Ancient History (Part-II)

Total Questions: 50

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

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.

Fundamental Jain Philosophy

  • Panch Mahavratas (Five Great Vows): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), Aparigraha (non-possession).
  • Triratna or Three Gems: Right Faith (Samyag-darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyag-jnana), Right Conduct (Samyag-charitra).
  • Anekantavada and Syadvada: Reality is manifold & complex. Hence, relative truth applies.
  • Spiritual Detachment: Material body states (childhood, youth, old age) are illusionary; true identity lies in the soul.
  • Everything has substance (dravyas), quality (guna), and mode (paryaya), reflecting constant change.

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?

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.

About Indus Valley Civilization

  • The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the world’s earliest urban cultures, flourishing around 2500 BCE in present-day Pakistan and northwest India.
  • Renowned for its advanced city planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and impressive architectural achievements, it stands out as a major centre of early civilisation in South Asia.
  • This ancient civilisation is characterised by its well-organized cities, standardised brick constructions, and vibrant trade networks.
  • The Indus Valley Civilization’s contributions to urban development and trade set foundational precedents for future civilisations.

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?

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:

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
Solution:Ist, 3rd and 4th are correct.
India has been contributing to the fields of science and technology since ancient times. Even today, what we term as ‘traditional knowledge’ is actually based on scientific reasoning. Technology is today defined as applied science, but early humans developed technologies such as stone-working, agriculture, animal husbandry, pottery, metallurgy, textile manufacturing, woodcarving, boat-making, and sailing.
The first stone tools in the Indian subcontinent go back more than two million years.
The Neolithic revolution saw the development of agriculture in parts of the Indus and the Ganges valley, which in turn triggered the need for pots, water management, metal tools, transport, etc.
Metallurgy brought about significant changes in human society as it gave rise to an entirely new range of weapons, tools, and implements.

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:

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Solution:Both Buddhism and Jainism denied the authority of the Vedas and the efficacy of Rituals.

Similarities between Jainism and Buddhism

  1. Non-violence (Ahimsa): Both Jainism and Buddhism place a strong emphasis on non-violence, considering it a fundamental principle for ethical conduct and spiritual progress.
  2. Karma: Both traditions believe in the concept of karma, which is the law of cause and effect. Actions (karma) have consequences, which influence future experiences.
  3. Rejection of Caste System: Both reject the rigid caste system prevalent in ancient Indian society. They advocate for the spiritual equality of all beings.
  4. Renunciation and Asceticism: Both traditions have a history of ascetic practices, including monks and nuns who renounce worldly possessions and lead a life focused on spiritual development.
  5. Rejection of Rituals and Sacrifices: Both Jainism and Buddhism reject the ritualistic practices and sacrificial rites that were prevalent in Vedic religion and early Hinduism.
  6. Sanskrit Literature: Both traditions have their own rich corpus of philosophical and religious texts, written in various Indian languages including Sanskrit, Pali, and Ardhamagadhi.

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

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

Based on geographical location and architectural style, Hindu temples can be characterised under three broad categories—Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara style. The distinction can be made by comparing the elevation of the temple, the forms of the spire, and the plan of the temple.

  • Nagara Style: The style of temple architecture that became popular in northern India is known as nagara.
    The Nagara style is not limited to a single time; it blossomed during the Gupta dynasty and continued to evolve throughout different regional kingdoms and empires that controlled northern India.
  • Dravida Style: The style of the temple with different forms and features is seen in the South and it is known as the Dravida style.
    The Pallavas were the pioneers of the Dravida style of architecture.
  • Vesara Style: The Vesara style of temples is a combination of both Nagara and Dravida, its superstructure is bell-shaped.
    This style developed as a very florid architectural design in Chalukya (North & Central Karnataka), Hoyasala (South Karnataka), and Kakatiya (Hyderabad, Warangal, and surrounding districts) temples between the 7th and 13th centuries.

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

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]

Correct Answer: (c) worship of nature and Yajnas
Solution:The early Vedic Aryans indulged in nature Worship and Yajnas.

Key Characteristics of Early Vedic Religion

  • The Aryans revered the forces of nature such as fire, wind, rain, and the sun, treating them as deities.
  • Prominent gods included Indra (god of thunder), Agni (god of fire), Varuna (god of water and cosmic order), and Surya (sun god). Female deities like Ushas (dawn) and Aditi (cosmic order) were also worshipped.
  • Ritual sacrifices, performed in open-air settings, were central to worship. These involved offerings of grain, ghee, and milk to please the gods.
  • Prayers and hymns from the Rigveda were chanted to honor the deities and seek their blessings.
  • There was no practice of temple building or idol worship during the early Vedic period.
  • While worshipping many gods, the Vedic people also held a concept of a supreme power governing the universe, a practice known as henotheism.
  • Theories about the afterlife were not fully developed, but some believed the soul went to the ‘Pitralok’ (land of fathers).

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:

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.

The types of Guild Systems in Ancient India can be seen as follows:

  • Merchant Guilds: Merchant guilds in ancient India were organized associations of traders and craftsmen that played a crucial role in the country’s economic and social life.
    ○ They facilitated trade, ensured quality control, and often held significant power within their local communities.
    ○ These guilds were instrumental in managing trade practices, setting standards, and protecting the interests of their members, contributing to the prosperity and stability of the regions where they operated.

  • Craft Guilds: Focused on crafts and trades such as weaving, metalwork, and pottery. They oversaw the production processes and quality of goods and trained artisans.

  • Professional Guilds: These include groups such as physicians, scholars, and other professionals who adhere to specific codes of conduct and standards in their fields.

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

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.
Viharas and Chaityas are two major types of Buddhist rock-cut architecture that played a significant role in the spread and development of Buddhism in ancient India. Viharas served as monasteries housing monks for spiritual learning and meditation, while Chaityas were sacred assembly halls for congregational worship. These structures were strategically located near trade routes, allowing monks to access food donations from visiting traders. The construction of Viharas and Chaityas saw patronage from wealthy merchants and rulers like Ashoka, who commissioned many such structures. Interiors of Viharas and Chaityas were decorated with exquisite mural paintings conveying religious themes executed with the finesse of lines, expressions and colours.