Ancient History (Part-I)

Total Questions: 50

31. The Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I is dated in the Saka year 465. If the same were to be dated in Vikrama Samvat, the year would be: [1997]

(a) 601
(b) 300
(c) 230
(d) 407

Correct Answer: (a) 601

Solution:The Saka era started in 78 AD, while Vikram era started from 58 BC. So if we want to convert Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I to Vikram era, it will be 465+78+58-601 Vikram Samvat.

32. Many of the Greeks, Kushanas, and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because: [1998]

(a) Buddhism was on the ascendant at that time
(b) They had renounced the policy of war and violence
(c) Social rank-driven Hinduism did not attract them
(d) Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society

Correct Answer: (c) Social rank-driven Hinduism did not attract them

Solution:They embraced Buddhism because caste ridden Hinduism did not attract them. Buddhism provided easiest entry in comparison to Hinduism which had strict birth related caste structure. So these rulers embraced Buddhism in order to strengthen their dominance over the local people.

33. The Ashoka major rock edicts tell us about the Sangam Kingdom include rock edicts: [1998]

(a) I and X
(b) I and XI
(c) II and XIII
(d) II and XIV

Correct Answer: (c) II and XIII

Solution:The ll and XIII rock edicts mention the southern kingdoms of Chola, Pandya, Satyaputra, Keralaputra and Tambapanni.

34. Which one of the following pairs are correctly matched? [1998]

1. Mrichhakatikam – Shudraka

2. Buddhacharita – Vasuvandhu

3. Mudrarakshasa – Vishakhadatta

4. Harshacharita – Banabhatta

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3, and 4
(b) 1, 3, and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b) 1, 3, and 4

Solution:Buddhacharita was written by Ashvaghosh.

35. What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? [1998]

1. Gold coins

2. Punch marked silver coins

3. Iron plough

4. Urban culture

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 3, 4, 1, 2
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2
(d) 3, 2, 1, 4

Correct Answer: (d) 3, 2, 1, 4

Solution:In India Indus Valley Civilization appeared the first signs of urbanization between 2500 and 2000 BCE According to researchers, it is a hard fact that the earliest known specimen of iron ploughshare comes from Ganwaria in District Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and dates from ca. 700 BC.

The first documented coinage is deemed to start with 'Punch Marked' coins issued between the 7th-6th century BC and Istcentury AD. It was the Indo Greeks who ruled a large part of North-Western India around 200 BC (2218 years ago) that first introduced coins made of Pure Gold in India before Kushans. Therefore, according to the question the correct chronological order of the event appeared in India is 4, 3, 2 and 1.

36. Assertion (A): According to Ashoka’s edicts social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion. [1998]

Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion.

(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer: (a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A

Solution:Ashoka's edicts put stress on social harmony among the people by spreading ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion.

37. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? [[1998]]

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 2

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4

Solution:Lion capital of Ashoka is in Saranath (not Rajgir).

38. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food-grains to be utilised during the crises in the country? [1998]

(a) Sohgaura Copper-plate
(b) Rummindei Pillar-edict of Ashoka
(c) Prayaga-prasasti
(d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra

Correct Answer: (a) Sohgaura Copper-plate

Solution:The earliest known copper-plate called Sohgaura is a Maurya record that mentions famine relief efforts. It is one of the very few pre-Ashoka Brahmi inscriptions in India.

39. The concept of Eight fold path forms the theme of: [1998]

(a) Dipavamsa
(b) Divyavadana
(c) Mahaparinibban
(d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta

Correct Answer: (d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta

Solution:The Noble Eight fold Path, is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessation of suffering (Dukkha) and attainment of self-awakening.

In Buddhist symbolism, the Noble Eight fold Path is often represented by means of the Dharma wheel (Dharmachakra), whose eight spokes represent the eight elements of the path.

Eight fold path includes right understanding, right speech, right livelihood; right mindfulness, right thought, right action, right effort and right concentration.

40. The given map relates to : [1998]

(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 Harsha's accession.

Correct Answer: (c) Ashoka towards close of his reign.

Solution:The given map is related to the reign of Ashoka towards end of his rule. Ashoka (304-232 BC), popularly known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled over the Indian subcontinent from 269 BC to 232 ВС.

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