Ancient History (Part-I)

11. Which one of the following temples figured in the news regarding the institution of the Devadasi? [1996]

(a) Jagannath temple, Puri
(b) Pashupatinath temple, Kathmandu
(c) Kandariya Mahadeo temple, Khajuraho
(d) Chaunsath Yogini temple, Bhedaghat

Correct Answer: (a) Jagannath temple, Puri

Solution:Devadasi is a girl "dedicated" to worship and service of a deity or a temple for the rest of her life. They were Considered the human wife of Lord Jagannath.

12. The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is: [1996]

(a) Sindhu
(b) Sutudri
(c) Sarasvati
(d) Ganga

Correct Answer: (a) Sindhu

Solution:Sapta Sindhu play a prominent part in the hymns of the Rigveda, and consequently in early Vedic religion.

13. Which one of the following is not a part of early Jains literature? [1996]

(a) Therigatha
(b) Acarangasutra
(c) Sutrakritanga
(d) Brihatkalpasutra

Correct Answer: (a) Therigatha

Solution:Therigatha was a part of the] Buddhist literature.

14. Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? [1996]

Correct Answer: (b)

Solution:Both denied the authority of the Vedas and the necessity of performing sacrifices and rituals. Both of them were opposed to animal sacrifices.

15. In the context of ancient Indian society which one of the following terms does not belong to the category of the other three? [1996]

(a) Kula
(b) Varna
(c) Kosa
(d) Gotra

Correct Answer: (c) Kosa

Solution:Kosa was used for treasury and the rest of the three terms were related to family.

16. Who among the following is known for his work on medicine during the Gupta period? [1996]

(a) Saumilla
(b) Sudraka
(c) Shaunaka
(d) Susrutha

Correct Answer: (d) Susrutha

Solution:Susrutha Samhita was written by Susrutha. He was said to have been the best surgeon during the Gupta period.

17. Which one of the following sculptures was invariably used green schist as the medium? [1996]

(a) Maurya sculptures
(b) Mathura sculptures
(c) Bharhut sculptures
(d) Gandhara sculptures

Correct Answer: (c) Bharhut sculptures

Solution:The ruined stupa is still at Bharhut, however the gateways and railings were dismantled and reassembled at Kolkata Museum. They contain numerous birth stories of the Buddha's previous lives, or Jataka tales. Many of them are in the shape of large, round medallions. Two of the panels are at the Smithsonian. Bharhut sculptures were invariably used green schist as the medium.

The Bharhut stupa may have been established by the Maurya King Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, but many works of art were apparently added during the Sunga period, from 2nd century BCE.

18. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer: [1996]

List-I	List-II
A. Vishakhadatta	1. Medicine
B. Varahamihira	2. Drama
C. Charaka	3. Astronomy
D. Brahmagupta	4. Mathematics

कूट:

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

Correct Answer: (c)

Solution:Vishakhadatta wrote a drama named "Mudra Rakshasa".

19. Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows divorce to a wife deserted by her husband? [1996]

(a) Kamasutra
(b) Manava Dharma Shastra
(c) Sukra Nitisara
(d) Arthashastra

Correct Answer: (d) Arthashastra

Solution:Arthashastra was written by Kautilya. In this book 'Moksha' has been used for divorce.

20. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [1997]

List-I	List-II
A. Gupta	1. Badami
B. Chandella	2. Panamalai
C. Chalukya	3. Khajuraho
D. Pallava	4. Deogarh