Ancient History of India

1. Which one of the following Indian classical dances has steps comprisin

Which one of the following Indian classical dances has steps comprising of Adavus : Tanganam, Jagananam, Dhaganam and Sammisram ?

Kuchipudi
Mohiniyattam
Sattriya
Manipuri
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The terms “Tanganam”, “Jagananam”, “Dhaganam”, and “Sammisram” are specific Adavus (basic steps or sequences) used in Kuchipudi dance. Kuchipudi is a classical dance form originating from Andhra Pradesh. While all classical dances have basic units of movement, the specific terminology mentioned belongs to the repertoire of Kuchipudi.
The specific Adavus mentioned (Tanganam, Jagananam, Dhaganam, Sammisram) are characteristic steps of the Kuchipudi classical dance form.
Bharatanatyam also uses ‘Adavus’ extensively, but the terminology for the specific types of steps differs. Each classical dance form has its unique set of foundational steps and movements known by different names (e.g., Adavus in Bharatanatyam/Kuchipudi, Chauka in Manipuri).

2. The ruins of which Indus Valley site in Gujarat was named as a World H

The ruins of which Indus Valley site in Gujarat was named as a World Heritage Site in 2021?

Babar Kot
Bet Dwarka
Dholavira
Bhagatrav
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The ruins of Dholavira, an Indus Valley site in Gujarat, was named as a World Heritage Site in 2021.
Dholavira is a Harappan city located on the island of Khadir in the Kutch district of Gujarat. It is one of the most prominent and well-preserved urban settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization. Its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021 highlights its outstanding universal value, representing the unique characteristics of the Harappan civilization in terms of urban planning, water management systems, and architecture.
Dholavira is the 40th UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. Other notable Indus Valley sites in Gujarat include Lothal and Surkotada, but Dholavira was the one inscribed in 2021. The site’s significance lies in its distinct features like a sophisticated water conservation system and the multi-layered settlement pattern.

3. The Dakshinamurti (South-facing) form of Shiva represents

The Dakshinamurti (South-facing) form of Shiva represents

cosmic dancer
ferocious warrior
universal teacher
lord of beasts
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The Dakshinamurti form of Shiva represents the universal teacher.
Shiva is worshipped in various forms, each representing a different aspect of his divine nature.
Dakshinamurti, literally meaning “one who faces south,” is depicted as Shiva sitting under a banyan tree, facing south, teaching ancient sages (like Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana, and Sanatkumara) through silence (mauna vyakhyana). This form symbolizes Shiva as the ultimate guru, the dispeller of ignorance, and the embodiment of knowledge (Jnana). Other forms mentioned are Nataraja (cosmic dancer), Bhairava or Tripurantaka (ferocious warrior aspects), and Pashupati (lord of animals/beasts).

4. Consider the following statements about the historical evidence of ins

Consider the following statements about the historical evidence of inscriptions in India :

  • 1. The oldest deciphered inscriptions are in Brahmi and Kharoshthi.
  • 2. The earliest inscriptions in the Tamil language are copper plate grants.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is incorrect.
Inscriptions are a crucial source for reconstructing ancient Indian history.
The oldest widely deciphered inscriptions in India are the edicts of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE), which are primarily in the Brahmi script, with some also found in Kharoshthi (especially in the northwest), Greek, and Aramaic. The earliest known inscriptions in the Tamil language are rock inscriptions (often in caves) in Tamil Brahmi script, predating extensive use of copper plates for inscriptions, which became more common in later periods for land grants.

5. One of the frequent representations of Shri Lakshmi in sculpture is in

One of the frequent representations of Shri Lakshmi in sculpture is in her Gaja-Lakshmi form. Consider the following statements about such Gaja-Lakshmi form :

  • 1. The goddess sits or stands on a lotus.
  • 2. She is flanked by two swans.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is incorrect.
Gaja-Lakshmi is a specific and popular iconographic form of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, representing prosperity, abundance, and good fortune.
In the Gaja-Lakshmi form, the goddess is consistently depicted seated or standing on a lotus (Padma). She is flanked by two elephants (Gaja), who are often shown pouring water over her from pots, symbolizing abhishekam (ritual bathing). Swans (Hamsa) are not typically associated with the Gaja-Lakshmi iconography; they are more commonly associated with Saraswati.

6. What is Hallisalasya as depicted in Bagh cave paintings?

What is Hallisalasya as depicted in Bagh cave paintings?

A classical dance form
A folk dance form
A folk form of theatre
A percussion music instrument
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Hallisalasya depicted in Bagh cave paintings is identified as a folk dance form.
The Bagh cave paintings, contemporary to the Ajanta caves, are known for their vibrant depictions of Buddhist and secular themes, including elaborate dance scenes.
The “Hallisalasya” scene in Cave 4 at Bagh depicts a group of women performing a circular dance, often identified as a Hallisa dance. This is generally considered a type of folk or popular group dance form prevalent in ancient India, rather than a classical dance form as understood in later periods.

7. Which among the following was not a member of the Adhishthana Adhikara

Which among the following was not a member of the Adhishthana Adhikarana of Kotivarsha in the Gupta period?

Sarthavaha
Mahattara
Prathama-kayastha
Prathama-kulika
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In the Adhishthana Adhikarana (district headquarters council) of the Gupta period, the Mahattara was typically not one of the specific, named representatives constituting the board, unlike the Sarthavaha, Prathama-kulika, and Prathama-kayastha.
The Adhishthana Adhikarana at the Vishaya (district) level during the Gupta period was a council that included representatives from important sections of the local community, involved in administration, particularly in matters of land transactions. Key members explicitly mentioned in inscriptions were the Nagara-shreshthi (chief merchant of the city), Sarthavaha (leader of trading caravans), Prathama-kulika (chief artisan or head of craft guilds), and Prathama-kayastha (chief scribe or official).
‘Mahattara’ generally refers to village elders, headmen, or respected persons, and while they held influence, they were not typically part of the formal composition of the district-level council (Adhishthana Adhikarana) in the same defined roles as the Nagara-shreshthi, Sarthavaha, Prathama-kulika, and Prathama-kayastha who represented specific urban/economic/professional groups. The structure of the Adhishthana Adhikarana reflects a collaborative approach involving the administration and local elites/guild representatives.

8. Which one among the following statements with reference to the Harappa

Which one among the following statements with reference to the Harappan burial ritual is not correct?

At these burials, the dead were generally laid in pits.
The burial pits were made in several different ways.
Ornaments have sometimes been found placed in these burials.
Harappans did not bury mirrors with the dead.
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The statement “Harappans did not bury mirrors with the dead” is incorrect. Archaeological findings from Harappan burials have included personal items, including bronze mirrors.
Excavations at Harappan sites like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa have yielded a variety of burial goods, suggesting beliefs about the afterlife or social status. These goods sometimes included ornaments, pottery, tools, and personal items made of metal, including copper/bronze mirrors.
Statements A, B, and C are consistent with archaeological evidence regarding Harappan burial practices:
A) Burials were indeed generally in pits.
B) Burial pits varied in construction, size, and lining.
C) Ornaments (like beads, bangles, and earrings) and other goods (pottery, tools) have been found in some burials, suggesting differences in burial practices and possibly social hierarchy.
The presence of bronze mirrors in burials contradicts statement D, making it the incorrect statement.

9. Who among the following did not contribute to the preservation and doc

Who among the following did not contribute to the preservation and documentation of the ancient site of Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh ?

Shahjahan Begum
John Marshall
Sultan Jehan Begum
J.M. Kenoyer
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Sanchi is a major Buddhist site famous for its stupas. Several individuals played crucial roles in its discovery, excavation, and preservation.
A) Shahjahan Begum and C) Sultan Jehan Begum were the Begums of Bhopal in the 19th and early 20th centuries who provided significant financial support and protection for the site, preventing its destruction and facilitating initial restoration efforts.
B) John Marshall, as the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India in the early 20th century, oversaw extensive excavation, restoration, and documentation work at Sanchi, leading to its modern preservation and understanding.
D) J.M. Kenoyer is a prominent archaeologist known for his extensive work on the Indus Valley Civilization, particularly at sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. His research and publications are primarily focused on the Bronze Age cultures of South Asia. He is not known for contributions specifically to the site of Sanchi.
Therefore, J.M. Kenoyer did not contribute to the preservation and documentation of the ancient site of Sanchi.
– Sanchi was preserved from significant damage partly due to the efforts of the Begums of Bhopal.
– John Marshall’s archaeological work was vital for the scientific study and conservation of Sanchi.
– Different archaeologists specialize in different periods and sites; J.M. Kenoyer’s expertise lies primarily with the Indus Valley Civilization.
Major General Henry Taylor was one of the first Europeans to document Sanchi in the early 19th century. Alexander Cunningham also conducted excavations there before John Marshall’s comprehensive work. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989.

10. Which one of the following Tamil texts deals with grammar ?

Which one of the following Tamil texts deals with grammar ?

Manimekalai
Silappadikaram
Tolkappiyam
Padirruppattu
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The options are all important works of ancient Tamil literature.
A) Manimekalai: One of the five great Tamil epics, a Buddhist work.
B) Silappadikaram: One of the five great Tamil epics.
C) Tolkappiyam: The oldest surviving Tamil grammar text, dealing with phonology, morphology, syntax, and poetics.
D) Padirruppattu: Part of the Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies), a collection of Sangam poems praising Chera kings.
Among the given options, Tolkappiyam is explicitly a work on Tamil grammar.
– Tolkappiyam is the foundational text for the study of Tamil grammar and literature.
– The other options represent epic poems or anthologies of poetry from the Sangam or post-Sangam periods.
Tolkappiyam is considered a primary source for understanding the social, economic, and cultural life of the ancient Tamils, in addition to its linguistic and literary significance. The Five Great Epics of Tamil literature are Silappadikaram, Manimekalai, Seevaka Sinthamani, Valayapathi, and Kundalakesi.
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