Ancient History of India Archives

101. With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, conside

With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements :

1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option3″]

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Statement 3 is correct. At Ellora, caves were carved for different religious faiths, specifically Buddhism (caves 1-12), Hinduism (caves 13-29), and Jainism (caves 30-34).

Statement 1 is incorrect. The caves at Badami belong to the 6th century CE (Chalukya period). The oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India are generally considered to be the Barabar Caves, dating back to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE).
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Barabar rock-cut caves were indeed made for Ajivikas, but they were built by Emperor Ashoka (c. 268-232 BCE) and his successor Dasharatha, who were part of the Maurya dynasty but were not Chandragupta Maurya.

The Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for their synthesis of three different religious traditions in one complex. The Barabar Caves are located in Bihar and represent some of the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India. The Badami Cave Temples in Karnataka are known for their blend of North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravidian styles.

102. Consider the following eras in early India : 1. Shaka era 2. Kalach

Consider the following eras in early India :

1. Shaka era
2. Kalachuri era
3. Vikrama era
4. Harsha era
5. Gupta era

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above eras starting with the earliest ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5″ option2=”3 – 1 – 5 – 2 – 4″ option3=”2 – 3 – 1 – 4 – 5″ option4=”3 – 1 – 2 – 5 – 4″ correct=”option4″]

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The chronological order of the given eras, starting with the earliest, is based on their commencement years:
1. Vikrama Era (Vikram Samvat): Commenced in 57 BCE.
2. Shaka Era (Saka Samvat): Commenced in 78 CE.
3. Kalachuri Era (Chedi Era): Commenced in 248-249 CE.
4. Gupta Era: Commenced in 319-320 CE.
5. Harsha Era (Harsha Samvat): Commenced in 606 CE.
Arranging these based on their start dates gives the order: Vikrama (3), Shaka (1), Kalachuri (2), Gupta (5), Harsha (4), which corresponds to 3 – 1 – 2 – 5 – 4.

Understanding the start dates of major historical eras in early India is crucial for chronological ordering.

The Vikrama Samvat is associated with King Vikramaditya. The Shaka Samvat is widely believed to have been started by the Kushana ruler Kanishka, although other theories exist; it is the basis of the Indian national calendar. The Kalachuri or Chedi era was used by the Kalachuri dynasty in Central India and parts of Gujarat. The Gupta era was founded by Chandragupta I of the Gupta dynasty. The Harsha era was founded by Harshavardhana.

103. In Kautilya’s Arthashashtra, the con- querer king is expected to est

In Kautilya’s *Arthashashtra*, the con- querer king is expected to establish, in the conquered territories, a social order based on the

[amp_mcq option1=”*varna* system only” option2=”*dharma, varna* and *ashrama* systems” option3=”*dharma* only” option4=”*varna* and *ashrama* systems” correct=”option2″]

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Kautilya’s *Arthashastra* is a treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy. When discussing the administration of conquered territories (referred to as *labdha*), Kautilya advises the conqueror king to establish a stable and acceptable social order. This order is based on respecting and reinforcing the established social norms, customs (*dharma*), and the traditional hierarchical structures of *varna* and *ashrama* prevalent in ancient Indian society.

Kautilya’s approach was pragmatic, emphasizing the need for stability and integration in conquered regions by aligning with existing social institutions like *dharma*, *varna*, and *ashrama* systems.

Kautilya advised the king to conciliate the local population by adopting their customs, language, and religious practices, while simultaneously introducing administrative measures to strengthen central authority and ensure economic prosperity. The goal was to make the transition smooth and prevent future rebellions by integrating the new territory into the empire through respect for its social fabric, underpinned by *dharma*, *varna*, and *ashrama* as the foundational principles of social organization.

104. The Junagarh inscription goes on to tell us that during the reign of R

The Junagarh inscription goes on to tell us that during the reign of Rudradaman, in the year 72 of the Saka era, there occurred a terrible storm. What would be the time in CE of the occurrence of that terrible storm?

[amp_mcq option1=”150 CE” option2=”181 CE” option3=”130 CE” option4=”120 CE” correct=”option1″]

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The correct option is A.

The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I is a significant historical record. It mentions the repair of the Sudarshana Lake, originally built during the time of Chandragupta Maurya and improved by Ashoka. The inscription specifically states that a terrible storm occurred in the year 72 of the Saka era, causing damage to the lake’s embankment, which Rudradaman subsequently repaired.

The Saka era is a historical calendar era. Its epoch (year 0 or year 1) is widely accepted to correspond to 78 CE.
To convert a year in the Saka era to a year in the Common Era (CE), you typically add 78 to the Saka year.

Given Saka era year = 72.
Time in CE = Saka year + 78
Time in CE = 72 + 78
Time in CE = 150 CE.

Therefore, the terrible storm mentioned in the Junagarh inscription occurred in 150 CE.

The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I is located on the Girnar hill near Junagarh in Gujarat. It is notable for being one of the earliest and longest inscriptions in chaste Sanskrit. It provides valuable information about the history of the region under the Western Satrap ruler Rudradaman I, including details about the Sudarshana Lake’s construction and repairs, and his administration. Rudradaman I was a powerful ruler of the Western Satraps, a Saka dynasty that ruled parts of western and central India. The inscription also provides details about his military achievements and personal qualities.

105. Consider the following pairs of texts and their subjects: 1. Tilakmanj

Consider the following pairs of texts and their subjects:
1. Tilakmanjari – Mathematics
2. Nighantu – Medicine
3. Janakiharan – Logic
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”1 and 2″ option4=”2 and 3″ correct=”option2″]

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The correct option is B.

Let’s examine each pair:
1. Tilakmanjari – Mathematics: Tilakmanjari is a renowned prose romance (katha) written in Sanskrit by Dhanapala in the 11th century CE. It is a work of literature, not mathematics. This pair is incorrectly matched.
2. Nighantu – Medicine: The term ‘Nighantu’ originally referred to collections of Vedic words, essentially vocabularies or glossaries. Over time, the term was applied to lexicons in various fields. A significant branch of later ‘Nighantu’ literature comprises texts dedicated to listing and describing medicinal plants, minerals, animal products, and their properties, which are fundamental to Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine (materia medica). Examples include Dhanvantari Nighantu, Raja Nighantu, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. Thus, Nighantu texts are indeed related to medicine. This pair is correctly matched in this sense.
3. Janakiharan – Logic: Janakiharana is a famous Sanskrit epic poem (Mahakavya) attributed to Kumaradasa, believed to be a poet from Sri Lanka (possibly 6th or 7th century CE). It retells the story of the Ramayana, focusing on the abduction of Sita (Janaki). It is a work of poetry/literature, not logic. This pair is incorrectly matched.

Based on the analysis, only the second pair is correctly matched, considering the later development of Nighantu literature focusing on medicinal substances.

Nighantus are classified as lexicons or dictionaries in Sanskrit literature. While the earliest Nighantus were related to Vedic studies, the term evolved to encompass specialized glossaries. The medicinal Nighantus are crucial texts in the history of Indian medical knowledge, providing systematic information about drugs and their uses. The question likely refers to this well-known type of Nighantu.

106. Consider the following statements about the costumes and headgear/hair

Consider the following statements about the costumes and headgear/hairstyle in India during 4th-7th century AD:
1. There was a marked preference for stitched garment as compared to any previous age.
2. Simple plaits without any floral embellishment dominated the hairstyle of women.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option1″]

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The correct option is A.

Statement 1: There was a marked preference for stitched garment as compared to any previous age. The period 4th-7th century AD corresponds roughly to the Gupta period and early post-Gupta period. Historical and archaeological evidence suggests that while traditional unstitched garments (like dhoti, sari, antariya, uttariya) remained prevalent, the influence of foreign contacts (like Kushanas and Sakas before and during the Gupta period) led to increased use and popularity of stitched garments such as tunics (choga, jama), coats, trousers (shalwar). Compared to the earlier Vedic or Maurya periods where unstitched garments were dominant, the stitched garments saw a significant rise in preference, particularly among certain sections of society (royalty, nobility, military) and in specific regions. Therefore, stating a ‘marked preference’ (meaning noticeable increase and favour) for stitched garments compared to previous ages appears correct for this period.

Statement 2: Simple plaits without any floral embellishment dominated the hairstyle of women. Sculptural depictions and paintings from the Gupta period (e.g., Ajanta murals, sculptures from Sanchi, Deogarh) show a wide variety of elaborate and complex hairstyles worn by women, often involving intricate buns, multiple braids, coils, and ringlets. These hairstyles were frequently adorned with flowers, pearls, jewels, and other ornaments. Simple plaits existed, but they did not ‘dominate’ the hairstyle scene, especially among the elite and in artistic representations, nor were they typically ‘without any floral embellishment’. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Based on the analysis, only statement 1 is correct.

The Gupta period (c. 320 to 550 CE) is often considered a golden age of Indian art, literature, and science. Clothing styles during this era reflected both tradition and foreign influences. Men’s clothing often included the antariya and uttariya, but stitched garments like tunics (often called ‘choga’) and trousers became common, especially in the north and west. Women continued to wear saris and dhotis, but stitched blouses and jackets also appeared. Hairstyles were diverse and elaborate, with extensive use of ornaments. The period saw cultural synthesis, which was reflected in attire and adornment.

107. The ancient Indian medical treatise for horses called Ashvashastra is

The ancient Indian medical treatise for horses called Ashvashastra is attributed to which one of the following persons ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Vagbhatta of the seventh century” option2=”The sage Shalihotra” option3=”Bhartrihari of the seventh century” option4=”Varahamihira of the sixth century” correct=”option2″]

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The ancient Indian treatise dealing with the science and treatment of horses, known as Ashvashastra or Ashvayurveda, is traditionally attributed to the sage Shalihotra. Shalihotra is considered a pioneer in veterinary science in ancient India, specifically regarding equine care.

Shalihotra of Shakala is a legendary figure in ancient Indian veterinary medicine, particularly known for his work on horses. While the exact date is debated, he is placed centuries before the other figures listed.

Vagbhatta was a prominent physician known for Ashtanga Hridaya. Bhartrihari was a philosopher and poet known for his work on grammar and poetry. Varahamihira was a renowned astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer. None of these are primarily associated with veterinary medicine for horses; that credit goes to Shalihotra.

108. The ruler Vindhyashakti during the period preceding the Gupta Age is a

The ruler Vindhyashakti during the period preceding the Gupta Age is associated with which one of the following dynasties ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Vakatakas” option2=”Chalukyas” option3=”Kalachuris” option4=”Sungas” correct=”option1″]

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Vindhyashakti is widely regarded as the founder of the Vakataka dynasty. The Vakatakas rose to prominence in the Deccan around the mid-3rd century CE, a period immediately preceding or overlapping with the rise of the Gupta Empire in Northern India.

The Vakatakas were a significant power in central and southern India for about two centuries after the decline of the Satavahana dynasty and before the complete dominance of the Guptas. Vindhyashakti established the dynasty’s control over a substantial territory.

The Chalukyas rose much later (6th century CE onwards). The Kalachuris also emerged later (around 6th century CE in some regions, 8th-12th centuries CE in others). The Sungas ruled in Northern India after the Mauryas (2nd-1st centuries BCE). Therefore, the Vakatakas, founded by Vindhyashakti, are the dynasty associated with the period preceding the Gupta Age among the given options.

109. Which one of the following animals does not come under the category of

Which one of the following animals does not come under the category of four noble animals (Maha-Ajaneya Pasu) carved on the round drum (Anda-Phalaka) of the lion capital at Sarnath ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Deer” option2=”Lion” option3=”Bull” option4=”Horse” correct=”option1″]

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The drum (Anda-Phalaka) of the Sarnath Lion Capital features carvings of four animals alternating with Dharmachakra (wheels). These animals are the Elephant, Bull, Horse, and Lion. These four are often considered the “four noble animals” represented on the pillar, symbolizing different directions or aspects.

The Deer is a highly significant animal in Buddhist iconography, particularly associated with Sarnath (Deer Park, where Buddha gave his first sermon). However, the Deer is not depicted on the drum of the Sarnath Lion Capital; it is the Elephant, Bull, Horse, and Lion that are carved there.

The Lion Capital was erected by Emperor Ashoka. The four lions surmounting the capital face the four cardinal directions. The animals on the abacus below the lions are the Elephant, Bull, Horse, and Lion. The drum below the abacus features these four animals in relief separated by wheels.

110. Consider the following statements: 1. Vardhamana Mahavira attained K

Consider the following statements:

1. Vardhamana Mahavira attained Kaivalyajnana outside the town of Jrinbhikagrama, on the banks of river Rijupalika and in the field of a householder named Samaga.
2. The state when the Karma particles actually begin to flow towards the Jiva to bind it is known as Asrava.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option3″]

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Statement 1 correctly states that Vardhamana Mahavira attained Kaivalyajnana (omniscience) outside the town of Jrinbhikagrama, on the banks of the river Rijupalika, under a Sal tree in the field of a householder named Samaga.

Statement 2 accurately defines Asrava as the influx of karma particles into the soul (Jiva), which is the initial stage in the process of karmic bondage according to Jain philosophy.

In Jainism, the path to liberation involves stopping the influx of karma (Samvara) and shedding accumulated karma (Nirjara) to attain Kevala Jnana. Asrava is one of the tattvas (fundamentals) describing the process of karma binding the soul.