Harihant Indian History

Indian
History
Indian
History
and Culture
and Culture
1The Pre-Harappan and
Harappan Phase
1. Which one of the following animals was not
represented on the seals and terracotta art
of the Harappan Culture?
(IAS 2001)
(a) Cow
(b) Elephant
(c) Rhinoceros
(d) Tiger
2. The site of Harappa is located on the bank
of river
(CDS 2012)
(a) Saraswati (b) Indus (c) Beas (d) Ravi
3. Which one among the following Indus
cities was known for water management?
(CDS 2012)
(a) Lothal
(b) Mohenjodaro
(c) Harappa
(d) Dholavira
4. At which of the following sites the first
evidence of the cultivation of cotton has
been found?
(a) Mohenjodaro
(b) Kili-Gul-Muhammad
(c) Mehgarh
(d) Nal
5. Megaliths
(CDS 2000)
(a) are a certain group of Paleolithic caves
(b) is the technical term for pre-historic
rock-cut caves
(c) are pre-historic burial monuments
(d) are monoliths belonging to the
Neolithic period
6. From which one of the following regions
the earliest evidence of the rice cultivation
has come?
(a) Belan Valley
(b) Central Ganga Valley
(c) Gomal Valley
(d) Bolan Valley
1. (a)
11. (a)
2. (d)
3. (d)
4. (d)
5. (d)
7. Match the following

List I
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
(Neolithic Site)
Pynthor Langtein
Sarutaru
Kuchai
Napchik
Pandu Rajan Dhibi
List II
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
(State)
Paschim Banga
Manipur
Asom
Meghalaya
Odisha
Codes
A B C D E
A B C D E
(a) 1 2 3 4 5 (b) 3 2 1 4 5
(c) 4 3 5 2 1 (d) 4 3 1 5 2
8. Sohan Cultureis another name of
(a) Paleolithic Culture
(b) Mesolithic Culture
(c) Neolithic Culture
(d) Chalcolithic Culture
9. Which one of the following sites is the
largest Mesolithic site in India?
(a) Bagor
(b) Tilwara
(c) Valasana
(d) Akhaj
10. Which one of the following Mesolithic
sites provides evidence of a battle?
(a) Bagor
(b) Sarai Nahar Rai
(c) Langhanaj
(d) Mahadaha
11. Which one of the following Mesolithic
sites has the distinction of being the first
site to be discovered in the arid zone?
(a) Langhanaj
(b) Bagor
(c) Sidhpur
(d) Barasimla
6. (a)
7. (c)
8. (a)
9. (a)
10. (b)
2 Indian History and Culture

12. Which animal figures most in the cave
paintings of Mesolithic age?
(a) Buffalo (b) Deer (c) Tiger (d) Chinkara
13. From which one of the following
Mesolithic sites charred and corbonised
grains of wild rice embedded in the burnt
clay remains of wattle and daub walls of
huts, has been discovered?
(a) Chopani Mando (b) Mahadaha
(c) Barkaccha
(d) Langhanaj
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
List I
List II
(Various Culture)
OCP Culture
PGW Culture
Malwa Culture
Jorwe Culture
Ahar Culture
(Time Period)
1400 BC-700 BC
2000 BC-1500 BC
2100 BC-1500 BC
1700 BC-1200 BC
1000 BC-600 BC
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Codes
A B C D E
A B C D E
(a) 1 2 4 3 5 (b) 2 5 1 4 3
(c) 1 2 3 4 5 (d) 2 5 4 1 3
15. Which one of the following statements is
not true about the Chalcolithic cultures of
India?
(a) They were primarily communities in
the hilly and riverine areas
(b) They mostly used stone and copper
objects and occasionally low grade bronze
(c) A large number of them appeared after
the end of the bronze Harappan culture
(d) They
were
restricted
to
the
Ganga-Yamuna doab and foothills of
the Himalayas
List I
A. Paleolithic
List II
1. Domestication of
animals and plants
B. Mesolithic
2. Food gatherers
C. Neolithic
3. Hunters and Herders
D. Chalcolithic 4. Farmers
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 2 3 4 1
(b) 1 2 3 4
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 1 3 2 4
A.
B.
C.
D.
List I
List II
(Culture)
(Period)
Banas Culture
2000 BC-1400 BC
Savalda Culture
2000 BC - 1800 BC
1.
2.
Chirand Culture 3.
Copper Hoards 4.
Codes
A B C D
(a) 2 3 4 1
(c) 1 4 3 2
1500 BC - 750 BC
2000 BC - 1500 BC
A B C D
(b) 1 2 3 4
(d) 4 1 3 2
18. Which one of the following pairs is/are

correctly matched?
(IAS 2000)
(a) Harappan
: Painted Grey Ware
Civilization
(b) The Kushans
: Gandhara School of
Art
(c) The Mughals : Ajanta Paintings
(d) The Marathas : Pahari School of
Painting
19. At which one of the following Neolithic
sites, the evidence of the unique practice
of burying the dogs with their masters in
the caves has been found?
(a) Burzahom
(b) Piklihal
(c) Gufkral
(d) Chirand
20. Which one of the following cultures is
influenced by Harappan culture?
(a) Malwa Culture (b) Jorwe Culture
(c) Kayatha Culture
(d) Megalithic Culture
List I
A. Fractional Burial
List II
1. Maharashtra
B. Complete Extended
2. South Indian
Chalcolithic
Burial
C. Dead body in
East-West Portion
D. Dead body in
North-South Portion
Chalcolithic
3. West Indian
Chalcolithic
4. East Indian
Chalcolithic
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 4 1 3 2
(b) 2 1 4 3
(c) 3 4 1 2
(d) 4 3 2 1
22. At which one of the following Mesolithic
sites thatched wind screens were
constructed?
(a) Adamgarh
(b) Langhanaj
(c) Birbhanpur
(d) Bagor
23. Which is one of the most extensively
excavated Chalcolithic age rural sites in
the continent?
(a) Daimabad
(b) Navdatoli
(c) Kayatha
(d) Nindowari
24. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilisation,
consider the following statements (IAS 2011)
1. It was predominantly a secular civilisation 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) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
25. Three most common features of all Indus
Valley sites were
(a) climate,
flora-fauna
and
artifical
irrigation
(b) desert, rivers and zoological features
Indian History and Culture 3

(c) use of baked bricks and pottery,
elaborate
drainage
system
and
occurrence of marsh or jungle animals
(d) buildings, town planning and burial
system
26. Consider the following statements
A.
B.
C.
D.
1. The great bath was the most important

public place of Mohenjodaro made for
ritual bathing.
2. The floor of the bath was made of
burnt bricks.
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
27. A piece of woven cotton has been
recovered from which one of the following
Harappan sites?
(a) Harappa
(b) Lothal
(c) Banawali
(d) Mohenjodaro
28. Consider the following statements about
Harappan trade
1. A trading colony was established in

Northern Afghanistan to facilitate
trade with Central Asia.
2. Dilmun and Makan were the two
intermediate trading stations between
Mesopotamia and Meluha.
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
List I
A.
B.
C.
D.
List II
Harappa
1.
2.
3.
4.
Chanhudaro
Kalibangan
Banawali
Rajasthan
Punjab
13. (a)
23. (b)
33. (d)
Sindh
(b) 2 and 3
(d) All of these
14. (d)
24. (c)
34. (d)
15. (d)
25. (c)
35. (b)
34.
35.
List II
(Sites)
Dockyard
Ploughed field
Horse
Great bath
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Harappa
Lothal
Kalibangan
Surkotda
Mohenjodaro
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 1 4 2 5
(b) 2 3 4 5
(c) 4 3 5 1
(d) 2 5 4 3
The Harappan towns and cities were
divided into large-blocks.
(a) square
(b) rectangular
(c) circular
(d) semicircular
One of the Harappan deities not
represented in later Hindu religion is
(a) Pashupati Shiva
(b) Seven Mothers (Sapta Marikas)
(c) Compound Creatures
(d) Unicorn
Which of the following sites excavated
recently shows all the three stages of
Harappan Occupations (Pre-Harappan,
Harappan and Post Harappan)?
(a) Rojdi
(b) Surkotda
(c) Desalpur
(d) All of these
Match the following
(IAS 2002)
List I
List II
(Ancient site)
(Archaeological finding)
A. Lothal
1. Ploughed field
B. Kalibangan 2. Dockyard
C. Dholavira
3. Terracotta replica of a
D. Banawali
1. It lies in the Kachchh area of Gujarat.

2. The city was fortified.
3. It shows all the three phases of
Harappan culture.
is/are correct?
12. (b)
22. (d)
32. (b)
33.
List I
(Important Finds)
plough
Haryana
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 2 1 4 3
(c) 2 4 1 3
(d) 2 1 3 4
30. Which of the following statements
regarding Dholavira is correct?
(a) Only 1
(c) 1 and 2
32.
(CDS 2001)
16. (c)
26. (c)
36. (c)
4. An inscription comprising
ten large sized signs of
the Harappan script
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 2 1 4 3
(c) 1 2 4 3
(d) 2 1 3 4
36. Which one of the following was not
cultivated in the Harappan Civilisation?
(a) Mustard
(b) Barley
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Sesamum
37. Harappan weapons were made of
(a) stone
(b) copper
(c) bronze
(d) All of the above
17. (b)
27. (d )
37. (d)
18. (b)
28. (c)
19. (a)
29. (c)
20. (c)
30. (d)
21. (d)
31. (b)

38. The detification/worship of which of the
following was not a part of the religion of
Indus Valley People?
(a) Mother Goddess (b) Forces of nature
(c) Trees and their spirits
(d) Certain animal chimeras and their
anthropic figures
39. Which one among the following is not the
characteristic feature of the Harappan
settlement?
(NDA 2001)
(a) Doorways and windows generally
faced the side lanes and rarely
opened onto the main streets
(b) Houses generally had separate
bathing areas and toilets
(c) The citadel was walled but the lower
town was not walled
(d) Drains and water chutes from the
second storey were often built inside
the wall
40. Rows of distinctive fire altars with the
provision of ritual bathing have been
found at
(a) Mohenjodaro
(b) Harappa
(c) Kalibangan
(d) Lothal
41. Which animal is engraved on most of the
Harappan seals?
(a) Humpless bull or Unicorn
(b) Elephant
(c) Bison
(d) Tiger
42. The most important item of import in the
Harappan civilisation were
(a) metals and precious stones
(b) food grains
(c) textiles
(d) pottery
43. Which one of the following statements
regarding
Harappan
Civilisation
is
correct?
(CDS 2010)
(a) The standard Harappan seals were
made of clay
(b) The inhabitants of Harappa had
neither knowledge of copper nor
bronze
(c) The Harrapan Civilisation was rural
based
(d) The inhabitants of Harappa grew and
used cotton
44. Copper, used most widely by the
Harappans, was obtained from
(a) Baluchistan
(b) Mesopotamia
(c) Khetri mines
(d) Both a and b
45. Which of the following was not a feature
of trade links between the Indus Vally and
other
contemporary
West
Asian
civilisations?
(a) Indus Valley seals had been found
from Sumer, Elam and Mesopotamia
(b) Trade between the Indus Valley and
Sumer was carried on by land (through
Baluchistan) and partly by sea
(c) Literary
and
archaeological
evidences are found at both
Harappan and Mesopotamian towns
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
(d) Harappan economy was dependent

on imports from West Asia
Which one of the following sites of the
Indus Valley Civilisation had an ancient
dockyard?
(CDS 2008)
(a) Kalibangan
(b) Lothal
(c) Rangpur
(d) Harappa
The Harappan site located near the
Iranian border is
(a) Surkotda
(b) Suktagendor
(c) Kotla Nihang Khan
(d) Alamgirpur
Which of the following characteristics
distinguishe the Harappan Civilisation
from other contemporary civilizations of
the world?
(a) Religious beliefs and social life
(b) Development
of
science
and
technology
(c) Town
planning,
drainage
and
sanitation
(d) Uniform weights, measures and
commercial contacts
Which of the following was not a
contemporary of the Indus or Harappan
Civilisation?
(a) Egypt
(b) Mesopotamia
(c) Sumer
(d) Greek
Traces of rice cultivation have been found
at which of the following Harappan sites?
(a) Lothal and Rangpur
(b) Kalibangan and Ropar
(c) Alamgirpur and Harappa
(d) All Harappan sites
Which one of the following is not a
feature of Lothal?
(a) A dockyard
(b) Rectangular and circular fire altars
for animal sacrifice
(c) Depiction of a ship on a seal
(d) Evidence of the use of the plough
Match the following
List I
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
(Harappan
Settlement)
Lothal
Kalibangan
Ropar
Harappa
Mohenjodaro
List II
(River)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Indus
Sutlej
Ravi
Ghaggar
Bhogao
Codes
A B C D E
A B C D E
(a) 5 4 2 3 1 (b) 2 5 1 4 3
(c) 4 5 2 3 1 (d) 5 4 3 2 1
53. Which of the following was not a religious
belief of the Harappan people?
(a) Belief in evil spirits and life here after
(b) Cults and fire and fertility
(c) Adoration of trees and animals
(d) Erection of large prayer houses

regarding Kalibangan is not true?
(a) The lower town was fortified
(b) Drying of the River Ghaggar caused
its decline
(c) The only site from where traces of
ploughing the fields have been found
(d) Pre Harrapan fire altars have been
discovered
55. At which one of the following sites a
pre-Harappan settlement has not been
found?
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kot Diji
(c) Kalibangan
(d) Harappa
56. The worship of fire in Harappan
Civilization is proved by the discovery of
fire altars at
(a) Surkotda and Rangpur
(b) Rangpur and Alamgirpur
(c) Lothal and Kalibangan
(d) Chanhudaro, Kayatha, Prabhas and
Daimabad
57. Four outposts of the Harappan Civilization
were
(a) Manda in the North, Daimabad in the
South, Hulas and Alamgirpur in the
East and Suktagendor in the West
(b) Manda in the North, Alamgirpur in
the East, Shotughai in the West and
Daimabad in the South
(c) Manda in East, Daimabad in South,
Hulas in North and Surkotda in West
(d) Alamgirpur in North, Kayatha in
South, Manda in East and Kuntasi in
West
58. The latest Harappan site discovered in
Gujarat is
(a) Dholavira
(b) Khandia
(c) Kuntasi
(d) Manda
59. The Harappan city which had three
divisions named ascitadelor acropolis,
, with
middle townandlower town
elaborate
gate
complex
on
its
fortifications was
(a) Kalibangan
(b) Banawali
(c) Dholavira
(d) Kuntasi
60. Harrapan agricultural economy was
mainly based on
(a) crop rotation
(b) rainfed cultivation
(c) wheat and associated winter crops
(d) dry farming
61. Who among the following has been called
as the father of Indian Pre-history?
(a) Colonel Meadows Taylor
(b) Robert Bruce Foote
(c) Alexander Cunningham
(d) Sir John Marshall
38.
48.
58.
68.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
39. (d)
49. (d)
59. (c)
40. (c)
50. (a)
60. (c)
41. (a)
51. (d)
61. (b)
42. (a)
52. (a)
62. (d)
62. The site of Harappa is located on the bank

of river
(CDS 2012)
(a) Saraswati
(b) Indus
(c) Beas
(d) Ravi
63. Which one among the following Indus cities
was known for water management?
(CDS 2012)
64.
65.
66.
67.
(a) Lothal
(b) Mohenjodaro
(c) Harappa
(d) Dholavira
Which one among the following
statement regarding Jorwe Culture is not
correct?
(CDS 2012)
(a) Pravara-Godavari Valley was the
nuclears zone of Jorwe Culture
(b) The main sites of Jorwe Culture are
Daimabad, Inamgaon, Jorwe and
Nevasa
(c) At Daimabad one gets archaeological
evidence of symbolic burial
(d) Practically all Jorwe settlements in
the Northern Deccan were suddenly
deserted
At Kalibangan a ploughed field showing
furrows in two directions cutting each
other at right angles shows that
(a) it was meant for single crop pattern
(b) it was mainly for planting trees
(c) it was a method of cropping two
different plants on the same field
(d) it was meant for crop rotation
A Harappan site being surrounded by
flood barriers in order to protect it with
the aid of UNESCO funds is
(a) Mohenjodaro
(b) Dholavira
(c) Lothal
(d) Rakhigarhi
Match the following
List I
A. Ornamental bricks,
B.
C.
D.
E.
List II
1. Kalibangan
used in the floor of a

house
Gutters of Pottery to
drain the rain water
First site excavated in
India after
independence
Touchstone
Clay model of a plough
2. Chanhudaro
3. Ropar
4. Banawali
5. Banawali
Codes
A B C D E
A B C D E
(a) 1 2 3 4 5 (b) 2 5 1 4 3
(c) 1 2 4 3 5 (d) 2 5 4 1 3
68. At which of the following Harappan sites
has been found a vase depicting the folk
tale theThirsty crow?
(a) Surkotda
(b) Lothal
(c) Dholavira
(d) Banawali
43. (d)
53. (d)
63. (d)
44. (c)
54. (d)
64. (d)
45. (d)
55. (a)
65. (c)
46. (b)
56. (c)
66. (a)
47. (b)
57. (a)
67. (a)

69. The first metal most widely used by the
Indus Valley People was
(a) Copper
(b) Bronze
(c) Gold and Silver (d) Tin
70. Which of these settlements witnessed the
first introduction of iron before the end of
2nd millenium (2000 to 1000) BC?
(a) Nausharo
(b) Pirak
(c) Atranjikheda
(d) Derawer
71. Terracotta seated figures of women
making dough has not been found at
which of the following Harappan sites?
(a) Harappa
(b) Surkotda
(c) Mohenjodaro
(d) Chanhudaro
72. In which of the following respects is there
considerable variations in the Harappan
Civilization?
(a) Town planning
(b) Brick sizes
(c) Weights and measures
(d) Size of dwellings
73. A
combination
of
three
copper
instruments soldered together by their
loped ends has been found at
(a) Harappa
(b) Chanhudaro
(c) Mohenjodaro
(d) Lothal
74. Which of the following was not a port
town in Harappan Civilisation?
(a) Surkotda
(b) Rangpur
(c) Rojdi
(d) Allahdino
1. The Harappans looked upon the Earth

as a fertility Goddess and worshipped
her as Mother Goddess, the terracotta
figures being found at Mohenjodaro.
2. The male deity surrounded by an
elephant, a tiger, a rhinoceros, a
buffalo below his throne and two deer
at his feet is identified as Pashupati
Mahadeva.
is/are correct?
(a) Only
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
76. Sir Mortimer Wheeler, referring to the
origin of the Harappan Civilization, said :
"the Indus Civilization may, in origin, best
be visualised as the sudden offspring of
opportunity and genius... the idea of
civilization came to the land of the Indus
from the land of the twin rivers." The
statement refers to the colonization of the
Harappan settlements by the ______
people.
69. (a)
79. (a)
70. (b)
80. (d)
71. (b)
81. (a)
72. (d)
73. (a)
(a) Sumerian
(b) Mesopotamian
(c) Persian
(d) Dravidian
77. The Harappans had developed script
knew writing which is proved by
(a) complex system of governance
town-planning
(b) remarkable uniformity of weights
measures
(c) Both a and b
(d) their developed science
technology
List I
B
2
3
1
3
C
3
1
3
5
and
and
and
List II
A. Harappa
B. Dholavira
C. Mehgarh
D. Mohenjodaro
E. Banawali
Codes
A
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 2
(d) 2
and
D
4
5
4
1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
JF Jarrige
Daya Ram Sahani
JP Joshi
RS Bisht
RD Banerjee
E
5
4
5
4
Directions (Q.Nos. 79-81) In the questions

given below there are two statements
labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
In the context of the two, which of the
following is true?
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the
correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
79. Assertion (A) North Western India does
not have many Middle Paleolithic Age
sites.
Reason (R) In Punjab and adjoining
areas raw materials for middle Paleolithic
tools are not available.
80. Assertion (A) The Indian microlith industry
is rooted in the Upper Paleolithic industries.
Reason
(R)
The
archaeological
stratigraphy continued from the Upper
Paleolithic into the Mesolithic.
81. Assertion (A) Buddha Pushkar lake was
an ideal region for Middle Paleolithic
people.
Reason (R) Good stone was found in close
proximity to a permanent sweet water
source.
74. (c)
75. (c)
76. (b)
77. (c)
78. (b)
2The Vedic Era

1. What
does
Baudhayan
theorem
(Baudhayan Sulva Sutra) relate to?

is/are correct?
(ISA 2011)
(IAS 2008)
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
7. Which term is used to describe the spread
of Buddhism from India through
South-East Asia?
(a) Social mobility (b) Cultural diffusion
(c) Ethnocentrism (d) Interdependence
8. Which one of the following Vedic
God/Goddess depicts an association with
the Sun?
(CDS 2007)
(a) Ashvin
(b) Pusan
(c) Indira
(d) Aranyani
9. Which of the following is correctly
matched?
1. Yajurveda : Partly a prose work
prose
2. Brahmanas : Explainatory
(a) Lengths of sides of a right-angled triangle

(b) Calculation of the value of pi
(c) Logarithmic calculations
(d) Normal distribution curve
2. What is the Vedic name of river Ravi?
(HP PSC 2012)
3.
4.
5.
6.
(a) Purushni
(b) Chandrabhaga
(c) Arjikiya
(d) Satadru
Statement I Mahavira initially joined a
group of ascetics called Nirgranthas.
Statement II The sect was founded
200 years earlier by Parsva.
(CDS 2013)
Codes
(a) Both the statements are true and
Statement
II
is
the
correct
explanation of Statement I
(b) Both the statements are true, but
Statement II is not the correct
(c) Statement its true, but Statement II is
false
(d) Statement I is false, but Statement II
is true
The chief opponents of the Aryans were the
indigenous people of non Aryan origin
known as Panis and Dasas or Dasyus. The
factor which enabled the Aryans to emerge
victorious in the struggle against the
indigenous tribes was
(a) lack of unity among the indigenous tribe
(b) better organization among the Aryans
(c) superior military equipment of the
Aryans
(d) cultural superiority
The term
denotes
(IAS 1999)
Aryans
(a) an ethnic group (b) a nomadic people
(c) a speech group (d) a superior race
Thedharmaandritadepict a central
idea of ancient Vedic civilisation of India.
In this context, consider the following
statements
1. Dharma was a conception of

obligations and of the discharge of
ones duties to oneself and to others.
2. Rita was the fundamental moral law
governing the functioning of the
universe and all it contained.
1. (a)
11. (a)
2. (a)
3. (b)
4. (c)
5. (d)
manuals relating to prayer

and sacrificial ceremony
3. Brahmasutra : The concept the world is
God and God is my soul
Select the correct answer using the codes

given below
(CDS 2005)
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
10. What is the correct chronological order in
which the following kings ruled in India?
1. Bimbisara
2. Mahapadma Nanda
3. Kanishka I
4. Skanda Gupta
given below
(CDS 2008)
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 3, 4, 1
(d) 3, 1, 4, 2
(CDS 2001)
List I
(Literary work)
A.
B.
C.
D.
Gatha Saptasati
Mahabhashya
Kalpasutra
Katantra
Codes
A B C D
(a) 2 4 1 3
(c) 1 4 2 3
6. (c)
7. (a)
8. (a)
List II
(Author)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Bhadrabahu
Hala
Sarvarman
Patanjali
A B C D
(b) 1 3 2 4
(d) 2 3 1 4
9. (d)
10. (a)

12. Which of the following was/were not
related to Buddha's life?
1. Kanthaka
2. Alara Kalama
3. Channa
4. Goshala Maskariputra
given beow
(IAS 2013)
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 4 (c) 1 and 2(d) 3 and 4
13. Which of the following is correctly matched?
List I
List II
1. Gayatri mantra
: Rigveda
2. Grihya and
: Kalpa Vedangas
Dharma Sutras
3. God Aswin
18.
19.
: Protector of conjugal
love and life

given below
20.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) All of these
14. Which one of the following Mahajanpadas
did exist during 600 BC in the market area
in the map given above?
(CDS 2001)
21.
(a) Asmaka
(b) Avanti
(c) Kamboja
(d) Matsya
15. Statement I There was great exodus of
Jaina monks under the leadership of
Bhadrabahu to the Deccan following
severe famine in the Ganga valley towards
the end of Chandraguptas reign.
Statement II Chandragupta Maurya
joined the Jaina order as a monk.
22.
23.
(IBPS PO 2012)
(a) Both the statement are true and

statement
II
is
the
correct
explanation of statement I
(b) Both the statements are true, but
statement II is not the correct
explanation of statement I.
(c) Statement I is true, but Statement II
is false
is true
16. Which of the following kingdoms did not
appear in the later-Vedic North India?
(a) Kuru Panchala (b) Kosala
(c) Kashi
(d) Anga
17. Which one of the following scripts of
ancient India was written from right to left?
(a) Brahmi
(b) Nandnagari
(c) Sharada
(d) Kharoshti
Directions (Q.No. 18) In the question given
below are two statements labelled as

Assertion (A) Reasan (R). In the context of
the two statements, which of the following
is correct?
24.
Codes
Assertion (A) The Gandhara School of Art
bears the mark of Hellenistic influence.
Reason (R) Hinayana form was influenced
by that art.
Which vedic text refers to money lending?
(a) Atharvaveda
(b) Satapatha Brahmana
(c) Yajurveda
(d) Gopatha Brahmana
Which one among the following is not
true with regard to Rigveda Samhita?
(a) There are about 300 non-IndoEuropean words in Rigveda (NDA 2011)
(b) There is a reference to dasarajna
(battle of ten kings) in the Rigveda
(c) It is mentioned in the Rigveda that
the Bharata chief Sudas fought
against a confederacy of ten tribes
(d) Purus sided with Bharata in the battle
of ten kings
The 40-year war between ancient Aryan
King Divodas and Shambar resulted in the
defeat of
(IFS 1993)
(a) Sakas
(b) Khasas
(c) Kirats
(d) Kinnars
Which one of the following four Vedas
contains an account of magical charms
and spells?
(IAS 2004)
(a) Rigveda
(b) Yajurveda
(c) Atharvaveda
(d) Samaveda
The term Yavanapriya mentioned in
ancient Sanskrit texts denoted (IAS 1995)
(a) a fine variety of Indian Muslim
(b) ivory
(c) damsels sent to the Greek court for
dance performance
(d) pepper
The themes of the murals of the Ajanta
Caves are
1. decorative designs which include a

variety of animals, trees and flowers.
2. portraits of various Buddhas and
Bodhisattvas.
3. narrative scenes portraying Jataka
stories.
given below
(NDA 2011)
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
regarding Rigvedic women is not correct?
(a) They could attend assemblies and
offer sacrifices along with
their
husband
26.
27.
28.
29.
(b) Some unmarried women offered

sacrifices on their own
(c) Women could occupy the highest
positions of authority
(d) Women often chose their partners
The Purushsukta, which refers to the
origin of caste, is found in the (CDS 2003)
(a) Atharvaveda
(b) Rigveda
(c) Samaveda
(d) Yajurveda
Which one of the following is not true
regarding the swastika symbol?
(a) The swastika appears to be not only
prevedic but also pre-Harappan in origin
(b) The swastika spread from Elam and
Baluchistan to the Indus valley and
Turkmenistan
(c) Around 800 BC, the symbol appears
as a decorative piece on PGW used for
domestic purpose
(d) It is an exclusively Aryan symbol
The Rigvedic God Varuna was (CDS 2002)
(a) harbinger of peace
(b) destroyer of foes
(c) guardian of the cosmic order
(d) God of prosperity
Which of the following is correctly
matched?
1. Aitareya
: For the first time mentions
(c) Shukla
: Katha and Svetasvatara
Yajurveda
Upanishad
(d) Atharvaved : Prasna and Mundaka
Upanishads
32. Which of the following social practice was

not pursued during the Vedic period?
(a) People
could
change
their
occupations
(b) Inter caste marriages were allowed
(c) Food cooked by the shudras was not
taken
(d) Sati or self immolation upon death of
husband, was not known
List I
List II
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
(a) Rigveda
: Aitarya and Kaushitaki
(b) Samaveda
: Chhandogya and Kena
Upanishad
Upanishads
12. (b)
22. (c)
32. (c)
13. (d)
23. (d)
33. (a)
14. (b)
24. (a)
34. (d)
15. (a)
25. (c)
35. (b)
16. (d)
26. (b)
36. (c)
(River)
Ravi
Chenab
Jhelum
Beas
Sutlej
List I
a story related to the

origin of kingship
2. Jabala
: For the first time mentions
Upanishad
about all the four ashrams
3. Satapatha : Refers the king as
Brahmana
Rastrabhrita
4. Atharvaveda : For the first time refers to
the term sthapti
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) All of these
regarding the later vedic age is not correct?
(a) It was a fully monetised peasant
society and a full fledged class based
society
(b) Exchange of goods especially gifts
and expensive rituals formed a part of
later vedic society
(c) In the major part of later vedic period
ritualism and ritualistic class grew
rapidly
(d) The tribal militia of the Rigvedic
society was replaced by the peasant
militia of later vedic society
31. Which of the following pairs is not
correctly matched?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Codes
A B C D E
A B C D E
(a) 3 2 1 5 4 (b) 1 3 4 5 2
(c) 5 4 2 3 1 (d) 3 2 5 1 4
Brahmana

given below
(Vedic Name)
Vitasta
Asikni
Parusni
Satadru
Vipasa
A.
B.
C.
D.
(Era)
Vikrama era
Saka era
Gupta era
Kali era
List II
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
(Reckoned from)
3102 BC
AD 320
AD 78
58 BC
AD 248
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 2 4 5 1
(b) 1 3 2 4
(c) 4 5 2 3
(d) 4 3 2 1
35. Which is the correct meaning of the term
rule of primogeniture?
(NDA/NA 2012)
(a) Favourite son inhiting his father s
estat
(b) Eidest son inheriting his father s
estate
(c) Division of the inheritance amongst
all the sons
(d) Divisions of the inheritance amongst
all the sons and daughters
36. Which one of the following was initially
the most powerful city State of India in
the 6th century BC?
(a) Gandhar
(b) Kamboj
(c) Kashi
(d) Magadh
37. Which one of the following was a
corporation of merchants in ancient India?
(a) Parishad
(b) Chaturvedimangalam
(c) Ashtadikgaja
(d) Manigrama
17. (d)
27. (d)
37. (d)
18. (c)
28. (c)
38. (a)
19. (b)
29. (d)
20. (d)
30. (a)
21. (c)
31. (c)

38. The river most mentioned in early Vedic
literature is
(a) Sindhu
(b) Sutudri
(c) Saraswati
(d) Ganga
39. The following map shows four of the
sixteen mahajanapadas that existed in
ancient India
A
B
The places marked A, B, C, and D

respectively are
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
(a) Matsya, Cedi, Kosala, Anga

(b) Surasena, Avanti, Vatsa, Magadha
(c) Matsya, Avanti, Vatsa, Anga
(d) Surasena, Cedi, Kosala, Magadha
The famous grammarian Panini hailed from
which of the following mahajanapadas?
(a) Gandhara
(b) Kamboja
(c) Vatsa
(d) Avanti
Which of the following provides the
correct sequence of dynasties ruling at
Magadha?
(a) Brihdratha, Harayanka, Shisunaga, Nanda
(b) Harayanka, Brihdratha, Shisunaga,
Nanda
(c) Harayanka,
Shisunaga,
Nanda,
Brihdratha
(d) Brihdratha, Shisunaga, Harayanka,
Nanda
Which of the following kings of Magadha
transferred the capital from Girivraja to
Pataliputra permanently?
(a) Ajatshatru
(b) Shisunaga
(c) Kalashoka
(d) None of these
In the context of Indian society, which one
of the following terms does not belong to
the category of the other three?
(a) Kula (b) Vamsa (c)Kosa (d) Gotra
Tundiyas and Akasias were the royal
officers connected with which of the
following works?
(a) Supervision of ganikas
(b) Supervision of mints
(c) Tax collection
(d) Judicial pronouncements
Which one among the following is not a
characteristic of Rig-Vedic Aryans? (CDS 2011)
(a) They were acquainted with horses,
chariots and the use of bronze
(b) They were acquainted with the use of
iron
(c) They were acquainted with the cow,
which formed the most important form
of wealth
(d) They were acquainted with the use of
copper and the modern ploughshare
46. The Buddhist Law or Doctrine of Karma

meant
(a) a man reaps what he sows
(b) every individual is the maker of his
own destiny
(c) prayers to a God or Gods alone
cannot change the destiny of man
correctly describe the difference between
a chaitya and stupa?
(a) Chaitya is a place of prayers/worship
while stupa is an architectural term
for a mound containing a relic of the
Buddha and later on of leading
Buddhist saints
(b) Chaitya is a place of prayers/worship
while stupa is a religious term
(c) Chaityas were constructed by the
monasteries while stupas were
constructed by the kings and rich
merchants
(d) Chaityas represent Mahayanism and
stupas Hinayanism
48. On which of the following points both
Brahmanism and Buddhism are in
agreement with each other?
(a) On the right of the king to receive
taxes
(b) On the right of the king to supervise
religious centre
(c) On the social categories based on
varma and jati
(d) On the issue of non-killing
49. Which of the following pairs indicating
the contents of the sacred Buddhist
pitakas is not correctly matched?
(a) Vinaya Pitaka : Rules of monastic
discipline
(b) Abhidhamma Pitaka : Philosophical
development
of
the
Buddhas
teachings
(c) Sutta Pitaka : Stories of Buddhas
previous births (Jataka stories)
(d) Dhamma pada : The original sermon
of the Buddha at Sarnath

Asseration (A) and Reason (R). In the
context of the two statements, which of the
following is correct?
Codes
50. Assertion (A) The merchants, called
Setthis, made handsome gifts to Gautama
Buddha and his disciples.
Reason (R) Gautama Buddha and his
disciples preached non-violence, which
would put an end to wars and promote
trade and commerce.
(CDS 2004)

Buddhist
Council
A.
B.
First
Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
Codes
(a) A-a-(i)-1
(b) A-b-(iii)-1
(c) A-d-(i)-2
(d) A-d-(i)-1
Place
a. Rajagriha
b. Vaishali
Chairman
(i) Maha Kassapa
(ii) Sabbakarni
1. Vinaya and Dhamma Pitaka compiled

2. Permanent split of Buddhist Church
into sthaviras and mahasanghikas
c. Pataliputra (iii) Moggaliputta Tissa 3. Abhidhamma Pitaka compiled
d. Kashmir
(iv) Vasumitra
4. Division into Mahayana and Hinayana
B-b-(ii)-2
B-a-(ii)-2
B-b-(iii)-1
B-a-(ii)-2
C-c-(iii)-3
C-c-(i)-4
C-a-(ii)-3
C-b-(iii)-4
52. In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisatva

Avalokitesvar was also known as
(a) Vajrapani
(b) Manjusri
(c) Padmapani
(d) Maitreya
53. Which of the following was the factor
behind Magadhan supremacy?
(a) Geographical
positionGanga,
Gandak and Ghaghra in North and
son in South and capital city Rajgriha
fortified with five hills
(b) Fertile soil and abundance of Iron ore
(c) Both a and b
(d) None of the above
54. Who among the following was a
contemporary of Gautam Buddha? (NDA 2009)
(a) Nagarjuna
(b) Kanishka
(c) Kautilya
(d) Mahavir
matched?
1. Kumarajiva
: Buddhist scholar of Indian

origin who propogated
Madhyamika Buddhism in
China
2. Mahavamsa : Non canonical work of
Buddhism
provinding
information on history of
India and Sri Lanka
3. Digha
: Contains
Nikaya of
Mahaparinibbna-Sutta,
Sutta Pitaka
which is detailed account
of the last days of Buddha
4. Khuddaka
: Contains Jataka stories
Nikaya
dealing with previous
births of Buddha

given below
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
56. The concept of eight-fold path forms the
theme of
(a) Dipavamsa
(b) Divyavadana
(c) Mahaparinibban Sutta
(d) Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta
39. (c)
49. (d)
59. (c)
40. (a)
50. (b)
Development
41. (c)
51. (a)
42. (c)
52. (c)
43. (c)
53. (c)
D-d-(iv)-4
D-d-(iv)-3
D-c-(iv)-4
D-c-(iv)-3
57. Milindapanho is in the form of a dialogue

between the king Menander and the
Buddhist monk
(a) Nagasena
(b) Nagarjuna
(c) Nagabhatta
(d) Kumarilabhatta
58. According to the Buddha, the cause of all
human sorrows is trishna which means
(a) desire for worldly things
(b) desire for material enjoyments and
worldly things
(c) worldly attachments
(d) hyperactivity of mind
(CDS 2001)
List I
List II
(Events related
to Buddha)
A. Birth of Buddha
B. Enlightenment
C. First Sermon
(Place)
1. Bodh Gaya
2. Lumbini
3. Kusinagar (or
D. Death of
4. Sarnath
Kasia)
Buddha
5. Rajgriha
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 2 1 3 4
(b) 1 3 4 5
(c) 2 1 4 3
(d) 4 2 5 3
60. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a
ceremony called Pavarana used to be
held. It was the
(IAS 2002)
(a) occasion
to
elect
the
Sanghaparinayaka and two speakers
one on Dhamma and the other on
Vinaya
(b) confession by monks of their offences
committed during their stay in the
monasteries during the rainy season
(c) ceremony of initiation of new person
into the Buddhist Sangha in which
the head is shaved and when yellow
robes are offered
44. (c)
54. (d)
45. (b)
55. (d)
46. (d)
56. (d)
47. (a)
57. (a)
48. (a)
58. (b)

(d) gathering of Buddhist monks on the
next day to the full-Moon day of
Ashadha when they take up a fixed
abode for the next four months of
rainy season
1. The Buddhists in Deccan excavated

rock-cut Chaityas and the Vaishnavas,
Shaivas and Jainas imitated these in
later centuries.
2. The Vaishnavas, Shaivas and Jainas
excavated temples at sites far distant
from rock-cut Chaityas.
is/are correct?
(NDA 2011)
68.
69.
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
62. In Buddhism, what does Patiomokkha
stand for?
(CDS 2009)
(a) A description of Mahayana Buddhism
(b) A description of Hinayana Buddhism
(c) The rules of the Sangha
(d) The questions of king Menander
63. Consider the following kings
1. Ajatshatru
2. Bimbisara
3. Prasenjit
Which
of
these
was/were
the
contemporary/contemporaries of Gautam
Buddha?
(CDS 2003)
64.
65.
66.
67.
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Which one of the following is not a part of
early Jain literature?
(a) Therigatha
(b) Acarangasutra
(c) Sutrakritanga
(d) Brihatkalpasutra
The concept of Anuvrata was advocated
by
(a) Mahayana Buddhism
(b) Hinayana Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) the Lokayukta School
Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious
event, is associated with and done for
who of the following?
(IAS 2009)
(a) Bahubali
(b) Buddha
(c) Mahavir
(d) Nataraja
Among the following who is given the
credit of carrying Jainism in South India?
(CDS 2008)
(a) Sudharmana
(c) Bhadrabahu
(b) Indrabhuti
(d) Sthulabhadra

Assertion (A) and Reason (R). In the
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true, but R is the
70.
71.

Assertion (A) The emphasis of Jainism on
non-violence
(ahimsa)
prevented
agriculturalists from embracing Jainism.
Reason (R) Cultivation involved killing of
insects and pests.
The Jainas believe the Jainism is the
outcome of the teachings of twenty four
Tirthankaras. In the light of this statement
which one among the following is correct
of Vardhamana Mahavira?
(CDS 2011)
(a) He was the first Tirthankara and the
founder of Jainism
(b) He was the twenty third Tirthankara,
the first twenty two Tirthankaras
being considerd legendary
(c) He was the last and twenty fourth
Tirthankara, who was not considered
as the founder of the new faith but a
reformer of the existing religious sect
(d) He was not one of the twenty four
Tirthankaras
Which one of the following statements is
not correct?
(IAS 2002)
(a) The statue of Gomateshwara at
Sravanabelagola represents the last
Tirthankara of Jains
(b) Indias largest Buddhist monastery is
in Arunachal Pradesh
(c) The Khajuraho temples were built
under Chandela kings
(d) The Hoysalesvara temple is dedicated
to Siva
Which of the following were common to
both Buddhism and Jainism?
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance

and enjoyment.
2. Indifference to the authority of the vedas.
3. Denial of efficacy of rituals.
4. Non-injury to animal life.
given below
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 2
72. With reference to ancient Jainism, which
one of the following statements is
correct?
(IAS 2004)
(a) Jainism was spread in South India
under the leadership of Sthulabahu
(b) The Jainas who remained under the
leadership of Bhadrabahu were called
Shvetambaras after the Council held
at Pataliputra
(c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the
Kalinga king Kharavela in the first
century BC
(d) In the initial stage of Jainism, the
Jainas worshipped images unlike
Buddhists

73. Consider the following
regarding Jainism
statements
1. The Jain philosophy holds that the

world is created and maintained by
universal law.
2. Anekantvada is a core theory and
philosophy of Jainism.
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Samyak Shradha/Viswas (Right faith),

Samyak Jnan (Right Knowledge) and
Samyak Karma/Acharana (Right
action/conduct) are the triratnas of
Jainism.
2. Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha
and Brahmacharya are the Panch
Mahavaratas of Jainism.
3. In the 1st Jain Council (300 BC) at
Pataliputra under the Chairmanship of
Sthulabhadra,
12
Angas
were
compiled.
4. In the 2nd Jain Council (AD 512) at
Vallabhi under the Chairmanship of
Devardhi Kshmasramana, 12 Angas
and 12 Upangas were finally compiled.
Which of the statements given above are
correct?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) All of these
75. With
which
religion
is
Kaivalya
associated?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Hiduism
(d) Sikhism
76. Buddha did not recognise
1. idol worship
2. existence of soul after death
3. sacrifice
given below
(a) 1 and 3
(b) Only 1
(c) 2 and 3
60. (b)
70. (a)
80. (d)
61. (a)
71. (b)
81. (d)
62. (c)
72. (c)
82. (a)
77. Relics of Buddha are preserved in a

(a) Vihara
(b) Chaitya
(c) Stupa
(d) Monastery
78. The famous Indo-Greek king who
embraced Buddhism was
(a) Strato I
(b) Menander
(c) Demetrius
(d) Alexander
79. The meaning ofBuddhais
(a) anything beyond God
(b) soul after death
(c) the enlighted one
(d) the ultimate path for Moksha
80. Rigveda is divided into 10 books. Which
among the following book(s) is/are the
oldest?
(a) First
(b) Second - Eight
(c) Third - Ninth
(d) Second - Seventh
81. The Gayatri Mantra contained in the
Rigveda is dedicated to which deity?
(a) Agni
(b) Marut
(c) Surya
(d) Savitri
82. The learned lady who is said to have
debated the famous law giver Yajna
valkya was
(a) Gargi
(b) Maitreyi
(c) Kamala
(d) Kalindi
83. Which one among the following
principles was not propagated by the
Theosophical Society?
(CDS 2012)
(a) Belief at Karma and Rebirth
(b) Belief in Universal Brotherhood and
Humanity
(c) Belief in Vedantic Philosophy
(d) Belief
in
the
Eradication
of
Untouchability
According to Hindu Law, marriage is

defined as
1. a contract
2. a sacrament
3. mutual understanding 4. indissoluble
is/are correct?
(CDS 2012)
(a) Only 1
(c) 1 and 3
63. (d)
73. (c)
83. (d)
64. (a)
74. (d)
84. (b)
65. (c)
75. (b)
66. (a)
76. (d)
(b) Only 2
(d) 2 and 4
67. (c)
77. (c)
68. (a)
78. (b)
69. (c)
79. (c)
3Mauryan and Post Mauryan

Period
1. Statement I Lomash Rishi and Sudama
caves in the Barabar hills, modelled on
wooden architectural proto types, are
examples of the earliest cave architecture
in India.
Statement II Barabar hills caves were
dedicated by Chandragupta Maurya to
Ajivika monks.
(SBI PO 2012)
Codes
Statement
II
is
the
correct
(b) Both the Statements are true, but
statement II is not the correct
is false
is true
2. The highly polished monolithic Ashokan
pillars were carved out of single pieces of
a buff-coloured sandstone, usually mined
from the quarries of
(NDA 2012)
(a) Chunar near Mirzapur
(b) Lauriya in Nandangarh
(c) Sarnath near Varanasi
(d) Udayagiri near Bhubaneshwar
3. TheArthasastrais a treatise on which
one of the following?
(a) Economics
(b) Environment
(c) Political Philosophy
(d) Religion in Administration
Chandragupta Maurya
1. Chandragupta Maurya abdicated the

throne in his old age and followed the
Jain Saint Bhadrabahu to the South.
2. Justin has stated that Chandragupta
Maurya as a young man had met
Alexander face to face in Punjab.
3. The
Greek
sources
mention
Chandragupta Maurya as Sandrocottus
and Androcottus.
4. The Buddhist sources regard him as a
Kshatriya of the Maurya clan.

is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) All of these
statements about Ashokan Edicts is
correct?
(CDS 2011)
(a) The Pillar Edicts were located in all
parts of the empire
(b) The Edicts give details of his personal
concerns but are silent on events of
the empire
(c) The subject of inscribed matter on
Rock Edicts differs completely with
that of the Pillar Edicts
(d) The Greek or Aramaic Edicts are
versions or translations of the texts
used in other Edicts
6. Which one of the following is not correctly
matched?
(CDS 2006)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Ruler
Bimbisara
Bindusara
Agnimitra
Shashanka
:
:
:
:
Dynasty
Magadha
Maurya
Sunga
Kanva
1. Mudra Rakshasa, Parisishta Parvan

(Jain) and Mahavamsa (Buddhist)
describes Chandragupt Mauryas war
with Nanda King Dhanananda.
2. Junagarh Rock Edict of Rudradaman
mentions
about
Chandragupta
Mauryas conquest of Western India
(Saurashtra).
3. Chandragupta Maurya conquered
Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra
region of South but not Kalinga.
4. Jain text Parishisthaparvan describes
that Chandragupta embraced Jainism
towards the end of his life.
is/are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(d) All of these

8. Consider the following passage and
identify the three tribal principalities
referred to therein using the codes given
below
In the early history of the far South in India,

three tribal principalities are mentioned in
Ashokan inscriptions of the 3rd century BC
and in Kharavela inscription of the 1st
century BC.
(CDS 2011)
(a) Vakatakas, Cholas and Satvahanas
(b) Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras
(c) Ikshvakus, Vakatakas and Pandyas
(d) Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas
9. Which one of the following is the correct
chronological order of the given rulers of
ancient India?
(NDA 2007)
(a) AshokaKanishkaMilinda
(b) MilindaAshokaKanishka
(c) AshokaMilindaKanishka
(d) MilindaKanishkaAshoka
Ashoka's edicts and inscriptions
1. Kharosthi script was used in the two

Northern Major Rock Edicts at
Mansehra and Shahbazgarhi.
2. Meerut and Topara pillar inscriptions
were shifted to Delhi.
3. In the Queens Edict Ashoka ordered
that Who soever monk or nun breaks
up the Sangha, after being clothed in
white garments, shall take up abode in
a place other than a monastery.
4. Ashokas son Tivara and his second wife
Karuwaki is mentioned in his Edicts.
is/are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1, 2, and 4
11. The notion of saptanga that was introduced
in Arthashastra includes
(NDA 2010)
(a) kings, territory, administration and
treasury
(b) music, dance, ragas and wrestling
(c) ministers, civil servants, subalterns
and those involved in Espionage
(d) aristocrats, acharyas, traders and
monks
12. The
Ashtadhyayi
of
Panini,
the
Mahabhashya of Patanjali and the Kashika
Vritti of Jayaditya deal with
(CDS 2001)
(a) Principles of Law
(b) Principles of Phonetics
(c) Principles of Grammar
(d) Principles of Linguistics
1. (b)
11. (a)
2. (c)
12. (c)
3. (c)
13. (d)
4. (d)
14. (d )
5. (b)
15. (b)
13. Which of the following is/are correctly

matched?
(a) Divyavadan : non-Indian Buddhist
texts built around the
personality of Asoka
(b) Dionysius : Envoy of Egyptian
King Ptolemy
Philadelphos in the
Mauryan court
(c) Deimachos : replaced
Megasthenese as the
ambasador of Syrian
King (Antiochus I
soter, son of Seleucus
Nikator) in the court of
Bindusara
14. The ancient Indian play Mudrarakshasa of
Vishakhadutt has its subject on (IAS 2002)
(a) a conflict between Gods and Demons
of ancient Hindu lore
(b) a romantic story of an Aryan Prince
and a tribal woman
(c) the story of the power struggle
between two Aryan tribes
(d) the court intrigues at the time of
Chandragupta Maurya
15. The head of a district (Ahara), the
principal coordinator of the revenue and
the officer in charge of general and
military functions in his jurisdiction
during Mauryan Empire was known as
(a) Krori
(b) Rajuka (CDS 2009)
(c) Foujdar
(d) Chirastadar
16. Which one of the following ancient Indian
records is the earliest royal order to
preserve food-grains to be utilised during
the crisis in the country?
(IAS 1998)
(a) Sohagaura Copper-Plate
(b) Rummindei pillar-Edict of Ashoka
(c) Prayaga-Prasasti
(d) Mehrauli
Pillar
inscription
of
Chandra
17. Which of the following is considered to be
the controversial part of the treaty of 303BC
between Chandragupta and Seleucus?
(a) Seleucus surrendered his large
territories to Chandragupta
(b) Chandragupta made a gift of
500 elephants to Seleucus
(c) Seleucus gave his daughter in
marriage to Chandragupta
(d) A Greek envoy (Megasthenese) was a
credited to the Mauryan court at
Patliputra
18. The name Dharmasoka was found in the
(a) Maski Edict
(CDS 2003)
(b) Junagarh Inscription
(c) Sarnath Inscription
(d) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
6. (d)
16. (a)
7. (d)
17. (c)
8. (b)
18. (c)
9. (c)
10. (d)

19. The first major event of the reign of
Ashoka was the Kalinga War and conquest
of Kalinga. Which of the following was the
actual cause of Kalinga War?
(a) Kalinga was a thorn in the
body-politic of the empire
(b) Ashoka wished to control both the
land and sea routes to South India
(c) Kalinga Posed a threat to the Mauryan
possessions in Andhra and Bengal
Ashoka
s Dhamma
1. Non injury, restraint in behaviour and

equal treatment to all, constitutes the
doctrinal aspects of dhamma.
2. Fear of sin does not constitute the
doctrinal aspects.
3. Doing less sins and more good are the
two essential constituents of Dhamma.
Which of the statements given above are
correct?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) All of these
(CDS 2003)
List I
(Ruler)
A.
B.
C.
D.
List II
(Title)
Ashoka
1. Vikramaditya
Kanishka
2. Kalinga Chakravarti
Kharavela
3. Mahendraditya
Kumaragupta 4. Devaputra
5. Priyadarshi
Codes
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 5
(b) 5 4 2 1
(c) 2 1 4 3
(d) 5 4 2 3
22. Ashoka himself considered his policy of
Dhamma as
(a) the essence of original Buddhism as
preached by the Buddha
(b) a way of life which was both practical
and convenient as well as highly
moral
(c) the ideal of virtuous life based on
moral teachings of various thinkers
(d) the essence of all religions or the
common religion of mankind
23. In
social
matters
Ashoka
s
most
revolutionary concept was
(a) proper behaviour to slaves, servants,
elders, etc
(b) his opposition to wasteful social rituals
and ceremonies at marriages, births,
journeys etc
(c) Both a and b
24. Which Rock Edict of Ashoka provides a

description of the horrors of Kalinga War?
(a) 13th Rock Edict
(CDS 2007)
(b) Kalinga Edict at Dhauli
(c) The Edict at Jaugada
(d) 10th Rock Edict
25. Inspite of his gradual conversion to
Buddhism and the concept of Dhamma
Vijaya, Ashoka was not a total pacifist.
Which of the following does not confirm
this view?
(a) He felt sorry for the suffering caused
by Kalinga war, but did not give up
the conquered territory
(b) After the conquest of Kalinga, Ashoka
consolidated his Southern conquests
(c) In dealing with the trouble some
forest tribes he clearly recognised the
possibility of the use of force
(d) He did not abolish the capital
punishment and granted only a brief
reprieve to the condemned prisoners
26. Which of the following administrative
measures was not taken up by Ashoka?
(a) The practice of royal tours visit of
officers once in 5 years
(b) Issuing of code of conduct to his
officials
(c) To save people from miscarriage of
justice
(d) Release of the convicts on the mercy
petition moved by his ministers
27. Which of the following was the single
most important social malady of Ashoka
s
period, to eliminate which he expounded
the policy of Dhamma?
(a) Growing materialism
(b) Rigidity of the caste system
(c) Social tension and sectarian conflicts
(d) Wasteful ritualism of Brahmanical
practice
28. Which of the following statements about
the Mauryan relations with Sri Lanka is
not correct?
(a) The coming of Mahendra and
Sangha Mitra to Sri Lanka was the
first official contact between the two
countries
(b) The King of Sri Lanka, Tissa, adopted
the title of Devanapiya and appears
to have modelled himself on Ashoka
(c) There were frequent exchanges of
gifts and envoys
(d) Tissa, the Sinhalese King, accepted
Buddhism and appears to have made
it the state religion
29. Who of the following dedicated the caves
in Nagarjuni hills to the Ajivikas?
(a) Kunala
(b) Dasharatha
(c) Samprati
(d) Indrapalit

List I
Codes
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
A
5
3
5
5
B
3
1
1
1
C
2
2
2
4
D
4
6
3
3
E
1
4
4
2
F
6
5
6
6
31. Which of the following is/are correctly

matched?
Name of the
Official
Duty
1. Sannidhata
2. Samaharta
: Chief treasury officer

: Collector general of
revenue
3. Yukta
: Subordinate
revenue
officer at the district level
4. Gopa
: Responsible to
accounts
5. Sitaadhyaksha : Supervised agriculture

given below
(a) 1, 3, and 5
(b) 2, 3 and 5
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(d) All of these
32. On the death of Ashoka, the empire was
probably divided into the Western and
Eastern halves. The successor in Western
and Eastern half respectively were
(a) Kunala and Dasaratha
(b) Dasaratha and Kunala
(c) Samprati and Shalishuka
(d) Shalishuka and Samprati
19. (a)
29. (b)
20. (d)
30. (c)
List I
(Province)
List II
(Major Rock
(Content)
Edict of
Ashoka)
A. Rock Edict
1. Prohibition of animal
XIII
sacrifices and festive
gatherings
B. Rock Edict I 2. Appointment of
Dhamma Mahamatras
and their duties
C. Rock Edict V 3. System of
Dhamma-Yatras
D. Rock Edict
4. Conquest through
VIII
dhamma instead of war
(Bherighosa to
Dhammaghosa)
E. Rock Edict X 5. Kalinga war, mentions
5 contemporary Greek
Kings
F. Rock Edict
6. Need and appeal for
VII and XII
tolerance among all
religious sects
21. (d)
31. (d)
22. (b)
32. (a)
23. (c)
33. (b)
List II
(Capital)
A. Uttar patha (Northern)

1. Taxila
B. Avantirashtra (Western) 2. Ujjain
C. Prachi (Eastern and
3. Patliputra
Central)
D. Kalinga (Eastern)
E. Dakshinapatha
4. Toshali
5. Suvarnagiri
(Southern)
Codes
A B C D E
A B C D E
(a) 2 1 3 4 5 (b) 1 2 3 4 5
(c) 4 3 1 5 2 (d) 4 1 2 5 3
34. Which of the following supposed causes
of decline and disintegration of the
Mauryan empire is most likely?
(a) Succession of weak kings and
partition of empire after Ashoka
(b) Military inactivity on account of
Ashokas pacifist policies
(c) Brahmanical revolt against the pro
buddhist policy of Ashoka
35. Who among the following scholars were
contemporary of Kanishka?
1. Ashvaghosa
2. Nagarjuna
3. Vasumitra
4. Chanakya
Select the correct answer using the code
given below
(CDS 2012)
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 4
(d) 1, 2 and 3
the Mauryan Kings is not correct?
(a) They
had
extensive
powers
encompassing
administrative,
judicial and legislative functions
(b) They laid claim to divinity
(c) Appointments to the most important
offices were made by the ruler himself
(d) The kings often laid down codes of
regulation for the guidance of their
officers and the people
37. Which one of the following Mauryan
Province had a foreign governor
(GreekYavana)?
(a) Southern Province
(b) Eastern Province
(c) Western Province
(d) Saurashtra Province
38. The destruction of the Mauryan Empire was
followed by a series of invasions, and the
first to invade India were the
(CDS 2004)
(a) Bactrian-Greeks (b) Parthians
(c) Kushanas
(d) Shakas
24. (a)
34. (d)
25. (b)
35. (d)
26. (d)
36. (b)
27. (c)
37. (d)
28. (a)
38. (a)

matched?
Officer
Duty
(a) Ithijhakha
: Super intendence
Mahamattas
of women
(b) Amatyas
: Mauryan civil
servants
(c) Pativedakas : Special reporters
who had direct
access to the king
Antamahamatta is not correct?
(a) These officers worked among the
frontier and less civilised tribes
(b) They were responsible for acquanting
the border people with the principle of
Dhamma
(c) In times of emergency they worked as
wardens of frontiers
(d) It is quite likely that their duties
included the collection of toll duties
41. According to the Junagarh Rock
inscription of Rudraman, during the reign
of one of the following rulers, a dam was
built on the Sudarshan lake to facilitate
water supply to the neighbouring country
side in Saurashtra. The ruler was
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Ashoka
(d) Dasharatha
42. Kautilya classified the spies into
(a) SansthahStationary spies
(b) SancharahWandering spies
(c) Both a and b
(d) Gudha purushaSecret agents
43. Megasthenese states that Indian society
was divided into seven classes, namely,
philosophers,
farmers,
herdsmen,
artisans,
soldiers,
overseers
and
councilors. This division was based on
what consideration?
(a) Social
(b) Economic
(c) Political
(d) Religious
44. Which of the following gives the correct
order of the first three Varnas according
to their importance during the Mauryan
period?
(a) Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas
(b) Vaisyas, Brahmins, Kshatriyas
(c) Kshatriyas, Brahmins, Vaisyas
(d) Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Brahmins
45. According to the indigenous sources,
including Ashokan Epigraphs, slavery
existed in India during Mauryan period,
but Megasthenese said, all Indians are
free and not one of them is a slave. On
what grounds did he infer so?
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
(a) Their status were not much different

from hired labourers
(b) They could own property and also
earn for themselves
(c) In some cases they could also buy
back their freedom
(d) Both b and c
Which one of the following statements
about the guilds of the Mauryan period is
not correct?
(a) They had developed into fairly large
organisations
(b) They were registered by local officals
and had a recognised status
(c) They could move from one area to
another without any hindrance
(d) They often served the purpose of
modern banks
Which of the following statements about
trade regulations in the Mauryan period is
not correct?
(a) There was general control over
process and profits
(b) The sale of merchandise was strictly
supervised by the state
(c) The
general
tax
levied
on
merchandise was fixed at one tenth
(d) The state directly employed some of
the artisans, such as armourers,
ship-builders etc
The entire fourth book of Kautilyas
Arthashastra deals with Kantaka Sodhana,
which means
(a) the suppression of criminals and
other anti social elements
(b) criminal justice
(c) Both a and b
(d) Intelligence and espionage
The five Hellinic kings all contemporaries
of Ashoka, found mentioned in Rock Edict
XIII are
(a) Antiochus,
Ptolemy,
Antigonus,
Magas and Alexander
(b) Antiochus, Arrian, Appian, Plutarch
and Magas
(c) Antiochus,
Nearchus,
Hercules,
Magas and Alexander
(d) Diogenes,
Hercules,
Diodotus,
Magas and Alexander
Consider the following statements
1. The Gandhara art of the Peshawar

Valley is known for some of the finest
sculptures made in dark grey schist.
2. The Kushanas were the first Indian
Kings to have portraits of themselves
made in their shrines.
is/are correct?
(CDS 2008)
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

List I
A.
B.
C.
D.
List II
(Dynasty)
Satvahana
Shunga
Saka
Tocharian
1.
2.
3.
4.
(King)
Maues
Pushyamitya
Simuka
Kujula Kadphises
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 2 1 4 3
(b) 1 2 3 4
(c) 3 2 1 4
(d) 2 3 4 1
52.
Use of white marble, long legs and slender
frames, human beings as central characters
and prominence of kings, princess and
palaces
were the characteristic features of
which one of the following ancient art
forms of India?
(CDS 2010)
(a) Amaravati School of Art
(b) Gandhara School of Art
(c) Mathura School of Art
(d) Pahari School of Art
1. Kalinganagar was the ancient Indian

city destroyed by cyclone.
2. Charsada and Taxila are described as
caravan cities in the post Mauryan
context.
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
54. Consider the following statements (IAS 2003)
1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha

was assassinated by his commanderin-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.
2. The last Sunga King, Devabhuti was
assassinated by his Brahmana
minister Vasudeva Kanva who
usurped the throne.
3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty
was deposed by the Andhras.
is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) Only 3
(d) All of these
1. Shungas issued the first Indian cast

coins.
2. Shungas retained the title of senapati
even after becoming the ruling dynasty.
3. Patanjali was the chief priest in the
Asvamedha Yajna performed by
Pushyamitra.
is/are correct?
39. (d)
49. (a)
59. (b)
40. (c)
50. (c)
60. (d)
41. (a)
51. (c)
61. (c)
42. (c)
52. (a)
43. (b)
53. (c)
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these
56. Which one of the following was a Saiva
sect in ancient India?
(IAS 1996)
(a) Ajivika
(b) Mattamayura
(c) Mayamata
(d) Isana siva gurudeva paddhati
List I
List II
(Dynasty)
(Feature)
A. The Kushanas
1. The restorer of
B. The
varna
srama-dharma
2. First inscription in
chaste Sanskrit
3. Visit of St Thomas
Satavahanas
C. The Sakas
(Western)
D. Parthians
4. Largest number of
copper coins
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 4 1 3 2
(d) 1 2 4 3
58. With reference to the invaders in ancient
India, which one of the following is the
correct chronological order?
(IAS 2006)
(a) GreeksSakasKushans
(b) GreeksKushansSakas
(c) SakasGreeksKushans
(d) SakasKushansGreeks
59. Which of the following items were
introduced in India by the Chinese traders?
1. Vermillion (Sindoor) 2. Bamboo

3. Coconut
4. Watermelon
Choose the correct answer using the
codes given below
(a) Only 1
(b)1 and 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 4
regarding Ashokan Stone Pillars is
incorrect?
(IAS 1997)
(a) These are highly polished
(b) These are monolithic
(c) The shaft of pillars is tapering in
shape
(d) These are parts of architectural
structures
1. Naradasmriti is the earliest texts to

deal exclusively with legal matters.
2. Asvaghosa was the first dramatist to use
Sanskrit for the composition of plays.
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(c) Both 1 and 2
44. (a)
54. (d)
45. (d)
55. (d)
46. (c)
56. (a)
(b) Only 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
47. (c)
57. (b)
48. (c)
58. (a)

62. Who among the following anticipated
Newton by declaring that all things
gravitate to the Earth?
(IAS 1995)
(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Varahamihira
(c) Buddhagupta
(d) Brahmagupta
63. The rulers of which dynasty adopted titles
like Svamin, Bhadramukha, Sugrihitanaman
and Rastriya?
(a) The Shakas of Western India
(b) The Kushanas
(c) The Guptas
(d) The Ikshvakus
64. In India, the first to put forward the theory
that the Earth revolves round the Sun was
(CDS 2001)
(a) Kalhana
(b) Brahmagupta
(c) Bana
(d) Aryabhatta
65. Match the following Books, Author and
Languge and select the correct answer
using the codes given below the table
Book
Author
1. Brihatkatha A. Hala
Language
(i) Ardha-
Magadhi
2. Gatha
B. Asvaghosha (ii) Paisachi
Saptasati
3. Paumchariya C. Gunadhya (iii) Prakrit
4. Pra bodha D. Vimalasuri (iv) Sanskrit
chandodaya
Codes
(a) 1-C-(ii), 2-A-(i), 3-D-(iv), 4-B-(iii),
(b) 1-C-(i), 2-B-(ii), 3-A-(iv), 4-D-(iii),
(c) 1-C-(ii), 2-A-(iii), 3-D-(i), 4-B-(iv),
(d) 1-D-(iv), 2-C-(ii), 3-B-(i), 4-A-(iii)
66. Which one of the following Edicts mentions
the personal name of Ashoka?
(IAS 1997)
(a) Kalsi
(b) Rummindei
(c) Special Kalinga Edict
(d) Maski
67. Which of the following was not a feature
of the post Mauryan terracotta art?
(a) It was interded mainly for domestic
worship and household decoration
(b) Terracotta was the chief medium for
making childrens toys and for
popular
religious
and
magical
practices
(c) The indigenous terra cottas were
made from single moulds and double
moulds was the result of Greek
influence
(d) It was produced mainly in South
India and from there it dispersed to
other parts
68. Many of the Greeks, Kushanas and Shakas
embraced
Buddhism
rather
than
Hinduism because
(IAS 1998)
(a) Buddhism was in the ascendant at
that time
(b) they had renounced the policy of war
and violence
(c) caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract
them
(d) Buddhism provided easier access to
Indian society
69. Which one of the following is not a

feature
of
North
Indian
temple
architecture?
(CDS 2008)
(a) Sikhara
(b) Garbha Griha
(c) Gopura
(d) Pradakshina
70. In which of the following regions, the
evidence of rock-cut architecture is not
found?
(a) Karnataka
(b) Andhra
(c) Odisha
(d) Maharashtra
71. Which one of the following texts of
ancient India allows divorce to a wife
deserted by her husband?
(IAS 1996)
(a) Kamasutra
(b) Manavad harmas hastra
(c) Sukra Nitisara (d) Arthashastra
72. Which one of the following statements is
not true about the condition of slaves in
post-Mauryan period?
(a) Slaves working on the Mauryan State
farms were now in the process of being
transformed into tax-paying peasants
(b) They could not be emancipated in any case
(c) On failure of competent witnesses
even slaves could give evidence
(d) They did not have the right to acquire
property for themselves
73. Which one of the following dynasties was
ruling over North India at the time of
Alexander
s invasion?
(IAS 2000)
(a) Nanda (b) Maurya (c) Sunga (d) Kanva
74. Which one of the following is not true
about the social condition during the
(a) There is no evidence of the existence
of independent Sudra peasants
(b) Sudras could attain a higher social
status
(c) The distinctions between the sudra
and Vaisya categories were becoming
thinner
(d) The artisans and craftsmen were
largely drawn from the Sudra category
75. Which one of the following sculptures
invariably used green schist as the
medium?
(IAS 1996)
(a) Maurya sculptures
(b) Mathura sculptures
(c) Bharhut sculptures
(d) Gandhara sculptures
76. Which one of the following is not true about
the differences between Varna and Jati?
(a) The Varna are divided on the basis of
their functions whereas the Jati
hierarchy is organised on the principle
of the absolute purity of the brahmana
caste and the relative impurity of all
other castes
(b) The Varna are broad categories
subsuming within them a large number
of Jati in a rather loose fashion
(c) The Varna system operates at the
pan-India level where as Jati
generally operates at local level
(d) The Varna is a religious category
whereas Jati is a social category

77. Zero was invented by
(IAS 1995)
(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Varahamihira
(c) Bhaskara I
(d) an unknown Indian
List I
A
B
C
D
List II
Sadabhagin
Gramasamika
Strategos
Satrap
1.
2.
3.
4.
The military governor

The king
The village headman
The provincial
governor
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 2 3 1 4
(b) 1 2 3 4
(c) 4 3 1 2
(d) 1 3 4 2
about
the
Agrarian
system
of
(a) The person who brought the land
under cultivation was the owner
(b) The private individuals had limited
right to alienation of land
(c) There is no record of transfer of land
for non-religious purposes
(d) The private individuals had absolute
right over their land
1. Pulumavi IInd (Satvahavan King)

founded the town of Navanagar.
2. Yajna Satkarni, (Satvahan King) was
described as Trismudradhipati by Bana.
3. The office of Amatya and Pratiha
appears first in the inscription of
Satavahans.
is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
81. Which of the following dynasties arose
after the decline of the Satavahana
Empire?
1. The Abhiras
2. The Ikshvakus
3. The Chutus
4. The Pallavas
Choose the correct answer using the
codes given below
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 2 and 4
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) Only 2
Directions (Q.Nos. 82-86)
In the questions
given below are two statements lablled as
62. (d)
72. (b)
82. (c)
63. (a)
73. (a)
83. (a)
64. (d)
74. (b)
84. (b)
65. (c)
75. (c)
85. (a)
66. (d)
76. (d)
86. (a)

82. Assertion (A) The Aham and Puram
poems of the Padinen Kilukanakku group
formed a continuation of the Sangam
composition.
Reason (R) They were included under the
Post Sangam works as against the
Sangam works proper.
(IAS 2000)
83. Assertion (A) According to Asoka'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. (IAS 1998)
84. Assertion (A) Chandragupta Maurya
failed in his first campaign against
Magadh.
Reason (R) He did not begin with the
frontiers, but invaded the heart of
Magadh.
(CDS 2003)
85. Assertion (A) The trade between India
and the Mediterranean countries was brisk
during certain parts of the first century BC.
Reason (R) This situation arose following
the discovery of Hippalus.
86. Assertion (A) The Kushanas proclaimed
association of divine elements with the
rulers.
Reason (R) This was
done to
counterbalance the centrifugal forces
operating during the early historical
period.
87. The wordSangam is associated in
Tamil history with
(a) the literature produced during the
reign of the great Pallava dynasty of
Kanchi
(b) the poems written in praise of the
Pandyan Kings of the early Christian era
(c) the court poetry of Chola Kings who
were famous for patronizing artists
(d) a college or assembly (literary
academy) of Tamil scholars held
under the royal patronage of Pandyan
Kings at Madurai
88. Which of the following does not testify to
the impact of Aryan Culture on the
Sangam Age?
(a) Incorporation of Sanskritic ideas into
Sangam literature
(b) The anxiety to connect the local
dynasties with the events of
Mahabharata
(c) The worship of the forest tree and
animal deities
(d) The concept of mar riage as a
sacrement attended with rituals
67. (d)
77. (d)
87. (d)
68. (d)
78. (a)
88. (c)
69. (c)
79. (d)
70. (a)
80. (d)
71. (d)
81. (b)

89. The centre of Sangam literature and the
patrons of Sangam poets were
(a) the Cheras of Vanji
(b) the Cholas of Uraiyur
(c) the Pandyas of Madurai
List I
List II
(Physiographic Division)
Kurinji
Palai
Mullai
Marudam
Neytal
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
(Deity)
Korravai
Tirumal
Vendan
Varunan
Murugan
Codes
A B C D E
A B C D E
(a) 1 2 3 5 4 (b) 4 3 1 2 5
(c) 5 1 2 3 4 (d) 4 3 5 2 1
91. Frequent allusions to the Romaka
Siddhanta and Paulisa Siddhanta, by the
great Indian astronomer Varahmihira,
indicate
(a) Roman
influence
on
Indian
astronomy
(b) knowledge of Roman geography
(c) adoption of Western astronomical
terms by the Indian astronomers
(d) close interaction between Romans
and Indian astronomers
the social structure of the Sangam Age is
not correct?
(a) The difference in the status and
economic
conditions
was
well
accepted and rarely challenged by
the people
(b) Sangam literature mentions three
regular Varnas, namely, Brahmins,
Kshatriyas and Vaisyas
(c) There were four castes namely,
Tudiyan,
Panar,
Paraiyan
and
Kadamban
(d) People
were
organised
into
professional social groups living apart
from one another
93. Which of the following non-Aryan social
beliefs has been continuing in Tamil Nadu
since the Sangam Age?
(a) Children wearing an ornament on
which the five weapons of Tirumala
are punched
(b) Wearing of Tali by bride or married
woman
(c) Shaving the head of the widows
(d) Offering a ball of cooked rice of the
departed soul
89. (c)
99. (d)
90. (c)
91. (a)
92. (b)
93. (b)
94. During the Sangam Age a tutelary tree

called Kadimaram or Kavalmaram was
planted by the rulers at a central place in
the town and they took great care to
protect the tree because
(a) it was believed that the tree had
power to protect the town
(b) the destruction of the tree was
symbolic of the defeat of the ruler
(c) Both a and b
(d) the tree was symbolic of dynastic
growth
1. At Puhar of Kaveripumpattinam, a
great festival, described vividly by
Sangam epics was held in honour of
Lord Indra.
2. The Goddess Kannagi of Sangam age
was the Goddess of chastity.
is/are correct?
96.
97.
98.
99.
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
In which of the following texts was the
first mention of sage Krishna, son of
Devaki made
(a) Bhagavata Purana
(b) Mahabharata
(c) Chhandogya Upanishad
(d) Atharvaveda
Which of the following kinds of devotion
isPrimary
Devotionaccording
to
Bhagavatism?
(a) Devotion of total detachment
(b) Devotion of the inquisitive
(c) Devotion of the distressed
(d) Unmotivated and selfless devotion
Bhagavatim has been regarded as a
completely democratic religion because
(a) it opened the portals of salvation to
all irrespective of caste, creed or sex
(b) it preached a simple religion in the
language of the masses
(c) it was totally non-ritualistic religion
emphasising only individuals devotion
(d) it was free from high sounding
philosophical speculations
Ashokan inscriptions of Mansehra and
Shahbazgadhi are written in
(CDS 2012)
(a) Prakrit language, Kharoshthi script
(b) Prakrit language, Brahmi script
(c) Prakrit language, Brahmi script
(d) Aramic language, Kharoshthi script
94. (c)
95. (c)
96. (c)
97. (d)
98. (a)
4Gupta and Post Gupta Period

1. Arrange the following ruling dynasties of
ancient India in correct chronological
order.
(HP PSC 2012)
1. Mauryas
3. Nandas
1. Ashvaghosa
2. Nagarjuna
3. Vasumitra
4. Chanakya
given below
(CDS 2012)
2. Guptas
4. Kushans
Codes
(a) 4, 2, 1, 3
(b) 2, 3, 4, 1
(c) 3, 1, 4, 2
(d) 3, 2, 4, 1
2. Who among the following took the title of
Vikramaditya?
(CDS 2004)
(a) Chandragupta I (b) Chandragupta II
(c) Samudragupta (d) Skandagupta
about Chandragupta II is not correct?
7.
8.
(NDA 2009)
(a) Kalidas and Amarsingh were famous

scholars in his court
(b) He expanded his empire both
through matrimonial alliances and
conquests
(c) He married a Naga princess, named
Kubera Naga
(d) He married his daughter Prabhawati
to an Ahom prince
List I
List II
(Dynasty)
The Maghas
The Vakatakas
The Rashtrakutas
Dakshina Kosal
The Nalas
(Capital City)
Chanaka
Manapura
Kaushambi
Pushkari
Shripura
A.
1.
B.
2.
C.
3.
D.
4.
E.
5.
Codes
A B C D E
A B C D E
(a) 3 1 5 2 4 (b) 1 2 3 4 5
(c) 3 1 2 5 4 (d) 1 2 5 4 3
5. In which one of the following are
Samudragupta
s achivements mentioned?
9.
10.
11.
(CDS 2007)
(a) Allahabad Pillar Inscription

(b) Junagadh Rock Inscription
(c) Mehrauli Iron Pillar Inscription
(d) Hathigumpha Edict
6. Who among the following scholars were
contemporary of Kanishka?
1. (c)
11. (d)
2. (b)
12. (b)
3. (d )
4. (c)
5. (a)
12.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 4
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ibn Batuta's work, Rihla completed in
1355, is
(IBPS PO 2012)
(a) an autobiography
(b) an account of the Delhi sultans from
Aibek to Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq
(c) a religious text
(d) an account of trade with Morocco
The first major inscription in classical
Sanskrit is that of
(CDS 2005)
(a) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
(b) Kanishka I
(c) Rudradaman
(d) Samudragupta
In the Gupta age, Varahamihira wrote the
famous book, Brihat Samhita. It was a
treatise on
(IBPS PO 2012)
(a) astronomy
(b) statecraft
(c) ayurvedic system of medicine
(d) economics
Fahien
s mission to India was to (CDS 2009)
(a) learn about the administrative system
of the Gupta kings
(b) understand the social position of
women during the Gupta period
(c) visit the Buddhist institutions and to
collect
copies
of
Buddhist
manuscripts
(d) get full knowledge about the
condition of peasants during the
period of Gupta kings
Which one of the following persons was
not one of the nine jewels of
Chandragupta II
s court?
(a) Virasena Shaba
(b) Acharya Dignaga
(c) Varahamihira
(d) Charaka
In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta
period women and sudras speak (IAS 1995)
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Prakrit
(c) Pali
(d) Sauraseni
6. (d)
7. (d)
8. (c)
9. (a)
10. (c)

13. Titles
such
as
Mahendraditya,
Mahendra-Simha,
AshvamedhaMahendra were assumed by which one of
the following kings?
(a) Kumaragupta I (b) Skandagupta
(c) Buddhagupta
(d) Purugupta
14. Which one of the following Gupta kings
had to face the first Huna invasion?
(a) Kumaragupta I (b) Skandgupta
(c) Buddhagupta
(d) Purugupta
15. The given map relates to
(IAS 1998)
Arabian Sea
Bay of
Bengal
Indian Ocean
(a) Kanishka at the time of his death

(b) Samudragupta after the close of his
South Indian campaign
(c) Ashoka towards close of his reign
(d) Empire of Thaneswar on the eve of
Harshas accession
16. The erstwhile Satavahan dominion was
divided by several dynasties. Which of the
following is not one of them?
(a) The Gangas
(b) The Abhiras
(c) The Ikshvakus (d) The Vakatakas
17. What is the correct chronological order in
which the following appeared in India?
1. Gold coins
2. Punch marked silver coins
3. Iron plough
4. Urban culture
given below
(IAS 1998)
(a) 3, 4, 1, 2
(b) 3, 4, 2, 1
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2
(d) 4, 3, 2, 1
18. Which one of the following was not
responsible for the disintegration of the
Gupta Empire?
(a) Too much building activity during the
Early Gupta period led to empty
coffers
(b) Feudalisation
of
administrative
structure resulted in the weakening
of control over its feudatories
(c) Problem of succession in the dynasty
led to the weakening of kings
authority and legitimacy
(d) The growing practice of land grants,
along with the surrender of revenue
and administrative rights, resulted in
huge loss of revenue to the Gupta
treasury and undermining of Gupta
authority in general.
(IAS 1997)
List I
A.
B.
C.
D.
Gupta
Chandella
Chalukya
Pallava
List II
1.
2.
3.
4.
Badami
Panamalai
Khajuraho
Deogarh
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 4 3 1 2
(b) 4 2 3 1
(c) 2 3 4 1
(d) 3 4 1 2
20. Which one of the following kings took the
unique title Samrat?
(a) Vidhyashakti Vakataka
(b) Samudragupta (c) Harshavardhana
(d) Pravarasena I Vakataka
1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended

the fourth Great Buddhist Council held
by Kanishka.
2. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang met
Harsha and found him to be
antagonistic to Buddhism.
is/are correct?
(IAS 2004)
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
matched?
(a) The last known member of the main
branch of the VakatakasPrithvisena
II
(b) The last known king of the Traikutaka
dynastyVikramasena
(c) The last king of the Vardhana
dynastyHarshavardhan
(d) The last known king of the
Vatsagulma branch of Vakataka
dynastySarvasena
23. The famous Jain scholar Hemachandra
was patronised by
(CDS 2001)
(a) Amoghavarsha (b) Dharmapala
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Kumarapala Chalukya
24. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang
(Hiuen Tsang), who visited India recorded
the general conditions and culture of
India at that time. In this context, which of
the following statement is/are correct?
(IAS 2013)
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.

give below
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
25. The Silver coins issued by the Guptas were
called
(IAS 1997)
(a) rupaka
(b) karshapana
(c) dinara
(d) pana
(IAS 2006)
List I
A.
B.
C.
D.
(Finding/Invention/
Calculation)
Time Taken by the
Earth to orbit the
Sun
Calculation of the
value of p (pi)
Invention of the
digit zero
The game of
snakes and ladders
List II
(Ancient Indian
Scholar)
1. Aryabhatta
2. Bhaskaracharya
3. Budhayana
4. Gyandev
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 2 4 1 3
(b) 1 3 2 4
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 1 4 2 3
sequence of dynasties ruling in the lower
Krishna Valley?
(a) The Satavahanas The Ikshvakus
The Brihatphalayanas The Anandas
The Shalankayanas
(b) The Satavahanas The Ikshvakus
The Anandas The Brihatphalayanas
The Shalankayanas
(c) The
Satavahanas
The
Brihatphalayanas The Ikshvakus

The Anandas The Shalankayanas
(d) The
Satavahanas
The
Shalankayanas The Anandas

The
Ikshvakus
The
Brihatphalayanas
matched?
(a) Pushyavarman First historical king
of Kamarupa
(b) Shashanka The first historical ruler
of Bengal to establish an empire and
carry his victorious arms as far as
Kanauj
(c) Gopachandra established an
independent kingdom in Vanga
country also known as Samatata
(d) Shilabhadra The head of the
Vikramshila monastery
13. (a)
23. (d)
33. (c)
14. (a)
24. (b)
34. (d)
15. (c)
25. (a)
35. (b)
16. (a)
26. (c)
17. (d)
27. (a)
29. Harsha's
inscriptions
mention
the
administrative divisions in the descending
order. Which of the following is the
correct order?
(a) Vishya Bhukti Pathaka Grama
(b) Bhukti Vishaya Pathaka Grama
(c) Pathaka Bhukti Vishaya Grama
(d) Vishaya Pathaka Bhukti Grama
about Harshavardhana?
(a) He versified the story of the
Bodhisatva Jimutavahahana
(b) He had the play called Nagananda
set to music and performed by a band
and also wrote Ratnavali and Priya
Darshika
(c) He very often organised discourses
on Hinayana Buddhism
(d) He was a patron of Maurya, Divakara
and the Nalanda Mahavihara
31. Where is the famous Khandariya
Mahadeva temple located?
(CDS 2007)
(a) Amaravati
(b) Haridwar
(c) Khajuraho
(d) Nasik
characteristic feature of the post Gupta
Period?
(a) The focus shifted to the region South
of vindhyas
(b) Increase
in
the
number
of
independent kingdoms
(c) Development of feudal relationships
(d) Increase in the volume of trade
33. Consider the following foreign visitors to
India
1. Alberuni
2. Fa-Hien
3. Hiuen Tsang
4. Megasthenese
The correct chronological order in which
these persons visited India is
(CDS 2001)
(a) 4, 3, 1, 2
(b) 2, 4, 3, 1
(c) 4, 2, 3, 1
(d) 1, 2, 4, 3
about the Pallavas?
(a) The Pallavas rose into prominence in
the service of the Satavahans
(b) All their early charters are in Prakit
(c) For some time the Pallava power was
eclipsed by the Kalabhra
(d) Pallavas began the practice of making
structural temples in the South
35. Which one of the following inscriptions
mentions Pulakesin II's military success
against Harshavardhana?
(CDS 2010)
(a) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
(b) Aihole Inscription
(c) Damodarpur Copperplate Inscription
(d) Bilsad Inscription
18. (a)
28. (d)
19. (a)
29. (b)
20. (d)
30. (c)
21. (d)
31. (c)
22. (d)
32. (d)

36. The decimal numeral system, including
the concept of zero was invented in India
during which one of the following
dynasty?
(CDS 2007)
(a) Saka (b) Gupta (c)Pala (d) Chola
List I
A. Mahendra
Varman I
B. Parameshvara Varman I
C. Simhavishnu
List II
1. Destroyer of the city
of Ranarasika
41.
2. Avanisimha (lion of
the Earth)
3. Construction of
Kailashnath temple
D. Narasimha Varman II
4. Beginning of
rock-cut temples
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3
(b) 1 2 3 4
(c) 2 3 4 1
(d) 4 2 1 3
38. Which one of the following temples was
not built by Narasimha Varman II?
(a) Shore temple at Mamallapuram
(b) Airavateshvara temple at Kanchipuram
(c) Shiva temple at Panamalai
(d) Varaha temple at Mamallapuram
39. There are only two known examples of
cave paintings of the Gupta period in
ancient India. One of these is paintings of
Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving
example of Gupta paintings?
(IAS 2010)
(a) Bagh caves
(b) Ellora caves
(c) Lomas Rishi cave (d) Nasik caves
statements is not correct?
(IAS 2011)
(a) Gandhara School of Arts owed its
origin to the Indo-Greek rulers but
the real patrons of the school were
the Kushans, especially Kanishka
42.
43.
44.
45.
(b) Rich
carving
elaborate
ornamentations
and
complex
symbolism were not the main
features of the Gandhara sculpture
(c) The
Greece-Roman
architectural
impact modified the structure of the
Buddhist Stupas
(d) The artists of the Amravati School of
Arts main used white marble
Who is the only king of the Chalukyas of
Badami
known
to
perform
the
Ashvamedha sacrifice?
(a) Ranaraga
(b) Pula Keshin I
(c) Pula Keshin II (d) Mangalesh
Which of the following ports handled the
North Indian trade during the Gupta
period?
(IAS 1999)
(a) Tamralipti
(b) Broach
(c) Kalyan
(d) Cambay
The rulers of which of the following
dynasties were fond of the titles Vallabha,
Prithivivallabha or Vallabhisvara?
(a) The Chalukyas of Badami
(b) The Rashtrakutas
(c) The Gangas of Talakada
(d) The Pallavas
Who among the following is known for his
work on medicine during the Gupta
period?
(IAS 1996)
(a) Saumilla
(b) Sudraka
(c) Shaunaka
(d) Susrutha
Which one of the following is not
associated with Pulakesin II Chalukya?
(a) His court poet was Ravikriti who
wrote the famous prashati of Aihole
(b) He defeated Harshavardhan of Kannauj
(c) He was defeated by the Pallavas
under Narasimhavarman I
(d) He performed a horse sacrifice after
defeating Harsha Vardhan
Directions (Q.Nos. 46-49) Match List I with List II, List III and List IV and select the correct
answer using the codes given below.
List I
List II
List III
List IV
(Ruler)
(Important Battle)
(Dynasty)
(Significant work)
A. Ashoka
1. Against several rulers of
Northern and Southern

India
B. Samudragupta 2. Kalinga war
C. Kanishka
3. Battle of Pundravardhana
D. Harshavardhana 4. Against the Chinese and
I. Kushana
II. Maurya
III. Pushpavati
IV. Gupta
the Parthians
46.
i. Writer and poet, patron of

learning besides an empire
builder
ii. Political conquest, patron of
learning
iii. Holding the 4th Buddhist
Council and patron of learning
iv. Spread of Dharma, ahimsa and
welfare activities
47.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
List I
A
A
B
B
List II
1
2
1
2
List III
II
II
IV
IV
List IV
(iv)
(iv)
(iii)
(iii)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
List I
B
C
B
C
List II
1
4
1
4
List III
III
IV
IV
III
List IV
(i)
(ii)
(ii)
(i)

48.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
List I
C
D
C
D
List II
4
3
4
3
List III
I
III
I
III
List IV
(iii)
(i)
(i)
(ii)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
List I
A
D
A
D
List II
1
3
1
3
List III
II
III
II
III
List IV
(iii)
(ii)
(iii)
(i)
49.

about the Gupta political system?
(a) They are repeatedly compared to
Gods like Yama, Varuna, Kubera,
Indra and Vishnu
(b) Despite
the
divine
elements
attributed to Gupta kings, the
Brahmanas as chief custodians and
interpreters of laws exercised a check
on royal power
(c) The Gupta kings were entitled to taxes
not because they protected the people
but because they owned the land
(d) The Gupta political system was
characterised by the growth in the
number of administrative officials
(IAS 1996)
List I
A.
B.
C.
D.
List II
Visakhadatta
Varahamihira
Charaka
Brahmagupta
1.
2.
3.
4.
Medicine
Drama
Astronomy
Mathematics
Codes
A B C D
A B C D
(a) 1 3 4 2
(b) 2 1 3 4
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 3 4 1 2
52. Which one of the following is not a Gupta
innovation in the field of administration?
(a) The office of Sandhivigraha
(b) Beginning of the process of the
devolution of authority
(c) Introduction of the office of Pilupati,
the commander of elephants
(d) The first systematic provincial and
local administration
53. Consider
the
following
Greek
Philosophers
1. Aristotle
2. Plato
3. Pythagoras
4. Socrates
Which one of the following is the correct
chronological order of the Greek
Philosophers given above?
(CDS 2007)
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2
36. (b)
46. (b)
56. (a)
37. (a)
47. (c)
57. (d)

sequence of administrative divisions
during the Gupta period?
(a) Bhukti Vishaya Vithi Grama
(b) Vishaya Bhukti Vithi Grama
(c) Vithi Bhukti Vishaya Grama
(d) Bhukti Vithi Vishaya Grama
difference between the Mauryan imperial
system and the Gupta imperial system?
(a) The Mauryan kings took modest
titles whereas the Gupta kings took
mega eloquent and pompous titles
(b) The
royal
power
was
more
circumscribed in Gupta times than in
Mauryan times
(c) In Mauryan system the offices tended
to become hereditary whereas in
Gupta system the officials were
recruited only for one mans lifetime
(d) In Mauryan system the bureaucracy
was very large whereas there was a
reduction in the number of the
bureaucratic staff during the Gupta rule
56. Who translated the collection of South
Indian tales into Sanskrit and titled the
work as Kathasaritsagara?
(HP PSC 2012)
(a) Somdev
(b) Kalhana
(c) Jaideva
(d) Shankaracharya
57. Which one of the following personalities
is not associated with the repair of
Sudarshan lake during Gupta period?
(a) Skandgupta
(b) Parnadatta
(c) Chakrapalita
(d) Nandana
List I
List II
(Official)
A. Kumaramatya
1. Minister of
B. Sandhivigrahika
2. The provincial
C. Uparika
3. The chief cadre
peace and war

governor
for recruiting
high
functionaries
D. Akshapataladhikrita 4. Scribe
E. Divira
5. Accountant
F. Audrangika
6. The official who
collected the
royal share in
kind
Codes
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(b) 3, 4, 2, 1
(d) 2, 3, 1, 4
38. (d)
48. (a)
58. (c)
39. (a)
49. (d)
40. (b)
50. (d)
(Duty)
41. (b)
51. (c)
A
5
3
3
2
42. (a)
52. (c)
B
4
1
1
1
43. (a)
53. (b)
C
3
5
2
5
D
2
4
5
4
44. (d)
54. (a)
E
6
6
4
6
F
1
2
6
3
45. (d)
55. (c)

59. Who among the following Chinese
travelers visited the Kingdoms of
Harshavardhana and Kumar Bhaskar
Varma?
(CDS 2012)
(a) A I-Tsing
(b) Fa-Hien
(c) Hiuen Tsang
(d) Sun Shuyun
60. Statement I Sculptures of the Gandhara
School stylistically are typically linked to
the Greco-Roman and the Parthian art of
Iran.
Statement II The earliest stone Buddha
images in the Swat valley pre-dated the
Kushana period, which suggests that
certain iconographic conventions were
already
well-established
in
the
pre-kushana period.
[IBPS PO 2012]
Codes
Statements
II
is
the
correct
(b) Both the statements are true and
Statements II is not the correct
is false.
is true.
61. Which of the following is not a work of
Kalidasa?
(a) Ritusamhara
(b) Meghaduta
(c) Kumarasambhava
(d) Dashakumaracharita
List I
List II
(Book)
(Author)
A. Janakiharana
B.
C.
D.
E.
Kiratarjuniya
Ravanavadha
Setubandha
Shisupalavadha
1. Pravarasena
2.
3.
4.
5.
65.
66.
67.
68.
Vakataka
Kumaradasa
Bharavi
Magha
Bhatti
Codes
A B C D E
A B C D E
(a) 1 3 2 4 5 (b) 4 3 1 2 5
(c) 2 3 5 1 4 (d) 2 5 3 4 1
63. Which one of the following is not a work
on grammar?
(a) Katantra by Sarvavarman
(b) Prakritaprakash of Vararuchi
(c) Kashika-vritti of Jayaditya and
Vamana
(d) Panchasiddhantika of Varahamihira
about Aryabhatta?
(a) He work his work in Kusumapura in
the year 3600 of the Kaliyuga
(b) The value of p (pie) given by him is
correct to eight places of decimal
(c) His most original contribution is his
definite assertion that the Earth
rotates round its axis
69.
(d) Two of his immediate successors,

Varahamihira and Brahmagupta have
stoutly opposed many of his assertions
Which of the following is matched correctly?
(a) Navanitaka
: Work on
medicine
(b) Horashatapanchashika : Work on
astrology
(c) Namalinganushasana : Work on
lexicography
Which one of the following was not a
characteristic feature of the architecture
during the Gupta age?
(a) It saw the complete decline of the
rock-cut architecture
(b) It saw the beginning of the structural
procedure in architecture
(c) It saw the employment of sized and
dressed stone on a large scale
(d) It saw the beginning of Panchayatana
concept in temple architecture
Which of the following is the common
trait of the Dashavatara temple at
Deogarh, Mahadeva temple at Nachna
Kuthara, a temple at Bhitaragaon and
Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya?
(a) All of them belong to the post Gupta
period
(b) All of them have a tower or Shikara
capping the sanctum cella
(c) All of them are examples of
panchayanata composition
(d) All of them follow, in style and form,
the injunctions of Varahamihira on
architecture
Which one of the following is not true
about the Mathura school of sculpture?
(a) It represents the phase of transition
from the Kushava idiom to the
Sarnath idiom
(b) Mathura sculpture was made of fine
red sandstone
(c) The earliest dated example of Gupta
sculpture, so far known, belongs to
the Mathura style
(d) The three important aspects i.e.,
plasticity of modelling, sensitivity of
the plastic surface and drapery are
represented rather crudely in the
Mathura style
Which one of the following is not a feature
of the society during the Gupta period?
(a) Because of the hardening of the
Brahmanical attitude towards varna/jati
system, lower varna protests became
frequent
(b) During this period, the Hunas,
Gurjaras, and other foreign tribes
were absorbed in the Indian society
(c) This period saw the increasing use of
surname
(d) The kayasthas lost their original
official and professional character and
become a caste during this period

70. The industries in early ancient India were
concentrated in the areas where
(a) raw materials and markets were available
(b) the craftsmen were concentrated
(c) the foreign merchants could easily arrive
(d) the state pursued the policy of free trade
71. According to Patanjali Mathura was
specially famous for its textile industries.
Which of the following varieties of textile
was the speciality of Mathura?
(a) Dukula
(b) Sataka
(c) Kshauma
(d) Chinasunka
72. What was the reason for India becoming
an intermediary in the silk trade between
China and the West?
(a) The Chinese were persona non grata
in the Western countries
(b) After the building of the Great Wall
by Shi Huang Ti, the relations
between the Chinese and the Roman
empire were estranged
(c) On account of Roman conflict with
Parthia, the latter prevented Chinese
merchandise from reaching the West
directly
(d) India had the best expertise in silk
weaving
the punch marked coins. Which of them is
not correct?
(a) Remained in circulation for about five
centuries
(b) Were in circulation in the North and
South both
(c) Have various religious symbols on
them
(d) Bear the name of any ruler
74. About which of the following South
Indian cities are there descriptions in early
Tamil literature to the effect that, the
Yavana ships used to arrive with their
cargoes and that the Yavana section of
the city overflowed with prosperity?
(a) Arikamedu
(b) Kaveripattanam
(c) Mamallapuram (d) Muziris
75. Which of the following acted as bankers
and money lenders?
(a) Sarthavahas
(b) Sresthis
(c) Nagar-Sresthins (d) Nagarakas
76. Which of the following was not one of the
effect of foreign trade during the post
Gupta period?
(a) The guilds lost their importance
(b) Scarcity of coins of common use
(c) Immobility of artisans and traders from
one part of the country to another
(d) A number of crafts completely
perished
59. (c)
68. (d)
78. (c)
60. (c)
69. (d)
79. (a)
61. (d)
70. (a)
80. (d)
62. (c)
71. (b)
81. (d)
63. (d)
72. (c)
82. (a)
77. The term Visthi stands for

(a) landless labourers
(b) payment of rent for land partially in
the form of free labour
(c) forced labour
(d) Both b and c
78. The theory of the emergence of feudalism
in the post-Gupta period is disputed on
the ground that
(a) all lands were not given in land grants
(b) private ownership also existed and
the status of peasants was not that of
serfs
(c) Both a and b (d) None of these
the agrahara land grant is not correct?
(a) The King could give it to anyone he
pleased
(b) It was a village granted tax-free to
Brahmins
(c) The King had the power to confiscate
it, due to the behaviour of the grantee
(d) It underlined the privileged position
of the Brahmins
80. Which of the following literary sources
refers to the agrarian condition of the
post Gupta period?
(a) Rajtarangini of Kalhana
(b) Dayabhaga of Jimutavahana
(c) Commentary on Manusmriti by
Medhatithi
81. That during the post Gupta period the
King was not the absolute owner of the
land is proved by
(a) kings buying the lands from
individuals for purposes
of royal
donations
(b) records of private land transactions
(c) individuals
measuring
and
demarcating their lands
82. In Gupta period, the king's share of the
produce was known as
(a) Bhaga (b) Bhoga (c)Kara (d) Hiranya
Sudarshan lake. Which of them is correct?
(a) It was constructed by Pushyagupta,
the Governor of Saurashtra region
during Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Tushaap constructed a dam on the
lake during Ashoka Maurya
(c) First reconstruction was undertaken
by Governor Suvishakh during Saka
satrap Rudradaman and 2nd by
Chakrapalit during the reign of
Skandgupta
64. (b)
73. (d)
83. (d)
65. (d)
74. (b)
66. (a)
75. (c)
67. (b)
76. (d)
77. (d)

84. Regarding the condition of women during
Gupta, it cannot be said that
(a) early marriage of girls was in vogue
(b) women were selectively permitted to
study the vedas
(c) women were permitted to learn
dancing and music
(d) widow remarriages were accepted
Eran inscription
1. It mentions about the Gupta king

Bhanugupta and his friend Goparaja
who died in the battle against Hunas
and the laters wife performed sati.
2. It is the 1st inscriptional evidence of
sati in India.
given below

Allahabad pillar inscription
1. It was composed by Harisena, the

court poet and Sandhivigrahaka
during the reign of Samudragupta
Parakramaka.
2. It was initially engraved at Kausambi
but was latter shifted to Allahabad by
the Mughal king Akbar.
3. It also contains the six main
inscriptions of Ashoka Maurya.
Which of the above statements is/are
correct?
87. Assertion (A) Ashoka annexed Kalinga to

the Mauryan Empire.
Reason (R) Kalinga controlled land and
sea routes to South India.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Who constructed the Royal Highway from
Pataliputra to Taxila, the most widely
used highway?
(a) Mauryas
(b) Kushanas
(c) Sakas
(d) Guptas
Which of the following was not one of the
reasons for the vast majority of artisans
joining the guilds?
(a) The membership of a guild provided
social status
(b) It offered a degree of general security
(c) It was difficult for them to compete as
individuals against the guilds
(d) Without the membership of a guild,
the craftsmen were not eligible for
various concessions offered by the
state
Which of the following was not one of the
leading guilds of the period?
(a) Potters
(b) Stone-cutters
(c) Metal workers (d) Carpenters
The beginning of the practice of land
grants with fiscal and administrative
immunities to Brahmins and Buddhist
monks was made by the
(a) Mauryas
(b) Satavahanas
(c) Kushanas
(d) Guptas
88. Assertion (A) Harshavardhana convened

the Prayag Assembly.
Reason (R) He wanted to popularise only
the Mahayana form of Buddhism. (IAS 2001)
95. The Royal writs of land grants during the

post Gupta period were known as
(a) Sasanapatra
(b) Jayapatra
(c) Ajnapatra
(d) Prasadapatra

Chandragupta II Vikramaditya
96. The Vaishyas came to join the fold of the

peasantry in the post Gupta period on
account of
(a) restrictions on free trade
(b) localisation of economy
(c) decline of trade and commerce
(d) decline of money economy
(a) Only 1
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Directions (Q.Nos. 86-88) In the questions

given below are two statments labelled as
context of the two statments, which of the
Codes
86. Assertion (A) The origin of Feudal system
in Ancient India can be traced to Military
campaigns.
Reason (R) There was considerable
expansion of the Feudal system during
the Gupta period.
(IAS 2000)
1. His court had 9 gems Navratna including

Kalidas, Dhanvantari, Amar Singh,
Shanku, Vetalabhatt, Varahmihir,
Varuchi.
2. His Prime Minister, Veersena, was a
shaivaite and established cave of
Shiva at Udaigiri hills.
given below
(a) Only 1
(c) Both 1 and 2
91.
(b) Only 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
92.
93.
94.
97. Which one of the following is not correct

about the varna/caste system in the
Gupta Age?
(a) The gradual elevation in the social
position of the shudras
(b) The gradual decline in the social
position of the vaishyas

(c) The antyajas lived outside the area
inhabited by the upper-caste peoples
(d) Caste/varna mobility is not known
98. Which one of the following is not a play
written by Kalidas?
(a) Malavikagnimitra
(b) Daridra Charudatta
(c) Vikramorvashiya
(d) Abhijnanshakuntala
1. The Samand hoard has yielded coins

of Gupta king Kumaragupta I only.
2. The Bayana hoard of coins have
yielded coins of the Gupta dynasty on
a whole.
is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
100. Consider the following dynasties and
their area of governance
2
3
4
5
6
A. 1 Gupta Empire B. 2 Vakatakas

C. 3 Kadambas
D. 4 Gangas
E. 5 Pallavas
F. 6 Pandyas
G. 7 Vallabhi
Which of them is correctly matched?
(a) A, C, E and F
(b) B, D and F
(c) A, C, E and G
(d) All of these
101. Which of the following rulers was adorned
with the tittle of "Maharadhiraja" (King of
Kings)?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Kanishka
(c) Chandragupta I (d) Ashoka
84. (d)
94. (b)
104. (c)
102. Who among the following is credited with

the invention of Algebra?
(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Bhaskara
(c) Apastamba
(d) Medhatithi
103. Which of the following rulers defeated the
Huna ruler, Mihira Kula?
(a) Skanda Gupta
(b) Buddha Gupta
(c) Narasimha Gupta
(d) Yasodharman
104. Which one amongst the following is the
oldest dynasty?
(a) Pallava Dynasty (b) Chola Dynasty
(c) Maurya Dynasty (d) Gupta Dynasty
105. The largest grant of villages to temples
and brahmanas was given by the ruling
dynasty known as
(a) The Guptas
(b) The Palas
(c) Rashtrakutas
(d) Pratiharas
106. Pulkasin II defeated Harshavardhan on
the bank of the river
(a) Godavari
(b) Narmada
(c) Tapti
(d) Mahanadi
107. The contemporaries of Pallavas were
1. The Gangas
2. The Kadambas
3. The Chalukyas
4. The Satvahanas
given below
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4
108. The
rare
work
on
architecture
Samarangana Sutradhara was written by
(a) Jayasimha Siddharaja
(b) Bhoja Paramara
(c) Mihirabhoja
(d) Peddana
109. Which dynasty founder was an elected
head?
(a) Gahadavala
(b) Chandella
(c) Pala
(d) Chahamana
110. Who among the following Chinese
travelers visited the kingdoms of
Harshavardhana and Kumar Bhaskar
Varma?
(CDS 2012)
(a) A-I-tsing
(b) Fa-Hien
(c) Hiuen Tsang
(d) Sun Shuyun
85. (c) 86. (d) 87. (b) 88. (b) 89. (c)
95. (a) 96. (c)
97. (d) 98. (b) 99. (c)
105. (a) 106. (b) 107. (b) 108. (b) 109. (c)
90. (d) 91. (a)

92. (b)
100. (d) 101. (c) 102. (a)
110. (c)
93. (b)
103. (d)

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Indian

7. Match the following

2 Indian History and Culture

18. Which one of the following pairs is/are

1. It was predominantly a secular civilisation and the religious element, though

Indian History and Culture 3

31. Match the following

1. The great bath was the most important

1. A trading colony was established in

1. It lies in the Kachchh area of Gujarat.

4 Indian History and Culture

(d) Harappan economy was dependent

Indian History and Culture 5

62. The site of Harappa is located on the bank

used in the floor of a

6 Indian History and Culture

1. The Harappans looked upon the Earth

Directions (Q.Nos. 79-81) In the questions

2The Vedic Era

Which of the statements given above

(a) Lengths of sides of a right-angled triangle

1. Dharma was a conception of

manuals relating to prayer

Select the correct answer using the codes

8 Indian History and Culture

Select the correct answer using the codes

(a) Both the statement are true and

Directions (Q.No. 18) In the question given

below are two statements labelled as

1. decorative designs which include a

Indian History and Culture 9

(b) Some unmarried women offered

32. Which of the following social practice was

: Aitarya and Kaushitaki

: Chhandogya and Kena

a story related to the

Select the correct answer using the codes

10 Indian History and Culture

The places marked A, B, C, and D

(a) Matsya, Cedi, Kosala, Anga

46. The Buddhist Law or Doctrine of Karma

Directions (Q.No. 50) In the question given

Indian History and Culture 11

1. Vinaya and Dhamma Pitaka compiled

52. In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisatva

: Buddhist scholar of Indian

Select the correct answer using the codes

57. Milindapanho is in the form of a dialogue

12 Indian History and Culture

1. The Buddhists in Deccan excavated

Directions (Q.No. 68) In the question given

(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the

1. Avoidance of extremities of penance

Indian History and Culture 13

1. The Jain philosophy holds that the

1. Samyak Shradha/Viswas (Right faith),

77. Relics of Buddha are preserved in a

According to Hindu Law, marriage is

3Mauryan and Post Mauryan

1. Chandragupta Maurya abdicated the

Which of the statements given above

7. Consider the following statements

1. Mudra Rakshasa, Parisishta Parvan

Indian History and Culture 15