ?
(a) Gandhar
(c) Kashi
(b) Kamboj
(d) Magadha
I.A.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
Magadha was the most powerful city in the early 6
century B.C. It was one of the richest and most prosperous
Mahajanapada among others. Magadha had a long rivalry
with Kosala, Anga and Kashi. They always struggled for
the supremacy.
th
B–90
18. Which was the first capital of ancient Mahajanapada
Magadh?
(a) Pataliputra
(b) Vaishali
(c) Champa
(d) Anga
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66th B.P.S.C. (Pre.) 2020
Ans. (e)
Magadh was an ancient kingdom in southern Bihar. Its first
capital was Rajagriha (Modern day Rajgir) which was also
known as Girivraj. During the reign of Udayin (Haryanka
dynasty) Capital was moved to Patliputra.
19. Which one was not in the earlier Republic?
(a) Shakya
(b) Lichchhavi
(c) Yauddheya
(d) All of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (*)
The evidence of the existence of lots of republics is found
during the Buddha period. They were as follows- (1) Shakya
of Kapilavastu, (2) Bhagga of Sumsumagiri, (3) Buli of
Alakappa, (4) Kalam of Kesaputta, (5) Koliya of Ramgama,
(6) Malla of Kusinara, (7) Malla of Pava, (8) Moriya of
Pippalivan, (9) Lichchhavi of Vaishali and (10) Videha of
Mithila. Description of Yauddheya Republic found in Paninis
Ashtaddhyayi and Prayag inscription of Samudragupta.
20. By whom the first republic of the world was established
in Vaishali –
(a) Maurya
(b) Nanda
(c) Gupta
(d) Lichchhavi
48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
Lichchhavi dynasty of Vaishali established the first republic
in the world. Vaishali took its name from King Vishal of the
Mahabharata era. Vaishali is a great Buddhist pilgrimage and
also the birthplace of Lord Mahavira.
21. Where was the first republican system of the world
during 6 century B.C. located?
(a) Vaishali
(b) Athens
(c) Sparta
(d) Pataliputra
46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (a)
th
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
Indian History
22. Which one of the following pair is correctly matched?
(a) Parsvanath - Janatrika
(b) Bindusara-Shakya
(c) Skandagupta-Maurya
(d) Chetak-Lichchhavi
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2013
Ans. (d)
King Chetak was the emperor of the Lichchhavi republic. His
daughter Chelana was married to Magadha King Bimbisara.
Lichchhavi was one of the clans of the union of Vajji.
23. Which Buddha text has described 16 Mahajanpads of
6 century B.C.?
(a) Digha Nikaya
(b) Tripitaka
(c) Deepavansh
(d) Anguattar Nikaya
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl.) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
th
The 16 Mahajanapads of 6 century B.C. were mentioned
in Buddhist text ‘Anguttara Nikaya’ and Jain text Bhagwati
Sutra They were as follows- Anga, Magadha, Kashi, Kosala,
Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchal, Matsya, Surasen,
Ashmaka, Avanti, Gandhara and Kamboj. The list of 16
Mahajanapadas also finds mention in Jain text Bhagavati Sutra.
th
24. The list of sixteen Mahajanapadas is available in –
(a) Mahabharata
(b) Anguttar Nikaya
(c) Chandogya Upanishad
(d) Samyukta Nikaya
46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
(iv) Bhagavati Sutra
(b) (ii), (iii) and (iv)
(d) (i), (ii)and (iii)
R.A.S. /R.T.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
27. 16 Janpadas of the age of Mahajanapada have often
been mentioned in the Buddhist literature which of the
following Janapadas have been mentioned by Panini
in his Ashtadhyayi?
A. Magadh
B. Ashmak
C. Kamboj
D. Chedi
E. Vatsa
Code :
(a) A, B and C
(b) D and E
(c) C, D and E
(d) A, C, D and E
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2013
Ans. (a)
Panini is known for his Sanskrit grammar. He was born in
Pushkalavati, Gandhara. The Ashtadhayi is one of the earliest
known grammars of Sanskrit. The Ashtadhyai consist of 4000
sutras or rules distributed among (eight chapters) which are
each subdivided into four sections of padas. Panini mentioned
as many as 22 different Janapadas but also mentioned 3 most
important provinces viz. Magadha, Ashmak and Kamboj.
28. The capital of North Panchal, according to Mahabharata,
was located at :
(a) Hastinapur
(b) Indraprastha
(c) Ahichhatra
(d) Mathura
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
25. Which one of the following Buddhist texts describes
the sixteen Mahajanapadas?
(a) Anguttara Nikaya
(b) Majjhima Nikaya
(c) Khuddaka Nikaya
(d) Digha Nikaya
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
26. In which of the following texts the list of the sixteen great
states (Shodasha Mahajanapadas) of ancient India occur?
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
(i) Arthashastra
(ii) Anguttara Nikaya
Indian History
(iii) Digha Nikaya
Code :
(a) (ii) and (iv)
(c) (i) and (ii)
Ans. (c)
The capital of Northern Panchala was Ahichhatra and
Kampilya was the capital of southern Panchala. Hastinapura
and Indraprastha were the capital of Kuru while Mathura was
the capital of Surasena.
29. During the period of 16 Mahajanapadas, Mathura was
the capital of –
(a) Vajji
(b) Vatsa
(c) Kashi
(d) Surasena
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
B–91
30. Which of the following is NOT correctly matched?
(a) Kamboj
-
Rajpur/Hatak
(b) Ashmak
-
Potan/Potil
(c) Sursen
-
Kaushambi
(d) Koshal
-
Shravasti
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (c)
Sursen was an ancient Yadava ruler of Mathura. Other options
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
are correctly matched.
31. Champa was the capital of which Mahajanapada?
(a) Magadha
(b) Vajji
(c) Kosala
(d) Anga
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (d)
Rajgriha was the first capital of Magadha, (Where first
‘Buddhist Council’ was organized and Lord Mahavir
sermoned first). According to Puranas, the first dynasty to
rule over Magadh was Brihadrath dynasty. King Brihadrath's
son, Jarasandha, made Girivraja (Rajgir) his capital. Later on,
Udayin, son of Ajatshatru, moved the capital to Patliputra.
35. Which was the initial capital of Magadha?
(a) Pataliputra
(b) Vaishali
(c) Girivraja (Rajgriha)
(d) Champa
rd
53 to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
Champa (Campa) was the capital of Anga Mahajanpada.
It covers the modern districts of Munger and Bhagalpur
in Bihar. It was later annexed to Magadha by Bimbisara.
Magadha was located on its west.
36. Which one of the following was not a capital of
Magadhan Empire?
(a) Girivraja
(b) Rajgriha
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Kaushambi
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (d)
32. In the sixth century B.C. Suktimati was the capital of
(a) Panchala
(b) Kuru
(c) Chedi
(d) Avanti
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
Ans. (c)
Girivraja or Rajgriha and Pataliputra were the capital of
the Magadha Empire respectively in ancient times while
Kaushambi was ruled by Vatsa state. The capital of Magadha
was shifted from Rajgriha to Pataliputra during Haryanka
dynasty.
In sixth century BC, Chedi Mahajanapada was located in
modern Bundelkhand and its adjacent parts. Its capital was
‘Sotthivati’ which is known as ‘Suktimati’ of Mahabharata.
37. What is the town configuration of ancient Shravasti?
(a) Circular
(b) Crescentic
(c) Triangular
(d) Quadratic
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
33. Mahajanapada situated on the bank of river Godavari was(a) Avanti
(b) Vatsa
(c) Assaka
(d) Kamboja
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
According to the Buddhist text ‘Anguttara Nikaya’ and Jain
text ‘Bhagvati Sutra,’ the ‘Assaka’ or ‘Ashmaka’ was located
in between Godavari and Narmada river during the 6 century
th
whose capital was Paithan/Potan or Potali (Ancient name
Prathisthana).
34. Which was the capital of Magadha?
(a) Pratishthan
(b) Vaishali
(c) Rajgriha
(d) Champa
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (c)
B–92
Alexander Cunningham had identified the ancient Shravasti
at Sahet-Mahet (today’s Shravasti) placed near Gonda in
Uttar Pradesh in 1861. It is known by excavations that the
configuration of Shravasti was in crescentic form.
38. Which initial ruler of Magadha killed his father for
enthroning and also was killed by his son for the same
reason?
(a) Bimbisara
(b) Ajatshatru
(c) Udayin
(d) Nagdashak
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (b)
The ruler of Magadha, Ajatashatru (492-460 BC) killed his
father Bimbisara, the founder of Haryanka dynasty and sat on
the throne. He was also killed by his son Udayin (different
from the king Udayan of Vatsa) for the same reason.
General Studies
Indian History
39. What was the name of the dynasty of Ajatshatru?
(a) Maurya
(b) Haryanka
(c) Nanda
(d) Gupta
53rd to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
40. The Prince who was responsible for the death of his
father was(a) Ajatashatru
(b) Chandapradyota
(c) Prasenjit
(d) Udayan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
41. Power of Magadha was extended over the Malwa
region during the reign period of –
(a) Bimbisara
(b) Ajatshatru
(c) Udayabhadra
(d) Sisunaga
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
According to Matsya Puranas, king of Magadha, Sisunaga
annexed Avanti (Malwa) in his empire by defeating Nandivardhan.
42. Which dynasty did rule over Magadha after Nanda
Dynasty?
(a) Maurya
(b) Shunga
(c) Gupta
(d) Kushana
44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (a)
Nanda dynasty of Magadha was founded after the end of
Shishunaga dynasty. There were 9 kings in Nanda dynasty(1) Ugrasen, called Mahapadma in Puranas (2) Panduk (3)
Pandugati (4) Bhootpal (5) Rastrapal (6) Govishanak (7)
Dashasiddhak (8) Kaivart (9) Dhanananda. During last
years of Nanda dynasty, people became turbulent because
of extortion and imposing heavy taxes on small items. By
taking advantage of this, Chandragupta Maurya with the
help of Chanakya killed Dhananand and established Maurya
Empire. Thus option (a) is correct.
43. Which inscription is the evidence of King Nand?
(a) Hathigumpha inscription of Kharvel
The sequence of these dynasties are as follows:Haryanka dynasty
544 BC - 412 BC
Nanda dynasty
344 BC - 321 BC
Mauryan dynasty
321 BC - 184 BC
Sunga dynasty
184 BC - 75 BC
45. Which King of Magadha is known as Aparoparashurama?
(a) Bindusara
(b) Ajatasatru
(c) Kalasoka
(d) Mahapadmananda
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010
Ans. (d)
After Shishunaga dynasty, the Nanda dynasty started ruling
Magadha. Mahapadmananda or Ugrasen was the founder of
Nanda dynasty. He was also called as Sarvakshatrantaka and
Aparoparashurama in Puranas.
46. Who was the founder of Nanda Dynasty in Magadha?
(a) Mahapadmananda
(b) Dhanananda
(c) Nandivardhan
(d) Mahanandin
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
answer from the code given below :
(c) Junagarh inscription of Rudradamana
(A) The sixth century B.C. was a period of great
(d) Ayodhya inscription of Dhandeva.
Indian History
44. Arrange the following Magadhan dynasties in the
chronological order
1. Nandas
2. Sungas
3. Mauryas
4. Haryankas
Choose the answer from the following codes :
(a) 2, 1, 4 and 3
(b) 4, 1, 3 and 2
(c) 3, 2, 1 and 4
(d) 1, 3, 4 and 2
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
47. Read the statements (A) and (B) and choose the correct
(b) Rummindei pillar inscription
Ans. (a)
Kharvel was the most important emperor of Chedi dynasty
of Kalinga. His Hathigumpha inscription is the major source
of information about his reign. The engraving of canals in
Kalinga by King Mahapadmananda is encrypted in this
inscription. It is also the first inscription which tells about
the engraving of canals. It mentions the donation of villages
to Jain monks. This inscription also mentions that Kharvel
defeated the three states Chola, Chera, and Pandyas of the
south. Thus, option (a) is the correct answer.
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010
religious upheaval in all parts of the world.
(B) The Vedic religion had become very complex.
General Studies
B–93
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Code :
(a) Both (A) and (B) are false.
(b) Both (A) and (B) are true.
(c) (A) is true, while (B) is false.
(d) (A) is false, while (B) is true.
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (b)
Many religious sects came into existence across the middle
Ganga valley of northern India during sixth century B.C.,
which witnessed an intellectual environment due to the
emergence of many new faiths and beliefs. The hermits
following different faiths started preaching their thoughts
and disclaiming each other’s philosophies. It should be noted
during that time, such type of intellectual movements was
also emerged in other countries of the world. Confucius,
Zarathustra and Pythagoras were the people who challenged
the traditional assumption in China, Iran and Greece
respectively. Vedic religion became complicated. There was
more focus on purity of Shlokas and Yajnas. As a result, the
importance of priests increased enormously. It began to spend
much money on Yajnas and also motivated animal killings.
48. Jivaka, the famous physician of the time of Mahatma
Buddha, was associated with the court of –
(a) Bimbisara
(b) Chanda Pradyota
(c) Prasenjit
(d) Udyana
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (a)
The famous historical physician Jivaka, contemporary
of Lord Buddha, was related to the court of Bimbisara.
Bimbisara had sent Jivaka to the state of Avanti’s king
Chandapradyota for medicinal service.
49. The town of Kalpi is situated on the bank of the river –
(a) Ganga
(b) Yamuna
(c) Narmada
(d) Krishna
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (b)
The town Kalpi is situated in the Jalaun district of Uttar
Pradesh on the bank of river Yamuna. During the ancient
period, it was famous as 'Kalpriya', which was later known as
Kalpi. It was built during 4 century B.C. by King Vasudeva.
50. Match List-I (A) with List-II (B) and select the correct
answer from the codes given below the lists:
List-I
List-II
(Ancient Places of U.P.)
(Capital)
A. Kuru
B–94
1. Saket
B. Panchal
2. Kaushambi
C. Kosala
D. Vatsa
Code:
A
(a) 1
(b) 4
(c) 3
(d) 4
3. Ahichhatra
4. Indraprastha
B
2
3
4
2
C
3
1
2
3
D
4
2
1
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
The location of 16 Mahajanapadas of the 6 century B.C.
th
are found in Buddhist text “Anguttara Nikaya” and Jain
text “Bhagavati Sutra”. The correctly matched list of
Mahajanapadas and their Capitals is as follows:
Mahajanapads
Capitals
Kuru
- Indraprastha
Panchal
- Ahichhatra
Kosala
- Saket
Vatsa
- Kaushambi
51. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the code given below the lists:
List–I
List-II
(Mahajanpadas)
(Capitals)
A. Matsya
1. Mathura
B. Kuru
2. Potan
C. Sursena
3. Virat Nagar
D. Asmak
4. Indraprastha
Code :
A
(a) 4
(b) 3
B
2
1
C
1
4
D
3
2
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 2
3
4
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (c)
Correct match of List-I with List-II is as follows :List–I
List-II
(Mahajanpadas)
(Capitals)
Matsya
Virat Nagar
Kuru
Indraprastha
Sursena
Mathura
Asmak
Potan
General Studies
Indian History
52. Which of the following is not correctly matched ?
(a) Anga- Champa
(b) Kosala - Ahichhatra
(c) Vatsa - Kaushambi
(d) Matsya - Viratnagar
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The capital of Kosala kingdom was Saket and Shravasti. Rest
of the other options are correctly matched.
53. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
Eartly Medieval
Present Status
Cities of Uttar Pradesh
(a) Koil
– Aligarh
(b) Mahotsav Nagar
– Mahoba
(c) Mahoday Shree
– Kannauj
(d) Jaijakbhukti
– Kaushambi
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (d)
Koil was ancient name of Aligarh. The Koil people came from
Kampilya and founded Kampilgarh which is now known as
Aligarh. Mahotsav nagar is ancient name of Mahoba which
meant city of great festival. Mahodaya shree is ancient
name of Kannauj which was capital of Harsha's empire.
Jejakabhukti was ancient name of Bundelhkhand and not
Kaushambi.
54. Who was the last King of Karnata dynasty?
(a) Harisimha
(b) Ramsimha
(c) Matisimha
(d) Shyamsimha
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
The last ruler of Karnata Dynasty was Harisimha Dev. He was
a great patron of art and literature. He was the pro founder
of Panji system.
Greek Invasion
*In the 6th century BC, there was an ambitious man named Kurush or Sairus II (558-529 BC) who established the Hakhamani
Empire in central Iran. Behistun, Parcipolis and Naksha-eRustom inscriptions are of Dara I (522-486 BC) reign. These
inscriptions provide important information about India-Persia
relations. The 23 provinces in the empire of Dara-I have been
mentioned in Behistun inscription. *Herodotus described that
India was the twentieth province of Dara’s empire. *Tessius was
the State Doctor (Rajya Vaidya) of Antarjaraksin. A new script
Indian History
named 'Kharoshti' originated out of the Iranian Aramaic script
evolved in Northwestern India as a result of the Persian relations. There were eight inheritors of Mahapadmananda found
in Puranas and Buddhist texts. *Dhanananda was the last ruler
of this dynasty who was also the contemporary of Alexander.
Greek writers referred him as Agramese. Xenophon describes
him as a wealthy person. Bhadrashal was his commander.
*After demolishing the Hakhamani Empire in 326 BC,
Alexander started his Indian campaign with a huge army.
After two years, he returned to Greek from Paatal in 325 BC.
*Ashwaka was a frontier republic at the time of the invasion
of Alexander, the capital of which was Massaga. According to
Greek writers, the women had taken up arms against Alexander
when a large number of men were killed in the war against him.
In the descriptions, it is found that Alexander killed all the
women of this town. *The realm of Puru (Porus) was located
between Jhelum and Chenab River. Alexander defeated him on
the bank of Jhelum river, but he was impressed by his courage
and became his friend and returned his state and also gifted
him some more areas.
1.
Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over
North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion ?
(a) Nanda
(b) Maurya
(c) Sunga
(d) Kanva
I.A.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (a)
There were eight inheritors of Mahapadmananda found in
Puranas and Buddhist texts. Dhanananda was the last ruler
of this dynasty who was also the contemporary of Alexander.
Greek writers referred him as Agramese. Xenophon describes
him as a wealthy person. Bhadrashal was his commander.
2.
Which one of the following rulers of Magadha was the
contemporary of Alexander, the Great ?
(a) Mahapadmananda
(b) Dhanananda
(c) Sukalpa
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
3.
Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A) : After campaigning for nearly two years,
Alexander, the Great, left India in 325
B.C.
Reason (R) : He was defeated by Chandra Gupta
Maurya.
General Studies
B–95
Select the correct answer from the codes 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. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
After demolishing the Hakhamani empire in 326 BC,
Alexander started his Indian campaign with a huge army.
After two years, he returned to Greek from Paatal in 325 BC.
But he was not defeated by Chandragupta Maurya. Thus,
Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
4.
The women of which Indian republic or kingdom had
taken up arms against Alexander after a large number of
its soldiers had been killed or wounded in the battlefield ?
(a) Abhisara
(b) Glausai
(c) Katha
(d) Massaga
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (d)
Ashwaka was a frontier republic at the time of the invasion of
Alexander, whose capital was Massaga. According to Greek
writers, the women had taken up arms against Alexander
when a large number of men were killed in the war against
him. This description described that Alexander had killed all
the women of this town.
5.
Alexander’s success in India was due to the following :
1 . There was no central power in India at that time
2. He had a superior army
3. He was helped by the traitorous Indian rulers
4. He was a good administrator
Select the correct answer from the following code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) All the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (b)
The first three reasons given behind the success of Alexander
in India are correct. Dr. Hemachandra Rai Chaudhary had
mentioned 28 independent powers of that time. It means there
was no central authority in India at that time. Undoubtedly
his (Alexander) army was superior. Many Indian traitor kings
like Ambhi supported him. Being good administrator was
not a reason behind his victory over India. Thus, option (b)
is the correct answer.
B–96
6.
Name the brave Indian King whom Alexander defeated
on the bank of river Jhelum.
(a) Ambhi
(b) Porus
(c) Chandragupta Maurya (d) Mahapadma Nanda
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (b)
The realm of Puru (Porus) was located between Jhelum and
Chenab river. Alexander defeated him on the bank of Jhelum
river, but he was impressed by his courage and became his
friend and returned his state and also gifted him some more
areas.
7.
Who one of the following had not come to India with
Alexander?
(a) Nearchus
(b) Onesicritus
(c) Deimachus
(d) Aristobulus
U.P.P.C.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
Deimachus had not come to India with Alexander. According
to Strabo, Seleucid emperor Antiochus sent his ambassador
in the court of Bindusara named as Deimachus.
8.
The foremost Indo-Roman trading station in Eastern
India was :
(a) Rajgir
(b) Arikamedu
(c) Bhagrapir
(d) Tamluk
Ans (b)
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Arikamedu (Puducherry) was an important Indo-Roman
trading station in eastern India. Amphora jars and Arretine
ware have been found from here.
Maurya Empire
*Chandragupta Maurya is considered as one of the greatest
emperors of India. He was the first emperor who brought
together the small fragmented kingdoms of the country and
combined them into a single vast empire. He expanded his
empire to the edge of what is now known as Iran. He was the one
who first unified India politically. Kautilya had an exceptional
contribution to the establishment of Mauryan dynasty. He
was well known as ‘Vishnugupta’ and ‘Chanakya.’ When
Chandragupta Maurya had the responsibility of united Indian
empire as emperor, Kautilya served as prime minister, advisor
and chief priest. He was the pioneer scholar of political science
and also known for his famous book ‘‘Arthashastra”. This is
one of the oldest book which is based on the political condition
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
of India. *In the Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman of
Third Buddhist Council was held in “Pataliputra” during the
150 A.D., there is a description of the construction of a dam
reign of Ashoka. The chairperson of this Buddhist Council was
for irrigation by ‘Pushyagupta’, a provincial governor of
Moggaliputta Tissa, the famous Buddhist mendicant. *Asho-
Chandragupta Maurya, in the state of Anarta and Saurashtra
kan inscriptions describe the history of Ashoka properly. The
(Gujarat). It proves that this part of western India was
inscription can be divided into three classes;
included in the Mauryan Empire. Chandragupta defeated the
(1) Rock inscription/petrograph
invading army of the ruler of the Eastern part of Alexander's
(2) Column inscription
empire Seleucus, in 305 BC. *Mudrarakshasa authored by
(3) Cave inscription
Vishakhdutta provides the various information about the reign
Rock inscription is the group of 14 various inscriptions which
of Chandragupta Maurya. Dhundiraja had written a commentary
were found at eight different places – Shahbazgarhi, Mansehra,
on Mudhrarakshasa. In this drama, Chandragupta is described
Kalsi, Girnar, Dhauli, Jaugada, Yerraguddi and Sopara. *Most
as the son of Nandraja. This book depicts Chandragupta as
of the inscriptions of Ashoka are written in Prakrit language
"Vrishal" and "Kulheen". Besides Mudrarakshasa, two other
and Brahmi script, only two inscriptions, Shahbajgarhi and
works Vishakhadatta are - Devichandraguptam and Abhisari
Mansehra are in Kharoshti script. *One ruined inscription,
Kavanchitakataken or Abhisarika- bandhitkam (unfounded).
written in Aramaic script is found from Taxila. Shar-i-Kuna
*William Jones was the first scholar who recognized
(Kandhar Inscription) is in the bilingual (Greek Aramaic)
Sandrokottos as Chandra Gupta Maurya. *Aerian and Plutarch
script.
also described him as Androkottus. Justin, a Greek writer,
*Ashoka built the first hospital and herbal garden in India.
described the meeting of Sandrokottos and Alexander the Great.
He established hospitals, public gardens, and gardens for the
*Greek writers have addressed Bindusara as ‘Amitrochates’,
growing of medicinal herbs. He also organized digging of wells
as per the scholars - the Sanskrit form of Amitrochates is
and planting of a tree for shades.
Amitraghat (killer of enemies). Jain texts call him ‘Sim-
*Sri Lanka was not the part of Ashoka’s territory. The second
hasena’. In Jain texts, the name of the mother of Bindusara was
inscription of Ashoka clarifies that Chola, Pandayas,
‘Durdhara’. According to Divyavadana, there was a revolt in
Sattiyaputta, Keralaputta and Tamraparni (Sri Lanka) were
Taxila(Takshashila) in the time of Bindusara, for which he sent
not the part of Mauryan reign. That’s why they were called
his son Ashoka to suppress it. *According to Strabo, Antiochus
edge states. Some of the names of officials were found from
sent Deimachus as an ambassador to Bindusara’s court. *Ac-
the edicts of Ashoka, which are mentioned below –
cording to Pliny, King of Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt
YUKTA – These were the district officials who used to collect
sent Dionysus as an ambassador to Mauryan’s court. Bindusara
revenue.
demanded three items from the ruler of Syria. These items were
RAJJUKA – Rajjuka was a category of officials in the rural
- sweet wines, dry figs and philosopher. Antiochus sent all the
area which worked as surveyors.
other things except philosophers to Bindusara.
PRADESHIKA – It was a top official of the division. It can
According to Buddhist evidence, Ashoka was appointed as the
be compared with the current divisional commissioner. They
viceroy of Avanti (Ujjayini) during his father’s reign. *Except
used to perform judicial work also.
Assam and Deep South, entire India was under Ashoka’s em-
*The convoy of merchants was called as Sarthwah which is
pire. *Ashoka sat on the throne of Magadha around 269B.C. *In
described in “Arthashastra” by Kautilya.
his inscriptions everywhere he is called ‘Devanampiya’,
*Sarnath Pillar was constructed by Ashoka. On top of this
‘Devanapiyadasi’, which means 'Beloved of the Gods'. Ashoka
pillar, the shape of the lion is built which is the symbol of
announced the logical and practical ‘Dhamma Niti’ to be
power. This replica is taken by the Indian government as its
followed by his pupils easily. *Ashoka’s ‘Dhamma’ is based
national emblem. These pillars are the best example of Mauryan
on ethical principles which were not
related to any commu-
architecture. *In 1837, James Prinsep became the first
nity but declared for the welfare of humanity. *According to
scholar who deciphered Ashoka’s inscription (Brahmi script).
Sinhalese folklore – “Dipavamsa” and “Mahavamsa”, the
The edicts in Brahmi script mentioned a King Devanampiya
Indian History
General Studies
B–97
Piyadassi which Prinsep initially assumed was a Sri Lankan
or Turamaya (Ptolemy II Philadelphus – The ruler of Egypt),
King. Later, the fact was revealed that according to Singhali
Antakini or Anikini (Antigonus Gonatas – The ruler of
hearsay, Dipvamsa and Mahavamsha, the sobriquet was used
Macedonia), Mag, Makmaas or Megaras (The ruler of
for Ashoka. At last in 1915, Maski inscription (Karnataka)
finalised the name of ‘Ashoka.’ *Kharoshti script was written
from right to left in ancient India. It is mainly the script of
north-west India.
*Ashoka visited Lumbini after 20th year his coronation. To
mark the birthplace of Buddha, the pillar at Rummindei was
erected along with some sacred stone structure. He exempted
religious tax on Lumbini as it was the birthplace of Buddha and
reduced the rate of land revenue from 1/6 to 1/8.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The name of Ashoka is mentioned in Gujjara minor rock
edict located in Datia district, Madhya Pradesh. It was laid at
the main road through Ujjain to Bharuch.
*Victory in Kalinga war was the greatest event of Ashoka’s
reign. The 13th rock edict provides clear evidence of Kalinga
war. It says King Piyadasi (Ashoka) conquered Kalinga, eight
years after his coronation, i.e. in 261 BC. He felt deep remorse
for having conquered Kalinga on this edict. The reasons which
prompted Ashoka to invade Kalinga were both political and
economical. The territory of Kalinga was like a bridge between
north and south. People of Kalinga dominated the Indian
Ocean and controlled the overseas trade. Their supremacy on
the eastern seacoast virtually closed the sea routes in the east
for the Magadhan merchants. Similarly, the land routes for
internal trade from the Gangetic valley toward Deccan were also
controlled by Kalinga. If Kalinga remained independent, the
overseas and land trades of Magadha would be affected. That is
why it was necessary to invade Kalinga for Mauryan dynasty.
*In the first rock edict, Ashok inscribed as- "here no living
beings are to be slaughtered or offered in sacrifice". Formerly
in the kitchen of King Piyadasi, hundreds of thousands of
animals were killed every day to make curry. But now with
the writing of this Dhamma edict, only three animals, two
peacocks, and a deer are killed and even the deer not always.
And in future, not even these three creatures will be killed.”
*The rock edict second and thirteen of Ashoka tells us about
the Sangam Kingdom of Chola, Pandya, Satiyaputta and
Kerelaputta. 13 inscription of Ashoka provides information
th
Cyrene), Alik Sundar or Aliero Sentro (Alexander Epirus or
the king of Epirus). *The earliest known copper plate, known
as Sohgaura is a Mauryan record that mentions earliest royal
order to preserve the food-grains to be utilized during the
famine in the country. *The other, the Mahasthan inscription
of Bogre district also describes the relief measures adopted
during a famine in the region. The earliest epigraphic record
of land grants on the basis of religion in India is found in the
inscription of Satavahana. Mauryan emperors did not grant any
land on religious basis.
*From the perspective of architecture, the Stupa of Sanchi
is considered as best. Sanchi is located in Raisen district of
Madhya Pradesh. This stupa was built by Ashoka. *The stupa
of Bharhut is situated in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh,
which is dated approx 3rd century B.C. Both Sanchi and Bharhut
stupas were discovered by Alexander Cunningham. *Amravati
Stupa is located on the right bank of Krishna river in the Guntur
district of Andhra Pradesh. Lord Mackenzie traced this Stupa
in 1797. *Dhamekh Stupa of Varanasi is related with Gupta
period. Bhabru inscription proves Ashoka as Buddhist.
In the same inscription, he referred to himself as ‘Piyadasi
Raja’ Magadha, i.e. the king of Magadha. After accepting
the Buddhist religion, Ashoka stopped hunting and started
pilgrimage trips. First, he visited Bodhgaya. The sequence of
his religious trip is- Lumbini, Kapilvastu, Bodhgaya, Sarnath,
Kushingara, Shravasti.*The name of the five provinces of the
Mauryan Empire is found on the Ashokan inscriptions –
Province
Capital
Uttarapatha
Taxila
Avantiratha
Ujjayini
Kalinga
Tosli
Dakshinapatha
Suvarnagiri
Prachyapatha
Pataliputra
*Megasthenese was a Greek historian who came to India
in the fourth century B.C. as a representative or ambassador
of Seleucus Nicator. He lived in the court of Chandragupta
Maurya for five years. He has written about contemporary
that he had a cordial relation with five Yavana kings namely-
India and also about Chandragupta's reign in his book entitled
Antioch (Antiochus II Theos – the ruler of Syria), Turmaya
“Indica.” *Municipal administration of Pataliputra town is
B–98
General Studies
Indian History
described in Magesthense’s ‘Indica.’ *According to this book,
"Purmukhya". *Megasthenese mentioned six committees
Pataliputra was governed by a 30 member municipal council.
of five members municipal council of Pataliputra. Its third
It was divided into six main committees which had five
committee maintained the record of registration of birth
members each. The 6th board was responsible for the collection
and death certifi cates. This job is still carried out by
of sales tax. This board made sure that every citizen must pay
one-tenth of their earning as sales taxes to the government.
The culprits were punished with a death sentence. He called
the town officials as 'Astynomoi'.
*Megasthenese divided Mauryan society into seven categories
which are as follows :
(1) Philosophers (2) Farmers (3) Herdsmen (4) Artisans
(5) Military (Soldier) (6) Overseers or Spies (7) Assessors.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Megasthenese does not mention slavery in India. According to
him, no one could marry outside his caste, and no one could
take to an occupation other than the one fixed for his caste.
*Mauryan emperors played a major role in the development
of culture, art and literature. Chandragupta’s empire spread
over from Iran in the north-west to present north Karnataka in
the south. “Bhaga” and “Bali” were the sources of revenue
in ancient India. According to Arthashastra, King was the
owner of the land. He had a share in produce from the land.
This tax was known as ‘Bhaga’ whereas ‘Bali was also a
source of revenue.
*Agronomoi was known as district officers. Shulkadhyaksha
used to collect various trade and service tax and Akradhyaksha
controlled mines. The maintenance of crown land was done
by Sitadhyaksha in Mauryan period. Revenue collected
through this tax was known as 'Sita'. *Revenue collection
was regulated by Samaharta in Mauryan ministerial council.
*Antapal looked after border forts while the Pradeshtha
was an administrator of commissionaries. *Mauryan officer
Pautavadhyaksha was in charge of weights and measures
while Panyadhyaksha was the in charge of the Commerce
Department, and Sunadhyaksha was the chief of the
slaughterhouse. *‘Pankodakasannirodhe’ was the penalty
in Mauryan administration for throwing dirt or causing mud
and water to collect on the roads. *The Arthashastra mentions
two types of courts:
*Dharmasthiya which is analogous with modern civil
courts and Kantakshodhana which is analogous to modern
criminal courts.
*The town administration was governed by municipalities
during the Mauryan period, whose chief was ‘Nagrak’ or
Indian History
municipal administration. *Arthashastra allows the divorce
to a wife deserted by her husband. Divorce was prevalent in
the Mauryan period. Wife had the right to divorce on the basis
of long abroad stay off her husband and being physically
handicapped. Similarly, the husband had also the right to
leave his wife for being barren or adulteress. *The system
to govern villages through autonomous elected panchayats
was evolved by Cholas. This custom was the base of village
administration during that time. Village Assembly was
independent to take any decision regarding any matter related
to the village in the Mauryan period.
*It is mentioned clearly in Manusmriti that a widower, whose
wife is dead, could remarry but a widow whose husband is
dead, was not permitted for remarriage.
The foreign invaders who did not follow priestly customs or
local traditions (Shakas, Kushans Hunas, Pratihar) were stated
as ‘Fallen Kshatriyas’ in Manusmriti.
*Last Mauryan emperor was Brihadratha. Brihadratha was
assassinated by his commander/lieutenant Pushyamitra
Shunga in 184 B.C. Pushyamitra Shunga established a new
dynasty which is known as Shunga Dynasty. Pushyamitra
Shunga was a fanatic Brahmin. He completed two Ashwamedh
Yajnas. These two events were organised in the supervision of
Patanjali, who wrote Mahabhashya.
*The last king of Shunga dynasty, Devabhuti was killed
by a conspiracy of his ‘Amatya’ Vasudeva. According to
Vayupurana, the last ruler of the Kanva dynasty, Susharma
was deposed by his Andhrian servant Simuk.
1.
First Indian Empire was established by:(a) Kanishka
(b) Harsh
(c) Chandra Gupta Maurya (d) Samundragupta
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Chandragupta Maurya is considered as one of the greatest
emperors of India. He was the first emperor who brought
together the small fragmented kingdoms of the country and
combined them into a single large empire. He expanded his
empire to the edge of what is now known as Iran. He was
the one who first unified India politically.
General Studies
B–99
2.
The first Empire was established by which ruler in
6.
India?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka
(c) Kanishka
(d) Chandragupta II Vikramaditya
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020
Ans (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Which among the following is India’s oldest dynasty?
(a) Gupta
(b) Maurya
(c) Vardhana
(d) Kushana
Uttarakhand Lower Sub. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
dynasty because its ruled from 321 B.C. to 184 BC. It was
established by Chandragupta Maurya. Afterwards, Kushan
dynasty, Gupta dynasty (275 to 550 CE) and Vardhana
dynasty ruled over ancient India.
Chandragupta Maurya figures prominently in the book
of –
(a) Bhasa
(b) Sudraka
(c) Vishakhadatta
(d) Ashvaghosha
46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
Mudrarakshasa authored by Vishakhadatta provides various
information about the reign of Chandragupta Maurya.
Dhundiraja had written a commentary on Mudrarakshasa. In
this drama, Chandragupta is described as the son of Nandraja.
This book depicts Chandragupta as "Vrishal" and "Kulheen".
5.
Who recognized Sandrokottos as Chandra Gupta
Maurya?
(a) William Jones
(b) V. Smith
(c) R. K. Mukherjee
(d) D. R. Bhandarkar
48 to 52 B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
th
nd
Ans. (a)
William Jones was the first scholar who recognised
Sandrokottos as Chandra Gupta Maurya. Aerian and Plutarch
also described him as Androkottus.
B–100
Justin, a Greek writer, described the meeting of Sandrokottos
and Alexander the Great.
Who was called as 'Sandrocottos' by Justin, the Greek
Writer?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Chandragupta I
(c) Chandragupta II
(d) Samudragupta
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
Among the above options, Mauryan dynasty is India’s oldest
4.
Ans. (b)
7.
See the explanation of above question.
3.
Who of the following mentions about the meeting
of Sandrokottos (Chandragupta Maurya) with
Alexander, the Great
(a) Pliny
(b) Justin
(c) Strabo
(d) Megasthenese
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
8.
Kautilya was prime minister of –
(a) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
(b) Ashoka
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) King Janak
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Kautilya had an unforgettable contribution in the establishment
of Mauryan dynasty. He was well known as ‘Vishnugupta’
and ‘Chanakya.’ When Chandragupta Maurya had the
responsibility of united Indian empire as emperor, Kautilya
served as prime minister, advisor and chief priest. He was
the pioneer scholar of political science and also known for
his famous book ‘’Arthashastra”. This is one of the oldest
books which is based on the political condition of India.
9.
By which name was Chanakya known in his childhood ?
(a) Ajaya
(b) Chanakya
(c) Vishnugupta
(d) Deogupta
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (c)
Sage Chanak gave his son the name Chanakya. The ancient
Arthashastra has been traditionally attributed to Chanakya
by a number of scholars. Arthashastra identifies its author by
the name of Kautilya, except for one verse that refers to him
by the name of Vishnugupta. In the question, the name of
Chanakya in childhood is asked, so, from the above-options
Vishnugupta is found to be the most appropriate answer.
General Studies
Indian History
According to researcher Trobman, Chanakya or Kautilya is
presumably the name of the author’s gotra (Clan).
10. Another name of Chanakya was :
(a) Bhattswami
(b) Vishnugupta
(c) Rajshekhar
(d) Vishakhdatta
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
11. The Arthashastra of Kautilya is a
(a) Play about Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Biography
(c) History of Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Book on Principles of Government
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Ans. (d)
Arthashastra by Kautilya is the treatise on polity during
the Mauryan monarch/kingdom. The Saptang theory of
the state was firstly introduced in it, which includes the
seven elements of the states, these are – The King (Swami),
Minister (Amatya), Territory (Janpada), Fort (Durg), Treasury
(Kosa), Army (Danda) and Allies (Mitra). Arthashastra gives
its detailed description about the then administration and
agrarian system.
12. Kautilya's Arthashastra is a book on -:
(a) economic relations
(b) principles and practice of statecraft
(c) foreign policy
(d) wealth accumulation
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Ans (e)
See the explanation of above question.
13. Which one of the following is the seventh part of the
State according to Saptang Theory of State?
(a) Janapada
(b) Durga
(c) Mitra
(d) Kosha
U.P.P.C.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
According to Saptang Theory of State, Mitra (Ally) is the
seventh part of the state ; Ally is like the ear of the state.
Allies of King assist him in peace and war. In this context,
Kautilya differentiates between idealistic and fake allies.
Natural is better than artificial. Any King, whose friend is
greedy, prurient and coward, ruin is inevitable.
Indian History
14. Kautilya’s Arthashastra deals with the aspects of –
(a) Economic life
(b) Political policies
(c) Religious life
(d) Social life
45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
Arthashastra renders a wide range of information about
Mauryan dynasty. This is the unique saga of political policies.
15. Which of the following can be compared to ‘Prince’ of
Machiavelli ?
(a) Kalidasa's 'Malvikagnimitram'
(b) Kautilya's 'Arthashastra'
(c) Vatsyayana's 'Kamasutra'
(d) Thiruvalluvar's 'Thirukkural'
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
Arthashastra is the unique book of political science which
is compared with "Prince" of Machiavelli, the great Italian
thinker.
16. Deimachus came to India during the reign of –
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Ashoka
(d) Kanishka
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
According to Strabo, Syrian king Antiochus-Soter sent
his ambassador Deimachus to the court of Bindusara. He
replaced Megasthenes.
17. Chandragupta’s palace situated at Pataliputra is
mainly made up of –
(a) Bricks
(b) Stones
(c) Woods
(d) Clays
41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
The archaeological remains of the Mauryan period have
been discovered in Bulandibagh and Kumrahar near
Patna (Ancient Pataliputra). It is known that the palace of
Chandragupta Maurya was made of woods. The excavation
was carried out by D.B. Spooner. The remains of the
city wall from Bulandibagh and the remains of palace
from Kumhrar have been found during the excavation.
18. The remains of which ancient city have been found at
the Kumrahar site ?
(a) Vaishali
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Kapilavastu
(d) Shravasti
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
B–101
19. Bulandibagh was ancient site of :
(a) Kapilavastu
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Vaishali
(d) Varanasi
Ans. (c)
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
20. Who amongst the following Mauryan rulers did
conquer the Deccan?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Chandragupta
(c) Bindusara
(d) Kunala
46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2003
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (b)
The founder of the Mauryan dynasty, Chandragupta Maurya
conquered the Deccan plateau. Jain and Tamil sources
inscriptions found at various sites of southern India proved
that Chandragupta Maurya expanded his empire into Deccan
trap. Inscriptions of Ashoka were also found from many sites
of the southern part of India, but he conquered the Kalinga
only. In this situation, Chandragupta should be given the
credit of Deccan Victory as Victory of Bindusara is doubtful
and history never remembered him as a victor.
21. Who was the first king to conquer Malwa, Gujarat and
Maharashtra?
(a) Harsh
(b) Skandgupta
(c) Vikramaditya
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (d)
The unification of India had taken proper shape in the
leadership of Chandragupta Maurya. Early victories of
Chandragupta Maurya stretched his boundaries from
Beas to Indus river. Inscription of Rudradaman proved
his sovereignty over Western India. The unified Mauryan
empire extended from Bengal and Assam in the east to
modern-day Afghanistan in the west, to Kashmir and
Nepal in the north and the Deccan plateau in the south.
22. The Inscription which proves Chandragupta’s sway
over western India is:
(a) Kalinga Rock Inscription
(b) Girnar Rock Inscription of Ashoka
(c) Junagarh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman
(d) Sopara Rock Inscription of Ashoka
B–102
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
The description of the construction of irrigation dam by
Mauryan provincial governor “Pushyagupta” was found from
the Junagarh rock inscription of Rudradaman which clearly
proves that this western part of India was once the part of
Mauryan empire.
23. In which of the following metals the Karddamaka
Kdshatrapas issued and very rare coins?
(a) Copper
(b) Silver
(c) Potin
(d) Gold
U.P.B.E.O. (Pre.) 2019
Ans. (a)
Karddamaka ruler's coinage can be categorised into two
categories. 1st are those silver coins, which were quite
frequent during the kshatrapas rule. 2nd are potin coins.
Karddamaka ruler Chastana issued both silver & copper coin.
Question is asked about rare coins, so correct answer will
be option (a) copper, as copper coins were quite rare during
Karddamaka rulers reign.
24. That Gujarat was included in the Kingdom of
Chandragupta Maurya is proved by
(a) Greek accounts
(b) Junagarh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman
(c) Jain tradition
(d) Pillar Edict II of Ashoka
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
25. Which Indian king defeated Seleucus, the administrator
of Sindh and Afghanistan appointed by Alexander (a) Samudragupta
(b) Ashok
(c) Bindusar
(d) Chandragupta
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
Chandragupta Maurya defeated the invader army of Seleucus
in 305 BC. Seleucus was the governor of the eastern
Macedonian empire.
26. In which year Chandragupta Maurya had defeated
Seleucus?
(a) 317 B.C.
(b) 315 B.C.
(c) 305 B.C.
(d) 300 B.C.
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
27. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List-I
List-II
(Samudra Gupta's
(Their Kingdoms)
Contemporary Kings)
A. Dhananjaya
1. Avamukta
B. Nilaraja
2. Kanchi
C. Ugrasena
3. Kushalpura
D. Vishnugopa
4. Palaka
Codes :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 2
1
4
3
(c) 3
1
4
2
(d) 4
3
2
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (c)
The correctly matched list is as follows List-I
List-II
(Samudra Gupta's
(Their Kingdoms)
Contemporary Kings)
Dhananjaya
Kushalpura
Nilaraja
Avamukta
Ugrasena
Palaka
Vishnugopa
Kanchi
The given map is related to Ashoka. Ashoka’s rock and pillar
edicts give us the correct information about his empire. The
whole India came under the kingdom of Ashoka, except
Assam and some of the southern part of India.
29. Who established ‘Rajdharma’ on triplex bases of
longanimity, liberty and compassion ?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Akbar
(c) Ranjit Singh
(d) Shivaji
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
Ashoka announced the logical and practical ‘Dhamma Niti’
to be followed by his pupils easily. Ashoka’s ‘Dhamma’
is based on ethical principles which were not related to
any community but declared for welfare of the humanity.
Longanimity, liberty and compassion were triplex bases.
30. Which one territory of the following was not a part of
Ashoka’s empire?
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Bihar
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) Kalinga
42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
Sri Lanka was not part of Ashoka’s territory. The second
inscription of Ashoka clarifies that Chola, Pandayas,
Sattiyaputta, Keralaputta and Tamraparni (Sri Lanka) were
not the part of Mauryan reign. That’s why they were called
as edge states.
28. The given map relates to :
31. Ashoka won the Avanti Mahajapad and merged in the
Mauryan empire during Bindusara ruled. What text
does it refer to?
(a) Samant Pasadika of Buddha Ghosh
(b) Arthashastra of Kautilya
(c) Ashtadhyayi of Panini
(d) Mahabhashya of Patanjali
Ans (a)
(a) Kaniska at the time of his death.
(b) Samudragupta after the close of his South Indian
campaign.
(c) Ashoka towards the close of his reign.
(d) Empire of Thaneswar on the eve of Harsha’s accession.
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (c)
Indian History
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020
Ashoka won the Avanti Mahajanpad and merged it in the
Mauryan empire during Bindusara rule. This is mentioned
in the Samant Pasadika written by Buddha Ghosh.
32. In which of the following inscriptions of Ashoka,
mention has been made of South Indian kingdoms?
(a) Third Major Rock Edict
(b) Second Major Rock Edict
(c) Ninth Major Rock Edict
(d) First Pillar Inscription
General Studies
B–103
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (b)
There are 14 major rock edicts of Ashoka. Major Rock Edict
II, describes the presence of Pandyas, Sattiyaputta, Keralputta
and Tamraparni kingdom of South India.
33. India’s first hospital and herbal gardens were built by ?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Chandragupta Maurya
(c) Lord Mahavir
(d) Dhanvantari
U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (a)
Ashoka built the first hospital and herbal garden in India.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
He founded hospitals, public gardens, and gardens for the
growing of medicinal herbs. He also organized digging of
wells and planting of a tree for shades and created a ministry
for the care of the aborigines and subject races of India.
34. “In spite of being Buddhist, Ashoka did not leave belief
in Hinduism” validation of this fact is:–
(a) Pilgrims
(b) Belief in Moksha
(c) Epithet of “Devanampriya.”
(d) establishment of veterinary hospitals
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (c)
The coronation of Ashoka was held in 269 B.C. He was
named as ‘Devanampriya,’ ‘Devanampriyadarshi’ in his
inscription which means beloved of Gods or handsome by
looks. This indicates his belief in Hindu religion.
36. A Buddhist Council during the reign of Ashoka was
held at –
(a) Magadha
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Samastipur
(d) Rajgriha
45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
37. The following Mauryan rulers were the followers of
Buddhism –
1. Chandragupta
2. Ashoka
3. Bindusara
4. Dasaratha
Select the correct answer –
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4
(e) 1 and 3
Chhattisgarh P.C.S (Pre) 2013
Ans. (d)
Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha were the followers of
Buddhism. Dasaratha also adopted the title “Devanama” as
his grandfather Ashoka.
38. Rajjuka’s were:
(a) Traders in the Chola Kingdom
(b) Officers in the Mauryan administration
(c) Feudal Lords in the Gupta empire
(d) Soldiers in the Saka army
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (b)
‘Rajjuka’ officials were mentioned on the edicts of Ashoka.
Rajjukas were categories of officials in the rural areas, who
worked as surveyors combined with judicial functions with
assessment duties.
35. Which of the following sources mention the occurrence of
the third Buddhist Council during the reign of Ashoka:
1. Inscriptions of Ashoka
2. Dipavamsa
3. Mahavamsa
4. Divyavadana
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2
(b) 2, 3
(c) 3, 4
(d) 1, 4
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (b)
39. What was “Sarthwah” ?
(a) Brokers
(b) Convoy of Merchants
(c) Moneylender
(d) Pilgrims
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (b)
According to Sinhalese folklore –“Dipavamsa” and
“Mahavamsa”, the Third Buddhist Council was held in
“Pataliputra” during the reign of Ashoka. The chairperson of
this Buddhist Council was Moggaliputta Tissa, the famous
Buddhist mendicant.
40. Which one of the following officials was not a part of
the Mauryan administration?
(a) Agraharika
(b) Yukta
(c) Pradeshika
(d) Rajjuka
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2013
Ans. (a)
B–104
The convoy of merchants was called as Sarthwah which is
described in “Arthashastra” by Kautilya.
General Studies
Indian History
Some of the names of officials were found from the edicts
of Ashoka. His 3rd edicts Mentioned three (3) officers which
are mentioned below –
YUKTA – These were the district officials there to collect
revenue.
RAJJUKA – Rajjuka was a category of officials in the rural
area which worked as surveyors.
PRADESHIKA – He was a top official of the division. He
can be compared with the modern day commissioner. They
used to performed judicial work also.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
41. Sarnath Pillar was built by –
(a) Harshavardhana
(b) Ashoka
(c) Gautam Buddha
(d) Kanishka
(a) Bimbisara
(c) Harshavardhana
(b) Ashoka
(d) Pusyamitra
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
44. Who constructed the ‘Sanchi Stupa’?
(a) Chandragupta
(b) Kautilya
(c) Gautam Buddha
(d) Ashoka
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
Sarnath Pillar was constructed by Ashoka. On top of this
pillar, the shape of the lion is built which is the symbol of
power. This replica is taken by the Indian government as its
national sign. These pillars are the best example of Mauryan
architecture. All columns of the Mauryan era are constructed
from sandstones of Chunar.
42. Which one of the following is considered the best Stupa ?
45. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
by using the codes given below :
List-I (Place)
List-II (Monuments/Ruins)
A. Kaushambi
1. Dhamek Stupa
B. Kushinagar
2. Ghositarama Monastery
C. Sarnath
3. Ranabhar Stupa
D. Shravasti
4. Sahet-Mahet
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a)
2
1
3
4
(a) Amravati
(b) Bharhut
(b)
4
3
2
1
(c) Sanchi
(d) Sarnath
(c)
2
3
1
4
(d)
4
2
1
3
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (c)
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
From the perspective of architecture, the Stupa of Sanchi is
Ans. (c)
considered as the best. Sanchi is located in Raisen district of
The correctly matched list is as follows :
Madhya Pradesh. This stupa was built by Ashoka. It is famous
List-I (Place)
across the world for its stupas, monasteries, temples and
Kaushambi
-
Ghositarama Monastery
pillars, which dated back to the 3 century B.C. Thus option
Kushinagar
-
Ranabhar Stupa
(c) is the right answer. The stupa of Bharhut is situated in
Sarnath
-
Dhamek Stupa
Shravasti
-
Sahet-Mahet
rd
Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. Sanchi and Bharhut stupas
were discovered by Alexander Cunningham. Amravati Stupa
is located on the right bank of Krishna river in the Guntur
district of Andhra Pradesh. Lord Mackenzie traced this
Stupa in 1797. Dhamekh Stupa of Varanasi is related with
the Gupta period. This stupa is designed on the flat surface
of the ruthless plain.
43. Who of the following ruler constructed the ‘Sanchi
Stupa’?
Indian History
List-II (Monuments/Ruins)
46. Who among the following had made Varanasi his
second capital?
(a) Ajatshatru
(b) Kalashok
(c) Mahapadmanand
(d) Shishunag
U.P. P.C.S. (GIC) 2017
Ans. (*)
General Studies
B–105
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Varanasi was the capital of Kashi Mahajanapada in 6th
Century BC. Bindusar, the ruler of Haryank dynasty, got
Kashi as dowry by marrying Mahakoshala (the sister of
Kosala king Prasenjit). Later, when Shishunag made Girivraj,
his capital (Shishunag made Vaishali his second capital) at
that time he appointed his son as the Deputy king of Varanasi.
So, it is not clear who made Varanasi his second capital. It
is noteworthy that UPPSC has considered option (d) as the
correct answer.
47. In the course of pilgrimage, Emperor Ashoka visited
the following places. Which route did he follow ?
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
1. Gaya
2. Kapilavastu
3. Kushinagar
4. Lumbini
5. Sarnath
6. Shravasti
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
(b) 1, 3, 4, 2, 5 and 6
(c) 4, 5, 6, 3, 2 and 1
(d) 4, 2, 1, 5, 3 and 6
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
After accepting the Buddhist religion, Ashoka stopped
hunting and started pilgrimage trips. He went to Bodhgaya
after 10 years of his coronation and Rummandai after 20
years. Historian Vincent Arthur Smith has placed dhamma
voyage (dhamma yatra) in Ashoka with upgupta his book
Indian legends of Ashoka based on historical facts in the
following order - Lumbini, Kapilvastu, Bodhgaya, Sarnath,
Kushinagar, Shravasti.
48. Language used in the inscriptions of Ashoka is ?
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Prakrit
(c) Pali
(d) Hindi
44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (b)
Ashokan inscriptions describe the history of Ashoka properly.
The inscription can be divided into three classes;
(1) Rock inscription / petrograph
(2) Column inscription
(3) Cave inscription.
Rock inscription is the group of 14 various inscriptions which
were found at eight different places –
Shahbazgarhi, Mansehra, Kalsi, Girnar, Dhauli, Jaugada,
Yerraguddi and Sopara. Most of the inscription of Ashoka
are written in Prakrit language and Brahmi script, only two
inscriptions, Shahbajgarhi and Mansehra’s are in Kharoshti
script. One ruined inscription, written in Aramaic script,
found from Taxila. Shar-i-Kuna (Kandhar Inscription) is
in the bilingual (Greek-Aramaic) script while one Aramaic
script of Ashokan inscription was obtained from Laghman.
B–106
49. Which one of the following Ashokan inscription is in
“Kharosthi” script?
(a) Khalsi
(b) Girnar
(c) Shahbazgarhi
(d) Meerut
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
50. The earliest inscription on stone was in which language?
(a) Pali
(b) Sanskrit
(c) Prakrit
(d) Brahmi
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
51. Ashokan inscriptions in north-western part of the
Mauryan Empire near Peshawar were in:
(a) Brahmi Script
(b) Aramaic Script
(c) Devanagari Script (d) Kharoshthi Script
Ans (d)
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Most of the inscription of Ashoka are written in Parkrit
language and Brahmi script, only two inscription,
Shahbajagarhi and Manshera's (Kyber Pakhtunkhwa province
near Peshawar, Pakistan) are in Kharoshthi script.
52. Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was
written from right to left?
(a) Brahmi
(b) Sharada
(c) Kharosthi
(d) Nandanagari
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (c)
The Kharosthi Script in an ancient script used by the ancient
Gandhara culture of South Asia primarily in modern-day
Afghanistan & Pakistan Kharoshti was A cursive script
written from right to left.
53. The Brahmi script was first deciphered by letters
inscribed on –
(a) Stone tablets
(b) Seal
(c) Pillars
(d) Coins
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (a)
The Brahmi script was first deciphered through the letters
inscribed on stone tablets. Sir James Prinsep was the first
philologist who accomplished the task of deciphering the
script of Ashokan inscription so, option (a) is the correct
answer.
General Studies
Indian History
54. The first scholar who read Ashokan edicts was –
(a) Buhler
(b) Robert Sebel
(c) James Prinsep
(d) Cordriguttan
U.P.P.C.S. (GIC) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
55. Ashokan inscriptions were first deciphered by
(a) James Prinsep
(b) George Buhler
(c) Vincent Smith
(d) Ahmad Hasan Dani
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
56. Who first deciphered the Brahmi script ?
(a) A. Cunningham
(b) A.H. Dani
(c) Buhler
(d) James Prinsep
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
57. Who was the First Britisher to study Ashoka’s edicts?
(a) John Tower
(b) Harry Smith
(c) Charles Metcalfe
(d) James Prinsep
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
58. Who of the following had first decipher the edicts of
Kharoshti script was written from right to left in ancient
India. It is mainly the script of north-west India.The study of
Kharosthi palaeography began with the decipherment of the
script which was accomplished through the efforts of Masson,
Prinsep, Lassen, Norris, and Cunningham.
61. The name by which Ashoka is referred to his inscriptions
is :
(a) Chakravarti
(b) Dharmadeva
(c) Dharmakirti
(d) Priyadarshi
65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (d)
The name by which Ashoka is referred on his inscription
is "Priyadarshi", "Devanampiya Piyadasi" which means
"Beloved of the Gods". He has also been stated as "Ashok
Vardhan" in Puranas.
62. Which of the kings has been mentioned as ‘Piyadassi’
and ‘Devanampriya’ in inscriptions?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Harshavardhana
M.P.P. C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
Emperor Ashoka?
(a) George Buhler
(b) James Prinsep
(c) Max Muller
(d) William Jones
Ans. (b)
I.A.S. (Pre) 2016
See the explanation of above question.
59. Pre-Ashokan Brahmi script was found at :
(a) Nagarjunakonda
(b) Anuradhapura
(c) Brahmagiri
(d) Maski
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
Pre-Ashokan Brahmi script was found at Anuradhapura, Sri
Lanka. Piparaha, Sohgoura, Mahasthan are the sites from
where evidence of such script has been found.
Indian History
60. Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was
written from right to left?
(a) Brahmi
(b) Nandnagari
(c) Sharada
(d) Kharoshti
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (d)
63. Which one of the following statements regarding
Ashokan stone pillars is incorrect?
(a) These are highly polished
(b) These are monolithic
(c) The shaft of pillars is tapering in shape
(d) These are parts of architectural structures
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (d)
Ashokan stone pillars are not part of architectural structures,
but these are distinct sculptures. Rest three statements are
correct in the reference of Ashokan stone pillars.
64. Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal
name of Ashoka ?
(a) Kalsi
(b) Rummindei
General Studies
B–107
(c) Special Kalinga Edict (d) Maski
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ashokan history is mainly known by his inscriptions. More
than 40 edicts of Ashok are acquired/procured. The personal
name of Ashoka is mentioned in Gujarra, Maski, Nettur and
Udgolam edicts.
65. In which of the following inscriptions the name of
‘Ashoka’ has been mentioned?
(a) Bhabru Edict
(b) Rock Edict XIII
(c) Rummindei Pillar Inscription
(d) Minor Rock Edict of Maski
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2007
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
66. Which one of the following inscriptions contains the
name of Ashoka?
(a) Gujarra
(b) Ahraura
(c) Brahmagiri
(d) Sarnath
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
67. The Rummindei Pillar of Ashoka was put up to mark –
(a) Birth of Buddha
(b) Enlightenment of Buddha
(c) First Sermon of Buddha
(d) Demise of Buddha
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (a)
Ashoka visited Lumbini in the 20 year of his coronation. To
mark the birthplace of Buddha, the pillar at Rummindei was
erected along with some sacred stone structure. He condoned
the religious tax of Lumbini as it was the birthplace of Buddha
and reduced the rate of land revenue from 1/6 to 1/8.
th
68. Which of the following is not correctly matched ?
(a) Kumargupta I
: Mandsore Inscription
(b) Patika
: Takshila Inscription
(c) Prabhavatigupta
: Udaigiri Cave Inscription
(d) Samudragupta
: Erana Inscription
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (c)
No inscription of Prabhavati Gupta has been found from the
Udaigiri caves. Rest options are correctly matched.
B–108
69. The Gujarra minor rock edict, in which the name of
Ashoka is mentioned, is located in
(a) Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh
(b) Datia district of Madhya Pradesh
(c) Jaipur district of Rajasthan
(d) Champaran district of Bihar
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
The name of Ashoka is mentioned in Gujarra minor rock
edict, located in Datia district, Madhya Pradesh. It was laid
at the main road through Ujjain to Bharuch.
70. The only pillar on which Ashoka declares himself as
the emperor of Magadha –
(a) Minor pillar of Maski (b) Rummindei pillar
(c) Queen pillar
(d) Bhabru pillar
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (d)
Bhabru inscription proves Ashoka as Buddhist. In the
same inscription, he referred to himself as ‘Piyadasi Raja’
Magadha, i.e. the king of Magadha.
71. Kalsi is famous for –
(a) Buddhist Chaityas
(b) Persian Coins
(c) Rock edicts of Ashoka
(d) Temples of Gupta period
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
Kalsi is located in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is
famous for Ashokan rock edict.
72. Where in Uttarakhand, was a copy of Emperor Ashok’s
Rock Edicts discovered ?
(a) Nainital
(b) Pauri
(c) Tehri
(d) Kalsi (Dehradun District)
Uttrakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
73. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is
'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka) mentioned along with
the stone portrait of Ashoka?
(a) Kanganahalli
(c) Shahbazgarhi
(b) Sanchi
(d) Sohgaura
I.A.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
Kanganahalli Buddha stupa is located on the bank of Bhima
river in Gulbarga district of Karnataka. There is a stone
portrait of Ashoka along with his Queen below which 'Ranya
Ashoka' (King Ashoka) has been written.
74. Which Ashokan Rock Edict describes the victory and
injuries of Kalinga war?
(a) Rock edict I
(b) Rock edict II
(c) Rock edict XII
(d) Rock edict XIII
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (d)
Kalinga war and the victory over Kalinga was the
greatest event of Ashoka’s reign. The 13 rock edict
provides clear evidence of Kalinga war. It describes
King Piyadasi (Ashoka) conquered Kalinga, eight years
after his coronation, i.e. in 261 B.C., he described deep
remorse for having conquered Kalinga on this edict.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
th
75. The accounts of Kalinga War is known to us by the
(a) Rock Edict-XIII
(b) Rummindei Pillar Inscription
(c) Accounts of Hiuen Tsang
(d) Minor Rock Edict-I
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
76. Which of the following Ashokan inscriptions is
devoted to the principle of religious tolerance
completely ?
(a) Rock edict XIII
(b) Rock edict XII
(c) Pillar inscription VII
(d) Bhabru minor rock edict
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
In the 12 major rock edict of Ashoka, there is the declaration
of religious longanimity and growth of the essence of all
communities.
th
77. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects
through this inscription?
"Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames
other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect,
with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather
injures his own sect very severely."
(a) Ashoka
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Harshavardhana
(d) Krishnadeva Raya
Indian History
I.A.S. (Pre.) 2020
Ans. (a)
Ashoka was an Indian emperor of Maurya dynasty, who ruled
almost all of the Indian subcontinent during 273 BCE-232
BCE.
Mentioned statement is found on his 12th major Rock Edict
by which Ashoka has preached about religious harmony.
78. The central point in Ashoka's Dhamma is -:
(a) loyalty to the king
(b) peace and non-violence
(c) respect to elders
(d) religious toleration
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Ans (e)
Ashoka's Dhamma was primarily based on policy of peace,
non-violence & religious toleration. In his 12th rock edict,
religious longanimity and growth of the essence of all
communities is mentioned. Hence as per the options, option
(e) is correct.
79. The Asokan major rock edicts which tell us about the
Sangam Kingdom include rock edicts :
(a) I and X
(b) I and XI
(c) II and XIII
(d) II and XIV
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (c)
The rock edict second and thirteen of Ashoka tells us about
the Sangam Kingdom of Chola, Pandya, Satiyaputta and
Kerelaputta along with tamraparni (Sri Lanka).
80. Which of the following South Kingdoms is not
mentioned in the Ashokan inscriptions ?
(a) Chola
(b) Pandya
(c) Satiyaputta
(d) Satavahana
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
81. With reference to the Satavahana Rulers which of the
following statement/s is/are true?
1. The Satavahana Kings were the nurtures of Prakrit
language.
2. Public aspect of the arts got more encouragement
during the Satavahana period.
General Studies
B–109
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Codes
(a) Only 1
(b) Both 1 and 2
(c) Only 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (b)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Satvahana rulers patronised Prakrit more than Sanskrit.
Political inscriptions also threw some light on the rare use of
Sanskrit Literature. Also public aspect of the arts got more
encouragement during Satavahana period.
Examples of architecture and sculptures found from the
Satvahana era are associated with Buddhism.
82. Which of the following inscriptions of Ashoka bans
animal sacrifice on certain festive gathering, that
probably included a ban on animal killing as well?
(a) Rock Edict I
(b) Pillar Edict V
(c) Rock Edict IX
(d) Rock Edict XI
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
In the first rock edict, Ashok inscribed as- “here no living
beings are to be slaughtered or offered in sacrifice. Formerly
in the kitchen of King Piyadasi, hundreds of thousands of
animals were killed everyday for meat. But now with the
writing of this Dhamma edict, only three creatures, two
peacocks, and a deer are killed out of which deer is not always
killed and in future, not even these three creatures will be
killed.” But as per the question, option (b) is the most suitable
answer. According to 5th Pillar edict : King Ashok speaks After anointed twenty-six year the following animas were
declared by me inviolable, viz. parrots, mainas, the arumna,
ruddy geese...... Fish are inviolable and must not be sold on
the three chaturmasis and on the tishya full moon for three
days and on every fast day.
83. Ptolemy Philadelphus who had diplomatic relation
with Ashoka, was king of:
(a) Cyron
(b) Egypt
(c) Macedonia
(d) Syria
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (b)
13 inscription of Ashoka provides information that he had
a cordial relation with five Yavana kings namely- Antioch
(Antiochus II Theos – the ruler of Syria), Turmaya or
Turamaya (Ptolemy II Philadelphus – The ruler of Egypt),
Antakini or Anikini (Antigonus Gonatas – The ruler of
Macedonia), Mag (The ruler of Cyrene), Alik Sundar or
Aliero Sentro (Alexander Epirus or the king of Epirus).
th
B–110
84. Turamaya, a contemporary of Ashoka was the ruler of –
(a) Egypt
(b) Corinth
(c) Macedonia
(d) Syria
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
85. Rulers of which of the following dynasties had diplomatic
relations with distant countries like Syria and Egypt?
(a) Chola
(b) Gupta
(c) Maurya
(d) Pallavas
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
86. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is
the earliest royal order to preserve food-grains to be
utilised during the crisis in the country?
(a) Sohgavra Copper-plate
(b) Rummindei Pillar -edict of Asoka
(c) Prayaga-Prasasti
(d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (a)
The earliest known copper plate, known as Sohgaura, is
a Mauryan record that mentions earliest royal order to
preserve the food-grains to be utilized during the famine in
the country. The other, the Mahasthan inscription of Bogra
district also describes the relief measures adopted during a
famine in the region.
87. Assertion (A) : Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the
Mauryan Empire.
Reason (R)
: Kalinga controlled the land and sea
routes to South India.
Select the correct answer using the codes 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. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
The reasons which prompted Ashoka to invade Kalinga were
both political and economical. The territory of Kalinga was
like a bridge between north and south. People of Kalinga
dominated the Indian Ocean and controlled the overseas
trade. Their supremacy on the eastern sea coast virtually
closed the sea routes in the east for the Magadhan merchants.
Similarly, the land routes for internal trade from the Gangetic
valley toward Deccan were also controlled by Kalinga. If the
Kalinga were independent, the overseas and land trades of
Magadha would be affected. That is why it was necessary to
invade Kalinga for Mauryan dynasty. So, both the Assertion
(A) and the Reason (R) are correct, and the Reason (R) is
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
88. Assertion (A) : The Mauryan kings did not bestow
land-grants on religious basis.
Reason (R) : The peasants revolted against land
grants.
Select the correct answer using the codes 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. (c)
90. In the Mauryan period, tax evasion was punished with –
(a) Death
(b) Confiscation of goods
(c) Imprisonment
(d) None of the above
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (a)
The municipal administration of Pataliputra town is
described in 'Magesthenes' ‘Indica.’ According to this
book, Pataliputra was governed by a 30 member municipal
council. It was divided into six main committees which
had five members each. The 6th board was responsible for
the collection of sales tax. This board made sure that every
citizen must pay one-tenth of their earning as sales taxes to
the government. The culprits were punished with a death
sentence. So, option (a) is the correct answer.
91. Famous Greek ambassador Megasthenes came to the
court of which emperor?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Harsha Vardhana
(c) Chandragupta Maurya (d) None of the above
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
Megasthenes was a Greek historian who came to India in
the fourth century B.C. as a representative or ambassador
of Seleucus Nicator. He lived in the court of Chandragupta
Maurya. He has written about contemporary India and also
about Chandragupta's reign in his book entitled “Indica.”
92. Megasthenes was the ambassador of -:
The earliest epigraphic record of land grants on the basis of
(a) Seleucus
(b) Alexander
religion in India is found in the inscription of Satavahana.
(c) Darius
(d) the Greeks
Mauryan emperors did not grant any land on religious basis.
(e) None of the above/ More than one of the above
There is no description found about peasant revolt against
land grants. Thus, Assertion (A) is right, while Reason (R)
is wrong.
Ans (a)
Megasthenes was a Greek historian who came to India in the
89. In which inscription, Kalinga victory is mentioned?
(a) Maski Inscription
(b) Rudradaman Inscription
(c) Junagarh Inscription
(d) Hathigumpha Inscription
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020
Ans (e)
Kalinga Victory is mentioned in Ashoka's Rock Edict Number
13. Hence option (e) is correct.
Indian History
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Fourth Century B.C. as a representative of Seleucus Nicator.
93. During whose rule did Megasthenes come to India?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Harshvardhan
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Kumargupta
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
B–111
94. In how many categories did Megasthenes divide the
Indian Society?
(a) Four
(b) Five
(c) Six
(d) Seven
46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (d)
Megasthenes divided Mauryan society into seven categories
which are as follows :
(1) Philosophers (2) Farmers (3) Herdsmen (4) Artisans
(5) Military (Soldier) (6) Overseers or Spies (7) Assessors.
Megasthenese does not mention slavery in India. According
to him, no one could marry outside his caste, and no one
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
could take to an occupation from the one fixed for his caste
according to the varnasystem.
95. Which of the following sources states that there was
no slavery in ancient India?
(a) Arthashastra
(b) Mudrarakshasha
(c) Megasthenes' Indica (d) Vayupuran
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
96. The division of Mauryan ‘Society into seven classes'
is particularly mentioned in
(a) Kautilya’s Arthashastra
(b) Ashokan Edicts
(c) The Puranas
(d) Megasthenes' Indica
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
97.
The division of Mauryan society into seven classes is
particularly mentioned in -:
(a) Kautilya's Arthashastra
(b) Ashokan edicts
(c) the Puranas
(d) the Indica of Megasthenes
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Ans (d)
See the explanation of above question.
98. The description of the administration of Pataliputra
is available in
(a) Divyanadan
(b) Arthashastra
(c) Indica
(d) Ashoka’s inscriptions
B–112
Ans. (c)
46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2003
The description of the administration of Pataliputra is
found in Megasthenes' 'Indica'. Megasthenes mentioned
six committees of five members each to look after the
administration of Pataliputra. He referred to the town officials
as ‘Astynomi.’
99. Which of the following statements is true regarding
Pataliputra, the capital of the Magadha Kindom?
(a) Pataliputra was surrounded by the river Ganges in the
East and by the river Champa in the North
(b) Pataliputra was surrounded by the river Ganges in the
North and by the river Sone in the West
(c) Pataliputra was surrounded by the Vindhya mountain
in the South and by the river Ganges in the East
(d) Pataliputra was surrounded by the Vindhya mountain
the South and by the river Champa in the West
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (b)
Pataliputra (modern day Patna) was a city built by Udayin
as a small fort on the bank of Ganga. It was surrounded by
Ganges in the North & by river Sone in the west.
100. Which of the following sources gives a detailed account
of city administration of the Mauryas ?
(a) Kautilya’s Arthashastra
(b) Megasthenes' Indica
(c) Mudrarakashasa of Vishakha Datta
(d) Inscription of Ashoka
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
101. What is the name of Megasthenes’ book?
(a) Economics
(b) Rig Veda
(c) Purana
(d) Indica
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
102. ‘Indica’ was originally written by –
(a) Nearchus
(b) Megasthenes
(c) Plutarch
(d) Diodorus
Uttrakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
Indian History
103. Who was the author of ‘Indica’?
(a) Vishnugupta
(b) Megasthenes
(c) Deimachus
(d) Pliny
56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
104. Who was the author of ‘Indica’?
(a) Plutarch
(b) Justin
(c) Herodotus
(d) Megasthenes
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
105. Read the following statements :
1. Harisena was the famous poet of Samudragupta's
Court.
2. He composed the epic 'Devichandraguptam'.
3. He was also the author of 'Prayagprashasti'.
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 are correct. (b) 1 and 2 are correct
(c) 2 and 3 are correct
(d) 1 and 3 are correct
(e) Only 1 is correct
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (d)
Harisena was the court poet of the Gupta emperor Samudragupta. His most famous poem describes the bravery
of Samudragupta and is inscribed on the Allahabad Pillar
(Prayagprashasti). Devichandraguptam is an Indian Sanskrit
language political drama attributed to Vishakhadeva, who is
generally identified with Vishakhadatta.
D. Kingship to Hindukush
Code :
(b) Only B
(c) A, B and C
(d) A, C, and D
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (d)
Indian History
107. Among Mauryan idols, the idol inscribed with the name
Manibhadra (Yaksha) was found from which place?
(a) Jhing-ka-Nagra
(b) Noh village
(c) Besnagar
(d) Parkham
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (d)
Among Mauryan idols, the idol inscribed with the name
Manibhadra (Yaksha) was found from Parkham, which is
a place in the vicinity of Mathura. The statue which is an
important artefact of the art of Mathura, is now visible in
the Mathura museum. The statue is associated with Yaksha
deity Manibhadra, who was a popular deity in ancient Indian.
108. ‘Bhaga’ and ‘Bali’ were:
(a) Military Departments
(b) Sources of Revenue
(c) Religious Ceremonies
(d) Administrative Divisions
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (b)
“Bhaga” and “Bali” were the sources of revenue in ancient
India. According to Arthashastra, King was the owner of the
land. He had a share in produce from the land. This tax was
known as ‘Bhaga’ whereas ‘Bali was also a source of revenue.
109. Land revenue, which was the chief source of income during
106. Which of the following statements are correct about
Mauryan Kings? They developed –
A. Culture, Art and Literature
B. Gold coins
C. Provincial Division
(a) Only A
Mauryan emperors played a major role in the development of
culture, art and literature. Chandragupta’s empire spread over
from Iran in the north-west to present north Karnataka in the
south. According to historian Smith, Hindukush mountains
was the strategic frontier of India. There were five provinces
described in inscriptions of Ashoka i.e.
(1) Uttarapath (2) Avantiratha (3) Kalinga (4) Dakshinapath
(5) Prachyapatha.
Regularization of gold coins in India is credited to IndoGreek kings. Hence A, C, D are correct about Mauryan
emperors.
the Mauryan period, was collected by which officer?
(a) Agronomoi
(b) Shulkadhyaksha
(c) Sitadhyaksha
(d) Akradhayaksha
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
Sitadhyaksha was the head of agricultural land in the
Mauryan empire, and he also dealt with land revenue
levitation while Agronomoi were known as district officers.
Shulkadhyaksha used to collect various trade and service
tax and Akradhyaksha controlled mines. So, option (c) is
the correct answer.
General Studies
B–113
110. The official 'Agronomai' during Mauryan age was
related with which of the following field?
(a) Weight and measurement
(b) Administrative management
(c) Construction of roads
(d) Revenue management
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020
Ans. (c&d)
(b) Slushing the road
(c) Throwing garbage
(d) Stenching temples
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
During the Mauryan times 'Agronomai' used to collect
115. The most famous centre of learning during Mauryan
period was
(a) Vaishali
(b) Nalanda
(c) Taxila
(d) Ujjain
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
47 B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (c)
revenues, monitor irrigation facilities, perform legal
administration & looked after road construction. UPPSC has
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
accepted (c) as the answer.
111. ‘Sita’ in Mauryan period means:
(a) A goddess
(b) A religious sect
(c) Revenue from Crown land
(d) Barren land.
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (c)
The maintenance of crown land was done by Sitadhyaksha
in the Mauryan period. Revenue collected through this tax
was known as 'Sita'.
112. Who of the following was associated with the collection
of revenue in Mauryan Mantriparishad ?
(a) Samaharta
(b) Vyabharika
(c) Antapala
(d) Pradeshtha
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (a)
Revenue collection was regulated by Samaharta in Mauryan
ministerial council. Antapal looked after border forts while
the Pradeshtha was administrator of commissionaries.
113. Which of the following Mauryan officers was in charge
of weights and measures ?
(a) Pautavadhyaksha
(b) Panyadhyaksha
(c) Sitadhyaksha
(d) Sunadhyaksha
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Ans. (a)
Mauryan officer Pautavadhyaksha was in charge of weights
and measures while Panyadhyaksha was the in charge of the
Commerce Department, Sitadhyaksha was the head of the
Agriculture Department and Sunadhyaksha was the chief of
the slaughterhouse.
114. ‘Pankodakasannirodhe’ was the Penalty in Mauryan
administration, charged for –
(a) Filthy drinking water
B–114
‘Pankodakasannirodhe’ was the penalty in Mauryan
administration imposed for throwing dirt or causing siltation
and water logging to collect on the roads.
th
At present, Vaishali is a district of Bihar. It was related to both
Buddhism and Jainism in ancient times. It was established
in 6 century B.C. before the birth of Gautama Buddha (563
BC). Mahavira Swami was born.
Nalanda – Nalanda was an important centre of Buddhist
education. Firstly, Buddha temples were established here
in the Gupta period. The excavation of Nalanda proves that
the University, which was situated here spread one mile in
length and half miles in breadth.
Taxila – Taxila was a major centre of learning for Hindus
and Buddhist who came here from all over the world to
get education. It was situated few miles west of present
Islamabad. It was most famous during the Mauryan period.
Ujjain was the conventional capital of Chandragupta II
(Vikramaditya).
th
116. According to the ‘Arthashastra’ of Kautilya the following
courts existed in the judicial system of Mauryan Age
1. Dharmamahamatra
2. Dharmasthiya
3. Rajjuka
4. Kantakshodhana
Code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 4
(e) 1 and 4
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (d)
The Arthashastra mentions two types of courts:
Dharmasthiya which is analogous with modern civil courts
and Kantakshodhana which is analogous to modern criminal
courts.
117. Which aspect of municipal administration of today is
continuing since the period of Mauryans –
(a) Inspection of weight measure reamer
(b) Determination of prices of goods
General Studies
Indian History
(c) Registration of birth and death certificate
(d) Protection of artisans
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (c)
The town administration was governed by municipalities
during the Mauryan period, whose chief was ‘Nagrak’ or
"Purmukhya". Megasthenes mentioned six committees of
five members municipal council of Pataliputra. Committee
maintained the record of registration of birth and death
certificates. This job is still carried out by municipal
administration.
118. With reference to the cultural history of India, the
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
memorizing of Chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic
tales was the profession of who of the following?
(a) Shramana
(b) Parivraajaka
(c) Agrahaarika
(d) Maagadha
I.A.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (d)
The memorizing of Chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic
tales was a profession of Maagadha.
119. The system governing villages through autonomous
elected panchayats was evolved by –
(a) Kushans
(b) Dravids
(c) Aryans
(d) Mauryans
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
The system to govern villages through autonomous elected
panchayats was evolved by Dravid (Chola). This system was
the base of village administration during that time.
120. Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows
divorce to a wife deserted by her husband?
(a) Kamasutra
(b) Manavadharmashastra
(c) Sukra Nitisara
(d) Arthashastra
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (d)
Arthashastra allows the divorce to a wife deserted by her
husband. Divorce was prevalent in the Mauryan period. Wife
had the right to divorce on the basis of long abroad stay off
her husband and being physically handicapped. Similarly,
husband had also the right to leave his wife for being barren
or adulteress.
Indian History
121. Which among of the following prohibits remarriage?
(a) Jataka
(b) Manusmiriti
(c) Yagyavalkya
(d) Arthshastra
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
It is mentioned in 38 part of Manusmriti that a widower
could remarry but a widow had no right to seek
remarriage.
th
122. The social status assigned to the foreigners in Indian
society by Manu was of the –
(a) Kshatriyas
(b) Fallen Kshatriyas
(c) Vaishyas
(d) Sudras
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Ans. (b)
The foreign invader who did not follow priestly customs or
traditions (Shakas, Kushans, Hunas, Pratihar) were stated as
‘Fallen Kshatriyas’ in Manusmriti.
123. The following persons came to India at one time or
another :
1. Fa-Hien
2. I-Tsing
3. Megasthanes
4. Hieun-Tsang
The correct chronological sequence of their visits are :
(a) 3, 1, 2, 4
(b) 3, 1, 4, 2
(c) 1, 3, 2, 4
(d) 1, 3, 4, 2
I.A.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (b)
Megasthanes came to the court of Chandragupta Maurya, FaHien visited India during Chandra Gupta II “Vikramaditya,”
Hieun–Tsang visited the court of Harshvardhana while
I-Tsing a Chinese traveller came to India in 7th century A.D.
124. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
Foreign
Year/s of Tour
Travellers
to India
(a) Fa-Hien
– 399-414 A.D.
(b) Hiuen-Tsand
– 629-645 A.D.
(c) I-tsing
– 679-695 A.D.
(d) Al-Masudi
– 957 A.D.
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (*)
I-tsing visited India during 671AD-695AD. Al Masudi visited
in 915-16 AD. Fa-Hien travelled India only for 10 years (402
AD - 412 AD) while his entire trip from China occured during
399-414 AD. Hieun-Tsang visited India during 679-695 A.D.
125. Match List-I with List-II select the correct answer by
using the codes given below.
List -I
List- II
A.Chandragupta
1. Piyadarshi
General Studies
B–115
B.Bindusara
C.Ashoka
D.Chanakya
Code :
A
B
(a) 2
3
(b) 1
3
(c) 2
3
(d) 3
4
2. Sandrocottus
3. Amitraghat
4. Vishnugupta
C
4
2
1
2
D
1
4
4
1
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (c)
Justin and other Greek authors stated Chandragupta Maurya
as “Sandrocottus.” Greek authors mentioned Bindusara as
Amitrachates (Amitraghat) while Ashoka was mentioned as
Priyadarshi in his inscriptions. Vishnugupta is the another
name of Chanakya, the prime minister of Chandragupta
Maurya.
126. The last Mauryan emperor was?
(a) Jaloka
(b) Avanti Verma
(c) Nandi Vardhana
(d) Brihadratha
48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
Last Mauryan emperor was Brihadratha. Brihadratha was
assassinated by his commander/lieutenant Pushyamitra
Shunga in 184 B.C. Pushyamitra Shunga established a new
dynasty which is known as Shunga Dynasty.
127. Consider the following statements:
1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadaratha was
assassinated by his commander-in-chief,
Pushyamitra Sunga.
2. The last Sunga King, Devabhuti, was assassinated
by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva who
usurped the throne.
3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed
by the Andhras.
Which of these statements is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) only 2
(c) only 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (d)
Ambitious Pushyamitra Shunga assassinated last Mauryan
king Brihadrath in 184 B.C. and became famous in the history
for the establishment of Shunga dynasty. The last king of
Shunga dynasty, Devabhuti was killed by a conspiracy of
his ‘Amatya’ Vasudeva. According to Vayupurana, the last
ruler of the Kanva dynasty, Susharma was deposed by his
Andhrian servant Simuk.
B–116
128. Who among the following rulers paid attention to the
resource management in Girnar region some centuries
before the Christian era?
1. Mahapadma Nanda
2. Ashoka
3. Chandragupta Maurya
4. Rudradaman
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
Code :
(a) 1, 2
(b) 2, 3
(c) 3, 4
(d) 2, 3, 4
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (b)
Few centuries before the Christian era, the Mauryan
emperors, Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka focussed on the
water resource management in Girnar region. Chandragupta
Maurya built a dam on the Sudarshan Lake and Emperor
Ashok took out canals from the lake. The Junagarh inscription
of Shaka ruler Rudradaman describes the works of both
Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka. 2nd century A.D., the lake
was repaired by Rudradaman. According to the question, he
did this work after the Christian era. Thus he is not included
in the answer, so the correct answer for the question is
Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka.
129. Realizing the need for water, the first ruler who got a
lake constructed in the Girnar area, was
(a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Ashoka
(c) Rudradaman
(d) Skanda Gupta
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
130. In which of the following inscription mentioned
Chandragupta and Ashoka both?
(a) Nasik inscription of Gautami putra Shatkarni.
(b) Junagarh inscription of Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman
(c) Girnar inscription of Ashoka
(d) Junagarh inscription of Skandgupta.
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
131. In which of the following inscriptions, Ashoka’s edicts
are also found?
General Studies
Indian History
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Junagarh Inscription of Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman
Nashik Prashasti regarding Gautamiputra Satakarni
Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharvavela
None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ashoka’s edicts are also found on Junagarh Inscription of
Mahakshtrapa Rudradaman. It also includes the edicts of
Gupta ruler Skandagupta. There was an inscription with
fourteen edicts of Ashoka on a larger boulder within 2 km of
Uparkot fort. The edicts also narrate the story of Sudarshan
Lake which was repaired by Rudradaman-I.
132. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched ?
1. Lothal
- Ancient Dockyard
2. Sarnath
- First Sermon of Buddha
3. Rajgir
- Lion Capital of Ashoka
4. Nalanda
- Great Seat of Buddhist Learning
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 2
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004
Ans. (c)
Lothal-Ancient Dockyard, Sarnath First Sermon of Buddha,
Nalanda Great seat of Buddhist learning, all these are correct
but Rajgir- Lion capital of Ashoka is not correct. The correct
answer would be option (c).
Post-Mauryan Period
*The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman (130-150 A.D.)
has been found at Girnar Hills in Gujarat. Rudradaman’s
inscription written in Brahmi script was the earliest ever
inscription written in perfect Sanskrit language. The earliest
specimen of “Kavya” style is found in this inscription. Kushan
emperor Vima Kadphises introduced gold coins for regular
use in India. He is known as the first king, who introduced
gold coins, while Kujula Kadphises circulated copper coins.
There are several varieties of Yaudheya copper coins depicting
a standing figure of six-headed God Kartikeya along with
peacock on the right, found during the reign of the Kushan
ruler. The evidence of Yaudheya coins is found from the
Puranas, Ashtadhyayi, etc. The circulation of golden coins in
north-western India was introduced by Indo-Greek kings. The
wide circulation of these coins was promoted by the Kushana
Indian History
Emperors. Kushana emperors promoted gold and copper coins
on a wider scale.
*The year of Buddha inscription of Sarnath which belongs
to Kanishka is 81 AD. This inscription was established after
three years of Kanishka’s coronation. *The date of Kanishka’s
coronation is very controversial. Considering this problem,
two International conventions were held in London in 1913
and 1960. In the second convention, a common consent was
made for 78 AD. This is also known as the beginning of the
Saka Samvat. *According to the Jain texts, the successor of
Vikramaditya (57 BC) was defeated by the Saka in 135 Vikrama
Samvat. To celebrate this victory, Saka started a new calendar
called Saka Samvat. Hence, it begins from 135-57 = 78 AD.
Most of the historians believe that the Kushan ruler- Kanishka
was its originator.
Currently, for date and year, the Gregorian calendar is being
used which is internationally used civil calendar. In order to
get Vikram Samvat (57 B.C.), 57 is to be added in the current
calendar and to get the Saka Samvat (78 Century), 78 is to be
subtracted from the current calendar. *Chaitra is the first month
of Indian national calendar. The dates of national calendar match
with Gregorian calendar prominently. Generally, Chaitra starts
from 22 March while from 21st March in a leap year.
*Ashvaghosha was the poet laureate of Kanishka whose
major compositions were Saundaranand, Buddhacharita and
Sariputraprakaran. Vasumitra was also a dependent poet of
Kanishka, who headed the fourth Buddhist Council. *Parsva,
Ashvaghosa, Nagarjuna and Charaka were the scholars in the
Court of Kanishka. Charaka is known as the Court physician of
Kanishka. *Maharshi Patanjali belonged to Shunga period and
was the author of Mahabhasya. *The border of the empire of
Kushana Dynasty was spread outside of India. Kanishka was a
great ruler of Kushan the dynasty whose empire was expanded
over northern Turpan of China and Kashmir to Vindhya hill
(south) and Northern Afghanistan (west) to eastern U.P and
Bihar. *A lot of evidence regarding ports and trading centres has
nd
been found from the excavations of Periplus of the Erythraean
Sea and Arikamedu which proves that Kushan’s trade was
operated through Persian Bay and the Red Sea. But none of the
evidence described the naval forces of Kushans. *According
to Chinese texts, Kanishka requested to marry Princess Han
but was denied. In retaliation, they marched on Pan Chao in
86 A.D. with a force of 70,000 but were defeated by a smaller
Chinese force.
General Studies
B–117
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
*The Gandhara School of Art was developed during the
Kushan period. It was based on Gandhara and Mathura style.
They were provided adequate encouragement and protection
from Kanishka. Gandhara art was influenced by Greek art.
*The practice of child marriage started in Kushan Period (1st
century). Abolition of ‘Upanayana’ in females and the custom
of child marriage brought them to the lowest stage of society.
*Concerning the invaders in ancient India, the correct
chronological order is Greeks (326 BC; Alexander) – Sakas
(Ceythians - 1st century BC) – Kushans (1st century AD).
*Persian ruler, Darius-I (522-486 BC) was the first ruler who
invaded some parts of India. According to Herodotus, Darius
conquered the lands surrounding the Indus river and to the
desert. of Rajputana and parts of Punjab. *Strato - II issued
the lead coins. The tenure of this Indo-Greek ruler is considered
from 25 BC to 10 AD.
*Pushyamitra Sunga was the commander of last Mauryan
ruler Brihadratha. He founded the Shunga dynasty killing
Brihadrath in 184 BCE. Ayodhya inscription gives the information that two Ashwamedha Yagnas performed by the
King Pushyamitra Shunga. *Satvahana dynasty was the
most powerful after Mauryas in South. According to Puranas,
Sindhuk, Simuka or Shiprak established the Satvahana dynasty
after the assassination of Kanva king Susharma. *There are 30
or 31 Satavahana rulers mentioned in Puranas out of which 29
are in Matsya Purana: *The actual capital of Satavahanas was
located at Paithan or Pratisthan, although their initial capital
is believed to be Amravati. *According to the Puranas, the
founder of Satavahana dynasty is believed to be King Simuka.
He de-throned the Kanva king Susarma around 30 BC. Susharma conquered the region around Krishna was brother of
Simuk (Sisuk) of Satvahas. *The son of Krishna and successor Satakarni was the first to hold the title of ‘Satakarni.’ We
get important information about his governance through the
inscriptions of ‘Nanaghat.’?
*Gautamiputra Satakarni was a patron of Brahmanism. He
did not permit inter-caste marriage among the people of the
established ‘Four Varnas’. That is why he is called as the
protector of the Varna System.
*Kharavela of Chedi dynasty was the king of Kalinga (presentday in Odisha) India. Much of the available information
about Kharavela comes from the undated and partially
damaged Hathigumpha inscription, plus a few other minor
inscriptions found in Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves,
B–118
in current Odisha. *The Hathigumpha inscription records
Kharavela’s life up to his 38th year, including 13 years of his
reign. This is the only known source of Kharavela inscriptions.
*The Kharavela is believed to be a follower of Jainism.
1.
Which one of the following Indo-Greek rulers issued
lead coins ?
(a) Strato - II
(b) Strato - I
(c) Demetrius
(d) Menander
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Ans. (a)
Strato - II issued the lead coins. The tenure of this Indo-Greek
ruler is considered from 25 BC to 10 AD.
2.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List-I
List-II
A. Demetrius
1. Parthian
B. Rudradaman 2. Kushana
C. Gondophernes 3. Indo- Greek
D. Vim
4. Sythean
Codes :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
3
2
4
(b) 4
3
1
2
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 1
2
3
4
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (c)
The correctly matched list is as follows Demetrius
Indo- Greek
Rudradaman
Scthean
Gondophernes
Parthian
Vim
Kushana
3.
Both Sankarshana and Vasudeva are depicted on the
coins of which of the following rulers?
(a) Havishka
(b) Kanishka
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Agathocles
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (d)
Agathocles was a Greco-Batrian king who ruled around 190
BC - 180 BC. He held Paropamisadae which was a satrapy
between Batrian and India. Little is known of him apart
from an extensive coinage. he was the first Greco- Bactrian
ruler to introduce bilingual legends on his coin, primarily in
Greek and Brahmi. He introduced silver coins on which both
Sankarshana (Balram) and Vasudev were depicted.
General Studies
Indian History
4.
Who among the following was not a contemporary of
the other three?
(a) Bimbisara
(b) Gautama Buddha
(c) Milinda
(d) Prasenjit
I.A.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Bimbisara (544-492 BC) was the actual founder of the
Magadha empire, who was related to Haryanka dynasty.
Prasenjit was the ruler of Kosala Mahajanapada and also
the contemporary of Mahatma Buddha. Gautama Buddha
pioneered Buddhism. Milinda, better known as Menander,
was an Indo-Greek ruler in north India. His tenure was 155
or 165 to 130 BC. Thus, Bimbisara, Buddha, Prasenjit were
contemporary except Milinda.
5.
The earliest specimen of ‘Kavya’ style is found in the
inscription of :
(a) Rudradaman of Kathiawar
(c) Rajendra I
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (a)
The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman (130-150 AD)
has been found at Girnar Hills in Gujarat. Rudradaman’s
inscription written in Brahmi script was the earliest ever
inscription written in perfect Sanskrit language. The earliest
specimen of “Kavya” style is found in this inscription.
Which inscription tells about the various achievements
of Rudradaman-I?
(a) Junagadh
(c) Nasik
(b) Bhitari
(d) Sanchi
th
Ans. (a)
The Junagadh inscription written in Sanskrit dated
approx 150 AD credits Rudradaman-I for supporting the
cultural arts and Sanskrit literature and reconstructing
the dam built by the Mauryas. In fact, he repaired
the embankments of the lake Sudarshana, which was
constructed by the Mauryas or checking floods. The
Junagadh rock also contains inscriptions of Ashoka (with
fourteen edicts of Ashoka), Rudradaman-I and Skandagupta
7.
Who renovated Sudarshan lake without using forced
labour ?
Indian History
8.
Sixteen coins of King Menander have been found from
which of the following sites?
(a) Bairat
(b) Nagari
(c) Rairh
(d) Nagar
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
Sixteen coins of King Menander have been found from Bairat.
The largest number of copper coins in northern and
northwestern India were issued by ?
(a) Indo-Greeks
(b) Kushans
(c) Sakas
(d) Pratiharas
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (b)
Gold coins were issued by Indo-Greek kings in northern
and north-western India while Kushan ruler made it more
popular and steady. Kushan rulers had circulated both gold
and copper coins vastly.
10. Who amongst the following issued gold coins regularly
in ancient India?
(a) Satavahana
(b) Saka
(c) Kushan
(d) Parthian
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
53 to 55 B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
rd
The rock edict of Rudradaman-I at Junagadh (Gujarat).
Tells about the Sudarshan Lake, which was built originally
by the great Mauryan Emperor Chandra Gupta. It was
Rudradaman-I, who renovated Sudarshan Lake without
using forced labour.
9.
(b) Ashoka
6.
(a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Bindusar
(c) Ashoka
(d) Rudradaman-I
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (d)
11. Buddha is depicted on the coins of :
(a) Vima Kadphises
(b) Kanishka
(c) Nahpaad
(d) Budhagupta
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
Buddha is depicted on the coins of Kushanas ruler-Kanishka.
12. Which of the following Kings is credited to have issued
gold coins for the first time ?
(a) Kujula Kadphises
(b) Vima Kadphises
(c) Kanishka
(d) Huvishka
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (b)
General Studies
B–119
Although Indo-Greek rulers made gold coins popular, Vima
Kadphises was the first Kushan ruler who issued gold coins.
Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
13. Who among the following introduced gold coins for
regular use in India?
(a) Vima Kadphises
(b) Kujul Kadphises
(c) Kanishka
(d) Hermwes
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Kushan emperor Vima Kadphises, who was the father of
Kanishka-I, had introduced gold coins for regular use in India.
He is known as the first king, who introduced gold coins,
while Kujul Kadphises circulated copper coins.
14. Who among the following first issued gold coins on a
large scale?
(a) Pushyamitra Shunga
(b) Menander
(c) Vima Kadphises
(d) Gautamiputra Satakarni
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
15. Which God is found depicted on Yaudheya coins ?
(a) Vasudeva
(b) Shiva
(c) Indra
(d) Kartikeya
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (d)
There are several varieties of Yaudheya copper coins
depicting a standing figure of six-headed God Kartikeya
along with peacock on the right, found during the reign of
the Kushan ruler. The evidence of Yaudheya coins are found
from the Purans, Ashtadhyayi, etc.
16. What is the date of Sarnath Buddhist image inscription
of Kanishka ?
(a) 78 A.D.
(b) 81 A.D.
(c) 98 A.D.
(d) 121 A.D.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (b)
The date of Buddha inscription of Sarnath which belongs to
Kanishka is dated 81 AD. This inscription was established
after three years of Kanishka’s coronation.
17. In which year, the coronation of Kushan king Kanishka
was held?
(a) 178 B.C.
(b) 101 A.D.
B–120
(c) 58 B.C.
(d) 78 A.D.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (d)
The date of Kanishka’s coronation is very controversial.
Considering this problem, two international conventions
were held in London in 1913 and 1960. In second convention,
a common consent was made for 78 AD. This is also known
as the beginning of Saka Samvat.
18. When was Saka Samvat initiated ?
(a) 58 A.D.
(b) 78A.D.
(c) 320 A.D.
(d) 606 A.D.
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (b)
According to Jain texts, the successor of Vikramaditya (57
B.C.) was defeated by Saka in 135 Vikram Samvat. To
celebrate this Victory, Saka started a new calendar called
Saka Samvat. Hence it begins from 135-57= 78 AD. Most
of the historians believe that the Kushan ruler Kanishka was
its originator.
19. How much is the year difference between the Saka
Samvat and Vikram Samvat?
(a) 57 years
(b) 78 years
(c) 135 years
(d) 320 years
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (c)
Currently, for date and year, Gregorian Calendar is being
used which is internationally used civil calendar. In order to
get Vikram Samvat (57 B.C.), 57 is to be added in the current
calendar and to get the Saka Samvat (78 AD), 78 is to be
subtracted from current calendar. Hence, Vikram Samvat is
2019+57 = 2076 and Saka Samvat is 2019 – 78 = 1941. Hence,
the difference between Vikram Samvat and Saka Samvat is
2076 – 1941 = 135 years. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
20. Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka
Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of
the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?
(a) 22nd March (or 21 March)
st
(b) 15th May (or 16 May)
th
(c) 31st March (of 30 March)
th
(d) 21st April (or 20 April)
th
I.A.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
Chaitra is the first month of the Indian national calendar. The
dates of national calendar match with Gregorian calendar
prominently. Generally, Chaitra starts from 22 March while
from 21 March in a leap year.
nd
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
st
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
21. When was Vikram Samvat started?
(a) 78 A.D.
(b) 57 B.C.
(c) 72 B.C.
(d) 56 B.C.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (b)
25. Which one of the following is not associated with the
Court of Kanishka ?
(a) Ashvaghosha
(b) Charaka
(c) Nagarjuna
(d) Patanjali
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
Two other names of Vikram Samvat is Krit and Malav.
There is the difference of 470 years between the salvation of
Mahavir and Vikram Samvat in Jain holy texts. The salvation
date of Mahavir is 527 BC. So the starting date of Vikram
Samvat is 527- 470 = 57 BC.
Parsva, Vasumitra, Ashvaghosa, Nagarjuna, Charaka and
Mathara were the scholars in the Court of Kanishka. Charaka
is known as the Court physician of Kanishka. However,
Maharshi Patanjali belonged to Shunga period and was the
author of Mahabhasya.
22. Which one of the following will be the year of Saka
Samvat in December, 2009.
(a) 1931
(b) 1952
(c) 2066
(d) 2087
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (a)
Saka Samvat has been adopted as the national calendar in
India. It started in 78 AD. So in December 2009 according to
Saka Samvat 2009-78 = 1931 will be the year of Saka Samvat.
23. Consider the following name of contemporaries of
Kanishka and select the correct answer from codes
given below :
(i) Ashvaghosha
(ii) Vasumitra
(iii) Kalidas
(iv) Kamban
Code :
(a) I and IV
(b) II and III
(c) I and II
(d) All of these
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (c)
Ashvaghosha was the poet laureate of Kanishka, whose
major compositions were Saundaranand, Buddhacharita
and Sariputraprakaran. Vasumitra was also a dependent poet
of Kanishka, who headed the IVth Buddhist Council. While
26. Who of the following did not adorn the court of
Kanishka- I ?
(a) Ashvaghosha
(b) Parshva
(c) Vasumitra
(d) Vishakhadatta
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
27. Which of the following cities is not mentioned in the
Rabatak inscription of Kanishka?
(a) Shravasti
(b) Kaushambi
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Champa
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (a)
Rabatak inscriptions were found in the year 1993 from
Rabatak near Surkh Kotal, Afghanistan. They were written
in Greek script and Bactrian language and belonged to the
ruler of Kushana dynasty, Kanishka. There are four names of
cities inscribed on it namely - Saket, Kaushambi, Pataliputra
and Champa. The name of Shravasti was not inscribed on it.
28. Who among the following Ayurvedacharyas was
educated at Taxila University ?
(a) Sushruta
(b) Vagbhatta
(c) Charaka
(d) Jivaka
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c & d)
Kalidas was related to the Gupta period and Kamban was of
Taxila University was the junction where students of different
countries met each other and exchanged their knowledge.
the 12 century. So, option (c) is the correct answer.
Kautilya, Chandragupta Maurya and Ayurvedacharya Charak,
24. Ashvaghosha was contemporary of –
(a) Ashoka
(b) Chandragupta- II
(c) Kanishka
(d) Harshvardhan
King Prasenjit of Kosala, Ayurvedacharya Jivak of Bimbisar,
th
Indian History
Vasubandhu, Chanakya, etc. studied at Taxila University.
Thus, option (c) and (d), both are correct.
General Studies
B–121
29. The ancestors of Shungas originated from ?
(a) Magadha
(b) Prayag
(c) Ujjain
(d) Saurashtra
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (c)
The ancestors of Shungas belonged to Ujjain. The last ruler
of this dynasty was Dev Bhuti who was killed by his own
minister (Amatya) Vasudeva Karva.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
30. Which dynasty ruled over India after Shunga dynasty?
(a) Satvahana
(b) Kushana
(c) Kanva
(d) Gupta
45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (c)
The last ruler of the Shunga emperors was Devabhuti. He
was killed by his minister (Vasudeva Kanva). The Shunga
dynasty was then replaced by the subsequent Kanvas. They
were also Brahmin like Shunga.
31. Who among the following rulers is stated as protector
of ‘Varna system’ ?
(a) Pushyamitra Sunga
(b) Kharvela
(c) Gautamiputra Satkarni
(d) Vasudev
(e) Samudragupta
Chhattisgarh P.C.S (Pre) 2013
Ans. (c)
Gautamiputra Satakarni was a patron of Brahmanism. He
did not permit intercaste marriage among the people of the
established ‘Four Varnas’ and stopped crossbreeding. That is
why he is called as the protector of the Varna System.
32. Which dynasty was most powerful after Maurya in
Southern India (a) Satvahana
(b) Pallava
(c) Chola
(d) Chalukya
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
Satvahana dynasty was the most powerful after Mauryans in
the South. According to Puranas, Sindhuk, Simuka or Shiprak
established the Satvahana dynasty after the assassination of
Kanva king Susharma.
33. Simuka was the founder of which of the following
dynasties?
(a) Chera
(b) Chola
(c) Pandya
(d) Satavahana
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
B–122
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
34. Match the following :
List-I
List-II
A. Shunga
i. Mahoba
B. Satavahana
ii. Banvasi
C. Kadamb
iii. Paithan
D. Chandel
iv. Pataliputra
Choose the correct code :
A
B
C
D
(a) iv
iii
ii
i
(b) iv
ii
iii
i
(c) i
iv
ii
iii
(d) i
ii
iii
iv
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
The correctly matched list is as follows :
List-I
List-II
Shunga
Pataliputra
Satavahana
Paithan/Pratishthan
Kadamb
Banvasi
Chandel
Mahoba
35. Which Chinese general had defeated Kanishka?
(a) Pan Chao
(b) Ban Yong
(c) She Huang Ti
(d) Ho-Ti
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (a)
According to Chinese texts between 73-94 AD, Kanishka
requested to marry Princess Han, but was denied. In
retaliation, they marched on Pan Chao with force but defeated
by a smaller Chinese force.
36. Which of following dynasty empire was expanded even
outside of India?
(a) Gupta dynasty
(b) Maurya dynasty
(c) Kushan dynasty
(d) None of the above
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A.(Mains) 2006
Ans. (c)
The border of the empire of Kushana Dynasty was spread
outside of India. Kanishka was a great ruler of Kushana
dynasty whose empire was expanded over northern Turpan
of China and Kashmir to Vindhya hill (south) and Northern
Afghanistan (west) to eastern U.P and Bihar.
37. The institution of child marriage started in which
period?
General Studies
Indian History
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Ans. (b)
Maurya period
Kushan period
Gupta period
In the time of Harshavardhan
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) (Re-exam.) 2000
The practice of child marriage started in Kushana Period (1
century). The abolition of ‘Upanayana’ in females and the
custom of child marriage brought them to the lowest stage
of society. The age between 8-10 years was considered to be
best for girl marriage.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
st
38. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
(a) Harappan Civilization – Painted Grey Ware
(b) The Kushans – Gandhara School of Art
(c) The Mughals – Ajanta Paintings
(d) The Marathas – Pahari School of Painting
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
The Gandhara School of art was developed during the Kushan
period. It was based on Gandhara and Mathura style. They
were provided adequate encouragement and protection from
Kanishka. Gandhara art was influenced by Greek art. Rest of
the options are not correctly matched.
39. Art of Gandhara style flourished during the reign of –
(a) Kushans
(b) Guptas
(c) Akbar
(d) Mauryas
38th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
40. Which one of the following is NOT correctly matched?
List-I
List-II
(Dynasties)
-
Gold and Copper
(b) Gupta
-
Gold and Silver
(c) Satavahanas
-
Gold
(d) Kalachuris
-
Ans. (c)
42. Bamiyan of Afghanistan was famous for –
(a) Hindu temple
(b) Work of elephant teeth
(c) Gold coin of coinage
(d) Buddha statue
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (d)
Bamiyan of Afghanistan was famous for Buddha’s statues
which were constructed by cutting the hills of Bamiyan, but
Taliban destroyed all the statues.
43. The art style which combines Indian and Greek feature
is called(a) Sikhar
(b) Vera
(c) Gandhara
(d) Nagara
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2008
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (c)
Gandhara is noted for the distinctive Gandhara style of Buddhist
art, which was developed from the merger of Greek, Syrian,
Saka and Kushan era. It is also known as Greco-Buddhist,
Indo-Greek or Greco-Roman, as the subject of the art was
only Buddha.
Gold, Silver, and Copper
U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
The Satvahana coins are a unique indication. They issued
punch-marked coins and produced coins in Lead, Copper,
Bronze and Silver, but not in Gold. Thus, option (c) is
not correctly matched. Rest of the other types of coins are
correctly matched with their dynasties.
Indian History
The Bhitari pillar inscription was discovered in Bhitari,
Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh and gives relevant information regarding Skandagupta, a ruler of the Gupta empire. The Aihole
inscription found at Aihole Karnataka provides information of
Chalukya King Pulakeshin II. Rest all are correctly matched.
Persian and Indian artistic influences. It flourished during the
(Metals of coin)
(a) Kushanas
41. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) Nasik
- Gautami Putra
(b) Hathigumpha
- Kharvela
(c) Bhitari
- Pulkeshin II
(d) Girnar
- Rudradaman I
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (c)
44. The Gandhara School of art is the synthesis of:
(a) Indian and Persian Art
(b) Indian and Chinese Art
(c) Indian and Turk-Afghan Art
(d) Indian and Greek Art
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
B–123
45. Which one of the following sculptures invariably used
green schist as the medium?
(a) Mauryan sculptures
(b) Mathura sculptures
(c) Bharhut sculptures
(d) Gandhara sculptures
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Gandhara sculptures invariably used green schist as the
medium. Their sculptures were invariably influenced by
Greek sculpture.
46. With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which
one of the following is the correct chronological order?
(a) Greeks-Sakas-Kushanas
(b) Greeks-Kushanas-Sakas
(c) Sakas-Greeks-Kushanas
(d) Sakas-Kushanas-Greeks
I.A.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (a)
Concerning the invaders in ancient India, the correct
chronological order is Greeks (326 BC; Alexander) – Sakas
(Ceythians - 1st century BC) – Kushans (1st century AD).
47. First Persian ruler who captured some part of India was(a) Cyrus
(b) Cambyses
(c) Darius-I
(d) Shaharsh
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (c)
Persian ruler, Darius-I (522-486 BC) was the first ruler who
invaded some parts of India. According to Herodotus, Darius
conquered the lands surrounding the Indus River and to the
desert of Rajputana and parts of Punjab.
48. Which among the following was the earliest dynasty ?
(a) Chalukya
(b) Pallava
(c) Rashtrakut
(d) Satavahana
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (d)
Satavahana is the most ancient dynasty among the abovementioned options. It was founded and ruled by Simuk in
near about 200 BC.
49. Arrange the following in chronological order:
A. Satvahanas
B. Vakatakas
C. Chalukyas
Select the correct code from the following:
(a) B-C-A
(b) C-B-A
(c) C-A-B
(d) A-B-C
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (d)
B–124
Satvahanas – 1st century BCE
Vakatakas – 3rd century AD
Chalukyas – 543 AD
50. Which Purana consists of the longest list of Andra
Satavahana kings?
(a) Vayu Purana
(b) Vishnu Purana
(c) Matsya Purana
(d) None of the above
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (c)
There are 30 Satavahana rulers mentioned in Puranas out of
which 29 are in Matsya Purana.
51. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : In Satavahana period, Sanskrit along
with Prakrit and other folk languages
were developed.
Reason (R) : Satavahana Kings promoted the use of
Sanskrit and other folk languages for
literary writings. Choose the correct
answer using the codes given.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is correct
explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (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. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (a)
In the Satavahana period, Sanskrit along with Prakrit and
other folk languages were developed. Satavahana king
promoted the use of Sanskrit and other folk languages for
literary writings.
52. The capital of the Satavahanas was located at –
(a) Amravati
(b) Nanded
(c) Naldurg
(d) Durg
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (a)
The actual capital of Satavahanas was located at Paithan
or Pratisthan, although their initial capital is believed to
be Amravati. According to the Puranas, the founder of
Satavahana dynasty is believed to be King Simuka.
53. Which of the following places was the capital of
Satvahanas?
(a) Pratisthan
(b) Nagarjuna Konda
(c) Shakal or Sialkot
(d) Pataliputra
U.P. Lower (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
Indian History
54. For which of the following rulers “Ekabrahmana” has
been used?
(a) Pushyamitra Shunga
(b) Kharavela
(c) Gautamiputra Shatakarni
(d) Susharman
U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
In the Nashik inscription of Gautami Balashri, her son
Gautamiputra Shatakarni is called “Ekabrahmana” which is
interpreted by some as “unrivalled Brahmana” thus indicating
a Brahmin origin.
55. Read these statements–
Assertion (A) : Kushans traded through Gulf of
Persian and Red sea.
Reason (R) : Their well organised naval force base
was highly qualified.
In context to the above which is the correct answer :
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. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (c)
A lot of evidence regarding ports and trading centres has been
found from the excavations of Periplus of the Erythraean
Sea and Arikamedu which proves that Kushanas trade was
operated through Persian Bay and the Red Sea. But none of
the evidence described the naval forces of Kushanas.
56. King Kharavela is related to –
(a) Piller inscription of Girnar
(b) Piller inscription of Junagarh
(c) Hathigumpha inscription
(d) Sarnath inscription
43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (c)
Kharavela of Chedi dynasty was the king of Kalinga presentday in Odisha, India. Much of the available information
about Kharavela comes from the undated and partially
damaged Hathigumpha inscription, plus a few other minor
inscriptions found in Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves,
in present-day Odisha. This is the only known source of
Kharavela inscriptions. The Kharavela is believed to be a
follower of Jainism.
Indian History
57. Which of the following inscription gives the information
about two Ashwamedha Yajnas performed by the king
Pushyamitra Shung?
(a) Saranath inscription
(b) Besnagar inscription
(c) Ayodhya inscription
(d) Hathigumpha inscription
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (c)
Pushyamitra Sunga was the commander of last Mauryan
ruler Brihadratha. He founded the Shunga dynasty killing
Brihadratha in 184 BCE. Ayodhya inscription gives us the
information that two Ashwamedha Yagnaswere performed
by the King Pushyamitra Shunga.
58. Which of the following Kings was a Patron of Jainism ?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Harsha
(c) Pulakeshin II
(d) Kharavela
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
59. The King of Kalinga Kharavela was related to which
of the following dynasty ?
(a) Chedi
(b) Kadamba
(c) Kalinga
(d) Haryanka
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
60. Who among the following kings had heavily leaned
towards Jainism?
(a) Dashratha
(b) Brihadratha
(c) Kharavela
(d) Huvishka
48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
61. The inscription of Hathigumpha is the source of
information about which king ?
(a) Kharvela
(b) Ashok
(c) Harshavardhan
(d) Kanishka
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
The Hathigumpha inscription from Udaigiri, near Bhubaneshwar in Odisha, was inscribed by Kharvela. The Hathigumpha
inscription is the main source of information about Kalinga
ruler Kharvela.
62. Kalinga's King Kharvel was associated with:
(a) Mahameghvahana dynasty
(b) Chedi dynasty
General Studies
B–125
(c) Satvahana dynasty
(d) Rath-Bhojak dynasty
(e) None of the above/ More than one of the above
60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (e)
Kalinga's king Kharvela was best known king of the
Mahameghavahana dynasty (which is also termed as 'Chedi
Dynasty' by some scholars).
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
63. The rulers of which of the following dynasty have been
called as 'Shriparvatiya' in Puranas?
(a) Vakatakas
(b) Ikshvakus
(c) Shaks
(d) Kharvelas
U.P.P.C.S.C. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (b)
Rulers of the Ikshvaku dynasty are called 'Shriparvatiya' in
Puranas. They were Lords under the Patronage of Satvahanas,
but after their decline, Ikshvakus declared their independence.
Shrisantmula was the founder of this dynasty.
64. Which field was mostly contributed by Eastern Roman
ruler Justinian?
(a) Law
(b) Architecture
(c) Science
(d) Literature
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
Justinian is known for his contribution and development of
Roman law. The Corpus Juris Civilis is still the basis of civil
law in many modern states. Justinian was responsible for the
complete amendment of Roman Law.
Gupta and Post-Gupta Period
*Gupta dynasty ruled during 275-550 AD. This dynasty
was established by King Srigupta around 275 AD, but the
first powerful ruler of Gupta dynasty was Chandragupta
I who ruled during 319-335 AD. He held the title of
‘Maharajadhiraja’ (in contradiction to his predecessors)
to show his importance. *Gupta Samvat was started by
Chandragupta-I during 319-20 AD.
*Historian A V Smith in his composition ‘Early History of
India’ called Samudragupta (335-375 AD) of Gupta dynasty
as ‘Napoleon of India’ for his great military conquests. The
Ashoka pillar inscription of Allahabad is associated with
‘Prayaga Prashasti’. *The inscription is a panegyric (tribute)
praising Samudragupta and lists the political and military
achievements of his reign including his expeditions to the south.
Built by Ashoka, originally it was situated in Kaushambi,
which was later shifted to Allahabad by Akbar. The name of
Jahangir and Birbal is also mentioned there.
*Prayag Prashasti is on Ashokan Pillar but has 4 different
inscriptions:
(1) Ashokan inscription in Brahmi script
(2) Queen edict regarding the charitable deed of Ashoka’s wife,
Karuvaki.
(3) Samudragupta inscription written by Harisena in Sanskrit
language and Brahmi script.
(4) Jahangir inscription in Persian.
*Another name of Gupta ruler Chandragupta –II
‘Vikramaditya’ (375-415 AD) is found as Devgupta. Its
evidence has been obtained from Sanchi and Vakataka
inscriptions. Apart from the above-mentioned names, he is also
known as Devraja and Devashri.
*According to Mehrauli inscription the king was devoted
to Vishnu and set up the pillar (Vishnu flag) as a standard of
that God on a hill called Vishnupada. *‘Mehrauli Iron Pillar
Inscription’ acquired from Mehrauli in Delhi is located near
Qutub Minar at present.
*Gupta ruler Chandragupta-II ‘Vikramaditya’ was known
as the ‘Saka Conqueror’ as he alleviated Saka power by
defeating last Saka king Rudrasimha-III in the first decade
of the 5th century. He adopted the title of ‘Sakari’ after this
victory. He launched silver coins on this occasion. They
were called ‘Rupaka’ in Gupta rule. The Nine Gems of
Chandragupta II were (1) Kalidas (Poet), (2) Dhanvantari
(Physician), (3) Varahamihira (Astronomer), (4) Amar Singh
(Lexicographer), (5) Shanku (Architect) (6) Kshapanak
(Astrologer), (7) Vararuchi (Grammarian), (8) Vetala Bhatta
(Magician) (9) Ghata Karpara (Diplomat).
*Kumaragupta I ‘ Mahendraditya’ ( 415-455 AD) was
the eldest son born to Dhruvadevi, wife of Chandragupta II.
*The first invasion of Hunas took place during the reign of
Skandagutpta (455 AD) and Hunas were comprehensively
defeated by him. This invasion was just like a raid without any
lasting impact on India, but this invasion hastened the decline
of the Gupta Empire. Hunas annexed many regions of the north-
Samudragupta (335-375 AD). It is considered to be the most
west in the transition period of 5 -6 centuries after the death of
important historical document of the classical Gupta age in
Skandagupta. *Bhitari Pillar inscription is found from a place
named as Bhitari in Saidpur tehsil of district Ghazipur, Uttar
excellent Sanskrit written by Harisena. It is also known as
B–126
th
General Studies
th
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Pradesh. The description of the war between Skandagupta and
Hunas is mentioned in Bhitari Pillar inscription. It is noteworthy
that the first Indian invasion of Hunas took place during the reign
of Skandagupta (455 AD) in which Hunas were badly defeated by
Skandagupta. When the Huna invasion ended the Roman Empire
in 3rd century AD., the Indian merchants relied more and more
on the South East Asian trade.
*Tormad was the leader of the second Huna attack on India.
*Mihirakula was a central Asian Huna origin who was one of
the most important Hephthalite Emperor. The Gwalior inscription
showed his territory which included Gwalior. Mihirkula suffered
a defeat by the Aulikara king Yasodharman of Malwa in 528 AD.
or some other sources 495 A.D.
*The Tamralipti port in Bengal was a prominent port during
Gupta period from where trade was conducted with south-east
Asia, China, Lanka, Java, Sumatra as well as northern India.
Western coast had an important port of Bhrigu Kachchha
(Bharuch) from where Gupta rulers used to trade with western
countries. *Guilds were very important in the economy of ancient
India. These organizations were established by merchants for the
proper regulation of their trade. Guilds had the judicial power of
their members and also had the power to ensure the salary, rules
of job, standards and prices. Every guild had its head without any
intervention by the kingdom. It was also important for governing
the local bodies.
*Gujarat, Bengal, Deccan and Tamil Nadu were famous for the
production of the garments in the Gupta period. The garment industry
was the principal industry of the Gupta period. During the Gupta
period, the main centres of international trade were Tamralipti, Bhrigu
Kachchha, Arikamedu, Kaveripattanam, Muziris, Pratishthana,
Sopara, Barberikam.
*Dhanvantari was one of the Navratnas of Chandragupta II. He
was a master in Ayurveda. Bhaskara I was Gupta contemporary. He
wrote Mahabhaskariya & Laghubhaskariya.Bhaskaracharya was
a great astronomer and mathematician. He composed ‘Siddhanta
Shiromani’ and ‘Lilavati’ based on astronomy and mathematics.
He was not contemporary of Guptas. He belonged to 12th centuray.
*Development in mathematics is notable in the Gupta period.
Sine, Cosine, and Inverse sine were known in 5Th Century.
These are mentioned in ‘Surya Siddhanta’ and ‘Aryabhatiya’.
Brahmagupta described cyclic quadrilateral.
We find eight types of gold currencies during the reign
of Samudragupta. They were Garuda, Archer, Parashu,
Ashvamedha, Vaghra- Prakramah, Veena Type. According to
the Chinese traveller Fa-Hien, people used clamshell in routine
Indian History
trading activities. Coins of Gupta rulers were found in Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa
(Odisha). The most famous place where coins were found is
Bharatpur (Bayana). Coins issued by them were known as
Rupaka and the gold currencies were called Dinara.
*The first evidence of ‘Sati Practice’ in India is mentioned
in the inscription Eran. This inscription belongs to 510 AD
in which practice of Satipratha has been mentioned for a lady
who was the wife of war commander named ‘Gopraj’. *During
Gupta period, towns declined gradually. All the towns which
were prosperous in the valley, most of them had declined in
that age. A major city, Pataliputra became village when HiuenTsang came to India. Mathura, Sonpur, Sohgama- all major
cities provided evidence of a decline in this age.
*Gupta period in ancient India is considered as the golden age
due to the excellent development in the field of art and culture.
*The ruler of Gupta dynasty donated a maximum number of
villages to temples and Brahmins. Also, the income generated
from the land of the village used to be given to the owner of
the land. A person who used to cultivate on the official land of
the ruler had to pay a part of crop-products as tax in the Gupta
period which was the sixth portion (1/6) of the production.
*Land revenue is known as ‘Udrang’ and “Bhag” in Gupta
inscriptions. *In ancient India, the irrigation tax was known
as ‘Bedakbhog’ or ‘Udakabhag.’ *Hiranya was the cash tax
in Mauryan period. The land tax was called Udrang in Gupta
inscriptions. ‘Uparnika’ was the tax on farmers living on the
border land.
*In Sanskrit plays, written during Gupta period, women and
Sudra spoke in Prakrit language while upper varnas (class)
person used Sanskrit to speak. *Except for Vedic age, the
situation of women was never good in ancient India. In the age
of Gupta, Maurya and Chola, the evidence of inferior situation
of women has been found. Thus, situation of women with men
cannot be compared to any age. ‘Mrichchhakatika’ written by
Sudraka tells about the change in society and administration
system during the Gupta period. This text deals with the
love story of Charudtta (Carudatta), a rich merchant with the
Vasantasena, a daughter of a courtesan.
*The rule of the Gupta Empire was monarchical. Unlike other
rulers, the Gupta rulers believed in their divine origin. The Gupta
rulers expanded the tradition of donation of land. The nature of
the Gupta administration was not centralized and conservative;
the Gupta king was the king of many small kings. The feudal
General Studies
B–127
and provincial rulers experienced absolute independence in
their respective areas. *The game of chess originated in India
during Gupta period, known as ‘Chaturanga.’ It reached to
Iran and then Europe from India. Praverasena I (275-335
AD) the Rular of Vakataka dynasty, was the first Vakataka
ruler who called himself a Samrat. Vakataka ruler Praverasen
I conducted four Ashvamedha Yajnas. Along with this, he also
made many Vedic sacrifices. Emperor Pravarasena II of the
same dynasty was interested in literature; he composed a treatise
called ‘Setubandha’. *Hindu philosophy refers to a group of
darshans (philosophies, worldview, teachings) that emerged in
ancient India. The mainstream Hindu philosophy includes six
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
systems (Saddarsana) Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika,
Mimansa, and Vedanta.
*Sankhya Darshan is one of the most ancient philosophical
schools of India. Maharshi Kapila is known as the ‘Acharya’
of Sankhya Darshan. He composed ‘Sankhya Sutra’ and
Tatvasamas. *Sankhya philosophy accepts the theory of rebirth
or transmigration of the soul. Nescience is the cause of
sorrow and self-enlightenment by knowledge is the solution of
liberation from them. Sankhya held that it is the self-knowledge
that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
*Maharshi Patanjali is known as the founder of ‘Yoga
Darshan.’ The description about yoga is found in Upanishad,
Mahabharat, Bhagwat Geeta, Jain and Buddha texts. Maharshi
Patanjali explained it as a compact philosophical theory. So it
is called as 'Patanjali Darshan’. Ashtanga Yoga means “eightlimbed yoga” as outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yog Sutras.
It consists of eight spiritual practices. Yama, Niyama, Asana,
Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharna, Dhyana and Samadhi. Patanjali
was contemporary to Pushyamitra Shunga (184-148 BC).
*‘Nyaya Darshan’ was propagated by Gautama who is also
known as ‘Akshapada’. The word ‘Nyaya’ means decision or
logic. Nyaya Darshan recognizes the existence of 16 substances
or logic. The original text of Nyaya Darshan is ‘Nyayasutra’
which is the masterpiece of Gautama.
*The theory of karma is related to ‘Mimansa’ philosophy. It is
also known as Karma Mimansa, Poorva Mimansa or Dharma
Mimansa. *‘Mimansa’ philosophy accepts that Vedas contain
the eternal truth. Poorva Mimansa tells about ‘Karmakanda’
while Uttar Mimansa tells about ‘Gyankand’.
*Vedanta philosophy is considered to be the culmination of
Indian ideology. Vedanta literally means - ‘The end of the
B–128
Vedas’ or ‘the climax of Vedic ideology’. Vedanta philosophy
has three bases - Upanishads, Brahmasutra and Bhagvad
Gita. They are called the ‘Prasthanatrayi’.
*Maharshi Kanad was the founder of Vaisheshika School
of Indian philosophy. He propounded atom theory and called
as the founder of Indian Atomism. According to this theory
material, subjects are made up of atoms. The Vaisheshika thus
marked the beginning of physics in India. Kanad was first to
prove that atom is the smallest unit of any matter. Atom cannot
be seen through naked eyes and cannot be further divided.
*The Vaisheshika school gives importance to the discussion of
material elements or dravya. Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Sky,
when combine give rise to new objects.
*According to Puranas, Chandravansh (or Somvansha) was
one of the three prime dynasties (two other Suryavansha and
Agnivansha) of the Kshatriya varna. The prime place of the
Chandravansha’s ruler was Prayag but after a natural calamity,
Dwapar Yug Chandravanshi king Samvaram established his
capital in Pratishthanpur (present Jhunsi, Allahabad). *Agnikula
was the most famous Pratihara dynasty of the Rajputs. Due
to being related to the branch of Gurjars, it is known as the
Gurjara- Pratihara dynasty in history. *The first description of
the Gurjara caste is in the Aihole text of Pulakeshin II. Gujars
are mentioned in the Harshacharita of Banabhatta. The founder
of the Gurjara-Pratihar dynasty was Nagabhata I (730 - 756
AD). The Gwalior inscription shows that he had destroyed the
large army of Mlechcha king, which was probably the Arab
ruler of Sindh.
*The Rashtrakuta dynasty was established in 736 AD by
Dantidurga. He made the Manyakheta as his capital. About
Dantidurga, it is said that in Ujjaini, he conducted a Hiranyagarbha
(Mahadan) Yajna. *Rashtrakuta Raja Amoghavarsha I was born
in 800 AD in the military camp of Sribhavan, on the banks
of river Narmada. At this time, his father, Rashtrakuta King
Govind III was returning after successful campaigns of North
India.
Maukhari were the feud of the Guptas, who were originally
resident of Gaya. The rulers of the Maukhari dynasty made
Kannauj their capital. Hari Varma, AdityaVarma, IshvaraVarma, Sharva-Varma and Graha-Varma were the main rules
of this dynasty.
*Detailed information regarding Harsha is obtained from
Harshacharita, which was composed by author Banabhatta.
Some information regarding him is also available from
Rajatarangini written by Kalhana. *Chinese sources revealed
that Harsha and Rajyashri ruled together over Kannauj.
Harsha shifted his capital to Kannauj from Thaneshwar to help
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
his sister Rajyashri in the proper administration of Kannauj.
Harsha held a massive council of various religions and sects
in Kannauj. According to the Chinese evidence, rulers of
20 countries along with their eminent Brahmins, shramads,
courtiers, etc. arrived there. This meet was presided over by
Hiuen Tsang. A function used to be held at Sangam region
of Prayag every fifth year of Harsha’s rule, which is stated as
‘Mahamoksha council.’ Hiuen Tsang himself attended the 6th
function which was attended by 18 rulers of various countries.
*Emperor Harsha’s southward march was stopped on the
Narmada River by Pulkesin-II. Pulkesin-II also wanted to
expand the state towards the north, in such a situation the
war was inevitable between the two. Actually, there was a
war between the two, at the bank of the Narmada, in which
Pulkesin-II defeated Harsha. This incident is mentioned in
Aihole inscription of Pulkesin-II and description of Hiuen
Tsang. *The arrival of Hiuen Tsang was the most important
event of Harsha’s period. He departed for India in 629 AD from
Changan, the capital of Tang ruler. He wrote a book on his tour
to India named 'Sei-Yu-Kei'.
*Hiuen Tsang went to Nalanda University in 637 AD. Acharya
Sheelbhadra was the vice-chancellor of Nalanda University at
that time. According to Hiuen Tsang, Mathura was famous for
the production of cotton textiles at that time, while, Varanasi
was famous for the silk textiles. Hiuen Tsang says that the main
reason for the prosperity of Thaneshwar was the trade there.
*Kannauj became the centre of attraction of various powers
after Harsha’s death. It has been expressed by the names
‘Mahodaya’, ‘Mahodayashri’ etc. There was a triangular
struggle between the three great powers of the 8th centuryPala, Gurjara-Pratihara and Rashtrakuta for the control of
Kannauj which is the most important event in the history of
North India in the 8th-9th Century. In this struggle, ultimately,
the Pratiharas got success.
*The Chinese traveller Itsing with 37 Buddhist associates
in Kerala in the 8th century. His philosophy is known as
‘Advaita Vedanta’. The religious centres established by him
are – (1) Sringeri (Karnataka) in south, (2) Dwarka (Gujarat)
in west, (3) Puri (Odisha) – in the east and (4) Jyotirmath(
Joshimath, Uttarakhand) - in the north. Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri
and Rameswaram are Chardham, while Gangotri, Yamunotri,
Kedarnath and Badrinath are the little Chota Dhaam located
in Uttarakhand.
1.
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)
Gupta dynasty ruled during 275-550 AD. This dynasty
was established by King Srigupta around 275 AD, but the
first powerful ruler of Gupta dynasty was Chandragupta
I who ruled during 319-335 AD. He has held the title of
‘Maharajadhiraja’ (in contradiction to his predecessors) to
show his importance. So option (a) is the most accurate
answer.
2.
Who 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)
King of Vakataka, Pravarsena-I had performed four
Ashwamedhas. He also performed many Vedic oblations.
Pravarsena-II, another ruler of the same dynasty, was
interested in literature, who wrote ‘Setubandha.’
3.
Who is known as the Napoleon of India?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Chandragupta- II Vikramaditya
decided to travel to western countries in 671 or 672 AD.
(c) Great Ashoka
He came to India through western sea route and returned to
(d) Samudragupta
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
China in 693 - 94 AD via Sumatra. In ancient days, Chinese
writers mentioned India by the name of ‘Yin-tu’ and ‘Thiantu’. Nalanda University was ransacked and destroyed by the
army of Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193 AD. It was the final blow to
Buddhism in India and set it on the path of decline.
*Shankaracharya is also known as Shankar, Shree
Shankaracharya etc. He was born in Kaladi, a small village
Indian History
Ans. (d)
Historian A.V. Smith in his composition ‘Early History of
India’ called Samudragupta (335-375 AD) of Gupta dynasty
as ‘Napoleon of India’ for his great military conquests.
General Studies
B–129
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)
See the explanation of above question.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
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)
Another name of Gupta ruler Chandragupta-II ‘Vikramaditya’
is found as Devagupta. Its evidence has been obtained from
Sanchi and Vakataka inscriptions. Apart from the abovementioned names, he is also known as Devaraja and Devashri.
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)
Copperplate inscription of Samudragupta from Nalanda and
Gaya describes param Bhagavata title of Samudragupta.
Although UPPSC has given option (c) as correct answer.
7.
The first Gupta ruler to assume the title of ‘Parama
Bhagawat’ was
(a) Chandragupta- I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Ramagupta
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
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 & d)
B–130
The Ashoka pillar inscription of Allahabad is associated
with Samudragupta (335-375 AD). It is considered to be the
most important historical document of the classical Gupta
age in excellent Sanskrit written by Harisena. It is also
known as ‘Prayag Prashasti.’ The inscription is a panegyric
(tribute) praising Samudragupta and lists the political and
military achievements of his reign including his expeditions
to the south. Built by Ashoka, originally it was situated in
Kaushambi, which was later shifted to Allahabad by Akbar.
The name of Jahangir and Birbal is also mentioned there.
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)
See the explanation of above question.
10. Prayag Prashashti tells about the military campaign of (a) Chandragupta- I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Kumaragupta
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
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)
Prayag Prashasti is the name given to Allahabad pillar. It is
an Ashokan Pillar but has 4 different inscriptions:
Ashokan inscription in Brahmi script.
Queen edict regarding the charitable deed of Ashoka’s wife,
Karuvaki. Samudragupta inscription written by Harisena in
Sanskrit language and Brahmi script and Jahangir inscription
in Persian.
12. Which of the following inscription reveals information
about Silk Weavers Guild?
(a) Dashpur Inscription
(b) Prayag Prashasti
(c) Eran Inscription
(d) Hathigumpha Inscription
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Mandasor also referred to as Dasor or Dashpur. Dashpur
inscriptions of Yashodharman are a set of Sanskrit inscription
from early 6th-century discovered at an archaeological site
at the village of Sodani, in Mandasor. These record the
victory of Aulikara King Yasodharman over the Hun King
Mihirakula. Bandhuvarma, who is eulogised poet Vatsabhatti
in the Mandsaur stone inscription of the guild of silk-weavers.
This inscription informs us that he was a feudatory of the
Gupta King Kumaragupta-I. It was during his reign, a temple
dedicated to Surya was constructed by the silk-weavers at
Dashapur. The temple was renovated by the same guild.
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)
In his book ‘’A Political Histories of the Imperial Guptas’’
,Tej Ram Sharma describes Ashvamedha Yajna which was
done by Samudragupta. After this ritual, he assumed the title
of ‘Prithivyama Pratiratha’ which means that a man who has
no rival on the earth ( The first brave man on the Earth). Uttar
Pradesh Public Service Commission excluded this question
from the evaluation.
14. The iron column, located in the courtyard of Delhi’s
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is retention of –
(a) Ashok
(b) Chandra
(c) Harsha
(d) Anangapal
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
Mehrauli Iron Pillar inscription’ acquired from Mehrauli in
Delhi is located near Qutub Minar at present. It describes a
king named “Chandra” which is assumed as Chandragupta
II of Gupta clan. According to recognition, the Mehrauli iron
pillar was situated at Vishnugiri near Udaigiri Hills during
the period of Chandragupta II around 410 AD. Chandragupta
II was the devotee of Lord Vishnu. He constructed this iron
pillar in respect of Lord Vishnu. Emblem bearer of Lord
Vishnu ‘Garuda” was engraved on the apex of the pillar.
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)
Indian History
The first invasion of Hunas took place during the reign of
Skandagupta and Hunas were comprehensively defeated
by him. This invasion was just like a raid, and there was
not lasting impact on India, but this invasion intensified the
decline of the Gupta Empire. Hunas annexed many regions
of the north-west in the transition period of 5 -6 centuries
after the death of Skandagupta.
th
th
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)
See the explanation of above question.
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)
See the explanation of above question.
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)
See the explanation of above question.
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)
See the explanation of above question.
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 is found at the place known as
Bhitari in Saidpur tehsil of district Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.
The description of the war between Skandagupta and Hunas
is mentioned in Bhitari Pillar inscription. It is noteworthy
that the first Indian invasion of Hunas took place during the
reign of Skandagupta in which Hunas were badly defeated
by Skandagupta.
General Studies
B–131
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
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)
During the Gupta period Tamralipti of Bengal was an
important port which was used for trading with South-East
Asia, China, Lanka, Java, Sumatra etc. Bhrigukatchha
(Bharuch) was important port of western India from where
trade of North India with western countries occured through
sea-route. During the Gupta period, most of the Indian trade
happened with South-East Asia, hence Tamralipti was most
important port of this period. However, Bharuch, Kalyan,
Cambay etc. were also used for North Indian trade. Hence most
suitable answer would be more than one which is option (e).
The decline of the Gupta Empire was not due to the Arab
invasion. Arabs invaded India during the medieval era, much
later after the downfall of Gupta dynasty.
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)
22. Who is known as ‘Saka-conqueror’?
(a) Chandragupta- I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Kumaragupta
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
Gupta Ruler Chandragupta- II ‘Vikramaditya’ was known
as the ‘Saka Conqueror’ as he eliminated Saka power by
defeating last Saka king Rudrasimha- III in the first decade
of the 5th century. He adopted the title of 'Sakari' after this
victory. He issued silver coins (Rupak) on this occasion.
23. Who was the first Gupta ruler to issue silver coins?
(a) Chandragupta- I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Kumargupta
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
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)
When the Huna invasion ended the Roman empire in 3rd
century A.D. the Indian merchants relied more and more on
the South East Asian Trade.
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)
B–132
The Tamralipti port in Bengal was a prominent port during
the Gupta period from where trade was conducted with
south-east Asia, China, Lanka, Java, Sumatra as well as
northern India. Western coast had an important port of Bhrigu
Kachchha (Bharuch) from where Gupta rulers used to trade
with western countries.
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)
See the explanation of above question.
28. India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade
links with south-East Asia across the Bay of Bengal.
For this pre-eminence of the early maritime history
of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the
most convincing explanation/explanations?
(a) As compared to other countries, India had a 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 in this
context
I.A.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (c)
India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links
with South East Asia across the Bay of Bengal, as the
monsoon winds originated from the Bay of Bengal facilitated
the cruise, which in turn enhanced trade and cultural contacts.
Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
General Studies
Indian History
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?
of Kashi. It is believed that his period was around 600
BC. Shaunak was the sage of the Rigveda. Shudraka was
a dramatist of the Gupta period (literateur). Saumill is a
1. Every guild was registered with the central
playwright of Gupta period who has been remembered by
authority of the state, and the King was the chief
Kalidasa with language and poetry. Thus, none of the above
administrative authority on them.
had worked in the field of medicine during the Gupta period.
2. The wages, rules of work, standard and prices were
fixed by the guild.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Sushruta is called the father of surgery. He was a resident
Although Bihar Public Service Commission in its initial
answer sheet has considered the correct answer as option
3. The guild had judicial powers over its members.
(a). Since the Gupta period begins with 275-AD (Sri Gupta),
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
which is about 1000 years later than the valid period of
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
Sushruta (usually 600 BC to 1500 BC), it is not reasonable
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
to consider Sushruta a contemporary of the Gupta period.
Ans. (c)
I.A.S. (Pre) 2012
Guilds were very important in the economy of ancient India.
These organizations were established by merchants for the
proper regulation of their trade. Guilds had the judicial
power of their members and also had the power to ensure the
salary, rules of job, standards and prices. Every guild had its
head without any intervention by the kingdom. It was also
important for governing the local bodies.
30. Centers located in Gujarat, Bengal, Deccan and Tamil
Country during the Gupta period were 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)
Gujarat, Bengal, Deccan and Tamil Nadu were famous for the
textile manufacturing industry. Thus, option (a) is the correct
answer. Textile Industry was a prime industry of the Gupta period.
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)
Indian History
32. Who among the following is known for his Ayurvedic
thematic composition during Gupta period?
(a) Saumilla
(b) Shudraka
(c) Shunaka
(d) Sushruta
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2002
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (*)
See the explanation of above question.
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)
Dhanvantari was one of the Navratnas of Chandragupta II.
He was a master in Ayurveda. Charaka and Susruta were
also great scholars of Ayurveda. Charak was the physician of
Kanishka who wrote 'Charaka Samhita' while Bhaskaracharya
was a great astronomer and mathematician. He composed
‘Siddhanta Shiromani’ and ‘Lilavati’ based on astronomy
and mathematics.
34. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient
India, which of the statements given below are correct?
1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments
were in common use by AD first century.
2. Transplant 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
General Studies
AD fifth century.
B–133
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)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The ancient age is notable for the scientific developments.
Many surgical instruments were used in 1st century AD, but
the transplant of human internal organs was not possible till
then. Development in maths is notable in the Gupta period.
Sine, cosine, inverse sine was known in 5th century AD. These
are mentioned in ‘Surya Siddhantha’ and ‘Aryabhatiya.’
Brahmagupta described cyclic quadrilateral in 700 AD. Thus,
statement 1, 3 and 4 are correct.
35. Who of the following among the Nine Gems of
Chandragupta was associated with Astrology ?
(a) Vararuchi
(h) Sanku
(c) Kshapanak
(d) Amar Singh
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
The Nine Gems of Chandragupta II were (1) Kalidasa (Poet),
(2) Dhanvantari (Physician), (3) Varahamihira (Astronomer),
(4) Amar Singh (Lexicographer), (5) Shanku (Architect)
(6) Kshapanak (Astrologer), (7) Vararuchi (Grammarian),
(8) Vetal Bhatta (Magician) (9) Ghata Karpara (Diplomat).
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)
See the explanation of above question.
Gold coins issued by Gupta rulers were known as Dinar.
According to Fa hien, people used Dinar for daily business.
38. Gupta gold coin was called (a) Karshapana
(b) Dinara
(c) Nishka
(d) Suvarna
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (b)
B–134
The silver coins issued by the Gupta ruler was known as
“Rupaka”. The Gupta coins have been found from Bihar,
Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Orissa. Bharatpur
in Rajasthan is the place from where a maximum number of
coins have been found.
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 was the first Gupta ruler who issued the
coins. There is no evidence available for issuance of coins by
Ghatokacha and Srigupta, the early rulers of Gupta dynasty.
Samudragupta also issued various types of coins, but his
tenure was after Chandragupta-I.
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)
In Sanskrit plays, written during Gupta period, women and
Sudra spoke in Prakrit language while upper varnas (class)
person used Sanskrit to speak.
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)
See the explanation of above question.
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)
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) Asparsha yoga
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (d)
Nishkama Karma, or selfless or desireless action, is an action
performed without any expectation of fruits or results and the
central tenet of Karma yoga path to liberation. It advocates
achieving success following the principles of Yoga and stopping beyond personal goals and agendas while pursuing any
action over greater good, which has become well known since
it is the central message of the Bhagavad Gita.
General Studies
Indian History
43. The first inscriptional evidence of the Satipratha has
been found from –
(a) Eran
(b) Junagarh
(c) Mandsaur
(d) Sanchi
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (a)
The first evidence of ‘Satipratha’ has been found from the
inscription of Eran. This inscription belongs to 510 AD in
which practice of Satipratha has been mentioned for a lady
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
who was the wife of war commander named ‘Gopraj.’
44. Who established Gupta Samvat?
(a) Chandragupta- I
(b) Srigupta
(c) Chandragupta- II
(d) Ghatotkach
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (a)
Gupta Samvat was started by Chandragupta-I during 319
AD.
45. Match List-I with the 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)
The correctly matched list is as follows Ashoka
Priyadarsina
Samudragupta
Parakramanka
Chandragupta-II
Vikramaditya
Skandgupta
Kramaditya
Duttadevi
Kubernaga
Kumaradevi
Anantdevi
D
4
4
4
1
U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (a)
47. The gradual decline of towns was an important feature
of which period?
(a) Gupta period
(b) Pratihara era
(c) Rashtrakut
(d) Satavahana era
40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (a)
During the Gupta period, towns declined gradually. All the
towns which were prosperous in the valley, most of them
had declined in that age. A major city, Patliputra became
village when Hiuen-Tsang came to India. Mathura, Sonpur,
Sohgama- all major cities provided evidence of a decline in
this age. So, we can say that the gradual decline of towns is
an important feature of the Gupta period.
48. Which ruling dynasty donated maximum villages to
temples and Brahmins?
(a) Gupta Dynasty
(b) Pala Dynasty
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Pratihara
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
The ruler of Gupta dynasty donated a maximum number of
villages to temples and Brahmins. Also, the income generated
from the land of the village used to be given to the owner
of the land.
49. In Ancient India, which dynasty’s rule is considered
as the Golden Age?
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)
Indian History
A. Chandragupta
1.
B. Samudragupta
2.
C. Chandragupta II 3.
D. Kumargupta I
4.
Code :
A
B
C
(a) 3
1
2
(b) 2
1
3
(c) 1
2
3
(d) 4
3
2
(a) Mauryan
(b) Shunga
(c) Gupta
(d) Magadha
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
Gupta period in ancient India is considered as the golden age
due to the excellent development in the field of art and culture.
General Studies
B–135
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)
Except for the Vedic age, the situation of women was never
good in ancient India. In the age of Gupta, Maurya and Chola,
the evidence of inferior condition of women has been found.
Thus condition of women with men cannot be compared to
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
any age.
51. What was the land revenue rate in 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)
A person who used to cultivate on the official land of the ruler
they had to pay a part of crop-products as tax in Gupta period
which was the sixth portion of the production. Land revenue
is known as ‘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)
In every religious text, the land revenue rate is 1/6th of the
produce.
53. What is the 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)
Vishti was a form of forced labour enforced by either state,
provincial Governor or local chief. It is also mentioned in
Gupta copper inscriptions that list out a variety of taxes.
Junagarh inscription mentions vishti as one form of tax,
which indicates that it was imposed in Gujarat and Malwa
region. Since it was forced labour in lieu of tax, it was not
wage labour. Wage labour existed in ancient India, but it was
not called Vishti. Vishti could be imposed on anyone, not in
particular on eldest son only.
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)
Uncultivable lands were called 'Aprahat'. It was a term of the
revenue system in the Gupta period.
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
See the explanation of above question.
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)
The Gupta Empire granted tax-free agrarian land to religious
functionaries, i.e. Brahmins.
B–136
55. With reference to forced labour (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 labourer was entitled to weekly wages.
(d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced
labourer.
I.A.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (a)
(d) religious rituals
I.A.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (a)
Kulyavapa & dronavapa were different measurements of land
during the Gupta period.
58. In ancient India, the irrigation tax was called –
(a) Bidakabhagam
(b) Hiranya
General Studies
Indian History
(c) Udranga
(d) Uparnika
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (a)
In ancient India, the irrigation tax was known as ‘Bidakbhag’
or ‘Udakbhag.’ Hiranya was the cash tax in the Mauryan
period. The land tax was called Udrang in Gupta inscriptions.
‘Uparnika’ was the tax on farmers living on the land.
59. In 3 AD, Warangal was famous for–
(a) Copper pots
(b) Gold Jewelleries
(c) Iron implements
(d) Elephant-teeth work
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
rd
Warangal was famous for production of iron equipment.
‘Agaria’ people lived there, and iron making was the
traditional occupation for them.
60. Tormad was from the racial group of –
(a) Sithian
(b) Huna
(c) Yaochi
(d) Saka
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (b)
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)
According to Dr. K.P. Jayaswal, Visakhadatta and
Chandragupta were contemporary. His play “Mudrarakshasa’
describes the actions of Chandragupta Maurya. He described
the presence of ‘Durabhisandhi’ in the court of Chandragupta
Maurya.
64. In ancient period, which Varna was also called as
'Sarthavaha'?
(a) Brahmana
(b) Kshatriya
(c) Vaishya
(d) Shudra
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Tormad was the leader of the second Huna invasion on India.
61. Who amongst the following had defeated Huna ruler
Mihirakula?
(a) Budhagupta
(b) Yashodharman
(c) Shashanka
(d) Prabhakaravardhana
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Mihirkula was of central Asian Huna origin who was
one of the most important Hephthalite emperors. The
Gwalior inscription showed his territory which included
Gwalior. Mihirkula suffered a defeat by the Aulikara king
Yasodharman of Malwa in 528 A.D.
62. Chinese traveller 'Sungyun' was 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)
Chinese traveller 'Sungyun' came to India in 518 to 521 AD.
He collected texts of Buddha's preaching in his three years
of travel.
Indian History
Ans. (c)
Proper rules of conduct for trade were prescribed by the head
of trade guilds, known as Sarthavaha or Srenipramukh. The
rules were called Samay and Srenidharma. Hence, the term
Sarthavaha is associated with 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)
There was a monarchy in the Gupta Empire. They believed
in their supernatural origin (opposite to Mauryas). They
extended the tradition of land donation. Though it was not
centralised, but the federal system was followed. So, option
1 and 3 are correct.
General Studies
B–137
66. With reference to the period of 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)
During Gupta period there was flourishing external and
internal trade. Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were ports
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
handling foreign 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)
The game of chess originated in India during the Gupta
period was known as ‘Chaturanga.’ It reached Iran and then
Europe from India.
68. ‘Mrichchhakatika’ an ancient Indian book written by
Shudraka 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)
‘Mrichchhakatika” or “The Little clay Cart” written by
Sudraka deals with the love story of a rich merchant with the
daughter of a courtesan. It also tells about the changes in the
society during the Gupta period. It also provides information
about some shudra officers in Ujjayini.
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)
B–138
Sankhya Darshan is one of the most ancient philosophical
schools of India. Maharshi Kapila is known as the ‘Acharya’
of Sankhya Darshan. He composed ‘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)
See the explanation of above question.
71. ‘Sankhya’ Philosophy is propounded by –
(a) Gautam
(b) Jaimini
(c) Kapila
(d) Patanjali
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
72. With reference to the history of philosophical thought
in India, consider the following statements regarding
Samkhya School
1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or
transmigration of the soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is the 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)
The Sankhya School is a part of six orthodox schools of
Indian philosophy. Sankhya philosophy accepts the theory
of rebirth or transmigration of the soul. Nescience is the
cause of sorrow and self-enlightenment by knowledge is the
solution of liberation from them. Sankhya held that it is the
self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior
influence or agent. 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
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
General Studies
Indian History
(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
practices. Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara,
of Ashtanga-Yoga.
Kapila Muni is earliest exponent of Samkhya philosophy.
As per the philosophy, man's life is shaped by the forces of
nature and not by any divine entity.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. It consists of eight spiritual
Dharna, Dhyana and Samadhi but Anusmirti is not the part
Ans. (a)
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)
Maharshi Patanjali is known as the founder of ‘Yoga
Darshan.’ Although the history of yoga in Indian tradition is
very old. The description about yoga is found in Upanishad,
Mahabharat, Bhagavad Geeta, Jain and Buddha texts.
However, Maharshi Patanjali explained it as a compact
philosophical theory. So it is called 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)
78. With reference to Hath Yog, which of the following
statement is/are correct?
1. Hath Yog was practised by Nathpanthis.
2. Hath Yog 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)
Hath Yog in India was practised by Nathpanthis. Matsyendra
Nath and his disciple Gorakhnath is considered to be the
founder of Nath sect. Hath Yog technique was also adopted
by the Sufi Saints. Hath Yog related techniques can be seen
in the Persian book 'Bahar-Al-Hayat' written by Sufi Saint
of Shatari order Mohammad Gaus.
79. The writer of Mahabhashya ‘Patanjali’ was contemporary
of–
(a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Ashoka
(c) Pushyamitra Shunga (d) Chandragupta I
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (c)
Patanjali (the author of Mahabhashya) was contemporary to
Pushymitra Shunga (184-148 BC).
See the explanation of above question.
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)
International Yoga day is celebrated annually on 21 June
since its inception in 2015.
77. Which one of the following is not part of “Ashtangayoga”?
(a) Anusmriti
(b) Pratyahara
(c) Dhyana
(d) Dharana
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (a)
Indian History
Ashtanga Yoga means “eight-limbed yoga” as outlined by the
80. The founder of school of Navya-Nyaya was:
(a) Raghunath Shiromani
(b) Gangesh
(c) Sridhara
(d) Udayana
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (b & d)
The foundation of Navya-Nyaya school was the result of
the revolutionary work of Mithila based scholar Udayana or
Udayanacharya and after that Gangesh.
81. “Live well, as long as you live. Live well even by
borrowing, for once cremated, there is no return.” This
rejection of afterlife is an aphorism of the:
(a) Kapalika Sects
(b) Sunyavada of Nagarjuna
General Studies
B–139
(c) Ajivikas
(d) Charvakas
I.A.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (d)
Charvakas emphasised materialistic ideology in the school of
Indian philosophy. The ideal of this school of philosophy is to
live well as long as you live. "Live well even by borrowing,
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
for, once cremated, there is no return".
82. Which one of the following is highest value according
to Charvaka?
(a) Dharma
(b) Artha
(c) Kama
(d) Moksha
(e) Bhakti
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (c)
Charvaka originally, known as Lokayata is the ancient
school of Indian materialism. Charvaka holds direct perception, empiricism and conditional inference as a proper
source of knowledge embraces philosophical scepticism and
rejects Vedas, Vedic ritualism and supernaturalism. Ajita
Kesakambali is credited as the forerunner of the Charvakas.
Charvaka believed that there is nothing wrong with sensual
pleasure since it is impossible to have pleasure without pain,
Charvaka thought that wisdom lay in enjoying pleasure and
avoiding pain as far as possible. Unlike many of the philosophies of the time, Charvaka did not believe in austerities or
rejecting pleasure out of fear of pain and held such reasoning to be foolish. The Sarvasiddhanta samgraha states the
Charvaka position or pleasure and hedonisms as follows "The enjoyment of heaven lies in eating delicious food
keeping good company of young women, using fine clothes,
perfumes, garlands sandal paste..... while Moksha is death
which is cessation of life breath..... the wise therefore ought
not to take pains on account of Moksha."
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)
‘Nyaya Darshan’ was propagated by Gautama who is also
known as ‘Akshapada.’ The word ‘Nyaya’ means decision
or logic. Nyaya Darshan recognizes the existence of 16
substances or elements. The original text of Nyaya Darshan is
B–140
'Nyayasutra' which is the masterpiece of Gautama. Maharshi
Kapila propagated “Sankhya Darshan’ while Jaimini
propagated ‘Poorva Mimansa.’
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 achieve
salvation)
A. Nyaya Darshan
1. Acquisition of real
knowledge
B. Mimamsa Darshan2. 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)
Following are the matches :List–I
(Philosophy)
Nyaya Darshan
Mimamsa Darshan
Sankhya Darshan
List-II
(Methods to achieve
Salvation)
Logical thinking
Performing
vedic rituals
Acquisition of real
knowledge
Vedanta Darshan
Knowledge of self
Philosophy - Propagator
Nyaya - Gautam
Mimamsa Darshan - Gemini
Sankhya Darshan - Kapil
Vedanta Darshan - Badarayana
Veisheshik Darshan - Ulook kanad
Yoga Darshan - Patanjali
85. Author of ‘Nyaya Darshan’ was(a) Gautama
(b) Kapila
(c) Kanad
(d) Jaimini
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
Indian History
86. The founder of Nyaya Philosophy was
(a) Kapil
(b) Kanad
(c) Gautam
(d) Jaimini
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
87. Mimansa was initiated by–
(a) Kanad
(b) Vasistha
(c) Vishwamitra
(d) Jaimini
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
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)
The theory of Karma is related to ‘Mimansa’ philosophy. It is
also known as Karma Mimansa, Poorva Mimansa or Dharma
Mimansa. The acharya of Mimansa, Kumaril Bhatta is
considered as the link between Poorva Mimansa 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’ philosophy accepts that Vedas contain the eternal
truth. Poorva Mimansa tells about ‘Karmakanda’ while Uttar
Mimansa tells about ‘Gyankand.’
90. Which one of the following pairs does not form part
of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
(a) Mimansa and Vedanta
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(d) Sankhya and Yoga
I.A.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
Hindu philosophy refers to a group of darshans (philosophies,
worldview, teachings) that emerged in ancient India.
The mainstream Hindu philosophy includes six systems
(Saddarsana) Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimansa,
Indian History
and Vedanta. Hence Lokayata and Kapalika are not part of
the six systems of Indian Philosophy.
91. The Founder of Advait Philosophy is –
(a) Sankaracharya
(b) Ramanujacharya
(c) Madhvacharya
(d) Mahatma Buddha
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (a)
The principal exponent of the Advaita Vedanta interpretation
was Adi Shankara in the 8th century, who systematized the
works of preceding philosophers.
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)
According to Advaita Vedanta, the Mukti (liberation) can
be obtained by knowledge. It centers around knowledge
and believe correct understanding, provide knowledge of
the identity of Atman (Soul) and Brahman which results in
Mukti (liberation).
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 is not related to the philosophy of Vedanta.
The thesis of Vedanta philosophy has an enormous impact
on Hindu thought and culture. Shankaracharya (8th century),
Ramanuja (11th century) and Madhava (13th century) were
the giant scholars of Vedantic School, who gave varying
interpretations of Vedanta 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)
General Studies
B–141
Maharshi Kanad was the founder of Vaisheshika School of
Indian philosophy. He propounded atom theory and called
as the founder of Indian Atomism. According to this theory,
material subjects are made up of atoms. The Vaisheshika thus
marked the beginning of physics in India. Kanad was first
to prove that atom is the smallest unit of any matter. Atom
cannot be seen through naked eyes and cannot be further
divided. The Vaisheshika school gives importance to the
discussion of material elements or dravya. Earth, water, fire,
air and sky when combined give rise to new objects.
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. 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)
95. Which of the following philosophies of India pro-
Vikram Samvat was launched in 57 or 58 BC, and Saka
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
pounded the atom theory?
(a) Yoga
(b) Nyaya
(c) Sankhya
(d) Vaisheshika
Samvat in 78 AD. Though Gupta dynasty was founded by
Srigupta, however, the reign of Chandragupta-I is considered
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66 B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020
th
Ans (d)
Bin Qasim annexed Sindh region in the early 8 century, but
th
the period of Muslim rule in India began in 1192 AD after the
victory of Ghori in the battle of Tarain. Thus all statements
Maharishi Kanada is associated with atom theory. He was
scientist & philosopher who founded Vaisheshika school of
Indian philosophy in which he gave the atomistic approach
to physics and philosophy in Sanskrit.
96. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List- I (Eras)
A. Vikrama era
B. Saka era
C. Gupta era
D. Kali era
List- II (Reckoned from)
1. 3102 B.C.
2. 320 A.D.
3. 78 A.D.
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)
Vikramaditya started Vikram era in 57 or 58 B.C. on the
occasion of his victory over Saka. The Saka era was started
by Kanishka in 78 A.D. The Gupta era was started by
Chandragupta-1 in 319-320 A.D. and Kali era is assumed to
have been started in 3102 B.C.
B–142
as the beginning of Gupta empire. Although, Muhammad
mentioned in the question 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)
The Saka era started in 78 A.D. while Vikrama Samvat
started from 58 B.C. So if we want to convert Badami rock
inscription in Vikram Samvat then, it will be 465+78+58=601
Vikram Samvat.
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)
Saka era was launched by Kanishka in 78 AD. If Chalukya
inscription is dated in the year 556, then it is equivalent to
556 + 78 = 634 A.D.
100. According to Puranas, the prime place of Chandravansh’s
ruler was –
(a) Kasi
(b) Ayodhya
(c) Pratishthanpur
(d) Shravasti
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (c)
General Studies
Indian History
According to Puranas, Chandravansha (or Somvansha) was
one of the three prime dynasties (two other Suryavansha
and Agnivansha) of Kshatriya Varna. The prime place of
Chandravansh’s ruler was Prayaga but after a natural calamity.
Dwapar Yug Chandravanshi King Samvaram established his
capital in Pratishthanpur (at present Jhunsi, Allahabad).
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
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)
Maukhari were the feud of Guptas who were basically from
Gaya. The rulers of Maukhari dynasty made Kannauj their
capital. Hari Varma, Aditya Varma, Ishan Varma, Sarva
Verma and Graha Varma were chief rulers of this dynasty.
102. Information regarding 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)
Detailed information regarding Harsha is received from
Harshacharita, written by Banabhatta who was court poet of
Harsha. Some information regarding him is also available from
Rajatarangini written by Kalhana. There is no information about
Harsha in the books written by Kalidasa and Harisena.
103. Who has written the ‘Harshacharita’?
(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Banabhatta
(c) Vishnugupta
(d) Parimalgupta
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (b)
Eminent author Banabhatta composed the text "Harshacharita".
This is the major source of Vardhana dynasty. It is a fable
in which the author presented the description of his
contemporary ruler and biographies of their ancestors.
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)
Chinese sources revealed that Harsha and Rajyashri ruled
together over Kannauj. Harsha shifted his capital to Kannauj
from Thanesar to help his sister Rajyashri in the proper
Indian History
administration of Kannauj. Kannauj was a suitable place to
rule over the extensive empire of Harsha.
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)
See the explanation of above question.
106. Harshavardhana organised two great religious
conventions in:
(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)
Harsha held a massive council of various religions and
sects in Kannauj to prove the excellence of Mahayana over
other religions. According to Chinese evidence, rulers of
20 countries along with their eminent Brahmins, Shramads,
courtiers, etc. arrived there. This meet was presided over by
Hiuen Tsang. A function used to be held at Sangam region of
Prayaga every fifth year of Harsha’s rule, which is stated as
‘Mahamoksha council.’ Hiuen Tsang himself attended the 6
function which was attended by 18 rulers of various countries.
th
107. The place in U.P. where Harsh Vardhana organised
the Buddha mega convention –
(a) Kashi
(b) Prayag
(c) Ayodhya
(d) Sarnath
U.P. Lower (Sub.) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
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)
Emperor Harsha’s southward march was stopped on the
Narmada river by Pulakeshin II, a Chalukyan ruler who
defeated Harsha. This incident is mentioned in Aihole
inscription of Pulakeshin II and description of Hiuen Tsang.
General Studies
B–143
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)
See the explanation of above question.
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.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Harsha's southward march was stopped on Narmada river by
the Chalukya king Pulakeshin who ruled over a great part of
modern Karnataka and Maharashtra with his capital at Badami
in the modern Bijapur district of Karnataka. According
to Altekar, the battle between Harsha and Pulakesin was
fought sometime between 630 to 634 AD. The first reason
in support of, this battle is the result between battle of the
Vallabhi which itself cannot be said to be fought before 630
Ans (b)
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021
After the decline of the Guptas, the Later Guptas succeeded as
the rulers of Magadha during the eartly seventh century. They
ruled parts of the Northern India including Magadha (current
day Bihar). Hence statement 1 is correct. The Paramara
dynasty ruled the western and central parts of India including
Malwa, between the 9th and 14th century AD, before being
captured by Delhi Sultanate rulers. Hence statement 2 is
not correct. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar (current day
Harayana) ruled various parts of Northern India during the
6th and 7th century AD. Hence statement 3 is correct. The
Maukharis dynasty ruled over parts of Uttar Pradesh and
Magadha including Kannauj. The dynasty ruled till around
606 AD when it was reconquered by the Later Guptas. Hence
statement 4 is correct. The Yadavas of Devagiri ruled from
around 1187 to 1317 AD in western parts of India. Hence
statement 5 is not correct. The Maitrakas of Valabhi ruled
western and northern parts of current-day Gujarat during the
late 5th century to late 8th century AD. Hence statement 6 is
correct. Therefore option (b) is correct option.
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)
AD. Again Pulakeshin's lohnara inscription of 630 AD which
Banabhatta, the poet, was born in the village Prithikuta, on
mentions the name of his defeated enemies do not include the
the bank of Son River in Aurangabad district (Present Bihar).
name of Harsha, but Aihole inscription of 634 AD mentions
The name of his father and mother was Chitrabhanu and
this battle. In these conditions, the correct timing be between
630 AD and 634 AD, so the nearest answer can be option
(d). In April 2016, researchers from the Bhandarkar Oriental
Research institute claimed that the date of Pulakeshin's
great triumph over Harsha could be fixed at 618 AD. This
information was based on a recently discovered copper plate
inscription of Pulakeshin II. Jharkhand Provincial Service
Commission has accepted option (b) as the correct answer.
111. From the decline of 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
B–144
Rajdevi respectively.
113. In whose reign-period the Chinese Traveller HiuenTsang 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)
The arrival of Hiuen-Tsang was the most important event
of Harsha’s period. His desire was to visit the places related
to Mahatma Buddha and study Buddhist texts, which was
available in India. He departed for India in 629 AD from
Changan, the capital of Tang Ruler. He wrote a book on his
tour to India named ‘Sei-Yu-Kei.’
114. Which Chinese traveller visited India during
Harshavardhana’s rules?
(a) Fa-Hien
(b) Hiuen-Tsang
General Studies
Indian History
(c) I-Tsing
(d) Taranath
56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
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 subordi
nates
(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)
In the sources of post-Harsha period, Hundi was treated as
a 'bill of exchange'.
As per RBI 'Hundis refer to financial instruments evolved on
the Indian-subcontinent used in trade 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)
Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta-II
(375AD - 415AD).
117. The Chinese traveller 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 offences 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
Indian History
I.A.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
Hiuen Tsang stayed in India and visited almost every province
of the country. According to Hiuen Tsang, the roads and
river-routes were not completely immune from robbery.
He himself was robbed many times during his voyages and
travels. Thus, statement (1) is incorrect. According to Hiuen
Tsang, punishment for the crime was harsh during that time.
Ordeals by fire, water and poison were used to determine the
innocence or guilt of a person. From the records of Hiuen
Tsang, this fact is highlighted that tax was levied on trade
routes, banks of rivers, products and goods etc. by which
the state collected an ample amount of money. Therefore,
statement 2 and 3 are correct.
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)
Hiuen-Tsang was a contemporary of Taai-Sunga. Taai-Sunga
had banned the foreign tours in the West for his citizens, but
Hiuen-Tsang came to India by silk-route in 629 AD. After
13 years of his migration, when he went back to China, the
emperor welcomed him and appointed him as his spiritual
advisor. On emperor’s request, he composed his experiences
in- “A Record of the Western Regions.”
119. During Hiuen Tsang tour in India most famous city for
the production of cotton clothes was –
(a) Varanasi
(b) Mathura
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Kanchi
41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (b)
The traveller of China Hiuen-Tsang arrived in India
during Harsha’s period and stayed here. According to
Hiuen-Tsang, Mathura was famous for the production
of cotton textiles. He also mentioned that the reason
for the prosperity of Thanesar was its trade. Ujjayini
as well as Kannauj were economically prosperous too.
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)
General Studies
B–145
In Gupta and later Gupta period, the word ‘Kausheya’ was
used to denote silk.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
121. Chinese traveller 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)
The traveller from China, Hiuen Tsang arrived in India
during Harsha’s period and went to Nalanda University in
637 AD. Acharya Sheelbhadra was the Vice-Chancellor of
Nalanda University at that time. He learned Yogashashtra
there almost one and half year. He also delivered a speech
during his second visit to Nalanda 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)
Hiuen Tsang wrote a text ‘ Sei-yu-Kei’ based on his journey.
He is remembered for this composition as it consists of
several information about ancient India.
123. The Chinese traveller who visited Bhinmal was :
(a) Fahien
(b) Sangyun
(c) Hieun Tsang
(d) I-tsing
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2007
Ans. (c)
Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese traveller who arrived in India
during Harsha’s period. He also travelled to Bhinmal. His
composition is known as ‘Sei-Yu-Kei.’ He was a Buddhist.
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)
Si-Yu-Ki is a Buddhist record composed by Chinese traveller
Hiuen-Tsang. It contains the record of his travels.
125. Chinese traveller I-tsing was on the tour of Bihar in about
(a) 405 A.D.
(b) 635 A.D.
(c) 637 A.D.
(d) None of the above
B–146
40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (d)
With his desire to see the relics of Buddhism, Chinese
traveller I-tsing with his 37 Buddhist associates decided
to travel to western countries in 671 or 672 AD. Later his
associate left him, and he alone moved to India from Canton
city. He came to India through western sea route and returned
to China in 693-94 AD via 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)
In ancient days, Chinese writers mentioned India by the
name of ‘Yin-tu’ or ‘Thian-tu’ which means a variation of
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)
Nalanda University attracted scholars and students from
Tibet, China, Greece and Persia. It was ransacked and
destroyed by the army of Bakhtiyar Khilji at the end of the
twelfth century. It can be seen as the coup de grace (final
blow) to the decline of Buddhism in India.
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)
See the explanation of above question.
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)
General Studies
Indian History
In the above-given options, Nalanda is the most ancient
monastery in Bihar. The history of Nalanda, the ancient
university town of Bihar, goes back to the days of
Buddha and Mahavira in the sixth century BC. However,
excavations have not revealed anything to suggest that the
site was occupied before the Gupta period (fifth century
A.D.). Kumaragupta was the first to donate to Nalanda
monastery. Buddha Gupta, Tathagata Gupta, and Baladitya
also donated to the monastery after him.
130. Nalanda is located in –
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Bihar
M.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2003
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
131. During Post Gupta Period, main business centre was –
(a) Kannauj
(b) Ujjain
(c) Dhar
(d) Devgiri
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
During the post-Gupta period, the business centre was shiftted
to Kannauj from Ujjain. During Gupta period, the importance
of Ujjain was increased as Chandragupta-II made it second
capital. During post-Gupta period, Harsha made Kannauj as
capital in place of Thaneswar. As Kannauj was situated on
the bank of Ganga and Jamuna, it was the place of business
importance and became the centre of attraction for three
powers (Palas, Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas).
132. Assertion (A) : The main feature of the agrarian
structure in the Pre-Gupta period was
the development of feudalism.
Reason (R) : Land owner 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)
Option (a) is correct because both assertion (A) and reason
(R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Indian History
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)
India has a specific significance in the context of the feudal
system. The system was laid during Saka-Kushan period,
and it gained its height during the Rajput period. The feudal
system in India remained an integral part of administration
during Kushanas, Rajpoots, Sultanate and Mughal period.
The feudal system had a strong authority which used to
divide their empires into several parts and navigate it through
feudal. Feudal were relatively in a weak position, as they used
to follow the orders and instructions of the king’s central
authority. Feudal had the right to collect tax and right to
govern. The relationship of master and slave between the king
and feudal is not found in the Indian context. Indian feudal
system was different from the feudal system of Europe. It
also shows the emergence of administrative structure based
on control and possession of the land.
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)
The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien came to India during the reign
of Chandragupta-II and travelled to various places of India
between 399-414 AD. Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang travelled
to India from Changan, the capital of Tang rulers in 629AD.
Harsha had already leaned towards Buddhism before meeting
Hiuen-Tsang. After meeting Huien-Tsang, Harsha granted
royal patronage to “Mahayana”, a branch of Buddhism and
became Buddhist.
General Studies
B–147
135. In travel through India, Fahhien has mentioned a
hospital, it was located at
(a) Ujjain
(b) Kaushambi
(c) Tamralipti
(d) Pataliputra
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Fa Hien has mentioned a hospital at Patliputra (capital) which
was endowed by benevolent citizens. The poor and helpless
patients suffering from any kind of diseases were taken care
of and doctors attended them and they were given food and
medicine as per their wants.
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)
Chinese pilgrim Sung Yun came to India in 518 AD and
collected texts of Buddha's preaching in his three years of
stay in India.
137. Which one of the following statements is not true for
Shankaracharya, Saint of the 8 century?
(a) He established four religious centres in different parts
of India
(b) He countered the spread of Buddhism and Jainism.
(c) He named Prayag as Teerthraj
(d) He propagated Vedanta
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (c)
th
Shankaracharya also named as Shankara was born in Kaladi, a
small village in Kerala in the 8 century. At this time, Hinduism
which had diminished in status due to arrival of Jainism and
Buddhism again rose to eminence with the emergence of
Shankaracharya. He advocated the greatness of the Vedanta.
To study and compile the Vedas, he travelled all over India
on foot. His philosophy is known as Advaita Vedanta. The
four religious centres established by Shankaracharya are
considered as the most important centres of Hinduism. The
religious centers are. (1) Sringeri (Karnataka) in the South
(2) Dwarka (Gujarat) in West (3) Puri (Odisha) in the East
and (4) Jyotirmath (Joshimath, Uttarakhand) in the north.
Prayaga find mention in holy scriptures of the Hindus – the
Vedas and the Puranas, was then named as Prayaga or Tirth
Raj (King of Thirths, i.e. pilgrimage center).
th
B–148
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)
See the explanation of above question.
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)
See the explanation of above question.
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)
Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameshwaram are the ‘Chardham’
while Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath are the
little Chardham located in Uttarakhand. The four monasteries
established by Adi Shankaracharya are- Kedarnath (North),
Sringeri (South), Puri (East) and Dwarka (West).
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 was the compiler of Prayaga Prashasti and secretary
of Samundragupta while Banabhatta was the poet laureate of
Harsha. Other options are correctly matched.
142. Match List- I with List- II and choose the answer
according to the codeList - I
List - II
(Courtier poet)
(King)
A. Amir Khusro
1. Chandragupta II
B. Kalidas
2. Samudragupta
General Studies
Indian History
C. Harisena
D. Banabhatta
Code :
A
B
(a) 1
2
(b) 4
1
(c) 4
3
(d) 2
4
3. Harshvardhan
4. Alauddin Khalji
C
3
2
2
1
D
4
3
1
3
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (b)
mountains in the Junagarh district of Gujarat.
Sthanesvara (Thaneswar) is a historic town and important
Hindu pilgrimage centre on the banks of the Saraswati River
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
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)
of Madhya Pradesh. They were built between 950 - 1050 AD.
Kandariya Mahadev Temple may be built by Vidhyadhar (11th
Century) is the best among these temples. There is a description
of the construction of 85 temples in Khajuraho. *These temples
are related to the Vaishnava, Shaiva, Shakta and Jainism in ancient India. *Matangesvara temple of Khajuraho is dedicated
to Lord Shiva. This temple was built during King Dhanga’s
empire. These temples were constructed in Nagara Architecture.
*Parshvanath temple is famous among Jain temples. The other
temples here are -Chausath Yogini, Brahma, Lalguan Mahadev,
Lakshmana, Vishvanath Temple, etc. *Khajuraho temples,
Bhimbetka rock shelters and Sanchi Stupa are listed among
the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
*Ajanta and Bagh caves are the example of cave paintings
carvings are seen as a work of masterpiece in India. *Cave 16
has an important painted theme depicted and cave 17 had a
well-preserved painting of Vakataka age that includes a huge
Present State
gigantic wheel representing the “Wheel of Life.”
Madhya Pradesh
(d) 2 and 4 only
I.A.S. (Pre) 2020
Indian History
architecture. These temples are located in Chhattarpur district
the caves were made during the Vakataka period. *The stone
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
Ans (a)
*Khajuraho temple evidences the excellence of Chandela
built during the Satavahana period and later a major part of
following pairs :
(c) 2 and 3 only
Architecture in Ancient India
district of Maharashtra. An earlier group of these caves were
144. With reference to the history of India, consider the
-
in Haryana.
during Gupta period. Ajanta Caves are located in Aurangabad
The correctly matched list is as follows :
Bhoj
Dhar
Durgawati
Gondwana
Samudragupta Vidisha
Ashoka
Ujjain
1. Bhilsa
'Dwarasamudra' was capital of the Hoysala dynasty which
ruled the modern Karnataka area. Girinar is a group of
Amir Khusro was the poet laureate of Alauddin Khalji.
Kalidas was the poet laureate of Chandragupta II and one of
the ‘Navratna’ of his court. Harisena was the loyal secretary
of Samudragupta and Banabhatta was the poet laureate of
Harashvardhan.
Famous Place
Bhilsa is an archaeological site in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.
*The paintings of Bodhisattva Padampani are one of the
most famous art structures in the cave I of Ajanta. Padampani
in Sanskrit literally translates into "one who holds the lotus".
The Bodhisattva Padmapani sits among a crowd of devotees,
both princesses and commoners with long, dark hair flowing
down below a jewelled crown. He stands holding his attribute,
a blue lotus flower in his right hand.
General Studies
B–149
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
*Dilwara Jain temple of Mount Abu was built by Vimal Shah
trict of Orissa State. This temple is made in Nagara style. *Sun
who was the feud of Chalukya (Solanki) ruler Bheemdev -I.
Temple of Modhera is located in Gujarat. It was constructed
This Jain temple is famous for its extraordinary architecture and
by King Bhimdev-I of Solanki dynasty.
marvellous marble stone carvings. *The Palitana temple of
*Angkor Wat is a temple complex in south-east Asian na-
Jainism is located on Shatrunjaya hill near the city of Palitana
tion Kampuchea (Now Combodia) built by Khmer King
in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat.
Suryavarman-II in the beginning of 12th Century in his capital
*Elephanta caves are believed to have been built by the Rash-
Yashodhara Pura (Present). Devoted to Lord Vishnu, it is the
trakuta dynasty. This island consists of two groups of caves
largest group of Hindu temples built in Dravidian Style Architec-
– the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second one
ture. *Borobudur’s famous stupa is located on the Java island
includes a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The caves
of Indonesia. It is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO.
are considered to belong of 5th to 6th century AD. *The statue
*Temples were built in Dravidian style during the reign of Pan-
of the famous Trinity Shiva obtained is here.
dyas. In this period, the temples were small but ramparts were
*Ellora is located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. This
made around their premises. These ramparts were common, but
is world-famous for rocky cave temples. There are total of
their gateways which were called ‘Gopurams’, were elegant and
34 rock caves here. These caves belong to different periods
spacious and were embellished with abundant craftsmanship.
and among them, 1 to 12 belongs to Buddhists and 13 to 29
*Narasimhan Varman-I (Mahamalla) (640-674 AD) was one
to Hindus and 30 to 34 to Jains, which were made at some
of the most famous Pallava kings and Mamallan style was
years apart from one another. *Kailasa temple of Ellora is an
developed during his tenure. Narasimha was a good wrestler.
example of rock-cut architecture. Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna-I
The city of Mamallapuram was named after him. Seven Ratha
built this temple in Dravidian style. *Nasik caves of Nasik are
Temple was built by Narshimha Varman-I which is adorned
also known as ‘Pandavleni’.
with seven rock-cut pagodas.
*Rashtrakuta kings also patronized followers of
*Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is situated on the seashore
the Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta faiths but they were
about 55 km south of Chennai, is well known for its architectural
inclined towards Jainism since many of the scholars who
beauty and is recognized as a world heritage monument by
flourished in their courts and wrote in Sanskrit, Kannada and
the UNESCO. Shore Temple, Rathas (Chariots) carved out
a few in Apabhramsha and in Prakrit were Jains. *King
of a single rock, Arjuna's penance and other cave temples are
Amoghavarsha - I was the disciple of the Jain Acharya
some of the famous wonders. Mahabalipuram was a place of
Jinasena, the author of Adipurana.
pilgrimage even before the Pallava period. Mahabalipuram was
*Konark Sun Temple is a 13th Century Sun Temple in Odisha,
a famous centre of Pallava art and architecture. *Draupadi
built by King Narasimhadeva –I. It was conceived as a huge
Rath is the smallest rath in monolithic temples or rath
solar chariot with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamental
constructed in Mamallya style in Pallava period. There is no
wheels dragged by seven rearing horses. The monument is
ornamentation found. It is pinned over lions and elephant-like
also called as Black Pagoda.
sculptures.
*Lingaraj Temple is one of the most popular temples of Odi-
*The Korangnath Temple of Srinivasanallur was built during
sha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is also known
the period of Chola ruler Parantaka- I. *Construction of Ra-
as Lingaraj. *Lingaraj temple is approximately 180 ft. in height
jarajeshwara and Brihadisvara Temple in Tanjore was done
and enshrines a huge statue of Lord Shiva. This temple is made
during the era of Raja Raja- I. Granite stones have been used in
up of Nagara architecture and is one of the finest examples of
its construction. *During the reign of Rajaraja’s son Rajendra
Nagara architecture. *Jagannath Temple is located in Puri dis-
Chola, the temple was constructed at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
B–150
General Studies
Indian History
*Sonagiri is located 15km away from Datia (M.P). Sonagiri is a
(a) Parmar
(c) Chandelas
sacred place popular among Digamber Jain devotees and ascetic
to practice for self- discipline, austerity and to attain Nirvana.
There are 77 Jain temples with sky-high spies. Temple No.57
is main among them which are related to Lord Chandraprabhu.
*The Virupaksha temple is located at Hampi of Karnataka
State. This temple is named after Lord Shiva, which is known
as Virupaksha here.
*The Nagara, Dravida and Vesara are the three main styles
of temple architecture. Nagara style is prevalent throughout
North India.The temples of Orissa are pure of this style. *The
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Dravidian style was spread in South India, especially in the
Krishna River and Cape Camorin (Tamil Nadu). *The development of a Vesara is made from the mixture of Nagara and
Dravidian styles. This style is also called the Chalukya style
due to Kannada region being used by the last Chalukya rulers.
*The famous Naimisharanya is located in Sitapur district of
(b) Mauryas
(d) Holkars
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
4.
The rulers of Chandela built–
(a) Sanchi
(b) Ujjain
(c) Gwalior
(d) Khajuraho
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
5.
The temples of Khajuraho are related with –
(a) Buddhist religion
(b) Hindu religion
(c) Hindu and Jain
(d) Jain religion
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (c)
Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that Sage Dadhichi gladly gave
Khajuraho is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya
up his bones to the Gods here.The bone of Sage Dadhichi was
Pradesh. Most of these were built between 950 to1050 A.D.
used to make the weapon (Vajra). This weapon was then used
by Chandela dynasty. According to historical records, there
by Lord Indra to defeat the Asuras.
were 85 temples built at the site of Khajuraho.
1.
The associates of Khajuraho Temple Architecture were –
(a) Chandela
(b) Gurjara-Pratihara
(c) Chahamana
(d) Paramara
43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999
M.P.P.S.C. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
Khajuraho temple evidences the excellence of Chandela
architecture. These temples are located in Chhatarpur district
of Madhya Pradesh. They were built between 950 to1050 A.D.
Kandariya Mahadev temple is the best among these temples.
The Temple of Kandariya Mahadev at Khajuraho was
built by –
(a) Parmara
(b) Chedi
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Chandela
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (d)
6.
which of the following dynasties?
3.
Which dynasty gave India its famous temples of
Khajuraho?
Indian History
(a) Baghel
(b) Parmar
(c) Chandel
(d) Bundela
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
7.
2.
See the explanation of above question.
The temples of Khajuraho were built by the rulers of
Matangesvara Temple at Khajuraho is dedicated to
(a) Vishnu
(b) Shiva
(c) Surya
(d) Parvati
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (b)
Matangesvara Temple of Khajuraho is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. This temple was built during King Dhanga’s reign
between 950 to1050 AD. These temples were constructed
in Nagara architecture.
8.
Which of the following temples is not located at
Khajuraho?
General Studies
B–151
(a) Kandariya Mahadev
(b) Chausath Yogini
(c) Dashavatara
(d) Chitragupta
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
Dashavatar Temple is located in Jhansi, built during Gupta
period. Rest in options are located in Khajuraho, built by
Chandelas.
9.
Which of the following is not a world heritage site –
(a) Khajuraho temples
(b) Bhimbetka rock shelters
(c) Sanchi stupa
(d) Mandu fort
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (d)
Khajuraho temples, Bhimbetka rock shelters and Sanchi stupa
are listed among the UNESCO world heritage site in India.
Mandu fort is not listed in the world heritage site.
10. The pinnacle of which of the following is built in
Dravida style?
(a) Bhitargaon Temple
(b) Teli Temple of Gwalior
(c) Kandaria Mahadeo Temple
(d) Oriya Temple
U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Teli Temple of Gwalior presents a perfect fusion of the
Northern and Southern architectural styles of India. The
Shikhar (pinnacle) of the Temple is Dravidian in style,
whereas the ornamentation is done in the Nagara style.
11. Which centre consists of more than 100 Buddha caves?
(a) Ajanta
(b) Karley
(c) Kanheri
(d) Rajgrih
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
The Kanheri caves constitute a group of rock-cut monuments
that are located to the north of Borivali on the western
outskirts of Mumbai. The Kanheri caves demonstrate
Buddhist influence on the art and culture of India built during
1st century BC.
12. In which of the following rock-cut caves eleven headed
Bodhisattava image is depicted?
(a) Ajanta
(b) Ellora
(c) Kanheri
(d) Karle
B–152
13. Jain temple of Abu is made of –
(a) Sandstone
(b) Limestone
(c) Granite
(d) Marble
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (d)
Jain Temple of Abu is one of the most elegant Jain temples
known the world over for its extraordinary architecture and
marvellous marble stone carvings. This temple was built by
Vimal Shah who was the feud of the then Chalukya ruler of
Gujarat, Bheemdev - I . t
14. Palitana temple is located near –
(a) Bhavnagar
(b) Mount Abu
(c) Nasik
(d) Ujjain
I.A.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (a)
The Palitana temple of Jainism is located on Shatrunjaya hill
near the city of Palitana in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. This
temple dedicated to 1st Jain Thirthankara Adinatha.
15. The Elephanta caves were mainly sculptured for which
of the following devotees?
(a) Buddhist
(b) Jain
(c) Shaiva
(d) Vaishnava
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2003
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Elephanta caves are believed to have been built by the
Rashtrakuta dynasty. This island is located on an arm
of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves–the
first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second
one includes a smaller group of two Buddhist caves.
The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures,
representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Trimurti of Elephanta showing the three faces of Shiva
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (c)
The Kanheri caves constitute a group of rock-cut monuments
on Salsette island of Mumbai. These caves are located in
the surroundings of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. There
are 109 rock-cut caves in Kanheri. Avlokiteshwar is the
most distinctive figure having four arms and eleven mouths,
situated in cave number 41.
is akin to the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva),
which was the royal insignia of the Rashtrakutas.
General Studies
Indian History
16. The ancient monuments of Elephanta are mostly
1. Buddhist
2. Jain
3. Shaivite
4. Vaishnavite
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
Code :
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 1 and 3
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
17. Famous Cave temples of Elephanta are ascribed to
(a) Chalukyas
(b) Cholas
(c) Pallavas
(d) Rashtrakutas
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
See the explanation of above question.
19. There are only two known examples of cave paintings
of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is
paintings of Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving
examples of Gupta paintings?
(a) Bagh caves
(b) Elora caves
(d) Lomas Rishi caves
(d) Nasik caves
I.A.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (a)
Another excellent example of cave painting during the Gupta
period is Bagh caves. These cave paintings reflect normal
public life. While Ajanta cave paintings belonged to Buddhist
religion, Lomas Rishi caves are related to the Mauryan
period, which is located in Barabara hills, Jahanabad district
of Bihar, Nasik caves belong to Satavahana period.
Choose right answer from codes:
Indian History
(b) only 2
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (d)
Ellora caves, locally known as ‘Verul Leni’ is located 25 km
away from Aurangabad in Maharashtra. In total, there are 4
caves. Among them, 1 to 12 belongs to Buddhist, caves 13 to
29 are devoted to Hindu and caves 30 to 34 belongs to Jain.
21. The caves and rock-cut temples at Ellora represent
only :
(a) Buddhists
(b) Buddhists and Jains
(c) Hindus and Jains
(d) Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains
I.A.S. (Pre) 1994
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (d)
18. Which of the following caves is famous for ‘Trimurti’?
(a) Ajanta
(b) Bhaja
(c) Elephanta
(d) Ellora
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
Ans. (c)
20. Ellora cave temples are related to–
1. Hinduism
2. Buddhism
3. Jainism
(a) only 1
See the explanation of above question.
22. Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut caves coexist at –
(a) Ajanta
(b) Elephanta
(c) Ellora
(d) Karle
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
23. Which of the following temples is an example of rockcut architecture ?
(a) Shore Temple, Mamallapuram.
(b) Rajarajeshwara temple, Thanjavur.
(c) Kailasa Temple, Ellora.
(d) Jagannatha Temple, Puri.
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Ans. (c)
Kailasa temple of Ellora is an example of rock-cut
architecture. Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna–I built this temple
in Dravidian style.
24. The rock-cut caves in western India are located in –
(a) Nasik, Ellora and Ajanta
(b) Junar, Kalyan and Pitalkhora
(c) Ajanta, Bhaja and Kondane
(d) Bhaja, Pitalkhora and Kondane
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
General Studies
B–153
The ancient rock-cut caves in western India are located at
Nasik, Ellora and Ajanta. Total of 34 caves in Ellora are
famous and related to Buddhist, Hindu and Jains. Nasik
caves are also known as Pandavleni caves or Pondu Leni,
representing Buddhists devotional practices.
25. Which of the following places is famous for Buddhist
Cave Temples ?
(a) Elephanta
(b) Nalanda
(c) Ajanta
(d) Khajuraho
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (c)
Ajanta is famous for Buddhist cave temples while Elephanta
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
is famous for its Shaiva temples, Khajuraho is known for
Shaiva, Vaishnava and Jain temples and Nalanda is famous
as a Buddhist education centre.
26. Ellora caves were built by –
(a) Pallavas
(b) Cholas
(c) Rastrakutas
(d) Palas
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (c)
Rashtrakuta rulers built most of the Ellora caves.
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
29. The Kailasa temple of Ellora was built by –
(a) Rastrakutas
(b) Chalukyas of Vatapi
(c) Ganga Rulers
(d) None of the above
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
30. Which dynasty of rulers is associated with the
construction of famous the Kailasha Temple of Ellora ?
(a) Chalukyas
(b) Cholas
(c) Pallavas
(d) Rashtrakutas
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
31. Which Rashtrakuta ruler built the famous Shiva
27. Which of the following temples is considered as a
wonder of rock-cut architecture ?
(a) Brihadisvara Temple, Tanjavur
temple of Ellora?
(a) Dantidurga
(b) Krishna- I
(c) Krishna- II
(d) Govind- III
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
(b) Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneshwar
(c) Kailasa Temple, Ellora
Ans. (b)
(d) Kandaria Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
See the explanation of above question.
32. Kailasha temple of Ellora was constituted by
Ans. (c)
Kailasa (cave 16 of Ellora) is a remarkable example
(a) Govind- III
(b) Krishna- I
of Dravidian architecture on account of its striking
(c) Krishna- II
(d) Krishna- III
proportion, elaborate workmanship, architectural content and
(e) None of these
sculptural ornamentation of rock-cut architecture. The temple
was built by Krishna I Rashtrakuta dynasty. It is designed to
recall Mount Kailasa, the home of Lord Shiva.
28. Which dynasty constructed the Ellora Kailasa Temple ?
(a) Rashtrakuta
(b) Satvahana
(c) Maurya
(d) Pallava
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
33. Which religion had Rashtrakuta protection?
(a) Buddha
(b) Jain
(c) Shaiva
(d) Shakta
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2001
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
B–154
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
General Studies
Indian History
Rashtrakuta kings also patronized followers of
the Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta faiths but they were inclined
towards Jainism since many of the scholars who flourished
in their courts and wrote in Sanskrit, Kannada and a few
in Apabhramsha and Prakrit were Jains. King Amoghavarsha
- I was the disciple of the Jain Acharya Jinasena the Author
of Adipuran.
34. Caves of Ajanta and Ellora are located in–
(a) Nasik
(b) Mumbai
(c) Aurangabad
(d) Pune
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (c)
The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are located in the Aurangabad
district of Maharashtra. The Kailasa temple of Ellora is
the finest example of rock-cut art, which was built by
Rashtrakutas.
35. The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are in (a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Rajasthan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
36. In which one of the following places, the cave temples
built by the Rashtrakutas in the Ellora mountains are
located?
(a) Aurangabad (Maharashtra)
(b) Nasik (Maharashtra)
(c) Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)
(d) Golconda (Andhra Pradesh)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
37. Match List – I with List – II and select the correct
answer from the codes given below:
List – I
List – II
(Gupta Temple )
(Location)
A. Brick-built Temple
1. Eran
B. Dasavatara Temple 2. Deogarh
C. Shiva Temple
3. Bhitargaon
D. Vishnu Temple
4. Bhumara
Code :
Indian History
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Ans. (b)
A
4
3
2
1
B
2
2
1
3
C
1
4
3
2
D
3
1
4
4
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
The correctly matched pairs areBrick-built Temple
Bhitargaon
Dashavatara Temple
Deogarh
Shiva Temple
Bhumara
Vishnu Temple
Eran
Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
38. With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut
architecture, consider the following statements
1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rockcut caves in India,
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made
for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 3
(d) All of these
I.A.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (c)
The caves at Badami are not oldest surviving rock-cut caves
in India, but Bhimbetka rock shelters are the oldest surviving
rock-cut caves in India. Ashoka in his 12 year after his
coronation donated a cave to the Ajivikas in the Barabar Hills.
Barabar Hill consists of four caves named Karan Chaupar,
Lomas Rishi caves, Sudama and Vishva Zopari. Ellora caves
were made for different faiths. In these caves, 12 belong to
Buddhist, 17 belong to Hindus and 5 belong to Jains. Thus
statement 1 and 2 are wrong while statement 3 is correct.
th
39. The art of Ajanta was mainly patronized by the –
(a) Chalukyas
(b) Pallavas
(c) Vakatakas
(d) Gangas
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (c)
Ajanta Caves are located in Aurangabad district of
Maharashtra. An earlier group of these caves were built
during the Satavahana period and later a major part of the
caves were made during the Vakataka period. These stone
carvings are seen as a work of masterpiece in India. In Ajanta
caves, exquisite carvings were done out of the mountain rock.
These are the cave temples of Buddha and have mystical
figures of the Lord and others.
General Studies
B–155
40. Ajanta caves are linked with –
(a) Ramayana
(b) Mahabharata
(c) Jataka stories
(d) Panchatantra stories
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (c)
Ajanta caves are the most excellent surviving examples
of Indian art, particularly the paintings which are the
masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, with the figures of
Buddha and depictions of the Jataka stories, the paintings
concentrate on those Jataka stories which show the previous
life of Buddha as a king. Technically, the arts of Ajanta is the
finest surviving example of Indian art. The cave consists of
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
several arts, such as flowers, trees and animals. The paintings
concentrate on the previous life of Buddha as a king.
41. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the
most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at –
(a) Ajanta
(b) Badami
(c) Bagh
(d) Ellora
I.A.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
The paintings of Bodhisattva Padampani is one of the most
famous art structure in the cave I of Ajanta. Padampani in
Sanskrit literally translates into "one who holds the lotus".
The Bodhisattva Padmapani sits among a crowd of devotees,
both princesses and commoners with long, dark hair handing
down below a jewelled crown, he stands holding his attribute,
a blue lotus flower in his right hand.
42. Consider the following historical places :
1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is/are also known for mural
paintings?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
I.A.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
The evidence of mural painting in Ajanta and Lepakshi temple
is clearly visible, but it is not evident in Sanchi Stupa. The
nucleus of Sanchi Stupa was a simple hemispherical brick
structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was crowned
by the Chhatra, a parasol-like structure symbolising high
rank, which was intended to honour and shelter the relics.
43. What is/are common to the two historical places known
as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?
B–156
1. Both were built in the same period.
2. Both belong to the same religious denomination.
3. Both have rock-cut monuments.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the statements given above is correct
I.A.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Mahabalipuram is located on the hillock town, overlooking
the Coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal in Kanchipuram
district of Tamil Nadu. It is also called ‘Mahadapas’ Rock
Cut Caves. It was established during 7th to the 10th century
of Pallava dynasty. Whereas Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad
district of Maharashtra including 30 Rock-cut caves were
built in 2nd century B.C. to 7th century AD. Thus, both were
not built in the same period. So, statement (1) is wrong.
Both Ajanta and Mahabalipuram are rock cut-monument.
So, statement (3) is correct. Mahabalipuram Monuments are
related to Shiva or Vishnu whereas Ajanta has series of 29
Buddhist Cave Temple. Thus, statement (2) is also incorrect.
44. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below:
List - I
List – II
A. Hampi
1. Puducherry
B. Nagarjunakonda
2. Karnataka
C. Shishupalgarh
3. Andhra Pradesh
D. Arikamedu
4. Odisha
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 2
3
4
1
(b) 3
2
4
1
(c) 1
3
2
4
(d) 4
2
3
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (a)
The correctly matched pairs are–
Hampi
Karnataka
Nagarjunakonda Andhra Pradesh
Shishupalgarh
Odisha
Arikamedu
Puducherry
45. Who built the Konark Sun Temple?
(a) Narasimhadeva Varman
(b) Rajendra Chola
(c) Ashoka
General Studies
Indian History
(d) Krishnadev Rai
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Konarka Sun Temple is a 13th-century Sun Temple in Odisha,
India, built by King Narasimhadeva Varman-1 of Eastern
Ganga Dynasty. It was conceived as a huge solar chariot with
twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamental wheels dragged by
seven rearing horses. The monument was also called as Black
Pagoda by European sailors. In contrast, the Jagannath
Temple in Puri was called the White Pagoda.
46. Which among these is known as ‘Black Pagoda’ ?
(a) Shore Temple
(b) Khajuraho Temple
(c) Konark Sun Temple
(d) Deogarh Temple
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
47. Where is ‘Black Pagoda’?
(a) Madurai
(b) Konark
(c) Khajuraho
(d) None of the above
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
48. Which one of the following is Sun temple ?
(a) Lingaraj temple
(b) Rajarani temple
(c) Konark temple
(d) Jagannath temple
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
51. Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?
1. Arasavalli
2. Amarakantak
3. Omkareshwar
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
Arasavali temple is one of the prominent sun temples of 7th
century in Arasavalli village of Andhra Pradesh. It is believed
that the temple was built by King Devendra Verma, ruler of
the Kalinga Dynasty. Omkareshwar temple is situated in
the Khandawa district of Madhya Pradesh. It is on an island
called Mandhata or Shivpuri situated on the Narmada river.
It is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines of Shiva. Narmada, son
and Johila river emerge from Amarkantak. Amarkantak is a
pilgrim town in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh. Sri Jwaleshwar
Mahadev temple is located 8 km away from Amarkantak on
Shahdol road. It is dedicated to Shiva.
52. Consider the following statements and select the correct
answer using the codes given below :
1. The Sun temple of Multan is mentioned by
Hiuen Tsang, Abuzaiyid, AI-Masudi and
Alberuni.
2. The pilgrimage to Sambapur was associated
with Sun worship.
Codes :
(a) Only 1 is correct
(b) Only 2 is correct
(c) Both 1 and 2 are correct
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct
49. The Sun Temple of Modhera lies in which state?
(a) Bihar
(b) Gujarat
(c) Odisha
(d) Bengal
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (b)
The Sun Temple of Modhera is in Gujarat. King Bhimadeva
of Solanki dynasty built this temple.
50. Which one of the following Sun Temples is located in
Patan, Gujarat?
(a) Modhera
(b) Dakshinark
(c) Konark
(d) Martand
R.A.S./R.A.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
Indian History
See the explanation of above question.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans (c)
Sun temple of Multan is mentioned by Hiuen Tsang,
Abuzaiyid, Al-Masudi & Alberuni. Hence (1) is correct.
Pilgrimage to Sambpur was associated with Sun worship. So
statement (2) is also correct. Therefore correct option is (c).
53. Lingaraj Temple is located at –
(a) Bhubaneswara
(b) Bijapur
(c) Kolkata
(d) Varanasi
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (a)
General Studies
B–157
Lingaraja Temple is one of the most popular temples of
Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is also
known as Lingraj. Lingaraj temple is approximately 180 ft.
in height and enshrines a huge statue of Lord Shiva. This
temple is built in Nagara architecture style and is one of the
most excellent examples of this architecturural form.
54. Which among the following is the largest and the tallest
surviving temple in Orissa?
(a) Brahmesvara Temple (b) Jagannath Temple
(c) Lingaraja Temple
(d) Rajarani Temple
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Lingaraj temple of Odisha is the largest and tallest temple
among the given option. It is app. 180 ft. in height.
55. Jagannath temple is located in state of –
(a) Bengal
(b) Orissa
(c) Kerala
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Angkor Wat is a temple complex in south-east Asian nation
of Kampuchea (Now Cambodia) built by Khmer King
Suryavarman - II in the beginning of 12th century in his capital
Yashodhara Pura (Present Angakor). Devoted to Lord Vishnu,
it is the largest group of Hindu temples built in the Dravidian
style of architecture.
59. In which country is the “Angkor-Wat Temple” complex
located?
(a) Indonesia
(b) Myanmar
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) Kampuchea
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
M.P. P.S.C. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (b)
Jagannath temple is located in Orissa (Odisha) state. The
famous Lingaraj temple and Konarka Sun Temple are also
in Odisha, built in Nagara style.
56. The Temple of Bhubaneswara and Puri was built in:
(a) Nagara style
(b) Dravidian style
(c) Besara style
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
57. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balbhadra
in sanctum sanctorum at Jagannath Puri Temple are
made up of –
(a) Stone
(b) Metal
(c) Wood
(d) Glass
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (c)
The idols of Lord Jagannatha, Subhadra and Balbhadra in
Sanctum sanctorum are made of neem wood. Neem wood
is chosen because the Bhavishya Purana declares it to be
the most auspicious wood from which to make lord Vishnu
idols. The wood icon is re-painted every year before the
Ratha-yatra. It is replaced with a newly carved image every
12 or 19 years approximately or more precisely according
to the Luni-solar Hindu calendar when its month of Asadha
occurs twice in the same year.
B–158
58. Angkor Wat Vishnu Temple is located in :
(a) Java
(b) Sumatra
(c) Cambodia
(d) Champa
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (c)
60. Where is Borobudur Stupa situated ?
(a) Cambodia
(b) Java
(c) Sumatra
(d) Borneo
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (b)
The famous stupa of Borobudur is located at Java Island of
Indonesia. This is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO.
61. The initial design and construction of which massive
temple took place during the reign of Suryavarman- II?
(a) Sri Mariamman Temple
(b) Angkor Wat Temple
(c) Batu Caves Temple
(d) Kamakhya Temple
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
I.A.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
62. ‘Gopuram’ the temples of Dravidian style stands for :
(a) Sanctuary
(b) Paintings on the walls
(c) Pinnacle
(d) Ornamental and multi-storied structures upon the
gateways.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (d)
General Studies
Indian History
Gopuram is a monumental tower, usually, ornate at the
entrance of any temple especially in southern India. This
forms a prominent feature of Hindu temples of the Dravidian
style. The gopuram’s origin can be traced back to early
structures of the Tamil kings Pallavas and by the twelfth
century under the Pandya rulers. These gateways became a
dominant feature of a temple’s outer appearance, eventually
overshadowing the inner sanctuary which became hidden
from the view by the gopuram’s enormous size.
63. Rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram were built by :
(a) Pallavas
(b) Cholas
(c) Chalukyas
(d) Rashtrakutas
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
Mahabalipuram is well known for its architectural beauty and
is recognized as a world heritage monument by the
UNESCO. Shore temple, Rathas (Chariots) carved out of
a single rock, Arjuna penance and other cave temples are
some of the famous wonders. Mahabalipuram was a place
of pilgrimage even before the Pallava period and the Pallava
king Narasimha Varman built these beautiful temples,
including the present Shore temple. Mahabalipuram was a
famous centre of Pallava art and architecture.
64. The Rath temples at Mahabalipuram were built by
(a) Cholas
(b) Pallavas
(c) Chedis
(d) Chalukyas
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
65. The Seven Ratha Temple of Mahabalipuram was built by –
(a) Mahendra Varman
(b) Narasimha Varman
(c) Parmeshwar Varman
(d) Nandi Varman
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (b)
Narasimhan Varman-I (630-668 AD) was one of the most
famous Pallava kings and Mamallan style was developed
during his tenure. Narasimha was a good wrestler. The city
of Mamallapuram was named after him. Seven Ratha Temple
was built by Narshimha Varman-I which is adorned with
seven rock-cut pagodas.
Indian History
66. Who constructed the Ratha Temples at Mahabalipuram?
(a) Narasingh Varman-I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Harsha
(d) Pulakesin-II
Uttrakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
67. Who among the following was responsible for the
creation of Ratha monuments at Mamallapuram ?
(a) Cholas
(b) Pallavas
(c) Pandyas
(d) Chalukyas
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
68. Which of the following Rath temples is the smallest ?
(a) Draupadi Rath
(b) Bhima Rath
(c) Arjun Rath
(d) Dharmaraj Rath
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
Ans. (a)
Draupadi Rath is the smallest rath in monolithic temples
or rath constructed in Mamallya style in Pallava period.
There is no ornamentation found. It is pinned over lions and
elephant-like sculptures.
69. Which of the following places is known as the village
of temples?
(a) Ramjari
(b) Narasimhapur
(c) Maluti
(d) Sisai
Ans (c)
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Maluti which is a heritage village in Dumka district of
Jharkhand is known as village of temples. Village originally
had 108 terracotta temples out of which 72 remains today.
Maluti derives its name from the Malla kings of Bishnupur in
Nankura district of West Bengal who ruled over this area in
17th-18th century. Oldest temple here is of goddess Maulikshya
(over a thousand year old).
70. Match List - I with List - II and select the correct
answer using the codes given below the lists :
List - I
List - II
(Place)
(Monument)
A. Elephanta
1. Stupa
B. Shravanabelagola
2. Temple
C. Khajuraho
3. Cave
D. Sanchi
4. Statue
Code :
General Studies
B–159
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
A
2
3
2
3
B
4
4
4
2
C
3
2
3
4
D
1
1
1
1
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The correctly matched pairs are :
Elephanta
Shravanabelagola
Khajuraho
Sanchi
-
(Maharashtra) in the north-western direction. These are
famous for rock-cut cave temples. Here, total of 34 rock-cut
caves are found. These caves were constructed in various
periods but not associated with Shakas. Meenakshi Temple
was constructed by Pandyas and Mahabalipuram Temple
was built by Pallavas. Khajuraho temples were built by
Chandelas. Therefore, option (c) is correctly matched.
Cave
Statue
Temple
Stupa
71. Match List - I with List - II and select the correct
answer using the codes given below the lists :
List - I
List - II
(Historical Sites)
(States)
A. Bhimbetka
1. Assam
B. Shore temple
2. Madhya Pradesh
C. Hampi
3. Tamil Nadu
D. Manas
4. Karnataka
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 2
1
3
4
(b) 2
3
4
1
(c) 1
3
4
2
(d) 4
2
3
1
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
The correctly matched pairs are :
Bhimbetka
Madhya Pradesh
Shore Temple
Tamil Nadu
Hampi
Karnataka
Manas
Assam
73. Match List - I with List - II and choose the right answer
from given codes:
List - I
List - II
(Place)
(Monument)
A. Baijnath Dham
1. Jain Temple
B. Sarnath
2. Shiva Temple
C. Dilwara
3. First sermon place of
Buddha
D. Badrinath
4. Vishnu Temple
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 2
3
1
4
(b) 1
2
3
4
(c) 1
4
2
3
(d)
4
1
3
2
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (a)
Sarnath (Varanasi) is the place where Lord Buddha gave
his first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartan) to his five
disciples. Dilwara temple of Rajasthan is famous for one
of the most elegant Jain temples known the world over for
its extraordinary architecture and marvellous marble stone
carvings. Shankaracharya established Badrinath with the statue
72. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
(a) Ellora Caves
- Shakas
(b) Meenakshi Temple
- Pallavas
(c) Khajuraho Temple
- Chandelas
(d) Mahabalipuram Temple -
Ellora caves are located 25 km away from Aurangabad
Rashtrakutas
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
U. P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
I.A.S. (Pre) 2006
of God Vishnu. Baijnath Dham is a temple of God Shiva.
74. Match the following:
A. Sun Temple
1. Karnataka
B. Lingaraja Temple
2. Konark
C. Hawa Mahal
3. Jaipur
D. Statue of Gomateshwara 4. Bhubaneswar
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a)
2
4
3
1
Ans. (c)
(b)
2
4
1
3
B–160
General Studies
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
Indian History
(c)
4
2
1
3
(d)
3
1
2
4
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (b)
U.P. P.C.S (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
Sun temple is in Konark in Odisha. Lingaraja temple is a
Hindu temple dedicated to Harihara a form of Shiva and is
one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, Hawa Mahal is in
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Jaipur, and the huge statue of Gomateshwara is in Karnataka.
75. Match list-I and list-II and select the correct answer
from the given codes :
List-I
List-II
A. Nalanda
1. Ashoka Pillar
B. Sarnath
2. University
C. Sanchi
3. Sun Temple
D. Konarka
4. Stupa
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
4
3
(b) 2
1
4
3
(c) 1
2
3
4
(d) 2
3
4
1
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (b)
The correctly matched pairs are as follows :
The correctly matched list is as follows List-I
List-II
Stupa
Sanchi (M.P.)
Painting
Bagh (M.P.)
Headless statue
Mathura (U.P.)
of Kanishka
Dashavatara
Deogarh (U.P.)
Temple
77. Between which of the following was the ancient town
of Takshashila located?
(a) Indus and Jhelum
(b) Jhelum and Chenab
(c) Chenab and Ravi
(d) Ravi and Beas
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (a)
Takshashila was established during 6 th or 7 th century
BC. It was a town and an important archaeological site
in Rawalpindi district of Punjab, Pakistan. It is situated
between the rivers Jhelum and Indus.
78. Sonagiri, the highest among 103 Jain temples, lies in
Nalanda
-
University
the proximity of
Sarnath
-
Pillar of Ashoka
(a) Datia
(b) Jhansi
(c) Orchha
(d) Lalitpur
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Sanchi
Stupa
Konark
Sun Temple
So, option (b) is the correct.
Ans. (a)
76. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List-I
List-II
A. Stupa
1. Bagh
B. Painting
2. Sanchi
C. Headless statue of
3. Deogarh
Kanishka
D. Dashavatara Temple
4. Mathura
Codes :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 2
1
4
3
(c) 4
3
2
1
(d) 3
2
1
4
Indian History
Sonagiri is located 15km away from Datia (MP). Sonagiri is
a sacred place popular among Digambar Jain devotees and
ascetic saints to practise for self-discipline, austerity and
to attain Nirvana. There are 77 beautiful Jain temples with
sky-high spires. Temple No. 57 is main among them which
is related to Lord Chandraprabhu.
79. The historical Digambar Jain temple of Sonagiri is in–
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Odisha
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
B–161
80. Dilwara Jain temple is situated at –
(a) Palitana
(b) Mount Abu
(c) Sonagiri
(d) Girnarji
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (b)
The Dilwara Jain temples are located at Mount Abu,
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Rajasthan.
81. Dilwara Jain temple is in–
(a) Aravali mountain in Mount Abu
(b) On the bank of Indus
(c) Khajuraho
(d) Nilgiri Hills
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
82. Where is the Dilwara Jain temple is located?
(a) Assam
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Madhya Pradesh
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
83. Where is the famous Virupaksha temple located?
(a) Bhadrachalam
(b) Chidambaram
(c) Hampi
(d) Srikalahasti
I.A.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (c)
The Virupaksha Temple is located at Hampi, Bengaluru in
the state of Karnataka. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva,
who is known as Virupaksha here.
84. The Nagara, the Dravida the Vesara are :
(a) The three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent.
(b) The three main linguistic divisions into which the
languages of India can be classified.
(c) The three main styles of Indian temple architecture.
(d) The three main musical gharanas were prevalent in India.
I.A.S. (Pre) 2012
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (c)
The Nagara, Dravida and Vesara are three main styles of
temple architecture. In these, the Dravida style of the temple
construction was developed in South India while the Nagara
style of temples construction was developed in North India.
Vesara style is a mixture of Nagara and Dravidian styles.
B–162
85. With reference to the cultural history of India, the term
Panchayatan’ refers to –
(a) An assembly of village elders
(b) A religious sect
(c) A style of temple construction
(d) An administrative functionary
I.A.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
A temple that has a central shrine surrounded by four
subsidiary shrines is called Panchayatana. The origin of
the name is the Sanskrit words Pancha (five) and ayatana
(containing).
The example of Panchayatana Temple are
(i) Kandariya Mahadeo Temple – Khajuraho
(ii) Brahmeshwar Temple, Lingaraja Temple – Bhubaneswar
(iii) Dashavatara Temple – Deogarh (U.P.)
86. Naimisharanya famous pilgrimage is located in which
of the following district?
(a) Ujjain
(b) Mathura
(c) Sitapur
(d) Jabalpur
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Naimisharanya is located in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. It is
believed that Sage Dadhichi gladly gave up his bones to
Devas here. The bone of Sage Dadhichi was used to make
the weapon Vajra. This weapon was then used by Lord Indra
to defeat the Asuras to reclaim as the king of Devloka.
87. With reference to the Indian history of art and culture,
consider the following pairs :
Famous work of
Site
sculpture
1. A grand image of Buddha’s
: Ajanta
Mahaparinirvan a with numerous
celestial musicians above and the
sorrowful figures of his followers
below
2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar
: Mount Abu
(boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he
rescues Goddess Earth from the
deep and shaotic waters, sculpted
on rock
3. ‘Arjuna’s Penance”/Descent of :Mamallapuram
Ganga’’ Sculpted on the surface
of huge boulders
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly
matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Among the given pairs, 1 and 3 are correct while 2 is not
correct. In the cave number 26 of Ajanta, a grand statue
of Mahatma Buddha is engraved. This statue is related
with the ‘Mahaparinirvana’ of Buddha. So statement (1) is
correct. The huge statue of Varaha Avatar of Lord Vishnu
is described in the Udaygiri caves of Madhya Pradesh,
not in Mount Abu Rajasthan. So statement (2) is not
correct. ‘Arjuna’s Penance’ sculpted on the surface of huge
boulders in Mamallapuram also known as Mahabalipuram
is in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. So statement
(3) is also correct. Hence, option (c) is the right answer.
88. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
using the codes given below:
List-I
List-II
A. Gandhar Art
1. Menander
B. Junagarh Rock
2. Patika
inscription
C. Milindapanha
3. Kushanas
D. Texila inscriptions
4. Rudradamana I
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
3
4
2
(b) 2
4
3
1
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 2
1
3
4
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (c)
The correctly matched list is as follows –
Gandhar Art
Kushanas
Junagarh Rock Rudradamana I
inscription
Milindapanha
Menander
Taxila inscriptionsPatika
India, which one among the following was made earliest?
(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri
I.A.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneshwar was built in 11 th
century A.D. Rockcut monuments at Mahabalipuram
are 7 th century AD creation. At Udaygiri, Varaha image
is 5 th century creation. Rock cut elephant at Dhauli was
created during the reign of Ashoka (273-232BC). This
Indian History
*According to the Sangam text the terms Kon, Ko and
Mannan, were attributed to the King. Sangam is defined as
‘Conference of Poets’ or ‘Forum of Scholars.’ Literature written
by scholars during this conference is mentioned as ‘Sangam
Literature.’ *Three Sangams were held under the patronage of
Pandya kings in the south.
Sangam
Place
President
First
Madurai
Saint Agastya and
Talkappiyar
Second
Kapadapuram
Saint Agastya
Third
Madurai
Nakkirara
*Agastya was the sage who is credited to have Aryanised south
India. He was born in Kashi and it is believed that he travelled
south from Kasi on request of Gods and later resided in the
south. He is also known as “Father of Tamil Literature.”
Tolkappiyam is not only the residual text of 2nd Sangam era
but also most ancient available text of Tamil literature. Author
Tolkappiyar was one among the 12 disciples of saint Agastya.
It is a treatise on grammar and poetry. It has been written in
formula style. *The author of Tamil Literature Silappadikaram
was Ilango Adigal, grandson of Chola King Karikal. The
epic narrates the tragic and poignant story of Kannagi and
her husband, Kovalan. *Kural is considered as the Bible and
Laghuveda of Tamil literature. It is also known as ‘Muppal’. It
was written by the famous poet Tiruvalluvar. *Ramavtaram or
Tamil Ramayanam was authored by Kamban in the 12 century.
*The history of early Cholas of Sangam literature, the
interregnum between fall of Sangam Chola and the rise of
Medieval Chola under Vijayalaya (850-870 AD.) in the 9th
century. *Chola dynasty was established by Vijayalay-I
in Southern India. Parantak - I defeated Madura King and
assumed the title of “Madurai-Kond.” *Rajaraja-I defeated
Cheras naval army in Kandalloor and then Rajaraja-I and his
son Rajendra-I sent an expedition against Sailendra empire of
South East Asia and conquered some of the areas as they were
facing difficulty in a trade with China.
*A special feature of the Chola dynasty was the autonomy
of village administration which was a speciality of them.
The Chola village administration was very systematic and
well developed. In fact, the autonomous administration was
implemented in the village only during the Chola era. *A
detailed description of the working system of the executive
committee of Gram Sabha (village assembly) in Chola
th
89. With reference to the art and archaeological history of
is the oldest among the four.
South India (Chola, Chalukya,
Pallava and Sangam Period)
General Studies
B–163
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
village administration has been archived from Uttaramerur
inscription, which states that every village had its own
committee called 'Sabha' which was usually independent of
Central command and independently administered the village
administration. *A working committee which supervised
the activities of Chola era villages was known as Variyam.
*Thotta Variyam looked after Horticulture Board while
Samvatsara Variyam was annual committee; Eri Variyam
was in charge of tanks (Lakes) and water supply and Pan
Variyam was related to gold/finance committee.
*Brihadeeshwara temple is an excellent piece of Dravidian
style temple of Chola-Style, which was constructed in the reign
of Rajraja-I. It is considered as the biggest and tallest temple
of India. Its giant sanctum covers 500' x 250' area. *There are
two idols of ‘Dwarpals’ around the main shrine. Gigantic
'Nandi' (carved out of single rock) is situated in the exterior of
sacrarium which is believed to be the tallest Nandi idol of India.
*Chola Kings maintained massive consolidated troops with a
proficient naval power wing. The Chola navy played a vital role
in the expansion of the Chola Empire including the conquests
of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) islands and naval raids on Srivijaya,
Sinhala and Maldives.
*The golden era of Chola empire started with the accession
of Rajaraja- I to the throne. Rajaraja- I was the first Chola
king who created Naval Army. *Rajendra Chola-I was
a Chola emperor, who is considered as one of the greatest
rulers and military generals of India. He succeeded his
father, Rajaraja Chola-I. *Rajendra -I annexed the whole of
Srilanka and adopted the title of Gangaikonda. Rajendra-I
founded a new capital called Gangaikonda. Cholapuram. It is
identified with modern Ganga Kondapuram in Tiruchirapalli
district of Tamil Nadu. Chola navy was the strongest in the
area, and they converted the Bay of Bengal into Chola lake.
*Chola Gangam Ponneri was an artificial lake constructed
by Chola king Rajendra Chola-I in the memory of his victory
over rulers of Ganga river basin including Bengal Kings and
Kalinga Dynasty. *Vijayabahu, the Ceylon king proclaimed
independent Sinhala Island during the period of Kulottunga-I
but Kulottunga did not show any incivility and married his
daughter with Sinhala prince Virapperumal. *Generally, Chola
emperors used to elect their ‘Yuvraj” during their tenure, who
becomes the heir of Empire after them.
*Sangam literature only describes the emergence and
development of Chola, Chera and Pandya rulers. *During the
reign of Chola ruler Kulotung-I, 1077 AD, a Chola Buddhist
delegation of 72 merchants was sent to China. *The Chola
empire was divided into six provinces for the convenience of
administration. *The provinces were called ‘Mandalam’. *A
Province was divided in ‘Kottam’ or ‘Valnadu’. *It was like
B–164
the commissionaires. There were many ‘Nadu’ in each Kottam.
*The district was called ‘Nadu’. *The assembly of Nadu was
called ‘Nattar’. *The village association was called ‘Kurram’.
*The smallest unit of administration was Gram Sabha.Chola
artists were accomplished in carving art.
*They framed numerous portraits of stones and metals. Bronze
sculptures were prepared vastly than stone sculpture. Most
elegant idols of Nataraja (Shiva) are found in large numbers.
They are included in best sculptures of the world. These idols
are four-handed. *The Dakshinamurti idol of Shiva depicts
him as a mentor (Guru, Teacher) . Shiva is considered in this
form as providing knowledge to his devotees. Dakshinamurti
Idol is installed facing south direction.
*The battle of Takkolam was a military engagement between
Rajaditya, son of the Chola king Parantaka - I and a confederacy
of western Gangas, Monas and Vaidunbas led by Rashtrakuta
King Krishna - III at Takkolam. The battle fought in 949 AD
resulted in the defeat of Cholas and the death of Rajaditya in
the battlefield.
*Pallava ruler Singhvishnu (575-600 AD) assumed the title of
‘Avanisingh’. *He defeated the kings of Chola, Pandya, Singhal
and Kalmra. * Narasimhavarman I (630 - 668 AD) assumed
the title of ‘Mahamall’. *Parmeshvar Varman I (670-700 AD)
assumed the title of Lokaditya, Ekamall, Rananjaya, Atyantkam,
Ugradand, Gudbhajan, etc. *Mahendravarman-I (600-630 AD)
composed a humour book titled ‘Mattvilasprahasan’.
The list of various ports is available in ‘Periplus of the
Erythraean Sea", the famous book of an anonymous Greek
sailor. Tondi, Mushiri and Nelisanda were the main ports of the
western coast. At present, the ancient city of Vatapi in Bijapur
district (Karnataka) is known as Badami. It was the capital of
Chalukyas during the 6-7th century. Pulakesin - I was the real
founder of Vatapi’s Chalukya dynasty. Women were appointed
to high designations in Chalukya administration. *Vijaya
Bhattarika, the Queen of Chandraditya (brother of Vijayaditya
- I), issued two copper plates by her name. She was an excellent
poetess too. Vijayaditya granted a village to a scholar Brahmin
on the recommendation of his younger sister Kumkumdevi.
Vijayaditya Bhattarika ran the administration efficiently.
*Pulakesin - II was the most capable and powerful ruler of
Chalukyas, who ruled over 610 to 642 AD. Aihole inscription
provides the saga of his achievements. *Matwalin was a
Chinese traveller who has given an account of the relationship
between China and India during the reign of Chalukyas.
*Indian black pepper was a favourite ingredient of the most
expensive Roman cookery. In Europe, the first spice used was
pepper, and it gained an enormous social and economic value
there. Greeks were familiar with the use of black pepper as
early as 4th century BC, though it was probably an uncommon
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
and expensive item. That is why in Sanskrit it is called as
‘Yavanapriya’ (the favourite of Greeks). Arikamedu is an
archaeological site in southern India at Pondicherry. An intaglio
was found here which was carved with the picture of a man. It
was identified as Augustus Caesar. Beads and Gems were also
found. Hence it was concluded that these antiquities belonged to
the Roman Empire. Dubreuil called Arikamedu “a true Roman
city.” In Periplus, it was called as Poduke. *Amphorae Jar is
an ancient jar with a long and narrow neck and two handles on
both sides. This jar was used in ancient Rome as a container
for wine or oil. *Various trade union existed in South Indian
townships like Manigramam, Nandesi, Valanjiyar, etc. The
purpose of these unions was to encourage trade and business.
*Uraiyur was very significant town during Sangam Era, located
on the bank of Cauvery River in Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu).
It was known as Koli and Varanam and was the major centre
of cotton. It is mentioned in “Periplus of the Erythraen Sea.”
Vengi River was the lifeline of the state of Pandya. The river
originates in Kandan Manikanur near Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Pandya state was located to the south of Cauvery. It comprises
the districts of modern Madurai and some regions of Travancore
also. Its capital was Madura.
*Chera was a state of South India located in the present-day
state of Kerala and to a lesser extent, parts of Tamil Nadu.
The capital of the state of Chera was Vanchi. *The capital
of Kadamba rulers was Vanavasi. Kadamba dynasty was
founded by Mayurasharman. Kadamb state was annexed by
Pulakesin - II.
*Pandya king of South India sent an ambassador to the kingdom
of Rome in 26 B.C. Pandya dynasty had the longest duration
of reign in South Indian region (almost 200 BC to 1378 A.D.).
Their capital was Madurai. *Meenakshi temple was originally
built by Kulasekara Pandya. It is located in Madurai, and the
lotus-shaped city surrounds it completely.
1.
Who among the following laid the foundation of the
Chola Empire in the IXth century A.D.?
(a) Krishna-I
(b) Rajraja Chola
(c) Vijayalaya
(d) Parantaka
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
The history of early Cholas of Sangam literature, the
interregnum between the fall of Sangam Chola and the rise of
Medieval Chola under Vijayalaya (850 AD.) in the 9th century.
2.
Which one of the following temple complexes has a massive
statue of Nandi, considered to be the biggest in India:
(a) Brihadeeshwara Temple
(b) Lingaraja Temple
(c) Kandariya Mahadeo Temple
Indian History
(d) Lepakshi Temple
Ans. (a)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Brihadeeshwara temple is an excellent piece of Dravidian
style temple of Chola-Style, which was constructed in the
reign of Rajraja-I. It is considered as the biggest and tallest
temple of India. Its giant sanctum covers 500' x 250' area.
There are two idols of ‘Dwarpals’ around the main shrine.
Gigantic 'Nandi' (carved out of single rock) is situated in
the exterior of sacrarium which is believed to be the tallest
Nandi idol of India.
3.
Brihadeeshwara Temple of Thanjavur was built during
the reign of Chola emperor –
(a) Parantaka-I
(b) Rajraja-I
(c) Rajendra-I
(d) Rajadhiraja-I
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
4.
In which region, the Chola empire was expanded?
(a) Vijayanagara Area
(b) Malabar Coast
(c) Hoysala
(d) Coromandel Coast and some region of Deccan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (d)
The territories of the Chola Dynasty stretched from south
to north, namely the banks of Tungabhadra river to Krishna
river. The borderlines of Cholas included Coromandel coast
and some areas of Deccan like - Uraiyur, Kaveripattinam,
Thanjavur, etc.
5.
The capital of Cholas was (a) Kaveripattinam
(b) Mahabalipuram
(c) Kanchi
(d) Tanjore
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (d)
According to the given options, the capital of Cholas was
Tanjore. Apart from this, later Gangaikondacholapuram also
became the capital of Cholas. The capital of Cholas was
Uraiyur in Sangam era.
6.
Which of the following was special feature of Chola
administration :
(a) Division of empire into mandalam
(b) Autonomy of village administration
General Studies
B–165
(c) Full powers to Ministers of State
(d) Cheap and proper tax collection method
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (b)
A special feature of the Chola dynasty was the autonomy
of village administration which was a speciality of them.
The Chola village administration was very systematic and
well developed. In fact, the autonomous administration was
implemented in the village only during the Chola era.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
7.
Which medieval Indian empire was famous for elaborated local self-government?
(a) Chalukya
(b) Chola
(c) Solanki
(d) Parmar
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020
Ans (b)
See the explanation of above question.
8.
The Chola era was famous for:
(a) Religious development
(b) Village Assemblies
(c) Warfare with Rashtrakuta
(d) Trade from Sri Lanka
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
9.
The Chola age was most famous for -:
(a) village assemblies
(b) war with the Rashtrakutas
(c) trade with Ceylon
(d) advancement of Tamil culture
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Ans (a)
See the explanation of above question.
10. Which southern India state had excellent village
administration?
(a) Chera
(b) Chalukya
(c) Chola
(d) Vatapi
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
12. A lot of details regarding the village administration
under the Cholas is provided by the inscription at:(a) Thanjavur
(b) Uraiyur
(c) Kanchipuram
(d) Uttaramerur
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (d)
A detailed description of the working system of the executive
committee of Gram Sabha (village assembly) in Chola
village administration has been archived from Uttaramerur
inscription, which states that every village had its own
committee called 'Sabha' which were usually independent
of Central command and independently administered the
village administration.
13. During the rule of the Chola Kings which of the following
Variyams looked after garden administration?
(a) Pan Variyam
(b) Airi Variyam
(c) Thotta Variyam
(d) Samvatsara Variyam
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (c)
A working committee which supervised the activities of
Chola era villages was known as Variyam. Thotta Variyam
looked after Horticulture Board while Samvatsara Variyam
was annual committee; Eri Variyam was in charge of tanks
(Lakes) and water supply and Pan Variyam was related to
gold/finance committee.
14. Consider the following statements :
1. The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and
established their domination over peninsular India
in the early medieval times.
2. The Cholas sent an expedition against Sailendra
empire of South East Asia and conquered some of
the areas
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
I.A.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (c)
Chola dynasty was established by Parantak-I in Southern
India. He defeated Madura King and assumed the title of
“Madurai-Kond.” According to Thanjavur inscription,
Rajaraja-I defeated Cheras naval army in Kandalloor and then
See the explanation of above question.
11. Dynasty famous for efficient rural administration was
(a) Cholas
(b) Rashtrakutas
(c) Chalukyas
(d) Pallavas
B–166
Ans. (a)
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Rajaraja-I and his son Rajendra-I sent an expedition against
Sailendra empire of South East Asia and conquered some of
the areas as they were facing difficulty in a trade with China.
General Studies
Indian History
15. Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period
invariably show the deity with :
(a) Eight hands
(b) Six hands
(c) Four hands
(d) Two hands
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Chola artists (Sthapati) were accomplished in carving art.
They framed numerous portraits of stones and metals. Bronze
sculptures were prepared vastly than stone sculpture. Most
elegant idols of Nataraja (Shiva) are found in large numbers.
They are included in-best sculptures of the world. These idols
are four the handed.
16. Which one of the following is considered to be the world’s
greatest iconographical creations made by sthapatis of
South India, particularly during the Chola period?
(a) Mahishasuramardini (b) Nataraja
(c) Rama
(d) Somaskanda
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
17. Most famous sculptures of Cholas age were:
(a) Stone sculptures
(b) Marble sculptures
(c) Vishnu sculptures
(d) Bronze sculptures of Nataraja Shiva
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
18. The famous bronze image of Nataraja is a fine example
of:
(a) Chola Art
(b) Gandhara Art
(c) Gupta Art
(d) Mauryan Art
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
19. The ‘Dakshinamurti’ idol of Shiva depicts him in which
form?
(a) Teacher
(b) Dancing
(c) Reclining
(d) Meditating
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (a)
The Dakshinamurti idol of Shiva depicts him as a mentor
(Guru, Teacher). Shiva is considered in this form as providing
knowledge to his devotees. Dakshinamurti Idol is installed
facing south direction.
Indian History
20. In whose tenure, 72 traders were sent to China ?
(a) Kulottunga-I
(b) Rajendra-I
(c) Rajaraja-I
(d) Rajadhiraja- I
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
The Chola sent goodwill mission of 72 traders to China in
the reign of Chola king Kulottunga-I in 1077.
21. Which of the following South Indian state was famous
for its naval power :
(a) Chola
(b) Chera
(c) Pallava
(d) Rashtrakuta
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (*)
Chola Kings maintained massive consolidated troops with a
proficient naval power wing. The Chola navy played a vital
role in the expansion of the Chola Empire including the
conquests of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) islands and naval raids on
Srivijaya, Sinhala and Maldives.
22. Which among the following dynasties, King declared
their successor in own tenure?
(a) Chalukya
(b) Chola
(c) Kadamba
(d) Kalchuri
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (*)
Generally, Chola emperors used to elect their ‘Yuvraj” during
their tenure who becomes the heir of Empire after them. But
in other emperors also, information is given to give the post
of Crown Prince to a Prince.
23. Who among the following Chola rulers converted
the Bay of Bengal into a ‘Chola Lake’ ?
(a) Rajaraja-I
(b)
Rajendra-I
(c) Adhiraj
(d)
Kulottunga
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
Rajendra Chola-I was a Chola emperor, who is considered as
one of the greatest rulers and military generals of India. He
succeeded his father, Rajaraja Chola-I. Rajendra -I annexed
the whole of Sri Lanka and he defeated Mahipal after that
adopted the title of Gangaikonda. Rajendra-I founded a new
capital called Gangaikonda Cholapuram after him. Chola
navy was the strongest in the area, and they converted the
Bay of Bengal into Chola lake.
General Studies
B–167
24. Who was the founder of ‘Gangai Konda Cholapuram’ ?
(a) Rajaraja-I
(b) Rajadhiraj
(c) Rajendra-I
(d) Vijayaditya
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
25. Who among the following Chola rulers is credited to have
built a huge artificial lake known as Chola Gangam?
(a) Rajaraja-I
(b) Rajendra
(c) Rajdhiraja
(d) Rajaraja-II
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
26. Arrange the following temples in chronological order and
select the correct answer from the codes given below:
I. Brihadishwar temple
II. Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple
III. Shore temple of Mahabalipuram
IV. Sapt pagoda
Codes :
(a) I, II, IV, III
(b) II, I, III, IV
(c) III, II, I, IV
(d) IV, III, I, II
U.P.. P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (d)
The chronological order of the establishment of these temples
is- Sapt Pagoda (640-674 AD), shore temples of Mahabalipuram (674-800 AD), Brihadishwar temple (during the tenure
of Raj Raja I) and Gangaikond Cholapuram temple (during
the rule of Rajendra-I).
27. Which Chola King started Naval Army?
(a) Rajendra Chola
(b) Parantak Chola
(c) Rajaraja I
(d) Rajaraja II
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
The golden era of the Chola empire started with the accession
of Rajaraja- I (985 AD) to the throne. Rajaraja- I was the first
Chola king who created the Naval Army.
28. Name the Chola King who conquered the northern part
of Sri Lanka?
(a) Rajaraja-I
(b) Rajendra-I
(c) Parantaka-I
(d) Aditya-I
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (a)
B–168
Rajaraja-I invaded Sri Lanka and destroyed Anuradhapura.
Rajaraja-I captured only the northern part of Sri Lanka while
southern part remained independent. His son Rajendra-I
captured the southern island and hence whole of Sri Lanka
(Ceylon) and defeated Mahendra V.
29. Which one of the Chola kings conquered Ceylon?
(a) Aditya- I
(b) Rajaraja- I
(c) Rajendra- I
(d) Vijayalaya
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
30. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as
Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A) : We have much more information about
Cholas than their predecessors.
Reason (R) : The Chola rulers adopted the practice
of having inscriptions written on the
walls of temples giving a historical
narrative of their victories.
Select the correct answer from the codes 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 and (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. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (a)
We have much more information about Cholas rather than
their predecessors. Raj Raj - I & Rajendra - I had written
inscriptions on the walls of temples. Rajaraja - I started the
tradition of writing & collecting the tales of victories of
his ancestors through written inscriptions. Kings after him
followed his suit. Hence Assertion (A) & Reason (R) both
are correct. So option (a) is correct.
31. Who was the Chola monarch who gave complete
freedom to Sri Lanka and got his daughter married
to the Sinhala Prince?
(a) Kulottunga I
(b) Rajendra
(c) Adhirajendra
(d) Rajadhiraj I
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (a)
Vijayabahu, the Ceylon king proclaimed independent Sinhala
Island during the period of Kulottunga-I but Kulottunga did
not show any incivility and married his daughter with Sinhala
prince Virapperumal.
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
32. In the context of the history of India, consider the
following pairs:
Term
Description
Eripatti
:
Land, revenue from which was
set apart for the maintenance of
the village tank
Taniyurs :
Villages donated to a single
Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
Ghatikas :
Colleges generally attached to
the temples
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (d)
The correctly matched list as follows:
Term
Description
Eripatti
: Land, revenue from which was set apart
form the maintenance of village tank
Taniyurs
: A very large village would be administered
as a single unit is called Taniyurs.
Ghatikas
: Colleges generally attached to the temples.
Thus, in the given options, (1) and (3) are correctly matched.
33. Which one of the following trade centres of ancient India
was on the trade route connecting Kalyana with Vengi?
(a) Tagara
(b) Sripur
(c) Tripuri
(d) Tamralipti
I.A.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
Tagara was a significant trade centre which was located
between Kalyan and Vengi.
34. Who was the greatest king of Chalukya dynasty?
(a) Vikramaditya
(b) Manglesh
(c) Pulakesin - II
(d) Pulakesin - I
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (c)
Pulakesin - II was the most capable and powerful ruler of
Chalukyas, who ruled over 610 to 642 AD. Aihole inscription
provides the saga of his achievements.
35. Information about which king is found in the
"Kuruspal Inscription'?
(a) Harsha Gupta
(b) Mahapravar Raj
(c) Someshwar I
(d) Mahashivgupta Balarjun
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (c)
Indian History
Kuruspal inscription of Dharana-Mahadevi, queen of
Someshwar I was found near Jagdalpur city in Bastar district
of Chhattisgarh. It tells about victorious reign of Someshwar
I who was a king of the western Chalukyas.
36. Which of the following dynasties frequently assigned to
the ladies high ranking positions in administration ?
(a) Chola
(b) Chalukya
(c) Pala
(d) Sena
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (b)
Women were appointed to high designations in Chalukya
administration. Vijaya Bhattarika, the Queen of Chandraditya
(brother of Vijayaditya - I), issued two copper plates by her
name. She was an excellent poetess too. Vijayaditya granted
a village to a scholar Brahmin on the recommendation of his
younger sister Kumkumdevi. Vijayaditya Bhattarika ran the
administration efficiently.
37. Where was the capital of Chalukyas located?
(a) Vatapi
(b) Shravasti
(c) Kanchi
(d) Kannauj
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (a)
At present, the ancient city of Vatapi in Bijapur district
(Karnataka) is known as Badami. It was the capital of
Chalukyas during the 6-7th century. Pulakesin - I was the real
founder of Vatapi’s Chalukya dynasty.
38. Which of the following institutions belonged to foreign
trade?
(a) Sreni
(b) Nagaram
(c) Nanadesis
(d) Manigrama
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (c & d)
Sreni, in the context of Ancient India, was an association of
traders, merchants and artisans. Nagaram was the town where
merchants conducted commercial activities. The Nanadesis
and Manigrama were a guild of traders who organised themselves into one of the biggest of the trading association at
the time of the Hoysala empire. They developed significant
trade contact with many areas, including foreign countries.
39. The name of poet Kalidasa is mentioned in the:
(a) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
(b) Aihole Inscription
(c) Alapadu Grant
(d) Hanumankonda Inscription
I.A.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
General Studies
B–169
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Aihole inscription is an authentic source to know Pulkeshin
- II history. It is engraved in Sanskrit and southern Brahmi
language and was written by Ravikirti. At the end of
commendation, the author claimed that he had gained fame
like Kalidasa and Bharavi by writing this. Thus, the name of
poet Kalidasa is mentioned in the Aihole inscription.
40. The Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa finds a
mention in –
(a) Aihole inscription of Pulakesin-II
(b) Gwalior inscription of Mihir Bhoja
(c) Karamdanda Sivalinga inscription of Kumargupta-I
(d) Mathura Pillar inscription of Chandragupta-II
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
41. The term ‘Yavanapriya’ mentioned in ancient Sanskrit
text denoted :
(a) A fine variety of Indian muslin
(b) Ivory
(c) Damsels sent to the Greek court for dance performance
(d) Pepper
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (d)
Indian black pepper was a favourite ingredient of the most
expensive Roman cookery. That is why in Sanskrit it is called
as ‘Yavanapriya’ (the favourite of Greeks).
42. Halbi is related to which language family?
(a) Aryan
(c) Mundari
Ans. (a)
(b) Dravidian
(d) None of these
Chhattisagarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Halbi is an eastern Indo-Aryan language, of Bastar, Chhattisgarh transitional between Oriya and Marathi. Halbi is
written in the Oriya and Devanagari Script.
43. Tolkappiyam text deals with :
(a) Administration
(b) Law
(c) Grammar and Poetry (d) All the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
Tolkappiyam is not only the residual text of 2nd Sangam era
but also the most ancient available text of Tamil literature.
Author Tolkappiyar was one among the 12 disciples of saint
Agastya. It is a treatise on grammar and poetry. It has been
written in formula style.
B–170
44. In Sangam Literature ‘Tolkappiyam’ is a text of –
(a) Tamil poetry
(b) Tamil grammar
(c) Tamil architecture
(d) Tamil polity
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
45. The author of the Silapadikaram was –
(a) Ilango
(b) Parmara
(c) Karikala
(d) Vishnu Swami
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
Ans. (a)
The author of Tamil Literature Silappadikaram was Ilango
Adigal, grandson of Chola King Karikal. The epic narrates
the tragic and poignant story of Kannagi and her husband,
Kovalan.
46. The collection of the writings of the Saivite saints is
considered as Fifth Veda. What is the name of the above
collection?
(a) Tolkapium
(b) Silapaddikaran
(c) Manimekhalai
(d) Tirumurai
Ans (d)
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Thirumurai is a twelve-volume compendium of songs or
hymns in praise of Shiva in the Tamil language from the 6th
to 11th century CE. It is compilation of writings of various
poets. Thirumurai along with Vedas and Saiva agamas form
the basis of Saiva Siddhantha philosophy in South India.
47. Match item of List-I with those of List-II and select
your correct answer from the codes given below in
the lists :
List-I
List-II
A. Thirukural
1. Love Story
B. Tolkappiyam
2. Philosophy
C. Silapadikaram
3. Merchant Story
D. Manimekalai
4. Grammar
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a)
1
2
4
3
(b)
2
3
4
1
(c)
4
2
3
1
(d)
2
4
1
3
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Ans. (d)
The correctly matched pairs are :
List I
List II
Thirukural
–
Philosophy
Tolkappiyam
–
Grammar
Silapadikaram –
Love Story
Manimekalai
–
Merchant story
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
48. From the excavations of which ancient site,
information has been gathered regarding brisk trade
relations between India and Rome, during the early
centuries of Christian era :
(a) Madurai
(b) Tamralipti
(c) Tondi
(d) Arikamedu
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (d)
53. Which one of the following was not a ruling dynasty
of the Tamil country during the Sangam Age ?
(a) Chera
(b) Chola
(c) Pallava
(d) Pandya
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (c)
Arikamedu is an archaeological site in southern India at
Pondicherry. An intaglio was found here which was carved
with the picture of a man. It was identified as Augustus
Caesar. Beads and Gems were also found. Hence it was
concluded that these antiquities belonged to the Roman
Empire. Dubreuil called Arikamedu “a true Roman city.” In
Periplus, it was called as Poduke.
54. Religious anthology ‘Kural’ composed in which
language?
(a) Greek
(b) Tamil
(c) Telugu
(d) Pali
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
49. Which one of the following ports was known as Poduke
to the author of ‘The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea’ :
(a) Arikamedu
(b) Tamralipti
(c) Korkai
(d) Barbaricum
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (a)
Kural is considered as the Bible and Laghuveda of Tamil
literature. It is also known as ‘Muppal’. It was written
by the famous poet Tiruvalluvar. According to hearsay,
Thiruvalluvar was the advent of Brahma.
See the explanation of above question.
50. The Roman settlement has been found ?
(a) Kalibangan
(b) Arikamedu
(c) Rangpur
(d) Satara
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
51. Amphora Jar is a –
(a) Perforated jar
(c) Painted grey jar
Ans. (b)
(b) Tall double handle jar
(d) Black and red ware jar
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Amphorae Jar is an ancient jar with a long and narrow neck
and two handles on both sides. This jar was used in ancient
Rome as a container for wine or oil.
52. Which of the following dynasties is not mentioned in
Sangam literature?
(a) Kadamb
(b) Chera
(c) Chola
(d) Pandya
41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (a)
Origin and elevation of Chola, Cheras and Pandyas are
mentioned in Sangam Literature. Kadamb or any other
dynasty is not mentioned in Sangam literature.
Indian History
In South India, three dynasties ruled during the Sangam
Age are Chera, Chola and the Pandya. Pallavas were not the
rulers of this age.
55. Which one of the following Tamil Texts has been called
Laghuveda?
(a) Nandhikalambagam
(b) Kalingattuparani
(c) Periyapuranam
(d) Kural
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (d)
Tamil text ‘Kural’ is considered as Laghuveda and was
authored by Thiruvalluvar.
56. Who among the following was the author of the
Tamil Ramayanam or Ramavataram ?
(a) Kamban
(b) Kuttan
(c) Nannaya
(d) Tikkana
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (a)
Ramavtaram or Tamil Ramayanam was authored by Kamban
in the 12th century.
57. With reference to the cultural history of medieval
India, consider the following statements:
1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic
and condemned idolatry.
2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory
of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
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) 2016
Ans. (c)
General Studies
B–171
Siddhas are traced back to Sangama period, but the word
Siddha is not found in Sangama literature. It is closely
linked with origin and development of Shaivism, Siddhanta
philosophy, Tantras Science and Technology in South India.
Siddhas means refined monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
Thus, statement (1) is correct. Lingayat of Kannada region
challenged the idea of caste attributed by certain groups of
Brahmin. They also questioned the theory of rebirth. They
encouraged remarriage of widows and disapproved pre-
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
puberty marriage. Thus, statement (2) is also correct.
58. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer
using codes given below the lists :
List-I
List- II
A. Gupta
1. Badami
B. Chandela
2. Panamalai
C. Chalukya
3. Khajuraho
D. Pallava
Code :
A
(a) 4
(b) 4
(c) 2
(d) 3
4. Deogarh
B
3
2
3
4
C
1
3
4
1
2
1
2
3
2
4
4
3
3
1
4
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (b)
The correctly matched ruling dynasties and their capitals is
as follows –
Pallava
Kanchi
Pandya
Madurai
Yadava
Devagiri
Kaktiya
Warangal
60. Consider the following events in the history of India :
1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
2. Establishment of Pallava power under
Mahendravarman-I
3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka - I
4. Pala dynasty foundoed by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above
events, starting from the earliest time?
D
2
1
1
2
(a) 2 - 1 - 4 - 3
(b) 3 - 1 - 4 - 2
(c) 2 - 4 - 1 - 3
(d) 3 - 4 - 1 - 2
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (a)
Dashavatara Temple is located at Deogarh in Lalitpur
district, Uttar Pradesh. It belongs to the Gupta era. Khajuraho
proclaims rich art culture of Chandelas. There are approx 25
temples which are related to Vishnu, Shiva and Jain deities.
The most famous temple is Kandariya Mahadeva. Chalukyas
had their capital at Badami (Karnataka) and Panamalai is
related to Pallava.
59. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer
using the codes given below the lists :
List- I
List- II
(Ruling Dynasties)
(Capitals)
A. Pallava
1. Warangal
B. Pandya
2. Kanchi
C. Yadava
3. Madura
D. Kaktiya
4.
Devagiri
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 2
1
4
3
B–172
(b)
(c)
(d)
I.A.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans (c)
Following are the sequence of event :Mahendravarman- I established Pallava Power (600-630 CE);
Gopala founded Pala dynasty in 750 AD;
Mihira Bhoja (836-885 CE) or Bhoja I was a ruler of Gurjara
Pratihara dynasty of India;
Parantaka - I (907-953 CE) ruled chola kingdom in Tamil Nadu.
61. Which of the following King did send two naval expeditions to Ceylon in 642 AD?
(a) Rajaraj
(b) Narasimha Verman I
(c) Kirti Verman I
(d) Jayasinha I
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016
Ans (b)
Narasimha Verman I was a king of the Pallava dynasty who
ruled south India from 630-668 AD. He was also known
as Mahamalla (great wrestler) and during his reign famous
Panch Ratha Temples were constructed.
He captured & destroyed capital of Chalukya (Vatapi) & assumed the tittle of Vatapikonda. In 642 AD, he sent two naval
expeditions to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to help Sri Lankan prince.
General Studies
Indian History
62. Which one of the following was a corporation of
merchants in ancient India?
(a) Chaturvedimangalam (b) Parishad
(c) Ashtadiggaja
(d) Manigramam
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Various trade union existed in South Indian townships like
Manigramam, Nandesi, Valanjiyar, etc. The purpose of these
unions was to encourage trade and business.
63. Famous South Indian ‘The Battle of Takkolam’ was
fought between?
(a) Between Chola and North Chalukyas
(b) Between Chola and Rashtrakutas
(c) Between Chola and Hoyasala
(d) Between Chola and Pandya
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
The battle of Takkolam was a military engagement
between Rajaditya, son of the Chola king Parantaka - I and
a confederacy of western Gangas and Vaidunbas led by
Rashtrakuta King Krishna - III at Takkolam.
Vengi River was the lifeline of the state of Pandya. The
river originates in Kandan Manikanur near Madurai, Tamil
Nadu. Pandya state was located in the south of Kaveri. It
compries the districts of modern Madura and some regions
of Travancore also. Its capital was Madura. The region of
Vengi river was famous for its fertility.
67. Which of the following Sangam ports were situated on
the western coast? Select the correct answer from the
code given below:
1. Korkai
2.
Puhar
3. Tondi
4.
Mushiri
Code :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 4 and 1 only
64. Who devastated Chola dynasty eventually?
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
(a) Mahmud Ghaznavi
Ans. (c)
(b) Bakhtiyar Khalji
(c) Muhammad Gauri
(d) Malik Kafur
U. P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (*)
Near about 1250 AD Hoyasala and Pandya Kingdom defeated
Chola King Rajendra III. Chola dynasty end nearly 1279
AD. Malik Kafur conquered south India nearly 1310 AD. He
conquered Yadav, Hoyasala, Kakatiya, Pandya.
65. Why was ‘Uraiyur’ famous in Sangam Era?
(a) An important trade centre of spices
(b) An important trade centre of cotton
(c) An important centre of foreign trade
(d) An important centre of domestic trade
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
Uraiyur was very significant town during Sangam Era, located
on the bank of Cauvery river in Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu).
It was known as Koli and Varanam and was the major centre
of cotton. It is mentioned in “Periplus of the Erythraen Sea.”
Indian History
66. Which river was the lifeline of Pandya state?
(a) Godavari
(b) Krishna
(c) Tungabhadra
(d) Vengi
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2010
Ans. (d)
The list of various ports is available in ‘Periplus of the
Erythraean Sea", the famous book of an anonymous Greek
sailor. Naura, Tondi, Mushiri and Nelisanda were the main
ports of the western coast.
68. According to the Sangam texts the terms Kon, Ko and
Mannan were attributed to which of the following?
(a) Prime Minister
(b) Revenue Minister
(c) Commander of the army
(d) King
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010
Ans. (d)
According to the Sangam text, the terms Kon, Ko and
Mannan, were attributed to the King.
69. Third Sangam was held at :
(a) Arikamedu
(b) Ernakulam
(c) Madurai
(d) Tuticorin
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (c)
General Studies
B–173
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Sangam is defined as ‘Conference of Poets’ or ‘Forum
of Scholars.’ Literature written by scholars during this
conference is mentioned as ‘Sangam Literature.’ Three
Sangams were held under the patronage of Pandya kings
in the south.
Sangam
Place
President
1st
Madurai
Saint Agastya
2nd
Kapadapuram
Saint Agastya
3rd
Madurai
Nakkirar
70. The sage who is said to have Aryanised South India was
(a) Vishwamitra
(b) Agastya
(c) Vashishtha
(d) Sambhara
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
Agastya was the sage who is credited to have Aryanised
south India. It is believed that he travelled south on request
of Gods and later resided in the south. He is also known as
“Father of Tamil Literature.”
71.
Match List- I with List -II and select correct answer
with the help of codes given below:
List -I
List-II
A. Chalukyas
1. Madurai
B. Pallava
2. Kannauj
C. Harsha
3. Badami
D. Pandya
4. Kanchipuram
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a)
3
4
2
1
(b)
4
3
2
1
(c)
1
4
2
3
(d)
1
3
2
4
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (a)
Badami was the capital of Chalukyas. Pulakesin-II was the
most glorious king of Badami Chalukyas. The detailed history
of Pulakesin-II is known from the Aihole inscription written
by Ravikirti. The capital of Pallavas was Kanchipuram.
Harsha, with his sister Rajyashri ruled jointly over Kannauj.
Madurai was the capital of Pandyas.
72. Arrange the name of the following pallava rulers according to their reign in correct chronological order
and select the correct answer from the codes given
below :
1. Parmeshvaravarma I
B–174
2. Narsinghvarman I
3. Nandivarman II
4. Mahendravarman I
Codes :
(a) 4, 2, 1, 3
(b) 4, 3, 1, 2
(c) 1, 3, 2, 4
(d) 3, 2, 1, 4
U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019
Ans (a)
As per the question, timeline of Pallava king's rule is as
follows :1.
Mahendravarman I
-
(600-630 A.D.)
2.
Narsinghvarman I
-
(630-668 A.D.)
3.
Parmeshvaravarman I
- (Approx 670-700 A.D.)
4.
Nandivarman II
-
(731-795 A.D.)
hence option (a) is right answer.
73. Which of the following king/kings was/were elected/
chosen directly by the public?
(1) Harshavardhan
(2) Gopal
(3) Yashovarman
(4) Nandivarman Pallavamalla
Select the correct answer using the code given below –
Code (a) Only (1), (2) and (4)
(b) Only (2), (3) and (4)
(c) Only (2) and (4)
(d) Only (2) and (3)
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (c)
Gopala of Pala dynasty of Bengal and Nandivarman II
(Pallavamalla) of Pallava dynasty in South India were two
kings among the options given who were chosen directly
by public.
74. Which of the following pair (A State of South India
from 6th to 12th century and its Capital) is not
correctly matched?
(a) Pallava-Kanchipuram (b) Pandya-Madurai
(c) Chera-Puducheri
(d) Chola-Tanjvur
(e) Hoyasala-Dwarasamudra
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
Chera was a state of South India located in the present-day
state of Kerala and to a lesser extent, parts of Tamil Nadu.
The capital of the state of Chera was Vanchi. All other options
are correctly matched.
75. Who of the following Chinese travellers has given an
account of the relationship of China with India during
the reign of Chalukyas?
(a) Fa-Hien
(b) Hiuen-Tsang
General Studies
Indian History
(c) It-Sing
Ans. (d)
(d) Matwalin
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Matwalin was a Chinese traveller who has given an account
of the relationship between China and India during the reign
of Chalukyas.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
76. Which dynasty did not rule over North India ?
(a) Chalukyas
(b) Rajputs
(c) Gupta
(d) Mauryas
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (a)
Chalukya Dynasty did not rule over North India. Their rule was
mainly centralized in Deccan and Southern India. Their capital
was Badami (Vatapi). Pulakesin - II was the first ruler of Badami’s
Chalukya dynasty who defeated Harshavardhana in 618 AD.
Apart from this, there were also small branches of Chalukyas in
which the Chalukyas of Kalyani were most prominent.
77. Which of the following King is known to have sent his
Ministers to suppress the cruelty against animal in
Kashi region?
79. A king of South India sent an ambassador to the
kingdom of Rome in 26 B.C. to which dynasty did he
belong?
(a) Chola
(b) Chera
(c) Pandya
(d) Chalukya
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (c)
Pandya king of South India sent an ambassador to the
kingdom of Rome in 26 B.C. Pandya dynasty had the most
prolonged duration of reign in South Indian region. Their
capital was Madurai.
80. Meenakshi Mandir is located at:
(a) Madurai
(b) Pudukottai
(c) Sri Rangam
(d) Thanjavur
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (a)
Meenakshi temple is situated at Madurai. Madurai was the
capital of Pandyas. During the Sangama era, 1 and 3 Sangam
were organised here, which wave presided over by Acharya
Agastya and Nakkirar respectively.
st
(a) Chalukya King Siddharaja Jayasimha
(b) Chalukya King Kumarapala
(c) Chola King Kulottunga I
81. Meenakshi Temple is situated here –
(d) Kashmirian King Jayasimha
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016
Ans (b)
(a) Chennai
(b) Kolkata
(c) Madurai
(d) Mahabalipuram
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007
Kumarbala was a chalukya king. He reigned for 29 years.
He was a Jain and a disciple of Jain Scholar hemachandra.
Several medieval Jain scholars wrote chronicles about him.
As per Jain traditions he was against animal cruelty & sent
his minister to suppress the cruelty against animal in Kashi
region.
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
82. Match the following :
List – I
(a) Tanjore
(b) Vanavasi
(c) Kanchi
(d) Badami
List – II
A. Meenakshi Mandir
78. The capital of Kadamba Kings was –
1. Tirumala (Andhra
Pradesh)
B. Venkateswara Mandir 2. Madurai (Balaji
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (b)
The capital of Kadamba rulers was Vanavasi. Kadamb
dynasty was founded by Mayurasharman. Kadamba state
was annexed by Pulakesin - II. It is notable that Tanjore
was the capital of Cholas; Kanchi of Pallavas and Badami
of Chalukyas.
Indian History
rd
Vishwanath)
C. Mahakal Mandir
3. Howrah (West Bengal)
D. Bellore Matha
4. Ujjain
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a)
1
2
3
4
(b)
2
1
4
3
General Studies
B–175
(c)
4
3
1
2
(d)
3
4
2
1
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
Meenakshi temple was originally built by Kulasekara
Pandya. It is located in Madurai, and the lotus-shaped
city surrounds it completely. Mahakal temple is located in
Ujjain and Venkateshwara Mandir is located in Thirumala
(Andhra Pradesh). Bellore Matha is the headquarters of
the Ramakrishna Matha and Mission, founded by Swami
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Vivekananda, a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
Ancient Literature and
Litterateur
*The Greek author Herodotus is often known as the 'Father
of History'. His famous book ‘Historica’ describes the IndoPersian relations during the 5 century. *Mudrarakshasa written
by Vishakhadatta is a drama in Sanskrit. Although written
during the Gupta period, it describes how Chandragupta with
the assistance of Kautilya overthrew the Nandas. It also gives
a picture of the socio-economic condition under the Mauryas.
*Sanskrit literature reached its peak during the Gupta period.
This era is known for writing of prose and as well as poetry.
Amarakosh by Amar Singh, Kamasutra by Vatsyayana,
Meghdoot by Kalidasa and Mudrarakshasa by Vishakhadatta
are among the classic literature composed during this period.
*The famous authors and their books :
Surdas
- Sursagar, Sur Saravali , Sahitya-Lahiri
Dandin (Dandi ) - Daskumarcharitam
Tulsidas
- Ramcharit Manas, Vinaya Patrika, Kavitavali
Kalidasa
- Abhigyan Shakuntalam,
Kumarsambhavam, Malavikagnimitram,
Meghadoot.
*Naishadhiyacharita is a story of Nala and Damayanti in
the Mahabharata written by Sriharsha; Kiratarjuniyam is an
epic poem describing combat between Arjuna and Lord Shiva.
*Magha wrote Sisupalavadha. *Dashkumarcharitam was
written by Dandi and describes the adventures of 10 princes.
*The Panchasiddhantika of Varahamihira is based on
Greek astronomy. The Milindapanha is a Buddhist text in
Pali language which is a dialogue between the Indian monk
Nagasena and the Indo-Greek king Milinda (Menander).
*Jai Singh (1128-1149) was the contemporary ruler of
Kashmir. Kalhana was the author of Rajatarangini. He
completed this pioneer creation during the reign of Jai Singh.
th
B–176
*Rajatarangini, a metrical historical chronicle of the northwestern Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir
was written in Sanskrit.
*Ashvaghosa, a noted poet, is considered to be instrumental
in the propagation of Buddhism. He was also the writer of a
famous court poem of his times called the Saundarananda
Kavya. This poem was discovered and edited by Pandit
Haraprasada Shastri. *Buddhacharita is a poetic narrative of
the life of Buddha by the Sanskrit poet Asvaghosha.
*Harshavardhana was also a great lover of education and
learning. He is supposed to be the author of ‘Ratnavali,’
‘Priyadarshika’ and ‘Nagananda.’ Historians say "Harsha
was a patron of letters. He appears to have wielded the pen with
no less dexterity and effect than the sword". There are three
plays authored by him viz., the ‘Ratnavali,’ ‘Priyadarsika’ and
the ‘Nagananda,’. It is said that it was composed by a King
named Harshadeva. This royal author has been identified
with Harsha of Kannauj since it is contended that no other
sovereign of this name can meet the requirements of the case.
*Kalidasa was Sanskrit poet and dramatist and probably the
greatest Indian writer of any epoch. The seven works identified
as genuine are (1) Abhijnanashakuntalam (2) Vikramorvashi
(3) Malavikagnimitra (4) Raghuvamsha (5) Kumarasambhava
(6) Meghaduta (7) Ritusamhara. *The first play composed by
the great poet Kalidasa is Malavikagnimitram. Often it is called
Kalidasa Malavikagni- mitram, as an honour to Kalidasa.
This play consists of 5 acts about the love story of King
Agnimitra of Vidisha from the Shunga dynasty (presumed to
have ruled Magadha and Malavika.
*'Svapnavasuadattam' is a Sanskrit plan written by great poet
Bhasa. *Geet Govind is an epic poem, written in Sanskrit by
Jayadev in the eleventh or twelfth century. Jayadev was the
royal poet in the court of King Lakshman Sen of Bengal.
Panchatantra is a collection of Indian animal fables which
has had extensive circulation both in the country of its origin
and throughout the world. It has been translated into 15 Indian
and 40 foreign languages. It was compiled in Sanskrit (Hindu)
and Pali (Buddhist). The compilation is attributed to Pandit
Vishnu Sharma. *In Mughal era, it was translated by Abul
Fazl under the name of Ayar-e-danish.
*Bhaskaracharya is also known as Bhaskara - II known for
significant contribution to mathematical and astronomical
knowledge in the 12 century. There are six well-known
works of Bhaskaracharya. His book Siddantasiromani has four
parts - Lilavathi, Bijaganita, Ganitadhyay and Goladhayay.
*Aryabhatta was a renowned mathematician and astronomer
of ancient India. One of his major works was Aryabhatiya.
The book deals with many topics like astronomy, spherical
trigonometry, arithmetic, algebra and plane trigonometry. *In
General Studies
th
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
the field of astronomy, Aryabhatta was the pioneer to infer that
the earth is spherical, and it rotates on its axis around the sun.
He is also considered to be the father of Trignometry.
*Mattavilasa Prahasana was written by the versatile Pallava
ruler and scholar Mahendra Varman.
*Manusmriti also known as Manav Dharam Shastra is mainly
related to the social system. It is the earliest metrical work on
Brahminical Dharma in Hinduism. Manu is considered to be
the originator of law in Inda.
*‘Zero’ was discovered by an anonymous Indian. Arabians
learnt it from India and carried it over Europe. It was found that
the Arabs firstly used zero in 873 A.D. “The Natural History”
is the creation of ‘Pliny the Elder,’ a Roman author.
Some Important books and their authors –
Books
Sursagar, Sur Saravali ,
Sahitya-Lahiri
Daskumarcharitam
Ramcharit Manas, Vinaya
Patrika, Kavitavali
Abhigyan Shakuntalam,
Kumarsambhavam,
Malavikagnimitram,
Meghaduta
Ashtadhyayi
Kamasutra
Vatsyayana
Arthashastra
Rajatarangini
Kiratarjuniyam
Nagananda
Karpuramanjari
Brihat Samhita
Devi-Chandraguptam
Mrichchha-Katikam
Vikramankadev Charita
Katantra
Mitakshara
Who of the following was the writer of Mudrarakshasa ?
(a) Aswaghosha
(b) Vishakhadatta
(b) Kalidasa
(d) Bhasa
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (b)
Mudrarakshasa written by Vishakhadatta is a drama in
Sanskrit. Although written during the Gupta period, it
describes how Chandragupta with the assistance of Kautilya
overthrew the Nandas. It also gives a picture of the socioeconomic condition under the Mauryas.
3.
-
Surdasa
-
Dandin (Dandi)
Tulsidasa
-
Kalidasa
-
Panini
-
Chanakya
Kalhana
Bharavi
Harsha
Rajasekhara
Varahamihira
Vishakhadatta
Sudraka
Bilhana
Sarvavarma
Vigyaneshwara
Which of the following classical works of literature
were written during the Gupta Era ?
Authors
1. Amarakosh
2. Kamasutra
3. Meghaduta
4. Mudrarakshasa
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
Code :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (d)
Sanskrit literature reached its apogee in the Gupta period.
This era is known for equal writing of prose and poetry.
Amarakosh by Amar Singh, Kamasutra by Vatsyayana,
Meghaduta by Kalidasa and Mudrarakshasa by Vishakhadatta
are among the classic literature composed during this period.
4.
'Bible Book' of North Indian classical music is related
to
(a) Natyashastra
(b) Sursagar
(c) Nad-Vinad
(d) Sufinama
U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (a)
1.
The title ‘Father of History’ rightly belongs to :
(a) Herodotus
(b) Euripides
(c) Thucydides
(d) Socrates
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
The Greek author Herodotus is often known as the ‘Father
of History. His famous book ‘Historica’ describes the IndoPersian relations during the 5 century.
th
Indian History
2.
The Bible of North Indian classical music is Natyashastra. It
is a Sanskrit treatise on the performing arts. It is attributed
to Bharat Muni.
5.
Daskumar Charitam was composed by –
(a) Surdas
(b) Dandin
(c) Tulsidas
(d) Kalidas
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (b)
General Studies
B–177
The famous authors and their books :
Surdas
- Sursagar, Sur Saravali , Sahitya-Lahiri
Dandin (Dandi)- Daskumarcharitam
Tulsidas
- Ramcharit Manas, Vinaya Patrika, Kavitavali
Kalidasa
- Abhigyan Shakuntalam,
Kumarsambhavama, Malavikagnimitram,
Meghaduta.
6.
Who wrote Daskumarcharitam?
(a) Bharavi
(b) Bilhana
(c) Dandin
(d) Soma deva
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
7.
‘Kumarasambhava,’ an epic poem was composed by –
(a) Banabhatta
(b) Chanda Bardai
(c) Harishena
(d) Kalidasa
45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
8.
Which of the following drama was not written by Kalidas?
(a) Malavikagnimitrama
(b) Abhigyan Shakuntalama
(c) Kumarsambhavama
(d) Janaki haranama
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (d)
In the given options all the epics are written by Kalidas except
Janaki-haranam. Janaki-haranam was written by Kumaradasa.
9.
Match the following:A. Panini
(1) Kamasutra
B. Vatsyayana
(2) Rajatarangini
C. Chanakya
(3) Ashtadhyayi
D. Kalhana
(4) Arthashastra
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 3
1
4
2
(b) 4
1
2
3
(c) 2
3
1
4
(d) 1
2
3
4
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
The correctly matched pairs are :
Panini
Ashtadhyayi
Vatsyayana
Kamasutra
Chanakya
Arthashastra
Kalhana
Rajatarangini
B–178
10. What is the name of Kalhana’s book?
(a) Arthashastra
(b) Indica
(c) Purana
(d) Rajatarangini
53rdto 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
11. A historical work "Gaudavaho" like Kalhana's
"Rajatarangini" was written by :
(a) Sandhyakaranandin (b) Vakpati
(c) Banabhatta
(d) Bilhan
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (b)
The Gaudavaho is a Prakrit epic poem composed by Vakpati,
a poet living in the court of Yasovarman, king of Kanauj.
The poem gives the detailed description of the digvijaya of
Yasovarman.
12. ‘Rajatarangini’ written by Kalhan is associated with
which of the following ?
(a) Chandragupta’s reign
(b) Anthology of lyrics
(c) History of Kashmir
(d) Reign of Krishna Deva Raya
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (c)
Kalhana, a Kashmiri, was the author of Rajatarangini (River
of Kings) which gives an account of the history of Kashmir.
13. ‘Ashtadhyayi’ was written by –
(a) Vedavyas
(b) Panini
(c) Shukadeva
(d) Valmiki
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
14. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
by using the codes given below the lists :
List-I
List-II
(Authors)
(Works)
A. Bharavi
1. Kapurmanjari
B. Harsha
2. Kiratarjuniya
C. Kalidasa
D. Rajasekhara
Code :
A
B
(a)
1
2
(b)
3
4
3. Malavikagnimitram
4. Nagananda
General Studies
C
3
2
D
4
1
Indian History
(c)
(d)
2
2
1
4
4
3
3
1
Ans. (d)
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The correctly matched pairs are :
Bharavi
-
Kiratarjuniyam
Harsha
-
Nagananda
Kalidas
-
Malavikagnimitra
Rajasekhara
-
Karpuramanjari
15. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
using the codes given below the list.
List-I
List-II
(Text)
(Author)
A. Ragamala
1. Somanath
B. Rasa Kaumudi
2. Venkatraman
C. Raga Vibodh
3. Pundrik Vitthal
D. Chaturdandi
4. Sri Kantha
Prakash
Codes :
A
B
C
D
(a) 3
4
1
2
(b) 4
2
1
3
(c) 2
3
4
1
(d) 1
2
3
4
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (a)
(Text)
Ragamala
Rasa Kaumudi
Raga Vibodh
Chaturdandi Prakashika
17. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer
List- I
List- II
A. Vishakhadatta
1. Medicine
B. Varahamihira
2. Drama
C. Charaka
3. Astronomy
D. Brahmagupta
4. Mathematics
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
3
4
2
(b) 2
1
3
4
(c) 2
3
1
4
(d) 3
4
1
2
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
The Mudrarakshasa is a historical drama in Sanskrit by
Vishakhadatta. Varahamihira was a renowned Indian
Astronomer. Brihat Jataka, Brihat Samhita and Panch
Siddhantika are some of his leading literary works. Charaka
was the famous court physician of Kaniska. He is known
for his composition Charaka Samhita. Brahmagupta was an
(Author)
Pundrik Vitthal
Sri Kantha
Somanath
Venkatraman
Indian mathematician.
16. Which of the following Sanskrit works has taken up
their theme from the Mahabharata?
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(i) Naishdhiyacharita
(ii) Kiratarjuniyam
(iii) Sisupalavadha
(iv) Dasakumaracharita
Code :
(a) (ii) and (iii)
(b) (ii), (iii) and (iv)
(c) (i) and (iii)
(d) (i), (ii) and (iii)
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (d)
Naishadhiyacharita is a story of Nala and Damayanti in the
Mahabharata written by Sriharsha; Kiratarjuniyam is an epic
poem describing combat between Arjuna and Lord Shiva in
the Mahabharata. Magha wrote Sisupalavadha which is based
on the Mahabharata in which Sisupala insulted
Indian History
Lord Krishna who beheaded him in the ensuing duel and
Dashkumarcharitam was written by Dandi and is related
to adventures of 10 princes. Thus option (1), (2) and (3) are
related to the theme of Mahabharata.
18. Who accepts only Perception?
(a) Jaina
(b) Charvaka
(c) Bauddha
(d) Samkhya
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (b)
Charvaka rejects notion of an after world Karma of the
recognised means of knowledge. Charvaka recognised only
direct perception (anubhava).
19. Charvaka philosophical system was also called:
(a) Lokayata system
(b) Astika system
(c) Mimansa system
(d) Vaisesika system
Ans (a)
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Charvaka philosophical system was also called Lokayata
system. It is a past vedic ancient school of Indian materialism
which rejects concepts like god and soul, afterlife and
moksha.
General Studies
B–179
20. Who is the propounder of Nyaya Philosophy?
(a) Gautam
(b) Kapil
(c) Shamkara
(d) Vallabha
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
Nyaya Akspada Gautam is the propounder of Nyaya philosophy.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
21. Charaka Samhita is related to which of the following
subject?
(a) Arthashastra
(b) Politics
(c) Medicine
(d) Religion
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (c)
Charaka-Samhita is a comprehensive text on ancient Indian
medicine known as Ayurveda. It was written by Acharya
Charaka who is known as the father of Indian medicine.
22. The Panchasiddhantika of Varahmihira is based upon –
(a) Persian astronomy
(b) Greek astronomy
(c) Iranian astronomy
(d) Mesopotamian astronomy
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Ans. (b)
The Panchasiddhantika of Varahamihira is based on Greek
astronomy.
23. Which one of the following is not correctly matched ?
(a) Kalidasa
- Raghuvansa
(b) Bhasa
- Svapna Vasavadattam
(c) Subandhu
- Kadambari
(d) Harsha
- Ratnavali
Ans. (c)
The Milindapanha is a Buddhist book in Pali language which
purports to be a dialogue between the Indian monk Nagasena
and the Indo-Greek king Milinda (Menander).
26. Buddhist text ‘Milindapanha’ throws light on which
Indo-Greek ruler?
(a) Diodorus -II
(b) Demetrius
(c) Menander
(d) Strato- I
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
27. Milindapanha is in the form of a dialogue between king
Menander and Buddhist monk :
(a) Nagarjuna
(b) Nagabhatta
(c) Nagasena
(d) Kumarilabhatta
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Option (c) is not correctly matched because Kadambari was
composed by Banabhatta, not by Subandhu. Rest of the
options correctly matched.
24. With reference to the history of ancient India,
Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were
famous
(a) Jain monks
(b) Playwrights
(c) Temple architects
(d) Philosophers
I.A.S. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (b)
B–180
Bhavbhuti, a major dramatist of the later Sanskrit dramatic
period, was the court poet of King Yashovarman of Kannauj,
in north India 8th CE. The works attributed to poet Bhavabhuti
were Mahaviracharita (depicting the early life of Rama).
Malatimadhava, a play based on the romance of Malati and
Madhava and Uttararamacharita (depicts Rama's coronation,
the abandonment of Sita and their reunion). Hastimalla is a
kannada poet and playwright during the reign of Hoysalas.
Kshemeshvara (990-c. 1070 CE) was an 11th century Sanskrit
poet from Kashmir in India. One of the important work
attributed to him is Dasavatar Charita.
25. ‘Milindapanha’ is a –
(a) Sanskrit drama
(b) Jain chronicle
(c) Pali text
(d) Persian epic
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
28. Name the source that is silent about the trade routes
of ancient India
(a) Sangam Sahitya
(b) Milindpanha
(c) Jataka Tales
(d) All of the above
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
Sangama Sahitya is silent about the trade routes of ancient
India.
29. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct
answer from the code given below the lists :
List- I
List- II
(Court Poet)
(King)
A. Amir Khusrau
1. Chandra Gupta II
B. Kalidasa
2. Samudra Gupta
General Studies
Indian History
C. Harisena
D. Banabhatta
Code :
A
B
(a) 1
2
(b) 4
1
(c) 4
3
(d) 2
4
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (b)
3. Harshavardhana
4. Allauddin Khalji
C
3
2
2
1
D
4
3
1
3
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
The correctly matched pairs are :
King
- Court Poet
Chandra Gupta II - Kalidasa (Kumarasambhava,
Raghuvnasham, Malavikagnimitra)
Samudra Gupta
- Harisena
Harshavardhana - Banabhatta
Allauddin Khalji - Amir Khusrau
30. The contemporary ruler of Kalhana, the author of
Rajatarangini was –
(a) Jai Singh
(b) Harsha
(c) Govindchandra
(d) Jayachandra
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (a)
Jai Singh (1128-1149) was the contemporary ruler of the
Kashmir. Kalhana was the author of Rajatarangini, he
completed this pioneer creation in the reign of Jai Singh.
Rajatarangini is a collection of 8 Taranga and 7826 verses.
The conventional ancient history of Kashmir is narrated the
33. Saundarananda was the composition of:
(a) Ashvaghosa
(b) Banabhatta
(c) Bhavbhuti
(d) Bhaas
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (a)
Ashvaghosa, a noted poet, is considered to be instrumental
in the propagation of Buddhism. He was also the writer of
a famous court poem of his times called the Saundarananda
Kavya. This poem was discovered and edited by Pandit
Haraprasada Shastri.
34. “Nagananda”, ‘Ratnavali’ and ‘Priyadarshika’ was
written by:
(a) Bana Bhatta
(b) Vishakha Datta
(c) Vatsyayan
(d) Harshavardhana
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
Besides being a great conqueror, a religious-minded and
generous king, Harshavardhana was also a great satron of
education and learning. He is supposed to be the author of
‘Ratnavali,’ ‘Priyadarshika’ and ‘Nagananda’.
35. Which of the following works were authored by Harsha?
1. Priyadarshika
in first three Tarangas.
31. How many Tarangas are in Rajtarangini of Kalhana?
(a) Eight
(b) Nine
(c) Ten
(d) Eleven
2. Nagananda
3. Harshacharita 4. Ratnavali
Select your answer using the codes given below:
Code :
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Ans. (b)
32. Who among the following continued the Rajtarangini
of Kalhana:
(a) Bilhana and Merutunga
(b) Bilhana and Mammata
(c) Jonaraja and Merutunga
(d) Jonaraja and Srivara
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (d)
Indian History
Rajatarangini, a metrical historical chronicle of the northwestern Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir,
was written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri Brahmin Kalhana in the
12th century. Jonaraja continued the narration down to the
reign of Sultan Zainul Abedin and called it, like Kalhana,
Rajtarangini (Rajavali). After the death of Jonaraja, his pupil
Srivara continued the history of Kashmir.
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014
See the explanation of above question.
36. Among the four works mentioned below which one is
encyclopedic in nature?
(a) Amarakosha
(b) Siddhantasiromani
(c) Brihat Samhita
(d) Ashtangahidayam
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (c)
General Studies
B–181
Brihat Samhita of Varaha Mihira is an encyclopedic work
written during the Gupta period.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
37. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched ?
1. Mrichchhakatikam - Sudraka
2. Buddhacharita - Vasuvandhu
3. Mudrarakshasa - Vishakhadatta
4. Harshacharita - Banabhatta
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (b)
Buddhacharita was not composed by Vasubandhu. In fact
it is a poetic narrative of the life of Buddha by the Sanskrit
poet Ashvaghosha. Remaining pairs are correctly matched.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
38. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer
using the codes given below the lists :
List I (Author)
List II (Text)
A. Varahamihira
1. Prabandha Chintamani
B. Vishakhadatta
2. Mrichchha-Katikam
C. Sudraka
3. Brihat-Samhita
D. Bilhana
4. Devi-Chandraguptam
5. Vikramankadevacharita
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 3
4
5
2
(b) 3
4
2
5
(c) 5
3
4
1
(d) 1
3
5
2
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
The correctly matched pairs are :
Varahamihira
- Brihat Samhita
Vishakhadatta
- Devi-Chandraguptam
Sudraka
- Mrichchha-Katikam
Bilhana
-Vikramankadev Charita
Prabandha Chintamani was composed by Merutungacharya.
39. Which of the following pair is not correctly matched?
(a) Karpurmanjari
- Harsha
(b) Malavikagnimitra
- Kalidasa
(c) Mudrarakshasa
- Vishakhadatta
(d) Saundarananda
- Asvaghosha
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
B–182
Ans. (a)
Karpuramanjari was not written by Harsha . It was written
by Rajshekhara, poet laureate of Gurjar-Pratihara.
40. Who wrote ‘Shakuntalam’?
(a) Bana Bhatt
(b) Ved Vyasa
(c) Kalidasa
(d) Bhavabhuti
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (c)
Kalidasa was Sanskrit poet and dramatist and probably
the greatest Indian writer of any epoch. The seven workes
identified as genuine are (1) Abhijnanashakuntala (2)
Vikramorvashi (3) Malavikagnimitra (4) Raghuvamsha (5)
Kumarasambhava (6) Meghaduta (7) Ritusamhara.
41. Which of the following is not a literary masterpiece of
Kalidasa?
(a) Mrichchhakatikam
(b) Meghduta
(c) Ritu Sanghar
(d) Vikramorvasiyam
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (a)
Mrichchhakatikam was not a literary work by Kalidasa. It
was composed by Sudraka.
42. The protagonist of the Play ‘Malvikagnimitra’, written
by Kalidasa is –
(a) Pushyamitra Shunga (b) Gautamiputra Satakarni
(c) Agnimitra
(d) Chandragupta- II
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (c)
The first play composed by the great poet Kalidasa is
Malavikagnimitram. Often it is called Kalidasa Malavikagnimitram, as an honour to Kalidasa. This play consists of 5 acts
about the love story of King Agnimitra of Vidisha from the
Shunga dynasty.
43. Which one of the following books of ancient India
has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga
dynasty?
(a) Swapnavasavadatta
(b) Malavikagnimitra
(c) Meghadoota
(d) Ratnavali
I.A.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
44. The author of ‘Swapnavasavadatta’ is
(a) Kalidasa
(b) Bhasa
(c) Bhavabhuti
(d) Rajshekhara
43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (b)
General Studies
Indian History
'Svapnavasuadattam' is a Sanskrit play written by great poet
Bhasa.
45. Who is the author of ‘Geet Govind’ ?
(a) Jayadeva
(b) Surdasa
(c) Kesava
(d) Mira
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Geet Govind is an epic poem, written in Sanskrit by Jayadev
in the eleventh or twelfth century. Jayadev was the royal poet
in the court of King Lakshman Sen of Bengal. It is organized
into twelve chapters.
46. Whose court was embellished by ‘Jaydev,’ composer
of Geet Govind?
(a) Dharmapala
(b) Devpala
(c) Vijayasen
(d) Lakshmana Sen
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
47. Who had composed the ‘Gita Govinda’?
(a) Dhoyin
(b) Govardhanacharya
(c) Jayadeva
(d) Lakshmana Sena
U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
48. Match the List- I with List - II and select the correct
answer using the codes given below the lists:
List – I (Compositions)
List – II (Subject)
A. Ashtanga - Samgraha
1. Play
B. Das rupaka
2. Grammar
C. Lilavati
3. Maths
D. Mahabhasya
4. Medical
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a)
3
2
1
4
(b) 4
1
3
2
(c)
2
3
4
1
(d) 1
4
2
3
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
The correctly matched pairs are :
Ashtanga Samgraha
- Medical
Das rupaka
- Play
Lilavati
- Maths
Mahabhasya
- Grammar
Indian History
49. Thy right is to work only, but never with its fruits. This
is stated in which of the following book?
(a) Astadhyayi
(b) Mahabhasya
(c) Geeta
(d) Mahabharata
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (c)
“Thy right is to work only, but never with its fruits”
(keâce&CÙesJeeefOekeâejmles cee Heâues<eg.., keâoeÛeved.....). These lines are
stated in Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta.
50. In which epic it was told “what is here is also found
elsewhere, but if not here is found nowhere else –
(a) Ramayana
(b) Mahabharata
(c) Geeta
(d) Rajtarangini
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (b)
The above-statement is mentioned in epic Mahabharata.
51. Which ancient Indian book has been translated into
15 (fifteen) Indian and 40 (forty) foreign languages ?
(a) Hitopadesha
(b) Panchatantra
(c) Katha Saritsagar
(d) Shakuntala
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (b)
Panchatantra is a collection of Indian animal fables which has
had extensive circulation both in the country of its origin as
well as world-wide. It has been translated into 15 Indian and
40 foreign languages. It was compiled in Sanskrit (Hindu) and
Pali (Buddhist). The compilation attributed to Pandit Vishnu
Sharma. In the Mughal era, it was translated by Abul Fazl
under the name of Ayar-e-danish.
52. ‘Panchatantra’ was originally written by –
(a) Kalidasa
(b) Vishnu Sharma
(c) Tulsidas
(d) Raidas
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
53. The author of 'Vinaya-Patrika' is
(a) Tulsidas
(b) Surdas
(c) Kabir
(d) Keshavdasa
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
'Vinay Patrika' is a devotional poem authored by Goswami
Tulsidas.
General Studies
B–183
54. Match the List- I with List- II and select the correct
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I
List-II
A. Sarvavarma
1. Mitakshara
B. Sudraka
2. Rajtarangini
C. Vigyaneshwara
3. Mrichchhakatikam
D. Kalhana
Code :
A
B
(a) 3
4
(b) 4
3
(c) 2
1
(d) 4
2
4. Katantra
C
2
1
4
1
Ans. (b)
D
1
2
3
3
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2002
U.P. P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2003
55. Who of the following is especially known for his
contribution in the field of Algebra?
(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Brahmagupta
(c) Bhaskar
(d) Lall
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Bhaskaracharya is also known as Bhaskara - II represents
a significant contribution to mathematical and astronomical
knowledge in the 12 century. There are six well-known works
of Bhaskaracharya his book 'Siddhantasiromani', has four parts
Lilavati, Bijaganita (Algebra), Ganitadhyaya and Goladhyay.
th
56. 'Lilavati' a treatise on Mathematics, was written by –
(a) Ramanuj
(b) Kautilya
(c) Amartya Sen
(d) Bhaskaracharya
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
Aryabhatta, an Indian mathematician discovered decimal place.
60. Who was the author of “Matta Vilasa Prahasana”?
(a) Gautamiputra Satakarni
(b) Mahakshatrap Rudradaman
(c) Mahendra Varman
(d) Pulakesin II
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
Mattavilasa Prahasana was written by the versatile Pallava
ruler and scholar Mahendra Varman, which describes the
social and religious life.
61. The ancient name "Nilotpala" for Mahanadi was stated in
(a) Matsya Puran
(b) Markandey Puran
(c) Brahm Puran
(d) Vayu Puran
(e) None of the above
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (d)
The ancient name Nilotpala for Mahanadi was stated in
57. 'Lilavati' was written by :
(a) Mahaviracharya
(b) Hemchandraacharya
(c) Bhaskaracharya
(d) Kalkacharya
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2017
Ans. (c)
B–184
Aryabhatta was a renowned mathematician and astronomer
of ancient India. One of his major works was Aryabhatiya.
The book deals with many topics like astronomy, spherical
trigonometry, arithmetic, algebra and plane trigonometry. In
the field of astronomy, Aryabhatta was the pioneer to infer
that the earth is spherical, and it rotates on its axis around the
sun. He is also considered to be the father of Trignometry.
59. Which one of the following Indian Mathematician
invented decimal place value ?
(a) Bhaskar
(b) Varahmihira
(c) Brahmagupta
(d) Aryabhatta
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Ans. (d)
The correctly matched order is :
Sarvavarma
Katantra
Sudraka
Mrichchhakatikam
Vigyaneshwara Mitakshara
Kalhana
Rajtarangini
See the explanation of above question.
58. Aryabhatta was –
(a) Indian Politician
(b) Indian Mathematician and Astronomer
(c) Indian Sanskrit Scholar and Poet
(d) None of these
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (b)
Vayu Purana.
62. 'Manusmriti' is mainly related to –
(a) Social System
(b) Law
(c) Economics
(d) Working method of State
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
Manusmriti is also known as Manav Dharam Shastra, is
mainly related to the social system. It's divided into 18
chapters. It is presumed that the actual human author of this
compilation used the eponym ‘Manu’, which has led the text
to be associated by Hindus with the first human being and
the first king in the Indian tradition. Manu is also considered
to be the originator of law in India.
63. The great lawgiver of ancient times was –
(a) Ashoka
(b) Arya Bhatta
(c) Manu
(d) Vatsyayan
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
Ans. (c)
“The Natural History” is the creation of ‘Pliny the Elder,’
a Roman author. Therefore, pair given in option (b) is not
correctly matched.
68. The most ancient musical instrument in given options is–
(a) Sitar
(b) Veena
(c) Sarod
(d) Tabla
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (b)
Veena is the most ancient musical instrument in the given
options. It has been a part of Indian culture and music since
ancient times whereas Sitar, Sarod and Tabla are musical
instruments introduced in medieval era.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
64. Who among the following is considered to be the first
law-giver of India ?
(a) Panini
(b) Manu
(c) Kautilya
(d) Kapil
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
Pre-Medieval Period
*Ruler of Ajmer, Prithviraj-III, was commonly known as
Prithviraj Chauhan. He defeated Mohammad Ghori in 1st battle
of Tarain in 1191 AD but suffered defeat in the 2nd battle of
Tarain in 1192 AD. *Hammir Epic describes “Chauhans” as
Suryavanshi. According to Hammir epic, Chauhans were the
scions of “Chahman”, the son of Sun. They were one of the
65. “Zero” was discovered by –
(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Varahmihira
(c) Bhaskara-I
(d) An anonymous Indian
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (d)
four fire clan. Vasudeva and Guvak are mentioned as initial
‘Zero’ was discovered by an anonymous Indian. Arabians
learnt it from India and spread it over Europe. It was found
that the Arabs firstly used zero in 873 A.D.
He built a monastery in Nalanda. Dharampala was an enthu-
66. Zero was invented by –
(a) Romans
(b) Chinese
(c) Indians
(d) Sumerians
U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (c)
and Somapuri (Paharapur). *Vikramshila University was
demolished by Bakhtiyar Khalji somewhere between (11931203). The Pala king Devpala was Buddhist. He was also
known as “Param Saugat” as per the texts. He donated five
villages on the request of Java king Balputradev of Sailendra
Dynasty for developing a Buddhist Vihar in Nalanda.
*Queen of Govind Chadhra Gahadvala, Kumardevi was Buddhist. She constructed Dharmachakra Jain Vihar in Sarnath.
Krityakalpataru was written by Lakshmidhar minister of Govind
Chandra . Last ruler of Gadhvala dynasty was Jayachandra.
See the explanation of above question.
67. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly
matched?
kings of this dynasty. *Sharangdev wrote Hammir Raso.Anangpal Tomar Rajput (Tomar dynasty) originally feudatories of
the Gurjar- Pratiharas, founded the city of Dhillika (modern
Delhi) in 736 AD. Gopala was the founder of ‘Pala Dynasty’.
siastic Buddhist. He was called “Param” in his inscriptions.
He constructed famous Buddhist monasteries at Vikramshila
(a) Life of Hiuen Tsang
- Hui-li
*Alha-Udal was related to Mahoba. They were commandant
(b) The Natural History
- Ptolemy
of Chandel king Parmardev (1165-1203) who died during the
(c) Historial Philippical
- Pompeius Trogus
battle with Prithviraj Chauhan. Description of Chandel and
(d) The Histories
- Herodotus
Chauhan’s terrific struggle is provided in “Prithviraj Raso”
and “Parmal Raso” by Chandrabardai and “Alhakhand”
by Jagnik.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015
Ans. (b)
Indian History
General Studies
B–185
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
*Jejakabhukti was the ancient name of Bundelkhand. This
region was named after Jay Singh or Jeja, grandson of Nannuk (founder of Chandel dynasty). *Dhangdev, also known
as Dhanga, was a king of the Chandel dynasty of Jejakbhukti.
Vidyadhara built Kandariya Mahadev temple. Dhanga attained Moksha by abandoning his body in waters of Ganga
and Yamuna at Sangama, Prayaga.
*Pundravardhana Bhukti was located in the region of North
Bengal in ancient times. Its territory was expanded to the
northern Bihar during the era of Pala, Chandra and Sena
dynasty.
*Nagbhatta I (730-756 AD) is considered as the founder
of Pratihara dynasty, but the actual founder of this dynasty
was Vastsaraja. *Mihirbhoja was the most prominent ruler
of Pratihara Dynasty. The capital of Pratihars was Kannauj.
*Vijayalaya (850-871) established the Chola Empire. Tanjore
was the capital of Cholas. The real founder of Parmara
dynasty was Siyak - II and the capital of Parmars was Dhara.
*Chalukyas belonged to Agni Clan lineage, founded by
Moolraja - I. The capital of Solankis was Anhilaad. Kannauj
is an ancient city whose ancient name was Mahodaya Shri
and Kanyakubja during the regime of Mihir Bhoj.
*An eminent Jain scholar Hemchandra got fame during the
period of Solanki king Jaysimha Siddharaj (1093-1143 AD).
However, he adorned the court of his successor Kumarapala
(1143-1172) as an advisor.
*Lakshmansen (1178 - 1206) was the king of Sen Dynasty;
reigned 28 years. He initiated a new Samvat called ‘Laxman
Samvat’.
*The famous jurists of early medieval India were Hemadri,
Vigyaneshwar and Jimutavahana. Vigyaneshwara wrote
“Mitakshara” and Jimutvahana wrote “Dayabhaga.”
*Rajashekhara was courtier scholar of Gujjar-Partihara king
Mahendrapala - I and his son Mahipala. He compiled texts
like Karpurmanjari, Kavyamimansa, Bridhshal Bhanjika,
Bal Ramayana, Bhuvankosh, etc.
*Motupalli was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya
kingdom. This seaport is presently located in the Krishna
district of Andhra Pradesh. This port was visited by Italian
traveller, Marco Polo. The Motupalli epigraph specifies the
rates assessed on a variety of items including scents such as
sandal, camphor, rose-water, ivory, pearls, corals, a range of
metals like copper, zinc and lead, silk, pepper and areca nuts.
It gives an idea of exports and imports from Motupalli port.
*Parmara dynasty was founded in the first half of 10th century
AD by a person named Upendra or Krishnaraj. A city named
B–186
Dhara was the capital of Parmar dynasty. *King Bhoj was a
Parmara ruler. The early power centre of Parmars was Ujjain.
After the death of King Bhoj, Scholars said–
“Adya Dhara Nira Dhara, Niralamba Saraswati,
Pandita Khandita sarve Bhoj Raje Divangate”.
*The popular book ‘Samarangana Sutradhara’ written by
Parmara king Bhoj was based on Architecture and artificial
scientific equipment. ‘Saraswati Kanthabharan’, ‘Siddhanta
Sangraha,’ ‘Yoga Sutra Vitti,’ ‘Rajamartand,’ ‘Vidya
Vinod,’ ‘Yukta Kalptaru’ and ‘Charucharya’ are some of his
masterpieces.
*Bhojshala temple is located in Dhar district of Madhya
Pradesh and was established by Parmara King Bhoj in 1035
AD. as Sanskrit school. The presiding deity of Bhojshala
temple is Goddess Saraswati. Now Bhojshala is situated in
premises of Kamal Maula Mosque.
*Gangeyadev was a ruler of the Kalachuri dynasty. He
adopted the title of Vikramaditya. He started issuing gold
coins after its extinction in pre-medieval period.
1.
Who among the following ruler is famous as “Prithvi
Raj Chauhan”?
(a) Prithviraja- I
(b) Prithviraja- II
(c) Prithviraja- III
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
Ruler of Ajmer, Prithviraja-III, was commonly known as
Prithviraj Chauhan, who defeated Mohammad Ghori in I
battle of Tarain in 1191 AD but faced defeat in the 2 battle
of Tarain, in 1192 AD.
st
nd
2.
Epigraphic records (Inscriptions) suggest that in
ancient India, the rulers of Bihar had contact with –
(a) Burma
(b) Thailand
(c) Cambodia
(d) Java-Sumatra
43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
The Pala king Devpala was Buddhist. He was also known as
“Param Saugat” as per the texts. He donated five villages on
the request of Java king Balputradev of Sailendra Dynasty
for developing a Buddhist Vihar in Nalanda.
3.
Kumaradevi, a queen of Govind Chandra Gahadavala,
constructed Dharma-Chakra-Jaina Vihara at –
(a) Bodh Gaya
(b) Rajgriha
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Sarnath
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (d)
General Studies
Indian History
Queen of Govind Chandra Gahadvala, Kumardevi was
Buddhist. She constructed Dharma Chakra Jain Vihar in
Sarnath. So, option (d) is the correct answer.
4.
According to Hammir Mahakavya the Chauhans were:
(a) Chandravanshi
(b) Brahmins
(c) Yaduvanshis
(d) Suryavanshis
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
Hammir Epic reports “Chauhans” as Suryavanshi. According
to Hammir epic, Chauhans were the scions of “Chahman”,
the son of Sun. They were one of the four fire clan.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
5.
Aalha-Udal were related to –
(a) Chanderi
(b) Vidisha
(c) Mahoba
(d) Panna
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
Alha-Udal belonged to Mahoba. They were commandant of
Chandel King Parmardev (1165-1203 CE) who died during
the battle with Prithviraj Chauhan. Description of Chandel
and Chauhan’s terrific struggle is provided in “Prithviraj
Raso” and “Parmal Raso” by Chandrabardai and “AlhaKhand” by Jagnik. So option (c) is the correct answer.
6.
"When.......... was born, the earth sank two and a half
hands."
Above statement /Folk saying is related to which
historical personality of Uttar Pradesh?
(a) Vidhyadhar
(b) Mahil
(c) Alha
(d) Paramardi
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (c)
"When .... was born, the earth sank two and half hands." This
statement/folk saying is related to Alha of Mahoba.
7. The author of ‘Prithviraj Raso’ is –
(a) Kalhana
(b) Bilhana
(c) Jayanaka
(d) Chand Bardai
43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
8.
Who is the author of ‘Prithviraja Vijaya’?
(a) Chand Bardai
(b) Prithviraja Chauhan
(c) Jayanaka
(d) Nayanchand Suri
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2012
Ans. (c)
The author of “Prithviraja Vijay’ is Jayanak.
Indian History
9.
Which one of the following pairs is not correctly
matched?
(a) Abdur Rehman
- Hammir Raso
(b) Chand Bardai
- Prithvi Raj Raso
(c) Jagnik
- Alha-Khand
(d) Narpati Nalh
- Visal Dev Raso
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (a)
Sharangdev wrote Hammir Raso. Other options are correctly
matched.
10. Which of the following Rajput dynasties founded the
city of Dhilika (Delhi) in the eighth century?
(a) Parmara dynasty
(b) Solanki dynasty
(c) Tomar dynasty
(d) Chauhan dynasty
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
Anangpal Tomar Rajput (Tomar dynasty), originally
feudatories of the Gurjar-Pratiharas, founded the city of
Dhillika (modern Delhi).
11. Jejakabhukti was the ancient name of –
(a) Baghelkhand
(b) Bundelkhand
(c) Malwa
(d) Vidarbha
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (b)
Jejakabhukti was the ancient name of Bundelkhand. This
region was named over Jay Singh or Jeja, grandson of Nannuk
(founder Chandel King).
12. Dangdev was the ruler of which dynasty?
(a) Chandelas of Jejakabhukti
(b) Parmar of Malwa
(c) Kalchuri of Mahishmati
(d) Kalchuri of Tripuri
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
Dhangdev, also known as Dhanga, was a king of the Chandel
dynasty of Jejakbhukti. He built Kandariya Mahadev temple.
Dhanga attained Moksha by abandoning his body in waters
of Ganga and Yamuna at Sangam, Prayag.
13. Pundravardhan Bhukti was located in:
(a) North Bengal
(b) Bihar
(c) Odisha
(d) Assam
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (a)
Pundravardhan Bhukti was located in the region of North
Bengal in ancient times. Its territory was expanded to northern
Bihar during the era of Pala, Chandra and Sena dynasty.
General Studies
B–187
14. Who was the founder of Pala dynasty?
(a) Dharmapala
(b) Deopala
(c) Gopala
(d) Ramapala
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (c)
According to Tibetan historian Lama Taranath, Gopala, the
founder of the Pala dynasty was born near ‘Pundravardhana’
and he was elected the king of Bengal.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
15. Who among the following had built the Sompura
Mahavihar :
(a) Kumaragupta-I
(b) Harsha
(c) Dharmapala
(d) Vijayasena
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (c)
Dharmapala was an enthusiastic Buddhist. He was called
“Param Saugat” in his inscriptions. He constructed famous
Buddhist monasteries at Vikramshila and Somapuri
(Paharpur). Renowned Buddhist commentator, Haribhadra
was also a part of his court. According to Taranath,
Dharmapala founded 50 religious schools, but he had no
religious intolerance and bigotry as a king.
16. Which ruler of Bengal founded the ancient University
called ‘Vikramshila.’
(a) Dharamapala
(b) Gopala
(c) Devpala
(d) Mahipala
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
rd
43 B. P.S.C. (Pre) 1999
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 1994
Ans. (a)
King Dharmapala of Bengal established the Vikramshila
University in (770-810) AD. After the downfall of Nalanda
University, Vikramshila University was developed as the
main centre for the Buddhist religion.
17. Which one of the following rulers established
Vikramashila University?
(a) Gopal
(b) Devapal
(c) Mahipala I
(d) Dharmapal
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. 2018
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
19. Vikramshila Maha Vihar was established by the ruler of
(a) Pushyabhuti Dynasty (b) Varman Dynasty
(c) Sen Dynasty
(d) Pala Dynasty
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
20. Vikramshila Mahavihara, a great centre of education
in ancient India, was established by
(a) Kumar Gupta-I
(b) Harsha
(c) Dharmapala
(d) Lakshamanasen
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
U.P. Lower (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
21. Who among the following was the founder of
Vikramshila University?
(a) Gopala
(b) Dharmapala
(c) Devapala
(d) Mahipala
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
22. In which modern day’s State, the University of
Vikramasila was located?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Odisha
(c) Bihar
(d) Jharkhand
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (c)
Vikramashila University was established by Pala ruler
Dharmapala in the (770-810 AD) at Bhagalpur in Bihar.
Vikramashila’s curriculum taught formalized Vedic learning
including Vedic texts, rituals and the Vedangas such as
reasoning, medicine, law, astronomy and city planning.
23. Which one of the following places was not the centre
of learning during early medieval period?
See the explanation of above question.
18. Who founded the Vikramshila University ?
(a) Dharmapala
(b) Devpala
(c) Gopal
(d) Mahendrapala
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
B–188
Ans. (a)
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
43rd B. P.S.C. (Pre) 1999
(a) Nalanda
(b) Vikramshila
(c) Taxila
(d) Uddantapur
Ans. (c)
General Studies
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Takshashila (Taxila) was an early Buddhist centre of learning.
Taxila was the capital of Gandhara State located in presentday Rawalpindi district of Pakistan. Chanakya (Kautilya),
the Maurya emperor Chandragupta, the Ayurvedic healer
Charaka and Jivaka studied at Takshashila.
The Vedas and the eighteen arts, which included skills such
as archery and elephant lore, were taught. Nalanda University
was established in 5th century AD by Kumar Gupta. At the
beginning of the 12th centuries, the Muslim invader Bakhtiyar
Khilzi sacked the university. Dharmapala established
Vikramshila University in (770-810) AD in Bhagalpur, Bihar.
University in Uddantapur was established during the rule of
Pala dynasty.
24. Who among the following laid the foundation of
Rashtrakuta Empire?
(a) Amoghavarsha- I
(b) Danti Durga
(c) Dhruva
(d) Krishna- I
I.A.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (b)
In 736 AD, Danti Durga laid the foundation of the Rashtrakuta
Empire. His original name was Dantivarman. His capital
was Manyakheta. It is said that Danti Durga had performed
Hirayangarbha oblation in Ujjayini.
25. Who out of the following performed a ritual called
‘Hiranya-Garbha’?
(a) Mayur Sharman
(b) Harish Chandra
(c) Danti Durga
(d) Harsha
U.P.P.C.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
26. Who among the following was born in a military camp
in the course of his father’s campaign ?
alities is - Vatsaraja (775-800 AD), Nagabhatta II (800-833
AD), Mahendrapala I (885-910 AD), and Mahipala (912-944
AD).
28. The greatest Pratihara King was –
(a) Dharampala
(b) Harsha
(c) Mihir Bhoj
(d) Mahendrapala
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (c)
The greatest Pratihara king was Mihirbhoj (836-885AD).
Dharmapala was prominent king of Pala dynasty (770-810
AD). Mahendrapala (885-910 AD) was Pratihara monarch
while Harsha Vardhana was king of Pushyabhuti dynasty
(606-647 AD).
29. The great Jain Scholar Hemchandra adorned the court
of :
(a) Amoghavarsha
(b) Kumarapala
(c) Jaysimha Siddharaja (d) Vidhyadhara
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
An eminent Jain scholar Hemchandra got fame during the
period of Solanki king Jaysimha Siddharaj. However, he
as an advisor.
(b) Bhoja Parmara
(c) Dharmapala
(d) Nagabhatta-II Pratihara
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (a)
Rahstrakuta king Amoghvarsha - I was born in 800 AD in
Shribhavan near Narmada river in a military camp during
the time when his father Govind - III was returning after
Indian History
The correct chronological order of these historical person-
adorned, the court of his successor Kumarapala (1143-1172)
(a) Amoghavarasha Rashtrakuta
successful campaigns of North India.
27. Arrange the names of the following historical
personalities in correct chronological order and select
the correct answer from the codes given below:
1. Nagabhatta II 2.
Mahipala
3. Mahendrapala 4.
Vatsaraja
Codes :
(a) 2, 3, 1, 4
(b) 4, 1, 3, 2
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4
(d) 3, 1, 4, 2
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (b)
30. Arrange the names of the following rulers in correct
chronological order and select the correct answer from
the codes given below:
1. Vidyadhara
2. Dhanga
3. Yashoverma
4. Keertiverma
Codes :
(a) 3, 2,1, 4
(b) 1, 3, 2, 4
(c) 3, 1, 4, 2
(d) 2, 3, 1, 4
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
General Studies
B–189
The correct chronological order of these rulers is Yashoverma
(930-950 AD), Dhanga (950-1002 AD), Vidyadhara (10191029 AD) and Keertiverma (1060-1100 AD).
31. Who among the following is credited with initiating a
new Samvat :
(a) Dharmapala
(b) Devapala
(c) Vijayasena
(d) Lakshmanasen
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
Lakshmanasen (1178 - 1206) was the king of Sen Dynasty;
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
reigned 28 years. He initiated a new Samvat called ‘Laxmana
Samvat’.
32. The Luxman Era was started by which of the following
dynasty ?
(a) Pratiharas
(b) Pals
(c) Chauhans
(d) Sena
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
33. Who among the following were famous jurists of
medieval India?
1. Vigyanesvara
2. Hemadri
3. Rajashekhara
4. Jimutavahana
Code :
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (c)
The famous jurists of early medieval India were Hemadri,
Vigyaneshwar and Jimutavahana. Vigyaneshwar wrote
“Mitakshara” and Jimutvahana wrote “Dayabhaga.”
Rajashekhara was a court scholar of Gujjar-Partihara king
Mahendrapala - I and his son Mahipala. He compiled texts
like Karpurmanjari, Kavyamimansa, Bridhshal Bhanjika, Bal
Ramayana, Bhuvankosh, Hasvilas, etc.
34. The great Sanskrit poet and dramatist, Rajshekhara
was in the court of:
(a) Raja Bhoj
(b) Mahipal
(c) Mahendrapala-I
(d) Indra-III
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2013
Ans. (b&c)
2. Anhilwada
3. Dhara
4. Kannauj
C
3
2
1
3
D
1
1
3
2
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
Nagbhatta is considered as the founder of Pratihara dynasty,
but the actual founder of this dynasty was Vastsaraja.
Mihirbhoja was the most prominent ruler of Pratihara
Dynasty. The capital of Pratihars was Kannauj. Vijayalaya
established the Chola Empire. Tanjore was the capital of
Cholas. The real founder of Parmara dynasty was Siyak - II
and the capital of Parmars was Dhara. Chalukyas were Agni
Clan lineage, founded by Moolraja - I. The capital of Solankis
was Anhilaad.
36. Which one of the following was a very important
seaport in the Kakatiya Kingdom?
(a) Kakinada
(b) Motupalli
(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
(d) Nelluru
I.A.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (b)
Motupalli was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya
kingdom. This seaport is presently located in the Krishna
district of Andhra Pradesh. This port was visited by Italian
traveller, Marco Polo. The Motupalli epigraph specifies the
rates assessed on a variety of items including scents such as
sandal, camphor, rose-water, ivory, pearls, corals, a range of
metals like copper, zinc and lead, silk, pepper and areca nuts.
It gives an idea of exports and imports from Motupalli port.
37. The Gurjar-Pratiharas dynasty was founded by :
(a) Nagabhatta I
(b) Vatsraj
(c) Harshvardhana
(d) Mihir Bhoja
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (a)
Pratihara dynasty was the most famous dynasty of Rajputs
See the explanation of above question.
35. Match List- 1 (Dynasty) with List- 2 (Capital) on the
basis of codes :
List- 1
List 2
A. Pratihara
1. Tanjore
B–190
B. Chola
C. Parmara
D. Solanki
Code :
A
B
(a) 4
2
(b) 4
3
(c) 4
2
(d) 4
1
of ‘Agni’ clan. It is also known as Gurjar- Pratihar Dynasty
because of its link with Gurjars. Gurjars were first mentioned
in the Aihole inscription of Pulkeshin - II as well as in
General Studies
Indian History
Harshacharita of Banabhatta. Nagabhatta - I (730-756 AD)
was the founder of this dynasty. He destroyed the army of
Maleksha ruler, and thus, he also saved western India from
the Arab’s invasion. It's mentioned Gwalior inscription.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
38. Which of the following rulers does not belong to
Gurjara- Pratihar dynasty?
(a) Nagabhatta-II
(b) Mahendrapal-I
(c) Devapal-l
(d) Bharatrabhatta-I
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (d)
The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, also known as the Pratihara
dynasty was an imperial power during the last classical period
on the Indian sub-continent, that ruled much of northern India
from mid 8th to 11th century. They ruled first at Ujjain and
later at Kannauj. The rulers of this dynasty were as follows
- Nagabhatta I (730-756), Yatsaraja (775-800), Nagabhatta
II (800-833), Mihir Bhoja (836-885), Mahendrapala I (885910), Devpala (948-949), etc.
39. 'Aadi Varaha' was the title of which Gurjar Pratihara
ruler?
(a) Vatsraja
(b) Nagbhatta II
(c) Mihir Bhoja
(d) Nagbhatta I
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. 2018
Ans. (c)
Mihir Bhoja was the most powerful ruler among the GurjaraPratiharas. He was a follower of Vaishnavism. He attained
the titles of 'Aadi Varaha' and 'Prabhas'.
40. Who among the following was not a part of tripartite
struggle?
(a) Pratiharas
(b) Palas
(c) Rastrakutas
(d) Cholas
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (d)
After the death of Harsha, Kannauj was the centre of
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below :
(a) 1, 2, 3
(b) 1, 2, 4
(c) 2, 3, 4
(d) 1, 3, 4
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
42. Mahodaya is an old name of –
(a) Allahabad
(b) Khajuraho
(c) Kannauj
(d) Patna
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Ans. (c)
Mahodaya is an old name of Kannauj.
43. Which of the following was known as ‘Nagar Mahoday
Shri’?
(a) Mahoba
(b) Kampilya
(c) Mathura
(d) Kannauj
Ans. (d)
U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2015
Kannauj is an ancient city whose ancient name was Mahodaya
Shri and Mahodaya during the regime of Mihir Bhoj.
44. Who among the following granted financial aid for the
restoration of a demolished mosque in Khambhat :
(a) Chamundaraya
(b) Jayasimha Siddharaja
(c) Kumarapala
(d) Mahipaladeva
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (b)
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
Chalukya king Jayasimha Siddharaj was a tolerant religious
King. Muslim author wrote that he granted financial aid of
1 lakh Balom (currency) for the restoration of a demolished
mosque in Khambhat.
a tripartite struggle, which has been described as a most
45. Who was the founder of Parmara Dynasty?
(a) Ajai Pal
(b) Kanak Pal
(c) Kanak Rao
(d) Jagar-Pal
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (*)
important event in the history of North India during the 8-9
Parmar dynasty was founded in the first half of 10th century
attraction for various powerful dynasties. It was compared
with Magadha during the Gupta period. In order to control
the territory, Pala, Gurjar Pratihara and Rashtrakuta started
century. Finally, Pratihars came out as the winner.
41. Which were the three dynasties who were engaged in
a Tripartite struggle for Kannauj?
1. Chola
2. Pala
3. Gurjara
4. Rashtrakuta
Indian History
AD by a person named Upendra or Krishnaraj. City named
Dhara was the capital of Parmar dynasty. The commission
has accepted option (b) Kanakpala as the answer whereas
the correct answer is Upendra or Krishnaraj.
General Studies
B–191
46. King Bhoja ruled over –
(a) Bastar
(b) Dhar
(c) Mahakaushal
Ans. (b)
(d) Ujjain
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
King Bhoj was a Parmara ruler. The early capital of Parmars
was Ujjain. Later, the capital was transferred to Dhara. After
death of King Bhoj, Scholars said –
“Adya Dhara Nira Dhara, Niralamba Saraswati,
Pandita Khandita Sarve Bhoj Raje Divangate”.
47. Who amongst the following wrote a book on artificial
scientific equipment?
(a) Bhoja
(b) Govindraja
(c) Chandravermana
(d) Mahipala
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (a)
The popular book ‘Samarangana Sutradhara’ written
by Parmara king Bhoj was based on artificial scientific
equipment. ‘Saraswati Kanthabharan’, ‘Siddhanta Sangraha,’
‘Yoga Sutra Vitti,’ ‘Rajamartand,’ ‘Vidya Vinod,’ ‘Yukta
Kalptaru’ and ‘Karucharya’ are some of his masterpieces.
In the beginning, the commission has considered option (a)
as the correct answer, but in its revised answer sheet, the
commission has changed the answer to option (b).
48. The presiding deity of Bhojshala Temple is:(a) Goddess Durga
(b) Goddess Parvati
(c) Goddess Lakshmi
(d) Goddess Saraswati
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (d)
Bhojashala temple is located in Dhar district of Madhya
Pradesh and was established by Parmara King Bhoja in 1035
as Sanskrit school. The presiding deity of Bhojashala temple
is Goddess Saraswati. Now Bhojashala is situated in premises
of Kamal Maula Mosque.
50. The author of Gaudavaho was –
(a) Harishena
(b) Aryabhatta
(c) Vakpati
(d) Banabhatta
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Ans. (c)
"Gaudavaho" was authored by Vakpati, who was a court poet
of the king of Kannauj, Yashovarman.
51. Consider the following pairs:
Famous places
Regions
1. Bodhgaya
:
Baghelkhand
2. Khajuraho
:
Bundelkhand
3. Shirdi
:
Vidarbha
4. Nasik (Nashik) :
Malwa
5. Tirupati
:
Rayalaseema
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 3, 4 and 5
I.A.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
The correctly matched places with their regions are as
follows:
Famous place
Region
Bodhgaya
Gaya District
Khajuraho
Bundelkhand
Shirdi
Ahmednagar
Nasik (Nashik)
Maharashtra
Tirupati
Rayalaseema
Thus, the correctly matched pair in the given options are
options (2) and (5).
52. With reference to the economic history of medieval
India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to –
(a)
Bonded labour
(b)
Land grants made to military officers
49. Who among the following was not a king of the Parmar
dynasty?
(a) Upendra
(b) Munj
(c) Gangeyadev
(d) Udayaditya
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (c)
Waterwheel used for the irrigation of land
Wasteland converted to cultivated land
I.A.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
Gangeyadev was a ruler of the Kalachuri dynasty. He adopted
Araghatta is a Persian wheel which was a mechanical water
the title of Vikramaditya. He started issuing gold coins after
lifting device usually operated by animals like bullocks,
its extinction in pre-medieval period. Upendra, Munj and
buffaloes or camels, used in irrigation of land. It is mentioned
Udayaditya were rulers of Parmara dynasty.
in the Panchatantra and Rajtarangini.
B–192
(c)
(d)
General Studies
Indian History
II. Medieval History of India
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Muslim Invasion on India
*Mecca is situated in Saudi Arabia. The propounder of Islam
religion Hazarat Muhammad was born here in 570 A.D.
The place is a religions pilgrimage for Islamic followers.
Muhammad died in 632 A.D. *According to Rigveda, our
country is named Bharat after the name of a tribe called
'Bharat'. According to traditions, the country was named after
the Dushyanta's son 'Bharat'. *According to some scholars the
country is named after the name of Rishabhnath’s eldest son
'Bharat'. *Iranians addressed this country as ‘Hindustan’
and Greeks called this as ‘India’. With respect to the people
of Hind (Bharat) word ‘Hindu’ was first used by Arabians.
*First Muslim invasion on India took place in 712 AD under
the leadership of Arabian invader “Muhammad-Bin Qasim’.
Earlier in 712 AD, a campaign was under taken to India under
the leadership of Ubaidullah but he was defeated and killed in
the encounter. The second unsuccessful campaign was headed
by Budail, but he was also unsuccessful. In these conditions,
Muhammad-Bin Qasim was sent to invade Sindh by Arabians.
After a great struggle Arabians in 712 AD conquered Sindh.
Sindh was ruled by Dahir at that time. According to Persian texts
‘Chachnama’ we come to know about the conquest of Sindh
by Arabians.
Note: The year of the first invasion on India by Muslim’s is a
subject of dispute among scholars. According to V.D. Mahajan,
it is dated in 711 A.D. whereas according to Harishchandra
Verma, it took place in 712 A.D.
*The founder of Ghaznavid Empire was Alaptegin. Ghaznavid
dynasty is also known as Yamini dynasty. Alaptegin had made
Ghazni his capital. In 998 AD, Mahmud became the ruler of
Ghajni. According to Sir Henry Elliot, Mahmud invaded India
for 17 times. Mahmud Ghaznavi plundered Somnath Temple
during the reign of Bhimdev I (1022-63). *Mahmud Ghaznavi
for the first time invaded Chandelas in 1019-20 AD. At that
time the ruler of Chandela dynasty was Vidyadhar who was
the most powerful ruler of the dynasty.
He was the only Hindu ruler who had successfully resisted
Muslim invasions. Between 999-1027 AD Mahmud Ghazni
(Ghaznavi) attacked India for 17 times, but the motive of these
invasions was not to establish a stable Muslim rule in India but
Indian History
only to plunder the material assets. Baghdad’s Caliphate AlQadir-Billah titled Mahmud Ghaznavi as ‘Yamin-ud-Daula’
and ‘Amin-al-Millah’.
*Mahmud Ghaznavi was learned and gentle. He respected
scholars and artists. He gathered famous scholars at that
time in Ghazni. Utbi was his court historian. Hewrote
texts like ‘Kitab-ul-Yamini’ and ‘Tarikh-i-Yamini’. Other
prominent members of his court were Alberuni, Baghaqiwriter of Tarikh-i-Subuktigin, Persian poet Uzari, Tusi and
Unsuri, Asfadi and Farrukhi. *The author of Shahnama is
Firdausi. He was a famous court poet of Mahmud Ghaznavi. He
earned the titled of ‘Homes of East’. Ferishta (1560-1620 A.D.)
wrote books like Tarikh-i-Ferishta or Gulshan-e- Ibrahimi.
His full name was Muhammad Qasim Hindu Shah. His
book ‘Tarikh-i-Ferishta’ is dedicated to the ruler of Bijapur
Ibrahim Adil Shah. In the 11th century, Alberuni came to India
with Mahmud Ghazanavi. From his book ‘Kitab-ul-hind’
we come to know about the social and cultural conditions of
contemporary India. *Alberuni was the first Muslim to study
Puranas. He was born in 973 AD and was a resident of Kheewa
(ancient Khwarizm). He came to India with Mahmud Ghaznavi.
Alberuni was not only the historian, his knowledge and interest
included Astronomy, Geography, logic, medicine, mathematics,
religion and theology. He studied Sanskrit including many
literary works of Brahmagupta, Balabhadra and Varahmihira
are outlined specially. Alberuni wrote ‘Tahqiq-i-hind’ in the
Arabic language. *Sachau translated this text from Arabic into
English language. It was translated into Hindi by Rajnikant
Sharma. Mahmud Ghazanavi introduced silver coins with
Sanskrit legend. The two sides of the silver coin were marked
with the legend in two different languages. The legend on the
upper side was inscribed in the Arabic language, and the other
side was inscribed in the Sanskrit language (Devnagari Script).
On the middle part of the coin was written in Sanskrit language
- “Avyaktmekam Muhammad Avatar Nurupati Mahmud”.
*The ruler of Central Asia Shihabuddin Muhammad Gauri
conquered North India in 1192 AD. Shihabuddin Muhammad
Gauri first invaded India in 1175 AD. In 1178 AD, Muhammad
Ghori invaded Gujarat, but Mularaja-II or Bhima-II under the
leadership of his qualified and courageous widowed mother
Naayika Devi fought and defeated Ghori near Mount Abu. It
was the first defeat of Ghori in India. *In 1191 AD, Prithviraj
Chauhan and Ghori fought the first battle of Tarain. In 1192
General Studies
B–193
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
AD, Muhmmad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the second
battle of Tarain establishing the Muslim power in India. Ghori’s
alertness and skilled battle techniques were the main factors
for the victory of Muslims. Prithviraj Chauhan while trying to
escape was caught near Sursati (modern Sirsa, Haryana). *For
the death of Prithviraj Chauhan different opinions were given,
but among those opinions, the opinion of Hasan Nizami is
widely accepted which says that Prithviraj Chauhan went to
Ajmer with Ghori, and accepted the allegiance of Ghori, but
when tried to conspire for the revolt he was then awarded the
death penalty. This battle was the most important battle in Indian
History. *In 1194 AD, Muhammad Ghori defeated Kannauj’s
Gharwal King Jaychand in the battle of Chandawar.
Chandawar is situated in present Firuzabad district near banks
of Yamuna. *Coins issued by Ghori had image of Goddess
Laxmi on one side and Kalma was inscribed in Arabic on the
other. *Soon after the victories of Muhammad Ghori ‘Iqta
system’ was introduced in Northern India. *Muhammad Sam
of Ghori (Muhammad Ghori) appointed Qutb Al-Din Aybak,
(also spelled Qutbuddin Aibak, Qutb-Ud-Din-Aybak) in
1192 AD as incharge of his Indian territories. He played a
significant role in the battle of Tarain of 1192 AD. Pleased with
his works, Ghori appointed him the administrator of Kuhram
and Samana. He controlled the administration of Northern parts
of India as Ghori’s representative till 1206 AD. In this period
Aybak expanded the Turkish power in Northern India. *Ghori
or Aybak didn’t ever think of conquering Bihar and Bengal.
The task was accomplished by an ordinary slave of Muhammad
Ghori named Ikhtiyar-ud-din Muhammad-Bin Bakhtiyar
Khalji also spelled Khalji (1193 to 1202 mid). He occupied the
capital Odantapuri by conquering Bihar and destroyed Nalanda
and Vikramshila. He invaded Bengal from 1198 to 1203. At that
time the ruler there was Lakshmana Sena. He left the place
without actually fighting the battle. Turkish army plundered
the people entering the capital city of Nadia. In the absence of
the king, the city surrendered. Escaping from there Lakshmana
Sena took refuge in South Bengal and ruled there for some time.
*Bakhtiyar Khalji did not tried to conquer complete Bengal.
He made Lakhnauti as his capital. *According to Professor
Habib, the victory of North-Western province by Turks had
given birth to ‘Urban Revolution’ and ‘Rural Revolution’
respectively.
1.
Hazrat Muhammad, the prophet, was born in the year:
(a) 570 A.D.
(b) 622 A.D.
(c) 642 A.D.
(d) 670 A.D.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (a)
B–194
Hazrat Muhammad was born approximately in 570 A.D. in
the Arabian city of Mecca. He is known as the "Holy Prophet"
to Muslims. He died in 632 A.D.
2.
Where is Mecca ?
(a) Syria
(c) Iraq
Ans. (d)
(b) Iran
(d) Saudi Arab
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
See the explanation of above question.
3.
The word ‘Hindu’ as a reference to the people of Hind
(India) was first used by:
(a) The Greeks
(b) The Romans
(c) The Chinese
(d) The Arabs
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (d)
Most of the scholars feel that the name “Hindu” was
pronounced by invaders who could not pronounce the name
of the Indus River. As mentioned in Rig-Veda, Bharata is
defined as ‘Sapta Sindhu.’ Iranians termed this country as
Hindustan and Greeks called it ‘India.’ About the Indian
people, the word ‘Hindu’ was first used by Arabians.
4.
According to Chachnama, what was the Capital of the
Indus Country in the 6th and 7th century?
(a) Deval
(b) Arod
(c) Lodawa
(d) Barmer
Ans (b)
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020
Chachnama ("Story of Chach") is one of the main historical
source for the history of Sindh in the 7th to 8th century A.D,
written in Persian. It takes its name from Raja Chach of Sindh
whose son Dahir stood against Mohammad Bin Qasim's
invasion of Sindh in 7th Century A.D. Text states that Arod
served as capital of the Indus country in the 6th and 7th century.
Hence option (b) is correct.
5. First Muslim attack on India occurred in the year
(a) 674
(c) 711
Ans. (d)
(b) 1013
(d) None of these
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
King Dahir of Sindh fought the battle with Muhammad-BinQasim, the first Muslim invader who defeated Dahir in this
battle. He arrived at the coast of Sindh in 712 A.D. (Now in
Pakistan) and was successful in defeating and killing Dahir.
Note : There is a dispute about the exact date of the first
Muslim invasion on India. According to V.D. Mahajan, this
date is 711 A.D. but according to Harish Chandra Verma,
this date is 712 A.D.
General Studies
Indian History
6.
When Muhammad-Bin-Qasim conquered Sindh
(a) 173 A.D.
(b) 716 A.D.
(c) 712 A.D.
(d) 719 A.D.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question
7. Given below are two statements, one is labeled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Turkish invasions on India were
successful.
Reason (R)
: There was no political unity in North
India.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is 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. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
There are many reasons for the success of Turkish invasions
in India, however, the most prominent of them was the
constant warfare among the Indian rulers.
India at that time was divided into small kingdoms. There
were many small kingdoms in the North and Western India
(present-day Pakistan), and this made Turk's work easy. A
strong kingdom in the north would have deterred Turks.
8.
First Muslim invader in India was
(a) Qutbuddin Aybak
(b) Muhammad Ghazni
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Qasim
(d) Muhammad Ghori
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
The first Muslim invader of India was Muhammad-BinQasim. In the beginning of the 8th century under the leadership
of Bin-Qasim, a part of India was unsuccessfully attacked.
The empire of Arabs couldn’t spread towards the east of
Sindh and Multan, and it gradually declined. In the words
of Dr. Stenley Lanepool “Although Arabs conquered Sindh,
but it remained only an episode in history of India and Islam.
This was an incomplete victory”. Their incomplete task was
done by Turks.
9. The first Muslim invaders of India were –
(a) The Ghaznavids
(b) The Ghurids
(c) The Arabs
(d) None of the above
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
Indian History
The very first Muslim invasion on India took place in Sindh
in the year 712 A.D by the Arabs under the leadership of
Mohammad-Bin-Qasim. He displaced Raja Dahir who
ruled Sindh from his capital Aror (near modern Karachi).
Arabs, even unsuccessfully tried to attack Malwa. After this
invasion, which was limited to Sindh, for 300 years, kings
like Raja Bhoj and other Gurjara Kings thwarted further
Muslim attacks.
10. Muhammad-Bin-Qasim was a –
(a) Turk
(b) Mongol
(c) Arab
(d) Turk-Afghan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (c)
Muhammad-Bin-Qasim was an Arab ruler born around 695
A.D. He was the nephew and son-in-law of Iraq’s King AlHajjaj. At the age of seventeen, he was sent by Caliph-alWalid to lead an army to Sindh (India).
11. Who among the following was the founder of
Ghaznavid dynasty ?
(a) Alptigin
(b) Mahmud
(c) Sebuktigin
(d) Ismail
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (a)
Towards the end of the ninth century, Trans-oxiana, Khurasan
and parts of Iran were being ruled by the Samanids who
were Iranian by descent. Among the Samanid governor
there was a Turkish Slave, Alp-tigin, who, in course of time,
established an independent kingdom with its capital at Ghazni
and founded Ghaznavid dynasty, which soon took over the
control of Samanid Kingdom.
12. Which of the following Chandela King was not defeated
by Mahmud Ghaznavi –
(a) Dhnaga
(b) Vidyadhar
(c) Jaishakti
(d) Danga
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (b)
The Chandela dynasty is famous in Indian history for the
King Vidyadhar, who repulsed the attacks of Mahmud
Ghaznavi during 1019-20 A.D. From the ninth century to the
13th century, the Chandelas ruled over Central India. Their
first capital city was Khajuraho, which was later shifted to
Mahoba.
13. Assertion (A) : Mohd. Ghazni invaded India seventeen
times.
Reason (R) : He wanted to establish permanent
Muslim Empire in India.
Select the correct answer from the given codes :
General Studies
B–195
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
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. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
Turkish conqueror Mahmud of Ghazni succeeded his father
in 998 A.D. and established a huge empire in Central Asia
with it's capital at Ghazni now south Kabul (Afganistan).
For 17 times he attacked India from 999 A.D. to 1027 A.D.
He was a ruthless invader and plunderer of wealth. In these
invasions, his aim was not to establish any permanent Muslim
rule in India but to take away the huge wealth of the country.
14. Who was the court historian of Mahmud of Ghazni –
(a) Hassan Nizami
(b) Utbi
(c) Firdausi
(d) Chand Bardai
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (b)
Mahmud of Ghazni was just a plunderer who mounted at least
17 raids in India. But in his kingdom in Afghanistan, he had
shown love for art and culture. He patronized three persons:
i. Firdausi (Persian Poet, known as Homer of the East)
who wrote Shahnama.
ii. Alberuni (a brilliant scholar from Central Asia) who
wrote Tahqiq-I-Hind.
iii. Utbi (court historian), who wrote Kitab-ud-Yamni and
Tarikh-e-Yamini.
15. Farista, the author of Shah-nama was associated with
the court of
(a) Subuktagin
(b) Mahmud Ghazanavi
(c) Muhammad Ghori
(d) Alaptegin
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (*)
The given question is incorrect because the writer of
Shahnama is Firdausi, not Ferishta. Firdausi was a scholarpoet of the court of Mahmud of Ghazni. He was also known
to be popular as ‘Homer’ of the east. So option (b) should be
the correct answer. Ferishta (1560-1620) wrote an authentic
book Tareekh-e Farista. His full name was Muhammad
Qasim Ferishta. For some time he lived in Murtza Nizam
Shah’s court in Ahmadnagar. After that, he went to Bijapur.
His book Tareekh-e Ferishta was devoted to the emperor of
Bijapur, Ibrahim Adil.
16. Who was the author of ‘Shahnama’?
(a) Utbi
(b) Firdausi
(c) Al-Beruni
(d) Barani
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
B–196
See the explanation of above question.
17. The famous historian who visited India with Mahmud
of Ghazni was –
(a) Ferishta
(b) Al-Beruni
(c) Afif
(d) Ibn Battuta
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
During 11th century A.D. Al-Beruni, the father of Indian
Historical writing accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni to
India and stayed here for many years. Alberuni translated
Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutra into Arabic (called Kitab Patanjal) but
Tahqiq-I-Hind (Reality of Hindustan) was his most important
work in which he gave a socio-cultural description of India.
18. Al-Beruni came to India in –
(a) 9th century A.D.
(b) 10th century A.D.
(c) 11th century A.D.
(d) 12th Century A.D.
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
19. Which scholar came to India with Mahmud Ghazni –
(a) Ibn Battuta
(b) Al-Beruni
(c) Amir Khusrau
(d) Ferishta
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
20. Which one of the following statements about Alberuni
is not correct?
(a) He was a secular author
(b) His writing was influenced by India
(c) He was a Sanskrit Scholar
(d) He was an expert of trigonometry
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Ans. (a)
Alberuni was born in AD 973 in the territory of Khwarizm,
now called Khiva, in Central Asia. He was not a secular writer
because Alberuni never gave any sympathetic reference to
the contemporary event of Somnath temple raid by Mahmud
of Ghazni in 1026.
21. The first Muslim who studied Puranas was –
(a) Abul Fazal
(b) Abdul Qadir Badayuni
(c) Al-Biruni
(d) Dara Shikoh
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Al-Beruni was the first Muslim who studied Puranas. He was
not only a historian but he also took a keen interest in the
wide level of subjects e.g. Astronomy, Geography, Medicine,
Mathematics, Reasoning, Religion and Theology. Due to his
interests, he was attracted towards gaining knowledge of the
religious culture of the then India. He studied Sanskrit and
used many references in his creations mainly from the works
of Brahmagupta, Balabhadra and Varahamihira.
22. Who among the following issued silver coins with
Sanskrit legend on one side:
(a) Muhammad-Bin-Qasim
(b) Mahmud of Ghazni
(c) Sher Shah
(d) Akbar
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (b)
The coins introduced by Mahmud Ghazni struck in India
with Arabic and Sanskrit inscriptions on both sides. A dhiram
struck at Lahore carried a Sharda script and a rendering in
Colloquial Sanskrit of Islamic Kalima.
23. Which one of the following rulers from Central Asia
conquered North India in 1192 ?
(a) Jalaluddin Mankbarni
(b) Mahmud of Ghazni
(c) Shihabuddin Muhammad Ghori
(d) Genghis Khan
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
Ans. (c)
Shihabbuddin Muhammad Ghori, the ruler of Central Asia,
conquered north India in 1192 A.D. The first attack of
Muhammad Ghori took place in 1175A.D., on Multan. He
attacked Multan and Uch in 1175-76 A.D. and Gujarat in
1178 A.D. In 1191 A.D., he fought the battle of Tarain with
Prithviraj Chauhan and was defeated. In the Second Battle of
Tarain (1192 A.D.), Prithviraj was defeated by Ghori and in
this way, a central Muslim political system was established
which lasted for many years.
24. Who defeated Muhammad Ghori for the first time?
(a) Bhima- II
(b) Prithviraj Chauhan
(c) Jai Chand
(d) Prithviraj-II
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (a)
The first battle of Muhammad Ghori was against a Hindu ruler
Raja Bhimdev-II of Gujarat who was a member of Solanki
Dynasty. Raja Bhimdev-II was a young man and real regent
Indian History
was his mother, Naika Devi. She inflicted a major defeat
on Muhammad Ghori and hence Ghori never tried to attack
India from Gujarat side.
25. In which battle Muhammad Ghori defeated Jayachandra(a) Battle of Tarain (1191 A.D.)
(b) Battle of Tarain (1192 A.D.)
(c) Battle of Chandawar (1194 A.D.)
(d) Battle of Kannauj (1194 A.D.)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
Muhammad Ghori defeated the king of Kannauj, Jayachandra
Garhwal in the battle of Chandawar during 1194 A.D. This
battle was fought in Chandawar (Modern Firuzabad), on the
bank of Yamuna River close to Agra.
26. Which one of the following kings was defeated by
Muhammad Ghori in the battle of Chandawar?
(a) Prithviraj Chauhan
(b) Jayachandra
(c) Kumarpala
(d) Bhima- II
U.P.R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
The battle of Chandawar (1193-1194) was fought between
Muhammad Ghori and Jayachandra of Kannauj of
Garhwalbank of Yamuna river close to Agra.
27. Whom had Muhammad Ghori defeated in 1194 in the
Battle of Chandawar?
(a) Kumarpal
(b) Jaichand
(c) Govindraj
(d) Bhim II
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
28. Battle that laid the foundation of Muslim domination
in India was :
(a) First Battle of Tarain
(b) Second Battle of Tarain
(c) First Battle of Panipat
(d) Second Battle of Panipat
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (b)
The second battle of Tarain was fought between Muhammad
Ghori and Rajput army of Prithviraj Chauhan. The battle
took place in 1192 AD near Tarain. In this battle, Prithviraj
Chauhan was defeated by Muhammad Ghori. After this battle,
the Muslim power was strongly enrooted in northern India,
which may be regarded as a turning point in Indian history.
General Studies
B–197
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
29. Arrange the following names chronologically and select
correct answer from the codes given below:
1. Genghis Khan
2. Mahmud Ghaznavi
3. Muhammad Ghori
4. Taimur
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 2, 3, 1, 4
(c) 3, 4, 1, 2
(d) 4, 1, 2, 3
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (b)
During 999-1027 A.D. Mahmud Ghaznavi attacked India
for 17 times. Muhammad Ghori’s first attack occurred in
1175 A.D. and then he attacked again and again to expand
his empire till 1205 A.D.The fear of Genghis (Changiz)
Khan’s attack haunted after the death of Khwarizm Shah in
1221 A.D, when his son and successor to the throne,Taimur
attacked India in 1398 A.D.
30. Coins of which Muslim ruler bear an image of Devi
Lakshmi?
(a) Muhammad Ghori
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Akbar
(d) None of the above
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (a)
Coins issued by Ghori have an image of Goddess Lakshmi
while on the opposite side of the coin. Kalma was inscribed
in Arabic.
31. Muhammad Ghori granted first Iqta in India to –
(a) Tajuddin Yalduj
(b) Qutbuddin Aybak
(c) Shamsuddin Iltutmish
(d) Nazir-ud-din Qubacha
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
Soon after the victories of Ghori, Iqta system was established
in North India. In 1192 A.D., Muhammad Sam of Ghori
(Muhammad Ghori) appointed Qutb-ud-din-Aybak, as in
charge of his Indian territories. He played an important role
in the second battle of Tarain. Pleased with his works, Ghori
appointed him the administrator of Kuhram and Samana.
He had taken care of the administration of North Indian
territories conquered by them as representative of Ghori till
1206. During this period, Aibak also expanded Turkish power
in northern India.
32. Which slave of Muhammad Ghori conquered Bengal
and Bihar –
(a) Qutbudin Aybak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Bakhtiyar Khalji
(d) Yaldauj
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (c)
B–198
Muhammad Ghori and Aibak didn’t ever think of conquering
Bihar and Bengal. This task was accomplished by their
ordinary slave Ekhtiyar Uddin Muhammad-Bin-Bakhtiyar
Khalji. Between 1193 and 1202 AD, he conquered Bihar
and destroyed Vikramshila Nalanda and captured the capital
Odantpur. He attacked Bengal between 1198 and 1203,
where its ruler Lakshman Sen fled away without fighting in
the battlefield. Turkish army entered the capital Nadiya and
resorted to massive loot. In the absence of the King, the city
surrendered. Lakshman Sen had taken refuge in South Bengal
and ruled there for some period. Bakhtiyar Khalzi did not try
to conquer the whole of the Bengal. Bakhtiyar Khalji made
his capital in Lakhnauti.
Delhi Sultanate: Slave Dynasty
*Incumbents of Delhi Sultanate from 1206 AD to 1290 AD
are popularly known as the sultans of the Slave dynasty whose
founder was Qutbuddin Aibak. *They were all Turks and their
dynasties were separate. *So it is more appropriate to call them
the original Turk Sultan or Mamluk Sultan of Delhi, instead
of calling these sultans as the sultans of the Slave dynasty.
*The first ruler of the Slave Dynasty in India was Qutbuddin
Aibak (1206 - 10 AD). *He was from a Turk tribe called
Aybak. *In childhood, he was bought by the Qazi of Nishapur
Fakhruddin Abdul Aziz Kufi as a slave. *From childhood he
used to read the Quran in a very melodious tone, due to which
he became famous as the Qurankhwa (the one who recites
the Quran). *Later, he was brought from Nishapur to Ghazni
where Gori bought him. *On the basis of his talent, passion
and honesty, he gained the confidence of the Ghori. *Ghori
promoted him to the post of Amir-e-Akhur. His coronation
was held in June 1206 AD three months after the death of
Ghori. *Aibak’s capital was Lahore. *Aibak never held the
title of ‘Sultan’. *He kept himself satisfied only with the titles
of ‘Malik’ and ‘Sipahasalaar’. *After obtaining the liberation
letter from Ghori’s successor, Giasuddin Muhmad, Aibak got
rid of slavery in 1208 AD. *Due to his generosity, Qutbuddin
Aibak used to donate so much money that he was called by the
‘Lakh Bakhsh’ (who gave lakhs). * Aibak had built mosques
known as ‘Quwwat-ul-Islam’ in Delhi and ‘Dhai Din Ka
Jhopara’ in Ajmer. * He started the construction of ‘Qutub
Minar’ in Delhi, which was completed by Iltutmish.
*The fourth Storey was damaged by lightning which was
rebuilt by Firuz Shah Tughluq also spelled Feroz Shah
Tughluq. He built two floors. *Sultan Qutbuddin Aibak died
in 1210 AD when he fell from a horse while playing Chaugan
(a game like modern polo).* He was buried in Lahore.
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
*Aibak was succeeded by Iltutmish. *He received the approval
as Sultan not from any Ghor ruler, but from the Khalifa. * Khalifa
recognised the rule of Iltutmish to all those areas which he won
and gave him the title of ‘Sultan-e-Azam’. *Iltutmish was called
‘Slave of a slave’ [Aibak (who himself was a slave), whose
slave was Iltutmish]. *Iltutmish was a Turk of ‘Ilbari’ tribe.
*Before becoming Sultan, he was the governor of Budaun. *He
was with Muhammad Ghori and Aibak during the campaign
to suppress the Khokhar tribe rebellion in 1205 - 1206 AD.
*In the war, Ghori was so influenced by the courage and skill
of Aibak that he freed him from slavery.
*Mongol invader Genghis Khan came through the northwest
front of India during the reign of Iltutmish. Chasing the fugitive
ruler of Khawarizm, Jalaluddin Mingburni, Genghis Khan
reached the bank of Indus river. Jalal-ud-din-Mingburni sought
refuge from Iltutmish. Iltutmish dared not to risk the invasion of
a dangerous and furious invader like Genghis. So, he prudently
refused to give asylum to the Khawarism. Mongol invasion
trouble also went back with Prince Mingburni in 1224 AD.
*In 1225 A.D., Iltutmish defeated Hisamuddin Awaz in
mountains of Rajmahal near Teliyagarhi and annexed Bihar
Sharif and Barh. Awaz had accepted the subordination to
Iltutmish. Iltutmish appointed Malik-Jani as the new Subedar
of Bihar.
*Iltutmish was the first to use the pure Arabic coins during the
Sultanate period in India. He introduced two important coins,
i.e. silver (Tanka) and copper (Jital) during the Sultanate period
and started the tradition of inscribing the name of the Tankshal
on the coins. *Iltutmish received a certificate of ‘Khilat’
from Khalifa of Baghdad in 1229 AD, which made Iltutmish a
legitimate Sultan and the Delhi Sultanate an independent state.
*It is known from the Ibn Batuta’s description, that Iltutmish
had set up two statues of marble in front of his palace, which
had two bells hanged around its neck which anyone could
ring and seek justice from the Sultan. *Iltutmish appointed the
officials Qazi and Amirdaad in all the cities. *According
to Dr. R. P. Tripathi, the history of Muslim sovereignty in
India begins with Iltutmish. *According to Sir Wulzle Hague,
‘Iltutmish was the greatest of the Slave rulers.’ According to
Dr.Ishwari Prasad, Iltutmish was, undoubtedly the founder
of Slave Dynasty.
*Raziyya Al-Din also spelled Raziyya Sultan (1236-40 AD)
was the first female ruler of medieval India. *As an individual
she violated the traditions of Islam for the first time in India, and
Indian History
politically, she emphasized the power to be in the hands of the
Sultan instead of dividing the power into the Chiefs (Sardars) or
the Subedars, and thus, she supported the principle of absolutist
dominated monarchy of Iltutmish, which was in the interest of
the Turkish Rule at that time. *Turks played an important role
in overthrowing Raziyya Begum. *Turks under the leadership
of Governor of Bhatinda, Malik Altunia, rebelled against
Raziyya and overthrew her.
*The full name of Sultan Balban was Ghiyasuddin Balban.
*Balban ruled the Sultanate from 1266 to 1286 AD as Sultan.
* He was also known as Ulugh Khan. *Like Iltutmish, he was
also an Ilbari Turk. *He laid the foundation of a new dynasty,
the Balban Dynasty. *Balban was caught by Mongols in his
childhood, who sold him at Ghajini to Khwaja Jamaluddin,
a resident of Basra. *He was brought to Delhi in 1232 AD
where Iltutmish bought him in 1233 AD after Gwalior victory.
*Impressed by his abilities, Iltutmish gave him the title of
Khasdaar. *During the reign of Raziyya, he earned the rank
of Amir-e-Shikar. *In the conspiracy against Raziyya, he was
with the Turkish warlords, consequently Bahramshah became
the Sultan, and Balban got the title of ‘Amir-e-Akhur’. *Due
to the grace of Badruddin Rumi, he got the Jagir of Rewari.
Mahmudshah became the Sultan with help of Turkish Amirs
in which Balban played an important role, consequently he got
the Subedari of Hansi. *Balban married his daughter to Sultan
Nasiruddin in 1249 AD. On this occasion, he was given the
title of ‘Ulugh Khan’ and the post of ‘Nayab-e-mamalikat’.
*Balban sat on Delhi’s throne in 1266 AD.
*It is said about Balban that he adopted a policy of ‘blood
and iron’. *There were two main characteristics of the rule
of Balban - First the divine right of Sultan and second the
Sultan has to be autocratic. *Balban had created his political
ideology inspired by the popular heroes of Persia. The King
was considered the God’s representative on earth - ‘Niyamati-Khudai’. *According to him, he is only after the Prophet in
the pride and prejudice. *‘Jille Allah’ or 'JilleIlahi' means
Reflection of God. *He was the first Sultan of Delhi, who
established the theory of the state. *He told his son Bugra
Khan - “The post of Sultan is a living symbol of autocracy.”
*Balban started many traditions of the Iranian emperors in
his court. He started the rituals of ‘Sijada’ (salute the Sultan in
a prostrate manner) and ‘Pabos’ (kissing the feet of Sultan). In
his court, he started the practice of celebrating the Persian festival
‘Navroz’ with great joy every year. *Balban established a military
department ‘Diwan-e-Arz’ to combat Mongols. * Balban made
General Studies
B–199
Imad-ul-Mulk his Military minister (Diwan-e-Arz), who was
a very honest and hardworking person. *He kept him free from
the financial control of the Wazir so that he did not lack wealth.
Who was the founder of Slave dynasty ?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Balban
(d) Qutbuddin Aybak
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
1.
Slave dynasty was the first of five unrelated dynasties to
rule India during Sultanate period from 1206 to 1290.
Qutbuddin Aibak ascended the throne of Delhi in 1206 and
with him started a new line of successive kings in Delhi
known as the Slave Dynasty in indian history. Qutbuddin
Aibak and all his successors were slaves to their respective
predecessors.
2.
Who was the first ruler of the Slave Dynasty?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Qutbuddin Aybak
(c) Raziyya
(d) Balban
53rd to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (b)
The first ruler of the Slave Dynasty (or named as Gulam
Dynasty) was Qutbuddin Aibak who ruled from 1206 to
1210 A.D. He established his capital at two places, first at
Lahore and then shifted it to Delhi. Qutbuddin Aibak was
born in Turkistan. Though he was ugly in appearance, he was
intelligent and impressive in behaviour. He was taken as a
prisoner and sold to the Qazi of Nishapur named Fakhruddin
as a slave in his childhood. He was taken care and provided
with proper education and military training by the kindhearted Qazi but soon after the death of the Qazi, his sons
sold Aybak to Muhammad Ghori. He was well versed in
Islamic theology, horse riding and swordsmanship. Owing
to his skill and qualities, he soon attracted the attention of
his master and was appointed commander of a troop. Shortly
afterwards battles; he was promoted to the post of Amir-iAkhur, the master of the royal stable. When Ghori invaded
India, Aibak came with his master and provided him his active
support during battles. The successes of his master by and
large depended on his military skill. Ghori was immensely
pleased with him, and he appointed him his governor of the
Indian empire. In 1206 A.D., on his way to Ghazni, Ghori
died. His empire was inherited by his slaves, as he had no
son to succeed him. Aybak, who was a viceroy of his Indian
Empire was invited by the Amirs of Lahore to assume
the powers. He bestowed the title of Malik and Subedar
on himself. Muhammad Ghori had no male successor to
inherit his empire; hence his nephew, Ghiyasuddin Mahmud
ascended the throne of Ghori after his death in 1206 A.D.
B–200
3.
Which Sultan of Delhi Sultanate is known as “Lakh
Baksh”?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Qutbuddin Aybak
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (d)
Sultan Qutbuddin Aibak also called “Lakh Baksh Sultan”
was the first Muslim ruler of India who ruled from his capital
in Delhi. He patronized scholars such as Hasan Nizami and
Fakh-i-Mudabbir, both of whom dedicated their works to
Aibak. Aibak was the first muslim ruler who setteld in india
and ruled unlike the earlier muslims, who come and only
raided and plundered. Though his tenure as a ruler was
only four years, and most of them were spent in dealing
with the revolts of nobles like Taj-ud-din Ildiz, Nasir-uddin Qubachah and a few Hindu chiefs, yet he established a
firm administrative system. He started the construction of
Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque at Delhi and Adhai Din ka Jhopara
(Ajmer). He also laid the foundation of the Qutb Minar, which
was completed by his successor Iltutmish. He was known as
Lakh Baksh for his generosity. He never took title of "Sultan"
but according to question option (d) is the correct answer
4.
What is ‘Adhai Din ka Zhonpda’?
(a) Mosque
(b) Temple
(c) Saint’s hut
(d) Tower
56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
5.
Who among the following did not contribute to
building the famous ‘Qutb-Minar’ ?
(a) Qutbuddin Aybak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq (d) Firuz Shah Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (c)
Qutbuddin Aybak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, started
construction of the Qutb Minar, Iltutmish added three storeys
to the tower. The topmost storey was damaged by lightning
which was rebuilt by Firuz Shah Tughluq. Firuz Shah
Tughluq built two floors. Ghiyasuddin Tughluq contributed
nothing to its construction. From the above options, option
(c) is the correct answer.
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
6.
The capital of Qutbuddin Aybak was
(a) Lahore
(b) Delhi
(c) Ajmer
(d) Lakhnauti
41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (a)
introduced first Arabic silver and copper currency which
After the death of Muhammad Ghori in 1206, his General
Qutbuddin Aybak, who was in charge of Lahore and northIndian possessions was invited by Amirs of Lahore to assume
the powers of Ghori. Qutbuddin ruled initially from Lahore,
later moved the capital to Delhi. Taj-ud-Din Yilduz, Governor
of Kirman ascended the throne of Ghazni. It seems that it was
the desire of Muhammad Ghori that Qutbuddin Aybak should
succeed him in India. In his brief reign of four years (1206-10
A.D.), he moved his capital to Lahore to frustrate Yilduz’s
ambition of annexing Punjab. He strengthened his position
by matrimonial alliances with influential rival Turkish Chief.
Nasiruddin Qabacha of Multan refused to accept Qutbuddin
as the ruler of Delhi. Due to this, Aybak always stayed in
Lahore and never got the chance to move to Delhi.
got recognition as the Muslim Sultan of India by the Khalifa
7.
How did Sultan Qutbuddin Aybak die?
(a) He was treacherously stabbed to death by one of his
ambitious nobles
(b) He was killed in a battle with Taj-u-din Yilduz the
ruler of Ghazni who entered into a contest with him
over the capture of Punjab
(c) He sustained injuries while besieging the fortress of
Kalinjar in Bundelkhand and succumbed to them later
(d) He died after a fall from his horse while playing
Chaugan
I.A.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (d)
In 1210, Qutbuddin Aibak died in an accident while he
was playing Chaugan (polo). He fell from a horse and was
severely injured. He was buried in Lahore near the Anarkali
Bazaar. He was the founder of the Slave Dynasty in India.
8.
Who among the following established Delhi as the
capital of Sultanate ?
(a) Qutbuddin Aybak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Raziyya
(d) Muizzuddin Ghori
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004
Ans. (b)
Iltutmish (1210–36 A.D.) was the founder of the Delhi
Sultanate. Before this, Aibak ruled from Lahore. Iltutmish
was the first real Turkish Sultan of Delhi. He is said to have
Indian History
were two basic coins of (175 grain) the Sultanate period.
In response to the lack of silver, Iltutmish introduced a new
bimetallic coinage system in northern India consisting of an
11 grams silver Tanka and the copper Jital. The Dehliwala
was devalued to be on par with the Jital. In 1229, Iltutmish
of Baghdad. Iltutmish, after that, assumed the title of ‘Amirul- Mommini' or ‘Commander of the faithful’ and had the
name of Khalifa inscribed on his coins. This was a great
achievement of his life.
9.
Who was the first Sultan of Delhi who introduced
regular coins and declared Delhi the capital of his
empire?
(a) Nasiruddin Mahmud (b) Iltutmish
(c) Aram Shah
(d) Balban
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
10. Which one of the following was the capital of the
Sultanate during the reign of Iltutmish?
(a) Agra
(b) Lahore
(c) Badaun
(d) Delhi
U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
11. Who amongst the following Sultans of the Sultanate
was the first to shift his capital to Delhi?
(a) Aram Shah
(b) Balban
(c) Iltutmish
(d) Qutbuddin Aybak
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (c)
Iltutmish shifted his capital from Lahore to Delhi. He was
the first Sultan of the Sultanate to shift his capital.
12. Who was the first Muslim ruler of Delhi?
(a) Qutbuddin Aybak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Raziyya
(d) Balban
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
Iltutmish was the first Sultan of Delhi who received the
investiture from Khalifa. In 1229 A.D. the Khalifa of
Baghdad, Mustansir Billah, bestowed on Iltutmish the titles of
“Sultan-i- Azam” or the Sultan The Great. Thus, in this way,
he was the first legally independent Sultan of Delhi. He was
General Studies
B–201
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
successful in keeping the throne of Delhi safe from the danger
of Mongol invasion as well as from the attacks of both Taj
al-Dim Yildoiz also spelled Yilduzm Yildoz and Qubacha.
He broke up the Rajput powers in the north and established
his supremacy over them. He made his rule hereditary, issued
coins with his name and made Delhi a beautiful capital. He is
said to have introduced first Arabic silver and copper currency
which were two basic coins of (175gm) the Sultanate period.
Iltutmish belonged to the tribe of‘Ilbari’ in the Eurasian
Steppe of Turkestan. In 1206, Iltutmish was first appointed
governor of Badaun in recognition of his services during the
campaign of Muhammad of Ghur against the Khokhars in
1205-06. Amirali Ismail invited Iltutmish for the coronation
in Delhi with the approval of Turkish nobles after the death
of Aybak. Iltutmish declared himself Sultan in 1210 A.D.
15. During whose reign Mongol invader Genghis Khan
came through the North-West Frontier of India?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Balban
(d) Aybak
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (b)
13. Who was called ‘a slave of a slave’?
(a) Mohd. Ghori
(b) Qutbuddin Aybak
(c) Balban
(d) Iltutmish
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (d)
16. Which Sultan of Delhi was a contemporary of the
Mongol Leader Genghis Khan ?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Raziyya
(c) Balban
(d) Alauddin Khalji
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (a)
Iltutmish is called ‘Slave of a Slave’ because Qutbuddin
Aibak was the slave of Mohd. Ghori who become Sultan after
the death of Ghori and Iltutmish was a slave of Qutubudin
Aibak who later married the daughter of Qutb-uddin Aibak
and became Sultan after Qutbuddin Aybak. So, he is called
“a slave of a slave.”
14. Who of the following was the first woman ruler of
medieval India ?
(a) Raziyya Sultan
(b) Chand Bibi
(c) Durgavati
(d) Noorjahan
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
Ans. (a)
Raziyya Sultan, who reigned from 1236 to 1240 A.D., had
the unique distinction of being the only woman to occupy
the throne of Delhi. She was the first female ruler. The
Turkish nobles were reluctant to accept a woman as their
ruler, especially when she challenged their power. They
conspired against her in 1239 A.D. when she was trying
to curb a rebellion against her by the Turkish governor of
Lahore. The Turkish nobles took advantage of her absence
at Delhi and dethroned her. After crushing the rebellion in
Delhi, Raziyya began to address issues of governance that
had taken a backseat during the six-month rule by her brother.
Thus, she succeeded her father Iltutmish to the Sultanate of
Delhi and proved herself as a talented, wise, brave, excellent
administrator and a great warrior.
B–202
Mongol invader Genghis Khan came through the northwest
frontier of India during the reign of Iltutmish. Chasing the
fugitive ruler of Khawarizm, Jalaluddin Mingburni, Genghis
Khan reached the bank of Indus river. Jalal-ud-din-Mingburu
sought refuge from Iltutmish. Iltutmish dared not risk the
invasion by a dangerous and furious invader like Genghis.
So, he prudently refused to give asylum to the Mingburni.
Mongol invasion trouble also went back with Prince
Mingburni in 1224 AD
See the explanation of above question.
17. In whose reign Mongols were seen on the bank of Indus
river for the first time?
(a) Balban
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Qutbuddin Aybak
(d) Raziyya
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
18. The Mongols under Genghis Khan invaded India
during the reign of :
(a) Balban
(b) Firuz Tughluq
(c) Iltutmish
(d) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
19. The original name of Changez (Genghis) Khan was
(a) Khasul Khan
(b) Yesugai
(c) Temuchin (Temujin) (d) Ogadi
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
Genghis Khan was a Mongolian ruler who played a significant
role in Mongolian imperial expansion. The original name of
Genghis Khan was Temujin (or Temuchin).
General Studies
Indian History
20. Iltutmish appointed his first Subedar in Bihar to :
(a) Aivaj
(b) Nasiruddin Mahmud
(c) Alimardan
(d) Malik - Jani
48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
In 1225 A.D., Iltutmish defeated Hisamuddin Awaz in
mountains of Rajmahal near Teliyagarhi and annexed Bihar
Shareef and Barh. Awaz had accepted the subordination of
Iltutmish. Iltutmish had appointed Malik-Jani as the new
Subedar of Bihar.
21. Who was behind the dethroning of Raziyya Begum?
(a) Afghans
(b) Mongols
(c) Turks
(d) Arabs
U. P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
Turkish nobles were behind dethroning of Raziyya Begum. They
revolted against Raziyya Begum in the leadership of governor
of Bhatinda, Malik Altunia and removed her from the power.
22. The full name of Sultan of Delhi Balban was?
(a) Jalaluddin
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Ghiyasuddin
(d) Qutbuddin
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
The full name of Balban was Ghiyasuddin Balban. He
was the ninth Sultan of the Mamluk dynasty of Delhi.
Ghiyasuddin was the Wazeer and heir of the last Shamsi
Sultan, Nasiruddin. He reduced the power of the treacherous
nobility and heightened the stature of the Sultan. In spite
of having only a few military achievements, he was the
most powerful ruler of the Sultanate between Shamsuddin
Iltutmish and Alauddin Khalji. He reached on the post of
Amir-e-Shikar during Raziyya period. Like Iltutmish, he also
was an Ilbari Turk. Balban married his daughter with Sultan
Nasiruddin, on this ocassion was given the title of Ulugh
Khan and the post of Nayab-e- Mamlikat. Balban sat on the
throne of Delhi in 1266 A.D.
23. Which Sultan of Delhi is said to have followed the policy
of “blood and iron”?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Jalaluddin Firuz Khalji (d) Firuz Shah Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (b)
It is said that Balban had adopted the policy of ‘blood and
iron.’ The main characteristic of the leadership of Balban
was- First, the divine right of kings and second, the
Sultan must be autocratic. According to him, “Sultan is
Indian History
a representative of God (Niyamat-e-Khudai) on earth and
his place comes after Paigambar. Sultan gets the inspiration
and strength from God to work. Due to this, the public and
the Sardars have no right to criticize his work.”
24. Who was the first Muslim ruler to formulate the 'theory
of kingship' similar to the 'theory of divine right of the
kings'?
(a) Aibak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Balban
(d) Alauddin
(e) None of the above/ More than one of the above
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Ans (c)
Balban was the first ruler to propound the 'theory of Kingship' similar to the 'theory of divine right of the kings. He
said, "Sultan is representative of God on earth and his place
comes after Paigambar".
25. Which Delhi Sultan is known for adopting the 'blood
and iron' policy?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Ala-ud-din Khalji
(d) Muhammad bin Tughluq
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020
Ans (b)
see the explanation of above question
26. Given below are two statements, one labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A) : Balban made his government firm
stable and centralized all authority in
his hands.
Reason (R) : He wanted to protect North-West
frontier against Mongol invasions.
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. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (b)
Ghiyasuddin Balban was the ruler of the Slave Dynasty in
Delhi Sultanate. He ruled from 1266 to 1287 A.D. century.
General Studies
B–203
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
He assumed the title of emperor as a divine act of God and
took all the powers in his hands. He introduced the custom
of Sijdah and Paibos. He constructed strong forts at the
northwest border to defend from the attacks of Mongols.
Assertion (A) and reason (R) both are correct, but Reason
(R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(representative of God). After attaining the power, he
abolished the ‘Turkan-e-Chahalgani’, established by
Iltutmish. The only revolt in the period of Balban was done by
Subedar of Bihar, Tughril Khan in 1279 century, which was
quelled by Balban and the rebels were hanged. The system
of Iqtadari was introduced by Iltutmish.
27. After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the
grand title of
(a) Tuti-e-Hind
(b) Kaiser-e-Hind
(c) Zil-e-Ilahi
(d) Din-e-Ilahi
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
30. Which of the following Sultans has called himself the
‘Helper of a Caliph’ in his inscription on the walls of
the Mosque at Garhmukteshwar?
(a) Balban
(b) Kaiqubad
(c) Jalaluddin Khalji
(d) None of the above
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (a)
Balban established his political model inspired by famed
public heroes. He tried to provide highly respected reputationto
the reign. He was considered as the representative of God
(Niyamat-e-Khudai) on the earth. According to Balban, he
comes after Paigambar in dignity. The king is ‘Jill-e-Allah’
or ‘Jille-Ilahi’ means ‘Image of God.’ Balban was the first
Sultan, who had established kingship theory. He told his
son- “ The position of Sultan is the symbol of autocracy.”
28. Who among the following introduced the famous
Persian festival ‘Navroz’ in India?
(a) Balban
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Firuj Tughluq
(d) Alauddin Khalji
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
Balban made some rules and regulations for his court and
strictly enforced them. Iranian kings were his ideal in this
field and introduced many of their traditions in his court. He
introduced the rituals of Sizdah (greeting lying on the ground)
and Paibos (kissing the feet of the king). He also introduced
the rituals to celebrate the Persian festival ‘Navroz.’
29. Which one of the following statements is not true about
Balban?
(a) He propounded the theory of Niyabat-e-Khudai.
(b) He introduced the Iqtadari System.
(c) He eliminated the power of Turkan-e-Chahalgani.
(d) He quelled down the revolt of Bengal.
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
The actual name of Balban was Baha-ud-din. Nasiruddin
Mehmood had given him the title of ‘Ulugh Khan’. He
assumed the title ‘Zil-e-Ilahi’. His tenure was from 1266 to
1286 century. Balban is famous for his reign theory. His royal
principle of nature and essence was inspired by Persian reign.
Balban described the king as ‘Niyamat-e-Khudai’
B–204
Balban has called himself the ‘Helper of a Caliph’ in his
inscription on the walls of the Mosque at Garhmukteshwar.
Khalji Dynasty
Jalaluddin Khalji established the Khalji dynasty in 1290 AD.
*He was crowned at the Palace of Kilokhari (Kilugarhi) which
was built by Kaiqubad. *According to Dr. A. L. Srivastava,
Jalaluddin Khalji was the first Turkish Sultan of Delhi who
believed in of liberal autocracy. When Jalaluddin was the Sultan
of Delhi, he offered the post of ‘Amir-e-Tujuk’ to Alauddin and
married his daughter to him. *Alauddin Khalji was honoured
with the Subedari of Kara- Manikpur because of his important
role in suppressing the revolt of Malik Chhaju.
*Alauddin was the first Sultan of Delhi, who established
control of the state on religion. He called himself ‘Yaminul-Khilafat Nasiri Amir-ul-Mumanin’. *He remained free
from the influence of Ulema class. *Alauddin Khalji was an
ambitious Sultan. *He assumed the title of ‘Sikandar II Sani’
and inscribed it on his coins. *Alauddin’s famous Commander
Zafar Khan who was the best and courageous commander of
his time was killed fighting against Mongols.
*He was an excellent and courageous commander of his time.
Mongols were so impressed by the bravery of Zafar Khan
and the persistence of Khalji army that they backed down by
30 miles. The original name of Zafar Khan was Malik Yusuf
Hizbaruddin.
*Padmini was the wife of Rana Ratan Singh. Queen Padmini
committed ‘Jauhar’ due to the death of Rana Ratan Singh during
the invasion of Chittor, the capital of Mewar, by Alauddin
Khalji. Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the famous ‘Padmavat’
which was based on the story of queen Padmini in 1540 AD.
*Alauddin faced some rebellions in the beginning of his reign.
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Finding the possible reasons for these rebellions, Alauddin
Khalji issued four ordinances to suppress potential rebellions.
*By the first ordinance, gifts, pension, land received in
donations, etc was banned and the government officials were
ordered to collect more and more taxes. *An intelligence
department was set up by the second ordinance. *The third
ordinance banned intoxicating drink (alcohol, cannabis, etc.)
and gambling. *The fourth ordinance banned the marital
relations between the nobles and the Aamirs.
*Ramchandra Dev was the ruler of Devgiri when Alauddin
attacked Devgiri. Ramchandra Dev, the ruler of Devgiri, was
forced to give the income of Elichpur every year to Alauddin
as he was defeated in 1296 AD. But he did not sent that
tax to Delhi between 1305 AD or 1306 AD. *Consequently,
Alauddin sent an army led by Malik Kafur to attack Devgiri
in 1307 AD. *Raja Ramchandra Dev was defeated in the battle
and he surrendered. Alauddin treated Ramchandra well and
honoured him the title of ‘Rai Rayan’. Six months later he
was given one lakh gold coins and the district of Navsari and
was sent back to his state. *Malik Kafur also led a campaign
against Ramchandra’s son Shankerdev in 1312 AD. Alauddin
met Malik Kafur during his Gujarat conquest. *He was also
called ‘Hazar - Dinari’.
*Alauddin was the first Sultan, who started collecting revenue
by measuring the land. *Alauddin established a separate
department “Diwan-i-Mustakharaj” to implement this
system. *Alauddin took the authority of tax collection from the
traditional tax officers (Khutt, Mukaddam and Chaudhary).
All their privileges were abolished. *Taxes were collected from
their lands and the rest other taxes were also taken, due to which
there was no difference between Khutta (Zamindar) and Balahar
(ordinary farmer). *The main objective of Alauddin’s revenue
and tax system was to establish a powerful and autocratic state.
*He took the land from all those people who had been granted
land as ‘Milq’ ( property, prize, indraat, pensions given by
the state) and ‘Waqf’ (charitable land), etc., consequently, the
Khalisa land was developed on a large scale. *Alauddin Khalji
fixed 50% of the yield as the land tax (Kharaj). *Alauddin
Khalji was the first Muslim ruler of India who had fixed the
revenue on the real income of the land. *Alauddin had initiated
market control or price control policy. Alauddin appointed
officials for the success of his market control policy. *According
to Barani, the purpose of these market reforms was to support
a huge army against the Mongols and to control the idea of
rebellion among Hindus. *Alauddin Khalji started the Public
Distribution System (PDS). *There were two new taxes
levied by Alauddin Khalji that were ‘Ghari (House) Tax’
which was levied on houses and huts and ‘Grazing (Charai)
Indian History
Tax’ which was imposed on milch animals. *The Ravi river
was a boundary between the Delhi Sultanate and Mongols
during the reign of Alauddin Khalji in 1306 AD. *During
the reign of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughluq, the Mongol army
had surpassed the Indus under the leadership of Shir Mughal
(1325 AD), but he was defeated by Malik Shadi, the Subedar
of Samana. *Mubarak Khalji declared himself Khalifa and
assumed titles such as ‘Al Imam’, ‘Ul-Imam’, ‘Khalafat-ulLah’, of which he was always incapable. *Nasiruddin Khusrau
Shah (April 15 - September 7, 1320) was a converted Muslim
from Hinduism. *He assumed the title of ‘Commander of the
Prophet’ (Paigamber -Ka-Senapati). *His opponents called him
‘enemy of Islam’ and gave the Slogan of ‘Islam is in danger’.
1.
“When he attained Kingship, he was fully independent
of from rules and orders of Shariat.” For which Sultan
Barani made this statement?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Muhammad Tughluq
46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
Ziyauddin Barani made the above statement regarding
Alauddin Khalji. Alauddin Khalji was the first king of Delhi,
who established the control of the state over religion. In this
context, he said explaining his policy “I don’t know what is
correct or incorrect by law? I only give a command which
I understand suitable for the welfare of the state or special
occasion, I don’t know what will happen on the final day of
justice.” Alauddin had made alive the thought of Balban. He
used to believe in the universality of the king who is only
a representative of God on earth. He did not use to take the
permission of Khalifa about expanding his powers. That’s
why he never made a solicitation in front of Khalifa for
recognition of his position. He called himself “Yamin-ulKhilafat Nasiri Amir-ul-Mumnin.” Alauddin freed himself
from the control of Ulemas.
2.
Which dynasty of Delhi Sultanate ruled for the shortest
period?
(a) Khalji
(b) Tughluq
(c) Sayyid
(d) Lodi
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
Sultans of Slave Dynasty of Delhi Sultanate ruled from 1206
AD to 1290 AD. Khalji Dynasty ruled from 1290 AD to 1320
AD. Tughluq dynasty ruled from 1320 AD to 1412 Ad. Sayyid
dynasty ruled from 1414 AD to 1450 AD and Lodi dynasty
ruled from 1451 AD to 1526 AD. Therefore, Khalji dynasty
ruled for the shortest period.
General Studies
B–205
3.
Which Sultan wanted to launch a new religion but
Ulemas opposed the move ?
(a) Balban
(b) Alauddin
(c) Muhammad Tughluq (d) Iltutmish
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (b)
Suleman and Padmini with Shaiba. Probably presuming this,
Malik Muhammad Jayasi composed Padmavat and the story
of Rana Ratan Singh and Queen Padmavati.
7.
financial ventures.
Reason (R)
Alauddin Khalji was an ambitious emperor. He assumed the
title of ‘Sikandar II Sani’ (Alexander the Great) and made it
imprinted on his coins. He had the ambition to win the entire
world and also to introduce a new religion as well. But he
abandoned the idea on the advice of his faithful friend and
the Kotwal “Alla-ul-Mulk”.
See the explanation of above question.
5.
Who among army-commanders of Alauddin Khalji
died fighting against Mongols?
(a) Zafar Khan
(b) Nusrat Khan
(c) Alp Khan
(d) Ulugh Khan
41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (a)
Zafar Khan, the famous army commander of Alauddin Khalji,
died while fighting against Mongols. He was an excellent
and courageous commander of his time. Mongols were so
impressed by the bravery of Zafar Khan and the persistence of
Khilji army that they backed down by 30 miles. The original
name of Zafar Khan was Malik Yusuf Hizbaruddin.
6.
Padmini is associated with Ala-ud-Din’s conquest of
Chittor. She was the wife of
(a) Maharana Pratap Singh
(b) Ranjit Singh
(c) Raja Man Singh
(d) Rana Ratan Singh
43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
The story of Padmini is well depicted in ‘Padmavat’ written
by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540 AD. According to this,
Padmini was the wife of King Ratan Singh. Amir Khusrau
had mentioned the love-story of Suleman and Queen Shaiba
in his text and compared Alauddin with
B–206
: He wanted to annex the Deccan States.
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).
4.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Which Sultan of Delhi assumed the title of Alexander
the Great –
(a) Balban
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Sikandar Lodi
U.P. Lower Sub (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
Assertion (A) : Alauddin’s Deccan expeditions were
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
Dr. K.S. Lal has written that “ the greed of wealth and lust
of pride encouraged Alauddin Khalji to attack the states of
South.” The purpose of attacking these states was wealth
and victory. There was no intention of interference in their
internal policy. He did not want the possession of southern
states. Thus, Assertion (A) is true and Reason (R) is false.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
8.
Who was the ruler of Devagiri at the time of Alauddin
Khalji’s invasion?
(a) Ramachandra Dev
(c) Malik Kafur
(b) Prataprudra Dev
(d) Rana Ratan Singh
53 to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
rd
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (a)
Ramchandra Dev was the ruler of Devagiri at the time
of Alauddin Khalji’s invasion. In 1296 A.D., the king of
Devagiri, Ramchandra Dev after the successful invasion
of Alauddin Khalji promised him to send the revenue from
Ellichpur every year, but during 1305-1306 AD, he did not
send the tax to Delhi. Consequnetly, Alauddin sent an army
under the leadership of Malik Kafur to attack Devagiri in
1307. King Ramchandra Dev was defeated and surrendered.
Malik Kafur looted Devagiri and took Ramchandra Dev
including his relatives to Delhi. Alauddin behaved with dignity
with Ramchandra Dev and gave him the title of ‘Rai Rayan’
and sent him back to his state offering 1 lakh golden ‘Tankas’
and ‘Navsari’ district. Malik Kafur had also led a campaign
against Shankar Dev, the son of Ramchandra in 1312 AD.
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
9.
Consider the map given below :
The main purpose of Alauddin behind the system of revenue
and taxes system was to establish a powerful and autocratic
state. He snatched all the lands from all those people who
got the land as ‘Milq’ (Property given by the state, as prizes,
Indarat, pension) and Waqf (land received in charity).
Therefore, Khalisa land developed on a large scale.
The route indicated on the map was followed, during
the course of his military exploits, by :
(a) Chandragupta- II
(b) Harshavardhana
(c) Rajendra Chola
(d) Malik Kafur
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (d)
The route indicated on the map was followed by the
Commander Malik Kafur during his victory of South during
Sultanate period. Alauddin Khalji found Malik Kafur during
the his victory of Gujarat. Kafur was also called “Thousand
Dinar Kafur,” probably the amount paid by the Sultan for
his possession.
10. Whose army was defeated by the army of Kakatiya
rulers in 1303 at Warangal?
(a) of Iltutmish
(b) of Balban
(c) of Alauddin Khalji
(d) of Muhammad Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (c)
In 1303, the first attempt by Alauddin to conquer Warangal
ended in a disaster as the army of the Kakatiya dynasty
defeated him. The Kakatiya king, Prataprudra, raised a
well- equipped army and Alaudin's army which was led by
Fakhruddin Juna and Malik Chhaju was defeated by the
Kakatiya army.
11. During the regime of which Sultan was the Khalisa
land developed on a large scale?
(a) Ghiyasuddin Balban
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Firuz Shah Tughluq
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
Indian History
12. The Sultan who is said to have raised the land revenue
to one-half of the produce was
(a) Balban
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Firuz Tughluq
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b & c)
Alauddin Khalji fixed the land revenue (Kharaj) to onehalf of the produce. He was the first Indian Muslim king to
impose a tax on the actual income of the land. He was the
first ruler who started charging taxes by measuring the land.
He fixed the revenue by measuring the land. Alauddin also
levied the house and grazing taxes. It is also described that
Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq had also charged the 50% land
revenue. In Doab, area Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq's revenue
demand was based upon estimate, but Alauddin Khalji's
demand was upon the measurement of land.
13. Sultan who raised the land revenue to fifty percent of
the produce was
(a) Muhammad-bin-Tughluq
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(d) Balban
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a & b)
See the explanation of above question.
14. Consider the following statement connected with
Alauddin Khalji :
I. He collected revenue by measuring the cultivated
land.
II. He enforced revenue measures in his entire empire.
III. He abolished the powers of provincial Governors.
Select the correct answer from the coding scheme given
below :
(a) I and II
(b) II and III
(c) I and III
(d) I, II and III
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (c)
The Lagaan system of Alauddin Khalji was not applicable
across the state. The system of measuring the lands of
General Studies
B–207
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
peasants and charging taxes (Lagan) on them by government
employees was limited up to Delhi and the nearby parts. He was
the first ruler who started charging taxes by measuring the land. He
made a separate department “Diwan-i-Mustakhraj” to implement
this system. Alauddin had taken away the right to charge taxes
from traditional officers (Khut, Muqaddam and Chaudhary) and
also abolished their privileges. He started charging tax on them
also. As a result of which, there was no difference between Khut
(Landlord) and Balahar (ordinary farmer).
15. Assertion (A): Alauddin Khalji introduced price
control in Delhi.
Reason (R) : He wanted to pay lower wages to the
artisans building his palaces in Delhi.
Select the correct answer from 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 a 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. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (c)
Alauddin Khalji introduced the price control policy. He had
appointed the efficient officials for the success of his policy.
He appointed Malik Kabool as Shehena or inspector of the
market and provided him with a large detachment of cavalry
and infantry to help him in the work. He gave him extensive
authority. He controlled all the merchants and informed the
king about fluctuations of price and general situation of the
market. Barani describes the purpose of market reform to
support a vast army against Mongols attacks and to control
the potential rebellion by Hindus. He had nothing to do with
paying low wages to the artisans. Hence, Assertion (A) is
true, while Reason (R) is false.
16. Which of the following Sultans introduced “Market
Reforms”?
(a) Jalaluddin Khalji
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Muhammad Tughluq (d) Balban
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
17. Who of the following Muslim rulers enforced a strict
price control system during his time?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Muhammad Tughluq (d) Sher Shah Suri
B–208
Ans. (a)
U.P. P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998
The system of market control or price control was introduced
by Alauddin Khalji during the Sultanate period. Alauddin had
a vast army in the centre and gave them wages in cash. He
was the first Sultan of Delhi to do so. The expenditure of the
army was very high. According to Barani, ‘If the army had
given the normal wages, then the treasury of the state will
finish within 5-6 years.’ Thus, to reduce the expenditure the
of army, he reduced the wages of the soldiers. He had fixed
the price of the commodities and reduced their rates so that
his soldiers could live comfortably.
18. The attempt of Alauddin Khalji to control the market
prices
(a) led to agricultural progress
(b) benefitted only Nobles/Courtiers
(c) was highly successful
(d) alienated ruler from masses
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (c)
The attempt by Alauddin Khalji to control the market prices
was highly successful.
Alauddin Khalji's measures to control the market prices were
one of the most important policy initiatives of his reign.
Since Alauddin wanted to maintain a vast standing army, he
therefore, lowered the prices of the commodities of daily use.
He established separate markets in Delhi,
(a) Grain Market (Mandi) for grain
(b) Clothes and Groceries market for clothes, sugar, dry
fruits, butter and oil
(c) Market for horses, slaves, cattle etc.
(d) Market for miscellaneous commodities.
To ensure implementation, each market was under the
control of a superintendent called Shahna-i-Mandi who
was assisted by an intelligence officer. Apart from Shahnai-Mandi Alauddin received daily reports of the market from
two other independent sources, barids (intelligence officer)
and munhiyans (Secret spies).
19. The market control system was introduced by(a) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq (b) Jalaluddin Khalji
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Balban
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
Indian History
20. Which one of the following Kings of the medieval India
began the ‘Public Distribution System’ ?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Balban
(c) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(d) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (a)
The ‘Public Distribution System’ was introduced by Alauddin
Khalji during Sultanate period.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
21. Who started Public Distribution System in Sultanate
24. Which of the following Sultan appointed a special army
to protect the boundaries of the empire?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Nasiruddin Mahmud
(c) Balban
(d) Alauddin Khilji
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (d)
Alauddin Khilji took various step to consolidate his empire.
He set up a strong central government and raised a powerful
and enormous army to protect his empire. Hence correct
option is (d).
25. Which Ruler of Delhi Sultanate declared himself as
"Khalifa"?
(a) Balban
period?
(b) Alauddin Khilji
(a) Ala-ud-din Khalji
(c) Mubarak Khilji
(b) Sikandar Lodhi
(d) Muhammad bin Tuglaq
(c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
U.P.R.O./A.R.O (Re-Exam) (Pre) 2016
(d) Firuz Shah Tughluq
Ans (c)
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66 B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020
th
Ans (a)
or Mubarak khilji was imprisoned by Malik Kafur. Later, he
ascended the throne after getting out of prison. He assumed
the title of Al-Iman, Khilafat-Ul-Leh. He was the only ruler
See the explanation of above question.
22. Which Sultan of Delhi was the first to charge ‘Ghari’
or House-tax ?
(a) Balban
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Firuz Shah Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
Ans. (b)
The two types of taxes implemented by Alauddin Khalji
were- ‘Ghari Tax’ which was implemented on houses and
huts and ‘Grazing Tax’ on milk-giving animals.
23. What was the boundary between the Delhi Sultan and
Mongols during the period of Alauddin Khalji after
1306 A.D. ?
(a) Byas
(b) Ravi
(c) Indus
(d) Sutlej
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (b)
After 1306 A.D., during the period of Alauddin Khalji, Ravi
river was the border between Delhi Sultanat and Mangol. In
1306 , under Kabak Mongols attacked but on the bank of Ravi
river, Malik Kafur and Ghazi Malik stopped them. Hence,
Ravi became the boundary between them.
Indian History
After Alauddin Khilji's death, Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Shah
who assumed the title of the caliph himself.
Tughluq Dynasty
*Among the generals of Alauddin, Ghiyasuddin Tughluq or
Ghazi Malik became the first ruler of the Tughluq dynasty. *He
established the Tughluq dynasty. *His mother was a Hindu
Jaat woman and father was a Qaraunah Turk who was a slave
of Balban. *GhiyasuddinTughluq was the Chief of several
important campaigns during Alauddin Khalji’s reign and he
was appointed as the governor of Dipalpur. *He fought against
Mongols, drove them out of India 29 times so, he became
famous as ‘Malik-ul-Ghazi’. *He took control of Delhi’s throne
by defeating Khusrau Shah and on 8th September, 1320 AD he
became Sultan. *He was also known as Ghazi Beg Tughluq or
Ghazi Tughluq. Because of this his successors were known as
‘Tughluq’ and his lineage was called Tughluq Dynasty.
*During the time of GhiyasuddinTughluq, tax from farmers
started to be collected 1/5 to 1/3 of the yield as earlier. In case
of famine, land tax was waived. Tax-free jagirs were granted
to the Government employees without giving any share in the
revenue. *The harsh punishments of the Alauddin's time were
abolished, but those who did not pay taxes, the dishonest ones
with the government money and the thieves were severely
punished.
General Studies
B–209
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
*Among all the sultans of Delhi Sultanate, Muhammad-Bin
Tughluq (1325-1351) was the most learned and educated ruler.
*He was well versed in many disciplines including astronomy,
mathematics and medicine. *Muhammad-Bin Tughluq
established a new department, Diwan-i-Amir-i-Kohi, for the
advancement of agriculture. *The main work of this department
was to provide more support to the farmers and bring more land
under agricultural work. *A long piece of land measuring about
60 square miles was chosen for it. *One of the most important
experiments of Muhammad Tughluq was to move the capital
to Daulatabad (Devgiri) from Delhi. *According to Dr. A.K.
Nizami, Sultan Qutbuddin Mubarak Khalji named Devgiri
as Qutababad and Muhammad Tughluq named it Daultabad.
Devgiri was also called Quwwat- ul- Islam. *Muhammad-Bin
Tughluq had inscribed a sentence on his coins, ‘Al Sultan Zilli
Allah’ (Sultan is the shadow of God), ‘God is the supporter of
Sultan’. * Golden coins issued by Muhammad-Bin Tughluq
were called ‘Dinar’ by Ibn Batuta. *Barani describes five major
policies of Muhammad Tughluq(1) Increase in Doab tax,
(2) making Devgiri new capital,
(3) issuing token currency,
(4) invasion on Khurasan and
(5) Qarachil Expedition.
*Ibn Batuta (1333 - 1347 AD) was an African traveller of
Moroccan origin. *He came to India in the reign of MuhammadBin Tughluq (1325-51). *Muhammad-Bin Tughluq appointed
him as the Qazi of Delhi. Later in 1342 AD , he was sent to
China as an ambassador of the Sultan. *Ibn Batuta presented
the details of his journey in his book Kitab-al-Rihla. *Details
of the postal system were known from Ibn Batuta’s travelogue.
*Muhammad-Bin Tughluq was the first sultan of Delhi
who used to participate in the festival of Hindus, mainly on
Holi. * He also appointed non-Turks and Indian Muslims to
government posts. Due to this, Barani harshly criticized him and
called him gardener, weaver, barber, cook, etc. *MuhammadBin Tughluq died on March 20, 1351. On his death, Badayuni
wrote, “Sultan was freed from his people, and the people were
freed by their Sultan.”
*Firuz Shah Tughluq started some welfare programmes
for the benefit of common people. *After opening an office
(employment office) for the appointment of the individual
through investigating the qualifications and merit of each
individual and giving appointment to as many people as possible
- he tried to solve the problem of unemployment. *Firuz Shah
Tughluq used to donate property to the saints and religious
people. He had established a department ‘Diwan-e-Khairat’,
which provided financial assistance to the poor Muslims,
orphaned women and widows, and arranged marriages for
B–210
poor Muslim girls. *Feruz Tughluq was the first Indian ruler
to arrange Hajj at state expenditure. He also established a
Khairati hospital called ‘Dar-ul-Shafa’ where skilled Haqim
were employed.
*Firuz Shah Tughluq was very fond of the slaves. *There were
approximately one lakh eighty thousand slaves working under
Firuz Tughluq. *A separate department (‘Diwan-i-Bandagan’)
was formed for caring of them. *He established a Public
Work Department. *It is said that Firuz built 300 new cities.
Fatehabad, Hisar, Firozepur, Jaunpur and Firozabad were
prominent towns established by him. According to the Farista,
Firuz had constructed 40 mosques, 30 schools, 20 palaces,
100 Inns, 200 towns, 100 hospitals, 5 Makabara, 100 public
bathrooms, 10 pillars and 150 bridges. *His chief architect was
Malik Ghazi Shahana.
*The plan and proposal of each building were presented before
‘Diwan-i-Wajarat’ with its expenditure estimate, and only then
the required money could be released. *Firuz Tughluq’s reign
became famous for constructing the largest network of canals in
India. *To facilitate irrigation, he constructed five major canals.
(i) The first canal was 150 miles long which took the Yamuna
river water to Hisar.
(ii) The other was 96 miles long which connected the Sutlej
to the Ghaghra.
(iii) The third canal ran from from the hills of Sirmaur to Hansi
(iv) The fourth canal was from Ghagra to Firuzabad.
(v) The fifth one is from Yamuna river to Firuzabad.
*He was the first Sultan of Delhi who imposed irrigation tax
named ‘Haqq-e-Sharb’ after getting the permission from
the Ulemas. *The farmers who used to use the royal canals
for irrigation had to give 1/10 portion of their produce to
the government. *Jizya was imposed on Brahmins by Firoz
Tughluq. *It is noteworthy that by that time Brahmins were
kept free from this tax. *Firuz Shah Tughluq planted 1200 new
fruit gardens near Delhi due to his interest in horticulture and
rehabilitated thirty old orchards of Alauddin period. He also
made measures to improve the quality of fruits in his orchards.
*Two Pillars (Stambh) of Ashoka were brought to Delhi from
Meerut and Topra (now in Ambala district) by Firoz Shah
Tughluq. *The Topara Pillar (Stambh) was re-established near
the palace and the mosque of Firuzabad. *The Pillar (Stambh)
of Meerut was re-installed near the current Bada Hindu Rao
Hospital of Delhi. *Sultan Firuz Tughluq of Delhi had set up
a ‘Translation Department’ with the aim to improve the
understanding of each others ideas among the people of both
Hindu and Muslim communities. *He got some Sanskrit texts
translated into Persian also.
*Nasiruddin Mahmud (1394 - 1412 AD) was the last ruler
of the Tughluq dynasty. During his reign, Khwaja Jahan had
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
established an independent state of Jaunpur. *Subedar of Punjab
province Khizr Khan declared independence and tried to
capture Delhi. *Another son of Firuz, Nusrat Shah challenged
Nasiruddin. *As a result, Tughluq dynasty was divided into
two parts, and both claimats ruled the shrunk kingdom of Delhi
simultaneously. *Nasiruddin stayed in Delhi and Nusrat Shah in
Firuzabad. During the reign of Nasiruddin Mahmud, Taimur,
the Great Mongol General of Central Asia, invaded India (1398
AD). *This statement was famous with respect to Nasiruddin
Mahmud - ‘The sultanate of Shahanshah extends from Delhi
to Palam'. *Taimur’s invasion (1398 AD) destroyed both the
Delhi Sultanate and the Tughluq dynasty. * With the death of
Nasiruddin Mahmud, the Tughluq dynasty ended in 1412 AD.
The warlords of Delhi elected Daulat Khan as Sultan of Delhi
in 1413 AD. *But he was defeated by Khizr Khan. *He was the
Subedar of Lahore appointed by Taimur. *After the invasion
of Taimur in1414 AD, he took control of Delhi and laid the
foundations of a new lineage Sayyid Dynasty.
1.
Who amongst the following Generals of Alauddin
Khalji, ultimately became the first Sultan of Tughluq
dynasty:
(a) Ghazi Malik
(b) Malik Kafur
(c) Zafar Khan
(d) Ubigh Khan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (a)
Ghazi Malik a commander of Allauddin, was the founder
and first ruler of Tughluq dynasty a commander of Alauddin.
His mother was a Hindu Jat lady and father was a Qaraunah
Turk, the slave of Balban. Ghiyasuddin Tughluq was the
chief commander of many major campaigns during the reign
of Alauddin. He was appointed the governor of Depalpur. He
chased and defeated Mongols 29 times, so he was famous
as ‘Malik-ul-Ghazi.’ He ascended the throne of Delhi as the
first Sultan of Tughluq dynasty assassinating Khusrau Shah
on September 8, 1320, A.D. He was also called by the name
of Ghazi Beigh Tughluq or Ghazi Tughluq. That’s why his
descendants were also called ‘Tughluq.’
2. Ghazi Malik was the founder of which dynasty?
(a) Tughluq
(b) Khalji
(c) Sayyid
(d) Lodi
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
3.
During the reign of which of the following Sultan of
Delhi, Hindu gods and goddesses were worshipped in
royal palaces?
(a) Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Khilji
(b) Nasiruddin Mahmud
(c) Nasiruddin Khusro Shah
Indian History
(d) Alauddin Masud Shah
Ans (c)
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre.) 2021
Khusro Khan became Sultan of Delhi Sultanate after killing last
Khalji ruler Mubarak Shah in 1320. He was a Hindu convert
and remain Sultan for two months only. Hindu gods and
goddesses were worshipped in royal palaces during his reign.
4.
The Sultans of which dynasty ruled the country for
the longest period ?
(a) Khalji dynasty
(b) Lodi dynasty
(c) Slave dynasty
(d) Tughluq dynasty
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
The Sultans of Slave dynasty ruled from 1206-1290 A.D.
Khalji dynasty ruled from 1290 to 1320 A.D. The ruler of
Lodi dynasty ruled from 1451 to 1526 A.D. The ruler of
Tughluq dynasty ruled from 1320 to 1412 A.D. Thus, Tughluq
dynasty ruled for the longest period.
5.
The most learned ruler of the Delhi sultanate who was
well versed in various branches of learning including
Astronomy, Mathematics and Medicine was
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Sikandar Lodi
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Ans. (c)
Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq (1325-1351) was the most learned
ruler among all the Sultans of Delhi Sultanate. He was well
versed in astronomy, mathematics and medical science and
other genres.
6.
Which Sultan introduced new Department “Aamir-eKohi”?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Sikandar Lodi
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (c)
Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq had established a new department
‘Diwan-i-Amir-i-Kohi’ also called Diwan-i-Kohi for the
development of agriculture. A land of 60 square miles was
selected for that purpose. The agrarian reforms had taken
place on land, and various crops were cultivated with
alteration according to crop rotation.
7.
Who among the following rulers established 'Diwani-Amir-Kohi' department?
(a) Balban
(b) Allaunddin Khalji
General Studies
B–211
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Firuz Shah Tughluq
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
8.
The department of 'Diwan-i-Amir-Kohi' dealt with
which of the following during Sultanate period?
(a) Army
(b) Revenue
(c) Agriculture
(d) Entertainment
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
9.
Which Sultan of Delhi had established a separate
Agriculture Department and had planned the ‘rotation
of crops’ ?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
10. Diwan-E-Kohi is associated with–
(a) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(b) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(c) Akbar
(d) Alauddin Khalji
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
11. Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq had transferred his capital
from Delhi to –
(a) Daulatabad
(b) Kalinjeb
(c) Kanauj
(d) Lahore
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (a)
Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq had shifted his capital from Delhi
to Daulatabad (Devgiri). It was one of the most significant
experiments of Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq. Various factors
have been identified for this experiment. According to Barani,
Devgiri probably was at the center of his empire. According
to Ibn Battuta, the people of Delhi used to write undeferential
letters to Sultan. To punish them he decided to make Devgiri his
capital. Muhammad Tughluq was also the first Sultan of Delhi
who tried to establish the administrative and cultural unity of
northern and southern India. Probably this was also the main
reason behind making Devgiri his capital. According to Dr.
A.K. Nizami, Sultan Qutbuddin Mubarak Khalji had changed
the name of Devgiri to Qutbabad and Muhammad Tughluq
to Daulatabad. Devgiri is also known as Quwwat-ul-Islam.
B–212
12. The transfer of capital from Delhi to Daulatabad was
ordered by :
(a) Sultan Firuz Tughluq
(b) Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tuqhluq
(c) Sultan Mubarak
(d) Sultan Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
13. For the first time the token currency was introduced
in India by :
(a) Akbar
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Bahlul Lodi
(d) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (d)
Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq launched different types of coins
during his period and also decided their reasonable prices.
But the circulation of token currency was his specialty.
According to Barani, due to lack of silver in treasury and policy
of expanding the empire, Muhammad Tughluq had to launch
the token currency. The token currency was launched in Iran
during the regime of Qairwat Khan, though, the experiment was
unsuccessful. The token currency was successfully launched
during China during the period of Kublai Khan. Innovative
Muhammad-Bin- Tughluq was inspired by them. The modern
historian also note that there was a shortage of silver in all
over the world, and there was a severe shortage of silver in
India too. Due to this reason, he launched token currency.
14. Who among the following was the first Sultan to
introduce token currency in India?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Muhammad-Bin Tughluq
(d) Bahlul Lodi
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
15. Assertion (A): Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq issued a new
gold coin which was called Dinar by Ibn
Battuta.
Reason (R) : Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq wanted to
issue token currency in gold coins to
promote trade with West Asian and
North African countries.
Code :
(a) Both ‘A’ and ‘R’ are true individually true and ‘R’ is
the correct explanation of ‘A’.
General Studies
Indian History
(b) Both ‘A’ and ‘R’ are individually 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.
I.A.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq issued the new gold coins which
was called ‘Dinar’ by Ibn Battuta. He issue the token currency
in copper coins to promote his military power not for trade
with the West Asian and the North African countries in token
currency of gold. Thus, Assertion (A) is true, but Reason
(R) is false.
16. Consider the following statementsAssertion (A) : The scheme of the token currency
of Muhammad Tughluq proved
unsuccessful.
Reason (R) : Muhammad Tughluq did not have the
proper control over currency issue.
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) Both (A) and (R) is individually true, and (R) is the
correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) is individually 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. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (a)
Barani describes the five main schemes of Muhammad
Tughluq:- (1) Increase in tax in Doab tax, (2) Devgiri as
Capital, (3) Issuing token currency, (4) Attack on Khurasan
and (5) failed Qarachil expedition. The main reason behind
the failure of token currency was that the state had no control
over the minting of coins. The value of the token currency
was equivalent to the silver value currency. As a result, many
fraud mints were formed. The Lagan began to be paid by
forged coins.
17. Ibn Battuta, the Moorish traveller, visited India during
the reign of :
(a) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(b) Babar
(c) Akbar
(d) Mahmud Ghazni
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
Indian History
Ibn Battuta (1333-1347) was an African traveller of Moroccon
origin. He came to India in the period of Muhammad-BinTughluq. Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq appointed him as Qazi
of Delhi. Later in 1342 AD, he was sent to China as an
ambassador of Sultan. Ibn Battuta had mentioned about his
journey in his book Kitab-al- Rihla.
18. Medieval traveller and writer Ibn Batuta belonged to
which country?
(a) Persia
(b) Morocco
(c) Egypt
(d) Afghanistan
Chattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
19. Ibn Battuta visited India during the reign of :
(a) Bahlul Lodi
(b) Firuz Tughluq
(c) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
(d) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
20. Who of the following has given a detailed description
of the postal system obtaining during the Sultanate
period?
(a) Amir Khusrau
(b) Ibn Battuta
(c) Sultan Firuz Shah
(d) Ziyauddin Barani
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (b)
The detailed description of the postal system is obtained from
the chronicle journey of Ibn Battuta. He was the resident of
Tanzir region of Morocco and came to India during the period
of Muhammad Tughluq. ‘Kitab-ul-Rehla’ is his famous book.
21. Who was the first Sultan of Delhi to participate in the
public celebration of Holi ?
(a) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(b) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(c) Sikandar Lodi
(d) Ibrahim Lodi
U. P. P. C. S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004
Ans. (b)
Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq was the first among all Sultans
of Delhi who participated in public celebrations of Hindus,
especially Holi. He also appointed non-Turks and Indian
Muslims at higher posts of government due to which Barani
harshly criticized him and called him ‘Gardener,’ ‘Barber,’
‘Cook’ etc.
General Studies
B–213
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
22. On the death of which Muslim ruler a historian said
‘the king was freed from his people and they from their
king’?
(a) Balban
(b) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Sher Shah
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
When Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq was in Daulatabad, a revolt
took place in Gujarat led by Taghi. Sultan dashed to Gujarat
to quell the revolt. Taghi was defeated and fled to Sindh.
After restoring peace in Gujarat, Sultan moved to Sindh to
kill Taghi. Sultan fell sick on the way and died on March 20,
1351, near Thatta. On his death, Badayuni wrote, ‘’the king
was freed from his people and they from their king’.
23. ‘The king was freed from his people and they from
their king.’ On whose death did Badayuni comment
this ?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Balban
(c) Iltutmish
(d) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
I.A.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
Badayuni made this statement about Mohammad-BinTughluq in his work “Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh.”
24. Which one of the following sultans provided
employment to the unemployeds?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(c) Firuz Tughluq
(d) Sher Shah Suri
45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (c)
Firuz Shah Tughluq started some welfare programmes
for common people. He tried to solve the problem of
unemployment by opening an office for the appointment
(employment office) and also appointed many qualified
people by their qualification and merits.
25. Who among the following Sultans of Delhi
established an ‘Employment Exchange’ to help the
unemployed ?
(a) Balban
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Firuz Shah Tughluq
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010
B–214
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
26. The Sultan of Delhi who was very concerned about
charity and alms and established a department called
‘Diwan-i-Khairat’ for it, was:
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Firuz Tughluq
(c) Ghiyasuddin Shah
(d) Bahlul Lodi
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 1999
Ans. (b)
Firuz Shah Tughluq used to donate state and property to
saints and religious people. He had established ‘Diwan-eKhairat’ to provide financial help to poor Muslims, orphans
women, and widows and also arranged marriages of poor
Muslim girls.
27. Which of the following Sultan had most numbers of
slaves in his court?
(a) Balban
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Firuz Tughluq
45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (d)
Firuz Shah Tughluq was fond of slaves. The number of his
slaves reached up to one lakh eighty thousand. He established
a separate department (Diwan-e-Bandgan) to take care of
them. He kept full attention about their education. Each slave
was paid 10 to 100 Tankas and sometimes, they also got
states. This hobby of Firuz proved detrimental to the state.
28. With reference to medieval Indian rulers, which one
of the following statements is correct?
(a) Alauddin Khalji first set up a separate Ariz’s
department
(b) Balban introduced the branding system of horses of
his military
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq was succeeded by his uncle
to the military
(d) Firuz Tughluq set up a separate department of slaves
I.A.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (d)
(i) Balban established an army department ‘Diwan-e-Arz’
to look after a large standing army with a view to potential
Mongol threats. He made Imad-ul-Mulk his commander who
was very honest and hardworking. Balban freed him from
financial control of Wazir to ensure him financial autonomy.
The credit of good arrangement of Balban's army goes
to Imad-ul-Mulk. (ii) The branding system of horses was
introduced by Alauddin, not by Balban. (iii) Firuz Tughluq,
the cousin brother of Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq, sat on the
throne after him (1351-1388 century). (iv) Firuz Shah
General Studies
Indian History
Tughluq had established a separate department ‘Diwan-eBandgan’ of slaves. Firuz Shah Tughluq was fond of slaves.
Thus, option (d) is the correct answer.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
29. Public Works Department was primarily established
by(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Firuz Shah Tughluq
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (d)
The Public Works Department was primarily established
by Firuz Shah Tughluq during the Sultanate period. It is
said that he established 300 new cities. Fatehabad, Hisar,
Firuzpur, Jaunpur, and Firuzabad are some of the main cities
established by him. According to Farista, Firuz had also
constructed 40 Mosques, 30 schools, 20 palaces, 100 Inns,
200 hospitals, five tombs, 100 public bathrooms, ten pillars
and 150 bridges. He had converted the name Ikdala to Azadpur
and Pandua to Firuzabad during his Bengal campaign. Malik
Ghazni Shehana was the main architect in his empire. The
policy of each building as per its expected expenditure was
put in front of ‘Diwan-i-Wajarat,’ only then the fund could
be allowed on it.
30. The Sultan of Delhi who is reputed to have built the
biggest network of canals in India was :
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
(c) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(d) Sikandar Lodi
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (c)
The reign of Firuz Tughluq is famous for building the biggest
network of canals for irrigation purpose. They were:- (1)
Sutlej to Ghaggar (96 miles) (2) Yamuna to Hisar (150 miles),
(3) Sirmor to Hansi, (4) Ghaggar to Firuzabad and (5) Yamuna
to Firuzabad. He also engraved 150 wells for irrigation and
betterment of passengers. According to Farista, Firuz built
50 dams and 30 lakes at different places. Firuz Shah was
the first Sultan of Delhi who imposed ‘Hakk-i-Sharb’ tax
on irrigation. Those farmers who used to irrigate their fields
from the water of the royal canal had to give 1/10th part of
the produce to the government.
31. Which Delhi Sultan built the maximum number of
canals?
(a) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(b) Iltutmish
Indian History
(c) Balban
(d) Sikandar Lodi
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
32. With reference to digging canals for enriching
agriculture, who among the following is given the credit
of being the first ruler of 14th century?
(a) Balban
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq (d) Raziyya Begum
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (c)
Ghiyasuddin Tughluq was the founder of Tughluq dynasty.
He took a number of steps to improve the standard of farmers.
He restored the old rights of Khuts and Muqaddams. The rate
of land revenue was fixed at 1/3. He built canals for irrigation.
33. Who was the first Sultan of Delhi to have levied
‘Haqq-i-Sharb’ or irrigation tax ?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Firuz Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
U. P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
34. Which Sultan of Delhi had levied ‘Jizya’ on Brahmins?
(a) Balban
(b) Firuz Tughluq
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (b)
Ghiyasuddin Tughluq was the founder of Tughluq dynasty.
He took a number of steps to improve the standard of farmers.
He restored the old rights of Khuts and Muqaddams. The rate
of land revenue was fixed at 1/3. He built canals for irrigation.
35. Which one of the following Sultans of Delhi introduced
measures for improving the quality of fruits?
(a) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(b) Firuz Tughluq
(c) Sikandar Lodi
(d) Sher Shah Suri
44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (b)
General Studies
B–215
Due to his interest in horticulture, Firuz planted 1200 new
orchards near Delhi and also restored 30 old gardens of
Alauddin. He also took measures to improve the quality of
fruits in his orchards.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
36. Who brought two Ashoka Pillars to Delhi from Topra
and Meerut ?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(c) Muhammad Ghori
(d) Sikandar Lodhi
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (b)
The specialty of Firuz Shah Tughluq was that he focused
on maintaining and reconstructing the buildings of his
predecessors. He paid more attention to reconstructing those
buildings. He brought two pillars of Ashoka from Meerut and
Topra (now in Ambala district) to Delhi and reestablished the
pillar of Topra in a palace, near the mosque of Firuzabad.
The pillar of Meerut was reestablished at Bada Hindu Rao
hospital of Delhi, near a mound ‘Kashke-Shikar’.
37. Which Sultan of Delhi brought Ashoka’s Pillar to
Delhi?
(a) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(b) Jalaluddin Khalji
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Qutbuddin Aybak
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
38. Which Sultan of Delhi established a ‘Translation
Department’ to help both communities to understand
each others’ ideas better ?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Firuz Tughluq
(c) Iltutmish
(d) Sikandar Lodi
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004
Ans. (b)
The Sultan of Delhi Firuz Tughluq established a ‘Translation
Department’ for the purpose so that the people of both
communities (Hindus and Muslims) could better exchange
ideas. He translated some Sanskrit texts into the Persian
language.
39. The first Indian ruler to organize Haj pilgrimage from
the State Exchequer was:
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Firuz Tughluq
(c) Akbar
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998
I.A.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
B–216
Firuz Tughluq was the first Indian ruler to organize Haj
pilgrimage from the state exchequer. He completed many
welfare works such as he opened the employment office and
an orphanage, which was known as ‘Diwan-e-Khairat.’ He
also opened a charitable hospital known as ‘Dar-ul-Shafa’
and also placed qualified Hakeems in it.
40. What was ‘Dar-ul-Shafa’ established by Firuz
Tughluq?
(a) An almshouse
(b) A free hospital
(c) A library
(d) A guest house for pilgrims
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
rd
53 to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
41. Who was the last ruler of the Tughluq dynasty of the
Delhi Sultanate?
(a) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(b) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq Shah- II
(c) Nasiruddin Mahmud
(d) Nusrat Shah
I.A.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
Nasiruddin Mahmud (1394-1412) was the last ruler of
Tughluq dynasty. During his reign, Khwaja Jahan founded
the independent state of Jaunpur. Nusrat Shah, another son of
Firuz Shah, had challenged Nasiruddin. As a result, Tughluq
dynasty was divided into two parts. Both the rulers ruled over
Delhi at the same time. Nasiruddin was in Delhi and Nusrat
Shah in Firozabad. The great Mongol commander Timur
attacked (1398 century) on India in the reign of Nasiruddin
Mahmud. The statement “The dominion of the Shanshah
Lord of the Universe extended from Delhi to Palam “ was
famous saying for this ruler.
42. In whose reign did Timur invaded India?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Bahlul Lodi
(c) Firuz Tughluq
(d) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (*)
The invasion of Timur on India took place in the year 1398
A.D. during the reign of Nasiruddin Muhmud (1394-1412).
Timur himself mentioned the purposes of invasion of India.
General Studies
Indian History
Timur’s objective of attacking India was to fight and destroy
the Kafirs and plunder wealth. In January 1399, Timur
returned visiting Firuzabad, Meerut, Haridwar, Kangda and
Jammu. Before leaving India, he appointed Khizr Khan as
governor of Multan, Depalpur and Lahore. Thus, all the
given options are incorrect.
43. In which year did Timur Lung attack India?
(a) 1210 A.D.
(b) 1398 A.D.
(c) 1492 A.D.
(d) 1526 A.D.
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
44. Which one of the following dynasties ruled over India
after the invasion of Timur?
(a) Lodi Dynasty
(b) Sayyid dynasty
(c) Tughluq dynasty
(d) Khalji dynasty
45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
The invasion of Timur (1398) destroyed both Delhi Sultanate
as well as the Tughluq dynasty. Tughluq dynasty came to
an end with the death of Nasiruddin Mahmud in 1412 AD,
after that, Daulat Khan became the new Sultan of Delhi in
1413 AD. However, Khizr Khan defeated him who was the
Governor of Lahore, appointed by Timur. He founded Sayyid
dynasty in 1414 AD.
45. Arrange the following in their chronological order :
1. Rukn-ud-din
2. Mubarak Khan
3. Firuz Shah Tughluq
4. Alam Shah
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
(a) 2, 1, 4, 3
(b) 1, 2, 4, 3
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4
(d) 2, 1, 3, 4
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2003
Ans. (c)
Rukn-ud-din
1236AD
Mubarak Khan
1316-1320AD
Firuz Shah Tughluq
1351-1388AD
Alam Shah
1445-1451AD
After the death of Iltutmish, Rukn-ud-din became the ruler
in 1236 AD while Iltutmish had appointed Raziyya as his
successor. Mubarak Khan became the sultan of Delhi by the
name of Muhammad Khalji in 1316. Firuz Shah Tughluq
ruled over Delhi from 1351 to 1388 and Alam Shah of Sayyid
dynasty ruled from 1445 to 1451 AD.
46. Ain-ul-Mulk Multani did not serve under which of the
following rulers?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Muhammad-Bin Tughluq
Indian History
(c) Firuz Tughluq
(d) Iltutmish
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (d)
Ain-ul-Mulk Multani served under Alauddin Khalji,
Muhammad-Bin Tughluq and Firuz Tughluq. In 1305,
Allaudin Khalji sent Ain-ul-Mulk Multani to Central India
where he conquered Malwa. In his last days he was busy in
the conquest of the south.
47. Which one of the following is NOT correctly matched?
(Ruler)
(State)
(a) Rana Hamir
Mewar
(b) Rana Chunda
Marwar
(c) Malik Raja Farooqi
Khandesh
(d) Malik Sarwar Khwaja Jahan Malwa
Ans (d)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
The Jaunpur Sultanate was an independent Islamic state
in northern India between 1394 and 1479. It was ruled by
the Sharqi dynasty. It was founded in 1394 by Khwajah-iJahan Malik Sarwar, a former wazir of Sultan Nasiruddin
Muhammad Shah IV Tughluq. Hence except option (d), all
other options are correct.
Lodi Dynasty
*Lodi Dynasty was established by Bahlul Lodi in 1451 AD.
*He sat on the throne of Delhi as ‘Bahlul Shah Ghazi’ and
got Khutba proclaimed in his name. *His most important
victory was over Jaunpur. Bahlul Lodi did not treat Hindus
with religious fanaticism. There were many reputed Hindu
Sardars in his court; Rai Karan Singh, Rai Pratap Singh, Rai
Nara Singh, Rai Trilokchandra and Rai Dadu. He introduced
‘Bahlul coin’ which was the main means of exchanges prior to
Akbar. *Bahlul Lodi appointed his third son Nizam Khan as his
successor prior to his death but some of the chiefs opposed him
because his mother (Jaiband) was the daughter of a goldsmith.
*Some powerful warlords joined Nizam Khan and he sat on
the throne as Sultan Sikandarshah on July 17, 1489 AD. He
was the greatest ruler of the Lodi dynasty.
*Sikandar Lodi in 1504 AD established a new city called Agra
along the Yamuna River to control the rulers of Rajasthan and
made Agra his capital. Sikandar Shah was a very hard working,
generous and unbiased ruler. * He tried for the improvement
and advancement of agriculture and trade. * The measurement
scale use for land ‘Gaj-e-Sikandari’ was started at that time.
He arranged free meals for the poor.
*He stopped ‘Tazia’ in Muharram and banned Muslim women
to visit ‘Peers’ and Saint palaces ‘Mazaar’. *During his reign, a
list was made of qualified and skilled persons and was presented
every six months before him. *He was an educated and learned
person. *He ordered an Ayurvedic treatise to be translated into
Persian and named it ‘Farhangi Sikandari’ .
General Studies
B–217
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Lajjat-e-Sikandarshahi’, a masterpiece of singing, was
composed during his reign. *Sikander Lodi was very fond of
hearing Shehnai. *He used to write poems under the nickname
‘Gulrukhi’. *Sultan Sikandar abolished the Zakat (Property
tax) on grain. *There was a battle between Maharana Sanga
and Ibrahim Lodi at Khatoli in 1518 AD.* Ibrahim Lodi was
defeated in this battle. * The first battle of Panipat took place
between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi on April 21, 1526. *Ibrahim’s
was defeated and killed in the battle- field. *According to
Nayamatullah (Niyamatullah), besides Sultan Ibrahim, no other
Sultan of India was killed in the battlefield.
1. Who among the following Sultanate rulers was of
Afghan origin?
(a) Khalji
(b) Tughluq
(c) Sayyid
(d) Lodi
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (d)
Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526) was the last ruling family of the
Delhi Sultanate of India. The dynasty was of Afghan Origin.
Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat
(1526) which ended the Lodi dynasty.
2.
Which one of the following is the correct chronological
order of the Afghan rulers to the throne of Delhi?
(a) Sikandar Shah-Ibrahim Lodi-Bahlul Khan Lodi
(b) Sikandar Shah-Bahlul Khan Lodi or Lodi Ibrahim.
(c) Bahlul Khan Lodi or Lodi Sikandar Shah-Ibrahim
Lodi.
(d) Bahlul Khan Lodi or Lodi Ibrahim Lodi or Lodi
Sikandar Shah.
I.A.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (c)
Bahlul Lodi was the founder of Lodi dynasty. The correct
chronological order of the Afghan rulers to the throne of
Delhi is Bahlul Khan Lodi (1451-1489 A.D.), Sikandar Shah
(1489-1517 A.D.), Ibrahim Lodi (1517-1526 A.D.). Hence,
option (c) is the correct answer.
3. To which Lodi Sultan does the given map relate and
what town lies the side marked A on the map represent ?
A
B–218
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Bahlul Lodi, Jaunpur
Sikandar Lodi, Aligarh
Ibrahim Lodi, Jaunpur
Ibrahim Lodi, Aligarh
I.A.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (a)
The given map is related to the extension of the kingdom
of Bahlul Lodi and the place marked ‘A’ is Jaunpur. It was
known as Shiraz of India during this period.
4.
In which battle did Maharana Sanga defeat Ibrahim
Lodi?
(a) Battle of Khatoli
(b) Battle of Sarangpur
(c) Battle of Siwana
(d) Battle of Khanua
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2012
Ans. (a)
The battle of Khatoli was fought between Maharana Sanga
and Ibrahim Lodi in 1518. Ibrahim Lodi was defeated badly
by Maharana Sanga.
5.
Which of the following Sultans founded a town where
now stands Agra?
(a) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(b) Firuz Tughluq
(c) Bahlul Lodi
(d) Sikandar Lodi
44 B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (d)
th
Nizam Khan, the third son of Bahlul Lodi, ascended the
throne assuming the title of Sikandar Lodi on 17 July, 1489.
Sikandar Lodi was the greatest among three Lodi rulers.
Sikandar Lodi is especially remembered for founding the
city of Agra in 1504 with the purpose to control over the
rulers of Rajasthan. His administration was noted for its
efficiency. Roads were made safe and irrigational facilities
were provided for the benefit of the peasantry. He had a
knowledge of Persian poetry. He used to write poems under
the nickname 'Gulrukhi'. He was known to be a kind and
generous ruler who cared for his subjects.
6.
Which medieval Sultan has the credit of founding the
city of Agra and making it the capital of the Sultanate?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(c) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(d) Sikandar Lodi
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (d)
General Studies
Indian History
See the explanation of above question.
7.
Who among the following composed poems with the
pen-name ‘Gulrukhi’?
(a) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(b) Bahlul Lodi
(c) Sikandar Lodi
(d) Ibrahim Lodi
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
8.
Agra city was founded by :
(a) Balban
(b) Bahlul Lodi
(c) Sikandar Lodi
(d) Firuz Tughluq
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
9.
Which ruler founded the city of Agra?
(a) Sikandar Lodi
(b) Akbar
(c) Firuz Tughluq
(d) Shahjahan
Chhattisagarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of the above question.
10. Which one of the following Sultans is known for having
abolished the tax on grains?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
(c) Firuz Tughluq
(d) Sikandar Lodi
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010
Ans. (d)
The rule of Lodi dynasty persisted till the coronation of
Sikandar Lodi. He took been interest in land revenue
managements. He ordered his nobles to present the details of
their expenditure and cases of embezzlement were severely
punished. He introduced “Gaj-e-Sikandari for measurement
of land which was later used by Sher Shah Suri and Akbar.
Several grain levies were abolished by him.
11. In which order did the following dynasties rule Delhi ?
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
1. Khalji
2. Lodi
3. Sayyid
4. Slave
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 4, 3
(b) 1, 2, 3, 4
(c) 2, 3, 4, 1
(d) 4, 1, 3, 2
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Ans. (d)
Indian History
The Ghulam (Slave) dynasty or Mamluk rulers ruled during
1206-1290 AD. Khalji dynasty ruled during 1290-1320.
Sayyid dynasty during 1414-1451 and Lodi dynasty during
1451-1526. So, option (d) is the right answer.
12. Who among these was not from the Slave dynasty ?
(a) Balban
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Qutbuddin Aybak
(d) Ibrahim Lodi
Uttarakhand Lower Sub. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (d)
The rulers of Delhi during (1206-90) AD was famed as Slave
dynasty. Qutbuddin Aibak (1206-10) Iltutmish (1211-36),
Balban (1266-86) AD were the eminent ruler of this dynasty
while Ibrahim Lodi was related to Lodi dynasty. Thus, option
(d) is the correct answer.
Vijayanagara Empire
*Vijayanagara Empire was established by Hariharaa and
Bukka in 1336 AD. Their lineage was called Sangam Dynasty
as their father’s name was Sangam. *Harihara and Bukka were
ministers in the Kampili state. *When Muhammad Tughluq
conquered the Kampili, he imprisoned Harihara and Bukka.
They accepted Islam religion. They were later sent as Tughluq
army commanders towards South. Harihara and Bukka came
to Kampili with Tughluq force and suppressed Kampili revolt.
Eventually, they became Hindu again coming under the influence
of a Saint Vidyaranya. *Harihara and Bukka had taken learning
from their teacher(Guru) Vidyaranya and famous mentor of
the Vedas, Sayan, to establish Vijayanagara. *Four dynasties
of this empire - Sangam dynasty (1336 - 1485), Saluva
dynasty (1485 - 1505), Tuluva dynasty (1505 - 1570) and
Aravidu dynasty ruled for almost 300 years. *The capitals
of the Vijayanagara empire were respectively - Anegondi,
Vijayanagara, Venugonda and Chandragiri.
*Harihara - I sent two forces in 1352 -53AD to conquer
Madurai - one led by Kumar Saval and other led by Kumara
Kampana. *Kumara Kampana Adyar conquered Madurai
and merged it to Vijayanagara Empire. *His wife Gangdevi
has made a living description of her husband’s victory in her
book ‘Madura Vijayam’. *Kumara Kampana was the son
of Bukka Rai I. *After Bukka’s death in 1377 AD, his son,
Harihara II (1377 - 1404 AD), sat on the throne. * He assumed
the title of ‘Maharajadhiraja’. * He won the states of Kanara,
Mysore, Trichinapalli, Kanchi, etc and collected the revenue
from the king of Sri Lanka. The biggest success of Harihara
II was to capture Belgaum and Goa of the Bahamani state in
the west. *He was a worshiper of Virupaksha Shiva. *Samant
Narsingh Saluva of Chandragiri removed the last ruler of the
Sangam dynasty, Virupaksha II, in 1485 AD and took control
General Studies
B–219
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
of the throne and established a new dynasty ‘Saluva Dynasty’.
*Veer Narsingh removed the son of Narsingh Saluva (Immadi
Narasimha, the last ruler of the Saluva dynasty) from the throne,
took control of the throne and laid the foundation of the Tuluva
dynasty. His younger brother Krishnadeva Raya (1509-1529
AD) sat on the throne after the death of Veer Narsingh. His
brother, Achyutdev Rai who ruled from 1529 to 1542 AD was
the successor of Krishnadev Raya.
*Krishnadeva Raya, the ruler of Vijayanagara, fought
the battle of Golconda with Sultan Quli Qutb Shah of
Golconda. *The army of QutbShahi was defeated. *The reign
of Krishnadeva Raya is considered to be a classical era of
literature in Vijayanagara. *Eight Telugu poets of his court
were regarded as eight pillars of his literary assembly and
known as Ashtadiggajas. *Therefore, his reign was also
called the golden age of Telugu literature. *Krishnadeva Raya
had assumed the title of ‘Andhra Bhoj’. *Krishnadeva Raya
himself was a poet and writer of outstanding ability. *His main
composition- ‘Amuktamalyad’, is one of the five epics of
Telugu language. *He established Nagalpur town. *He also
constructed temples like ‘Hazara’ and ‘Vitalaswami’. *During
his time, the Portuguese traveller 'Domingo Paes’ travelled to
the Vijayanagara empire. *Babur in his autobiography described
Krishnadeva Raya as the most powerful ruler of India. *Persian
ambassador Abdur Razzaq came to Vijayanagara during the
reign of Devaraya II, the most august ruler of the Sangam
dynasty. *The translation of Mahabharata in Telugu was started
by Nannayan in the 11th century, which was completed by
Tikkan in the 13th century and again by the Yerrann in the 14th
century. *These three are famous as the 'Kavitrayi' of Telugu
literature. *In the famous Battle of Talikota, the combined
Forces of Bahamani states defeated Vijayanagara in January
1565 AD. *Barar was not included in that combined Forces.
According to the Farista, this battle was fought in Talikota but
the actual area of war was situated between two villages named
Rakshasi and Tangadi. *During the Battle of Talikota, the ruler
of Vijayanagara was Sadashiva Raya (1542 - 1570 AD) but the
real power was in the hands of his minister Ramraya. *Hussain
Nizamashah killed Ramarai with his own hand in this battle.
*Thirumal after dethroning Sadashiva in Penukonda sat on the
throne and laid the foundation of Aravidu Dynasty (1570-1650
AD).* His successor was Rang I. * Venkata II became the
ruler after Rang I. *He made Chandragiri his headquarters. *It
was the last dynasty in the series of great rulers of Vijayanagara.
*Venkata II was contemporary of King Vodiyar, who established
the kingdom of Mysore in 1612. *The main source of revenue
in Vijayanagara empire was the taxes on the land/farm. The
land was well-surveyed. Normally, the land tax was one-third
to one-sixth of the yield. It depends upon land category and
crop quality. The tax named ‘Shisht’ (Rai-rekha) was the main
source of state income. *Central Department of Revenue was
B–220
called ‘Athavane’ (Asthvan or Athvan). *The present name
of the Dwarasamudra, the capital of the Hoysala Dynasty,
is Halebid which is in Hassan district of Karnataka. *Its
reputation is because its heritage of architecture. *Among the
Halebid temples, the ancient temple of Hoysaleshwar is very
famous. *This temple belongs to 12th - 13th century. *During
the reign of Hoysala ruler, Narasimha I, the architect Kedroz
constructed the temple under the supervision of Chief Officer
of the Public Works Department, Ketamal. *Chennakeshava
Temple built in Hoysala period is located in Belur. This temple
was built by Vishnuvardhana, the ruler of the Hoysala dynasty.
*The ruins of Hampi (located in the present northern Karnataka)
represent the ancient capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. * The
Virupaksha Temple was built in the Vijayanagara period, is
located right here.
*Hampi is also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. *The Vitthal Temple (Hampi) was built by Krishnadeva
Raya (1509 - 29 AD), one of the great rulers of the Tuluva
dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire.
1.
The kingdom of Vijayanagara was founded by(a) Vijay Raya
(b) Hariharaa- II
(c) Hariharaa and Bukka (d) Bukka- II
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
The Vijaynagara empire was founded by Hariharaa and
Bukka in 1336. This dynasty is known as Sangama Dynasty
after their father’s name. Hariharaa and Bukka were the
ministers in the court at Kampili. Muhammad Tughluq
invaded Kampili and arrested Hariharaa and Bukka. Both
were forced to convert to Islam. Later, both were sent to the
south to suppress a rebellion. They could not succeed, but
under the influence of Saint Vidyaranya, they again reverted
to Hinduism to establish the Vijayanagara Dynasty. They
were inspired by their spiritual teacher Vidyaranya and Sayan,
a noted commentator of Vedas. Four Dynasties ruled under
this empire.
(i) Sangama dynasty (1336-1485). (ii) Saluva dynasty (14851505), (iii) Tuluva dynasty (1505-1570) and (vi) Aravidu
dynasty (1570-1650). These dynasties ruled over three
hundred years. The capitals of Vijayanagara were Anegundi,
Vijayanagara, Vinukonda and Chandragiri respectively.
2.
The ‘Vijayanagara’ Kingdom was founded by –
(a) Hariharaa and Bukka (b) Krishnadeva Raya
(c) Pushyamitra
(d) Bhadrabahu
Uttarakhand Lower (Sub.) (Pre) 2010
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
General Studies
Indian History
3.
Which among the following kingdoms was founded by
two Brothers, Harihara and Bukka?
(a) Kingdom of Vijayanagara
(b) Kingdom of Kakatiyas
(c) Kingdom of Hoysalas
(d) Kingdom of Kampili
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (a)
See the explanation of above question
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
4.
Who of the following founded a new city on the South
bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to
rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom
all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed
to belong?
(a) Amoghavarsha- I
(b) Ballala- II
(c) Hariharaa- I
(d) Prataparudra- II
I.A.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
Hariharaa- I founded a new city on the southern bank of
a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new
kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land, south
of the river Krishna was supposed to belong. He was the
founder of Vijayanagara Kingdom. He was the eldest son
of Sangama, who was the founder of Sangama dynasty. He
built a fort on the west side of Karnataka. Bukka was the
successor of Hariharaa- I.
5.
Constructed by Shri Laxmanadeva Raya:
(a) Bhoramdeo
(b) Narayana Temple
(c) Bhandaldeo Temple
(d) Deorani Temple
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
The Bhoramdeo Temple was constructed by Shri Laxmanadeva
Raya. The Bhoramdeo temple is a complex of Hindu temples
dedicated to the God Shiva.
6. The lady poet who described the victorious expeditions
of her husband in her work ‘Madhura-Vijayam’ was :
(a) Bharati
(b) Ganga Devi
(c) Varadambika
(d) Vijjika
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (b)
Hariharaa- I sent two armies under the leadership of Kumar
Savanna and Kumara Kampana to conquer Madurai in
1352-53 A.D. Kumara Kampana Adayar annexed Madurai
to Vijayanagara empire. Ganga Devi, the wife of Kumara
Kampana, described the chronicle victories of her husband
in her book Madhura Vijayam.
Indian History
7.
Identify the first ruler of Vijaynagara who captured
Goa from Bahamani’s?
(a) Hariharaa- I
(b) Hariharaa- II
(c) Bukka- II
(d) Devaraya- II
40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (b)
After the death of Bukka in 1377 AD, his son, Hariharaa-II
(1377-1404 AD) ascended to the throne. He assumed the title
of “Maharajadhiraja” and conquered the region of Canara,
Mysore, Kanchi, Trichanapali and collected tax from the
king of Sri Lanka. He clashed with Bahamani kingdom. In
1377 AD., Sultan Mujahid invaded his kingdom but did not
succeed. His major achievement was winning the Belgaum
and Goa from Bahamani. He was the devotee of Virupaksha
form of Lord Shiva.
8.
Consider the following Statements :
1. Narasimha Saluva ended the Sangama dynasty
and seized the throne for himself and started the
Saluva dynasty
2. Vira Narasimha deposed the last Saluva ruler and
seized the throne for himself
3. Vira Narasimha was succeeded by his younger
brother, Krishnadeva Raya
4. Krishnadeva Raya was succeeded by his halfbrother, Achyuta Raya
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
I.A.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (d)
The feudal lord of Chandragiri Narasimha Saluva dethroned
Virupaksha II, the last ruler of Sangama dynasty and
acquired the throne in 1485 AD. He established a new
dynasty named as Saluva dynasty and ruled about six years.
Immadi Narasimha, the last ruler of Saluva dynasty and son
of Narasimha Saluva, was dethroned by Vira Narasimha.
Vira Narasimha established the Tuluva Dynasty. After Vira
Narasimha, his younger brother Krishnadeva Raya (150929 AD) ascended to the throne followed by Achyuta Raya.
Achyuta Raya ruled from 1529 AD to 1542 AD. So, all the
statements given above are correct.
9.
With whom the king of Vijayanagara, Krishnadeva
Raya fought the battle of Golconda?
(a) Quli Qutb Shah
(b) QutbuddinAybak
(c) Ismail-Adil Khan
(d) Gajapati
43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (a)
General Studies
B–221
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The battle of Golconda was fought between the king of
Vijayanagara, Krishnadeva Raya and Sultan of Golconda,
Quli Qutb Shah. Sultan Quli Qutb Shah founded the Qutb
Shahi Dynasty in Golconda. Quli Qutb Shah expanded his
kingdom by capturing forts at Warangal, Kondaveedu at a
time when Krishnadeva Raya was busy fighting with the
rulers of Orissa. Quli’s campaign against Krishnadeva Raya
continued, but finally, he was defeated by him.
10. Who were the ‘Ashtadiggajas’ in the court of
Krishnadeva Raya?
(a) Eight ministers
(b) Eight Telugu poets
(c) Eight great warriors
(d) Eight advisors
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
The governance of Krishnadeva Raya is known as the
golden age of Telugu literature. The ‘Ashtadiggajas’ were
the eight great poets and scholars of Telugu in the Court of
Vijayanagara. Telugu literature reached its peak during the
reign of Krishnadeva Raya. He assumed the title ‘Andhra
Bhoja’. ‘Peddana’ was ranked as the foremost of the
'Ashtadiggaja'. He had mastery over two languages, Telugu
and Sanskrit. Krishnadeva Raya was an accomplished
poet and writer. He authored ‘Amuktamalyada,’ which is
considered as one of the five top Telugu epics. Krishnadeva
Raya had a great interest in art and construction work. He
is credited with the construction of Nagalpur city. The
Portuguese traveller Domingo Paes visited Vijayanagara
during his reign. Babur had mentioned Krishnadeva Raya
as the most powerful among all the rulers of India in his
autobiography.
11. Who among these known as ‘Andhra Bhoj’?
(a) Krishnadeva Raya
(b) Rajendra Chola
(c) Hariharaa
(d) Bukka
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
12. The ‘Ashtadiggajas’ were associated with which of the
following rulers?
(a) Shivaji
(b) Krishnadeva Raya
(c) Rajendra-I
(d) Yashovarman
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
B–222
13. The ruling period of Krishnadeva Raya was the golden
age of which literature?
(a) Konkani
(b) Malayalam
(c) Tamil
(d) Telugu
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
14. Consider the following statements and choose the
correct answer using the code given below–
Statement 1: Krishnadevaraya, ruler of Vijaynagar wrote
the treatise
Statement 2: Krishnadevaraya is also known by the name
of Andhra Bhoj
Statement 3: Allasani Peddana, the poet laureate well
versed in Sanskrit and Tamil, adorned his
court.
Code –
(a) Statement 1 is true
(b) Statement 2 is true
(c) Both the statements 1 & 2 are true
(d) All the three statements are true
Ans (c)
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre.) 2021
Krishnadevaraya, ruler of Vijaynagar empire wrote the
treatise Amuktamalyada. He was also known as Andhra
Bhoj. Allasana Peddana was one of the Ashtadiggaj of
Krishnadevraya court but he was famous poet of Telugu
literature and not Sanskrit and Tamil.
15. Which city was founded by Krishnadeva Raya?
(a) Warangal
(b) Nagalapura
(c) Udayagiri
(d) Chandragiri
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Shri Krishnadeva Raya was a great builder. The Hazara
Rama Temple, the Vittalswami temple at the capital city, is
attributed to him. He built a new city called Nagalapuram in
honour of his mother.
16. The famous Hazara temple of Vijayanagara was built
during the reign of –
(a) Krishnadeva Raya
(b) Deva Raya-I
(c) Deva Raya-II
(d) Hariharaa-I
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (a)
The famous Hazara Temple of Vijayanagara was built during
the reign of Krishnadeva Raya.
17. Abdur Razzaq visited Vijayanagara during the reign
of
(a) Devaraya- I
(b) Devaraya- II
General Studies
Indian History
(c) Krishnadeva Raya
(d) Vira Vijaya
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (b)
Persian ambassador Abdur Razzaq visited Vijayanagara
during the reign of Devaraya- II (1422-46 AD). Devaraya- II
belonged to Sangama dynasty.
18. Which among the following King's region Persian
traveller 'Abdur Razzak' came to India?
(a) Dev Rai I
(b) Krishnadeva Raya I
(c) Dev Rai II
(d) Krishna Rai II
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
19. Who was Nicolo Conti?
(a) A famous painter
(b) An Italian traveller who visited Vijayanagara empire
(c) A Portuguese traveller
(d) A Persian traveller
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Nicolo Conti or Niccolo dei Conti was an Italian traveller
who visited India during the time of Deva Raya-I. He visited
the State of Cambay in the northwest and Vijayanagara (now
in Hampi).
20. According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women
in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the
following areas?
1. Wrestling
2. Astrology
3. Accounting
4. Soothesaying
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
I.A.S. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (d)
Farnao Nuniz visited the Vijayanagar empire during the
reign of Achyuta Deva Raya (1529-42). He described
women being employed as dancers, domestic servants and
palanquin bearers. They were also wrestlers, astrologers and
soothsayers.
21. In whose court was the famous Telugu poet 'Srinath'?
(a) Harihara Second
(b) Dev Raya First
(c) Dev Raya Second
(d) Krishnadeva Raya
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (*)
Indian History
Srinath was a court poet and minister in the court of
Pedakomati Vemareddy of Kondaveedu. Srinath (1365-1441)
was a well known 15th century Telugu poet who popularised
the Prabandha style of composition. CGPSC has selected
right answer of the question in the final answer key.
22. Who among these was famous for Telugu translation?
1. Kamban
2. Kuttan
3. Nannaya
4. Tikkana
Choose the answer from the codes :
(a) only 1, 2
(b) only 2, 3
(c) only 3, 4
(d) only 4, 1
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (c)
Nannaya, Tikkana and Yerrapragada came to be known as
the Kavi Traya meaning the trinity of poets or the three great
poets. This Trinity translated the Mahabharata from Sanskrit
into Telugu during the period of 11 to 14 century.
th
th
23. Sayana, the famous commentator of the Vedic texts,
was patronized by –
(a) Paramara rulers
(b) Satavahana rulers
(c) Vijayanagara rulers
(d) Vakataka rulers
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (c)
Sayana was a great commentator on Vedas. Two brothers
Hariharaa and Bukka laid the foundation of Vijayanagara
Empire which was on the south bank of Tungabhadra river near
Anegundi Fort. They were also known as Sangama brothers. It
is said that a sage Madhav Vidyaranya and hisbrother Sayana
were the inspirational sources of this empire.
24. Sayana, the famous commentator of the Vedic texts,
flourished during the reign of :
(a) The Chola kings
(b) The Gupta kings
(c) The Satavahana kings
(d) The Vijayanagara kings
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
25. Who was enthroned 500 years ago ?
(a) Hariharaa- I
(b) Krishnadeva Raya
(c) Kulottunga- I
(d) Rajaraya- I
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (b)
Krishnadeva Raya was the greatest emperor of Vijayanagara
Empire who reigned from 1509-1529 AD. Hariharaa- I (13361356 AD) and Bukka laid the foundation of Vijayanagara.
General Studies
B–223
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Kulottunga-I was the name of the eastern Chalukya dynasty
ruler Rajendra -II, who was the grandson of Chola emperor
Rajendra-I. According to question 2008 was the year for
completion of 500 yrs of Krishna dev Rai's coronation. But
Hariharaa-I & Kulottunga-I also completed their 500 yrs of
coronation.
30. When Raja Wodeyar founded the Kingdom of Mysore,
26. The famous battle held in 1565 is –
(a) 1st Battle of Panipat
(b) Battle of Khanwa
(c) IInd Battle of Panipat (d) Battle of Talikota
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (d)
Tirumala, the brother of Ramaraya, dethroned Sadasiva Raya
The battle of Talikota (1565), a watershed battle, was fought
between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Deccan Sultanates
resulted in the defeat of Vijayanagara and ended weakening
one of the greatest Indian empires originating from southern
India before the Maratha Empire. Talikota is situated in north
Karnataka near Bijapur city.
27. The Battle of Talikota was fought between –
(a) Akbar and Sultan of Malwa
(b) Vijayanagara and the Bahmani Kingdom
(c) Vijayanagara and combined forces of Bijapur,
Ahmadnagar and Golconda
(d) Sher Shah and Humayun
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (c)
(c) 1576 A.D.
(d) 1586 A.D.
Ans. (d)
and captured the power in 1570 AD. Thus, the rule of Aravidu
dynasty started. After Tirumala, his eldest son Sriranga-I
became king. Venkata-II became the king after Ranga-I,
who made Chandragiri as his capital. He was one among
the greatest kings of Vijayanagara. He was a contemporary
of king Wodeyar who laid the foundation of Mysore State
in 1612 A.D.
31. What was the chief characteristic of the financial
system of Vijayanagara Empire?
(a) Surplus rent
(b) Land Revenue
(c) Income from seaports
(d) Monetary system
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
The Vijayanagara kings enjoyed a massive income from
various sources like land revenue, wealth tax, trade tax,
commercial tax, tax on industry, social and community
revenue department was known as ‘Athavane.’
32. Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva,
the ruler of Vijayanagara, consider the following
See the explanation of above question.
29. Which famous war took place in 1565 AD?
(a) Panipat I War
(b) Panipat II War
(c) Khanwa War
(d) Talikota War
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020
B–224
I.A.S. (Pre) 2006
Rekha) was the main source of income to the state. The
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
(d) Venkata- II
measured and categorized. The tax, namely ‘Shisth’ (Rai-
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans (d)
(b) Tirumala
(c) Ranga- II
was from land revenue which was fixed after the land was
28. The Battle of Talikota was fought in –
(b) 1565 A.D.
(a) Sadasiva
tax and fine charged on crime. The main source of income
See the explanation of above question.
(a) 1526 A.D.
who was the ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire?
statements:
1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the
quality of the land.
2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries
tax.
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) 2016
Ans. (c)
General Studies
Indian History
Land revenue was the main source of income. The land was
divided into four categories for purposes of assessment,
namely wetland, dry lands, orchards and woods. The tax
rate varied depending upon the quality of land, crop, soil,
method of irrigation, etc. Thus, statement (1) is correct. The
private owners of the workshop had to pay industries tax.
Thus, statement (2) is also correct.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
33. Ruins of which of the following represent the old capital
of Vijayanagara ?
(a) Ahmadnagar
(b) Bijapur
(c) Golconda
(d) Hampi
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (d)
The ruins of Hampi (situated in northern Karnataka)
represent the ancient capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The
Virupaksha temple, located in Hampi, was built during the
Vijayanagara period. Hampi is a UNESCO world heritage site.
34. The remains of Vijayanagara empire are found in -:
(a) Bijapur
(b) Golconda
(c) Hampi
(d) Baroda
(e) None of the above/ More than one of the above
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Ans (c)
See the explanation of above question.
35. Which ruler of Vijayanagara had sent his ambassador
to the emperor of China?
(a) Hariharaa- I
(b) Bukka- I
(c) Krishnadeva Raya
(d) Saluva Narasimha
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by Hariharaa and
Bukka in 1336 AD. It is said that Vidyaranya (a sage) and
Sayana (a commentator of Vedas), were the inspirational
source of this empire. There were four dynasties which ruled
over Vijayanagara, i.e., Sangama Dynasty, Saluva Dynasty,
Tuluva Dynasty and Aravidu Dynasty. Bukka- I (1356-77
AD), king of Sangama dynasty, had sent a mission to the
Emperor of China in 1374 AD.
36. Building Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature
in the temple construction in the kingdom of –
(a) Chalukya
(b) Chandela
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Vijayanagara
I.A.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (d)
Indian History
Kalyana Mandapas meant to celebrate divine weddings was
a notable feature of the Vijayanagara Kingdom.
37. Where is the famous Vijaya Vitthal Temple, having its
56 carved pillars emitting musical notes located?
(a) Belur
(b) Bhadrachalam
(c) Hampi
(d) Srirangam
Ans. (c)
I.A.S. (Pre) 2007
The Vitthal temple was built by the king of Tuluva Dynasty
Krishnadeva Raya (1509-29AD). One of the notable features
of the Vitthal temple are its musical pillars. This temple
is situated in Hampi. Hampi was the ancient capital of
Vijayanagara Empire.
Delhi Sultanate: Administration
*Sultans of the Slave Dynasty ruled from 1206 to 1290 AD.
*Khalji Dynasty ruled from 1290 to 1320 AD. *The rulers of
the Tughluq Dynasty ruled from 1320 to 1412 AD. Sayyid
Dynasty ruled from 1414 to 1451 AD. *The rulers of Lodi
Dynasty ruled from 1451 to 1526 AD. During Sultanate
period, rule of Tughluq dynasty was the longest. *Most of the
Sultans and Amirs were Turks. *Sultan was the head of central
government. Similarly, during the Sultanate Period, those often
employed in all the influential positions were called the Amir.
These Amirs had a great effect when the Sultan was ineligible
and weak or under-age.
*Administrative departments and the rulers who started these
departments are as follows –
*Diwan-i-Mustakhraj (Department of Revenue) - Alauddin
Khalji
*Diwan-i-Riyasat (Department of Market Control) - Alauddin
Khalji
*Diwan-i-Amir Kohi (Agriculture Department) - MuhammadBin Tughluq
*Diwan-i-Khairat (Charity Department) - Firuz Tughluq
*Diwan-i-Bandagan - Firuz Tughluq
*Diwan-i-Arz was related to Army Department
*Diwan-i-Risalat was related to religious issues and to oversee
foreign affairs.
*Diwan-i-Insha was related to Government Correspondence
*Diwan-i-Wazarat was related to financial matters/revenue
department.
Wizarat was an institute which was recognized in the Islamic
Constitution. During the reign of Mahmud Ghazni, Abbas Fazal
- Bin-Ahmad who was skilled in governing the administration
General Studies
B–225
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
became the first wazir. *The prime minister of the state
was called Wazir. *Wazir was mainly the chief of revenue
department (Diwan-i-Wizarat). From this point of view he
used to take care of Lagaan, tax system, donation and military
expenditure etc. *Tughluq period was the golden period of
Indian Muslim Wizarat. At the time of Firuz Tughluq, the post
of the Wazir reached its peak position.
*Army organization and the division of posts were done on
the basis of the decimal system. *The head of the troop of the
horsemen was called ‘Sarekhel’. *There was a ‘Sipehsalar’
above ten Sarekhels, one ‘Amir’ above ten Sipehsalars,
one ‘Malik’ above ten Amirs and one ‘Khan’ over ten
Maliks. *Sultan was the Chief Commander of the army.
*Firuz Tughluq levied taxes keeping the laws of the Quran in
mind. *He permitted four taxes approved in the Quran - Kharaj,
Jizya, Khums and Zakat. Khums was the looted money. *In
the war, the enemies of the state were looted by his people. 4/5
part of this loot was distributed among the soldiers and the
remaining 1/5 was deposited in the treasury, but Alauddin
Khalji and Muhammad Tughluq kept 4/5 in the treasury and the
remaining 1/5 was divided among the soldiers. In the Sultanate
period, the smallest unit of governance was village, which
was under the arrangement of self-government and paternal
authority. *Chaudhary was the highest official of land revenue
at the village level.
*The Sultanate period had two major currencies - Jital and
Tanka. *Iltutmish was the first Turk ruler, who introduced
pure Arabic coins. *He introduced the two main coins namely
Tanka of silver and Jital of copper. *The ratio of Tanka and Jital
was 1: 48. *The name of the last Khalifa of Baghdad was first
mentioned on the coin of Alauddin Masood Shah (1242 - 46
AD). * The last Khalifa of Baghdad was Khalifa-al-Mustasim
( 1242 - 58 AD ). The name of Khalifa-al-Mustansir was
mentioned on the coins of Iltutmish. Hadees was an Islamic
law while the Jawabit was related to state law.
1.
The historian Barani did not consider the state in India
under Delhi Sultans as truly Islamic because :
(a) The majority of the population did not follow Islam
(b) The Muslim theologists were often disregarded
(c) The Sultan supplemented the Muslim law by framing
his regulations
(d) The religious freedom was accorded to non-Muslims
I.A.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (a)
Historian Barani refused to consider the state in India under
Delhi sultans as truly Islamic because the majority of the
population did not follow Islam.
B–226
2.
Most of the rulers (amirs) and sultans of Sultanate
period belonged to the class
(a) Turkish
(b) Mongols
(c) Tatars
(d) Arabs
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (a)
Most of the rulers and sultans of Sultanate age were from
Turkish class. Sultan was the chief of the central authority.
Thus, persons appointed on powerful designations were
referred as ‘Amir’ in Sultanate age. Their impact emerged
strongly when Sultan was unworthy, weak or infant.
3.
Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
(a) Dewan-i-Bandagan
- Tughluq
(b) Dewan-i-Mustakhraj - Balban
(c) Dewan -i-Kohi
- Alauddin Khalji
(d) Dewan-i-Arz
- Muhammad Tughluq
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (a)
Diwan-i-Bandagan was established by Firuz Shah Tughluq.
This department dealt with slaves. A new department
Diwan-i- Mustakhiraj was established by Alaudddin Khalji
to deal with corruption and loot from the revenue system.
Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq created department ‘Diwani-Amir Kohi’ for agrarian development. Diwan-i-Arz
(Military Department) was created by Balban.
4.
Who created the department of Diwan-i-Arz in Delhi
Sultanate?
(a) Balban
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Firuz Tughluq
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
Balban (1266-1286 CE) was undoubtedly one of the main
architects of the Delhi sultanate, particularly of its form of
government and institutions. He separated Diwan-i-wazarat
(Finance Department) and created a new Department
Diwan-i-Arz (Military Department). He then reorganised
the Diwan-i-Arz and deployed the army in different parts
of the kingdom to put down the rebellion.
5. Which one of the following
matched:
(a) Diwan-i-Mushtakharaj (b) Diwan-i-Amir Kohi
(c) Diwan-i-Khairat
(d) Diwan-i-Riyasat
Ans. (d)
General Studies
pairs is not correctly
Alauddin Khalji
Muhammad Bin Tughluq
Firuz Tughluq
Balban
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Indian History
Rulers who established new administrative department
mentioned in the options are as follows –
Diwan-i-Mushtakkharaj - Alauddin Khalji
(Revenue Department)
Diwan-i-Amir Kohi
- Muhammad-Bin Tughluq
(Agriculture Department)
Diwan-i-Khairat
- Firuz Tughluq
(Department of Charity)
Diwan-i-Riyasat
- Alauddin Khalji (Market
Control Department)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
6.
Match List-I and List-II and choose your answer from
the codes given below:
List-I
List-II
A. Diwan-i-Arz
1. Dealt with religious matters
B. Diwan-i-Risalat 2. Dealt with state’s correspondence
C. Diwan-i-Insha 3. Dealt with Finance Dept
D. Diwan-i-Wizarat4. Dealt with Military Dept
Code:
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
3
4
2
(b) 2
4
1
3
(c) 3
2
1
4
(d) 4
1
2
3
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2013
Ans. (d)
The correctly matched departments and their activities are
as follows :
Diwan-i- Arz
-
Diwan-i-Risalat -
Dealt with Military department
Dealt with religious issues/
matters/related to foreign matters.
Diwan-i-Insha
-
Diwan-i-Wizarat -
Dealt with State correspondence
Dealt with financial matters
7.
'Diwan-E-Arj' department was associated with:
(a) Royal correspondence (b) Foreign
(c) Defence
(d) Finance
th
60 to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
8.
Which one of the following dynasties saw the heyday
of the Wizarat:
(a) The Ilbari
(b) The Khalji
(c) The Tughluq
(d) The Lodi
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
Indian History
Wizarat was an institution which was recognized by the
Islamic constitution. Non-Arabic institutions were being
repealed, and nomenclature used for Minister for Council
under emperor was used as Wizarat. The idea for adopting
Wizarat as an institution was inspired from Persia by Abbasi
Caliphs. Abbas Fazal-Bin-Ahmad was first Wazir in the reign
of Mahmud Ghaznavi who was accomplished in conducting
the administration. The prime minister of state was known as
Wazir. He headed the finance department called the Diwan-iWizarat and had the power not only to supervise the income
and expenditure of the state but other departments as well.
Tughluq era was the golden period of Indian Muslim Wizarat.
9.
Which of the following indicates taxes levied on the
land product?
i. Kharaj
ii. Khums
iii. Ushr
iv. Muktai
Select your answer from the following codes –
(a) only i
(b) ii and iii
(c) i, ii and iii
(d) I, iii, and iv
40 B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (d)
th
In Islamic traditions, Khums refers to the historically required
religious delegation of the Muslim army to pay one-fifth of
the spoils of war, the booty collected from non-believers
after a military campaign.This tax was paid to the caliph or
sultan, representing the state of Islam. Rest of the other are
taxes levied on the land product.
10. Which medieval king of India introduced the ‘Iqta
system’?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) None of these
U. P. P. C. S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (a)
Iltutmish introduced 'Iqta' system in India. In the Islamic
empire of the Caliph, land granted to army officials for
limited periods in lieu of a regular wage. The Iqta system was
introduced in the 9th century A.D. to relieve the state treasury
when insufficient tax revenue and little booty from wars made
it difficult for the government to pay salaries.
11. Which one of the following is NOT the characteristics
of 'Iqta System'?
(a) Iqta was a revenue collection system
(b) Siyasatnama was the source of information for Iqta
system
(c) Revenue from Iqta was directly deposited in Sultan's
account
(d) Muqti was supported to maintain troops out of the
revenue collected from Iqta
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (c)
General Studies
B–227
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Iqta system in India was introduced by Iltutmish during
Sultanate period. According to this system the owner of Iqta
(Iqtadar or Muqti) was given the responsibility of revenue and
tax collection in his area. Revenue from Iqta was not directly
deposited in Sultan's account, whereas it was used by the
Muqti to meet his administrative and military expenditures.
Muqti had to maintain troops out of this revenue collected
from Iqta for the service of Sultan. Siyasatnama authored by
Abu Ali Hasan Ibn Ali Tusi (Nizam-ul-Mulk) is the source
of information for primary Iqta system.
12. Consider the following statements:
1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate,
the in-charge of revenue collection was known as
'Amil'.
2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient
indigenous institution.
3. The office of 'Mir Bakshi' came into existence
during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (a)
Statement 1: The province was divided into Parganas or
kasbas. The government official of a pargana was amil, who
collected revenues. The mushrif kept accounts at the pargana
level and the Khazandar was in charge of the treasury.
Iqta was not indigenous.
Statement 2 : Mir Bakshi headed military department,
nobility, information & intelligence agencies during Mughal
Administration.
13. Supreme rural officials of land revenue in Sultanate
period ?
(a) Chaudhary
(b) Ravat
(c) Malik
(d) Patwari
I.A.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (a)
During the Sultanate period, it was Chaudhary who played
an important role in the traditional social structure. If we
delineate traditional social structure, it will have at its top the
Sultan followed by Sultan’s governors, a village headman who
happened to be Chaudhary. At the time of the revolt, Sultanate
started eliminating the influence of Rais and sought the help
of Chaudhary to collect revenue. Hence, Chaudhary was the
main revenue collector for villages during the Sultanate period.
B–228
14. ‘Sharb’ was a tax levied on:
(a) Trade
(b) Irrigation
(c) Non-Muslims
(d) Industry
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (b)
Firuz Tughluq determined taxation according to Quran rules.
He permitted four taxes approved by Quran: (1) Kharaj (2)
Jizya (3) Khums (4) Zakat. He levied irrigation tax “Sharb”
at 10% rate of the crop yield on recommendations of religious
scholars. Firuz Tughluq abolished 28 grievous taxes of his time.
15. Zawabits were concerned with :
(a) State laws
(b) Law regulating mansab system
(c) Laws regulating mint house
(d) Agricultural taxes
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
Zawabits were related to state laws in the administrative
vocabulary of the Sultanate period.
16. Hadis is –
(a) Islamic Law
(b) Settlement Law
(c) Tax of Sultanate period
(d) Mansabdar
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (a)
The Hadis (or Hadith) is the collection of biographic reports
about the sayings, customs and doings of Muhammad and his
companions. They also reflect on what Muhammad enjoined
and tolerated in his presence or forbade.
17. Fawazil in the Sultanate period meant :
(a) Extra payment to the nobles
(b) Revenue assigned in lieu of salary
(c) Excess amount paid to the exchequer by the Iqtadars
(d) Illegal exactions extracted from the peasants
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (c)
During the Sultanate period, the excess amount paid to the
exchequer by Iqtadar was called ‘Fawazil”.
18. Find out the two main currencies of the Sultanate
period from the code given below :
1. Dam
2. Jital
3. Rupiya
4. Tanka
Code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 4
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (d)
General Studies
Indian History
The two main currencies of the Sultanate period is Jital and
Tanka. Iltutmish was the first Turkish ruler who started the
pure Arabian coins. He had a great contribution to the currency
system of Delhi Sultanate as he was the first ruler who started
the famous coins of silver (Tanka) and copper (Jital).
19. Who among the following started ‘Tanka’ silver coin?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Qutbuddin Aybak
(c) Iltutmish
(d) Balban
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
20. Who was the medieval king responsible for introducing
the silver coin called ‘Tanka’ in North India?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Raziyya
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Muhammad Tughluq
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
Delhi Sultanate: Art and
Architecture
*Qutbuddin Aibak built ‘Dhai Din Ka Jhopara’ mosque
in Ajmer and ‘Quwwat-ul-Islam’ mosque near Raipithora
Fort in Delhi. Construction of Qutub Minar was started in
Delhi by Aibak which was completed by Iltutmish.*Iltutmish
built Sultangarhi, Hauj-e-Shamsi, Shamsi Eidgaah, Badayun’s
Jama Masjid, Atkarien (Nagaur) Ka Darwaza. Alauddin Khalji
built Alai Darwaza near the Qutub Minar. It was built with
red stones and marbles in 1311 AD. *Alauddin Khalji built
Jammat-e-Khana Mosque, Hazar Sitoon, Hauz-e-Alai in the
Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya. Sultan Mubarakshah Khalji
built Ukha mosque in Rajputana.
*The tomb of sultan Balban built in Delhi near the fort
Raipithaura by himself was the first tomb built in a purely
Islamic style in India. *Ghiyasuddin Tughluq (1320 - 25 AD),
after the foundation of the Tughluq dynasty he established a
third city in Delhi and named it ‘Tughluqabad’. *The Moth
Masjid was built during the reign of Sikandar Lodi. *Sikandar
Lodi’s tomb was built by Sultan Ibrahim Lodi. *In the
celebration of Malwa Vijay, Rana Kumbha of Mewar built Kirti
Stambh (pillar). Kirti Stambha was built by Rana Kumbha after
his victory over Malwa. It was built under the supervision of
Jaita while Atri and Mahesh were its panegyrist.
21. Coins-Tanka, Shashgani and Jital of Sultanate period
was made of which of the following metals(a) Silver, Copper
(b) Gold, Silver, Copper
(c) Silver, Zink, Copper
(d) Gold, Zink, Copper
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
Which Sultan built Alai Darwaza?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Firuz Tughluq
42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
Iltutmish was the first to issue regular currency and declare
Delhi as the capital of his empire. He started the ‘Tanka’ and
the ‘Jital’ coins made up of silver and copper respectively in
the Sultanate period. Shashgani was also a silver coin. The
ratio of tanka and jital was 1:48.
The ‘Alai Darwaza is the main gate on the south of the
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque at the Qutb Minar premises. It has
a domed entrance which was constructed using red sandstone
and is adorned with white marble. It was built in 1311 AD
by Turkish craftsmen. It is one of the first buildings in India
in Islamic architectural style.
22. On whose coins the name of the last Caliph of Baghdad
appeared for the first time?
(a) Qutbuddin Aybak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Alauddin Masud Shah
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (d)
On the coins of Alauddin Masud Shah (1242-1246 A.D.),
the name of the last Caliph of Baghdad appeared for the
first time. The last Caliph of Baghdad was Al-Mustasim. He
held this position from 1242-58 A.D. The name of Caliph
Mustanasir was inscribed on the coins of Iltutmish (served
from 1226 to 1242 A.D.)
Indian History
1.
2.
Who among the following did not contribute to the
construction of Qutb Minar :
(a) Qutbuddin Aybak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Firuz Shah Tughluq
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced
the construction of Qutb Minar in 1193, but could complete
only its basement. His successor, Iltutmish, added three more
storeys and, in 1368 Firuz Shah Tughluq constructed the fourth
and fifth story. Qutb Minar has been named after Qutbuddin
Bakhtiar Kaki, the famous Sufi saint. Sultan Alauddin Khalji
did not contribute in building the Qutb Minar.
General Studies
B–229
3.
Who amongst the following Sultans built the fifth storey
of Qutb Minar ?
(a) Qutbuddin Aybak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(d) Sikandar Lodi
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
4.
The first true arch in the Sultanate memorial could be
seen in
(a) Iltutmish's tomb
(b) Tomb of Balban
(c) Alai Darwaza
(d) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Tomb of Balban is located in the southeast of Qila-eRaipithora. It was here that first true arch made its appearance
in India.
5.
India’s first tomb constructed in the Indo-Islamic style
was –
(a) Humayun’s Tomb
(b) Balban’s Tomb
(c) Aybak’s Tomb
(d) Alauddin’s Tomb
U.P. P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
The Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Balban is located in Mehrauli,
New Delhi. It was built in 1287 AD in rubble masonry. The
tomb is a building of historical importance in the development
of Indo-Islamic architecture.
6.
The Horse-Shoe arch was first introduced in the
(a) Tomb of Iltutmish
(b) Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughluq
(c) Alai Darwarza
(d) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
The Alai Darwaza is a magnificent gateway built by Ala-uddin Khalji of the Delhi Sultanate in 1311, having exquisite
inlaid marble decorations and latticed stone screens. It was
a part of Alaudin Khalji's extension of Quwwat-ul-Islam
Mosque. The three doorways on the east, west and south are
lofty pointed arches, in the shape a horseshoe, which rise
above the flanking side bays. The recessed corner arches of
the attractive horseshoe forms, supporting a simple spherical
dome on top of the square chamber, are an especially happy
solution to the perpetual problem of supporting a good dome.
B–230
7.
The 'Jahaj-Mahal' of Mandu was built by whom?
(a) Sultan Mahmood I
(b) Sultan Sirajuddin II
(c) Ahmad Shah I
(d) Sikandar Shah
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (*)
Jahaj Mahal/ship palace of mandu situated between two
artificial lakes, this two-storied architectural marvel is so
named as it appears as a ship floating in the water. Built
by sultan Ghiyasud-din-Khalji, it served as a harem for the
sultan. This question was deleted by MPPSC.
8.
Consider the following :
1. Tughluqabad
2. Lodi Garden
3. Qutb Minar
4. Fatehpur Sikri
The correct chronological order in which they were
built is :
(a) 3,1, 4, 2
(b) 3, 1, 2, 4
(c) 1, 3, 2, 4
(d) 1, 3, 4, 2
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (b)
Qutb Minar
Iltutmish)
Tughluqabad
( Q u t b u d d i n Ay b a k a n d
1206-1236 AD
– (Ghiyasuddin Tughluq)
1320-1325 AD
Lodi Garden
– (Lodi dynasty)
1451-1526 AD
Fatehpur Sikri
– (Akbar) 1556-1605 AD
Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
9.
–
The composer of ‘Kirti-Stamba Prashasti’ was :
(a) Somdeva
(b) Jaita
(c) Napa
(d) Atri Kavi
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
Kirti Stambh was built by Rana Kumbha after his victory over
Malwa. Kirti Stambh was built by Jaita while the panegyrist
of Kriti Stambh were Atri and Mahesh.
10. ‘Kirti Stambha’ of Chittor was constructed during the
rule of –
(a) Rana Kumbha
(b) Rana Hammir
(c) Rana Ratan Singh
(d) Rana Sangram Singh
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
‘Kirti Stambha’ of Chittor was constructed during the reign
of Rana Kumbha. The pillar is a unique monument of his
achievements. It was constructed by Rana Kumbha in the
memory of his victory over Mahmud Khalji.
11. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
(a) Ajmer
-
Quwwat-ul-Islam
(b) Jaunpur
-
Atala Masjid
(c) Malwa
-
Jahaz Mahal
(d) Gulberga
-
Jama Masjid
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Ans. (a)
The correct order of given sites and architecture is :
Site
Architecture
Delhi
Quwwat-ul-Islam
Jaunpur
Atala Masjid
Malwa
Jahaz Mahal
Gulberga
Jama Masjid
12. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra
are situated respectively at :
(a) Delhi and Lahore (b) Ajmer and Delhi
(c) Lahore and Ajmer (d) Delhi and Ajmer
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
Quwwat-ul-Islam & Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra, both are among
the oldest mosque in the country built during the time of
Delhi Sultanate. Quwwat-ul-Islam is located in Delhi while
Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra is in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
13. Match the following :
Arhitectural Style
Associated Dynasty
A. ‘Lotus bud’ fringe on
1. Sharqis
the underside of the arch
B. Emergence of octagonal 2. Vijayanagara
tomb
C. Use of Bodegoi in the
3. Khaljis
Pillar
D. Massive entrance gate
4. Tughluqs
with inclined walls
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 3
4
2
1
(b) 3
1
4
2
(c) 2
1
4
3
(d) 1
2
4
3
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2013
Ans. (a)
Indian History
Associated Dynasty
- Khaljis
- Tughluqs
- Vijaynagara
- Sharqis
Delhi Sultanate: Literature
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans (d)
Arhitectural Style
‘Lotus bud’ fringe on the
underside of the arch
Emergence of octagonal tomb
Use of Bodegoi in the Pillar
Massive entrance gate with
inclined walls
*Abul Hassan Yaminuddin Khusrau, often called as Amir
Khusrau, was born in 1253 AD (651 Hijri) at Patiyali in presentday Kasganj (Kanshiram Nagar) in Uttar Pradesh. Khusrau
called himself ‘Tuti- e - Hind’. *He started composing poetry
at the age of 8 years. *Some of his famous compositions were
Mifat-ul-Futuh, Taarik-e-Delhi, Khajein-ul-Futuh (Tarike-Alai), Ashika, Noah Sipihar and Tughuluqnama. Khusrau
was the first Muslim who claimed to be an Indian. *Amir
Khusrau himself said - I speak Turkish, Indian and Hindi. *In
India, Amir Khusrau was the originator of the early form of
the musical genre known as Qawwali.
* New Persian poetry style ‘Sabaj - e - Hindi’ or Hindustani style
was started by Amir Khusrau. *Musical instruments ‘Tabla’
and ‘Sitar’ were made prevalent in the 13th century by Amir
Khusrau. *The development of the Persian literature in India
started with the advent of Muslims. *After the establishment
of Delhi Sultanate, the Persian language was granted the status
of official language.
*Tabakat-e-Nasiri is a treatise of Minhaj-i-Siraj dedicated
to Sultan Nasiruddin. *Ziauddin Barani composed the ‘Tarik
-e-Firuzshahi’ in Persian and ‘TajulMasir’ was written by
Sadruddin Muhammad Hassan Nizami. *Yahiya Bin Ahmad
wrote ‘Tarik-e-Mubarakshahi’ which is the only source
regarding the history of Sayyid rulers under the patronage of
Sayyid Rashid Mubarakshah.
*Rana Kumbha was a patron of music, literature and art. He
wrote texts on music like Sangeet Mimansa, Sangeet Raj,
etc. *The Tughluq dynasty ruler Firuz Shah Tughluq wrote his
memoir as Futuhat-e-Firuz Shahi.
1.
Who was the famous author of Kitab-ul-Hind?
(a) Hasan Nizami
(b) Minhaj-us-Siraj
(c) Al-Biruni
(d) Shams-e-Siraj Afif
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
Kitab-ul-Hind was written by Al-Biruni. His real name was
Abu Rehan. In 1018-19 he accompanied the invading army of
Mahmud Ghazni to the Indo-Gangetic valleys as a freelance
observer. He studied India as a scientist and described the
religious, literary and socio-political condition of India.
General Studies
B–231
Amir Khusrau was born in :
(a) Agra
(b) Barabanki
(c) Etah
(d) Etawah
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
2.
Abul Hasan Yaminuddin Khusrau was known as Amir
Khusrau. He was born at Patiyali in district Etah (now
named as Kasganj, Kashiramnagar) in 1253 A.D. Khusrau
called himself “Tuti-e-Hind” (Parrot of India). He started
composing poems at an early age of eight. His first Masnavi
on the historical subject was Quran-us-Sadin. Miftah-ulFutuh, Khazain-ul-Futuh, An Ishqia, Nuh Siphr and Tughluq
Nama were the major creations of Amir Khusrau. Tughluq
Nama is the last historical Masnavi of Amir Khusrau.
3.
Amir Khusrau, the “Parrot of India,” was born at(a) Patti
(b) Patli
(c) Patiyali
(d) Patiala
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
4.
Who among the following called himself the ‘Parrot
of India’ ?
(a) Qutban
(b) Usman
(c) Amir Khusrau
(d) Amir Hasan
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
5.
Amir Khusrau played a pioneering role in the
development of –
(a) Braj Bhasha
(b) Awadhi
(c) Khari Boli
(d) Bhojpuri
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Amir Khusrau learnt various Indian dialects especially Hindi
which he loved most. He was the first Muslim who admitted
that he is an Indian. He stated himself 'I speak Turkish, Indian
and Hindi'. He played a pioneering role in the development
of Khari Boli.
6.
Who among the following was the first Persian poet to
depict Indian environment in his poetry?
(a) Amir Khusrau
(b) Amir-Hasan
(c) Abu Talib Kaleem
(d) Faizi
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (a)
B–232
Amir Khusrau was a prolific classical poet associated with
the Royal courts of more than seven rulers of Delhi Sultanate.
He was the first Persian poet to depict Indian environment
in his poetry.
7.
Who among the following witnessed the reign of Seven
Sultans of Delhi ?
(a) Amir Khusrau
(b) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
(c) Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
I.A.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (*)
Both Amir Khusrau and Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
witnessed the reign of more than seven Sultans of Delhi.
8.
The famous poet Amir Khusrau was associated with
the court of –
(a) Nawab Asafuddaula
(b) Ghiyasuddin Balban
(c) Muhammad Shah ‘Rangila’
(d) Qutbuddin Aybak
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
Amir Khusrau was initially associated with the eldest
son of Balban, Mahmud. Mahmud died in a war against
Mongols, and they captured Amir Khusrau. But somehow
Amir Khusrau managed to escape and came to the court
of Balban. Amir Khusrau was associated with the courts of
various Delhi ruler, i.e., Balban, Kaiqubad, Jalaluddin Khalji,
Alauddin Khalji, Mubarakshah, Ghiyasuddin Tughluq and
Muhammad-Bin- Tughluq. He was the disciple of a Sufi
saint Nizamuddin Auliya. Miftah-ul-Futuh, Khazain-ul-Futuh
(Tarukh-i-Alai), Ashika, Noor-Siphr and Tughluq Nama are
some of the masterpieces written by him.
9.
The famous poet Amir Khusrau lived at the court of :
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(d) Qutbuddin Aybak
Ans. (a)
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
See the explanation of above question.
10. Amir Khusrau was court poet of :
(a) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq (b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Sher Shah Suri
(d) Humayun
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (b)
General Studies
Indian History
See the explanation of above question.
11. ‘Amir Khusrau’ was associated with whose reign
among the following?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(c) Ibrahim Lodi
(d) Firuz Shah Tughluq
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
12. Amir Khusrau was a –
(a) Poet
(b) Historian
(c) Musician
(d) all the above
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (d)
Amir Khusrau was a poet, historian, and musician. He was
nicknamed as “Tuti-e-Hind.” He was a promoter of Khari
Boli of Hindi.
13. Father of new Persian poetry style “Sabak-e-Hindi or
Hindustani style was :
(a) Ziyauddin Barani
(b) Afiq
(c) Isami
(d) Amir Khusrau
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
Amir Khusrau is considered as the father of the new Persian
poetry style “Sabak-e-Hindi” or Hindustani style. He
called himself ‘Tuti-e-Hind; He used to say that “Na Lafze
Hindiwast aj Farsi Kam” which means the words of Hindi
are not less than those of the Persian.
14. Who among the following is known as the ‘Father of
Hindi Khari Boli ?
(a) Amir Khusrau
(b) Malik Muhammad Jaisi
(c) Kabir
(d) Abdur Rahim-Khan-e-Khanan
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Ans. (a)
Khusrau was a scholar of both the Hindi and the Persian languages.
Amir Khusrau stated that “I speak Turkish, Indian, and Hindi”.
16. Consider the following statements :
1. Kitab-i-Nauras, a collection of songs in praise of
Hindu deities and Muslim saints, was written by
Ibrahim Adil Shah II.
2. Amir Khusrau was the originator in India of the
early form of the musical style known as Qawwali.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
I.A.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (c)
Sultan of Bijapur Ibrahim Adil Shah-II wrote the Hindi song
collection 'Kitab-i-Nauras'. He established the city called
Nauraspur and made it his capital. Amir Khusrau was the
originator of the early form of musical style in India known
as 'Qawwali'.
17. Who was the author of Tabaqat-i-Nasiri?
(a) Shaikh Jamaluddin
(b) Al-Biruni
(c) Minhaz-us-Siraj
(d) Ziyauddin Barani
42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
The text ‘Tabaqat-i-Nasiri’ written by Minhaz-us-Siraj, was
dedicated to Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud. The text is divided
into 23 volumes and was translated by Raverty in the English
language. The text describes the victory of Muhammad Ghori
over India.
18. The earliest description of Bakhtiyar Khalji's invasion
of Bihar is in
(a) Tarikh-i-Hind
(b) Tabaqat-i Nasiri
(c) Tuj-ul Maasir
(d) Tarikh-i Mubarak Shahi
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
64th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (b)
Amir Khusrau is known as the father of Hindi Khari Boli.
He was a promoter of new poetic style ‘Sabak-e-Hindi’ or
‘Hindustani Style.’
Tabaqat-i-Nasiri is a medieval text by Minhaj-i-Siraj. It is an
15. The savant of both language “Hindi and Persian” was –
(a) Akbar
(b) Tansen
(c) Amir Khusrau
(d) Bairam Khan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (c)
in literature suggest that in 1193, the Nalanda University was
sacked by Bakhtiyar Khalji a Turk. The Persian Historian
Indian History
important sourcebook for the reconstruction of the history of
the foundation of Muslim rule in Bengal. A pieces of evidence
Minhaj-i-Siraj in his chronicle Tabaqat-i-Nasiri reported
that thousands of monks were burned alive and thousand
beheaded as Khalji tried his best to uproot Buddhism.
General Studies
B–233
19. Consider the following text and arrange them in
chronological order:
1. Fatawa-i-Jahandari
2. Prithviraja-Raso
3. Kitab-ul-Hind
4. Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
Codes:
(a) 2, 3, 4, 1
(b) 3, 1, 2, 4
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2
(d) 3, 2, 4, 1
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Fatawa-i-Jahandari was written by Ziyauddin Baruni.
Prithviraja-Raso is written by Chandarbardai, Kitab-ul-hind is
written by Al-Biruni & Tabaqat-i-Nasiri by Minhaz-us-siraj.
Hence correct option is option (d).
20. Which among the following languages was patronized
by Sultans of Delhi ?
(a) Arabic
(b) Turki
(c) Persian
(d) Urdu
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (c)
The Persian literature flourished with the arrival of Muslim
conquerors in India. Here, it was presented in a new
innovative form. The Persian language was honoured as an
official language after the establishment of Delhi Sultanate.
21. The term ‘Apabhramsa’ was used in medieval Sanskrit
texts to denote :
(a) Outcasts among the Rajputs
(b) Deviations from Vedic rituals
(c) Early forms of some of the modern Indian languages
(d) Non-Sanskrit verse metres
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
Various forms of Sanskrit spoken by people was termed
‘Apabhramsa’. The term “Apabhramsa” was used in medieval
Sanskrit texts to denote early forms of some of the modern
Indian Languages. Scholars have opined that different Hindi
dialects of northern India and Kashmiri, Punjabi, Sindhi, Nepali,
Shauryaseni and Marathi etc. are developed from Apabhramsa.
22. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List- I
List- II
A. Ziyauddin Barani
1. Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi
B. Hasan Nizami
2. Tabqat-i-Nasiri
B–234
C. Minhaj-i-Siraj
D. Yahia-bin-Ahmad
Code:
A
(a) 1
(b) 3
(c) 5
(d) 3
B
2
4
3
4
C
3
5
4
2
3. Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi
4. Taj-ul-Maasir
5. Tabaqat-i-Akbari
D
4
1
2
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (d)
The correctly matched list is as follows :
Ziyauddin Barani
- Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi
Hasan Nizami
- Taj-ul-Maasir
Minhaj-i-Siraj
- Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
Yahia-bin-Ahmad
- Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi
23. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below the lists.
List–I
List-II
A. Taj-ul-Masir
1. Ziauddin Barani
B. Khazain-ul-Futuh
2. Hasan Nizami
C. Tarikh-e-Mubarakashahi 3. Amir Khusro
D. Fatwa-a-Jahandari
4. Yahia bin Ahmad
Sarhindi
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 2
3
4
1
(b) 2
4
1
3
(c) 2
1
4
3
(d) 1
3
4
2
U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (a)
The correctly matched list is as follows:
List–I
List-II
Taj-ul-Masir
Hasan Nizami
Khazain-ul-Futuh
Amir Khusro
Tarikh-e-Mubarakashahi
Yahia bin Ahmad
Sarhindi
Fatwa-a-Jahandari
Ziauddin Barani
Hence option (a) is correct answer.
24. Who is the author of "Tarikh-i-Firujshahi"?
(a) Shams-i-Siraj Afif
(b) Ziauddin Barani
(c) Khwaja Abdul Samad Isami
(d) Sirajuddin Ali Yazdi
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (a & b)
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The historical work titled "Tarikh-i-Firujshahi" has been
authored by two persons – Ziyauddin Barani and Shams-iSiraj Afif. Shams-i-Siraj Afif book, while having the same
title as Barani's text, is a very different book both in terms
of material and approach.
25. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List- I
List- II
A. Tarikh-e-hind
1. Ibn Battuta
B. Tarikh-i-Delhi
2. Minhaj
C. Rihla
3. Al-Biruni
D. Tabqat-i-Nasiri
4. Khusrau
Code:
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
3
2
4
(b) 2
1
4
3
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 4
2
3
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (c)
The correctly matched list is as follows :
Tarikh-i-Hind
Al-Biruni
Tarikh-i-Delhi
Khusrau
Rihla
Ibn Battuta
Tabqat-i-Nasiri
Minhaj-i-Siraj
26. Which among the following musical instruments is the
finest example of Hindu-Muslim harmony in musical
instruments?
(a) Veena
(b) Dholak
(c) Sarangi
(d) Sitar
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
Indian music motivated the Muslim society to be passionate
towards music. Consequently, Amir Khusrau emerged as a
great musician during Sultanate period. He invented ‘Sitar’
with a combination of Irani Tamboora and Indian Veena.
He combined some Indian and Persian melodies elegantly
and introduced some new melody styles like Iman, Zilf and
Sajgari, etc.
27. ‘Tabla’ was introduced by :
(a) Adil Shah
(b) Amir Khusrau
(c) Tansen
(d) Baiju Bawara
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (b)
Amir Khusrau’s real name was Abul Hasan Yaminuddin
Khusrau. He was a great scholar and poet of his time. He
was the first author who used Hindi phrases and words. The
musical instruments like Tabla and Sitar were invented by
Amir Khusrau in the 13 century.
th
Indian History
28. Who among the following Rajput rulers is known to
have written a book on music ?
(a) Jayachandra Gahadavala
(b) Prithviraj Chauhan
(c) Rana Kumbha
(d) Man Singh
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (c)
Rana Kumbha was a patron of music, literature and art. He
built a victory tower, ‘Kirti Stambha’ as a mark of victory
over Mahmud Khalji in 1440-1448 AD. He wrote texts on
music like Sangeet Raj, Sangeet Mimansa, etc.
29. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Name
Text (Music)
(a) Pandit Bhavbhatta
Sangeetraja
(b) Ustad Chand Khan
Ragachandrika
(c) Pundrik Vitala
Raagmala
(d) Kumbha
Ragakalpadrum
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
The correctly matched pair is option (c) the text of Pundrik
Vitala is Raagmala, whereas Music texts of Pandit Bhavbhatta
is ‘Anup Sangeet Ratnakar.’ Ustad Chand Khan wrote
‘Khayal Gayaki Ka Delhi Gharana’ and Kumbha wrote
‘Sangitraja.’
30. The Delhi Sultan who wrote his memoirs, was :
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Firuz Tughluq
U.P. P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
Emperor Firuz Shah Tughluq had written his memoirs titled
‘Futuhat-e-Firuz Shahi.’ Through this book, the Sultan
wanted to prove himself as an ideal Muslim ruler
Delhi Sultanate : Miscellaneous
*The Polo game in India was introduced by Turks. *It is known
that QutbuddinAybak was fond of Polo (Chaugan). He died in
1210 AD while playing this game.
*During the Sultanate period, people of high religious and
judicial positions (Ulema), were called as ‘Dastar Bandan’
because they used to wear official Turban on their heads. *Jauhar
was committed by Rajput women to protect their honour from
Muslim invaders.
General Studies
B–235
1.
The game of Polo was introduced in India by –
(a) Unani
(b) Britishers
(c) Turks
(d) Mughals
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (c)
(iii) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1638-1663 A.D.) : A French
gem merchant and traveller began his voyage the period
of Shahjahan. He made six voyages of India during
1638-1663. He wrote his travel accounts in his book
“Travels in India.”
(iv) Niccolo Manucci (1653-1708 A.D.) : He was an Italian
traveller. He reached India from his hometown Venice
while travelling to Turkey and Asia. He had given his
services to Prince Dara Shukoh as a cannoneer. Later,
he opted the medical profession. Manucci is famous
for his work “Storia do Magor”.
The game of Polo was introduced in India by Turks.
Qutbuddin Aibak was fond of Polo (Chaugan). He died in
1210 while playing this game.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
2.
Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List-I
List-II
A. Firuz Tughluq
1. Diwan-i-Riyasat
B. Balban
2. Nauroz
C. Alauddin
3. Construction of Canals
D. Jahangir
4. Sir Thomas Roe
Code:
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 3
2
1
4
(c) 4
1
2
3
(d) 4
3
2
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
Alauddin Khalji established the department ‘Diwan-iRiyasat’ for looking after the financial matters. Firuz Tughluq
built up 5 canals. Balban introduced Nauroz festival in the
court of Delhi. British Ambassador Thomas Roe came to
India during the period of Jahangir.
3.
What is the sequence of arrival of these travellers ?
1. Ibn Battuta
2. Tavernier
3. Al-Biruni
4. Manucci
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 3, 1, 2, 4
(c) 2, 3, 4, 1
(d) 4, 1, 2, 3
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
(i) Al-Biruni : Al-Biruni was a resident of Khiva (ancient
Khwarizm). He was in the court of the last emperor
of Khiva dynasty as a scholar and diplomat before
Mahmud Ghazni’s victory over India. He came to India
with Mahmud Ghazni during his invasion on India.
(ii) Ibn Battuta (1333-1347 ) : He was Moroccan traveller.
He came to India during the Sultanate period in the
regime of Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq (1325-1351A.D.)
Muhammad Tughluq appointed him as ‘Qazi’ of Delhi.
Later, he sent him China as an ambassador in 1342. He
composed his travelling experiences in his book “Rihla.”
B–236
4.
Which one of the following pairs is not correctly
matched?
(Traveller)
(Country)
(a) Ibn Batuta
Morocco
(b) Marco Polo
Italy
(c) Abdur Razaaq
Turkey
(d) Nuniz
Portugal
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (c)
Ibn Batuta (1333-1347 AD) was a traveller from Morocco. He
came to India during the tenure of Muhammad Bin Tughluq.
Marco Polo was a famous traveller from Venice (Italy). He
visited India during the rule of Pandya ruler Marvarman
Kulshekhara (1268-1310 AD). Iranian Ambassador Abdur
Razzaq visited Vijayanagara during the rule of Devrai II
(1422-46 AD). Nuniz was a Portguese traveller. He also
visited Vijayanagara.
5.
Who were called ‘Dastar-Bandan’?
(a) Sufi Saint
(b) Khan
(c) Malik
(d) Ulema
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (d)
During the Sultanate period, high positioned or designated
religious and judicial authorities honourables (Ulema) were
collectively known as Dastar-Bandan, because they dressed
with an official turban.
6.
Which Sultan demanded half the crops on land after
measurement as revenue?
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Muhammad-Bin Tughluq
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (c)
General Studies
Indian History
Mohammad-Bin Tughluq (1325-51 C.E.) is considered an illfated idealist was owing to his ambitious schemes and novel
experiments which ended in miserable failures because they
were all far ahead of their time. In order to overcome financial
difficulties, Muhammad-Bin Tughluq increased the land revenue
to half the produce on the farmers of Doab (land between
Ganges and Yamuna rivers) but Demand was based on expected
production while Alauddin Khalji had fixed the land revenue
on the half of the produce of the land-based on measurement.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
7.
Consider the following statements :
1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz
Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive
Khwarezm prince.
2. It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq
that Timur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of
Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached
the coast of Kerala
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre.) 2021
Ans (a)
During the reign of Iltutmish, Chengiz Khan persuded
Khwarezm prince Jalauddin, who fled to Delhi. Iltutmish
refused the request of asylum of prince, hence statement 1 is
correct. Taimur started his carrer of conquest in 1370 while
Muhammad bin Tughluq time period is 1324-1351, hence
statement (2) is wrong. Deva Raya II died in 1446 and Vasco
da Gama arrived in 1498. Statement 3 is also wrong.
8.
The following persons ruled in India at different
periods of time. Select the correct chronological order
of their rule from the coding scheme given at the end :
1. Sher Shah
2. Akbar
3. Alauddin Khalji
4. Raziyya Sultan
Code :
(a) 4, 1, 3, 2,
(b) 1, 2, 3, 4
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2
(d) 3, 4, 1, 2
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (c)
Ruler
Raziyya Sultan
-
Period
1236-1240
Alauddin Khalji
-
1296-1316
Sher Shah
-
1540-1545
Akbar
-
1556-1605
9.
Consider the following events and arrange these in
chronological order:
1. Transfer of capital by Mohd. Tughluq
2. Afghanpur conspiracy
Indian History
3. Murder of Jalal-ud-Din Khalji
4. Second Battle of Tarain
Select correct answer from the codes given below :
(a) 4, 3, 2, 1
(b) 3, 1, 2, 4
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4
(d) 1, 2, 4, 3
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (a)
The defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan in the second Battle of Tarain
in 1192 AD by Mohammad Ghori led the establishment of
Muslim rule in India. Jalaluddin Khalji was killed in 1296.
Ulugh Khan (Mohammad Bin Tughluq) has been accused as
the murderer of Sultan Ghiyasuddin by Afghanpur conspiracy
case. Muhammad-Bin- Tughluq (1325-51 AD) shifted his
capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (Devgiri).
10. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly
matched?
(a) Bahadur Shah
- Gujarat
(b) Chand Bibi
- Oudh
(c) Raziyya Sultan
- Delhi
(d) Baz Bahadur
- Malwa
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Chand Bibi was a Muslim woman warrior from medieval
India. She acted as a Regent of Bijapur (1580-90) and
Regent of Ahmednagar (1596-99). She was a daughter of
Hussain Nizam Shah-I of Ahmednagar. Thus, option (2)
is not correctly matched while the rest of the options are
correctly matched.
11. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
from the codes given below :
List-I
List-II
A. Ranthambore 1. Karandeva
B. Chittor
2. Raja Ray Ramchandra
C. Devgiri
3. Hamirdeva
D. Gujarat
4. Rana Ratan Singh
Codes :
A
B
C
D
(a) 4
3
2
1
(b) 1
4
3
2
(c) 2
4
1
3
(d) 3
4
2
1
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (d)
The correctly matched list is as follows List-I
List-II
Ranthambore
Hamirdeva
Chittor
Rana Ratan Singh
Devgiri
Raja Ray Ramchandra
Gujarat
Karandeva
General Studies
B–237
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
12. Consider the following events :
1. Reign of Krishna Deva of Vijayanagara
2. Construction of Qutb Minar
3. Arrival of Portuguese in India
4. Death of Firuz Tughluq
The correct chronological sequence of these events is :
(a) 2, 4, 3, 1
(b) 2, 4, 1, 3
(c) 4, 2, 1, 3
(d) 4, 2, 3, 1
I.A.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (a)
The correct sequential order is 2, 4, 3, 1. The construction
of Qutb Minar was started by Aibak and completed by
Iltutmish, the death of Firuz Tughluq in 1388 A.D., the
arrival of Portuguese (Vasco-da-Gama) in 1498 AD and
the reign of Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagara from 1509
to 1529 AD is the correct chronological order. So, option
(a) is the correct answer.
13. Under the following passage: In the course of a career
on the road spanning almost thirty years, he crossed the
breadth of the eastern hemisphere, visited territories
equivalent to about 44 modern countries and put
behind him a total distance of approximately 73,000
miles”. The world’s greatest traveller of premodern
times to whom the above passage refers is :
(a) Megasthenes
(b) Fa-Hien
(c) Marco Polo
(d) Ibn Battuta
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (d)
Marco Polo travelled approx. 24000 miles over 24 years
starting his journey in 1271. Middle East, Middle Asia, China
and Mongolia were included in his travelling account which
was aided by the Mongolian ruler Kublai Khan. Marco Polo
was one of the pioneer nomadic, but Ibn Battuta was a great
wanderer than him about length and massiveness of voyage
lines. He crossed the breadth of South Africa, Western Africa,
Southern and Eastern Europe, Middle-East Asia, Indian
Subcontinent, Middle Asia, South-Eastern Asia and China
approx 44 countries and 73000 miles (117000 km) distance
in 30 years of his travelling career.
14. The earliest reference of the use of magnetic compass
in the Indian seas was by –
(a) Marco Polo
(b) Ibn Battuta
(c) Sadruddin Muhammad "Aufi"
(d) Nicolo Conti
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
B–238
The earliest reference of the use of magnetic compass in
the Indian seas was given by Sadruddin Muhammad 'Aufi'.
The names of his books were Lubab-ul-Albab and Jawamiul-Hikayat. It is Jawami-ul-Hikayat in which he gave the
reference of magnetic compass.
15. Who among the following rulers divided his troops
into units of two hundred, two hundred fifty and five
hundred?
(a) Bahlul Lodi
(b) Sikandar Shah
(c) Sher Shah
(d) Islam Shah
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
64th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (d)
Islam Shah was the son of Sher Shah. He ruled over North
India roughly for 8 years and died in 1553 AD. He divided
his army battalions into the units of fifty, two hundred, two
hundred fifty and five hundred.
16. Which one of the following pairs of kings of Ancient
and Medieval periods of Indian History and the works
by them is correctly matched?
(a) Krishnadeva Raya
: Samaranganasutradhar
(b) Mahendravarman
: Mattavilasaprahasana
(c) Bhojadeva
: Manasollasa
(d) Somesvara
: Amuktamalyada
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (b)
Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadeva Raya composed
Amuktamalyada in the Telugu language. Mattavilasaprahasana was written by Mahendravarman. Bhoj composed
Samaranganasutradhar while Somesvara wrote Manasollasa.
17. Which of the following started during the Rajput
period?
(a) Sati Practice
(b) Child-marriage
(c) Johar Practice
(d) None of these
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (c)
During the period of Hindu-Muslim conflict, Rajputs
performed a distinct form of Sati known as Jauhar as a
direct response to the onslaught they experienced. It was
done because of Muslim invasions. Hindu women feared to
become the “booty for the captor” and committed Jauhar and
Sati to avoid rape, torture and other ignominies.
18. In pre-medieval kingdoms of Rajasthan, the designation
"Naimittika" was used for
(a) Royal bard
(b) Head of public health department
(c) State astrologer
General Studies
Indian History
(d) Chief judicial officer
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (c)
In pre-medieval kingdoms of Rajasthan, the designation
"Naimittika" was used for state astrologer.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
19. Who among the following medieval scholars/writers
belonged to the Jain religion ?
(a) Maladhar Vasu
(b) Hemchandra Suri
(c) Parthasarthi
(d) Sayan
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (b)
Hemchandra Suri was a great scholar and follower of Jainism.
He was introduced to the Siddharaj Jai Singh and soon rose
to prominence in the Solanki royal court. Later, Jai Singh
built Mandap in Abu mountain and established the statues
of Jain Thirthankaras.
20. Match List-I with List -II and select the correct answer
by using the codes given below :
List-I
List-II
A. Battle of Plassey
1. 261 Bc
B. Battle of Kalinga
2. 1576 AD
C. Battle of Haldighati
3. 1192 AD
D. Battle of Tarain
4. 1757 AD
Code:
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 2
1
3
4
(c) 4
1
2
3
(d) 3
4
1
2
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2003
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Battle of Plassey: On June 23, 1757, in the Battle of
Plassey, the forces of the East India Company under Robert
Clive defeated the army of Siraj-ud-daulah, the then Nawab
of Bengal. Mir Zafar, Rai Durlabh and Yar Latif Khan headed
the Nawab’s army. Mir Zafar was bribed by Robert Clive and
was the cause of Nawab’s defeat.
Kalinga War: Ashoka led a vast army against Kalinga in
261 B.C. The freedom-loving people of Kalinga offered
stiff resistance to the Mauryan army. The 13th rock edict of
Ashoka throws light on this war. At least 1 million Kalingans
were killed while another 50 thousand were taken prisoners.
Almost an equal number of Magadha soldiers were also
killed.
Indian History
Battle of Haldighati: The Battle of Haldighati was fought
in Haldighati, Rajasthan in June 1576 between Maharana
Pratap and the forces of Akbar in which Akbar came out as
the winner.
Second Battle of Tarain: The Second Battle of Tarain was
fought between Ghurid army of Muhammad Ghori and
Rajput army of Prithviraj Chauhan. The battle took place in
1192 A.D near Tarain. In this battle, Prithviraj Chauhan was
defeated by Muhammad Ghori.
21. Match the following texts with their authors and select
the correct option :
A. Haqaiq-i-Hindi
i. Ibn Miskawayh
B. Tahdhibul Akhlaq
ii. Sadruddin
Muhammad "Aufi"
C. Kunzal Tijar
iii. Abdul Wahid Bilgrami
D. Jawamiul Hikayat
iv. Bailaq al Qabayaki
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) iii
i
iv
ii
(b) ii
iv
i
iii
(c) iii
i
ii
iv
(d) i
ii
iii
iv
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
The correctly matched list is as follows :
Books
Writers
Haqaiq-i-Hindi
– Abdul Wahid Bilgrami
Tahdhibul Akhlaq
– Ibn Miskawayh
Kunzal Tijar
– Bailaq-al-Qabayaki
Jawamiul Hikayat
– Sadruddin Muhammad 'Aufi'
22. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct
answer from the codes given below :
List- I
List- II
A. Akbar
1. Sadak-I-Azam
B. Muhammad Tughluq
2. Chahalghani nobles
C. Iltutmish
3. Ain-i-Dahsala
D. Sher Shah
4. Token currency
Code:
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 3
4
2
1
(c) 2
3
1
4
(d) 4
1
3
2
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
In the 16 century, Sher Shah Suri built a major road running
from Sonargaon (Bengal) to Lahore (Pakistan). It was also
known as “Sadak-i-Azam” and it served as an administrative
link to the remote provinces of his vast empire. Muhammad
Tughluq issued token currency. The system of Ain-i-Dahsala
was related to Akbar land revenue system. Iltutmish formed
Chahalghani nobles or Turkan-i-Chahalghani.
General Studies
th
B–239
23. During the 13th and 14th Centuries AD the Indian
peasants did not cultivate :
(a) Wheat
(b) Barley
(c) Rice
(d) Maize
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
U.P. P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Indian peasants did not cultivate maize during the 13th and
14th century. Ibn Battuta stated that usually they cultivated
rice, wheat, sugarcane and cotton thrice in a year. During this
period, various spices were being sown in southern India.
Maize was brought by Portuguese.
24. In medieval India, the designations Mahattara’ and
Pattakila’ were used for
(a) Military officers
(b) Village headmen
(c) Specialists in Vedic rituals
(d) Chiefs of craft guilds
I.A.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (*)
According to an article entitled ‘Village Administration
in Ancient India’ published in Indian political science
association in January-March 2004 (volume-65, No.1), the
centre of administration in India was a village in ancient
times (600-1200 AD). The village government was carried
under the supervision of the village headman. He was also
known as Gramani. In northern India, he was called Garmika
or Gramyakaand Mununda in the eastern India, Pattakila
or Gramakuta in Maharashtra, Gavunda in Karnataka and
Mahattaka in Uttar Pradesh. In the text, Indian Epigraphical
Glossary (Writer-Dinesh Chandra Sarkar), Mahattaka has
been stated as headman or the member of Panchayat Board. It
is appropriate to mention here that Dr. Harishchandra Verma
in his book ‘Madhyakalin Bharat Bhag-1’ has described
Mahattar as "The categories of artisans found in inscriptions.
Their head was called Mahattar.
25. Which of the following pairs is NOT correctly
matched?
(a) Adina Masjid - Mandu
(b) Lal Darwaza masjid - Jaunpur
(c) Dakhil Darwaza - Gaour
(d) Tin Darwaza - Ahmedabad
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
Adina Mosque (Jama Masjid) is located in Pandaua (West
Bengal). It was built by the ruler of Bengal Sikandar Shah
(1358-90 AD) around 1360 AD.
B–240
26. Which of the following rulers got the Jantar Mahal of
Mandu constructed?
(a) Mahmud Shah Khalji (b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Bhoj Parmara
(d) Hoshang Shah
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (*)
Jahaj Mahal is a popular monumental building in Mandu.
It was built during the rule of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Khalji.
There is not any Jantar Mahal in Mandu that is why MPPSC
has deleted this question.
Provincial Dynasty of North
India and Deccan Province
*Jaunpur was founded by Firuz Tughluq in the memory of
his cousin Jauna Khan (Muhammad-Bin Tughluq). *Jaunpur
became an independent state during the reign of Sultan Mahmud
Shah II (1394.). *It was established by Malik, who founded the
independent Sharqi kingdom. Malik Sarwar was a slave of
Muhammad Shah II. *Sultan gave him the title of Malik- UshSharq (the owner of the East) and Khwaja-e-Jahan. *Sharqi
rulers continued Jaunpur’s independence for nearly 85 years
but in 1479, Bahlul Lodi defeated its last ruler Hussain Shah
and made Jaunpur a part of Delhi Sultanate again.
*Ibrahim Shah Sharqi (1402 - 1440 AD) Gazette of India was
the greatest ruler of the Sharqi dynasty of Jaunpur. *During his
reign, a new type of style emerged which was called ‘Sharqi
style’. *He himself assumed the title of ‘Siraj-e-Hind’.
*During this time, the cultural fame of Jaunpur spread all
around and the state became famous as the ‘Siraj of India’.
*Vidyapati has beautifully described Jaunpur and Ibrahim
Shah in ‘Kirtilata Kavya’.
*Ali Shah’s brother Shahi Khan sat on the throne of Kashmir
as Jain-ul-Abidin in 1420. He became the greatest ruler of
Kashmir. *He abolished ‘Jizya’ and banned cow slaughter.
He got "Mahabharata" & "Rajtarangini" translated in Persian.
*‘Jaina Lanka’ island was built by Jain-Ul-Abidin in ‘Wullar
Lake’. Jain-ul-Abidin (1420-70 AD) is called ‘Akbar of
Kashmir’ due to religious tolerance and good deeds.
*Zafar Khan declared himself Sultan of Gujarat in 1407 AD
adopting the name ‘Sultan Muzaffar Shah’. *He defeated the
ruler of Malwa Husangshah and occupied his capital Dhar,
but later he returned his kingdom. *Later, Fateh Khan sat
on the throne in 1458 AD. *He took the title of ‘Abul Fateh
Mahmood’, but in history he became famous as Mahmud
Begda. *His main victories were the forts of Champaner and
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Girnar.
*Bahamani kingdom was founded during the last days of
Muhammad-Bin Tughluq’s reign as a result of the rebellion
of Amiran-e-Sadah in Deccan. *Zafar Khan (Hassan Gangu,
1347 - 1358 AD) a Sardar in 1347 AD, assuming the title of
Alauddin Hassan Bahman Shah, sat on the throne and laid the
foundation of the Bahamani kingdom. *He made Gulbarga
the capital of his newly established kingdom and named it
Ahsanabad. *To govern his empire, he divided it into four
provinces of Gulbarga, Daulatabad, Barar and Bidar.
*Ibrahim Adilshah II, the ruler of Bijapur, was a skilful
administrator, poet and a generous patron of arts. *His people
used to address him with the title of ‘Jagatguru’ due to his
generous approach. He was also called ‘Ablababa’ or ‘Friend
of the poor’ because of his nature of helping the poor. *Ibrahim
Adil Shah composed Hindi music collection ‘Kitab-i-Navras’.
*In the same era, Ferishta had completed the work of a famous
historic book named ‘Tarik-e-Ferishta’. *Ibrahim established
Navrasapur city. *The mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah
of Bijapur is known as ‘Gol Gumbad’. It is one of the largest
historic buildings in India and one of the world’s largest domes.
*Gujari Mahal was built by King Man Singh Tomar in the 16th
century. Currently, Gujari Mahal is converted into Museum.
Independent states of Bahamani
State
Founder
Barar
Fatehullah Imad
Dynasty
Imadshahi Dynasty
Shah
Bijapur
Yusuf Adilshah
Adilshahi Dynasty
Ahmednagar
Malik Ahmad
Nizamshahi Dynasty
Golconda
Quli Qutbshah
Qutbshahi Dynasty
Beedar
Amir Ali Barid
Baridshahi Dynasty
1.
The city of Jaunpur was founded in the memory of :
(a) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
(b) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(c) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(d) Akbar
U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
Firuz Shah Tughluq built 300 new cities. Fatehabad, Hisar,
Firozpur, Hisar and Jaunpur was established by the sultan of
Delhi Firuz Shah Tughluq in 1359 and named in the memory
of his cousin Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq whose name was
Jauna Khan. Firuz Shah Tughluq appointed Malik Sarwar,
a eunuch who was notorious for having been the lover
of Firuz Shah Tughluq’s daughter, as the governor of
Indian History
the region. The Sultanate was in disarray because of factional
fighting for power and Malik Sarwar declared independence.
He and his adopted son Mubarak Shah founded the Sharqi
dynasty (dynasty of the East). Jaunpur was independent for 85
years. But in 1479 A.D., Bahlul Lodi defeated its last emperor
Hussain Shah and was able to reconquer Jaunpur in 1479.
2.
Who had established Jaunpur ?
(a) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(b) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(c) Ibrahim Shah Sharqi
(d) Sikandar Lodi
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
3.
Which one of the following places was known as ‘Shiraz
of East’ during the regime of Sharqi Rulers ?
(a) Agra
(b) Delhi
(c) Jaunpur
(d) Varanasi
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (c)
Jaunpur attained its greatest height under Sharqi Dynasty
ruler, Ibrahim Shah (1402-1440 AD). He constructed some
monuments in a new regional style of architecture known as
the Sharqi architecture. Jaunpur was also known as the Shiraz
of India during this period. Most notable examples of Sharqi
style of architecture in Jaunpur are the Atala Masjid, Lal
Darwaza Masjid, and Jama Masjid.
4.
Which one of the following places was called “Shiraz
of India” ?
(a) Agra
(b) Allahabad
(c) Jaunpur
(d) Lucknow
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
5.
Who was the last ruler of 'Jaunpur' state?
(a) Mohammad Shah
(b) Hussain Shah
(c) Mubarak Shah
(d) Ibrahim Shah
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (b)
Jaunpur city was founded in 14th century by Sultan Firuz Shah
Tughluq and named in memory of his cousin, MuhammadBin Tughluq whose real name was Jauna Khan. In 1394,
General Studies
B–241
Malik Sarvar established the independent Jaunpur state.
Hussain Shah was the last ruler of Jaunpur state defeated by
Bahlul Lodi. Jaunpur is historically known as 'Shiraz-i-Hind'.
6.
Ruler of Kashmir who was also known as “Akbar of
Kashmir’ was(a) Shamshuddin Shah
(b) Sikandar Butshikan
(c) Haidar Shah
(d) Zain-ul-Abidin
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (d)
Shahi Khan (Zain-ul-Abidin), the brother of Ali Shah,
became the ruler of Kashmir in 1420. He was the greatest
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
king of Kashmir. He earned a name for his policy of religious
tolerance and public welfare activities. He abolished Jizya
tax on Hindus and banned the cow slaughter. He was the first
ruler to do so Mahabharata, Dashavatara and Raj Tarangini
were translated into the Persian language during his period.
He was compared with Akbar due to his religious tolerance.
The scriptures ‘Jain Prakash’ and Jain-Vilas’ were compiled
during his rule. Also, he constructed artificial Island of Zaina
Lanka in the middle of Wullar Lake.
7.
What was the real name of Zain-ul-Abidin, the ruler
of Kashmir?
(a) Alishah
(b) Hasanshah
(c) Haidarshah
(d) Shahi Khan
Zain-ul-Abidin was one of the most revered king in Kashmir's
history. He reigned from 1420 AD to 1470 AD. Because of
his popularity among his people, he is also called 'Akbar of
Kashmir'. The first thirty-five years of his reign are described
by Jonaraja in the Rajatarangini Dvitiya. In his initial years
he was known as Shahi Khan.
Which among of the following Ruler abolished Jizya
first time?
(a) Zain-ul-Abidin
(b) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(c) Hussain Shah Sharqi
(d) Akbar
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2006
See the explanation of above question.
B–242
Sikandar Butshikan built Jama Masjid in 1400 AD in Kashmir
which was expanded by Zain-ul-Abidin. The characteristics
of Jama Masjid includes turret, the similarity with Buddhist
pagodas and persian style. Hence, option (b) is the correct
answer.
10. Who amongst the following scholars was not in the
Court of Kumbha?
(a) Muni Sunder Suri
(b) Natha
(c) Tilla Bhatt
(d) Muni Jin Vijay Suri
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (d)
Muni Sunder Suri, Natha, and Tilla Bhatt were the scholars
court of Mughal emperor, Akbar.
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (a)
Consider the following statements :
The striking feature of the Jama Masjid in Kashmir
completed by Zain-ul-Abidin include(s) :
1. Turret
2. Similarity with Buddhist pagodas
3. Persian style
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
(a) 1 alone
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (b)
in the court of Kumbha, but Muni Jin Vijay Suri was in the
Ans. (d)
8.
9.
11. Consider the following pairs :
Medieval Indian State
Present Region
1. Champaka
Central India
2. Durgara
Jammu
3. Kuluta
Malabar
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
I.A.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
The medieval Indian states such as Champaka and Kuluta
were related to current Himachal Pradesh. Durgara was
situated in Jammu. Champaka, Durgara and Kuluta were
related to Rajputs which were part of the then Punjab. These
three state rise as a result of Tripartite struggling state's down,
fall (Pal, Pratihara and Rashtrakuta).
12. Bahmani State was established by –
(a) Alauddin Hasan
(b) Ali Abid Shah
General Studies
Indian History
(c) Hussain Nizam Shah
(d) Mujahid Shah
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Bahmani empire was founded by Alauddin Hasan Bahman
Shah (Zafar Khan) who was also known as Hasan Gangu in
1347. He declared Gulbarga as the capital of his empire and
named as Ahsanabad. He divided his empire into four regions
Gulbarga, Daulatabad, Berar and Bidar. Gulbarga was the
most significant district of the state. He annexed southern
Hindu rulers and started a new system of providing powers
and Jagirs to his followers. He abolished Jizya on the Hindus.
13. The Bahmani Kingdom was founded in the year
(a) 1336
(b) 1338
(c) 1347
(d) 1361
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
14. Which of the following was the first capital of the
Bahamani Kingdom?
(a) Bidar
(b) Gulbarga
(c) Daulatabad
(d) Hussainabad
(e) None of these
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
15. Who among the following was founder of the Bahamani
Kingdom in Deccan :
(a) Malik Ambar
(b) Hasan Gangu
(c) Muhammad Diwan
(d) Sikandar Shah
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
16. Bahmani kingdom was founded in –
(b) 14th century A.D.
(a) 15th century A.D.
th
(c) 13 century A.D.
(d) 16th century A.D.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Bahmani Kingdom was founded by Alauddin Hasan in 14th
century A.D. (1347 A.D.). It occupied North Deccan region
near the river Krishna.
17. Who was the founder of Bahamani Kingdom?
(a) Alauddin Hasan
(b) Firuz Shah
Indian History
(c) Mahmud Gaonwa
(d) Asaf Khan
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
Bahamani Kingdom was founded by Alauddin Hasan
Gangu by revolting against the Delhi 'Sultunate'. In 1347,
the successful revolt of the new nobles against Muhammad
Tughluq resulted in the founding of the Bahamani dynasty.
After his coronation, Alauddin Hasan assumed the title of
'Abul Hasan Mujaffar Alauddin Bahman Shah'.
18. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer
by using the codes given below :
List- I
List- II
A. Adil Shahi
1. Ahmednagar
B. Qutb Shahi
2. Bijapur
C. Nizam Shahi
3. Golconda
D. Sharqi Shahi
4. Jaunpur
Code:
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 2
3
4
1
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 2
3
1
4
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (d)
The correctly matched order is :
Dynasty City
Founder ruler
Adil Shahi
Bijapur
Yusuf Adil Shah
Qutb Shahi
Golconda
Quli Qutb Shah
Nizam Shahi
Ahmednagar
Malik Ahmad
Sharqi Shahi
Jaunpur
Malik Sarwar
19. Which one of the following Muslim rulers was hailed
as the ‘Jagadguru’ by his Muslim subject because of
his belief in secularism ?
(a) Hussain Shah
(b) Zain-ul -Abidin
(c) Ibrahim Adil Shah
(d) Mahmud II
I.A.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (c)
Ibrahim Adil Shah-II was king of the Sultanate of Bijapur.
Under his reign, the dynasty had its greatest period, as he
extended its frontier to the south up to Mysore. He was a
skilful administrator, artist, poet and a generous patron of
arts. He reverted to the Sunni sect of Islam but remained
General Studies
B–243
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
tolerant of other religions. He is also known as Jagadguru
Badshah. He founded a new township at Navraspur to give
concrete shape to his idea of a musical city. He built a temple
inside the precincts of the palace that still exists. IbrahimII wrote the book Kitab-i-Navras (Book of Nine Rasas)
in Dakhani.
20. Who among the following was the author of the book
'Kitab-i-Nauras'?
(a) Ibrahim Adil Shah II
(b) Ali Adil Shah
(c) Quli Qutab Shah
(d) Akbar II
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (a)
Ibrahim Adil Shah II was ruler of Bijapur Kingdom. He wrote
'Kitab-i-Nauras' in Deccani language.
21. How did the dynasty of Nizam Shahi of Ahmadnagar
come to an end?
(a) Ahmadnagar was annexed to Mughal empire and
Hussain Shah was consigned to life imprisonment
(b) Mughal troops destroyed Daulatabad fort and killed
Nizam-ul-Mulk of Ahmadnagar
(c) Fateh Khan usurped the throne from Nizam-ul-Mulk
(d) Malik Ambar was defeated in a battle with Mughals
in 1631 and the entire royal family was killed by the
Mughal troops
I.A.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (a)
The founder of the city of Ahmadnagar Kingdom was Ahmad
Nizam Shah. It was conquered and annexed by Shahjahan
(1632). It is important to know that Shahjahan sent an army
with Mahawat Khan to win the Daulatabad fort. He bribed 10.5
lakhs to Fateh Khan to take over the fort. After that, Hussain
Nizam Shah was imprisoned for life at the Gwalior Fort.
22. Name the pair which is not correctly matched:
(a) Baz Bahadur
- Malwa
(b) Qutb Shah
- Golconda
(c) Sultan Muzaffar Shah - Gujarat
(d) Yusuf Adil Shah
- Ahmadnagar
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (d)
In the given options, option (d) is not correctly matched.
Yusuf Adil Shah was the ruler of Bijapur not Ahmadnagar.
Other options are correctly matched .
B–244
23. What is Golconda called at present :
(a) Hyderabad
(b) Karnataka
(c) Bijapur
(d) Banglore
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (a)
The ruins of Golconda (Capital of Bahmani) are scattered in
7 miles west of Hyderabad. It was under Yadavas of Devgiri
and Kakatiyas of Warangal. Later, Aurangzeb possessed it
by ending Qutb Shahi dynasty. It was famous for diamond
during that era.
24. Which one of the following is correctly matched ?
(a) Kakatiya
:
Devgiri
(b) Hoysala
:
Dwarasamudra
(c) Yadava
:
Warangal
(d) Pandya
:
Madurai
U.P. Lower Sub (Pre) 2008
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2003
Ans. (b)
Dwarsamudra was the capital of Hoysala while Warangal
was of Kakatiya, Devgiri of Yadava dynasty and Korkai of
Pandya. So, option (b) is the correct answer.
25. “Dwarasamudra’ was the capital of which dynastic
power?
(a) Ganga
(b) Kakatiya
(c) Hoysala
(d) Kadamba
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
‘Dwarasamudra’ (which is now called Halebido )was the
capital of Hoysala Dynasty during 1121 AD. The Hoysala
dynasty was founded by Nripakama-II, who came to political
prominence during the rule of king Vishnuvardhana. The
Hoysala era was an important period for the development
of art and religion in South India.
26. Hoysala monuments are found in :
(a) Hampi and Hospet
(b) Halebid and Belur
(c) Mysore and Bangalore
(d) Sringeri and Dharwar
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
The Hoysala Empire was a prominent Southern Indian
Kannadiga empire that ruled most of the modern-day State of
Karnataka between the 10th and 14th century. The capital of the
Hoysalas was initially located at Belur but was later moved
to Halebid. Hoysaleshvara temple at Halebid is dedicated to
General Studies
Indian History
Shiva while they built Jain temples also to satisfy the Jain
population. Large and small temples built during this era are
of Hoysala architectural style including the Chennakeshava
temple at Belur. Hence, option (b) is correct.
27. What is modern name of Hoysaleshvara’s ancient
capital of Dwarasamudra?
(a) Sringeri
(b) Belur
(c) Halebid
(d) Somnathpur
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2003
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The capital of the Hoysala dynasty was Dwarasamudra,
which is currently in Halebid.
28. Which one of the following monuments has a dome
which is said to be one of the largest in the world?
(a) Tomb of Sher Shah, Sasaram
(b) Jama Masjid, Delhi
(c) Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughluq, Delhi
(d) Gol Gumbad, Bijapur
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (d)
Gol Gumbad, built by Adil Shah of Bijapur, is said to be the
largest dome in the world.
29. Match the following monuments with their concerned
ruler and select the correct codes given below :
A. Double Dome
i. Sher Shah
B. Octagonal Tomb
ii. Muhammad Adil Shah
C. True arch Tomb
iii. Balban
D. Gol Gumbad
iv. Sikandar Lodi
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) iv
iii
i
ii
(b) iv
i
iii
ii
(c)
i
iii
iv
ii
(d) ii
iii
i
iv
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (b)
Monuments
Double Dome
Octagonal Tomb
True arch Tomb
Gol Gumbad
-
Rulers
Sikandar Lodi
Sher Shah
Balban
Muhammad Adil Shah
30. Who built Gujari Mahal ?
(a) Suraj Sen
(b) Man Singh
(c) Tej Karan
(d) Akbar
Indian History
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
Gujari Mahal was constructed by Raja Man Singh Tomar in
1510 AD. It is a unique piece of architecture.
31. Who were Polygars of South India?
(a) Ordinary Zamindars
(b) Mahajans
(c) Territorial Administrative and Military Governors
(d) Newly enriched traders
U.P.P.C.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
Palaiyakkarar or Polygar was the feudal title of a class of
administrative and Military governors appointed by the
Nayaka rulers of South India (notably Vijayanagara Empire,
Madurai Nayaks and the Kakatiya dynasty) during 16 to
18 centuries.
th
th
Bhakti and Sufi Movement
*The Bhakti movement originated in ancient Dravida region
and began to spread to the north during the late medieval ages
when north India was under Islamic rule. Bhakti movement
began with the rise of the great philosopher Shankaracharya
in the South India in 8th century who propagated pure monism
‘Adwaitvada’. *Bhakti movement was spread by Vaishnava
Alwara saints and Shaiv Nayanara saints of the South.
*Bhakti Movement was reborn in the 15-16 century AD when
the Kabir, Nanak, Tulsi, Sur and Meerabai encouraged the
movement.
*In medieval India, the emergence of Sufis helped in promoting
harmony in society. *They used to do meditation and hard
breathing - regulation. *Some believe that four philosophy
influenced the Sufisim –
(1) Advaitvada and Vishisht Dvaitvada of Aryans
(2) New Aflatuni theory
(3) Liberal thinking
(4) Deep root knowledge of Islam
They took the help of holy songs and music to spread unity
and harmony in the society and to arouse a state of spiritual
ecstasy in their audience.
*Kamarupa is the modern region situated between two
rivers Manas and Barnadi in western Assam. Vaishnavism in
Kamarupa was popularized by Shankaradeva, the founder of
Ekasarana sect. They believed in God Vishnu or his incarnation
Krishna. They also opposed both rituals and idolatry. They were
known as Chaitanya of Assam.
*Shuddha Advaitvad a is the “purely non-dual” philosophy
General Studies
B–245
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
propounded by Shri Vallabhacharya, the founder and guru of the
Vallabha sect. Vallabhacharya was the son of Telugu Brahmin
Shri Lakshmana Bhatta of Somyazi clan, who is said to have
developed the views of Vishnu Swami into Shuddha Advaita
or pure non-dualism. He spent most of the time of his life in
Kasi, Arail (Prayaga) and Vrindavana.
*The founder of ‘Dvaitwaad’ was Madhwacharya.
*Nimbarkacharya was the founder of ‘Dvaita-Dvaitvad’ and
Ramanujacharya was the founder of ‘Vishisht Dvaitvad’.
Both of them are related to the ‘Sanaka’ sect. *Ramananda was
the first promoter of the Bhakti Movement in northern India.
He was born in the Kanyakubja Brahmin family of Prayaga in
1299 AD. *These used to believe in ‘Saguna’ God. *He was
the first one who promoted his messages in the Hindi language.
*Kabir (1398 - 1518 AD) was one of the 12 disciples of
Ramananda. He was born near Varanasi to a widowed Brahmin
and grown up by a weaver couple Neeru and Neema. *‘Bijak’
is a compilation of the sermons of Saint Kabir. It is a holy book
of those who believe in the Kabirpanthi sect. *'Sabad', 'Sakhi'
and 'Ramani' are compositions of Kabir but his dialogues with
Dharmadasa are found in the book titled ‘Amarmool’. *Saint
Malukdasa was born in the family of Lala Sundar Das Khatri
in 1574 AD in Kada (present-day Kaushambi district). *Guru
Ghasidas was born in December, 1756 AD in Giraudpuri
village in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh.
12 Jyotirlingas devoted to lord Shiva are found in different
parts of India.
These are - Kedarnath, Vishwanath, Vaidyanath,
Mahakaleshwara, Omkareshwara, Nageshwara, Somnath,
Trayambakeshwara, Dhrishneshwara, Bhimashankara,
Mallikarjuneswami and Rameshwaram.
*Gurunanka was born in Talwandi in Punjab in 1469 AD.
Now this place is called ‘Nankana Sahib’. *It is located in
Shaikhpura district of western Punjab (now in Pakistan). *
Guru Nanak died in 1539 AD at Derababa. *Guru Nanak
(1469 - 1539 AD) was the founder of Sikh religion during the
reign of Sikandar Lodi (1489 - 1517 AD). *Nanak believed in
monotheism and emphasized the worship of Nirgun Brahma.
*Gurunanak says, “God knows the qualities of a person, but
he does not ask about his caste, because there is no caste in
the world."
*Guru Nanak started the community kitchen known as ‘Guru
Ka Langer’. The followers used to eat together without paying
any attention to the caste. *Meerabai was the only daughter of
Ratan Singh Rathore of Merta. * She was born in village Kudaki
of Merta in 1498 AD. She was married to Prince Bhojraja, the
eldest son of famous ruler Rana Sanga of Udaipur.
*Namdeva had an important role in popularizing the Bhakti
movement in Maharashtra. *He was born in Pandharpur in
B–246
1270 AD. Visoba Khechar was his teacher. He belonged to the
Varkari sect. *Vithoba Khechar had him educated for mystical
life and introduced the omnipresent nature of God. Namdev
said that “a stone is worshipped, the other is walked upon,
if one is God, then the other must also be a God.”
*The time period of Dadu Dayal was from 1544 AD to 1603
AD. * The time period of Tyagraja was between 1767 AD to
1847 AD. He was a devotee poet of Bhakti path and was a great
musician of Karnataka.
* The famous Saint Mahaprabhu Chaitanya (1486 - 1534 AD)
of Bhakti Movement was born in Nadia district of Bengal in a
Brahmin family. *His father’s name was Jagannatha Mishra and
his mother’s name was Shachi Devi. *Chaitanya’s childhood
name was Nimai. *Chaitanya was a follower of Lord Krishna.
*Famous devotee /saint Goswami Tulsidasa was contemporary of Akbar and Jahangir. *Tulsidasa wrote many texts in
which Ramcharitmanasa and Vinayapatrika are the best
ones. * ‘Ramcharitmanas’ was composed by Goswami Tulsidas
(1532-1623) in Awadhi language.
* Sufisim was born in a foreign land, but it was mainly
influenced by Indian Vedanta philosophy.
*Chishtiya Sufi was founded by Abu Shaaq Sami and his
disciple Khwaja Abu Abdal Chishti in Chishti of Afghanistan.
But it was primarily promoted by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
in India. *He came to India with Muhammad Ghori’s Army
in 1192 AD (12th century). *He made his residence in Ajmer
(Rajasthan). *He died in 1236 AD. *Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar
Kaki was his main disciple. Khawaja Muinuddin Chishti
became a disciple of Khwaja Usman Chishti Haruni at Nishapur.
*Shaikh Fariduddin - Ganj-i-Shakar Chishti was a Sufi saint of
Chishti order who was popular as Baba Farid. *Chishtia order
got popularity in India due to his efforts. *His most important
contributions are the compositions compiled in the Guru
Granth Sahib. He was the son-in-law of Balban. *He was the
spiritual teacher of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya. *Alauddin
Sabir Kaliyari and Nasiruddin Chirag-i-Dehlavi were his
other prominent disciples.
*Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya’s Dargah is located in Delhi.
*Nizamuddin Auliya died in 1325 AD.* He was buried in
Giaspur (Delhi) *Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya saw the reign of
seven sultans, which came to the power one after the other, but
he never went to anyone’s court. *When Alauddin asked him
to meet, Shaikh replied that 'there are two gates in my house
if Sultan comes through one, then I will go out by the other'.
Thus, he refused to meet Alauddin. *He was popularly known
as Mehboob-e-Elahi and ‘Sultan-ul-Auliya’ (King of Saints).
*Shaikh Salim Chisti’s name is notable in the last Sufis of
Chishti Branch. His father’s name was Shaikh Bahauddin.
* He lived in Arabia for several years and was conferred with
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
the title of ‘Shaikh-Ul-Hind’. After that he returned to India
and stayed at a place called Sikri which was 36 km from Agra.
The place was later developed by Akbar as Fatehpur Sikri. *It
is said that Jahangir was born with the blessings of Shaikh
Salim Chishti. *The impact of Chishti order was in Delhi and
neighbouring areas while the influence of the Suhrawardi
order was extended in the region of Sindh.
*Firdausi order was the part of Chishti order which had
influence in the areas of Bihar.
*Shaikh Muhiuddin Qadir Jilani of Baghdad was the founder
of the Qadri branch and was considered as one of the great
saints of Islam. *The main titles of Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jailani
were - ‘Mehboob-i-Sumani’ (God’s lover), ‘Piran-i-Pir’
(Chief of saints), ‘Pir-i-Dastagir’ (Helpful Saint) etc. This
branch was promoted by Shah Niyamatullah and Makhdum
Jilani in India in the 15th century. *Makhdoom Jilani made
Uchha as his education centre.
*Nakshbandi order was established by Khwaja Bahauddin
Nakshband in the 14th century. *Khwaja Khwand Mahmud
was a prominent saint of this branch who came to India and
made Kashmir his centre. This order was majorly propagated by
Khwaja Baki Billah of the 17th century who came from Kabul
with the orders of his master. *Shaikh Ahmed Sirhindi who
is also known as ‘Mujaddid’, the reformer of Islam religion,
was his main disciple. He propounded ‘Wazahat-ul-Shuhud’
(positivist philosophy). *This order was against Sama (music).
*It was the most radical order among Sufis. They opposed
Akbar’s liberal policies. *Aurangzeb was a follower of this
Sufi order.
*Sufi Saint Shah Muhammed Gaus has accepted Krishna as
Auliya. *He was the most famous saint of Sattari order. *He
had close relations with Mughal emperor Humayun and Tansen.
*The famous composition of Muhammad Gaus is ‘Jawahire-Khamsa’ in which he expresses his spiritual quest. *He has
translated the book ‘Amritkund’ of Hatha Yoga by the name
of ‘Bahar-Ul-Hayat’.
*The place of residence of Sufi saints is called Khanqah.
*‘Sama’ is the name of a Sufi ceremony. *The person
authorized to teach and guide Sufism was called Shaikh.
*Scholars of religious laws of Islam are called ‘Ulema’.
*‘Premwatika’ was composed by Rask Khan. *In this text, he
quotes the life of Krishna. *'Sujan Rask Khan' is also famous
text by Rask Khan. *The language of Rask Khan is pure Braj.
*Barahmasa was written by 'Malik Muhammad Jayasi'. The
Padmavat has an important place in the Hindi literature written
by Jayasi. The other composition of Jayasi are ‘Akharawat’,
'AkhiriKalam', etc. *Deva Sharif, the Mazar of famous
Sufi Saint Haji Waris Ali Shah, is situated near about 12 km
from Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh. *Jesus Christ was born in
Bethlehem city of Jewish Province in 4 BC. * According to
Indian History
Christian belief, the Easter festival is celebrated on the third
day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixtion. *Good Friday is celebrated
by Christians as martyrdom day of Jesus Christ. *According to
the Bible, Jesus Christ was crucifixtion on Friday (Friday). *
Saint Francis of Assisi (1181 - 1226 AD) is a Christian saint who
was famous for his love towards birds and animals. *Vatican
is a sovereign state located in Italy. * Its total area is only 44
hectares, which is the world’s smallest (both population and
area) independent country. *It is governed by the Bishop of
Rome, also called as the Pope. * It is also known as the capital
of the Roman Catholic Church. *Medina is a city located in
Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia. * This is Islam’s second
holiest city after Mecca.
1.
The Bhakti movement was started by –
(a) Alwar Saints
(b) Sufi Saints
(c) Surdas
(d) Tulsidas
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (a)
The Bhakti movement is a Hindu religious movement in
which the main spiritual practise is loving devotion among
the Shaiva Nayanars and the Vaishnava Alvars. The Bhakti
movement originated in ancient Dravida region and began
to spread to the north during the late medieval ages when
North India was under Islamic rule. The Bhakti movement
was started in the 8 century by the great philosopher
Shankaracharya.
th
2.
Samkaras philosophy is called as –
(a) Monism
(b) Integral Monism
(c) Dualism
(d) Non-dualism
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (d)
Sanskara's philosophy is known as radical non-dualism or
Advaita Vedanta. It was first outlined around 8th century CE.
3.
The Bhakti culture reborn in India during(a) Vedic age
(b) 10 century AD
(c) 12 century AD
(d) 15 -16 century AD
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (d)
th
th
th
th
The Bhakti movement started with the great philosopher
Shankaracharya propounding the philosophy of Advaita to
eliminate the influence of Buddhism during the 8th century.
The Bhakti movement was reborn in the 15 -16 century
when Kabir, Tulsi, Nanak, Sur and Mirabai encouraged the
movement.
General Studies
th
th
B–247
4.
The common belief of life of both Buddha and Mirabai
was–
(a) Following ahimsa
(b) Austerity of Nirvana
(c) The world is full of sorrow
(d) Speak of truth
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (c)
Buddha and Mirabai had a common philosophy which states
that the world is full of sorrow. 'Sorrow is first among the
Four Arya Truths of Buddhism'.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
5.
‘Let no man ask a man’s sect or caste’ whose dictum
was this?”
(a) Kabir
(b) Ramananda
(c) Ramanuja
(d) Chaitanya
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (b)
The dictum above is related to Saint Ramanandaji. His
pupils were from all castes, religions and sects.
6.
A common feature to all Bhakti Saints was that they –
(a) Composed their verses in the language understood by
their followers
(b) Rejected the authority of the priestly class
(c) Encouraged women to go to the temples
(d) Encouraged idol worship
47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (a)
The conduct of Bhakti saints was of a very high standard.
Many of them visited the country and met many people
having different views. They also contributed to the
advancement of Hindi, Kannada, Punjabi, Bengali, Telugu,
Tamil and other languages. The Saints of Bhakti movement
gave their verses in regional and local languages so that their
followers could easily understand it. This was the main reason
behind the development of local languages.
7.
With reference to the religious history of medieval
India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which
of the following practices?
1. Meditation and control of breath.
2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place.
3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy
in their audience.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
B–248
Ans. (d)
I.A.S. (Pre) 2012
The emergence of Sufi saints in medieval India helped to
promote communal harmony in the society. They promoted
activities like meditation and hard breathe-regulation. They
took the help of holy songs and music to spread unity and
harmony in the society and to arouse a state of spiritual
ecstasy in their audience.
8.
Vaishnavism in Kamarupa was popularised by –
(a) Chaitanya
(b) Nimbarka
(c) Ramananda
(d) Shankaradeva
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
Ans. (d)
Kamarupa is the modern region situated between two rivers
Manas and Barnadi in western Assam. Vaishnavism in
Kamarupa was popularized by Shankaradeva, the founder
of Ekasarana sect. They believed in God Vishnu or his
incarnation Krishna. They also opposed both rituals and
idolatry. They were known as Chaitanya of Assam.
9.
Who among the following introduced Vaishnavism in
Assam and Cooch Behar?
(a) Chaitanya
(b) Madhva
(c) Shankaradeva
(d) Vallabhacharya
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
Ans. (c)
Shankaradeva introduced Vaishnavism in Assam and Cooch
Behar.
10. Famous medieval saint Shankaradeva belonged to –
(a) Shaiva Cult
(b) Vaishnava Cult
(c) Advaita Cult
(d) Dvaita-Advaita cult
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
11. Ramanujacharya is related to –
(a) Bhakti
(b) Dvaitvad
(c) Vishistadvaita
(d) Monotheism
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (c)
Ramanujacharya was the earliest propagator of the Bhakti
movement. The philosophy of Sri Ramanujacharya is known
in Sanskrit as Vishistadvaita. This term literally means
“non-duality of reality as characterized by attributes. The
central idea of Vishistadvaita is this: ‘there exists an ultimate
principle, an absolute being that is the source and substratum
of all that exists.’
General Studies
Indian History
12. “Shuddha Advaitvad” was propounded by –
(a) Madhvacharya
(b) Vallabhacharya
(c) Shrikantacharya
(d) Ramanuja
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Shuddha Advaitvad is the “purely non-dual” philosophy
propounded by Shri Vallabhacharya, the founder and guru
of the Vallabha Sect. Vallabhacharya was the son of Telugu
Brahmin Shri Lakshmana Bhatta of Somyaji clan, who is said
to have developed the views of Vishnusvamin into Shuddha
Advaita or pure non-dualism. He spent most of the time of
his life in Kashi, Arail (Prayaga) and Vrindavana.
13. W h e re i s t h e b i r t h p l a c e o f “ M a h a p r a b h u
Vallabhacharya”?
(a) Shivarinarayan
(b) Bilaspur
(c) Ratanpur
(d) Champaranya
(e) None of the above
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (d)
Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya was born in the forest
named ‘Champaranya’ (1478 A.D.). He was a devotional
philosopher, who founded the Krishna-centred Pushti sect of
Vaishnavism and the philosophy of Suddha Advaita.
14. Which one of the following is correctly matched ?
(a) Advaitvad
- Ramanujan
(b) Vishistadvaitvad
- Shankaracharya
(c) Dvaitvad
- Madhvacharya
(d) Dvaitadvaitvad
- Vallabhacharya
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans-(c)
The correctly matched list is as follows :
Advaitavada
Shankaracharya
Vishistadvaitvada
Ramanujacharya
Dvaitvada
Madhvacharya
Dvaitadvaitvada
Nimbarkacharya
15. Consider the following statements :
1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint
Dadu Dayal.
2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded
by Madhvacharya.
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) 2014
Ans. (d)
Indian History
Bijak is the best-known compilation of the compositions of
Kabir and it is Holy Scripture for followers of the Kabirpanthi
sects. Pushtimarg is a Vaishnava sect of Hinduism, founded
by Vallabhacharya around 1500 AD. He propounded Shuddha
Advaita. Thus, both the statements are incorrect. Hence,
option (d) is the correct answer.
16. Who among the following was the first Bhakti Saint to
use Hindi for the propagation of his message?
(a) Dadu
(b) Kabir
(c) Ramananda
(d) Tulsidas
I.A.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Ramananda was born in 1299 AD at Prayaga in an orthodox
Kanyakubja Brahmin family. He got education in Prayag and
Varanasi. Swami Ramananda changed the spiritual landscape
of northern India. He propagated the worship of Rama and
Sita among the masses. Raidas, Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai
were among his numerous followers. He used to believe
in potent God (Saguna Ishwara) and also propagated his
messages in the Hindi language.
17. Kabir was disciple of –
(a) Chaitanya
(c) Ramanuja
Ans. (b)
(b) Ramananda
(d) Tukaram
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Kabir was prominent among 12 disciples of Ramananda.
He was born to a widow Brahmin near Varanasi and his
upbringing was done by a weaver couple Neeru and Neema.
18. Who among the following are Saints of the medieval
Age India
(a) Kumbhandas
(b) Ramanand
(c) Raidas
(d) Tulsidas
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (b)
Ramananda was born in Prayaga (Allahabad). He was the
first great saint of North India. Raidas was born in Varanasi.
Tulsidas was born in Chitrakoot and Kumbhandas in Mathura.
19. Who composed ‘Bijak’ ?
(a) Surdas
(b) Kabir
(c) Ravidas
(d) Pipaji
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (b)
The main religious text of the followers of Kabirpanthi sect
is Bijak which is the compositions of Kabir’s couplet.
General Studies
B–249
20. A collection of dialogues between Kabir and
Dharamdas is titled :
(a) Sabad
(b) Amarmul
(c) Sakhi
(d) Ramaini
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Sakhi, Sabad, Ramaini are the compositions of Kabir while
the collection of dialogues between Kabir and Dharamdas
is titled as ‘Amarmul.’
21. Malukdas was a saint poet of –
(a) Agra
(b) Ayodhya
(c) Kasi
(d) Kada
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (d)
Saint Malukdas was born in the home of Lala Sunder Das
Khatri in 1574 AD in Kada (Kaushambi).
22. What was the name of Saint Ghasidas’s father?
(a) Sukalu
(b) Chaituram
(c) Visahu
(d) Mahangu
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (d)
Guru Ghasidas was born in December, 1756 AD at Giraudpuri
village in Raipur district in Chhattisgarh. Mahangudas and
Amarautin were his parents.
23. Which one of the following sequences indicates the
correct chronological order?
(a) Shankaracharya–Ramanuja–Chaitanya
(b) Ramanuja–Shankaracharya–Chaitanya
(c) Ramanuja–Chaitanya–Shankaracharya
(d) Shankaracharya–Chaitanya–Ramanuja
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
I.A.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (a)
The correctly matched list is as follows :
Kabir
1398-1518
Guru Nanak
1469-1539
Chaitanya
1486-1534
Mirabai
1498-1557
25. Under the following statements:
1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh
Ahmad Sirhindi.
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) 2019
Ans. (d)
Nimbarka, was a Hindu philosopher & commentator, known
for propagating the Vaishnava doctrine of bhedabheda
dvaitadvaita, duality in unity. There is considerable
disagreement regarding the dates when Nimbarka lived &
taught. Generally believed that he was in 11th-12th century.
Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi (1564-1624) was born after Saint
Kabir (1398-1518). So statement 2 in also wrong.
26. Who among the following Sikh Guru started
'Gurumukhi'?
(a) Guru Nanak
(b) Guru Amardas
(c) Guru Ramdas
(d) Guru Angad
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (d)
Gurumukhi is a Sikh script modified, standardised and used
by the second Sikh Guru, Guru Angad. The primary scripture
of Sikhism Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurumukhi.
The correct chronological order is – Shankaracharya (8th
Century), Ramanuja (1017-1137 AD)- Chaitanya (14861534 AD).
27. How many Jyotirlingah are there devoted to Lord
Shiva?
(a) 6
(b) 12
(c) 24
(d) 18
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (b)
24. Select the correct chronological order of the Bhakti
Saints from the following:
(a) Kabir, Guru Nanak, Chaitanya, Mirabai
(b) Kabir, Chaitanya, Guru Nanak, Mirabai
(c) Kabir, Mirabai, Chaitanya, Guru Nanak
(d) Guru Nanak, Chaitanya, Mirabai, Kabir
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (a)
12 Jyotirlingas devoted to Lord Shiva are found in IndiaSomnath is situated in Gujarat, Kedarnath situated in the
Himalayan Range in Uttarakhand, Vishwanath situated in the
holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Vaidyanath is situated
in small village of Parali in Maharashtra, Mahakaleshwara
is situated in the historic city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh,
Omkareshwar situated on the banks of Narmada River on an
island called Mandhata in Madhya Pradesh, Nageshwara is
B–250
General Studies
Indian History
located near Dwarka, one of the ‘Char Dham’ pilgrim sites
for Hindus, in Gujarat, Triambakeshwar is situated in a small
town of Trimbak near Nasik in Maharashtra, Dhrishneshwar
is located at a village called Verul, near Aurangabad in
Maharashtra, Bhimashankar is situated in a small village called
Bhorgiri amidst the Sahayadri Hills near Pune in Maharashtra,
Mallikarjuna is situated on a hill in Shrisailam in Andhra
Pradesh and Rameshwaram is situated in Tamil Nadu.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
28. The followers of Ramanuja are known as(a) Shaiva
(b) Vaishnava
(c) Advaitvadi
(d) Avadhoot
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (b)
Ramanujacharya was the earliest proponent of Bhakti
movement. The philosophy of Sri Ramanujacharya is known
in Sanskrit as Vishistadvaita. The followers of Ramanuja are
known as Vaishnava. He emphasized on Saguna worship.
29. Which of the following was the birthplace of Guru
Nanak?
(a) Amritsar
(b) Nabha
(c) Nankana
(d) Nanded
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (c)
Nankana Sahib also known as Talwandi in Shekhpura district,
West Punjab (in Pakistan) was the birthplace of Guru Nanak,
the founder of Sikh religion. He was born on April 15, 1469,
in a Khatri family. He had a strong faith in the worship of
Nirakar Brahma. He passed away in 1539 at Derababa.
30. In whose regime Guru Nanak Dev founded Sikh
religion?
(a) Firuz Shah Tughluq
(b) Sikandar Lodi
(c) Humayun
(d) Akbar
U.P. P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
Guru Nanak(1469-1539) founded the Sikh religion during the
period of Sikandar Lodi (1489-1517). Nanak used to believe
in monotheism and forced on worshipping of ‘Nirguna
Brahma.’ He believed that there is one and shapeless God.
He did not believe in anthropomorphism.
31. ‘God knows man’s virtues and enquires not his caste,
in the next world there is no caste!’ This was the theory
of which Bhakti saint?
(a) Ramanand
(b) Dadu
(c) Nanak
(d) Ramanuja
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
Indian History
Guru Nanak says: “God knows the qualities of the person,
but he does not ask about his caste because there is no caste
in another world. Guru Nanak started free community kitchen
by the name of ‘Guru Ka Langar.’ His followers used to take
food together without any caste discrimination.
32. Mirabai was contemporary of :
(a) Tulsidas
(b) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
(c) Guru Nanak
(d) Ramakrishna Paramhansa
Ans. (*)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Mirabai was the only daughter of Ratan Singh Rathore of
Merta. She was born in a royal family of Kudaki village of
Merta, Rajasthan. Mira was married to Bhojraj, the eldest
son of the famous ruler of Udaipur Rana Sanga. But King
Bhojraj died after few years. After the death of her husband,
Mirabai spent her whole life worshipping Lord Krishna. She
was the contemporary of Tulsidas (1532-1623 AD), Guru
Nanak (1469-1539 AD) and Chaitanya (1486-1534 AD) but
Ramkrishna (1836-1886 AD) was not contemporary of her.
33. The name of the husband of famous devotee poet Mira(a) Rana Ratan Singh
(b) Rajkumar Bhojraj
(c) Rana Uday Singh
(d) Rana Sanga
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
34. Who wrote ‘Rag-Govind’?
(a) Mirabai
(b) Narhari
(c) Surdas
(d) Raskhan
(e) None of the above
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (a)
‘Rag-Govind’ was written by Mirabai.
35. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) Dhruvadas - Bhagat Namawali
(b) Nabhadas - Bhaktamal
(c) Raskhan - Rasik Priya
(d) Usman- Chitrawali
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (c)
Rasik Priya is a famous work of Acharya Keshavdas. Other
famous works of Acharya Keshavdas are Ramchandrika and
Kavi priya.
General Studies
B–251
36. Arrange the following Saints in their chronological
order:
(1) Kabir
(2) Namdev
(3) Mirabai
(4) Nanak
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2,1,4,3
(d) 4, 1, 3, 2
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The correct chronological order of following saints is as
follows- Kabir (1398-1518 AD), Namdev (1270-1350 AD),
Mirabai (1498-1557 AD) and Guru Nanak (1469-1539 AD).
Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
37. Which one of the following leaders of the Bhakti
Movement was influenced by Islam?
(a) Chaitanya
(b) Mirabai
(c) Namdev
(d) Vallabhacharya
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Pre) 2010
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010
Ans. (c)
Namdev played an important role in popularising Bhakti
movement in Maharashtra. He was born in 1270 AD at
Pandharpur. Gyaneshwar was his teacher. He was related to
Varakari sect. He was a disciple of Vishobha Khechar who
gave him the education of mystic life and introduced him to
an omnipresent form of God. Namdev was quite influenced
by Islam among the Saints of Bhakti Movement. He opposed
idolatry, fast, pilgrimage and harsh physical practices. He
said “One stone is lovingly decorated, while another stone
is walked upon. If one is a God, then the other must also be
a God”. Thus, option (c) is the correct answer.
38. Consider the following Bhakti Saints
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the
Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
I.A.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
Dadu Dayal lived between 1544 to 1603 AD. Guru Nanak
lived between 1469 and 1539 AD and Tyagaraja between
1767 to 1847 AD. Tyagaraja was the devotee poet of Bhakti
path and great musician of Karnataka. The collapse of Lodi
B–252
dynasty started in 1526 AD after Babur defeated Ibrahim
Lodi in the first Battle of Panipat. Guru Nanak delivered his
preachings at that time. Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.
39. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer
using the code given below the lists :
List- I (Bhakti saint)
List- II (Profession)
A. Namdev
1. Barber
B. Kabir
2. Weaver
C. Ravidas
3. Tailor
D. Sena
4. Cobbler
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 2
3
1
4
(b) 3
2
4
1
(c) 3
2
1
4
(d) 2
3
4
1
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
The correctly matched list is as followsNamdev Tailor
Kabir Weaver
Ravidas Cobbler
Sena
Barber
40. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is related to which sect?
(a) Vaishnava
(b) Shaiva
(c) Buddhist
(d) Sufi
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (a)
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was born in Nadia district of West
Bengal in a Brahmin family, was one of the greatest saints of
Bhakti Movement. Jagannath Mishra and Shachi Devi were
his parents. His childhood name was Nimai. Chaitanya was
a follower of Krishna and preached their devotion. He also
lived in Vrindavan for many days.
41. Whose contemporary was Tulsidas?
(a) Akbar and Jahangir
(b) Shahjahan
(c) Aurangzeb
(d) Babur and Humayun
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (a)
The famous devotee/saint Goswami Tulsidas was
the contemporary of Akbar and Jahangir. He wrote,
‘Ramcharitmanas’ and ‘Vinay Patrika’ are best among all
of them. Tulsidas had no relation with the court. He spent
most of his time in Banaras (Varanasi). He finds mention in
Ain-i-Akbari of Abul Fazl.
General Studies
Indian History
42. The book, “Ramcharitmanas” was written by
(a) Tulsidas
(b) Valmiki
(c) Surdas
(d) Ved Vyas
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (a)
The book, “Ramcharitmanas” was written by Goswami
Tulsidas (1532-1623) in Awadhi language.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
43. Which of the following is not a composition of Saint
Tulsidas?
(a) Gitavali
(b) Kavitavali
(c) Vinay Patrika
(d) Sahitya Ratna
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (d)
Gitavali, Kavitavali, and Vinay Patrika were written by Saint
Tulsidas whereas Surdas wrote Surasaravali, Sahitya Ratna
and Sursagar.
44. The main seat (Peeth) of Varkari sect is situated at
(a) Shringeri
(b) Pandharpur
(c) Nadia
(d) Varanasi
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (b)
The main seat (Peeth) of Varkari sect is situated at Pandharpur
(Maharashtra). It is located on the banks of the River
Chandrabhaga in Solahpur district. Varkari is a relegious
movement within the Bhakti spritual tradition of Vaishnavite
Hinduism, geographically associated with the Indian state of
Maharashtra. Varkari's worship Vitthal, the presiding deity
of Pandharpur, regarded as a form of Krishna.
45. Who among the following was the Saint of the Varkari
Sect ?
(a) Nimbarka
(b) Chakradhara
(c) Namdev
(d) Ramdas
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
Ans. (c)
Namdev played an important role in the establishment of
ideology and the glorious tradition of Varkari Sect. Vishobha
Khechar gave him the education of mystic life and introduced
him to an omnipotent form of God. He travelled with his
Guru Gyaneshwar. Some of his lyrical verses are compiled
in ‘Granth Sahib.’
46. Bhakt Tukaram was a contemporary of which Mughal
Emperor?
(a) Babur
(b) Akbar
Indian History
(c) Jahangir
Ans. (c)
(d) Aurangzeb
I.A.S. (Pre) 2006
Bhakta Tukaram (1608-1649 AD) was a contemporary of
Jahangir (1605-1627 AD). Tukaram was born in 1608 AD
and left this world in 1649 AD. The reign of two rulers
Jahangir (1605-1627 AD) and Shahjahan (1628-1658 AD)
comes during 1608-1649 AD. Since Shahjahan is not in
the given options, hence Jahangir will be considered as the
correct answer.
47.
Among the following, who was not a proponent of
Bhakti cult?
(a) Nagarjuna
(b) Tukaram
(c) Tyagaraja
(d) Vallabhacharya
I.A.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (a)
Tukaram, Tyagaraja and Vallabhacharya belonged to
medieval Bhakti movement while Nagarjuna was the founder
of ‘Nihilism’ in the third centuries B.C.
48. The “Chishtia Sufi Order” in India was established
by(a) Khwaja Badaruddin
(b) Khwaja Muinuddin
(c) Shaikh Ahmad Sirhind
(d) Shaikh Bahauddin Zakariya
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
The “Chishtia Sufi Order” was established in Chishti of
Afghanistan by Ishaq Shami and his disciple Khwaja
Abdal Chishti, but it was primarily established in India
by Muinuddin Chishti. He came to India with the army of
Muhammad Ghori in 1192 (12th century) and made Ajmer,
Rajasthan his abode. He died in 1236 AD. Qutbuddin
Bakhtiyar Kaki was his disciple.
49. The first Sufi Saint of Chishtia Sect in India was –
(a) Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti
(b) Hamiduddin Chishti
(c) Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
(d) Nizamuddin Auliya
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
50. Who among the following was the earliest Sufi Saint
to have settled at Ajmer?
(a) Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti
(b) Shaikh Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
General Studies
B–253
(c) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
(d) Shaikh Salim Chishti
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
51. Who was the founder of Chishtia Branch of Sufism ?
(a) Shaikh Muhiuddin
(b) Shaikh Ziyauddin Abuljiva
(c) Khwaja Abu-Abdal
(d) Khwaja Bahaud-Din
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
52. Whose disciple was Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti ?
(a) Khwaja Abdal Chishti
(b) Shah Wali Ullah
(c) Mir Dard
(d) Khwaja Usman Haruni
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (d)
Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti was born in Sakastan (Sistan)
at southern province of Afghanistan in 1136 AD (Hijari
530). After that, he shifted with his parents to Khurasan
province. Khwaja Usman Chishti Haruni made him disciple
at Nishapur. Thus, option (d) is the correct answer.
53. Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti was a disciple of –
(a) Abdul Qadir Gilani
(b) Khwaja Abu Yusuf
(c) Khwaja Usman Haruni
(d) Khwaja Mawdud
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
54. Who among the following Maratha Chieftains was
the first to offer nazr (gift) at the Dargah of Khwaja
Muinuddin Chishti of Ajmer?
(a) Nawab Ali Bahadur, grandson of Peshwa Balaji Rao-I
(from his mistress Mastani)
(b) Raja Sahu, the grandson of Shivaji
(c) Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath
(d) Peshwa Balaji Rao
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
B–254
Raja Sahu, the grandson of Shivaji and Maratha Chieftains,
was the first to offer nazr (gift) at the Dargah of Khwaja
Muinuddin Chishti of Ajmer.
55. Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya was the disciple of –
(a) Shaikh Alauddin Sabir
(b) Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
(c) Baba Farid
(d) Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (c)
Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Masood Ganj-i-Shakar also known
as Baba Farid, was the spiritual master of Shaikh Nizamuddin
Auliya. He was born in Kothwal village at Multan district
of present Pakistan. Alauddin Sabir Kaliyari and Nasiruddin
Chirag-i-Dehlavi were among his disciples.
56. The book 'Fawaidul Fawad' is the record of the
conversations of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya, it was
compiled by
(a) Amir Hassan Sizzi (b) Amir Khusro
(c) Ziauddin Barni
(d) Hasan Nizami
Ans (a)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021
) Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, was an extremely popular
Sufi saint of the Chisti Order. The book 'Fawaidul Fawad'
was compiled by Amir Hassan Sizzi. It is compilation
of teachings of Sufi Saint Hazarat Nizamuddin Auliya.
57. Dargah of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya is situated in(a) Agra
(b) Ajmer
(c) Delhi
(d) Fatehpur
U. P. P. S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (c)
After considering Chishti dynasty, it is clear that Hazrat
Nizamuddin Auliya and Hazrat Alauddin were two main
disciples among the disciples of Baba Farid. Similar to
Baba Farid, Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya provided peace to
human hearts through his preaching. The Dargah of Shaikh
Nizamuddin Auliya is situated in Delhi. He died in 1325 AD
and was buried at Ghiyaspur, Delhi.
58. Given below are two statements, one labeled as
Assertion (A) and the other labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : The sponsor and the most prominent
figure of the Chishti order of Sufis in
India is Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti.
Reason (R) : The Chishti order takes its name from
a village Chishti in Ajmer.
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
In the context of the above two statements, which one
of the following is correct?
(a) Both (A) and (R) is individually true, and (R) is the
correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) is individually 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.
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
61. Who among the following is called the ‘Sadi of India’
?
(a) Amir Hasan
(b) Amir Khusrau
(c) Abu Talib Kalim
(d) Chandrabhan Brahman
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (a)
Amir Hasan-i-Dehlavi is called as the ‘Sadi of India’ (Sadii-Hind) for his great Ghazals.
The Chishti order was founded by Khwaja Abu Ishak
Shami of Syria, but it was introduced in India by Khwaja
Muinuddin Chishti who came along with Sihabuddin Ghori
army in 1192 AD. Khwaja Abu Ishaq Sami migrated from
Asia Minor to in India Chisht in Khurasan, hence, was called
Chishti. He was 9 generation descendant of Hazrat Ali.
Therefore, assertion (A) is right, but reason (R) is wrong.
62. Which one of the following Sultans of Delhi was refused
an audience by Nizamuddin Auliya?
(a) Jalaluddin Khalji
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
(d) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (b)
59. The Sufi saint who maintained that devotional music
was one way of coming close to God was :
(a) Muinuddin Chishti
(b) Baba Farid
(c) Sayyid Muhammad Gisudaraz
(d) Shah Alam Bukhari
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (a)
Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya saw the regime of more than
seven Sultans, but he never visited their court. Sultan
Jalaluddin tried to meet Nizamuddin Auliya through Amir
Khusrau but when Nizamuddin Auliya heard that the Sultan is
about to come, he moved to Ajodhan. When Alauddin asked
him to meet, then Shaikh replied: “there are two doors in my
home, if the Sultan comes from one door, I will go out by
another.” He was also known as ‘Mehboob-e-Ilahi.’
Muinuddin Chishti also known as Gharib Nawaz was an
Imam, Islamic scholar and philosopher from South Asia.
Chishti introduced and established the Chishti order of Sufism
in the Indian subcontinent. He maintained that devotional
music was one way to come closer to God.
63. Which Sufi Saint was called ‘Mehboob-e-Ilahi’ ?
(a) Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
(b) Baba Farid
(c) Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
(d) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (d)
th
60. Who among the following does not belong to the Chishti
order?
(a) Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki
(b) Shaikh Abdul Jilani
(c) Shaikh Moinuddin
(d) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Chishti order is a Sunni Sufi order within the mystic Sufi
tradition of Islam. Muinuddin Chisti introduced the Chishti
order in Lahore and Ajmer. Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki was a
saint of Chisti order from Delhi; Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
was a saint of Chisti order in Indian sub-continent. Shaikh
Abdul Jilani did not belong to Chishti order rather he founded
Qadiriya (Sufi order).
Indian History
See the explanation of above question.
64. Which of the following Sufi saints is known as
Mahboob-i-Ilahi?
(a) Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti
(b) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
(c) Baba Farid
(d) Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag-i-Dehalivi
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
65. The most reputed disciple of Shaikh Farid who had
seen the reign of as many as seven sultans of Delhi was
(a) Nizamuddin Auliya
General Studies
B–255
(b) Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag
(c) Shaikh Salim Chishti
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (a)
Nizamuddin Auliya, the disciple of Shaikh Farid, saw the reign
of more than seven Sultans but he never visited their court.
Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya was also known as ‘Mehboob-eIlahi’ (Favorite of God) and Sultan-ul-Auliya’ ( King of Saints).
66. Which of the following is NOT correctly matched ?
(a) Shaikh Moinuddin Chisthi - Ajmer
(b) Shaikh Burhanuddin Gharib - Daulatabad
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
(c) Shaikh Mohammad Hussaini - Gulbarga
(d) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya - Multan
Ans. (d)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
69. Who among the following was given the title of
Shaikh-ul-Hind’ ?
(a) Baba Fariduddin
(b) Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
(c) Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
(d) Shaikh Salim Chishti
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya was a famous Sufi saint of the
Chisti order. He was also called Mahbub-e-Ilahi. He was
born in Badayun, UP. Initially, he lived with Baba Farid at
Ajodhan (Pakistan) and later he shifted to Dilli. His, shrine
the Nizamuddin Dargah, is located in Delhi and it is one of
the most revered places in Sufi order.
67. The thought of which of the following Sufi saint have
been incorporated in the religious book incorporated
in the religious book ‘Adi Granth’ of the Sikh?
(a) Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti
(b) Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
(c) Fariduddin-Ganj-i-Shakar
(d) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (c)
Shaikh Fariduddin-Ganj-i-Shakar was a saint of Chishti
Silsila who was also famous by the name of Baba Farid. He
played an important role in promoting Chishti Silsila in India.
His most important contribution are his compositions which
are compiled in Guru Granth Sahib. He was the son-in-law of
Balban. Hansi and Ajodhan were the centres of his activities.
68. The famous saint Shaikh Salim Chishti lived in(a) Delhi
(b) Ajmer
(c) Fatehpur Sikri
(d) Lahore
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (c)
B–256
The name of Shaikh Salim Chishti is noteworthy among the
saints of Sufi sect. He was the son of Shaikh Bahauddin. He
lived in Arab for a long period and was awarded by the title
of ‘Shaikh-ul-Hind.’ After returning from Arab, he started
living in Sikri situated 36 km away from Agra which was
later developed as Fatehpur Sikri by Akbar. It is believed that
Jahangir was born by the blessings of Shaikh Salim Chishti.
70. Match List – I with List – II and select the correct
answer from the codes given below:
List – I
List – II
A. Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti 1. Suhrawardiya
B. Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi 2. Qadiriya
C. Dara Shukoh
3. Chishtiya
D. Shaikh Shahabuddin
4. Naqshbandyia
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 2
3
1
4
(b) 1
4
2
3
(c) 3
4
2
1
(d) 4
2
3
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (c)
The correctly matched list is as follows :
Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi
Dara Shukoh
Shaikh Shahabuddin
-
Chishtiya
Naqshbandiya
Qadiriya
Suhrawardiya
71. Shaikh Bahauddin Zakaria belonged to which sect?
(a) Suhrawardi order
(b) Rishi order
(c) Chisti order
(d) Firdausi order
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (a)
Shaikh Bahauddin Zakaria (1182-1268 AD) started
Suhrawardi sect in India. Shaikh Sadr-ud-din Arif, Shaikh
Rakh-ud-din Abul Fateh and Shaikh Jalaluddin Surkh were
associated with this Sufi sect.
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
72. With reference to Sufism in Indian history, consider
the following statements :
1. Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi was a contemporary of
Ibrahim Lodi
2. Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag-I-Dehlavi was a disciple
of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
3. Aurangzeb was a contemporary of Shaikh Salim
Chishti
4. The Qadiri order of Sufis was first introduced
in India by Shaikh Niamatullah and Makhdum
Muhammad Jilani.
Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 4
I.A.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (d)
Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi also known as Mujaddid Alif
Sani, was a famous saint of Naqshbandi order. He was a
contemporary of Akbar and Jahangir. He propounded a
positive philosophy (Wahdat-ul-Shuhud) over the mystic
philosophy of God (Wahdat-ul-Wajud). Shaikh Nasiruddin
Chirag-i-Dehlavi was one of the chief disciples of Khwaja
Nizamuddin Auliya. He preached the teachings of his Pir
(teacher), but he could not be as generous as him. Akbar was
a contemporary of Shaikh Salim Chishti. Shaikh Mohiuddin
Qadir Jilani of Baghdad was the first founder of Qadri sect.
He is counted among the great saints of Islam. Niamatullah
and Makhdum Muhammad Jilani preached this sect in India
during the 15th century. Makhdum Jilani made Uchha his
center for education. Thus, statement 2 and 4 is correct.
73. The most orthodox Sufi order was –
(a) Chishti
(b) Suhrawardi
(c) Naqshbandi
(d) Qadiri
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
Baha-ud-Din Naqshbandi Bukhari founded the Sufi
Naqshbandi order in 14th century. This order was made
popular in India by Babur. Insistence on rigid adherence to
Shariat and nurturing love for Prophet was the essence of this
order. According to Jharkhand Public Service Commission,
option (b) is the correct answer.
74. Who of the following saints were Sufi1. Rahim
2. Nizamuddin Auliya
3. Muinuddin Chishti
4. Raskhan
Choose your answer from the codes given below(a) 1 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 3
Indian History
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 4
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (c)
Khwaja Nizamuddin and Muinuddin Chishti were the saints
of Chishti order. Chishti order was first preached in India by
Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti. He made Ajmer centre of his
activities. Nizamuddin Auliya was also famous as Mehboobi-Ilahi for his generous and tolerant attitude. He also adopted
the practise of Yoga and was called ‘Yogasiddha.’ Rahim
and Raskhan were the poets of Hindi literature during the
medieval Bhakti period. ‘Premvatika’ is the famous book
written by Raskhan.
75. Which of the following order of Sufism was against
music :
(a) Chishtiya
(b) Suhrawardiya
(c) Qadiriya
(d) Naqshbandiya
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (d)
Naqshbandi Silsila was founded by Bahauddin Naqshband
during the 14 century. Khwaja Kahwand was the important
saint of this Silsila who came to India and made Kashmir
as the centre of his activities. The promotion of this sect
was mainly started around the 17 century by Khwaja
Baki Billah, who came to Kabul on orders of his master.
Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi also known as Mujaddid the
reformer of Islam) was his disciple. He propounded
Wajdat-ul-Shuhud (positivist philosophy) which was
against the order Sama (Music). It was the most radical
order among Sufis. He also opposed the liberal policies
of Akbar. Aurangzeb was the follower of this Sufi order.
th
th
76. From the given pairs identify the incorrect pair –
(a) Chishti-Delhi and Doab
(b) Suhrawardi-Sindh
(c) Auliya-Madhya Pradesh
(d) Firdausi-Bihar
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (c)
The dominion of Chishti order existed in Delhi and
surrounding areas while the area of Suhrawardi order existed
in Sindh region. Firdausi order was a part of Chishti order
whose dominion existed in the region of Bihar. Auliya is
not any order, but a title given to ‘Nizamuddin’ the famous
Saint of Delhi. The dominion of Nizamuddin Auliya existed
in Delhi. Thus, option (c) is incorrect.
General Studies
B–257
77. Who among the following Chisti Saints is known as
'Chirag-e-Delhi?
(a) Muinuddin
(b) Fariduddin
(c) Nizamuddin Auliya
(d) Nasiruddin
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (d)
Shaikh Nasiruddin Mahmud was a disciple of Sufi saint
Nizamuddin Auliya. He was given the title of 'Chirag-e-
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Delhi'.
78. Which of the following Sufis regarded Krishna among
the auliyas :
(a) Shah Muhammad Ghaus (b) Shah Abdul Aziz
(c) Shah Waliullah
(d) Khwaja Mir Dard
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (a)
The Sufi saint Shah Muhammad Ghaus accepted Lord
Krishna as Auliya. He was the most famous saint of Shattari
order. He had a close relationship with Mughal emperor
Humayun and Tansen. He expressed his spiritual quest in
‘Jawahir-e-Khamsa’. He translated ‘Amritkund’ of Hatha
yoga by the name of ‘Bahar-ul-Hayat.’ Shattari Saints tried
to bring about reconciliation between Muslims and Hindus
by showing the equality in religious ideas and practices.
79. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Many Sanskrit works on music were
translated into Persian during the
medieval period.
Reason (R) : The early Chisti Sufis were fond of
musical assemblies called, 'sama'.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is correct
explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (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. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (b)
In the medieval period, many Sanskrit books on music were
translated into Persian. Translation of these Sanskrit books
into Persian, was possible due to the interest of rulers.
Mahmud of Ghazni took many books with himself to Ghazni.
Firuz Tughluq and Sikandar Lodi got books of various areas
written especially in Sanskrit translated into Persian. Later,
B–258
Mughal emperors also translated various books of Sanskrit
in Persian. Therefore, it is clear that the statement is correct.
'Sama' was the music assembly. Chistis was the supporter of
music and considered music a medium to reach God. Hence,
it is clear that the reason is also true, but the reason (R) is not
the correct interpretation of the statement.
80. Which of the following is not related to Sufism ?
(a) Ulema
(b) Khanqah
(c) Shaikh
(d) Sama
U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014
Ans. (a)
‘Khanqah’ was the place of residence of Sufi saints. ‘Sama’
was a function organised by Sufis. ‘Shaikh’ was the authorized
person who provided the education and guidance in Sufism.
Ulemas were scholarly persons to know the religious laws of
Islam. Therefore, Ulema is not related to Sufism.
81. Prem Vatika, poems on the life of Krishna, was
composed by :
(a) Bihari
(b) Surdas
(c) Raskhan
(d) Kabir
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
Raskhan was a poet and the follower of Lord Krishna born
around 1548 A.D. His real name was Sayyad Ibrahim. ‘Prem
Vatika’ is a poetry text written in Braj language by Raskhan.
He depicted the life of Krishna in this text. ‘Sujan Raskhan’
is also one of the famous texts written by Raskhan.
82. Who of the following is not associated with the Bhakti
Movement ‘?
(a) Vallabhacharya
(b) Chaitanya
(c) Guru Nanak
(d) Amir Khusrau
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (d)
The full name of Amir Khusrau was Abdul Hasan Yaminuddin
Khusrau. He was a great poet and scholar of his time. He
was not related to the Bhakti movement. Qiran-us-Sadain,
Miftah-ul-Futuh, Nuh Sipihr, Ashiqa, Tughluq Nama and
Khazain-ul-Futuh are some of the main texts composed
by him. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu founded Madhyagauriya
sect. Guru Nanak was born in a Khatri family in Punjab. He
imagined the shapeless form of God. Vallabhacharya was the
second saint of Krishnamargi branch.
83. Who composed ‘Barahmasa’?
(a) Amir Khusrau
(b) Imami
(c) Malik Muhammad Jayasi
General Studies
Indian History
(d) Raskhan
Ans. (c)
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Barahmasa, Padmavat, Akharavat and Aakhri Kalaam are
some of the texts written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.
Among his text, Padmavat has an important place in Hindi
literature. Barahmasa is a part of Padmavat.
Every year a fair is held at the tomb of famous Sufi
saint Haji Waris Ali Shah at –
(a) Fatehpur Sikri
(b) Kaliyar
(c) Dewa Sharif
(d) Garhmukteshwar
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
84.
Every year a fair is held at the tomb of famous Sufi saint Haji
Waris Ali Shah at Deva Sharif which is situated 12 kms. away
from Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh.
85. The birthplace of Christ is(a) Jerusalem
(b) Bethlehem
(c) London
(d) Babylon
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (b)
Jesus Christ was born in 4th BC at Bethlehem of Jewish
province.
86. The spirit of Christians behind the festival of Easter
is(a) Jesus preached this day
(b) Jesus departed from the world
(c) Jesus went to Nazareth
(d) The day of Resurrection of Christ
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (d)
Easter is a festival of Christians celebrating the resurrection
of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion.
87. Which Christian saint is famous for the love with
animal and birds?
(a) Saint Paul
(b) Saint Thomas
(c) Saint Francis of Assisi (d) Saint Peter
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (c)
Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226 AD) is famous for his
love of birds and animals.
88. Why is Good Friday of Christians celebrated?
(a) Jesus Christ had died
(b) Jesus Christ was born
(c) Jesus Christ crucified
(d) AD was introduced
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (c)
Indian History
Good Friday is celebrated as martyrs’ day of Jesus Christ.
According to the Bible, Jesus Christ was hanged on Friday.
Mughal Dynasty : Babur
*The Mughal rulers belonged to Chagatai branch of Turks.
Which derived its name after the second son of Genghis
Khan, ruler of central Asia and Turkistan. *The Full name of
Babur was Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur. He was born on
February 14, 1483 to Umar Shaikh Mirza and Qutlugh Nigar
Khanum at Ferghana. After the death of his father, he ascended
the throne of Ferghana on June, 1494 as an 11 years old minor.
*Shaibani Khan invaded Ferghana in 1501 AD and defeated
Babur at Sar-e-Pul. Babur fled to central-Asia. “Tulghuma”
technique of Uzbegs was used by Shaybani Khan in the Battle
of Sar-e-Pul in which Babur was defeated. *After winning
Kabul in 1504 AD Babur renounced his ancestral title “Mirza”
and assumed new title, “Padshah”.
*Alam Khan was the uncle of Ibrahim Lodhi. He invited Babur
to invade India, claiming his right to the Delhi throne. *In 1524
AD, during the 4th campaign of Babur, there was a bitter feud
between Sultan Ibrahim Lodi of Delhi and Daulat Khan, the
governor of Punjab. Ibrahim Lodi ordered Daulat Khan to visit
his capital but Daulat Khan violated his orders and sent his son
Dilawar Khan to Babur with a message to help him to dethrone
Ibrahim Lodi and enthrone Alam Khan in place of him. It was
a golden opportunity for Babur as he had already received the
invitation of Rana Sanga, the king of Mewar. He was quite
assured that the opportunity to conquer India has come.
*The first Battle of Panipat was fought between Babur and
Ibrahim Lodi on 21 April, 1526. Babur possessed specific
military tactics. The vast artillery of Babur was one of the
main reasons behind his victory. The army of Ibrahim Lodi
lost the battle despite being more in numbers. Ibrahim Lodi
was killed in this battle. As a result, the entire area up to Delhi
and Agra came under Babur’s control. *Babur declared himself
the ruler on April 27, 1526 and founded the Mughal empire in
India. Babur used Tulughma technique in the first battle of
Panipat. The huge artillery of Babur was one of the main reasons
behind his victory. Ustad Ali Quli led the artillery and Mustafa
commended the battalion of gunners. Babur's generosity, earned
him the title of “Qalandar”. Cannons were used for the first
time in India in the first Battle of Panipat.
*Babur declared Jehad in the Battle of Khanwa. The battle of
Khanwa was fought place on March 16, 1527, between Babur
and Rana Sanga. Babur defeated Rana Sanga in this Battle and
assumed the title of Ghazi. In 1528 AD, Babur took control
General Studies
B–259
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
of Chanderi’s Fort. Medini Rai was killed in the war. *The
Battle of Ghaghra took place between Babur and Mahmud
Lodi on May 5, 1529. Babur won the Battle. This was the last
battle fought by Babur.
*He instituted different systems to run different states to govern
his vast empire. *The governance of Badakhshan was given
to Humayun, Mir Fakhr Ali, Hindal and Mirza Suleiman.
The governance of Kabul, Qandahar and Multan was given to
Kamran. Mir Yusuf Ali was appointed as governor of Punjab
and given the control of Bheera, Lahore, Dipalpur, Sialkot,
Sirhind and Hisar-Firuza. *The region of Rajasthan was not
included in his empire as it was under the control of various
Rajput rulers. *The founder of Mughal Empire, Zahiruddin
Muhammad Babur wrote his autobiography containing various
events of his life. It was named Tuzuk-i-Baburi or Babur Nama.
*Babur mentioned two Hindu empires in his autobiography,
i.e., Vijayanagara and Mewar. The autobiography written
by Babur has an important place among the autobiographies
all over the world. Babur Nama is written in the Turkish
language. *Abdul Rahim Khanekhana translated Babur Nama
in the Persian language by the order of Akbar. *The verse
compositions written by Babur, are composed in a Turkish text
“Diwan”. He wrote “Mubaiyan’' in a new verse style which
is a book of Muslim law. The text Risal-i-Usaj (Khat-i-Baburi)
written by Babur is considered as the most innovative style.
The Mughal Emperor Babur’s army chief Mir Baqi built the
Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
1.
Alam Khan, one of those who invited Babur to invade
India was :
(a) An uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a pretender to the throne
of Delhi
(b) A cousin of Ibrahim Lodi who was ill-treated and
expelled from the country
(c) The father of Dilawar Khan to whom cruel treatment
was meted out by Ibrahim Lodi
(d) A high official in Punjab province who was very much
discontented with Ibrahim Lodi’s treatment to his tribe
I.A.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (a)
Alam Khan was the uncle of Ibrahim Lodi who invited
Babur to invade India. During the 4 Indian campaign of
Babur, the relationship between Ibrahim Lodi and Daulat
Khan became bad. Ibrahim Lodi ordered Daulat Khan to
visit his capital, but Daulat Khan violated his orders and sent
his son Dilawar Khan to Babur with a message to help him
to dethrone Ibrahim Lodi and enthrone Alam Khan in place
of him. It was a golden opportunity for Babur as he already
received the invitation of Rana Sanga, the king of Mewar. He
was quite assured that the opportunity to win India has come.
th
B–260
2.
The Mughal ruler of medieval India was –
(a) Persian (Iranian)
(b) Afghans
(c) Chagatai Turk
(d) None of the above
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
The Mughal rulers belonged to the Chugatai branch of Turks.
This name was derived after the second son of Genghis Khan.
He was the ruler of central Asia and Turkistan.
3.
Who among the following defeated Babur in the Battle
of Sar-e-Pul?
(a) Abdullah Khan Uzbeg (b) Shaibani Khan
(c) Ubaydullah Khan
(d) Jani Begh
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
The Uzbegs expanded to the north at the expense of the
Mongols and to the west at the expense of the Timurids.
Taking advantage of the infighting in the house of Timur,
Shaibani Khan invaded Ferghana in 1501, defeated Babur
at the Sar-e-Pul and occupied Samarqand. Babur fled and for
three years wandered around the hills of Afghanistan and the
plains of Khurasan. He made several attempts to recapture
Samarqand but each time suffered defeat at the hands of
Shaibani Khan. Tulghuma technique was used by Shaibani
to defeat Babur.
4.
The First Battle of Panipat was fought between –
(a) Babur and Rana Sanga
(b) Sher Shah Suri and Akbar
(c) Humayun and Ibrahim Lodi
(d) Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
U. P. P. C. S. (Mains) 2012
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (d)
The first battle of Panipat took place on April 21, 1526.
It was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. In North
India, Babur had specific military tactics, including use of
gunpowder firearms and field artillery. The army of Ibrahim
Lodi had lost the battle despite being more in number. Ibrahim
Lodi was killed in this battle. As a result after victory in
this battle, the entire area up to Delhi and Agra came under
Babur’s control. Babur declared himself the ruler on 27 April,
1526 AD and founded Mughal empire in India. Babur’s war
tactics - Tulghuma technique, artillery, gunners, and
General Studies
Indian History
horsemen played an important role in his victory. He provided
money and estates to Humayun and other officers as a prize in
the celebration of this victory. Due to his generosity, people
gave him the title of 'Qalandar'.
The main reason for Babur’s victory in the battle of
Panipat was –
(a) His horse riding force
(b) His skilled warfare
(c) Tulghuma system
(d) Internal disputes among Afghans
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
5.
The first battle of Panipat was fought between Babur and
Ibrahim Lodi on 21 April, 1526. The main reason of Babur’s
victory in the battle of Panipat was his skilled warfare.
The army of Babur was smaller than the army of Ibrahim
Lodi, even then he won the battle with the help of his
effective warfare policy. Babur noted, “Ibrahim Lodi was an
inexperienced young man careless in his movements, who
marched without order, halted or retired without method and
engaged without foresight.”
6.
At which of the following battles was artillery used for
the first time by one of the two armies ?
(a) First Battle of Panipat
(b) Battle of Khanwa
(c) Battle of Plassey
(d) Third Battle of Panipat
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (a)
In India, artillery was used for the first time in the Battle of
Panipat. The first battle of Panipat was fought on April 21,
1526. It was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. The
battalion of artillery was headed by Ustad Ali Kul and the
battalion of gunners was headed by Mustafa.
7.
The reason for Babur’s victory over Ibrahim Lodi was(a) Bravery of Babur
(b) Artillery
(c) Weakness of Ibrahim
(d) Skilled commandant
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (d)
Skilled commandant were the primary reason for Babur's
victory over Ibrahim Lodi.
Indian History
8.
Whom did Babur defeat in the first battle of Panipat?
(a) Rana Sanga
(c) Sikandar Lodi
Ans. (b)
(b) Ibrahim Lodi
(d) Sher Shah Suri
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
See the explanation of above question.
9.
In which year, did Babar defeat Sultan Ibrahim Lodi
at the battle of Panipat?
(a) 1527 A.D.
(b) 1526 A.D.
(c) 1525 A.D.
(d) 1524 A.D.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
Ibrahim Lodi became Sultan of Delhi in 1517 A.D. after the
death of his father. He was defeated and killed by Babur on
21st April, 1526 A.D. in the Battle of Panipat.
10. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly
matched?
(a) First Battle of Panipat - 1526
(b) Battle of Khanwa
- 1527
(c) Battle of Ghaghara
- 1529
(d) Battle of Chanderi
- 1530
U.P.P.C.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2015
Ans. (d)
The first Battle of Panipat (1526) was fought between Babur
and Ibrahim Lodi, the Battle of Khanwa was fought between
Babur and Rana Sanga in 1527 AD, the Battle of Ghaghra was
fought in 1529 AD between Babur and Afghan rulers while
the Battle of Chanderi was fought in 1528 AD between Babur
and Medini Rai. Thus, option (d) is not correctly matched.
11. Consider the following:
The arrival of Babur in India led to the
1. Introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
2. Introduction of the arch and dome in the region
architecture
3. Establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
I.A.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
Gunpowder entered India through China. In 13th century it
was used to demolish Fort's wall. But credit for using it in
cannons and guns goes to Babur. Zahiruddin Babur descended
from the Turk-Mongol Conquerer Timur on his father side
and Genghis Khan on his mother's side. Babur, the eldest son
General Studies
B–261
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
of Uman Shaikh Mirza, was born on 14th February, 1483. He
ascended the throne of Ferghana in June, 1494 at the age of
Eleven. His accession saw the beginning of Timurid dynasty
in the region. He established the Mughal dynasty in India
after the victory at Panipat in 1526.
Arch and Dome were already introduced during the Sultanate
period. Babur did not influence the architecture of India
though he described the local architecture lacking shape and
balance in 'Babur Nama'. Babur ordered the construction of
a garden in Agra. He also constructed a mosque in Panipat
which was made up of bricks. Sher Shah who defeated
Humayun, the son of Babur, built Qila-i-Kuhna mosque. It is
a symbol of the architectural tradition of a five-bay mosque
and dome, a concept which was developed during the Sayyid
and Lodi dynasty. The use of core masonry, marble and red
sandstone hints of new architectural style under Sher Shah.
12. During which one of the following battles, did Babur
declare ‘Jehad’ ?
(a) Battle of Panipat
(b) Battle of Khanwa
(c) Battle of Chanderi
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (b)
Babur declared ‘Jehad’ in the battle of Khanwa. The battle
of Khanwa was fought between Babur and Rana Sanga on
16 March, 1527. Babur defeated Rana Sanga in this battle
and assumed the title of ‘Ghazi.’
13. In which one of the following battles, Rana Sanga
fought against Babur?
(a) Battle of Panipat
(b) Battle of Khanwa
(c) Battle of Chanderi
(d) Battle of Ghaghara
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
14. The ruler of Mewar who was defeated in the Battle of
Khanwa by Babur in 1527 was –
(a) Rana Pratap
(b) Man Singh
(c) Sawai Uday Singh
(d) Rana Sanga
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
15. Who was defeated in the Battle of Khanwa ?
(a) Rana Pratap
(b) Hemu
(c) Rana Sanga
(d) Alauddin
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
B–262
See the explanation of above question.
16. After becoming the Mughal Ruler in India, Zahiruddin
Muhammad adopted the name :
(a) Babur
(b) Humayun
(c) Jahangir
(d) Bahadur Shah
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (a)
The full name of 'Babur' was Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur.
He was born on February 14, 1483 to Umar Shaikh Mirza
and Qutlugh Nigar Khanum at Ferghana. After the death
of his father, he ascended the throne of Ferghana (now in
Uzbekistan) in June, 1494, as an 11 years old minor. He
declared himself the ruler on April 27, 1526 and founded
Mughal empire in India.
17. Babur adopted the title of ‘Padshah’ first at –
(a) Ferghana
(b) Kabul
(c) Delhi
(d) Samarqand
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (b)
Babur captured Samarkand during his reign in 1501 A.D.,
which lasted only for eight months. After losing Samarkand
and Ferghana, Babur moved towards Kabul. After the victory
of Kabul in 1504, he gave up the title ‘Mirza’ held by his
ancestors and adopted the title of ‘Padshah.’
18. The empire of Babur included –
1. The area of Kabul
2. The area of Punjab
3. The area of modern Uttar Pradesh
4. The area of modern Rajasthan
Which of these statements are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (c)
The empire of Babur included Kabul and the area of modern
Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. He used different systems to run
different states. The regime of Badakhshan out of India
was given to Humayun, Mir Fakhr Ali, Hindal and Mirza
Suleiman. Mir Yusuf Ali was appointed as governor of
Punjab and given the control of Bheera, Lahore, Dipalpur,
Sialkot, Sirhind and Hisar-Firuza. The governance of
Kabul, Qandahar and Multan was given to Kamran. Babur
implemented innovative governance in the region of Ballia
to Hisar and Bayana, and Gwalior. The region of Bihar was
spread up to Badakhshan from Bihar. But the region of
General Studies
Indian History
Rajasthan was not included in his empire as it was under the
control of different Rajput rulers.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
19. Identify the Mughal emperor whose success in life due
to his patience and resolution is a lesson for everyone?
(a) Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur
(b) Nasiruddin Muhammad Humayun
(c) Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar
(d) Abdul Muzaffar Muhiuddin Aurangzeb
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
The life of Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur gives a lesson of
success in life due to his patience and resolution. The father
of Babur died in his childhood days. It was the reward of his
patience and resolution that he founded the Mughal Empire
in India.
20. Which Hindu State has been mentioned by Babur in
his Babur Nama :
(a) Orissa
(b) Gujarat
(c) Mewar
(d) Kashmir
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (c)
Babur mentioned two Hindu State, Vijayanagara and Mewar
in his Babur Nama. He writes “when we were at Kabul, Rana
Sanga had displayed his loyalty to be present on his behalf
and decided that if the honoured king reaches Delhi from
this side, I (Rana Sanga) will invade Agra from this side.”
This text written by Babur has an important place among
the autobiographies all over the world. Abdurrahim Khani-Khana translated Babur Nama in the Persian language.
The verse compositions written by Babur are composed in
a Turkish text 'Diwan'. He wrote 'Mubaiyan' in a new verse
style which is a book of Muslim law. The text ‘Risal-i-Usaj
(Khat-i-Baburi) written by Babur is considered as the most
innovative style.
21. Given below are two statements, one is labeled
Assertion (A) and other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Babur wrote his memoirs in Turki.
Reason (R) : Turki was the official language of the
Mughal Court.
In the context the above two statements which one of
the following is correct?
(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 a correct
explanation of (A).
Indian History
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Ans. (c )
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
The founder of the Mughal Empire, Zahiruddin Muhammad
Babur wrote his memoirs (autobiography) ‘Tuzuk-i-Baburi’
also known as Baburnama written in Turkish language
containing related events of his life. The Turkish language
was not the official language of the Mughal Empire. The
Persian language was the official language of Mughal empire.
Thus, Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect.
22. In which language was Tuzuk-i-Baburi’ written?
(a) Persian
(b) Arabic
(c) Turkish
(d) Urdu
56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
23. Who built the Babri mosque established in Ayodhya?
(a) Babur
(b) Humayun
(c) Nizam-ul-Mulk
(d) Mir Baqi
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (d)
It is believed that Babri mosque in Ayodhya was built by Mir
Baqi. He was the commandant of Babur.
24. Who among the following rulers circulated the silver
coin called 'Shahrukh'?
(a) Akbar
(b) Babur
(c) Humayun
(d) Shahjahan
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (b)
Babur issued silver and gold coins during his rule. Silver
coins were called as 'Shahrukh'.
Humayun and Sher Shah
*Kamran, Askari and Hindal were the sons of Babur as well
as the brothers of Humayun. Humayun was the eldest son of
Babur, born in Kabul in 1508 AD. His mother, Maham Begum
was related with Shia community. Gulrukh Begum was the
mother of Kamran and Askari whereas Dildar Begam was the
mother of Hindal.
*Humayun invaded Chunar Fort for the first time in 1532.
Humayun besieged this fort for four months after that Sher
Khan accepted his supremacy. In addition to this, he invaded
General Studies
B–263
Kalinjar in 1531 AD and annexed Raisina Fort in 1532 AD.
*The four significant major battles fought by Humayun are as
follows- Devara, Chausa, Kanauj and Sirhind. Humayun
defeated Afghan rebels on the banks of Gomti at Daurah
(Devara) in 1532 AD. *Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah
in Battle of Chausa on 26 June 1539, in which a water fetcher
named Nizam saved his life. This victory against Humayun
increased the prestige and power of Sher Shah (Sher Khan).
*On 17 May, 1540 Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah again
in the Battle of Kanauj (Bilgram) and Humayun fled from one
From the following names identify the one who was
not the brother of Humayun.
(a) Kamran
(b) Usman
(c) Askari
(d) Hindal
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
Kamran, Askari and Hindal were the sons of Babur as well
as the brothers of Humayun. Humayun was the eldest son of
Babur, born in Kabul in 1508. His mother, Maham Begum
was related to Shia community. Usman was not his brother.
2.
during that time. *Haji Begum had constructed mausoleum for
Which of the following two rulers fought the battle
near Kannauj of 17th May, 1540?
(a) Humayun and Sultan Mohammad Nuhani
(b) Shershah and Humayun
(c) Shershah and Mirza Kamran
(d) Mohammad Shah and Humayun
U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (b)
her husband Humayun at Delhi (Deen Panah) in 1570. It is the
Shershah Suri & Humayun fought the battle near Kannauj on
place to the other after this war.
*Humayun occupied Delhi again in the Battle of Sirhind on
22 June, 1555.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
1.
*Farid Khan who later became Sher Shah Suri, got his
education from Jaunpur. He left his home in 1494 AD and came
to Jaunpur for studies which was famous as “Siraj of East”
first dome mausoleum of India made up of white marbles. A
Persian was the architect of this tomb.
*Sher Shah Suri had a significant role in Revenue reforms,
Administrative reforms, Military Reforms and Currency system
reforms. He introduced a different system for Bengal province.
He divided the province into 16 governments and appointed a
military official as Shiqdar to control. *A non-military official
Amir-i-Bengal was also appointed for assistance. Qaazi
Fajilat was the first man to be appointed for this post. *Sher
Shah introduced pure gold, silver and copper coins. His silver
'Rupee' coins weighed 178 grains and copper's 'Daam' weighed
380 grains. The exchange rate of Rupee and Daam was 1 : 64.
*Sher Shah died on 13 May 1545 in Kalinjar. Kalinjar campaign
was the last campaign of Sher Shah. Kirat Singh was the king
of the Kalinjar at that time. Sher Shah Suri was extremely
impressed by chivalry and courage of Rajputs during the battle
of Marwar and said, “I would have lost the empire just for a
handful of millet”. *The tomb of Sher Shah is in the middle of
a five square tank. *This tomb is located at Sasaram in Bihar.
*The building “Purana Quila” was constructed by Sher Shah
in Delhi. Here, Qila-i-Kuhna mosque was built by Sher Shah.
*Sher Shah introduced the system of “Patta” and “Qabuliyat”
to help the peasants. The peasants were given “patta” by the
central authority in which the share of government was clearly
mentioned. The peasants accepted it through “Quabuliyat”.
B–264
17th May, 1540. Shershah defeated Humayun. Since the battle
was fought in an ancient town, Bilgram (now municipal board
in Hardoi district, UP), it is also called Battle of Bilgram.
3.
Arrange properly as per dates of four important battles
fought by Humayun, the names of battlefields are given
below –
(a) Chausa, Devara, Kanauj, Sirhind
(b) Devara, Kanauj, Chausa, Sirhind
(c) Sirhind, Devara, Chausa, Kanauj
(d) Devara, Chausa, Kanauj, Sirhind
41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (d)
The correct order of battles fought by Humayun is as followsDevara, Chausa, Kanauj and Sirhind. Humayun defeated
Afghan rebels on the banks of Gomati at Devara or Daurah
in 1531 A.D. Sher Shah defeated Humayun in the Battle of
Chausa on 26 June 1539 in which a water fetcher named
Nizam saved his life. This victory against Humayun increased
the prestige and power of Sher Shah. He read ‘Khutba’ by
his name occupying the title of Sher Shah and engraved this
on the coins.
On 17 May, 1540 Humayun was again defeated by Sher Shah
in the Battle of Kanauj (Bilgram) and Humayun fled from one
place to the other after this war. Humayun occupied Delhi
again in the Battle of Sirhind on 22 June, 1555.
General Studies
Indian History
Consider the following events and arrange them in
chronological order
I. Battle of Daurah
II. Battle of Kanauj
III. Battle of Samugarh
IV. Battle of Chausa
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) II, III, I, IV
(b) I, IV, II, III
(c) I, II, IV, III
(d) II, I, IV, III
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
4.
The correct chronological order of the above-mentioned
events is - battle of Daurah (1531/1532 AD), Battle of
Chausa (1539), Battle of Kanauj (1540 AD) and Battle of
Samugarh (1658 AD). Humayun defeated Mahmud Lodi in
battle of Daurah. Sher Shah defeated Humayun in the Battle
of Kanuaj. The Battle of Samugarh was fought between Dara
Shukoh and his two younger brothers Aurangzeb and Murad
Baksh. Battle of Chausa was fought between Sher Shah and
Humayun.
5.
From where did Fareed, who later on became Sher
Shah Suri, got his education :
(a) Sasaram
(b) Patna
(c) Jaunpur
(d) Lahore
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (c)
Farid Khan, who later became Sher Shah Suri, got his
education from Jaunpur. He left his home in 1494 and came
to Jaunpur for studies which was famous as ‘’Siraj of East’’
during that time.
6.
Which one of the following medieval era rulers
mentioned below was highly educated ?
(a) Balban
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Ibrahim Lodi
(d) Sher Shah
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (d)
Sher Shah completed his formal education from Jaunpur
which was the center of education during that time.
7.
Which of the following rulers at first assumed the title
of ‘Hazrat-e-Ala’ and afterwards ‘Sultan’?
(a) Bahlul Lodi
(b) Sikandar Lodi
(c) Sher Shah Suri
(d) Islam Shah Suri
44th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (c)
Indian History
In 1534 AD, Sher Khan assumed the title of ‘Hazrat-e-Ala’
after defeating the ruler of Bengal, Nusrat Shah. He assumed
the royal title of ‘Sher Shah’ after defeating Humayun in the
Battle of Chausa on June 26, 1539 and ordered to read Khutba
by his name and the coins to be minted his name.
8.
Who of the following rulers constructed a road from
East Bengal to Peshawar called Sadak-e-Azam ?
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Islamshah
(d) Sher Shah
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (d)
Sadak-e-Azam also known as the Grand Trunk Road, is one of
Asia's oldest and longest major roads. The road was built by
Shershah Suri from Sonargaon (Bengal) to Lahore (Pakistan).
9.
Which improvements among these done by Sher
Shah Suri?
(1) Revenue reforms
(2) Administrative reforms
(3) Military reforms
(4) Currencey system reforms
Select the right answer by using code given below –
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1,2 and 3
(c) 2,3 and 4
(d) all the above
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (d)
Sher Shah Suri had a significant role in medieval India.
He is considered the antecedent of Akbar as administrator
imperialist.
(1) Revenue reforms: Sher Shah believed that for the
stability of the empire, it is essential to satisfy the
peasants and make them happy. He introduced numerous
reforms in land revenue administration. His land revenue
collection was based on Rayatwari and was settled
directly with cultivators. He adopted an improved and
systematic method of measuring the land and assessing
its revenue.
(2) Administrative Reforms: Sher Shah managed his
father’s manor as manager and obtained the essential
knowledge of administration. He had a proper knowledge
of military composition, administration and financial
system of Mughals. He was the head of the central
government. His administration was completely
centralised before victory over Bengal. He divided the
whole kingdom into 47 governments. He arranged a
different system for Bengal province. He divided the
province into 16 governments and appointed a military
official as Shiqdar
General Studies
B–265
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
to control. A non-military official Amir-i-Bengal was also
appointed for assistance. This arrangement was made for
the abolishment of revolt threat.
(3) Military Reforms: Sher Shah introduced many reforms
in military sector for empire consolidation. He was
inspired by reforms of Alauddin Khalji. He recruited and
paid the soldiers directly and every soldier had his chehra
(face) recorded and his horse branded with an imperial
sign, to stop fraud.
(4) Currency System Reforms: The reign of Sher Shah
was an era of an experiment in the history of coins. V.A.
Smith rightly observes ‘’It is the basis of the existing
British currency’’. He introduced pure gold, silver and
copper coins in place of the beaten coins. His silver rupee
coins weighed 178 grains and coppers Daam weighed
380 grains. Thus, credit of these reforms goes to Sher
Shah Suri.
10. After the downfall of the Delhi Sultanate, who was the
first ruler to issue the gold coin?
(a) Akbar
(b) Humayun
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Sher Shah
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (b)
After the downfall of Delhi Sultanate, Humayun was the
first ruler to issue a gold coin. It is also mentioned that after
Humayun, Sher Shah also introduced a gold coin. UKPSC
accepted option (a) as the right answer which is wrong.
11. When Humayun invaded Chunar Fort first time ?
(a) 1532
(b) 1531
(c) 1533
(d) 1536
48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (a)
Humayun invaded Chunar Fort for the first time in 1532.
Humayun besieged this fort for four months after that Sher
Khan accepted his supremacy. In addition to this, he invaded
Kalinjar in 1531 and annexed Raisina fort in 1532.
12. Who among the following has constructed mausoleum
for his emperor husband ?
(a) Shah Begum
(b) Haji Begum
(c) Mumtaz Mahal Begum (d) Nurnissa Begum
48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
Haji Begum constructed mausoleum for her husband
Humayun at Delhi in 1569-70 AD as ‘tomb of Humayun.’
Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian, was the architect, employed
B–266
by Haji Begum for this tomb. It is the first dome mausoleum
of India made up of white marbles. A garden is surrounded
outwards of the tomb.
13. Who introduced coin of silver ?
(a) Akbar
(b) Sher Shah
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Bakhtiyar Khalji
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (b)
Sher Shah is honoured for the establishment of the reformed
currency system which circulated in the Mughal period and
became the basis of British currency. He introduced pure gold,
silver and copper coins as well as abolished currency coins of
mixed metal which had fixed-rate and size. His silver rupee
coins weighed 178 grains of which 173 were pure silver. Sher
Shah’s name title and place of mint were invariably inscribed
on the coins in Arabic and Devanagari script.
14. What was the exchange rate of silver’s rupiya ?
(a) 16:1
(b) 32:1
(c) 48:1
(d) 64:1
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (d)
The currency system of Sher Shah was well developed. He
introduced pure silver’s Rupiya (Rupee) (178 grains) and
Coppers Daam (380 grains). The exchange rate was based on
the ratio of 40 Copper paisa per rupee and title were inscribed
on the coins in Arabic and Devanagari script. 23 mints were
present at that time. He adopted the custom of having facial
records of soldiers and branded horses with an imperial sign.
15. The pure silver "rupiya" was issued by
(a) Akbar
(b) Sher Shah
(c) Jahangir
(d) Aurangzeb
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
16. Death of Sher Shah Suri occurred in :(a) Agra
(b) Kalinjar
(c) Rohtas
(d) Sasaram
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (b)
Sher Shah Suri died on May 13, 1545 during the siege of the
Kalinjar Fort of Rajputs. When all the tactics to subdue this
fort failed, he ordered the walls of the fort to be blown up
with gunpowder. He was seriously wounded by the explosion.
General Studies
Indian History
17.
Last expedition of Sher Shah Suri was against which
of the following States?
(a) Kalanjar
(b) Malwa
(c) Kannauj
(d) Gaur
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
18. The successor of Sher Shah was
(a) Shujaat Khan
(b) Islam Shah
(c) Firuz Shah
(d) Muhammad Shah Adil
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Islam Shah Suri (1545-1553) was the second ruler of Sur
dynasty. He was the second son of Sher Shah Suri.
19. With which medieval ruler would you associate the
statement ‘I would have lost the empire just for a
handful of millet’ ?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Muhammad Tughluq
(c) Sher Shah
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (c)
Sher Shah Suri was extremely impressed by chivalry and
courage of Rajputs during the battle of Marwar that he
expressed his feelings in the above statement.
20. Where is Mausoleum of Sher Shah ?
(a) Sasaram
(b) Delhi
(c) Kalinjar
(d) Sonargaon
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (a)
The tomb of Sher Shah is an imposing brick structure partly
veneered with stone standing in the middle of a fine square
tank measuring about 305 mts. and rising above a large stone
terrace. This tomb is located at Sasaram of Rohtas in Bihar.
It is regarded as one of the noblest specimens of Afghan
architecture in India.
21. Sher Shah was buried at –
(a) Kalinjar
(b) Sasaram
(c) Jaunpur
(d) Patna
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (b)
Sher Shah was the son of an Afghan Jagirdar from Sasaram,
Bihar. He was originally named Farid Khan but was given
the title of ‘Sher’ after he killed a tiger. He died in 1545 A.D.
and was buried at Sasaram.
Indian History
22. Which one of the following is a monument
constructed by Shershah ?
(a) Qila-i-Kuhna at Delhi
(b) Atala Masjid at Jaunpur
(c) Bara Sona Masjid at Gaur
(d) Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque at Delhi
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
The short reign of Sher Shah is a revolutionary era in the
history of Indian architecture. Qila-i-Kuhna, built in 1541,
is famous for its elegant architectural qualities in historical
monuments of northern India.
23. Building of ‘’Purana Qila’’ was constructed in Delhi
by–
(a) Firuz Tughluq
(b) Ibrahim Lodi
(c) Sher Shah
(d) Babur
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (c)
The building ‘’Purana Qila’’ was constructed by Sher Shah
in Delhi. Here, Qila-i-Kuhna mosque and Sher Mandal
monuments were built by Sher Shah.
24. Who amongst the following got ‘Purana Quila’ of Delhi
built in the present form?
(a) Sher Shah Suri
(b) Akbar
(c) Babur
(d) Shahjahan
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (a)
Purana Quila is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. Its current
form was built by Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur
Empire. Sher Shah raised the citadel of Purana Qila with an
extensive area sprawling around it.
25. Which medieval ruler introduced the system of “patta”
and “qabuliyat” to help the peasants ?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq
(c) Sher Shah
(d) Akbar
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
U. P. P. C. S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004
Ans. (c)
Sher Shah was a medieval ruler who introduced the system
of ‘’patta’’ and ‘’qabuliyat’’ to help the peasants.The peasants
were given ‘’patta’’ by the central authority in which the
share of the government was clearly mentioned. The peasants
accepted it through ‘’qabuliyat’’.
General Studies
B–267
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Akbar
Akbar was born on 15 October, 1542, in Amarkot at Raja Virsaal
Palace. *Akbar was coronated at Kalanaur, Gurdaspur city of
Punjab on 14th February, 1556. He was only 13 years old at
that time. Shah Abdul Mali refused to join Akbar’s coronation.
Humayun called him “Farjand” (son). *Bairam Khan was
the patron of Akbar. Akbar appointed him as his “Wazir” and
gave the title of "Khan-e-Khana”. *Akbar had first established
marital relations with “Kachhwaha” Rajputs. When Akbar was
going to visit the Dargah of Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti, his route
laid through the Rajput state of Amer. Its ruler Raja Bihari Mal
(Bharmal), with a view of safe- guarding his position, offered
his submission to Akbar at Sanganer and voluntarily proposed
his daughter Princess Harkhabai marriage with him. Akbar
accepted the offer and on his returning from Ajmer, married
her in 1562. Thus Raja Bharmal was the first Rajput king who
accepted Akbar’s supremacy of his own accord. Salim (later,
Jahangir), heir to the throne was born of this wedlock on
August 30, 1569.
*Akbar patronised Chisti sect expressing his faith in Sufism. He
frequently visited the Mausoleum of Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti
at Ajmer. *He abolished Jizya, the pilgrimage tax and slavery
in 1564, 1563 and 1562 respectively under his liberal religious
policy. *The abolition of child marriage and Sati took place in
his reign. *He ordered that a man should marry only one wife
and could marry another only when the first wife became barren.
*Akbar killed Adham Khan, the son of Maham Anga in
1562 as he assassinated Akbar’s Prime Minister, Atgah
Khan. *Durgavati was the ruler of the Hindu Kingdom of
Gondwana. After the attack of Akbar (1564 AD), Durgavati was
surrounded by the enemy and then she committed suicide. *Rao
Chandrasena of Marwar fought against the Mughal army at
Bhadrajun in 1565 AD, but he fled away to Siwana as he was
surrounded from all sides. Rao annexed Sojat in 1579. Akbar
again sieged him, but he fled away on hills and died in 1581 AD.
*The main aim of Akbar's fighting the Battle of Haldighati
was to subdue Rana Pratap. In April 1576, he deputed Man
Singh to lead a force of 5000 soldiers against Maharana Pratap.
Man Singh reached through the route of Mangdalgarh to
Gogundagarh which was fourteen miles away from Haldighati,
Rana Pratap also descends from the hills to face the Mughal
army. The Battle that took place is famous as the Battle of
Haldighati in which Rana was defeated and sought refuge in
Aravali Hills. Mewar did not accepted the supremacy of Akbar
willingly. Rana Pratap of Mewar continued his struggle against
B–268
Akbar for a long time. After the death of Rana Pratap, his son
Rana Amar Singh signed a treaty with Jahangir in 1615 AD.
*When Prince Salim started behaving as independent King at
Allahabad and became rebellion, Akbar called his friend Abul
Fazl from Deccan in 1602 AD. Vir Singh Bundela assassinated
Abul Fazl in a plot conspired by Mughal prince while he was
returning from Deccan. *Akbar was the first Muslim ruler who
realised that he could not hope to establish and consolidate
the Mughal rule in India without winning the confidence and
active support of the majority of the public which is Hindu. He
tried to build Hindu-Muslim communities into National unity.
*The creaditor establishment of found Mughal administration
goes to Akbar. His central administration policies and
interpretation of the role of the King, his duties and authorities,
his provincial administration, his revenue system, his monetary
policies, his mansabdari custom, etc. were successful during the
period and became the foundation for his successors. *Akbar
was a great ruler whose empire extended from Bengal to
Afghanistan and Kashmir to the Godavari in the South. He was
a secular emperor and the complete authority of the empire was
vested in him. Therefore, he is considered as “an enlightened
despot” like Queen Elizabeth of England and Frederick the
Great, during whose reign all were equal before the law.
*Under the organised central administrative system in the reign
of Akbar, Mir Bakshi was the head of military department
but was not the chief commander of the army. Bakshi was
responsible for the recruitment and designation of proper rank
and assignment of correct pay for soldiers. *He started the
practice of Dagh (branding of horses) in 1573 AD. *Akbar
organised soldiers by Mansabdari system in 1574-75 AD. The
'Mansab' means rank or position. 'Mansabdar' means the official
who had rank or designation in the royal army. The system was
based on the decimal system.
*Diwan is the word of Persian vocabulary and was adopted by
Muslim in the period of Caliph Umar. They used that term for
the treasury department. Designation of Diwan was adorned
by Muzaffar Khan Turbati, Raja Todarmal and Khwaja Shah
Mansoor from the 9th year of Akbar's reign till the 30th year.
Diwan was a supreme official of financial affairs and revenue.
*The Mughal Mansabdari system introduced by Akbar was
taken from Central Asia. This type of military division was
implemented in the Mongolian army in the leadership of
Genghis Khan. *Mughal Emperor Akbar started the Mansabdari
system in the 11th year (1566-67) of his reign. Mansab recipients
were divided into three classes Mansabdar from 10 to less than
500, Amir from 500 to 2500 and Amir-i-Azam above 2500.
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
*Zabti system was introduced for land revenue in the reign of
Akbar which was based on the schedules of Dustur-ul-Amal and
Zabti Khasre for land survey and land revenue determination.
Todarmal achieved fame in the field of land revenue.
*Ain-i-Dahsala is a land revenue system introduced by Akbar
in the 24th year of his reign (1580 AD) which is also known
as Todarmal Bandobast. The founder of this system was
Todarmal. That is why it is known as Todarmal settlement.
At that time, Todarmal was the finance minister and his main
assistant was Khwaja Shah Mansoor. Under this system, the
average production of different crops, as well as the average
prices prevailing over the last ten years was calculated. Onethird of the average was fixed as land revenue for state. *Akbar
annexed Gujarat in 1572-73 AD and established a city named
Fatehpur Sikri. A class of historian believes that Akbar built
Buland Darwaza of Sikri as victory tower to commemorate
his win over Gujarat (Khandesh) while Pursey Brown state its
construction on the occasion of his south victory (1601 AD).
Akbar launched “Tauhid-i-Ilahi” or “Din-i-Ilahi” in 1582 AD.
Among Hindus, only Birbal accepted Din-i-Ilahi.
*Jahangir’s contemporary Mohsin Fani stated first Din-i-Ilahi
as an independent religion in his text “Dabistan-i-Mazahib”.
*Akbar had constructed a fort-cum palace 36 km away from
Agra at Fatehpur Sikri in 1568-69. There are several buildings
found in this Fort, Jodha Bai Mahal, Panch Mahal, Swarn
Mahal or Sunahala Makaan, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas,
Mariyam Ki Kothi, Birbal Ki Kothi are some of them. *The
palace of Turkish Sultan is so beautiful that Percy Brown
has called it a “Pearl of Architecture”. *Panch Mahal was
a pyramid-shaped palace built on the pattern of a Buddhist
monastery.
*The tomb of Akbar is located at Sikandara, a small village
founded by Sikandar Lodi. Akbar named this place Bahistabad.
He commenced its construction plan but was completed by his
son Jahangir in 1613 AD. This large tomb has five floors. Its
especiality is its domeless square apex. *Akbar established
translation department under the supervision of his poet laureate
Faizi. Akbar ordered the translation of the Mahabharata into
the Persian language named as Razmnama with a joint effort
of Badauni, Abul Fazl and Faizi, etc. Besides this, Badauni
translated the “Ramayan” Faizi translated “Leelavati”.
*Muhhamad Hussain of Kashmir was one of the famous writers
in Akbar’s court who was adorned with the honour of “Zari
Qalam” by King Akbar. *Hari Vijay Suri was the Jain monk
who stayed for a few years in the court of Akbar and was
honoured with the title of Jagadguru. *Another Jain, scholar
who resided in Mughal court was Jin Chandra Suri bestowed
Indian History
with the title of “Yug Pradhan” by Akbar.
*The Indian ruler, contemporary of Queen Elizabeth-I of
England, was Akbar. It is notable that on the occasion of the
establishment of East India Company in 1600 AD, Elizabeth
was the Empress of England. India had the reign of Akbar
during the period 1556-1605 AD. The tenure of Elizabeth-I
was 1558-1603 AD.
*Ralph Fitch (1583-86 AD) was the first English merchant
who visited Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. *Akbar established Ibadat
Khana in Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 AD the main purpose of which
was to facilitate philosophical and theological discussions. He
opened the doors of Ibadat Khana for all schools of religion in
1578 AD. *These religious discussions in Ibadat Khana led to
the declaration of “Mahzarnama” in 1579 AD. Mahzarnama
was prepared by Shaikh Mubarak (Father of Abul Fazl).
Mahzarnama is stated as infallibility decree by Smith and
Woolsey Hage. Akbar was titled with Sultan-i-Adil or Imami-Adil after the issue of Mahzar. *Akbar used to participate
in festivals such as Basant, Holi, Diwali etc. According to
Lenpool, the unification of Hindu kings was the most common
feature of Akbar’s time. According to Dr. R.P. Tripathi Akbar
was both a child of his era and a father.
1.
In which of the following place Akbar was enthroned
on getting the information of Humayun’s death?
(a) Kabul
(b) Lahore
(c) Sirhind
(d) Kalanaur
(e) None of the above
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (d)
Akbar was enthroned (coronated) at Kalanaur after getting
the information of Humayun’s death, who died in a fatal
accident by falling from the stairs of Din-e-Pannah library.
2.
The main aim of Akbar in fighting the Battle of
Haldighati was –
(a) To subdue Rana Pratap
(b) To polarise Rajputs
(c) To satisfy sentiments of Man Singh
(d) Imperial policy
R.A.S. / R.T.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
The main aim of Akbar in fighting the Battle of Haldighati
was to subdue Rana Pratap. In 1576, he deputed Man Singh
to lead a force of 5000 soldiers against Maharana Pratap.
This battle was fought on 18 June, 1576 in which Rana was
defeated and took refuge in Aravali Hills.
General Studies
B–269
3.
The Battle of Haldighati was fought in –
(a) 1756 A.D.
(b) 1576 A.D.
(c) 1756 B.C.
(d) l 576 B.C.
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
See the explanation on above question.
4.
Who was the commander of Rana Pratap’s army in
the Battle of Haldighati?
(a) Amar Singh
(b) Man Singh
(c) Hakim Khan
(d) Shakti Singh
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
Hakim Khan Sur was the commander of Rana Pratap’s army
in the Battle of Haldighati. He was a Pathan adventurer,
member of Sur dynasty who commanded an army of 5,000
Afghans in the battle of Haldighati on 18 June, 1576.
5.
Who was the Commander in Chief of Maharana
Pratap's Rajput Army in the 'Battle of Haldighati'?
(a) Ibrahim Khan Gardi (b) Hakim Khan Sur
(c) Tardi Beg
(d) Mohammed Lodi
U.P.R.O/A.R.O. (Mains) 2016
Ans. (b)
See the explanation on above question.
6.
Who was the Commander in Chief of the Rajput Army,
besides Maharana Pratap in the Battle of Haldighati?
(a) Ibrahim Gardi
(b) Hakim Sur
(c) Tardi Beg
(d) Mahmood Lodi
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) (Re-Exam) 2016
Ans. (b)
Hakim Khan Sur was a descendant of Sher Shah Suri
and was a general in Maharana Pratap's army. He was the
commander in chief of the Rajput Army; besides Maharana
Pratap's, during the Battle of Haldighati in 1576 AD. He was
commanding an army of Afghans during the battle.
7.
In the given map, the shaded part represents
Akbar’s empire at a certain juncture, ‘A’ stands for
an independent state and ‘B’ marks the site of city.
Which one of the following alternative gives all correct
information?
B–270
Ans. (d)
Akbar in 1557 : (A) Golconda, (B) Lahore
Akbar in 1557 : (A) Khandesh, (B) Multan
Akbar in 1605 : (A) Gondwana, (B) Multan
Akbar in 1605 : (A) Gondwana, (B) Lahore
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
The shaded portion in the map shows the empire of Akbar
at the time of his death. The place marked “A” is Gondwana
which was an independent state and “B” shows Lahore which
was a part of Akbar’s empire.
8.
The first matrimonial alliance with the Rajputs was
established by Akbar with the house of :
(a) Bundelas
(b) Kachhwahas
(c) Rathores
(d) Sisodias
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
The first matrimonial alliance with the Rajputs was
established by Akbar with Kachhwaha Rajput. He went on a
pilgrimage to the Mausoleum of Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti at
Ajmer in January 1562. His route laid through the Rajput state
of Amber. Its ruler Raja Bihari Mal (Bharmal), with a view
of safeguarding his position, offered his submission to Akbar
at Sanganer and voluntarily proposed his daughter, Princess
Harkhabai (Jodha) marriage with the young monarch. Akbar
accepted the offer and on his return from Ajmer, married in
1562. It was the first marriage of Akbar with any Rajput girl.
Thus, Raja Bharmal was the first Rajput king who accepted
Akbar’s supremacy of his accord. Salim (later Jahangir), heir
to the throne was born of this wedlock on August 30, 1569.
9.
Which amongst the following families was the first to
have a matrimonial alliance with Akbar?
(a) Rathore
(b) Sisodiya
(c) Kachhwaha
(d) Chauhan
U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (c)
General Studies
Indian History
Raja Bharmal (Rajput Kachhwaha ruler of Amer) was the
first to have a matrimonial alliance with Akbar in 1562. He
proposed Akbar to marry his daughter. Akbar married his
daughter Harkha Bai in great festivity.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
10. The Mausoleum (Dargah) of which Chishti Saint was
visited by Akbar ?
(a) Muinuddin Chishti
(b) Shaikh Nasimuddin Chirag Dehalvi
(c) Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
(d) Shaikh Farid Sanj-ai-Shakar
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Ans. (a)
Akbar supported Chishti sect expressing his faith in Sufism.
He sought the company of the religious divine saints with
whom he conversed with inborn zeal and humility. He
frequently visited the Mausoleum of Khwaja Muinuddin
Chishti at Ajmer and the shrine of contemporary Sufi sage
Shaikh Salim Chishti at Sikri.
11. Who among the following was personally killed by
Akbar?
(a) Adham Khan
(b) Bairam Khan
(c) Baz Bahadur
(d) Pir Muhammad Khan
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (a)
Akbar killed Adham Khan, the son of Maham Anga in 1562
as he assassinated Akbar’s prime minister, Atgah Khan.
12. Which of the following Rajputana state did not accept
the supremacy of Akbar willingly ?
(a) Amber
(b) Mewar
(c) Marwar
(d) Bikaner
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
Mewar did not accept the supremacy of Akbar willingly.
Rana Pratap of Mewar continued his struggle against Akbar
for a long time. After the death of Rana Pratap, his son Rana
Amar Singh signed a treaty with Jahangir in 1615.
13. Which Rajput ruler continued his struggle for
independence against Mughals and did not surrender?
(a) Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner
(b) Rao Chandrasena of Marwar
(c) Raja Bharmal of Amber
(d) Maharana Amar Singh of Mewar
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2012
Ans. (b)
Indian History
Rao Chandrasena of Marwar fought against the Mughal
army at Bhadrajun in 1565 AD, but he fled away to Siwana
as he was surrounded from all sides. Rao annexed Sojat in
1579. Akbar again sieged him, but he fled away on hills and
died on 11 January, 1581. Similar to Maha Rana Pratap, Rao
Chandrasena continued his struggle for independence against
Mughals and did not surrender.
14. Durgavati, who fought against Akbar, was the queen
of (a) Mandla
(b) Mandu
(c) Asirgarh
(d) Ramgarh
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (a)
Akbar decided to invade Gondwana and sent a cavalry of
50000 supported by heavy artillery. The king of Gondwana,
Vir Narayan was a minor and his mother Durgavati ruled over
the kingdom of Gondwana. She fought with bravery but was
defeated in the battle between Garh and Mandla (modern
Jabalpur).
15. Yousuf Shah Chak, the last Muslim ruler of Kashmir
valley, who was exiled to Bihar by the Mughal emperor
Akbar, was buried in –
(a) Pataliputra
(b) Rajgir
(c) Munger
(d) Nalanda
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019
Ans. (d)
Yousuf Shah Chak was a ruler of Kashmir during 1579-1586
AD. Yousuf was exiled to Bihar by Mughal emperor Akbar.
He died in Bihar and was buried in Biswak (Nalanda).
16. Abul Fazl’s death was caused by –
(a) Prince Salim
(b) Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan
(c) Prince Murad
(d) Prince Daniyal
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (a)
Behind Abul Fazl’s death was Prince Salim. When Prince
Salim started behaving as independent king at Allahabad
and became rebellion, Akbar called Abul Fazal from Deccan
in 1602. Vir Singh Bundela assassinated Abul Fazl in a plot
contrived by Mughal prince while he was returning from
Deccan. When Jahangir became emperor, he rewarded Vir
Singh Bundela with 3000 Mansab. Therefore, there was
clear involvement of Prince Salim in the death of Abul Fazl.
General Studies
B–271
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
17. Which of one of the following factors is not conducive
in establishing Akbar as a nationalist(a) Akbar had forsaken Islam
(b) Administrative unity and unity in Law
(c) Akbar’s effort at cultural unity
(d) Akbar’s religious policy
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (a)
Akbar was the first among the monarchs of medieval India
who raised the policy of religious tolerance to the pinnacle
of secularism. The socio-political condition of the country
was such that Akbar thought it was advisable to adopt
independent views in religious matters. The non-Muslims
constituted the majority of his Indian subjects. Without
winning their confidence and active support, Akbar could
not hope to establish and consolidate the Mughal rule in
India. Religion had played the role of a divisive force in
Indian society ever since the advent of Islam which most of
its people had refused to embrace. Akbar fully understood
the centrifugal tendencies of the complex Indian sociopolitical order and made a serious attempt to eliminate these
by separating religion from politics. To win the goodwill of
Hindus, he abolished the pilgrimage tax and Jizya. Freedom
of worship, matrimonial alliances with Hindus, high civil and
military positions to Hindus, translation of Hindu scriptures,
establishment of Ibadatkhana, issue of infallibility decree,
freedom to construct temples, land grants, considerations
of Hindu sentiments, reforms in Hindu society were some
measures adopted by Akbar to establish religious harmony
but he had not forsaken Islam.
18. Causes of Akbar’s popularity were A. Mansabdari system
B. Religious policy
C. Land Revenue System
D. Social reforms
Select the correct answer by using codes given below :
(a) A and B
(b) B only
(c) C only
(d) A,B,C,D
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (d)
The establishment of Mughal administration is credited to
Akbar. His central administrative policies and interpretation
of designation of King, his duties and authorities, his
provincial administration, his revenue system, his monetary
policies, his mansabdari system, etc. are the measures of
his success. Akbar was the first Muslim ruler who practised
religious harmony between subjects and treated Hindus and
Muslims alike. He abolished Jizya, the pilgrimage tax and
B–272
the slavery in 1564, 1563 and 1562 respectively under his
liberal religious policy. The abolishment of child marriage
and ‘Sati’ took place in his reign. Thus, all the above four
points are included in causes of the popularity of Akbar.
19. Who of the following Muslim rulers abolished the
pilgrimage tax?
(a) Bahlul Lodi
(b) Sher Shah
(c) Humayun
(d) Akbar
53rd to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (d)
See the explanation on above question.
20. Who among the following emperors may be called “an
enlightened despot” ?
(a) Babur
(b) Humayun
(c) Akbar
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (c)
Akbar was a great ruler whose empire extended from Bengal
to Afghanistan in the north and Kashmir to the Godavari
in the south. He was a secular emperor, and the complete
authority of the empire was vested in him. Therefore, he is
considered as ‘’an enlightened despot’’ like Queen Elizabeth
of England and Frederick the Great, during whose reign all
subjects were equal before the law.
21. Who among the following had ordered that a man
should marry only one wife and could marry another
only when the first wife was barren ?
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Sher Shah
(c) Akbar
(d) None of the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
Ans. (c)
Akbar banned some social customs and personal opinions,
but he did that to (or “intended to”) improve the society.
For example, he ordered that a man could marry only one
women and could marry another only when the first wife
proved barren. He also tried to promote the social reforms
by encouraging widow remarriage and by discouraging “Sati’
practice forcefully.
22. Which of the following statement/s is/are correct?
1. Akbar tried to fix the age of marriage for boys and
girls.
2. Akbar gave freedom to girls to marry at their own
will and not under parental pressure.
General Studies
Indian History
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Codes:
(a) Only 1
(c) Both 1 and 2
Ans. (c)
(b) Only 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Akbar had tried to fix the age of marriage for girls at 14 years
& for boys at least 16 years. He gave freedom to girls to marry
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
at their own will & not under parental pressure.
23. Reign of Akbar is known for :
(1) Annexation of regions
(2) Provincial administrative system
(3) Judicial administration
(4) His religious intolerance
Select the correct answer by using codes given below :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1,2 and 3
(c) 2,3 and 4
(d) All above
Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (b)
Akbar is famous worldwide for his religious liberalism and
tolerance. The policy of ‘Sulah-i-Kul’ propounded by him
is strong evidence of this. Thus, statement 4 is not correct
while statements 1,2,3 are correct. Therefore, the correct
answer will be option (b).
24. The head of the military department under the
recognised central machinery of administration during
Akbar’s reign was :
(a) Diwan
(b) Mir Bakshi
(c) Mir Saman
(d) Bakshi
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
Under the reconstructed central administrative system in
the reign of Akbar, Mir Bakshi was the head of the military
department but was not the chief commander of the army.
Bakshi was responsible for the recruitment and designation
of proper rank and fixing of pay for soldiers. He was
responsible for the inspection of mansabdars and troops and
submission of these details to the emperor. Later, in 1575,
Akbar organized his soldier by Mansabdari System. Mansab
means rank or status.
25. Military system in the reign of Akbar was based on :
(a) Mansabdari
(b) Zamindari
(c) Feudalistic
(d) Ain-i-Dahsala
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
Indian History
It was essential to have a well-organised army for expansion of
empire and maintenance of peace and order, Akbar reformed
many loopholes of a military system for this purpose. He
revived the practice of Chehra (descriptive image of each
soldier maintained) and Dagh (branding of horses) in 1573.
After this action, he organised soldiers by Mansabdari system
in 1574-75. Mansab means rank or position. Mansabdar
means the official who had a rank or designation in the royal
army. This was based on the decimal system.
26. The first person to be given proper status of the
Diwan by Akbar was (a) Asaf Khan
(b) Munim Khan
(c) Muzaffar Khan Turbati
(d) Raja Todarmal
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2003
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2002
Ans. (c)
Diwan is a word in Persian vocabulary and was adopted
by Muslims during the period of Umar Caliph. They used
that term for the treasury department. From the 9th year of
Akbar's reign till 30th year, Diwan designation was adorned
by Muzaffar Khan Turbati, Raja Todarmal and Khwaja Shah
Mansoor. The growth of the Diwan’s department began with
the appointment of Muzaffar Khan Turbati (1565). Diwan was
a supreme official of financial affairs and revenues.
27. The Mansabdari System introduced by Akbar was
borrowed from the system followed in –
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Turkey
(c) Mongolia
(d) Persia
I.A.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (c)
The Mansabdari system introduced by Akbar was borrowed
from Mongolia. This type of military division was
implemented in the Mongolian army in the leadership of
Genghis Khan. However, the Mansabdari System was widely
new. Nevertheless, originally, it was based on the Mongolian
military division.
28. Assertion (A) : During the time of Akbar, for every
ten cavalrymen, the mansabdars had
to maintain twenty horses.
Reason (R) : Horses had to be rested while on march
and replacements were necessary in
times of war.
(a) Both (A) and (R) is true, and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not a correct
explanation of (A).
General Studies
B–273
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Ans. (a)
(a) Only Statement I and II are correct
I.A.S. (Pre) 1999
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
During the reign of Akbar, for every ten cavalrymen, the
Mansabdars had to maintain twenty horses. The main reason for
this custom was that it was essential to give rest to the horses during
the long journey and it was needed to replace horses during the war.
Thus, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) both are correct, and Reason
(R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
29. Zabti system was introduced by –
(a) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq (b) Sikandar Lodi
(c) Sher Shah
(d) Akbar
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (d)
Zabti System was introduced for land revenue in the reign of
Akbar which was based on schedules of Dustur-ul-Amal and
Zabti Khasre for land survey and land revenue determination.
Most of the area was based on this system.
30.
In which measures Todarmal achieved fame ?
(a) Military campaign
(b) Land Revenue
(c) Humor
(d) Painting
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (b)
Todarmal achieved fame in the field of land revenue. Akbar
introduced the Dahsala or Zabti system of land revenue
collection in 1580-82 to consolidate Mughal empire. The
founder of this system was Todarmal. That’s why it is known
as Todarmal settlement. At that time,Todarmal was the
finance minister and his chief assistant was Khwaja Shah
Mansoor. Under this system, the average produce of different
crops, as well as the average prices prevailing over the last
ten years, was calculated. One-third of the average produce
was state Share (Maal), rest two-third share was left to the
cultivators (Kharaj).
31. Consider the following statements related to the
mughal emperor Akbar and choose the correct answer:
Statement I : 'Tansen' was the title given to Rambali
Pandey by the Mughal emperor Akbar
Statement II : Akbar was married with the sister of
Raja Man Singh
Statement III : Abul Fazl was the author of 'Ain-iAkbari'
Statement IV : Raja Todarmal was the commanderin-chief of Akbar's army
B–274
(b) Only Statement III and IV are correct
(c) Only Statement III is correct
(d) Only Statement IV is correct
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (c)
The name of 'Tansen' was Ram Tanu Pandey, hence statement
I is wrong. Jahangir was married to the sister of Raja Man
Singh of Ajmer, hence statement II is also incorrect. Raja
Todarmal was head of the Revenue department not the
commander-in-chief of Akbar's army. Hence only statement
III is correct. Abul Fazal wrote 'Ain-i-Akbari'.
32. Which revenue system among the following is also
known as the Bandobast System?
(a) Zabti
(b) Dahsala
(c) Nasq
(d) Kankut
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
‘Dahsala’ was a land revenue system during Akbar’s reign
which was also known as Bandobast system.
33. Which among the following systems of levying land
revenue in Deccan was prevalent during the reign of
Akbar?
(a) Kankut
(b) Number of ploughs
(c) Zabt
(d) Ghallabhakshi
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (b)
The land revenue system prevalent during the reign of Akbar
in Deccan was 'Number of ploughs'.
34. Todarmal was associated to –
(a) Law
(b) Land Revenue Reforms
(c) Literature
(d) Music
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Ans. (b)
Akbar appointed Raja Todarmal as finance minister and
Khwaja Shah Mansoor as his assistant for re-assessment of
the land revenue system. He calculated the average produce
of different crops as well as average price prevailing over the
last ten year from 1571 to 1580. One-third of that average
was fixed as land revenue for state which was also called
as “Dahsala System”. Ain-i-Dahsala is known as Todarmal
Bandobast.’
35. Who among the following was the connecting link
between Sher Shah and Akbar in land revenue
administrative measures ?
(a) Birbal
(b) Todarmal
General Studies
Indian History
(c) Bhagwandas
(d) Bharmal
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Raja Todarmal is honoured in Indian history for his land
revenue reforms. Ain-i-Dahsala was introduced by Akbar.
Raja Todarmal and Khwaja Shah Mansoor were the main
propounders of this system. That’s why it is known as
'Todarmal Settlement'.
36. During Akbar period, land revenue system “ Ain-iDahsala” was developed by :
(a) Shahnawaz Khan
(b) Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan
(c) Todarmal
(d) Mulla Do Pyaza
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
See the explanation on above question.
37. Akbar launched “Din-i-Ilahi” in the year_____
(a) 1570
(b) 1578
(c) 1581
(d) 1582
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (d)
Akbar launched "Tauhid-i-Ilahi" or "Din-i-Ilahi" in 1582. Dini-Ilahi was a syncretic religion which intended to merge the
best elements of all the religions of the community. Indeed,
the prophet of this new sect was Abul Fazl. Among Hindus,
only Birbal accepted Din-i-Ilahi. Raja Bhagawan Das and Man
Singh bluntly refused to embrace Din-i-Ilahi.
38. Which ruler had promoted ‘’Din-i-Ilahi ?
(a) Babur
(b) Akbar
(c) Aurangzeb
(d) Shah Jahan
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (b)
See the explanation on above question.
39. Who promulgated Din-e-elahi ?
(a) Babar
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shah Jahan
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
66th B.P.S.C. Re-Exam (Pre) 2020
Ans (b)
See the explanation of above question.
Indian History
40. Which historian said ‘’Din-i-Ilahi’’ is a religion ?
(a) Abul Fazl
(b) Abdul Qadir Badauni
(c) Nizamuddin
(d) None of these
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (d)
"Din-i-Ilahi" was not a religion but an ideology based on Sufi
pantheism. Jahangir’s contemporary Mohsin Fani mentioned
Din-i-Ilahi as an independent religion in his text ‘’Dabistani-Mazahib’’.
41. Who constructed Ibadat Khana ?
(a) Aurangzeb
(b) Alauddin Khalji
(c) Akbar
(d) Firuz Tughluq
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (c)
Akbar ordered the construction of Ibadat Khana in 1575
for holding a philosophical and theological discussion
with Ulemas, Sayyids, Shaikhs. But he opened the doors
of Ibadat Khana for all schools of religion in 1578. These
religious discussions in Ibadat Khana led to the declaration
of Mahzarnama in 1579. Mahzarnama put an end to the
predominance of the bigoted orthodox and allowed the free
development of the generous spirit which Akbar wished
to encourage. This document was signed by Ulemas.
Mahzarnama is stated as infallibility decree by Smith and
Woolsey Hage. Akbar was honoured with the title of Sultani-Adil or Imam-i-Adil after the issue of Mahazar. Smith said
that "Din-i-Ilahi is monument of Akbar's foolishness, not of
his wisdom".
42. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was –
(a) The mosque for the use of Royal Family
(b) Akbar’s private prayer chamber
(c) The hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars
of various religions
(d) The room in which the nobles belonging to different
religions gathered to discuss religious affairs
I.A.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
43. Which monument is not at Fatehpur Sikri ?
(a) Golden Palace
(b) Panch Mahal
(c) Jodha Bai Palace
(d) Akbari Mahal
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (d)
Akbar had constructed mansion/fort, 36 km away from Agra
at Fatehpur Sikri. It took eight years to build this fort. Several
General Studies
B–275
buildings in Gujarat and Bengal styles have been found in
this fort. Jodha Bai Mahal, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam,
Diwan-i-Khas, Birbal ki Kothi are some of them. Akbari
Mahal is located in the Fort of Agra. Other three are located
in Fatehpur Sikri.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
44. Which historical monument in Delhi is a synthesis of
Persian and Indian styles of Architectures ?
(a) Qutb Minar
(b) Lodi’s Tomb
(c) Humayun’s Tomb
(d) Red Fort
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2003
Ans. (c)
Humayun’s tomb is located in Delhi which was constructed
in the patronage of Humayun’s wife and designed by Mirak
Mirza Ghiya. This tomb is an example of Persian and Indian
architectures.
45. The theory of ‘’Sulh-i-Kul’’ was promulgated by :(a) Nizamuddin Auliya
(b) Akbar
(c) Zainul Abidin
(d) Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (b)
The major objective of the religious policy of Akbar was
universal harmony which is better known as ‘’Sulh-i-Kul’’
policy. Akbar formulated the policy of Sulh-i-Kul in place of
Islamic concept. He promulgated new sect "Din-i-Illahi" for
reconciliation between all religious school in 1582. ‘Sulhi-Kul’ policy of Akbar reflects his political generosity and
religious tolerance as well as his liberal cultural attitude.
46. The concept of ‘Sulh-i-Kul’ (universal peace and
fraternity) adopted by Akbar was the result of :
(a) Political generosity
(b) Religious tolerance
(c) Liberal cultural attitude
(d) All the above
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
47. Against which Mughal Emperor was a ‘Fatwa’ issued
from Jaunpur ?
(a) Humayun
(b) Akbar
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
Ans. (b)
B–276
In 1580, an Ulema, Mulla Majadi from Jaunpur issued a
‘Fatwa’ against the Mughal emperor Akbar and asked all
Muslims to rebel against the Mughal emperor, Akbar.
48. Consider the following statements :
Assertion(A) : Constructed ‘’Buland Darwaza’’at
Fatehpur Sikari.
Reason(R)
: Akbar built this monument to
commemorate the birth of his son
Jahangir.
Which one of the following is correct in reference of above:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are Wrong, but (R) is the correct
explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (c)
Akbar annexed Gujarat in 1572-73 and established a city
named Fatehpur Sikri. A class of historian believes that
Akbar erected Buland Darwaza of Sikri as victory tower to
commemorate his victory over Gujarat while Pursey Brown
related its construction with the victory in South (1601).
49. Which of the following has built by Akbar ?
(a) Buland Darwaza
(b) Jama Masjid
(c) Qutb Minar
(d) Taj Mahal
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
50. Which of the following Mughal Emperors introduced
educational reforms?
(a) Jahangir
(b) Shah Jahan
(c) Humayun
(d) Akbar
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (d)
Akbar was the Mughal emperor who introduced educational
reforms in the curriculum of learning, especially at the
primary level. Certain important subjects like arithmetic,
logic mensuration, geometry, astronomy, physiognomy,
accountancy, public administration and agriculture were
included in the course of study at his command. Though he
received no formal education, he patronized men of learning.
51. The finest monuments constructed by Akbar is found
in–
(a) Agra Fort
(b) Lahore Fort
General Studies
Indian History
(c) Allahabad Fort
(d) Fatehpur Sikri
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (d)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
A village named Sikri was located 36 Km away from Agra,
the famous Sufi Sage Shaikh Salim Chishti resided here.
Akbar used to visit Sikri frequently for his blessings. The
finest monuments constructed by Akbar is found in Fatehpur
Sikri. Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Treasury, Panch Mahal,
Khas Mahal, Kothi of Turki Sultana, Jodha Bai Mahal, Kothi
of Mariyam, Birbal Ki Kothi, etc. are major complexes of
Sikri. Pursey Brown stated Sikri as "Pearl of Architectute"
due to its elegance.
52. Which monument built by Akbar architected alike
Buddhist Monastery ?
(a) Panch Mahal
(b) Diwan-i-Khas
(c) Jodha Bai Mahal
(d) Buland Darwaza
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (a)
Akbar constructed various buildings at his new capital
Fatehpur Sikri. Panch Mahal was a five-storeyed pavilion
and built on the pattern of a Buddhist monastery which exists
in very few places in India. This monument style is inspired
by multi-storey buildings of Nalanda.
53. Akbar constructed in Fatehpur Sikri –
(a) Moti Mahal
(b) Panch Mahal
(c) Rang Mahal
(d) Heera Mahal
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
54. Jahangir Mahal is located at –
(a) Delhi
(b) Aurangabad
(c) Agra
(d) Lahore
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1990
Ans. (c)
Agra Fort is the earliest example of Akbari style.This fort was
built by Akbar. This monument was erected in the guidance
of the chief architect of Akbar, Kasim Khan. Akbar had built
more than 500 buildings in the fort by red sandstones. Jahangir
Mahal is located inside of the Agra Fort. This palace was
constructed for Shahzada Salim by Akbar. Jahangir Palace is
one of the top examples of Mughal architecture with intricate
Hindu and Islamic motifs. The architecture of Jahangir palace
is inspired by the palace of Man Singh of Gwalior.
Indian History
55. Where is the Tomb of Akbar located ?
(a) Sikandara
(b) Agra
(c) Aurangabad
(d) Fatehpur Sikri
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
The tomb of Akbar is located at Sikandara, in a small
village founded by Sikandar Lodi. Akbar named this place
Bahistabad. It is situated on the outskirts of the Agra city.
He commenced its construction plan but it was completed
by his son Jahangir in 1613. This mammoth tomb has five
floors. Its building is a four-tiered pyramid surrounded by a
marble pavilion. The speciality of the cenotaph is its domeless
square apex.
56. Which of the following forts was not constructed in the
reign of Akbar?
(a) Red Fort of Delhi
(b) Agra Fort
(c) Allahabad Fort
(d) Lahore Fort
U.P.P.C.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2015
Ans. (a)
Red Fort of Delhi was not constructed during the period of
Akbar. It was built in the period of Shah Jahan. It is famous as
Red Fort as it is constructed with tetragon red sandstone. Its
construction was completed in 1648 while Agra Fort, Allahabad
Fort, and Lahore Fort were built in the reign of Akbar.
57. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
by using the codes given below the lists :
List-I
List-II
(Emperors)
(Tombs)
A. Babur
1. Lahore
B. Akbar
2. Agra
C. Jahangir
3. Kabul
D. Shah Jahan
4. Sikandara
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 4
3
2
1
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 2
1
3
4
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (c)
Babur
(1526-30)
-
Kabul
Akbar
(1556-1605)
-
Sikandara
Jahangir
(1605-1627)
-
Lahore
-
Agra
Shah Jahan (1628-1658)
General Studies
B–277
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
58. Match List- 1 (Mughal Ruler) with List- 2 (Place of
Tomb) on the basis of codes –
A. Babur
1. Delhi
B. Humayun
2. Kabul
C. Akbar
3. Lahore
D. Jahangir
4. Sikandara
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 2
1
4
3
(c) 3
4
1
2
(d) 4
3
2
1
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
(Ruler)
Babur
Humayun
Akbar
Jahangir
-
(Tomb)
Kabul
Delhi
Sikandara
Lahore
59. The translation of the Mahabharat into Persian in the
time of Akbar was carried out under the supervision of :
(a) Utbi
(b) Naziri
(c) Abul Fazl
(d) Faizi
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
Akbar established Translation Department under the
supervision of his poet laureate Faizi. The translation of the
Mahabharat into Persian at the time of Akbar was carried out
under the direction of Faizi by the concerted effort of Naqib
Khan, Badauni, Abul Fazl, etc.
60. Who among the following translated the Mahabharata
into Persian?
(a) Abdul Qadir Badauni (b) Abul Fazl
(c) Nizamuddin Ahmad
(d) Shaikh Mubarak
U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
The Mahabharata was translated into the Persian language
on the orders of Akbar, by Faizi and Abdul Qadir-Badayuni
which was named as Razmnama (book of Wars).
61. The Persian translation of the Mahabharat is titled as–
(a) Anwar-i-Suhaili
(b) Razmnama
(c) Hasht Bahisht
(d) Ayar Danish
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2001
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (b)
B–278
The Mahabharat was translated into the Persian language
named as ‘Razmnama’ with the joint effort of Badauni,
Abul Fazl, and Faizi, etc. Besides this, Badauni translated
the ‘Ramayan,’ Faizi translated ‘‘Leelavati’’ and Abul Fazl
‘‘Kaliyadaman’’ in the Persian language.
62. The Persian translation of Mahabharata, which was
done in the 16th century is called
(a) Alamgirnama
(b) Razmanama
(c) Hamzanama
(d) Badshahnama
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
63. "Rajm-nama" is the Persian translation of which
Hindu text?
(a) Ramayana
(b) Mahabashya
(c) Mahabharata
(d) Ashtadhyayi
U.P.R.O/A.R.O. (Pre) (Re-Exam) 2016
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
64. Who translated the Ramayan into the Persian
language in accordance with the wishes of Akbar ?
(a) Abul Fazl
(b) Abul Qadir Badauni
(c) Faizi
(d) Abdr Rahim Khan-i-Khanan
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
65. Who among the following translated Ramayana into
the Persian language?
(a) Mulla Sheri
(b) Abul Fazl
(c) Faizi
(d) Abdul Qadir Badauni
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
66. Who wrote Tabaqat-i-Akbari?
(a) Abul Fazal
(b) Abdul Qadir Badauni
(c) Akbar Khan Sarwani (d) Nizamuddin Ahmed
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Ans (d)
Tabakat-i-Akbari, also called as Tarikh-i-Nizami, was written
by Khwaja Nizam-ud-Din Ahmed.
General Studies
Indian History
67. Who of the following was awarded with the honour of
“Zari qalam” by King Akbar :
(a) Muhammad Hussain (b) Muqammal Khan
(c) Abdussamad
(d) Mir Sayyid Ali
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Muhammad Hussain from Kashmir was one of the famous
writers in Akbar’s court who was adorned with the honour
of ‘Zari qalam’ by King Akbar.
68. The Jain monk who stayed for a few years in the Court
of Akbar and was honoured with the title of Jagadguru
was
(a) Hemachandra
(b) Hari Vijay Suri
(c) Jinasena
(d) Umaswati
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
Ans. (b)
Hari Vijay Suri was the Jain monk who stayed for a few
years in the court of Akbar and was honoured with the title of
Jagadguru. Emperor Akbar invited Hari Vijay Suri to explain
the principles of Jainism. Akbar was so much influenced by
the ideology of non-violence preached by Jain sage that he
became vegetarian and prohibited slaughter of animals and
birds. Another Jain scholar who resided in Mughal court was
Jin Chandra Suri bestowed with the title of "Yug Pradhan"
by Akbar.
69. Famous Jain Scholar who was respected by Akbar?
(a) Chandraprabhu Suri
(b) Hari Vijay Suri
(c) Pushpadant
(d) Yashobhadra
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
70. The famous painter of Mughal Emperor Akbar was –
(a) Abul Hasan
(b) Daswant
(c) Kisan Das
(d) Ustad Mansoor
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (b)
Abul Fazl had listed 15 outstanding painters in his text
Ain-i-Akbari. Daswant, Basawan, Keshav Lal, Mukund,
Miskin, Madhu, Jagan, Mahesh, Khemkaran, Tara, Sanwal,
Harivansh. Daswant , the son of a potter, impressed Akbar by
his skills so much that he helped him become the first artist
of his time. Unfortunately, when he was at the height of his
glory, he became insane and committed suicide.
71. European paintings were introduced in the court of -:
(a) Humayun
(b) Akbar
Indian History
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shah Jahan
(e) None of the above/ More than one of the above
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Ans (b)
European paintings were introduced in the court of Akbar
for first time.
72. 'Jaswant and Dasawan' famous painters were courtier
of Mughal emperor :
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
73. Who was the ruler of India when the English East India
Company was formed?
(a) Aurangzeb
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Humayun
(e) None of the above/ More than one of the above
63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017
Ans (b)
English East India Company was formed in the year 1600.
Elizabeth was the Empress of England and Akbar was
emperor of India at that time.
74. Indian ruler, contemporary of Queen Elizabeth-I of
England, was
(a) Akbar
(b) Shah Jahan
(c) Aurangzeb
(d) Bahadur Shah
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
Ans. (a)
The Indian ruler, contemporary of Queen Elizabeth-I of
England, was Akbar. It is notable that on the occasion of the
establishment of East India Company in 1600, Elizabeth
was the empress of England. India had the reign of Akbar
during that period (1556-1605). The tenure of Elizabeth-I
was 1558 to 1603.
75. The medieval Indian writer who refers to the discovery
of America is :
(a) Malik Muhammad Jaisi (b) Amir Khusrau
(c) Raskhan
(d) Abul Fazl
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (d)
Abul Fazl is a was writer of medieval period who refers to
the discovery of America.
General Studies
B–279
Jahangir
76. First Englishman visited Akbar’s court was –
(a) Ralph Fitch
(b) Sir Thomas Roe
(c) John Hawkins
(d) Peter Mundi
*Jahangir was born on 30 August, 1569, AD. His first marriage
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (a)
Ralph Fitch (1583-86) was the first English merchant who
visited Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. He observed various places
Amber and the sister of king Man Singh, Man Bai in 1585
AD. Khusrau was the son of Manbai. The second marriage
of Salim was with Jagat Gosai, the daughter of Uday Singh
in 1586 AD. Shahzada Khurram was the son of Jagat Gosai.
of India by travelling and presented precious narrative about
Jahangir was coronated in the fort of Agra in 1605 AD and
Indian trade points and township centres of the 16 century.
adopted the title of Nuruddin Muhammad Jahangir Badshah
th
77. Arrange the following events of Akbar’s regime in their
chronological order :
Ghazi. Continuing the tradition of Akbar, Jahangir started
his rule generously and when he sat on the throne, he gave
various populist orders.
1. Abolition of Jizya
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
was with the daughter of Bhagwandas who was the king of
*“Do-aspa and Sih-aspa” system was introduced by Jahangir.
2. Construction of Ibadat Khana
Under this system, Mansabdars had to maintain an excess
3. Singing of Mahzar
number of soldiers without an elevation of rank (Zat.) in return.
4. Foundation of Din-i-Ilahi
*Do-aspa: Mansabdars had to maintain double the number
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
of horses as required for their “Sawar” rank.
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 2, 3, 4, 1
*Sih-aspa: Mansabdars had to maintain three times the
(c) 1, 3, 2, 4
(d) 3, 4, 1, 2
number of horses as required for their “Sawar’ rank.
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006
U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2003
Ans. (a)
Akbar abolished Jizya in 1564. The construction of Ibadat
Khana occurred in 1575 whose main purpose was to facilitate
philosophical and theological discussions. The declaration of
Mahzarnama was held in 1579 which was prepared by Shaikh
Mubarak, the father of Abul Fazl. Akbar founded Din-i-Illahi
in 1582 for religious harmony.
78. Akbar merged Bengal and Bihar in his empire :
(a) 1590 A.D.
(b) 1575 A.D.
(c) 1576 A.D.
(d) 1572 A.D.
48th to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
Daud Khan succeeded his father Suleman Kararani in 1572
after his death. Daud Khan invaded Patna Mughal fort after
declaring himself an independent ruler. Akbar ordered Munim
Khan to suppress this revolt and occupy Bihar. Munim Khan
defeated Daud Khan in a battle and annexed Bihar in 1574.
Daud fled away to Bengal after his defeat. On 12 March, 1576
Todarmal, Muzaffar Khan and Hussain Quli Khan jointly
defeated Daud. Thus, Akbar merged Bengal and Bihar in
his empire in 1576.
B–280
*Treaty of Chittor was signed between Mughal Emperor
Jahangir and Rana Amar Singh of Mewar in 1615 AD.
Rana accepted the allegiance to Mughal emperor and Jahangir
returned Chittor which was annexed by Mughals during the
reign of Akbar.
*Nur Jahan was a cultured, educated, intelligent dominating
lady and ambitious wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir. Nur
Jahan’s Junta consisted a group of five- herself, her mother
Asmat Begum, her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg Itmad-udDaula, her brother Asaf Khan and Prince Khurram. *Prince
Khurram (Shah Jahan) had been allied with Nur Jahan through
most of his father’s reign, but when she swung her support to
her son-in-law Shaharyar, he left her Junta and rebelled.
*The reign of Jahangir, influenced by Nur Jahan, can be divided
into two parts 1611-1622 AD and 1622-1627 AD. Khurram was
the member of this group in the first period but not the part of
this group in the second period. *William Hawkins was the first
English by East India Company to visit the court of Jahangir in
1608-1611 AD. Jahangir gave Hawkins the title of ''English
Khan'' and also made him marry a lady of Armenia. *Sir
Thomas Roe was the leader of the second delegation which
visited the court of Jahangir. Sir Thomas Roe arrived Surat on
18 September, 1615 as an ambassador of British King James-I.
He attended the court of Jahangir in Ajmer in January 1616 AD.
He got the opportunity to visit Mandu, Ahmedabad and Ajmer
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
with the emperor. He also went for hunting with the emperor.
He stayed for one year in Agra.
*Peter Mundy was a British traveller who came during the
reign of Shah Jahan. Francisco Pelsaert was a Dutch traveller
who came to India during Jahangir’s period and left a unique
account of the Mughal empire in his text “The Remonstrantie”.
*The Mughal painting reached its zenith under the reign
of Jahangir. Earlier, the paintings were concerned with the
contents of manuscripts, but Jahangir freed it from this bondage.
*Ustad Mansoor and Abul Hassan were excellent painters
of Jahangir’s reign. Emperor Jahangir bestowed both Ustad
Mansoor (Nadir-Ul-Asra) and Abul Hasan (Nadir-Ud-Zawan).
Ustad Mansoor was specialized in depicting plants and animals
while Abul Hassan was a portrait artist.
*Jahangir was an outstanding author as well as a critic. He
wrote his autobiography in Persian language and titled it
Tujuk-i-Jahangiri. *Jahangir’s eldest son Khusrau revolted
against Jahangir just after the coronation but the revolt was
suppressed in 1606 AD. *The revolt of Shahzada Khurram was
dismissed by the Mughal Army under Mahabat Khan in 1623
AD. *Mahabat Khan revolted against Jahangir in 1626 AD.
*The Mausoleums of Mughal emperors Babur and Jahangir
are located in Kabul and Shahdara (Lahore) respectively. Both
of them are located in Afghanistan and Pakistan, respectively.
*The tomb of Itmad-ul-Daula was built by Nur Jahan at
Agra between 1622-1628 after the death of his father. This is
the first tomb in India that is entirely made up of marble.
In spite of marble and inlay work, it was for the first time
when a new style of ornamentation, Pietra dura, was used.
*Govind Palace is a seven-storey building located in Datia,
Madhya Pradesh. It was constructed by Raja Bir Singh Deo
in 1614 AD with stones.
1. Who introduced ‘Do-aspa and Sih-aspa’ system?
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
‘Do-aspa and Sih-aspa’ system was introduced by Jahangir.
Under the provision of this system, Mansabdars had to
maintain an excess number of soldiers without increment
in rank (zat).
Do-aspa : In this system, Mansabdars had to maintain double
horses in comparison to their ‘Sawar’ rank.
Sih-aspa : In this system, Mansabdars had to maintain a
triple number of horses in comparison to their ‘Sawar’ rank.
Indian History
2.
Consider the following statements about the Mughal
mansabdari system :
1. ‘Zat’ and ‘Savar’ ranks were granted.
2. The mansabdars were hereditary officers.
3. There were three categories of mansabdars
4. They were paid salaries by the Diwan’s office
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1,2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
The Mughal Emperor Akbar introduced Mansabdari system
in the 11th year of his reign. Mansabdari had three scale
gradation :
(1) Mansabdar (500 zat and below)
(2) Amir (between 500-2500zat)
(3) Amir-i-Azam (2500 zat and above)
Besides, classification occurred on the basis of Zat and Sawar
in three categories. Mansabdars were paid through revenue
assignments (Jagirs) and salaries both. Jagirs were transferred
and could be seized upon death. Thus, Mansabdari was not
a hereditary system.
3.
In whose reign was the ‘Treaty of Chittor’ signed
between Mughal and the Rana of Mewar ?
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (b)
It was the reign of Jahangir in which the ‘’Treaty of Chittor’’
was signed between Mughals and Rana of Mewar in 1615.
Rana accepted the allegiance of Mughal emperor and Jahangir
returned Mewar and Chittorgarh to Rana which were annexed
by Mughals during the reign of Akbar.
4.
Who of the following was sent first by East India
Company in the court of Jahangir ?
(a) Sir Thomas Roe
(b) Vasco-da-Gama
(c) Hawkins
(d) Job Chornok
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993
Ans. (c)
William Hawkins (1608-11) was the first English ambassador
of English East India Company to visit the court of Jahangir.
He was sent by East India Company in 1608. He stayed
General Studies
B–281
at the royal court for 3 years. Jahangir honoured him with mansab
of 400. Sir Thomas Roe was the leader of the second delegation to
visit the court of Jahangir. Sir Thomas Roe was the first ambassador
sent by British King James-I to the court of Jahangir.
5.
Who among the following is the envoy of British King
James- I was sent to Jahangir’s court?
(a) William Hawkins
(b) William Finch
(c) Pitra Della Villa
(d) Edward Terry
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (*)
See the explanation of above question.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
6.
Whom of the following Englishman did Jahangir
respected with title ‘English Khan’?
(a) Hawkins
(b) Sir Thomas Roe
(c) Edward Terry
(d) None of the above
40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (a)
Hawkins was the first English sent by English East India
Company to visit the court of in (1608). Jahangir was so much
impressed by Hawkins that he gave him the title of ‘English
Khan’ and also made him marry a lady from Armenia.
7.
Mughal Emperor Jahangir gave the title ‘EnglishKhan’ to :
(a) Albuquerque
(b) Francisco Almeida
(c) William Hawkins
(d) Henry the Navigator
U.P.P.C.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2015
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
8.
Sir Thomas Roe came to India as a British Ambassador
during the reign of –
(a) Akbar
(b) Aurangzeb
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shah Jahan
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (c)
Sir Thomas Roe visited India during the reign of Jahangir as
a British ambassador. As a representative of England King
James-I, Sir Thomas Roe (1615-1619) narrated a clear picture
of Jahangir’s rule. He was sent to Mughal Court to acquire
favourable facilities for the trade of British with India.
9.
Sir Thomas Roe, an Ambassador of James I of
England came to India in year :
(a) 1616
(b) 1615
(c) 1516
(d) 1614
B–282
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
Sir Thomas Roe arrived Surat on 18 September, 1615 as
Ambassador of British King James-I. He attended the court
of Jahangir in Ajmer in 1616. He got the opportunity to visit
Mandu, Ahmedabad and Ajmer with the emperor. He also went
for hunting with the emperor. He stayed for one year in Agra.
10. Thomas Roe was received in audience by Jahangir at :
(a) Agra
(b) Ajmer
(c) Delhi
(d) Fatehpur Sikri
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (b)
Thomas Roe met Jahangir in 1616 at Ajmer. He stayed in
India till 1619. In 1619, he returned England with the decree
of Jahangir that the British would be welcomed in Mughal
court with great zeal.
11. Which British ambassador came behind Jahangir from
Ajmer to Mandu ?
(a) Clive
(b) Sir Thomas Roe
(c) Lord Ester
(d) Clyde
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (b)
Thomas Roe arrived in Mughal court in 1616. He got the
opportunity to visit Mandu, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, etc. with the
emperor. He went with the emperor for hunting.
12. A Dutch traveller, who has given a very valuable
account of the reign of Jahangir was
(a) Francisco Pelsaert
(b) Hawkins
(c) Niccolo Manucci
(d) Peter Mundy
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (a)
Peter Mundy was a British traveller who came during the
reign of Shahjahan. Niccolo Manucci was an Italian traveller
who came to India at the time of succession war. William
Hawkins arrived in India during the reign of Jahangir.
Francisco Pelsaert was a Dutch traveller who came to India
during Jahangir’s period. He left a unique account of Mughal
empire in his text ‘’The Remonstrantie’’.
13. Who among the following foreign travellers visited
India during the reign of Jahangir?
(a) Father Anthony Monserate
(b) Francisco Pelsaert
General Studies
Indian History
(c) Niccolo Manucci
(d) Francois Bernier
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
14. Which Mughal emperor has no mausoleum in India ?
(a) Aurangzeb
(b) Jahangir
(c) Humayun
(d) Babur
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 1991
Ans. (b & d)
The mausoleums of Mughal emperors Babur and Jahangir are
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
located in Kabul and Shahdara (Lahore) respectively. Both of
them are located in Afghanistan and Pakistan, respectively.
Thus, both options (b) and (d) are correct.
15. Where was Emperor Jahangir buried ?
(a) Agra
(c) Lahore
Ans. (c)
(b) Delhi
(d) Srinagar
Uttarakhand Lower (Sub.) (Pre) 2010
See the explanation of above question.
16. Among the following whose tomb is situated outside
India?
(a) Humayun
(b) Aurangzeb
(c) Jahandar Shah
(d) Jahangir
U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
Ans. (d)
Jahangir was buried in a tomb garden at Shahdara, outside
India. Jahangir died in 1627 and was buried in Shahdara,
Lahore. His son, Shah Jahan, ordered a mausoleum to be
built as a permanent memorial.
17. Mughal painting reached its zenith under :
(a) Humayun
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shah Jahan
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
The Mughal painting reached its zenith under the reign of
Jahangir. Earlier, the paintings were concerned with the
contents of manuscripts, but Jahangir freed it from this
bondage. Farrukh Beg, Daulat, Mansoor, Abul Hasan, etc.
were such painter who had inscribed their name in a golden
word in the history of Mughal painting with their talent.
Ustad Mansoor and Abul Hassan was an excellent painter of
Jahangir’s reign. Emperor Jahangir bestowed both Nadir-ulIndian History
Asra (Ustad Mansoor) and Nadir-ul-Zaman (Abul Hassan).
Ustad Mansoor was specialized in depicting plants and
animal while Abul Hassan was a portrait artist.
18. Who among the following painters was given the title
of ‘Nadir-ul-Zaman’ by Jahangir ?
(a) Abul Hassan
(b) Farrukh Beg
(c) Bishandas
(d) Agha Raza
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
19. Who one of the following painters of Jahangir’s reign
was conferred the title of ‘Nadir-ul-Asra’?
(a) Daulat
(b) Bishandas
(c) Manohar
(d) Mansoor
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
20. The greatest painter of birds at Jahangir’s Court was:
(a) Khwaja Abdus Samad (b) Sayyid Ali Tabrizi
(c) Basawan
(d) Mansoor
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (d)
See the explanation on above question.
21. Which of the following Mughal Emperor wrote his
autobiography in Persian ?
(a) Babur
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2001
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010
Ans. (c)
Jahangir was an outstanding author as well as a critic. He
wrote his autobiography in Persian language and named it
Tujuk-i-Jahangiri. Jahangir had recorded his merits as well
as demerits in his autobiography. This memoir has been
divided into three parts. The first part is the preface which
was written by Muhammad Hadi after the death of Jahangir
in which the early life of Jahangir is mentioned. The second
part was an original piece of text which was narrated by
Jahangir. The third part of the text was written by Muhammad
Hadi. Babur wrote his autobiography ‘Tujuk-i-Baburi’’ in the
Turkish language.
22. The killer of Abul Fazl was rewarded by :
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Man Singh
(d) None of these
General Studies
B–283
Ans. (b)
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2003
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The coronation of Jahangir took place on 3 November, 1605
AD. A week after the death of Akbar he assumed the title
of ‘Nuruddin Muhammad Jahangir Badshah Ghazi.’ He
provided high designations to his associates in his court in
which the murderer of Abul Fazl, Raja Vir Singh Bundela
was also rewarded. Jahangir started his reign with liberalism
forwarding the customs and traditions of his father Akbar
and issued the orders which demonstrated concern for the
welfare of the people.
23. Of the following who had rebelled against the Mughal
Emperor Jahangir ?
(1) Asif Khan
(2) Khurram
(3) Mahabat Khan
(4) Khusrau
Code :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 2,3 and 4 only
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (d)
Jahangir’s eldest son Khusrau revolted against Jahangir
just after the coronation and was suppressed in 1606. The
revolt of Shahzada Khurram was dismissed by the Mughal
army under Mahabat Khan in 1623. In 1626, Mahabat Khan
revolted against Jahangir.
24. Khusrau was the son of which Mughal emperor ?
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Bahadur Shah I
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (b)
Khusrau was the eldest son of Jahangir. His mother was
Man Bai.
25. Who of the following was not a member of Noorjahan’s
Junta?
(a) Jahangir
(b) Ghiyas Beg
(c) Asaf Khan
(d) Khurram
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (a)
Nur Jahan was a cultured, educated, intelligent dominating
lady and ambitious wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir. Nur
Jahan’s Junta consisted a group of five- herself, her mother
Asmat Begum, her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg Itmad-ud-Daula,
her brother Asaf Khan and Prince Khurram (Son-in-law of
her brother Asaf Khan). Prince Khurram (known as Shah
Jahan) had been allied with Noor Jahan through most of his
B–284
father’s reign, but when she swung her support to her son in
law Shaharyar, he left her Junta and rebelled.
26. Itmad-ud-Daula’s tomb at Agra was built by
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Nur Jahan
(d) Shah Jahan
th
48 to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (c)
Tomb of Itmad-ul-Daula was built by Noorjahan at Agra
between 1622-1628 after the death of his father. This elegant
monument is located on the left bank of river Yamuna. The
main mausoleum is built with white marble. Itmad-ud-Daula
has a special place in the chronicles of both history as well
as architecture. The monument is priceless because this is
the first tomb in India that is entirely made up of marble. In
spite of marble and inlay work, it was for the first time when
a new style of ornamentation, Pietradura, was used.
27. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
by using the codes given below the list :
List-I
List-II
(Builder)
(Monument)
A. Babur
1. Jama Masjid (Sambhal)
B. Humayun
2. Din Panah
C. Akbar
3. Jahangiri Mahal
D. Jahangir
4. Akbar’s Mausoleum’s
completion
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a) 1
2
3
4
(b) 1
2
4
3
(c) 2
1
4
3
(d) 4
3
2
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
Ans. (a)
Jama Masjid (Sambhal)
Din Panah (Delhi)
Completion of Akbar’s
Mausoleum
Jahangiri Mahal
-
Babur
Humayun
Jahangir
-
Akbar
28. Govind Palace, an excellent specimen of Hindu
architecture is located at –
(a) Datia
(b) Khajuraho
(c) Orchha
(d) Gwalior
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
Ans. (a)
General Studies
Indian History
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Govind Palace, a seven-storey building is located in Datia,
Madhya Pradesh. It was constructed by Raja Bir Singh
Deo in 1614 with stones. It is an excellent specimen of
the architecture of Bundelas. Paintings and architectures
ornamented on walls of Govind Mahal attract travellers.
29. Which one of the following is not correctly matched ?
(a) Akbar’s Tomb
- Sikandara
(b) Jahangir’s Tomb
- Shahdara
(c) Tomb of Shaikh
- Fatehpur Sikri
Salim Chishti
(d) Tomb of Shaikh
- Ajmer
Nizamuddin Auliya
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (d)
The tomb of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya is in Delhi not in
Ajmer. He died in 1325 and was buried at Ghiyaspur (Delhi).
Hence, option (d) is not the correct answer. Amir Khusrau
and Hasan Muhammad Dehlavi were eminent disciples of
Auliya. Other pairs are correctly matched.
Shah Jahan
*Shahzada Khurram was born on 5th January 1592 in Lahore.
His mother was Jagat Gosai, the daughter of the ruler of
Marwar, Uday Singh. Shahzada Khurram married to Arjumand
Banu Begum, the daughter of Asif Khan in 1612 AD. She was
famous in history as Mumtaz Mahal.
*Shah Jahan adopting the title of ‘Abul Muzaffer Shahabuddin
Muhammad Sahib Kiran-e-Sani’ sat on the throne. His
coronation took place in Agra. He shifted the capital from Agra
to Delhi. *Ahmednagar was included in the Mughal Empire
in 1633 AD. Hussain Shah, the last ruler of Ahmednagar was
imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior. Nizam Shahi Sardar Shahaji
Bhonsle continued the struggle with the Mughals in the name
of one child (Murtaza III). Finally, in 1636 AD, Shahaji got
surrounded by the Mughals in the Chunar Fort. Shahaji handed
over several forts and Martaza III to the Mughals. Murtaza III
was imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior and Shahaji accepted the
service of Bijapur State.
*Aurangzeb was the governor of Deccan during 1636 - 44
AD in the reign of Shah Jahan and he was reappointed at this
designation in the year 1652. He remained at this designation till
the victory in the war of succession and becoming the Mughal
emperor. *Qandahar was the cause of dispute between Shah
of Iran and the Mughal rulers because it became a prestigious
issue for Persians and Mughals. The loss of Qandahar was
strategically a big blow to the Mughal Empire. The loss of
Qandahar exposed the Mughal Kingdom to outside attacks.
Indian History
Finally, Qandahar slipped out from the hands of Mughals
during the period of Shah Jahan, weakening Mughals on the
North-West frontier.
*The motive behind Shah Jahan’s Balkh and Badakhshan
campaign was to secure a friendly ruler in Balkh and Badakshan
which shares its border with Kabul. So, it became a buffer state
between the Mughals and the Persians.
*Shah Jahan's period was considered to be the Golden age of
the Mughal period because time there has been a substantial
development in the field of art, literature and education. In this
period, two styles in the Persian language were prevalent, first
was Indian-Persian and second was Iranian-Persian. Abul Fazl
was the best promoter of the Indian Persian-style. The scholars
of this style were Abdul Hameed Lahori, Muhammad
Waris and Chandrabhan Brahmin, etc. Iranian-Persian-style
scholars were Ameeni Kazwini and Jalaluddin Tabatbai. Iranian
poetry style was quite dominating during that time. Shah Jahan
appointed the Persian Poetry style poet Kaleem as ‘Rajakavi’.
In addition to Kaleem, Persian poets Saideai Gilani Qudasi, Mir
Muhammad Kashi, Salim Masih, Rafi, Farukh, Munir, Shoda.
Chandrabas Brahmin, Hajiq, Dileri, etc. were among others.
*Kavindracharya was a dependent poet of Shah Jahan and had
the perfect combination of Awadhi and Braj in his language.
*'Kavindra Kalplata' was written in praise of Shah Jahan. He
requested the emperor for the abolition of pilgrimage tax and got
it abolished. *Upanishads were translated into Persian language
during the reign of Shah Jahan by his son Dara Shukoh titled as
Sirr-i-Akbar. 52 Upanishad were translated in this book. Lane
pool named Dara Shukoh as “Little Akbar”. Shah Jahan gave
him the title of “Shah Buland Iqbal”. Majma-ul-Bahrain is
a masterpiece of Dara Shukoh.
*Shah Jahan collected designers, engineers, architects, from
India, Persia and Central Asia for the construction of Taj Mahal
which is the best example of a balanced combination of IndianPersian and Central Asian architecture.
*Jama Masjid of Delhi was built by Shah Jahan. Buildings
built by Shahjahan are Deewan-e-Aam, Deewan-e-Khas,
Sheesh Mahal, Moti Masjid, Khas Mahal, Musanunan Burj,
Nagina Masjid, Jama Masjid, Taj Mahal and Red Fort.
*Shah Jahan, as Akbar’s Fatehpur Sikri’, established a city
named Shahjahanabad in his name in Delhi in 1648 AD and
tried to equip it by building many beautiful and magnificent
buildings. Among the buildings of Shahjahanabad, Red Fort
is the main building. It was constructed in 1648 AD. The name
of the Western entrance of this fort is Lahauri Darwaza and
the southern gate is Delhi Darwaza. It is unique in beauty and
splendour.
General Studies
B–285
*Among the four sons of Shah Jahan, the eldest, Dara Shukoh
was the most educated scholar and writer. He studied many
Hindu texts and translated the Hindu texts like Upanishads,
Yoga Vashisht, Bhagwat Gita, etc into Persian. The Mughal
emperor Shah Jahan abolished the Iranian Court tradition
‘Sijda’ started by Balban. In 1636 - 37 AD Sijda custom was
abolished. Elphinstone has written about the period of Shah
Jahan that the period of Shah Jahan was the most prosperous
period in Indian history.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
1.
(c) Communication
(d) Strategic stronghold
I.A.S. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (d)
The loss of Qandahar was strategically a big blow to the
Mughal empire. The loss of Qandahar exposed the Mughal
Kingdom to outside attacks. Finally, Qandahar slipped out
from the hands of the Mughals during the period of Shah Jahan.
4.
The motive behind Shah Jahan’s Balkh campaign was to :
(a) Secure a friendly ruler in Balkh and Badakshan which
bordered Kabul
(b) Conquer Samarqand and Ferghana, the Mughal
homelands
(c) Fix the Mughal frontier on the ‘scientific line’ the Amu
Daria
(d) Expand the Mughal Empire beyond the sub-continent
I.A.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (a)
The motive behind Shah Jahan’s Balkh and Badakshan
campaign was not to conquer Samarqand and Ferghana, the
Mughal homeland but to remove the Persian representative
The shaded area in the above map shows the empire of:
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Muhammad Tughluq
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangazeb
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (c)
The shaded area in the map shows the empire of Shah Jahan.
Golconda was not the part of his territory as it was captured
by Aurangzeb in 1687.
2.
What was the root of the dispute between the Shah of
Iran and Mughal rulers?
(a) Kabul
(b) Qandahar
(c) Kunduz
(d) Ghazni
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b)
Qandahar was the cause of dispute between the Shah of
Iran and the Mughal rulers of Qandahar because it became
a prestigious issue for Persians and Mughals. The expansion
of colonialism of both the dynasties was mostly depended
on suzerainty of Qandahar.
3.
The loss of Qandahar was a big blow to the Mughal
empire from the viewpoint of :
(a) Natural resources
(b) Buffer territory
B–286
and secure a friendly ruler in Balkh and Badakshan which
bordered Kabul. This would help him in controlling the rebel
Afghan tribes living near Ghazni and Khyber. So, it became
a buffer state between Mughals and Persians.
5.
Who had led a deputation of Banaras pandits before
the Mughal emperor to seek the abolition of pilgrim
tax on Benaras and Allahabad ?
(a) Haranth
(b) Jagannath
(c) Kavindracharya
(d) Kavi Hariram
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (c)
Kavindracharya had led a delegation of Banaras pandits
before the Mughal Emperor to seek the abolition of
pilgrim tax on Banaras and Allahabad. Kavindracharya
was a dependent poet of Shah Jahan and had the perfect
combination of Awadhi and Braj in his language.
6.
Who was the ‘Poet-Laureate’ of Shah Jahan’s reign?
(a) Kaleem
(b) Kashi
(c) Qudsi
(d) Munir
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (a)
Poet Kaleem (Abu Jalih) became a member of the court of
Shah Jahan.
General Studies
Indian History
7.
The actual name of Mumtaz Mahal was –
(a) Arjumand Bano Begum (b) Ladli Begum
(c) Mehrunnisa
(d) Roshan Ara
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (a)
Arjumand Bano Begum, the daughter of Asaf Khan, was
married Prince Khurram, the son of Mughal Emperor
Jahangir. Later on, Arjumand Bano Begum was known as
Mumtaz Mahal.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
8.
The coordination of Hindu and Iranian architecture
can be seen in –
(a) Taj Mahal
(b) Red Fort
(c) Panch Mahal
(d) Tomb of Sher Shah
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
Shah Jahan had gathered engineers and architects from India,
Persia, Middle Asia for the construction of Taj Mahal which
is the best example of a balanced combination of Indian,
Persian and Middle Asian architecture.
9.
Which of the following among Mughal Emperor
constructed Jama Masjid of Delhi ?
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (c)
Jama Masjid of Delhi was built up by Shah Jahan. He left
behind a great legacy of structures constructed during his
reign. Buildings constructed by Shah Jahan are Diwan-iAam, Diwan-i-Khas, Shish Mahal, Moti Masjid, Khas Mahal,
Musamman Burj, Nagina Masjid, Jama Masjid, Taj Mahal
and Red Fort.
10. Who built famous Jama Masjid of Delhi ?
(a) Humayun
(b) Shah Jahan
(c) Akbar
(d) Ibrahim Lodi
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (b)
See the explanation of above question.
11. Who among the following shifted the capital of the
Empire from Agra to Delhi ?
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008
Ans. (c)
Shah Jahan shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638.
Indian History
12. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer
using the codes given below the List :
List-I
List-II
(Monuments)
(Builders)
A. Alai Darwaza, Delhi 1. Alauddin Khalji
B. Buland Darwaza,
2. Akbar
Fatehpur Sikri
C. Moti Masjid, Agra
3. Shah Jahan
D. Moti Masjid, Delhi
4. Aurangzeb
Code :
A
B
C
D
(a)
4
3
2
1
(b)
1
4
2
3
(c)
1
2
3
4
(d)
4
2
3
1
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (c)
The correctly matched list is as follows:
(Mounments)
(Builders)
Alai Darwaza, Delhi
– Alauddin Khalji
Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri – Akbar
Moti Masjid, Agra
– Shah Jahan
Moti Masjid , Delhi
– Aurangzeb
13. Who made the Red Fort in Delhi?
(a) Akbar
(b) Nur Jahan
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shah Jahan
42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997
Ans. (d)
In 1638, Shah Jahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi
and laid the foundations of Shahjahanabad on his name. Red
Fort (build in 1648) is an important monument of Shah Jahan.
It is an irregular octagon with two long sides on the west and
east and with two main gates, one on the west and the other
on the south called Lahori and Delhi gates respectively. It is
unique in architecture and glory.
14. Who among the following deserves the credit for the
construction of ‘Lal Qila’
(a) Sikandar Lodi
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shah Jahan
U.P.P.S.C.(GIC) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
15. Upanishadas were translated into Persian during the
reign of :
(a) Shah Jahan
(a) Akbar
General Studies
B–287
(c) Jahangir
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (a)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
The Upanishadas were translated into the Persian language
during the reign of Shah Jahan by his son Dara Shukoh as
"Sirr-i-Akbar". 52 Upanishadas were translated in this book.
Lenpool named him "Little Akbar" due to his tolerance
and generosity. Majma-ul-Bahrain is the original creation
of Dara Shukoh. Shah Jahan gave him the title of "Shah
Buland Iqbal".
16. Who among the following was given the title of ‘Shah
Buland Iqbal’ by Shah Jahan?
(a) Dara Shukoh
(b) Shuja
(c) Aurangzeb
(d) Murad
U.P.R.O./A.R.O (Pre) 2014
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
17. The Upanishads were translated into Persian by Dara
Shikoh under the title:
(a) Al-Fihrist
(b) Kitab-ul-Bayan
(c) Majma-ul-Bahrain
(d) Sirr-i-Akbar
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (d)
See the explanation of above question.
See the explanation of above question.
19. The First Muslim to study Hindu scriptures was :
(a) Amir Khusrau
(b) Dara Shukoh
(c) Amir Hasan
(d) Shuja
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2003
Ans. (b)
In the given options, the first Muslim to study Hindu
scriptures was Dara Shukoh. The eldest son of Shah Jahan,
Dara Shukoh was a highly educated scholar and author. He
studied many Hindu scriptures and translated Yogvashita,
B–288
Dr. A.L. Srivastava wrote in his book ‘’Mughalkaleen
Bharat’’ that the regime of Shah Jahan is the golden period in
the medieval history of India. However, it is true only on the
basis of art and especially architecture. J.N. Sarkar and V.A.
Smith are not in favour to accept this fact, but R.S. Sharma
also accepted this fact. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
21. The famous diamond ‘Kohinoor’ was presented to
Shah Jahan by –
(a) Aurangzeb
(b) Murad
(c) Mir Jumla
(d) Abul Hasan Qutb Shah
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015
Ans. (c)
The Kohinoor Diamond, one of the famous diamonds in the
world, was discovered in the mines of Golconda. Mir Jumla
was a minister of Sultan of Golconda, Abdullah Qutub Shah
(1626-1672) who got angry over Mir Jumla for accepting
the Mansab of King Shah Jahan and seized all his property.
Later, Shah Jahan sent Aurangzeb to attack Golconda, and
the matter was resolved, and the treaty was signed between
18. Who was the author of Sirr-i-Akbar?
(a) Abul Fazl
(b) Dara Shukoh
(c) Mullah Shah Badakhshi
(d) Shah Waliullah
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
Bhagwat Gita, etc. in the Persian language.
20. Who among the following historians declared the
regime of Shah Jahan to be the Golden Era of the
Mughal period?
(a) V.A. Smith
(b) J.N. Sarkar
(c) A.L. Srivastava
(d) None of the above
41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996
Ans. (c)
them. Later, Mir Jumla was called back to Agra and given
the title of “Muazzam Khan.” Mir Jumla, the Persian noble
and a reputed diamond dealer, visited the court of Shah Jahan
and presented the Kohinoor diamond to the Mughal emperor.
22. Which Mughal Emperor abolished the Persian Court
Custom of ‘Sijda’ which was begun by Balban?
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2010
Ans. (c)
Shah Jahan was the Mughal emperor who abolished the
Persian (1636-37) court custom of Sijda which was begun
by Balban.
23. Who among the following was the governor of Deccan
for the major part of Shah Jahan’s Reign ?
(a) Dara Shukoh
(b) Murad Baksh
(c) Shah Shuja
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P.Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009
Ans. (d)
General Studies
Indian History
Aurangzeb was the governor of Deccan during 1636-44 in
the reign of Shah Jahan, and he was reappointed at this office
in 1652 again.
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
Aurangzeb
*Aurangzeb succeeded Shah Jahan to the Mughal throne but
not with the rule of succession of eldest son but by the force of
sword. The sword was a symbol of power in the Mughal period.
The decision of succession was settled only by the strength of
the sword. *The coronation of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was
held twice. His first coronation was held on July 31, 1658 in
Delhi. His second coronation took place after the success in the
battle of ‘Khajwa’ and ‘Devarai’ in Delhi, on June 15, 1659.
Assuming the title of ‘Abdul Muzaffar Muhiuddin Muhammad
Aurangzeb Bahadur Alamgir Padshah 'Ghazi', he sat on the
throne as the Mughal emperor.
*There was a battle between Aurangzeb and Dara Shukoh on
April 15, 1658, in Dharamat, near Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh.
Dara Shukoh was supported by Raja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur
and Aurangzeb was supported by Prince Murad. *The Battle of
Samugarh took place on May 29, 1658 between Aurangzeb's
and Murad‘s joint forces against Dara Shikoh in which Dara
Shikoh was defeated.
*Shahzada Suleyman Shukoh, son of Dara Shukoh, who was
defeated by Aurangzeb in the war of succession and sought
refuge from the ruler of Srinagar Garhwal Prithvi Singh. But
his successor Medini Singh handed him over to Aurangzeb.
*Suleyman Shukoh was imprisoned in Gwalior’s Fort and
there he was killed by excessive dose of opium.
*In the beginning on 1665 AD, Aurangzeb sent a large army
under the leadership of Raja Jai Singh to suppress Shivaji. Jai
Singh was the Kachhwaha ruler who was expert in both the arts
of peace and war. He was a clever diplomat and he understood
that it was necessary to have a friendship with Shivaji to win
Bijapur. Hence, despite the victory of the Mughals on the fort
of Purandar and the siege of Raigarh, he made a treaty with
Shivaji. The Treaty of Purandar took place in June 1665 AD.
*Muhammad Akbar, the rebellious son, revolted against his
father in 1681 AD, weakening Aurangzeb’s position against
Rajputs. Akbar was disappointed with the war against the
Rajputs. He did not believe in the success of his father’s fanatic
policy and he was generous with ideas. On the same occasion,
King Raj Singh of Mewar and Durgadas, the Rathore leader of
Marwar proposed to him that if he declared himself the king of
India the forces of both Mewar and Marwar would help him.
The contemporaries of Aurangzeb considered him as a ‘Shahi
Dervesh’ and Muslims considered him as a ‘Zinda Peer’.
In 1652 AD when Aurangzeb was appointed the Subedar
Indian History
of the South for the second time. He adopted an aggressive
policy against Golconda and Bijapur, perhaps he would have
demolished both of these states, but according to the order sent
by Shah Jahan in consultation with Dara Shukoh, the battle was
suspended and he had to do treaty in 1656 AD with Golconda
and in 1657 AD with Bijapur.
*After becoming the emperor, he took him plan to logical
conclusion and established control over Bijapur (1686) and
Golconda (1687). During the reign of Aurangzeb, most of the
commanders in the Mughal army were Hindus. During his reign,
31.6 percent of the total generals were Hindu, among whom
Marathas was more than 50%. During Akbar’s reign proportion
was 22.5 percent and 22.4 percent in the reign of Shah Jahan.
*Akbar had the abolished Jizya during his reign but Aurangzeb
re-imposed it on non-muslims in 1679 AD.
*The Hindus were categorised in three classes for the purpose
of paying tax:
(i) These with income less than 200 Dirham per annum, had to
pay 12 Dirham per annum as tax.
(ii) These with income less than 10,000 Dirham per annum,
had to pay 24 Dirham per annum as tax.
(iii) These with income more than 10,000 Dirham per annum
had to pay 48 Dirham per annum as tax.
*Women slaves, children under 14 years, beggars and
unemployed persons were exempted from it. The subordinate
Hindu kings and Brahmins were compelled to pay this tax.
*Aurangzeb was a Sunni Muslim. *His religious policy was
not influenced by any idea of worldly profit. *Aurangzeb tried
to enforce the Quranic law, according to which, Muslims needed
to carry on Jihad (Holy wars) against non-Muslim lands (Darul-Harab) till they were converted to Islam (Dar-ul—lslam).
He stopped putting tilak with his hands on the forehead of the
Hindu kings as was started by Akbar. Prostitutes were to marry
or leave the country. There was a ban on celebrating Basant,
Holi, Diwali, etc, in the court.
*Aurangzeb built the mausoleum for his beloved wife RabiaUd-Daurani in Aurangabad in 1651-61 AD. It is also known
as ‘Bibi Ka Maqbara’. lts architectural style was based on
the well-known ‘TajMahal’. So, it is also called 'Second Taj
Mahal'. Moti Masjid inside Red Fort in Delhi was built by
Aurangzeb.
*Mehrunissa was the daughter of Aurangzeb while Jahan
Ara, Roshan Ara and Gauhar Ara were the daughters of
Shah Jahan. The other daughters of Aurangzeb were Jebunissa,
Jinatunnisa, Badrunnisa and Jubadtunnisa. Aurangzeb
bestowed the title of ‘Sahibat-uz-Zamani’ to Jahan Ara.
*Samarth Ramdas was the great Saint of Maharashtra. He was
born in 1608 AD and died in 1681 AD. He was the contemporary
to the Mughal king Aurangzeb.
General Studies
B–289
Assertion(A) : Aurangzeb succeeded Shah Jahan to
the Mughal throne.
Reason (R) : The law of primogeniture was followed.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
(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. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (c)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
1.
Aurangzeb succeeded Shah Jahan to the Mughal throne, but
the rule of primogeniture was not followed where the eldest
son inherited his father’s estate. He succeeded the throne by
force. There were no clear rules of succession; it was the
subject of power. Dara was the eldest and Aurangzeb was
the third son of Shah Jahan. So, Assertion (A) is correct, but
Reason (R) is not correct.
2.
Who of the following Mughal emperor was coronated
twice?
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
Ans. (d)
The coronation of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb occurred
twice. His first coronation was held on 31 July, 1658 in
Delhi and second was held on 15 June, 1659 on the success
of Devrai battle.
3.
The battle of Dharmat was fought between :
(a) Muhammad Ghori and Jai Chand
(b) Babur and Afghans
(c) Aurangzeb and Dara Shukoh
(d) Ahmad Shah Durrani and the Marathas
I.A.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (c)
Battle of Dharmat (Madhya Pradesh) was fought between
Aurangzeb and Dara Shukoh for their father Shah Jahan’s
throne. Dara Shukoh was supported by Raja Jaswant Singh,
and Aurangzeb was supported by Prince Murad. On 15th April,
1658 Aurangzeb became victorious.
4.
Aurangzeb defeated Jaswant Singh, the King of
Jodhpur in the battle of Dharmat in 1658. Dharmat
situated in which state?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Gujarat
(d) Uttar Pradesh
B–290
Ans. (b)
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2007
See the explanation of above question.
5.
Where was Darashikoh buried?
(a) Delhi
(b) Agra
(c) Aurangabad
(d) Lahore
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (a)
In 1659 Dara Shukoh was murdered. His head sent to
Shahjahan in Agra and buried in the premises of Taj Mahal.
Dara's torso was buried at Humayun tomb in Delhi. The
grave of Dara was built in campus of Humayun's tomb Delhi.
6.
Mughal Prince who took refuge in Srinagar Garhwal –
(a) Murad
(b) Aurangzeb
(c) Dara Shukoh
(d) Sulaiman Shukoh
Uttarakhand P.C.S.(Pre) 2004
Ans. (d)
Prince Sulaiman Shukoh, the son of Dara Shukoh, after being
defeated by Aurangzeb in the war for succession, took shelter
in Srinagar which was the kingdom of Prithvi Singh. But
his successor Medini Singh handed him over to Aurangzeb.
He was imprisoned in Gwalior Fort and killed by giving an
excessive dose of opium.
7.
Which son of Aurangzeb revolted against his father,
weakening his father’s position against the Rajputs?
(a) Azam
(b) Akbar
(c) Muazzam
(d) Kam Baksh
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
Ans. (b)
Muhammad Akbar, the rebellious son, revolted against his
father Aurangzeb in 1681, weakening Aurangzeb’s position
against Rajputs.
8.
With which Mughal General did Shivaji sign the Treaty
of Purandar is 1665 ?
(a) Diler Khan
(b) Jai Singh
(c) Jaswant Singh
(d) Shaista Khan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A (Spl) (Pre) 2010
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A (Spl) (Mains) 2010
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (b)
Aurangazeb sent Raja Jai Singh of Amber to fight against
Shivaji. He made elaborated preparations and succedded in
General Studies
Indian History
besieging the Purandar Fort where Shivaji lodged his family
and treasure. Shivaji opened negotiations with Jai Singh and
the Treaty of Purandar was signed in 1665.
Which Mughal Emperor was known as "Zinda
Peer" ?
(a) Akbar
(b) Aurangzeb
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Jahangir
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
9.
(c) Bijapur and Golconda
(d) Golconda and Ahmednagar
Ans. (c)
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004
Aurangzeb conquered Bijapur in 1686 and Golconda in 1687.
13. The given map refers to the kingdom of :
Aurangzeb was a remarkable man. Among the Mughals, he
possessed extraordinary personal qualities. He maintained
high moral standards and was far from vices, pleasures and
extravagance. Some recommended him ‘Shahi Darvesh’ and
some Muslims accepted him as "Zinda Peer".
10. Which European traveller came to India during the
region of Aurangzeb?
(a) William Hawkins
(b) Thomas Roe
(c) Antonia Monserrate
(d) Peter Mundy
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
Ans. (*)
Peter Mundy, the British traveller, came to India during the
reign of Shah Jahan. William Hawkins and Thomas Roe
came to India during Jahangir’s reign whereas Antonio
Monserrate came to India during Akbar’s reign. None of the
above travellers came to India during the reign of Aurangzeb.
11. When Aurangzeb got the victory over Bijapur ?
(a) 1685
(b) 1686
(c) 1987
(d) 1684
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992
Ans. (b)
Before the war of succession, Aurangzeb had signed a
treaty with Bijapur by orders of Shah Jahan, according to
which Bijapur had agreed to pay 1.5 crores of rupees and
cede Bidar, Kalyani and Purandar, besides all the forts in the
Nizam Shahi Konkan but Bijapur did not follow the terms
and conditions of the treaty. Aurangzeb appointed Mughal
governor Diler Khan in 1676. Diler Khan compelled Sultan
Adil Shah to surrender before Aurangzeb and Bijapur was
annexed by Mughals in 1686 finally.
12. Two of the following states, which Aurangzeb had
conquered in Deccan, were :
(a) Ahmadnagar and Bijapur
(b) Bidar and Bijapur
Indian History
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Akbar at the time of capture of Khandesh in 1601
Akbar at the time of his death in 1605
Aurangzeb at the time of capture of Hyderabad
Aurangzeb at the time of his death in 1707
I.A.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (d)
The given map shows the extent of the to the kingdom of
Aurangzeb at the time of his death in 1707 it included Bijapur
and Golconda.
14. Who was the ruler of Golkonda when Aurangzeb seized
the fort of Golkonda in 1687?
(a) Abul Hasan Qutb Shah
(b) Sikandar Adil Shah
(c) Ali Adil Shah II
(d) Shayasta Khan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
Ans. (a)
Aurangzeb captured Bijapur in 1686 & Golkonda in 1687.
Abul Hasan Qutb Shah was the King of Golkonda at the
time of seize by Aurangzeb. It is said that Aurangzeb opened
the Fort of Golkonda using the 'keys of gold', the same way
Akbar opened the Fort of Aligarh.
15. Which one of the following emperors had the highest
number of Hindu Generals in the Mughal army:
(a) Humayun
(b) Akbar
(c) Nizamuddin
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (d)
General Studies
B–291
The Mughal army had the largest number of Hindu Generals
during the reign of Aurangzeb. There were 33% Hindu
commanders in Aurangzeb’s court in which most of the
members were Marathas. This ratio was 16% in Akbar’s
reign and 24% during Shah Jahan’s reign.
16. The Mughal emperor who appointed the maximum
number of Hindu officials was –
(a) Akbar
(b) Aurangzeb
(c) Humayun
(d) Shah Jahan
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2004
Ans. (b)
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
See the explanation of above question.
17. Who re-imposed Jizya ?
(a) Akbar
(b) Aurangzeb
(c) Jahangir
(d) Humayun
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
Ans. (b)
Akbar had abolished Jizya during his reign but Aurangzeb
re-imposed it on non-Muslims in 1679. The Hindus were
categorised in three classes for the purpose of paying tax:
(i) These with income less than 200 Dirham per annum,
had to pay 12 Dirham per annum as tax.
(ii ) These with income less than 10,000 Dirham per annum,
had to pay 24 Dirham per annum as tax.
(iii) These with income more than 10,000 Dirham per
annum, had to pay 48 Dirham per annum as tax.
Women, slaves, children under 14 years, beggars and
unemployed persons were exempted from it. The subordinate
Hindu kings and Brahmins were compelled to pay this tax.
About reviving Jizya, Europian traveller wrote that his motive
was to increase his treasure but it seems to be partially true.
18. The meaning of ‘Jihad’ carried on by Aurangzeb is –
(a) Darul-Harb
(b) Dar-ul-Islam
(c) Holy War
(d) Jizya
43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (b)
Aurangzeb was a Sunni Muslim. Aurangzeb tried to enforce
the Quranic law, according to which it enjoins upon every
pious muslim to carry on Jihad (holy wars) against nonMuslim lands (Dar-ul-Harb) till they are converted into Islam
(Dar-ul-Islam).
19. Who among the following was called as a 'Zindapir'?
(a) Bahadur Shah I
(b) Shah Alam II
(c) Aurangzeb
(d) Adil Shah
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017
Ans. (c)
B–292
Aurangzeb was the third son of Shah Jahan who was the emperor
of India from 1658 to 1707. He was called as 'Zinda Pir'.
20. Creator of "Bibi Ka Maqbara/ Tomb of Bibi" was –
(a) Humayun
(b) Shah Jahan
(c) Akbar II
(d) Aurangzeb
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
Aurangzeb constructed "Bibi Ka Maqbara" which is an
architectural wonder with intricate designs, carved motifs,
imposing structures and beautifully landscaped Mughal style
garden. It is known as 'Tomb of Bibi.” It is called ‘The Mini
Taj’ or second ‘Taj Mahal.’ It is also known as the tomb of
Rabia-ud-Daurani.
21. Which one of the following tombs is called the ‘Second
Taj Mahal’:
(a) Tomb of Anarkali
(b) Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula
(c) Tomb of Rabia-ud-Daurani
(d) None of these
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
22. Who among the following was the daughter of Emperor
Aurangzeb ?
(a) Jahan Ara
(b) Roshan Ara
(c) Gauhar Ara
(d) Mehrunnisa
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (d)
Mehrunnisa was the daughter of Aurangzeb while Jahan
Ara, Roshan Ara, and Gauhar Ara were the daughters of
Shah Jahan.
23. To whom Aurangzeb bestowed upon the title of
‘Sahibat-uz-Zamani’ ?
(a) Shaista Khan
(b) Amin Khan
(c) Jahan Ara
(d) Roshan Ara
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (c)
Aurangzeb bestowed the title of ‘’Sahibat-uz-Zamani’’ to Jahan
Ara. Jahan Ara was the eldest daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan
and Mumtaz Mahal. She was also the elder sister of her father’s
successor and sixth Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
General Studies
Indian History
24. Saint Ramdas is associated with the period of rule of :
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009
Ans. (d)
Samarth Ramdas was the great saint of Maharastra. He was
born in 1608 and died in 1681. He was the contemporary to
the Mughal king Aurangzeb. Guru Ramdas, the fourth Sikh
guru, was contemporary of Akbar.
25. Moti Masjid in the Red Fort at Delhi was built by :
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
Join−> https://t.me/thehindu000
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (d)
Moti Masjid inside the Red Fort at Delhi was built by Aurangzeb.
Mughal Administration
*During the Mughal administration, the district was known as
the ‘Sarkar’. Each Suba (province) was divided into several
*Sarkars (districts) for the convenience of governance. Sarkar
was further divided into ‘Pargana’ or ‘Mahal’. The leading
officers of each Sarkar were - Faujdar, Amalgujar, Qazi,
Kotwal, Bitikchi and Khajandar.
*Mir Bakhshi was the head of the military department
during the reign of Mughals. He also fixed the monthly salary
of soldiers by signing a certificate called ‘Sarkhat’. Apart from
this, there were Bakhshi's in the provinces who worked under
the control of Mir Bakhshi. *In the Mughal regime, Mir Bakshi
supervised the land revenue officials and was also responsible
for the salary of the military department. *Sir Jadunath Sarkar
stated Mir Bakshi as Vetanadhikari (Pay Master). The work
as Pay Master was not regular and permanent for Mir Bakshi.
The duty of the Pay Master was of Diwaan-i-Tan. During
the Mughal period, in addition to the soldiers of Mansabdars,
there were others two different types of cavalry who were
called ‘Ahadi’ and 'Dakhili'. *'Ahadi' were recruited by the
king and was used as his bodyguards. *‘Dakhili’ soldiers were
also recruited by the emperor although they were kept in the
service of Mansabdars. *The prostitutes were expelled from
the city and settled at some other place named ‘Shaitanpuri’.
*Akbar implemented the dual system of ‘Zat‘ and ‘Sawar’ in
the 40th year. *The word 'Maal' in the Mughal administrative
terminology, was related to land revenue. *Tobacco was brought
to India by the Portuguese in 1605 AD. After that tobacco became
Indian History
very popular in the public of India. In a few years, the habit
of smoking tobacco became so prevalent among people that to
avoid this harmful habit. In 1617 AD, Jahangir prohibited it.
He issued an order to ban it in 1617 AD.
*The Mughal administration issued grants as Madad-i-Mash
for the scholars and also to the religious persons. It was also
called ‘Sayuragal’. *All the donated lands were inspected
by ‘Sadra’ and the Sadra also had the duty to keep an eye on
the donation that they are not misused. These lands were not
transferrable and the grantee possessed a right of inheritance
over it. During the Mughal period, the mint officer was called
Daroga. Gold, silver and copper coins were minted. Akbar
issued the coins with figures of Ram and Sita and 'Ram Siya'
inscribed on them in Devnagari. The silver coin was called
‘Rupiya’. ‘Daam’ was copper coin introduced by Akbar.
*Jahangir marked his figure on his coins and named Nur Jahan,
along with his name on some coins. Some of the coins were
marked with his image holding cup of alcohol in hand.
*The meaning of word ‘Bantai’ during the medieval period
was a system of calculating revenue in which real produce was
distributed between state and peasants.
1.
What was ‘district’ known as during the Mughal
administration?
(a) Ahar
(b) Vishyas
(c) Suba
(d) Sarkar
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
Ans. (d)
Akbar divided the empire into units for the convenience
of administration. There were 12 provinces or Subas
(subsequently raised to 18 and finally to 20 durin