Ancient History (Part-I)

1. The word ‘Hindu’ as reference to the people of Hind (India) was first used by: [1995]

(a) the Greeks
(b) the Romans
(c) the Chinese
(d) the Arabs

Correct Answer: (d) the Arabs

Solution:The name of India is a corruption of the word Sindhu. Sindhu is the name of the Indus River, mentioned in the Rig-Veda. Neighboring Arabs, Iranians uttered 's' as 'h' and called this land Hindu. Greeks pronounced this name as Indus.

2. Who among the following was a Brahmavadini who composed some hymns of the Vedas? [1995]

(a) Lopamudra
(b) Gargi
(c) Leelavati
(d) Savitri

Correct Answer: (a) Lopamudra

Solution:Lopamudra was a Brahmavadini who composed some hymns of the vedas. Many hymns of Rigveda were composed by women and they called Brahmavadini. Other Brahmavadini are Vishwawara, Sikta, Nivavari, Ghosha and Maitreyi.

3. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer (using codes given below the lists): [1995]

List-I (Eras)	List-II (Reckoned from)
A. Vikrama era	1. 3102 В.С.
B. Saka era	2. 320 A.D.
C. Gupta era	3. 78 A.D.
D. Kali era	4. 58 B.C.
	5. 248 A.D.

कूट:

	A	B	C	D
(a)	2	4	5	1
(b)	1	3	2	4
(c)	4	5	2	3
(d)	4	3	2	1

Correct Answer: (d)

Solution:248 A.D. is Kalachuri era. Vikram era was started by king Vikramaditya. Shaka era was started by Kanishka. Gupta era was started by Chandragupta-1.

4. In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period women and Sudras speak: [1995]

(a) Sanskrit
(b) Prakrit
(c) Pali
(d) Sauraseni

Correct Answer: (b) Prakrit

Solution:In Sanskrit plays of Gupta period women and Sudras speak prakrit and Elite class speak Sanskrit.

5. The name by which Ashoka is generally referred to his inscriptions: [1995]

(a) Chakravarti
(b) Dharmadeva
(c) Dharmakirti
(d) Priyadarsi

Correct Answer: (d) Priyadarsi

Solution:In the year 1915 near a village called Maski in Raichur District of Karnataka, a rock inscription was discovered on a hill. In this inscription for the first time the name of Ashoka was found with titles like Devanampriya and Priyadarshi. It was then certain that Devanampriya Priyadarshi was no other than Ashoka.

6. The term ‘Yavanapriya’ mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts denoted: [1995]

(a) a fine variety of Indian Muslim
(b) ivory
(c) damsel sent to the Greek court for dance performance
(d) pepper

Correct Answer: (d) pepper

Solution:Yavanas were Indo-Greeks. They liked pepper, that is why pepper was known as Yavanapriya.

7. The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by: [1995]

(a) Mahayana Buddhism
(b) Hinayana Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) The Lokayata school

Correct Answer: (c) Jainism

Solution:Anuvrata was the five main teachings of Jainism- Ahimsa, Asateya, Aparigraha, Satya and Brahmacharya

8. According to Mimamsa system of philosophy, liberation is possible by means by: [1995]

(a) jnana
(b) bhakti
(c) yoga
(d) karma

Correct Answer: (d) karma

Solution:Mimansa means investigation or enquiry. The primary enquiry is into the nature of dharma based on close theology of the Vedas. Mimansa system of philosophy stresses on the doctrine of "karma". It says that liberation is possible by means of performing "Karma."

Mimansa has two divisions, Purva Mimansa and Uttar Mimansa. The Purva Mimansa explains the Dharma as a "virtue", "morality" or "duty". Dharma is the essentially ritualism, and there is a great significance of the Karma or action in attaining Dharma.

9. Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with: [1995]

(a) eight hands
(b) six hands
(c) four hands
(d) two hands

Correct Answer: (c) four hands

Solution:Four handed Bronze icon of Nataraja is the finest example of Chola sculpture.

10. According to Hindu cosmogonic ideas the sequential order of the cycle of four aeons (yugas) is: [1996]

(a) Dvapara, Krita, Treta and Kali
(b) Krita, Dvapara, Treta and Kali
(c) Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali
(d) Treta, Dvapara, Kali and Krita

Correct Answer: (c) Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali

Solution:A complete Yuga starts with the Satya Yuga (Krita), via Treta Yuga and Dvapara Yuga into a Kali Yuga.