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Q1

Which of the following reasons was/were responsible for the decline of urban centres in India towards the third century A.D.?

1. The huge trade deficit with the Roman Empire.

2. The decline of the Kushan Empire.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q2

With reference to the early history of southern India, the term 'Pulaiyas' was used to denote

Q3

With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct about the 'Megalith builders''?

1. They lived in the upland portions of peninsular India.

2. They introduced the cremation of the dead.

3. They formed large scale rural communities which carry on plough agriculture with the help of iron implements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q4

Consider the following statements:

1. In India, the republican institutions were weak in the 6th century B.C.

2. The growth of trade in the 6th century B.C. helped in the expansion of Jainism and Buddhism.

Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?

Q5

Consider the following sites of Indus valley civilization:

1. Dholavira

2. Kalibangan

3. Lothal

4. Mohenjodaro

Which of the following is the correct sequence of the above sites from north to south direction?

Q6

Which of the following was/were the characteristic feature(s) of the Neolithic culture?

1. Use of cotton

2. Cultivation of rice

3. Manufacturing of pottery

4. Domestication of animals

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q7

With reference to the Indus valley civilization, consider the following statements:

1. The lower town of Harappa was located to the west.

2. Baked bricks were laid in an interlocking pattern.

3. All of the cities of Harappa civilization were divided into two or more parts.

4. Stone buildings were erected along with the citadel.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q8

With reference to the mahajanapadas, consider the following statements:

1. They depended on voluntary labourers as soldiers instead of maintaining big armies.

2. Most of the people were farmers and their occasional gifts constituted the largest portion of the royal treasury.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q9

Consider the following statements:

1. Both the Mahavira and the Buddha advocated that only those who left their homes could gain true knowledge.

2. Women were not allowed to join the sangha.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q10

Consider the following statements:

1. Archaeologically, the period of Mauryan rule in South Asia falls into the era of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW).

2. Both the uttarapatha and dakshinapatha were in the control of the Magadha.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q11

Consider the following statements:

1. There was a decline of trade through the sea-route with the Roman Empire from the first century A.D.

2. In the second century A.D., artisans organized guilds and such guilds took deposits from people.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q12

Consider the following statements:

1. The Saka era was founded by Kanishka and it started from 78 A.D.

2. Kanishka erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q13

Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?

Q14

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 own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q15

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:

Q16

With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

Q17

With respect to the Indian History, Consider the following statements regarding the “Ashokan Inscription”.

  1. He was the first king to speak directly to the people directly through his inscription.
  2. The Inscriptions were composed in Prakrit language both in Brahmi and Karoshti script only.
  3. The inscription is found in Afghanistan in addition to the Indian subcontinent.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Q18

With reference to the Indian history, who were the “Gaulmika” refer to:

Q19

Consider the following pairs:

                       Foreign Visitor                 Period

                  1.  Megasthenes                  Mauryan

                  2.  Fahien                               Gupta

                  3.  Hsuan Tsang                    Harsha

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

Q20

Consider the following pairs:

                      Chalcolithic Site                Region

                  1.  Amri                                   Ganges system

                  2.  Navdatoli                          Narmada system

                  3.  Ahar                                   Jorwe

     Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

Q21

 

With reference to Indian History, consider the following statements regarding the Jorwe and Ahar Culture:

  1. Both Ahar and Jorwe belong to Chalcolithic Phase.
  2. Jorwe culture is much older than Ahar culture.
  3. Ahar did not use any microlith tools.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q22

With reference to Indian History, consider the following statements regarding the Chalcolithic and Harappan civilization Culture:

  1. Harrapan civilization is much older than the Chalcolithic age.
  2. “Art of writing” is common to both Chalcolithic and Harappan age.
  3. Chalcolithic culture was mainly rural and the IVC was majorly urban.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q23

With reference to Indian History, what does Ashoka’s policy of “Dhammaghosha” refer to:

Q24

With respect to the Indian history, consider the following statements regarding various period:

  1. Satvahanas were the first to grant land to the Brahamans.
  2. Stavahanas had large population to serve compared to the Mauryas
  3. Kushan kings issued coins of  higher degree of metallic purity than found in Gupta period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q1.

Which of the following reasons was/were responsible for the decline of urban centres in India towards the third century A.D.?

1. The huge trade deficit with the Roman Empire.

2. The decline of the Kushan Empire.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution : b)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Statement 1 is incorrect. Towns prospered in the Kushan and Satavahana empires because they carried on thriving trade with the Roman Empire. That time, India traded with the eastern part of the Roman Empire as well as with central Asia. With the ban on trade with India imposed by the Roman Empire from the third century A.D. the towns of Deccan could not support the artisans and merchants who live there. Archaeological excavations in the Deccan also suggest a decline in the urban settlements after the Satavahana phase.

Statement 2 is correct. Towns in Punjab and Western Uttar Pradesh thrived because the centre of Kushan power lay in north-western India. Most Kushan towns in India lay exactly on the north-western or uttarapatha route passing from Mathura to Taxila. The Kushan empire ensured security on the routes. Its end in the third century A.D. dealt a great blow to these towns.

Source)

Ancient India by RS Sharma

Chapter 18; Page number 132

Q2.

With reference to the early history of southern India, the term 'Pulaiyas' was used to denote

a) A social group
b) Tribes who were not familiar with Brahmanical rituals
c) Money lenders
d) Sources of water for irrigation
Solution : a)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

The name 'Pulaiyas'as used to for a social group considered "outcastes" by Brahmanas and Vellalas. They made rope charpaiys and used animal skins as mats.

Source)

Ancient India by RS Sharma

Chapter 18; Page number 125

Q3.

With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct about the 'Megalith builders''?

1. They lived in the upland portions of peninsular India.

2. They introduced the cremation of the dead.

3. They formed large scale rural communities which carry on plough agriculture with the help of iron implements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution : c)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Statement 1 is correct. The megalith builder lived in the upland portions of peninsular India.

Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect. They 'megalith builders' were known for their graves. These graves are called megaliths because they were encircled by big pieces of stone. They contain not only skeletons of people who were buried but also pottery and iron objects. The people used various types of pottery, but black and red were seem to have been popular with them. The practice of burrying goods in the graves with the dead bodies was based on the belief that the dead would need all these in the next world.

Source) Ancient India by Rs Sharma

Chapter 18; Page number

Q4.

Consider the following statements:

1. In India, the republican institutions were weak in the 6th century B.C.

2. The growth of trade in the 6th century B.C. helped in the expansion of Jainism and Buddhism.

Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution : b)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Statement 1 is incorrect. In India, the republican institutions were strong in the 6th century B.C. This enabled the rise of heterodox sects against the orthodox religion dominated by rites and rituals. Among them, the most successful were Jainism and Buddhism whose impact on the Indian society was remarkable.

Statement 2 is correct. The growth of trade led to the improvement in the economic conditions of the Vaisyas. As a result, they wanted to enhance their social status but the orthodox Varna system did not allow this. Therefore, they began to extend support to Buddhism and Jainism. It was this merchant class that extended the chief support to these new religions.

Source)

TN Board Textbook

Chapter 4; Page number 39

Q5.

Consider the following sites of Indus valley civilization:

1. Dholavira

2. Kalibangan

3. Lothal

4. Mohenjodaro

Which of the following is the correct sequence of the above sites from north to south direction?

a) 4-1-2-3
b) 3-2-1-4
c) 2-4-1-3
d) 3-1-2-4
Solution : c)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Exp)

 

 

Q6.

Which of the following was/were the characteristic feature(s) of the Neolithic culture?

1. Use of cotton

2. Cultivation of rice

3. Manufacturing of pottery

4. Domestication of animals

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 4 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution : d)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

All the statements are correct. The chief characteristic features of the Neolithic culture are the practice of agriculture, domestication of animals, polishing of stone tools and the manufacture of pottery. In fact, the cultivation of plants and domestication of animals led to the emergence of village communities based on sedentary life.

The people of the Neolithic Age used clothes made of cotton and wool.

Source)

Ancient India RS Sharma

Chapter 4; Page number: 22

TN Board Textbook; Page number: 15

Q7.

With reference to the Indus valley civilization, consider the following statements:

1. The lower town of Harappa was located to the west.

2. Baked bricks were laid in an interlocking pattern.

3. All of the cities of Harappa civilization were divided into two or more parts.

4. Stone buildings were erected along with the citadel.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 2 and 3 only
b) 1 and 4 only
c) 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Solution : a)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Statement 1 is incorrect. The lower town of Harappa was located to the east. The part to the west was smaller but higher. Archaeologists describe this as the citadel. Generally, the part to the east was larger but lower. So, this is called the lower town.

 

Statement 2 and 3 are correct. In cities of Harappa civilization, the bricks were well baked. The bricks were laid in an interlocking pattern and that made the walls strong. Many of these cities were divided into two or more parts. Usually, the part to the west was smaller but higher. In some cities, special buildings were constructed on the citadel.

 

Statement 4 is incorrect. The large-scale use of burnt bricks in almost all kinds of constructions and the absence of stone buildings are the important characteristics of the Harappan culture.

Source)

TN Board Textbook

Chapter 4; Page number: 19

Q8.

With reference to the mahajanapadas, consider the following statements:

1. They depended on voluntary labourers as soldiers instead of maintaining big armies.

2. Most of the people were farmers and their occasional gifts constituted the largest portion of the royal treasury.

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
Solution : d)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Statement 1 is incorrect. The rulers of the mahajanapadas built huge forts and maintained big armies. For example, in sixth century B.C. Kausambi has a strong fortified capital, as can be gathered from excavations. The political history of India from the sixth century B.C. onwards in the history of struggles between states for supremacy.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Instead of depending on occasional gifts brought by people, as in the case of the raja of the janapadas, they started collecting regular taxes. Taxes on crops were the most important. This was because most people were farmers. Usually, the tax was fixed at 1/6th of what was produced. This was known as bhaga or a share.

Source)

Ancient India by RS Sharma

Chapter 10; Page number 71

TN Board Textbook; Page number 51

 

Q9.

Consider the following statements:

1. Both the Mahavira and the Buddha advocated that only those who left their homes could gain true knowledge.

2. Women were not allowed to join the sangha.

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
Solution : a)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Exp) Statement 1 is correct. Both the Mahavira and the Buddha felt that only those who left their homes could gain true knowledge. They arranged for them to stay in the sangha, an association of those who left their homes.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The rules made for the Buddhist sangha were written down in a book called the Vinaya Pitaka. From this we know that there were separate branches for men and women. All men could join the sangha. However, children had to take the permission of their parents and slaves that of their masters. Those who worked for the king had to take his permission and debtors that of creditors. Women had to take their husbands’ permission.

Source)

TN Board Textbook

Page number 41

Ancient India by RS Sharma

Chapter 9; Page number 62

Q10.

Consider the following statements:

1. Archaeologically, the period of Mauryan rule in South Asia falls into the era of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW).

2. Both the uttarapatha and dakshinapatha were in the control of the Magadha.

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
Solution : c)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Statement 1 is correct. Archaeologically, the period of Mauryan rule in South Asia falls into the era of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW). The Arthashastra and the Edicts of Ashoka are primary sources of written records of the Mauryan times. The Lion Capital of Asoka at Sarnath, is the emblem of India.

Chandragupta’s minister Kautilya Chanakya wrote the Arthashastra, one of the greatest treatises on economics, politics, foreign affairs, administration, military arts, war, and religion ever produced in the East.

Statement 2 is correct. The Magadha controlled the northern trade route called uttarapatha, while the southerly route called dakshinapatha was under the control of Magadha. Due to these conquests, Magadha was able to manage economic resources like fertile river valleys and iron ore mines which provided the necessary supply of materials for the production of different goods. As a result, it was in Magadha that we find the beginning of signs of state formation.

Source)

Ancient India by RS Sharma

Chapter 18

Q11.

Consider the following statements:

1. There was a decline of trade through the sea-route with the Roman Empire from the first century A.D.

2. In the second century A.D., artisans organized guilds and such guilds took deposits from people.

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
Solution : b)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Exp) Statement 1 is incorrect. During the reign of Kushanas, Sakas and Satavahanas, the most important economic development was the thriving trade between India and the eastern Roman empire. In the beginning, a good deal of this trade was carried on by land, but the movement of the Sakas, Parthians and Kushanas from the first century B.C. disrupted trade by land route. Although, the Parthians of Iran imported iron and steel from India. They presented great obstacles to India's trade with the lands further west of Iran. But , from the first century A.D. trade was carried on mainly by sea. It seems that around the begining of the Christran era the monsoons were discovered. So, the sailors now could said in much less time directly from the eastern coast of the Arabian Sea to its western coast. They could call easily at the various ports such as Broach and Sopara situated on the western coast of India, and Arikamedu and Tamralipti situated on the eastern coast.

Statement 2 is correct. In the post-Mauryan period, Artisans were organized into guilds and in the second century A.D. in Maharashtra lay devotees of Buddhism deposited money with the guilds of potters, oil millers and weavers for providing robes and other necessities to the monks. In the same century, money was deposited by a chief with the guild of flour markets at Mathura out of the monthly income of which a hundred Brahmanas were to be served daily. Most artisans known from inscriptions were confined to the Mathura region and to the western Deccan, which lay on the trade routes leading to the ports on the western coast.

Source)

Ancient India by RS Sharma

Chapter 18; Page number 128

Q12.

Consider the following statements:

1. The Saka era was founded by Kanishka and it started from 78 A.D.

2. Kanishka erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar.

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
Solution : a)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Exp) Statement 1 is correct. Kanishka was the most important ruler of the Kushana dynasty. He was the founder of the Saka era which starts from 78 A.D. He was not only a great conqueror but also a patron of religion and art.

Statement 2 is incorrect. A Greek ambassador Heliodorus became a Vaishnavite and erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar. The Greek influence in India lasted for more than a century after the death of Menander.

Source)

TN Board Textbook; Page number 78

Q13.

Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?

a) Georg Bilhler
b) James Prinsep
c) Max Muller
d) William Jones
Solution : b)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Source: UPSC previous year questions

   The inscriptions and edicts of Emperor Asoka is the collection of 33 inscriptions on the Pillars of Asoka, cave walls, and boulders. 

    James Prinsep (an Englishman) came to India in 1819. In 1832, he became the secretary of the Asiatic Society of Bengal.  Copies of Ashoka’s inscriptions, written in Brahmi were brought to him, and gradually, he was able to decode them. 

Q14.

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 own 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
Solution : b)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Source: UPSC previous year questions

 The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Statement 1 is incorrect.

Bodhisattva is a person who is on the path towards Buddhahood (enlightenment). Statement 2 is correct.

In Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattva mainly refers to a being that compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others. Bodhisattvas are heroes who pursue the benefit of other beings without the slightest hesitation. Hence, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

 

Q15.

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
Solution : c)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Source: UPSC previous year questions

Kingdoms associated with Buddha’s life include Rajgriha, Kingdom of Bimbisara, kosala, kingdom Prasenjith, kapilvastu, Magadha, Kashi, Kosala, Vaijji, Vaishali, Patna, Kushinagar, Kusinagara.

Q16.

With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri
Solution : b)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Source: UPSC previous year questions

  1. The Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli (Orissa) - built by Ashoka Maurya (272BC-231 BC).
  2. Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar- built by Yayati (1025AD-1040AD).
  3. Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuran- built during the reigns of Pallavas (7th to 8th Century AD).
  4. Varaha Image at Udayagiri- built by Chandragupta II of Gupta Empire (380 AD to 413 AD).
Q17.

With respect to the Indian History, Consider the following statements regarding the “Ashokan Inscription”.

  1. He was the first king to speak directly to the people directly through his inscription.
  2. The Inscriptions were composed in Prakrit language both in Brahmi and Karoshti script only.
  3. The inscription is found in Afghanistan in addition to the Indian subcontinent.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1 and 2 only
Solution : d)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Source: Old Ancient History: R.S. Sharma; Ch.13; page no 88; 

Statement 1 is correct. The idea of speaking through the inscriptions were followed by other kings.  

Statement 2 is incorrect.The inscriptions were written in Greek scripts and language also.

Statement 3 is correct. The inscriptions were found in far off places in Afghanistan also.

Q18.

With reference to the Indian history, who were the “Gaulmika” refer to:

a) Officer responsible for the rural administration.
b) Officer responsible tax collection.
c) Officer responsible for Judicial Administration.
d) Officer responsible for Guild administration.
Solution : d)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Source: Old Ancient History: R.S. Sharma; Ch.16; page no117 ; 

Q19.

Consider the following pairs:

                       Foreign Visitor                 Period

                  1.  Megasthenes                  Mauryan

                  2.  Fahien                               Gupta

                  3.  Hsuan Tsang                    Harsha

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution : d)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Source: Old Ancient History: R.S. Sharma; Ch.16; page no117 ; 

Q20.

Consider the following pairs:

                      Chalcolithic Site                Region

                  1.  Amri                                   Ganges system

                  2.  Navdatoli                          Narmada system

                  3.  Ahar                                   Jorwe

     Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution : c)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Soln: Amri - Indus system, Ahar – Rajputana-Saurashtra

Source: Old Ancient History: R.S. Sharma; Ch.6; page no 27; 

Q21.

 

With reference to Indian History, consider the following statements regarding the Jorwe and Ahar Culture:

  1. Both Ahar and Jorwe belong to Chalcolithic Phase.
  2. Jorwe culture is much older than Ahar culture.
  3. Ahar did not use any microlith tools.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution : b)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Source: Old Ancient History: R.S. Sharma; Ch.6; page no 45; 

Statement 1 is correct. Ahar and Jorwe both belong to the Chalcolithic culture.  

Statement 2 is incorrect. Ahar Culture: 2100-1500BC; Jorwe Culture: 1400-700BC

Statement 3 is correct. Ahar practically did not use any microliths, the stone axes or blades are almost absent here.

Q22.

With reference to Indian History, consider the following statements regarding the Chalcolithic and Harappan civilization Culture:

  1. Harrapan civilization is much older than the Chalcolithic age.
  2. “Art of writing” is common to both Chalcolithic and Harappan age.
  3. Chalcolithic culture was mainly rural and the IVC was majorly urban.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution : b)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Source: Old Ancient History: R.S. Sharma; Ch.6; page no 51; 

Statement 1 is correct: Though most Chalcolithic sites were much younger to the Harappan civilization they could not derive any substantial benefit from the advanced technical knowledge of the Indus people.

Statement 2 is incorrect: It was one of the limitations of the Chalcolithic sites.

Statement 3 is correct. IVC was known for their urban centre like the Mohen-jo-daro, Harappa

Q23.

With reference to Indian History, what does Ashoka’s policy of “Dhammaghosha” refer to:

a) Physical conquest
b) Cultural conquest
c) Religious conquest
d) Tribal conquest
Solution : b)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Source: Old Ancient History: R.S. Sharma; Ch.13; page no 88;

 Expl: The ashokan policy of Physical conquest was replaced by the cultural conquest.

Q24.

With respect to the Indian history, consider the following statements regarding various period:

  1. Satvahanas were the first to grant land to the Brahamans.
  2. Stavahanas had large population to serve compared to the Mauryas
  3. Kushan kings issued coins of  higher degree of metallic purity than found in Gupta period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution : b)
Unattempted. Explanation :-

Solution B