Ancient History (Part-I)

Total Questions: 50

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

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.
In Indian languages, the country is also called Bharat, Bharata, and Hindustan. The roots of “Bharat”, “Bharata”, or “Bharatvarsha” are traced back to Puranic literature, and to the epic Mahabharata. The Puranas describe Bharat as the land between the “sea in the south and the abode of snow in the north”. Bharata is also the name of the ancient king of legend who was the ancestor of the Rig Vedic tribe of the Bharatas, and by extension, the progenitor of all peoples of the subcontinent.
The nation of more than 1.4 billion people is officially known by two names, India and Bharat. In English, it’s called India, while in Indian languages it’s also called Bharat. Article 1 of the Constitution uses these two names interchangeably: “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”.

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

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.
A Brahmavadini was a highly scholarly woman in ancient India who dedicated her life to the pursuit of knowledge, particularly the study of the Vedas and philosophical wisdom. The term, which literally means “the woman who speaks about Brahman” (ultimate reality), described female ascetics or scholars who pursued higher learning, sometimes remaining unmarried to focus entirely on their intellectual and spiritual development.

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 era1. 3102 В.С.
B. Saka era2. 320 A.D.
C. Gupta era3. 78 A.D.
D. Kali era4. 58 B.C.
5. 248 A.D.

code :

ABCD
(a)2451
(b)1324
(c)4523
(d)4321
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.

Vikrama Era (58 BCE) : The Vikrama Era, also known as the Vikram Samvat, is traditionally associated with King Vikramaditya of Ujjain. It is believed to have been started in 58 BCE, following Vikramaditya's victory over the Shakas. This calendar is still used in parts of India and Nepal, particularly in religious and cultural contexts.
Shaka Era (78 CE) : The Shaka Era was started by the Shaka ruler, King Shalivahana, in 78 CE. It is also known as the Shalivahana Saka. The Shaka Era is widely used in Indian epigraphy and has also been adopted as the Indian national calendar.
Kalachuri Era (248 CE) : The Kalachuri Era was initiated by the Kalachuri dynasty, which ruled in central India. It began in 248 CE. This era is often referred to in inscriptions from central and western India.
Gupta Era (320 CE) : The Gupta Era was started by the Gupta dynasty, specifically by Chandragupta I, in 320 CE. It marks the beginning of wh...what is often referred to as the “Golden Age of India.” The Gupta Era is important for its contributions to art, culture, and the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Harsha Era (606 CE) : The Harsha Era was initiated by Emperor Harshavardhana in 606 CE, marking the start of his reign. Harsha’s reign is noted for the consolidation of northern India and for cultural and religious advancements.

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

Correct Answer: (b) Prakrit
Solution:In Sanskrit plays of Gupta period women and Sudras speak prakrit and Elite class speak Sanskrit.
The Gupta Empire, from the 4th to the 6th century CE, marked a classical age in North India, renowned for its extensive territory and cultural zenith. Originating from the fertile regions of Eastern U.P. and Bihar, the Guptas leveraged local iron ore to build their empire. The Gupta Empire originated from the kingdom established by Sri Gupta, a skilled leader and strategist. Celebrated for their patronage of the arts, architecture, and literature, their era is often hailed as a ‘Golden Age’, witnessing profound advancements in various fields and leaving an indelible legacy on Indian history.

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

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.
  • Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was the third emperor of the Mauryan Empire, ruling from 268 to 232 BCE.
  • Ashoka is renowned for his profound transformation from a fierce warrior to a devout Buddhist.
  • After witnessing the immense suffering caused by his conquests, particularly the Kalinga War, Ashoka the Great embraced Buddhism and dedicated himself to spreading its teachings across Asia.
  • Ashoka promoted social welfare and issued edicts carved on pillars and rocks that outlined his policies and moral values.
  • Ashoka’s support for Buddhism and efforts to spread its message were crucial in shaping India’s cultural and religious landscape and beyond.

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

Correct Answer: (d) pepper
Solution:Yavanas were Indo-Greeks. They liked pepper, that is why pepper was known as Yavanapriya.
The post-Mauryan period in ancient India witnessed the rise of various foreign kingdoms such as Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Parthians, and Kushanas. One of the first was the Indo-Greek Kingdom. The interaction between India and the Greeks began with Alexander’s invasion of northwestern India and conquest of the Punjab region.
The Indo-Greek Kingdom (also known as Yavanas) primarily ruled in the northwestern region including various parts of modern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India. Indo-Greeks ruled from three areas - one branch from Bactria (Afghanistan), the second from Taxila, and the third from Sakla (Sialkot).

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

Correct Answer: (c) Jainism
Solution:Anuvrata was the five main teachings of Jainism- Ahimsa, Asateya, Aparigraha, Satya and Brahmacharya
In the sixth century BC, Jainism emerged as a result of widespread opposition to the formalized ritualism and hierarchical structure of the Vedic religion. Jainism is one of the religions whose origin can be traced back to the twenty four teachers (tirthankaras - ones who establishes a path or ford), through whom their faith is believed to have been handed down.
Jainism is a sramanic religion. 'Sramana' is a Sanskrit word that denotes an ascetic or monk. The practice of virtues such as non-violence, renunciation, celibacy, self-control, etc., as well as asceticism, mysticism, meditation, contemplation, silence, and solitude, among others, are distinguishing features of this tradition.

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

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]

Correct Answer: (c) four hands
Solution:Four handed Bronze icon of Nataraja is the finest example of Chola sculpture.
Chola bronzes were primarily cast using the lost-wax method, a sophisticated process that allowed for intricate detail. The preferred metal was the sacred Panchaloha alloy, a mixture of five metals that made the sculptures durable and aesthetically pleasing.
The sculptures predominantly featured Hindu deities, with Shiva, often depicted as Nataraja (the Lord of Dance), being a particularly iconic subject. Vishnu, Parvati, Durga, and Ganesh were also common subjects.

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

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.

  1. 1. Krita (Satya) Yuga: The Golden Age, characterized by truth, virtue, and spiritual enlightenment.

  2. 2. Treta Yuga: The Silver Age, where virtue begins to decline, and sacrifices and rituals become more common.

  3. 3. Dvapara Yuga: The Bronze Age, marked by a further decrease in virtue and the division of the Vedas.

  4. 4. Kali Yuga: The Iron Age, the present era, defined by the complete decline of virtue, morality, and spiritual understanding.