Medieval History (Part-II)

Total Questions: 57

31. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka? [2016-11]

Correct Answer: (b) James Prinsep
Solution:In 1837, British archeologist and historian James Prinsep decoded the edicts of emperor Ashoka. Prinsep's inscription proved to be a series of edicts issued by a king calling himself "Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi."
Who is 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.

32. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: [2016-11]

1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.

2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.

3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Solution:

The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Mahayana doctrines of Buddhism. The term 'bodhisattva' literally means 'one who has enlightenment as his/her essence'. A bodhisattva is a being who is destined for enlightenment rather than one who has gained it already.

A bodhisattva is also normally thought of as consciously working towards enlightenment: you can't call someone a bodhisattva just because they might be enlightened in the future if they haven't started making an effort yet.

For this reason, the earliest use of the term "bodhisattva' refers to Siddhartha Gautama before he gained enlightenment, and also in his previous lives. Thus, Boddhisattva is central to Mahayan sect of Buddhism. Hence first statement is wrong. While 2nd and 3rd are correct

33. What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? [2016-1]

1. Both were built in the same period.

2. Both belong to the same religious denomination.

3. Both have rock-cut monuments.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Correct Answer: (b) 3 only
Solution:First and second statements are wrong because Ajanta (Buddhist caves) was built from 2nd Century BCE to 5th Century CE, while Mahabalipuram (Hindu temple) was built during 7-8th Centuries by Pallava Kings. Third statement is correct- both are rock cut monuments.

34. With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term Araghatta' refers to [2016-1]

Correct Answer: (c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
Solution:

The Persian wheel is a mechanical water lifting device operated usually by draught animals like bullocks, buffaloes or camels. It is used to lift water from water sources typically open wells.

In Sanskrit the word Araghatta has been used in the ancient texts to describe the Persian Wheel. The 'ara-ghatta comes from the combination of the words 'ara' meaning spoke and 'ghatta' meaning pot.

35. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and Epic tales was the profession of who of the following? [2016-1]

Correct Answer: (d) Maagadha
Solution:The Maagadha and the suutas were associated with memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and Epic tales.
  • Shramana means seeker, one who performs acts of austerity, ascetic.
  • Agraharika means one who probably looked after the lands given in charity.
  • Parivraajaka literally means 'one who roams about all round the place."

36. Consider the following pairs: [2016-1]

Famous Place Region
1. BodhgayBaghelkhand
2. KhajurahoBundelkhand
3. ShirdiVidarbha
4. Nasik (Nashik)Malwa
5. TirupatiRayalaseema

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Correct Answer: (c) 2 and 5 only
Solution:Khajuraho is located in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. Tirupati is located in Rayalaseema region.
• Bodh Gaya: Located in the Gaya district of Bihar, which is part of the Magadh region.
• Shirdi: Located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra in the North Maharashtra/Khandeish region, not Vidarbha.
• Nashik: Also located in the North Maharashtra region of Maharashtra, not the Malwa region.

37. With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: [2016-11]

1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.

2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Solution:
  • Siddhas means the refined monotheistic creed existed. Sittar implies an expert in occultism, alchemy and so on with magic or superstitious powers.
  • The lingayats believed that on death the devotee will be reunited with Shiva and not return to this world. Therefore instead of cremating the body, they ceremonially bury their dead.
  • They criticised the caste system and questioned belief in the theory of rebirth.
  • Certain practices were encouraged by the lingayats such as post-puberty marriages and widow remarriage. Knowledge of the Virashaiva tradition has been derived from vachanas (sayings) composed in Kannada by those who had joined

38. Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements: [2016-11]

1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.

2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Solution:

In reign of Krishna Deva, land revenue was the main source of income of the government.

To assess the proper revenue entire land was classified into four parts: the wet land, the dry land, the orchards and the woods.

The government also levied other taxes like the grazing tax, the customs duty, tax on gardening and industries taxes on manufacture of various articles.

(ii) From the travelogue written by Persianenvoy Abdur Razzaqin the court of Vijaynagar, we find both statements are correct.

39. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements: [2018-1]

1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.

2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Ilara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:

Buland Darwaza constructed in red and yellow standstones with white marble inlay in the span of the arches. Other random google books reveal that Khankah too contains white marbles. So, statement#1 ought to be right. Second statement is wrong.

"Rumi Darwaza, Bara Imambara, Chhatar Manzil are monuments are fragile in terms of structural strength (because) The common material used for raising most of the monuments in Lucknow was brick and plaster, says Times of india.

So, accordingly answer should have been "a" but UPSC has kept 'd' as the official answer.

40. The well-known painting "Bani Thani" belongs to the ........ [2018-1]

Correct Answer: (d) Kishangarh school
Solution:Paintings at Kishangarh is associated with the most romantic legends - Sawant Singh and his beloved Bani Thani. and of the intertwining of lives and myths, romance and bhakti. It is sometimes argued that the women in 'bani thani' is said to resemble the character of Radha.

Bundi School
• Origin: Bundi, Rajasthan, in the 17th century.
• Characteristics: Vivid colors, detailed miniatures, showcasing royal life, festivals, and battles. It is known for its depiction of monsoons, with dark rain clouds and peacocks.
• Influences: A blend of Mughal, Deccan, and Rajasthani influences.

Jaipur School
• Origin: Jaipur (Amer) Princely State, from the late 16th to early 18th century.
• Characteristics: A fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal art, reflecting the rulers’ close ties to the Mughals.

Kangra School
• Origin: Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, starting around the mid-18th century.
• Characteristics: Delicate lines, subtle colors, and an emotional and lyrical portrayal of the love legends of Radha and Krishna.
• Influences: Developed as a refuge for Mughal artists but maintained its own distinct aesthetic and was less influenced by Mughal grandeur than other schools.