Ancient History and Art & Culture Questions

in UPSC Prelims (2023 – 2011)

2023

1. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?

(a) Andhra
(b) Gandhara
(c) Kalinga
(d) Magadha

2. With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:

1. The concept of supa is Buddhist in origin.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative
structure in Buddhist tradition.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

3. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as

(a) capital cities
(b) ports
(c) centers of iron-and-steel making
(d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

4. Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?

(a) Kings employing women bodyguards.
(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

5. Consider the following dynasties:

1. Hoysala
2. Gahadavala
3. Kakatiya
4. Yadava

How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None

6. With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs:

Literary work: Author

Deuichandragupta: Bilhana
Hammira-Mahakauya: Nayachandra Suri
Milinda-panha: Nagatjuna
Nitiuakyamrita: Somadeva Suri

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

7. "Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life but also of rocks, running water, and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects."

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?

(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Shaivism
(d) Vaishnavism

8. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?

(a) Devaraya I
(b) Mallikarjuna
(c) Vira Vijaya
(d) Virupaksha

9. Consider the following pairs:

Site: well known for

Besnagar: Shaivite cave shrine
Bhaja: Buddhist cave shrine
Sittanavasal: Jain cave shrine

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

2022

1.According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct?

1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.
2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.
3. 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?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

2.With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs:

Historical person Known as

1. Aryadeva Jaina scholar
2. Dignaga Buddhist scholar
3. Nathamuni Vaishnava scholar

How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?

(a) None of the pairs
(b) Only one pair
(c) Only two pairs
(d) All three pairs

3.With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts:

1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana

Which of the above are Jaina texts

(a) 1,2 and 3

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and

4.Consider the following pairs:

Site of Ashoka’s major rock edicts Location in the State of

1. Dhauli Odisha
2. Erragudi Andhra Pradesh
3. Jaugada Madhya Pradesh
4. Kalsi Karnataka

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair

(b) Only two pairs

(d) All four pairs

5.Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?

(a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.

(b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.

(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.

6.The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

2021

1.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 channelising water into connected reservoirs?

(a) Dholavira

(b) Kalibangan

(d) Ropar

2.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

3.With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes.

(2) In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim the right to the property during the lifetime of the father, whereas in the Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that the sons can claim the right to the property.

(3) The Mitakshara system deals with matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only

4.With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous

(a) Jain monks

(b) playwrights

(d) philosophers

5.With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:

(1) It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.

(2) It is the only circular temple built in India.

(3) It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.

(4) Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4

6.Consider the following pairs:

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?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

7.Which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora river.

(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of the Chambal river.

(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of the Godavari river.

8.Consider the following statements:

(1) 21st February is declared to be International Mother Language Day by UNICEF.

(2) The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

9.With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to

(a) dance forms of Northwest India

(b) musical instruments

(d) tribal languages

2020

1.Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?

(a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates

(b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts

(d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinate

2.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

(a) Krishnadeva Raya

3.With reference to the period of the Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as

(a) ports handling foreign trade

(b) capitals of powerful kingdoms

(d) important Buddhist pilgrimage centres

4.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 the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

5.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

(d) 1, 2 and 3

6.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 written in aphoristic (sutra) style

(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas

(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India

2019

1.Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

(a) Chanhudaro

(b) Kot Diji

(d) Desalpur

2.In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?

(a) Kanganahalli

(b) Sanchi

(d) Sohgaura

3.Consider the following:

1.Deification of the Buddha

2.Treading the path of Bodhisattvas

3.Image worship and rituals

Which of the above is/are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

4.Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

(a) Chalukya

(b) Chandela

(d) Vijayanagaram

2018

1.Consider the following pairs:

Tradition State

1. Chapchar Kut Festival — Mizoram
2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur
3. Thang-Ta Dance — Sikkim

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

2.With reference to culture history of India,consider the following statements:

1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
4. Annamacharya kirtnas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venketshwara.

Which of the statement is given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4

3.With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:

1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
2. Red Sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow.

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

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

4.With reference to the Indian History, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?

(a) Avalokiteshvara

(b) Lokesvara

(d) Padmapani

5.The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the

(a) Bundi school

(b) Jaipur school

(d) Kishangarh school

6.With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to

(a) Buddhism

(b) Jainism

(d) Shaivism

2017

1.With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley 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 iron.
3. 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:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2.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

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

3.Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?

(a) Kakinada

(b) Motupalli

(d) Nelluru

4.The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at:

(a) Ajanta

(b) Badami

(d) Ellora

5.Consider the following pairs:

	Traditions	Communities
1	Chaliha Sahib Festival	Sindhis
2	Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra	Gonds
3	Wari-Warkari	Santhals

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) None of the above

6.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

(d) 1, 2 and 3

7.With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:

1. It is a song and dance performance.
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

2016

1.In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:

Term Description

1. Eripatti Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank
2. Taniyurs Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
3. Ghatikas Colleges generally attached to the temples

Which of the pairs given above correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 only

(d) 1 and 3

2.With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?

(a) Shramana

(b) Parivrajaka

(d) Maagadha

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

(a) Georg Buhler

(b) James Prinsep

(d) William Jones

4.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

(d) Ratnavali

5.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

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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

(a) Georg Buhler

(b) James Prinsep

(d) William Jones

7.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

(d) 1, 2 and 3

8.What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?

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 code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

9.In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:

Term Description

1. Eripatti : Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank
2. Taniyurs : Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
3. Ghatikas : Colleges generally attached to the temples

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 only

(d) 1 and 3

2015

1.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 codes given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 3 and 4 only

2.Kalamkari painting refers to

(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India

(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India

(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India

3.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 3 only

(d) 3 and 4 only

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

(d) Prataparudra II

5.With reference to the 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

(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri

6.Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

(a) Odia

(b) Konkani

(d) Assamese

2014

1.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

(d) 1, 3 and 4

2.Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta

(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika

(d) Sankhya and Yoga

3.Consider the following towns of India:

1. Bhadrachalam
2. Chanderi
3. Kancheepuram
4. Karnal

Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4

4.Consider the following languages

1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. Telugu

Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

5.With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:

1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

6.With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs:

	Famous work of sculpture	Site
1	A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below	Ajanta
2	A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boarincarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock	Mount Abu
3	“Arjuna’s Penance”/ “Descent of Ganga” sculpated on the surface of huge boulders	Mamalla-puram

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

7.With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is `Kalaripayattu’?

(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India

(b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area

(d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India

8.Consider the following pairs:

1. Garba : Gujarat
2. Mohiniattam : Odisha
3. Yakshagana : Karnataka

Which of the pairs given above is / are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

9.With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs:

	Famous shrine	Location
1	Tabo monastery and temple complex	Spiti Valley
2	Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako	Zanskar Valley
3	Alchi temple complex	Ladakh

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly atched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

10.A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their

(a) martial arts in North-East India

(b) musical tradition in North-West India

(d) pietra dura tradition in Central India

11.With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to

(a) an assembly of village elders

(b) a religious sect

(d) an administrative functionary

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2013

1.Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain 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) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2.The Chinese traveler Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.
2. As regards punishment for 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) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3.Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

4.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

(d) There is no material difference between the two

5.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

(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension

6.Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

1. They possessed great palaces and temples
2. They worshipped both male and female deities
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

7.With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:

1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut 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) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

8.In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters

(d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism

9.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) 2 only

(d) 1 and 2

10.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) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) None

11.With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school:

1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of 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) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2012

1.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 efficacy of rituals

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2.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

(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory

(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context

3.With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.
2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.
3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

4.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 1st century AD.
2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century AD.
3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.
4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

5.The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of

(a) Bhakti

(b) image worship and Yajnas

(d) worship of nature and Bhakti

6.The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the

(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of Indian can be classified

(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

7.With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?

1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.
3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) None of the above is correct

8.How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?

1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2011

1.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 of 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

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2.The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by

(a) Universal Law

(b) Universal Truth

(d) Universal Soul

3.India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of 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 ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times

(b) The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, brahmin priests and buddhist monks in this context

(d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context

4.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

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Ancient History and Art & Culture Questions In UPSC Prelims (2022 – 2011)

Ancient History and Art & Culture Questions

in UPSC Prelims (2023 – 2011)

2023

2022

1.According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct?

2021

1.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 channelising water into connected reservoirs?

2020

1.Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?

2019

2018

1.Consider the following pairs:

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

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