Aspire with Dr. Ram IAS UPSC CSE Prelims 2027 - Mock Test History-Prelims Test UPSC Prelims 2027-History Test 50 Questions | 60 Minutes NamePhone NumberEmail 1 / 50 1. Consider the following information: S.N Archaeological Site State Description 1 Chandraketugarh Odisha Trading Port Town 2 Inamgaon Maharashtra Chalcolithic site 3 Mangadu Kerala Megalithic site 4 Salihundam Andhra Pradesh Rock-cut cave shrines In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched? 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 and 4 1 and 4 Chandraketugarh is an ancient river port in West Bengal, not Odisha Inamgaon (Maharashtra) is a classic Western Indian Chalcolithic settlement, and Mangadu (Kerala) is a Megalithic burial site Salihundam (Andhra Pradesh) is known for structural stupas and viharas, not rockcut caves Chandraketugarh is an ancient river port in West Bengal, not Odisha Inamgaon (Maharashtra) is a classic Western Indian Chalcolithic settlement, and Mangadu (Kerala) is a Megalithic burial site Salihundam (Andhra Pradesh) is known for structural stupas and viharas, not rockcut caves 2 / 50 2. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located Andhra Gandhara Kalinga Magadha Dhanyakataka (modern Amaravati/Dharanikota) was located in the Andhra region along the Krishna River It served as an important provincial capital of the Satavahanas and a prominent Mahasanghika Buddhist centre Its great mahachaitya influenced Buddhist art, architecture, and monastic orders across South India Dhanyakataka (modern Amaravati/Dharanikota) was located in the Andhra region along the Krishna River It served as an important provincial capital of the Satavahanas and a prominent Mahasanghika Buddhist centre Its great mahachaitya influenced Buddhist art, architecture, and monastic orders across South India 3 / 50 3. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Puhar& Muziri were well-known as: Capital cities Ports Centres of iron and steel making Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras Korkai, Puhar (Kaveripattinam), and Muziris were renowned trading ports during the Sangam era Korkai was the pearl-fishery port of the Pandyas, while Puhar was the primary coastal emporium of the Cholas Muziris, located on the Malabar coast under the Cheras, handled extensive maritime trade with the Roman Empire Korkai, Puhar (Kaveripattinam), and Muziris were renowned trading ports during the Sangam era Korkai was the pearl-fishery port of the Pandyas, while Puhar was the primary coastal emporium of the Cholas Muziris, located on the Malabar coast under the Cheras, handled extensive maritime trade with the Roman Empire 4 / 50 4. Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems? Kings employing women bodyguards Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death Vattakirutal was an ancient Tamil martial tradition where a defeated or dishonored king committed ritual suicide by starvation The vanquished king would sit facing the north (Vadakkiruttal) until death Loyal companions and poets often voluntarily joined the king in this fast to demonstrate fealty Vattakirutal was an ancient Tamil martial tradition where a defeated or dishonored king committed ritual suicide by starvation The vanquished king would sit facing the north (Vadakkiruttal) until death Loyal companions and poets often voluntarily joined the king in this fast to demonstrate fealty 5 / 50 5. Consider the following pairs: S.N Historical place Well known for 1 Burzahom Rock cut shrines 2 Chandraketugarh Terracotta art 3 Ganeshwar Copper artefacts Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 1 only 1 and 2 3 only 2 and 3 Burzahom (Kashmir) is a Neolithic site famed for pit-dwellings, not rock-cut shrines Chandraketugarh (West Bengal) is universally renowned for its intricate terracotta art and figurines Ganeshwar (Rajasthan) yielded thousands of copper artefacts, supplying raw metal to Harappan centres Burzahom (Kashmir) is a Neolithic site famed for pit-dwellings, not rock-cut shrines Chandraketugarh (West Bengal) is universally renowned for its intricate terracotta art and figurines Ganeshwar (Rajasthan) yielded thousands of copper artefacts, supplying raw metal to Harappan centres 6 / 50 6. With reference to the scientific progress of Ancient India, Which of the statements given below are correct? Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by the 1st century AD. Transplant of internal organs in the human body began in the 3rd century AD The concept of sine of an angle was known in the 5th century AD. The concept of cyclic quadrilateral was known in the 7th century AD. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1 and 2 only 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 Specialized surgical instruments were documented in the Sushruta Samhita around the 1st century AD Transplant of internal organs was impossible and not practiced in the 3rd century AD The concept of sine (jya) was formulated by Aryabhata (5th c AD), and cyclic quadrilaterals were solved by Brahmagupta (7th c AD) Specialized surgical instruments were documented in the Sushruta Samhita around the 1st century AD Transplant of internal organs was impossible and not practiced in the 3rd century AD The concept of sine (jya) was formulated by Aryabhata (5th c AD), and cyclic quadrilaterals were solved by Brahmagupta (7th c AD) 7 / 50 7. With reference to the Guilds (Shrenis) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are true? Every Guild was registered with the central authority of the state and the King was the chief administrative authority on them The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the Guild The guild had judicial powers over its own members. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1 and 2 only 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Guilds operated autonomously; the king was not the chief administrative authority, nor were all guilds centrally registered Guilds independently regulated wages, rules of work, quality standards, and prices The guild head (jetthaka) and council exercised internal judicial powers over member disputes Guilds operated autonomously; the king was not the chief administrative authority, nor were all guilds centrally registered Guilds independently regulated wages, rules of work, quality standards, and prices The guild head (jetthaka) and council exercised internal judicial powers over member disputes 8 / 50 8. In the context of Indian society, which one of the following terms does not belong to the category of other three? Kula Vamsa Kosa Gotra Kula, Vamsa, and Gotra are kinship terms denoting family, lineage, and clan Kosa does not relate to lineage; it denotes a treasury, granary, lexicon, or philosophical sheath Therefore, Kosa belongs to a completely different categorical domain Kula, Vamsa, and Gotra are kinship terms denoting family, lineage, and clan Kosa does not relate to lineage; it denotes a treasury, granary, lexicon, or philosophical sheath Therefore, Kosa belongs to a completely different categorical domain 9 / 50 9. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? Dholavira Kalibangan Rakhigarhi Ropar Dholavira (Kutch, Gujarat) is famous for its sophisticated water harvesting and management system It featured stone-masonry dams across seasonal streams to divert runoff into interconnected rock-cut reservoirs This hydraulic infrastructure was an adaptation to thrive in a hyper-arid environment Dholavira (Kutch, Gujarat) is famous for its sophisticated water harvesting and management system It featured stone-masonry dams across seasonal streams to divert runoff into interconnected rock-cut reservoirs This hydraulic infrastructure was an adaptation to thrive in a hyper-arid environment 10 / 50 10. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? Chanhudaro Kot Diji Sohgaura Desalpur Chanhudaro, Kot Diji, and Desalpur are established Harappan (Indus Valley) sites Sohgaura (Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh) is a Mauryan-era site known for its early famine relief inscription It features no Harappan archaeological strata or cultural remains Chanhudaro, Kot Diji, and Desalpur are established Harappan (Indus Valley) sites Sohgaura (Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh) is a Mauryan-era site known for its early famine relief inscription It features no Harappan archaeological strata or cultural remains 11 / 50 11. Which of the following characterise/characterize the people of the Indus Civilization? They possessed great palaces and temples. They worshiped both male and female deities. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below. 1 and 2 only 2 only 1, 2 and 3 None of the above Indus cities lacked monumental palaces and temples, unlike contemporaneous Egypt and Mesopotamia People worshipped both male (Proto-Shiva/Pashupati) and female (Mother Goddess) deities Harappans did not use horse-drawn chariots in warfare; spoked-wheel chariots arrived with the Vedic period Indus cities lacked monumental palaces and temples, unlike contemporaneous Egypt and Mesopotamia People worshipped both male (Proto-Shiva/Pashupati) and female (Mother Goddess) deities Harappans did not use horse-drawn chariots in warfare; spoked-wheel chariots arrived with the Vedic period 12 / 50 12. Regarding the Indus valley civilization, consider the following statements: It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 and 2 The Harappan civilization was predominantly secular, with religion playing a non-dominant, decentralized role Harappans were among the earliest globally to cultivate cotton and spin it into textiles Archaeological excavations at Mohenjo-daro have directly confirmed woven cotton fabric fragments The Harappan civilization was predominantly secular, with religion playing a non-dominant, decentralized role Harappans were among the earliest globally to cultivate cotton and spin it into textiles Archaeological excavations at Mohenjo-daro have directly confirmed woven cotton fabric fragments 13 / 50 13. Match list-I (Ancient site) with List-II (Archaeological finding) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. S.N List-I(Ancient site) S.N List-II(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 Codes: A-1; B-2; C-3; D-4 A-2; B-1; C-4; D-3 A-1; B-2; C-4; D-3 A-2; B-1; C-3; D-4 Lothal features a tidal brick-built dockyard (A-2) Kalibangan preserved the earliest furrowed ploughed field (B-1) Dholavira yielded an inscription of ten large-sized signs (C-4), while Banawali produced a terracotta replica of a plough (D-3) Lothal features a tidal brick-built dockyard (A-2) Kalibangan preserved the earliest furrowed ploughed field (B-1) Dholavira yielded an inscription of ten large-sized signs (C-4), while Banawali produced a terracotta replica of a plough (D-3) 14 / 50 14. Which one of the following animals was not represented in seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture? Cow Elephant Rhinoceros Tiger The cow was never depicted on Harappan seals or in terracotta art Other animals like the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, and humped bull were frequently carved on seals The cow gained pre-eminent artistic and religious veneration only in the Vedic period The cow was never depicted on Harappan seals or in terracotta art Other animals like the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, and humped bull were frequently carved on seals The cow gained pre-eminent artistic and religious veneration only in the Vedic period 15 / 50 15. With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of the Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Rigvedic Aryans used helmets (sipra) and coat of mail (varman), whereas Harappans left no evidence of armor Indus people knew bronze, copper, silver, and gold, but iron was completely unknown to them Vedic culture was centered on the domesticated horse, whereas horse remains in Harappa are sparse and heavily disputed Rigvedic Aryans used helmets (sipra) and coat of mail (varman), whereas Harappans left no evidence of armor Indus people knew bronze, copper, silver, and gold, but iron was completely unknown to them Vedic culture was centered on the domesticated horse, whereas horse remains in Harappa are sparse and heavily disputed 16 / 50 16. The Religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of: Bhakti Image worship and yajnas Worship of nature and yajnas Worship of nature and Bhakti The religion of the early Vedic Aryans was based on the worship of nature (Agni, Indra, Varuna) The central religious performance was the execution of sacrificial rituals called yajnas Personal devotional Bhakti and image/idol worship developed much later in the Epic and Puranic ages The religion of the early Vedic Aryans was based on the worship of nature (Agni, Indra, Varuna) The central religious performance was the execution of sacrificial rituals called yajnas Personal devotional Bhakti and image/idol worship developed much later in the Epic and Puranic ages 17 / 50 17. Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells? Rigveda Yajurveda Atharvaveda Samaveda The Atharvaveda contains a large compilation of magical charms, spells, and incantations These were used by ordinary folk to ward off diseases, evil spirits, and misfortune The Rigveda contains hymns, Samaveda focuses on musical melodies, and Yajurveda outlines sacrificial rituals The Atharvaveda contains a large compilation of magical charms, spells, and incantations These were used by ordinary folk to ward off diseases, evil spirits, and misfortune The Rigveda contains hymns, Samaveda focuses on musical melodies, and Yajurveda outlines sacrificial rituals 18 / 50 18. According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct? A person could be a slave as a result of a judicialpunishment. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master the son was entitled to the legal status of the master’s son. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Under Kautilya’s law, judicial punishment could condemn individuals into temporary penal servitude (dasa) If a female slave bore a son to her master, both the woman and child were legally emancipated A son fathered by the master on a female slave was legally recognized and entitled to the status of a legitimate son Under Kautilya’s law, judicial punishment could condemn individuals into temporary penal servitude (dasa) If a female slave bore a son to her master, both the woman and child were legally emancipated A son fathered by the master on a female slave was legally recognized and entitled to the status of a legitimate son 19 / 50 19. Who among the following ruler 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.” Ashoka Samudragupta Harshavardhana Krishnadevaraya This message promotes mutual tolerance and is inscribed on Ashoka’s Major Rock Edict XII He condemned excessive glorification of one's own sect (atmapasanda) at the expense of other faiths Ashoka argued that criticizing other beliefs actively inflicts severe harm upon one's own religion This message promotes mutual tolerance and is inscribed on Ashoka’s Major Rock Edict XII He condemned excessive glorification of one's own sect (atmapasanda) at the expense of other faiths Ashoka argued that criticizing other beliefs actively inflicts severe harm upon one's own religion 20 / 50 20. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? Kanaganahalli Sanchi Shahbazgarhi Sohgaura The stone portrait relief bearing the label “Ranyo Ashoka” was excavated at Kanaganahalli (Karnataka) It is a unique limestone slab depicting the emperor flanked by his queens and attendants Sites like Sanchi, Shahbazgarhi, and Sohgaura do not contain labeled portraits of Ashoka The stone portrait relief bearing the label “Ranyo Ashoka” was excavated at Kanaganahalli (Karnataka) It is a unique limestone slab depicting the emperor flanked by his queens and attendants Sites like Sanchi, Shahbazgarhi, and Sohgaura do not contain labeled portraits of Ashoka 21 / 50 21. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka? Georg Buhler James Prinsep Max Muller William Jones James Prinsep, founding editor of the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, deciphered Ashokan edicts in 1837 He successfully decoded the ancient Brahmi script, identifying the alphabet phonetically This discovery proved that the royal moniker Devanampiya Piyadassi referred directly to Emperor Ashoka James Prinsep, founding editor of the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, deciphered Ashokan edicts in 1837 He successfully decoded the ancient Brahmi script, identifying the alphabet phonetically This discovery proved that the royal moniker Devanampiya Piyadassi referred directly to Emperor Ashoka 22 / 50 22. With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order? Greeks – Sakas – Kushans Greeks – Kushans – Sakas Sakas – Greeks – Kushans Sakas – Kushans – Greeks The Greeks (Indo-Greeks) invaded first in the early 2nd century BCE under Demetrius The Sakas (Indo-Scythians) followed next in the 1st century BCE, displacing Greek rule The Kushans (Yuezhi branch) migrated from Central Asia in the 1st century CE to consolidate their northern empire The Greeks (Indo-Greeks) invaded first in the early 2nd century BCE under Demetrius The Sakas (Indo-Scythians) followed next in the 1st century BCE, displacing Greek rule The Kushans (Yuezhi branch) migrated from Central Asia in the 1st century CE to consolidate their northern empire 23 / 50 23. Consider the following statements: The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana Minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne. The last rulers of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras. Which of these statements is/are correct? 1 and 2 Only 2 Only 3 1, 2 and 3 Brihadratha, the last Mauryan, was assassinated c 185 BCE by his commander Pushyamitra Sunga Devabhuti, the last Sunga, was killed c 73 BCE by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva The final Kanva ruler, Susarman, was deposed c 28 BCE by the Satavahanas (referred to as Andhras) Brihadratha, the last Mauryan, was assassinated c 185 BCE by his commander Pushyamitra Sunga Devabhuti, the last Sunga, was killed c 73 BCE by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva The final Kanva ruler, Susarman, was deposed c 28 BCE by the Satavahanas (referred to as Andhras) 24 / 50 24. Assertion (A): Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire. Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A A is true, but R is false A is false, but R is true Ashoka annexed Kalinga because it held a vital geopolitical position along the eastern seaboard Kalinga controlled the critical overland and maritime trade routes linking northern India to the southern kingdoms Therefore, the economic and strategic motive of Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A) Ashoka annexed Kalinga because it held a vital geopolitical position along the eastern seaboard Kalinga controlled the critical overland and maritime trade routes linking northern India to the southern kingdoms Therefore, the economic and strategic motive of Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A) 25 / 50 25. Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion? Nanda Maurya Sunga Kanva The Nanda dynasty, ruled by Dhana Nanda, governed the vast Magadhan empire during Alexander's invasion in 326 BCE Their enormous standing army intimidated the Macedonian troops into refusing to march beyond the River Beas The Mauryan dynasty supplanted the Nandas shortly after Alexander's retreat The Nanda dynasty, ruled by Dhana Nanda, governed the vast Magadhan empire during Alexander's invasion in 326 BCE Their enormous standing army intimidated the Macedonian troops into refusing to march beyond the River Beas The Mauryan dynasty supplanted the Nandas shortly after Alexander's retreat 26 / 50 26. Many of the Greeks, Kushans, and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because: Buddhism was in the ascendant at that time They had renounced the policy of war and violence Caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society. Foreign invaders were viewed as Mlechhas outside the rigid four-fold caste (varna) system of orthodox Hinduism Buddhism provided easier access and social integration without demanding traditional caste ancestry Many foreign kings (such as Menander I and Kanishka) converted to gain political legitimacy and wide social acceptance Foreign invaders were viewed as Mlechhas outside the rigid four-fold caste (varna) system of orthodox Hinduism Buddhism provided easier access and social integration without demanding traditional caste ancestry Many foreign kings (such as Menander I and Kanishka) converted to gain political legitimacy and wide social acceptance 27 / 50 27. Assertion (A): According to Ashoka’s edicts, social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion. Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A A is true, but R is false A is false, but R is true Ashoka prioritized social harmony, civic order, and ethical responsibility above ritualistic religious devotion He propagated universal moral ideas of equity, non-violence, and tolerance (Dhamma) rather than sectarian theology Because his primary tool was ethical equity, social harmony was the intentional outcome; R correctly explains A Ashoka prioritized social harmony, civic order, and ethical responsibility above ritualistic religious devotion He propagated universal moral ideas of equity, non-violence, and tolerance (Dhamma) rather than sectarian theology Because his primary tool was ethical equity, social harmony was the intentional outcome; R correctly explains A 28 / 50 28. The Ashokan major rock edicts which tell us about the Sangam Kingdom include rock edicts: I and X I and XI II and XIII II and XIV Major Rock Edict II and Major Rock Edict XIII explicitly mention the southern Sangam kingdoms They mention neighboring independent realms: the Cholas, Pandyas, Satiyaputas, and Keralaputas These inscriptions represent the earliest external epigraphical evidence confirming the Sangam states Major Rock Edict II and Major Rock Edict XIII explicitly mention the southern Sangam kingdoms They mention neighboring independent realms: the Cholas, Pandyas, Satiyaputas, and Keralaputas These inscriptions represent the earliest external epigraphical evidence confirming the Sangam states 29 / 50 29. Which one of the following edict mentions the personal name of Ashoka? Maski Special Kalinga Edict Rummindei Kalsi The Minor Rock Edict at Maski (Karnataka) was the first discovered inscription to use his personal name, Ashoka It famously reads “Devanampiyasa Ashokasa”, linking the imperial title to the historical ruler Most other inscriptions exclusively employ the royal epithet Devanampiya Piyadassi The Minor Rock Edict at Maski (Karnataka) was the first discovered inscription to use his personal name, Ashoka It famously reads “Devanampiyasa Ashokasa”, linking the imperial title to the historical ruler Most other inscriptions exclusively employ the royal epithet Devanampiya Piyadassi 30 / 50 30. From the decline of the Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? The Guptas of Magadha The Paramaras of Malwa The Pushyabhutis of Thaneshwar The Mukharis of Kannauj The Yadavas of Devagiri The Maitrekas of Valabhi Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 5 1, 3, 4 and 6 2, 3 and 4 5 and 6 The interregnum between the Guptas and Harsha witnessed the Guptas of Magadha, Pushyabhutis, Maukharis, and Maitrakas The Paramaras of Malwa arose much later in the early medieval period (9th–10th century CE) The Yadavas of Devagiri established their kingdom in the northern Deccan around the 12th century CE The interregnum between the Guptas and Harsha witnessed the Guptas of Magadha, Pushyabhutis, Maukharis, and Maitrakas The Paramaras of Malwa arose much later in the early medieval period (9th–10th century CE) The Yadavas of Devagiri established their kingdom in the northern Deccan around the 12th century CE 31 / 50 31. With reference to the history of India, the terms “Kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote. Measurement of land Coins of different monetary value Classification of urban land Religious rituals In Gupta-era inscriptions (especially Bengal copper plates), Kulyavapa and Dronavapa signified measurements of land The terms were derived from the measure of seeds (kulya or drona) required to sow the designated plot Along with adhavapa, they were standardized units used for agrarian land grants and revenue assessments In Gupta-era inscriptions (especially Bengal copper plates), Kulyavapa and Dronavapa signified measurements of land The terms were derived from the measure of seeds (kulya or drona) required to sow the designated plot Along with adhavapa, they were standardized units used for agrarian land grants and revenue assessments 32 / 50 32. With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as: Ports handling foreign trade Capitals of powerful kingdoms Places of exquisite stone art and architecture Important Buddhist pilgrimage centres Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul were renowned commercial ports handling overseas foreign trade Ghantasala and Kadura operated on the eastern Andhra coast, trading with Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka Chaul was an active western seaport on the Konkan coast handling Roman and Arabian trade Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul were renowned commercial ports handling overseas foreign trade Ghantasala and Kadura operated on the eastern Andhra coast, trading with Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka Chaul was an active western seaport on the Konkan coast handling Roman and Arabian trade 33 / 50 33. With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct? It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people. It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire. The forced laborer was entitled to weekly wages. The eldest son of the laborer was sent as the forced labourer In the Gupta period, forced labor (vishti) was legally treated as a tax paid in labor, providing state revenue It was compulsorily levied on peasants and craftspeople in lieu of monetary or crop-based taxes Inscriptions list the privilege of levying vishti among royal revenue prerogatives granted to donees In the Gupta period, forced labor (vishti) was legally treated as a tax paid in labor, providing state revenue It was compulsorily levied on peasants and craftspeople in lieu of monetary or crop-based taxes Inscriptions list the privilege of levying vishti among royal revenue prerogatives granted to donees 34 / 50 34. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Huen 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? The roads and river routes were completely immune from robbery. As regards punishment for offenses, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Roads were not safe from robbery; Xuanzang was attacked, robbed, and stripped by bandits multiple times The penal system regularly relied on ordeals by fire, water, and poison to judge an accused person's guilt Internal trade was heavily taxed, and merchants had to pay tolls and customs duties at river ferries and barrier checkpoints Roads were not safe from robbery; Xuanzang was attacked, robbed, and stripped by bandits multiple times The penal system regularly relied on ordeals by fire, water, and poison to judge an accused person's guilt Internal trade was heavily taxed, and merchants had to pay tolls and customs duties at river ferries and barrier checkpoints 35 / 50 35. Consider the following statements: There are no parables in upanishads. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 The Upanishads frequently employ parables and allegorical stories, such as in the Kena and Chhandogya Upanishads Classical Vedic Upanishads were composed roughly between 800–500 BCE The standard textual Puranas were compiled and redacted much later, largely in the Gupta and post-Gupta eras The Upanishads frequently employ parables and allegorical stories, such as in the Kena and Chhandogya Upanishads Classical Vedic Upanishads were composed roughly between 800–500 BCE The standard textual Puranas were compiled and redacted much later, largely in the Gupta and post-Gupta eras 36 / 50 36. With reference to the scholars/literatures of ancient India, consider the following statements: Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Panini composed the Ashtadhyayi c 5th–4th century BCE, long before Pushyamitra Sunga (2nd century BCE) The lexicographer Amarasimha was one of the Navaratnas in the court of Chandragupta II, not Harsha Kalidasa flourished as the royal court poet and dramatist during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) Panini composed the Ashtadhyayi c 5th–4th century BCE, long before Pushyamitra Sunga (2nd century BCE) The lexicographer Amarasimha was one of the Navaratnas in the court of Chandragupta II, not Harsha Kalidasa flourished as the royal court poet and dramatist during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) 37 / 50 37. The Allahabad Pillar inscription is associated with which one of the following? Mahapadma Nanda Chandragupta Maurya Ashoka Samudragupta The Allahabad Pillar inscription (Prayag-Prashasti) documents the military victories of Samudragupta It was composed in polished classical Sanskrit by his high court poet and minister, Harisena The same monumental stone pillar also bears earlier edicts of Ashoka and later inscriptions of Jahangir The Allahabad Pillar inscription (Prayag-Prashasti) documents the military victories of Samudragupta It was composed in polished classical Sanskrit by his high court poet and minister, Harisena The same monumental stone pillar also bears earlier edicts of Ashoka and later inscriptions of Jahangir 38 / 50 38. Between which of the following was the ancient town of Takshashila located? Indus and Jhelum Jhelum and Chenab Chenab and Ravi Ravi and Beas The ancient university city of Takshashila (Taxila) was located in Gandhara between the Indus and Jhelum rivers It occupied a strategic oasis along the major northern highway called the Uttarapatha Its location enabled it to flourish as an intellectual, cultural, and trade hub connecting India and Central Asia The ancient university city of Takshashila (Taxila) was located in Gandhara between the Indus and Jhelum rivers It occupied a strategic oasis along the major northern highway called the Uttarapatha Its location enabled it to flourish as an intellectual, cultural, and trade hub connecting India and Central Asia 39 / 50 39. Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other three? Bimbisara Gautama Buddha Milinda Prasenjit King Bimbisara, King Prasenjit, and Gautama Buddha were all mutual contemporaries in the 6th–5th century BCE Milinda (the Indo-Greek king Menander I) ruled in northwestern India in the 2nd century BCE Therefore, Milinda lived nearly three centuries after the other three figures King Bimbisara, King Prasenjit, and Gautama Buddha were all mutual contemporaries in the 6th–5th century BCE Milinda (the Indo-Greek king Menander I) ruled in northwestern India in the 2nd century BCE Therefore, Milinda lived nearly three centuries after the other three figures 40 / 50 40. The following persons came to India at one time or another: Fa-Hien I-Tsing Megasthenes Hieun-Tsang The correct chronological sequence of their visit is: 3, 1, 2, 4 3, 1, 4, 2 1, 3, 2, 4 1, 3, 4, 2 Megasthenes arrived as the Seleucid ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya around 300 BCE (3) Fa-Hien (Faxian) traversed northern India during the reign of Chandragupta II around 400 CE (1) Hiuen-Tsang (Xuanzang) arrived c 630 CE (4), followed last by I-Tsing (Yijing) c 670 CE (2) Megasthenes arrived as the Seleucid ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya around 300 BCE (3) Fa-Hien (Faxian) traversed northern India during the reign of Chandragupta II around 400 CE (1) Hiuen-Tsang (Xuanzang) arrived c 630 CE (4), followed last by I-Tsing (Yijing) c 670 CE (2) 41 / 50 41. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food grains to be utilized during crises in the country? Sohgaura copper-plate Rummindei Pillar edict of Ashoka Prayag-Prashasti Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra The Sohgaura copper-plate from Gorakhpur represents India's earliest known royal decree for famine relief Written in Ashokan Brahmi, it orders the preservation of grain across two state storehouses (koshthagara) It legally directed officers to distribute reserved food supplies exclusively during times of crisis and distress The Sohgaura copper-plate from Gorakhpur represents India's earliest known royal decree for famine relief Written in Ashokan Brahmi, it orders the preservation of grain across two state storehouses (koshthagara) It legally directed officers to distribute reserved food supplies exclusively during times of crisis and distress 42 / 50 42. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? Lothal: Ancient dockyard Saranath: First sermon of Buddha Rajgir: Lion capital of Ashoka Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist learning Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1, 2, 3 and 4 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 1 and 2 Lothal contains a Harappan dockyard, Sarnath marks Buddha’s first sermon, and Nalanda was a Mahavihara The celebrated Lion Capital of Ashoka was erected at Sarnath, not Rajgir Consequently, only pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched Lothal contains a Harappan dockyard, Sarnath marks Buddha’s first sermon, and Nalanda was a Mahavihara The celebrated Lion Capital of Ashoka was erected at Sarnath, not Rajgir Consequently, only pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched 43 / 50 43. What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? Gold Coin Punch marked Silver Coin Iron Plough Urban Culture Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 3, 4, 1, 2 3, 4, 2, 1 4, 3, 1, 2 4, 3, 2, 1 Urban culture emerged first in the Bronze Age Harappan Civilization c 2600 BCE (4) The iron plough became widespread across the Gangetic valley during the Later Vedic era c 1000–600 BCE (3) Punch-marked silver coins (karshapanas) emerged during the Mahajanapadas c 6th–5th century BCE (2) The earliest standardized gold coins in India were struck by the Indo-Greeks in the 2nd century BCE (1) Urban culture emerged first in the Bronze Age Harappan Civilization c 2600 BCE (4) The iron plough became widespread across the Gangetic valley during the Later Vedic era c 1000–600 BCE (3) Punch-marked silver coins (karshapanas) emerged during the Mahajanapadas c 6th–5th century BCE (2) The earliest standardized gold coins in India were struck by the Indo-Greeks in the 2nd century BCE (1) 44 / 50 44. The term Yavanapriya, mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts, denoted: A fine variety of Indian muslin Ivory Damsels sent to the Greek court for dance performance Pepper Yavanapriya is an ancient Sanskrit term that literally translates to “beloved of the Greeks/Westerners” It designated black pepper, the chief Indian spice in heavy demand throughout the Roman Empire The spice was exported in massive volumes via western ports like Muziris in exchange for Roman gold and silver Yavanapriya is an ancient Sanskrit term that literally translates to “beloved of the Greeks/Westerners” It designated black pepper, the chief Indian spice in heavy demand throughout the Roman Empire The spice was exported in massive volumes via western ports like Muziris in exchange for Roman gold and silver 45 / 50 45. Consider the following statements. Pataliputra was the meeting point of Uttarapatha & Dakshinapatha. Natural history was written by an Anonymous sailer. Periplys of Eritrean sea gives information about ports situated on the eastern & western coast of India Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 & 2 3 only 2 only All the above Mathura was the major crossroads where the northern Uttarapatha and southern Dakshinapatha intersected The monumental work Naturalis Historia was authored by the Roman writer Pliny the Elder, not an anonymous sailor The anonymous Greco-Roman text Periplus of the Erythraean Sea extensively details trade ports along India's coasts Mathura was the major crossroads where the northern Uttarapatha and southern Dakshinapatha intersected The monumental work Naturalis Historia was authored by the Roman writer Pliny the Elder, not an anonymous sailor The anonymous Greco-Roman text Periplus of the Erythraean Sea extensively details trade ports along India's coasts 46 / 50 46. Consider the following statements on Ancient Indian history. The Lay worshippers of Buddhism are called as Upasakas. Sharavanabelagola is considered as the birth place Digambara sect of Jainism. The 3rd council of Jainism held at Pataliputra Anekantavada philosophy is a part of Buddhism. Which of the following statement is/are correct? 1 & 2 3 & 4 1 & 3 2 & 4 Lay Buddhist householders who took ethical vows without becoming monastics were termed Upasakas and Upasikas Shravanabelagola (Karnataka) became the nucleus of the Digambara sect following Acharya Bhadrabahu's migration Only two major Jain councils took place (Pataliputra and Vallabhi); Anekantavada is a core Jain philosophy, not Buddhist Lay Buddhist householders who took ethical vows without becoming monastics were termed Upasakas and Upasikas Shravanabelagola (Karnataka) became the nucleus of the Digambara sect following Acharya Bhadrabahu's migration Only two major Jain councils took place (Pataliputra and Vallabhi); Anekantavada is a core Jain philosophy, not Buddhist 47 / 50 47. The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents : Ajoyous folk dance Buddha in a meditative pose The depiction of Shiva and Parvati on Kailasha Samudramanthan (Churning of the Ocean) The Hallisalasya painting in Cave 4 (Rang Mahal) of the Bagh Caves depicts a joyous folk dance The mural shows a circle of female dancers performing with sticks accompanied by musicians It illustrates dynamic social and musical culture during the Gupta period in Central India The Hallisalasya painting in Cave 4 (Rang Mahal) of the Bagh Caves depicts a joyous folk dance The mural shows a circle of female dancers performing with sticks accompanied by musicians It illustrates dynamic social and musical culture during the Gupta period in Central India 48 / 50 48. Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct? It was located in the lower Krishna valley. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia. Select the answer using the code given below : 1 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 The Amaravati Stupa (Mahachaitya) was located on the banks of the lower Krishna river valley in Andhra Pradesh It was actually larger than the Sanchi Stupa in its basal diameter, making statement 2 incorrect Its artistic traditions significantly influenced South Indian sculpture and spread directly to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia The Amaravati Stupa (Mahachaitya) was located on the banks of the lower Krishna river valley in Andhra Pradesh It was actually larger than the Sanchi Stupa in its basal diameter, making statement 2 incorrect Its artistic traditions significantly influenced South Indian sculpture and spread directly to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia 49 / 50 49. Which of the following pairs of the king and his dynasty in early historical Tamilakam is/are not correctly matched? Senguttuvan : Chera Udiyanjeral : Chola Nedunjeliyan : Pandya Select the Answer using code given below: 1 and 2 2 only 1 and 3 3 only Udiyanjeral (Perum Cheralathan) was a celebrated ruler of the Chera dynasty, not the Cholas Senguttuvan was a powerful Chera monarch noted for the Kannagi/Pattini cult in the epic Silappadikaram Nedunjeliyan was the famous Pandya sovereign victorious at the Battle of Talaiyalanganam Udiyanjeral (Perum Cheralathan) was a celebrated ruler of the Chera dynasty, not the Cholas Senguttuvan was a powerful Chera monarch noted for the Kannagi/Pattini cult in the epic Silappadikaram Nedunjeliyan was the famous Pandya sovereign victorious at the Battle of Talaiyalanganam 50 / 50 50. Which of the following pairs of ancient and modern names of rivers is/are correctly matched ? Vitasta : Chenab Askini : Jhelum Parushni : Ravi Yavyavati : Beas Select the answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 3 and 4 3 only 4 only The Vedic river Parushni corresponds correctly to the modern Ravi River (site of the Dasarajna battle) Vitasta is the ancient name for the Jhelum, while Asikni denotes the Chenab Modern Beas was known as Vipas in Vedic texts; therefore, only pair 3 is correctly matched The Vedic river Parushni corresponds correctly to the modern Ravi River (site of the Dasarajna battle) Vitasta is the ancient name for the Jhelum, while Asikni denotes the Chenab Modern Beas was known as Vipas in Vedic texts; therefore, only pair 3 is correctly matched Your score isThe average score is 67% 0% Restart quiz Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X