Ancient History (Part-II)

Total Questions: 50

31. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by : [2011-1]

(a) Universal Law
(b) Universal Truth
(c) Universal Faith
(d) Universal Soul

Correct Answer: (a) Universal Law

Solution:Jainism does not support belief in a creator deity. According to the Jain doctrine, the universe and its constituents (soul, matter, space, time, and motion) have always existed. All the constituents and actions are governed by universal natural laws.

32. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: [2011-1]

1. It was predominantly a secular civilization 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) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Solution:We have read about the Mehrgarh cotton which is the earliest example of Cotton cultivation in the old world, older than the Peruvians. The cloth was made, and even dyed, so statement 2 is correct. The first statement is also correct and has been "lifted" from a famous history book.

33. The "Dharma" and "Rita" depict a central Idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements: [2011-1]

1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one's duties to oneself and to others.

2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Solution:'Rita' refers to regulation order by nature and was related to the conduct of the Vedic Gods and Humans, somewhere related to the moral and physical law. Statement 2 is correct. 'Rita' was later replaced by 'Dharma' and was a more sophisticated form of principles of law. As per Chanakya, 'Dharma' was the promotion of one's own security, happiness as well as the social order.

34. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? [2012-1]

1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by 1st century AD.

2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century AD.

3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.

4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

Solution:Ist, 3rd and 4th are correct.

35. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? [2012-1]

1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment

2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas

3. Denial of efficacy of rituals

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Solution:Both Buddhism and Jainism denied the authority of the Vedas and the efficacy of Rituals.

36. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the [1995, 2012-1]

(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified
(c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

Correct Answer: (c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture

Solution:Nagara, Dravida and Vesara are three main styles of Indian temple architecture.

37. Lord Buddha's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called 'Bhumisparsha Mudra'. It symbolizes [2012-1]

(a) Buddha's calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation
(b) Buddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara
(c) Buddha's reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory
(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context

Correct Answer: (b) Buddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara

Solution:The earth witness Buddha is one of the most common iconic images of Buddhism. It depicts the Buddha sitting in meditation with his left hand, palm upright, in his lap; and his right hand touching the earth. This represents the moment of the Buddha's enlightenment.

38. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of [2012-11]

(a) Bhakti
(b) image worship and Yajnas
(c) worship of nature and Yajnas
(d) worship of nature and Bhakti

Correct Answer: (c) worship of nature and Yajnas

Solution:The early Vedic Aryans indulged in nature Worship and Yajnas.

39. With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country's economy, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2012-11]

1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.

2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.

3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

Correct Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only

Solution:The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild. The guild had judicial powers over its own members.

40. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? [2013-11]

(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
(d) There is no material difference between the two

Correct Answer: (b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

Solution:Chaityas refer to the halls enclosing the stupas. Chaityas were probably constructed to hold large numbers of devotees for prayer. Viharas on the other hand are constructions built in ancient India in order to provide resting places for the wandering Buddhist monks.

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Ancient History (Part-II)

31. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by : [2011-1]

32. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: [2011-1]

33. The "Dharma" and "Rita" depict a central Idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements: [2011-1]

34. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? [2012-1]

35. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? [2012-1]

36. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the [1995, 2012-1]

37. Lord Buddha's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called 'Bhumisparsha Mudra'. It symbolizes [2012-1]

38. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of [2012-11]

39. With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country's economy, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2012-11]

40. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? [2013-11]

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