Ancient History of India Archives

131. Madhyamika Karika, the basic text of Madhyamika School, was composed

Madhyamika Karika, the basic text of Madhyamika School, was composed by

[amp_mcq option1=”Nagarjuna” option2=”Asanga” option3=”Vasubandhu” option4=”Dharmakirti” correct=”option1″]

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Madhyamika Karika (Mūlamadhyamakakārikā), meaning “Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way,” is the foundational text of the Madhyamika school of Mahayana Buddhism. It was composed by the Indian Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna (c. 150-250 CE), who is considered one of the most important figures in Mahayana philosophy.

– Nagarjuna’s philosophy is based on the concept of shunyata (emptiness), arguing that phenomena are empty of inherent existence (svabhava).
– The Madhyamika school is known as the “Middle Way” because it avoids the extremes of asserting existence or non-existence of phenomena.
– Asanga and Vasubandhu were prominent figures of the Yogacara school of Mahayana Buddhism, which focused on the nature of consciousness.
– Dharmakirti was a major Buddhist philosopher of the 7th century CE, primarily known for his work on Buddhist logic (Pramana).

Nagarjuna is revered as the second Buddha by some Mahayana traditions. His work significantly influenced the development of Buddhist thought in India and subsequent traditions in East Asia and Tibet.

132. Most of the mature Harappan sites in the region of Cholistan had been

Most of the mature Harappan sites in the region of Cholistan had been abandoned during

[amp_mcq option1=”C. 2250 BCE” option2=”C. 2000 BCE” option3=”C. 1800 BCE” option4=”C. 1700 BCE” correct=”option3″]

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Archaeological evidence from the Cholistan desert region, which contains a large number of Harappan sites, indicates a significant decline and abandonment of most mature Harappan settlements during the Late Harappan phase. Studies place the peak of the Mature Harappan period in Cholistan between 2600 and 1900 BCE, followed by a drastic reduction in sites and a shift towards smaller, less complex settlements. By around 1800 BCE, the mature urban centers in Cholistan were largely abandoned.

– Cholistan is located in Pakistan, south of Punjab and east of Sindh.
– It was a core area of the Mature Harappan civilization.
– The decline of the Harappan civilization varied regionally, but the period from around 1900 BCE onwards is generally considered the Late Harappan phase or Post-Urban Harappan.
– Factors like climatic change, changes in river courses (e.g., the Ghaggar-Hakra river), and potentially other socio-political factors contributed to the decline and abandonment of sites.

The overall decline of the Harappan civilization across its vast extent is a complex process that occurred over several centuries, typically dated from around 1900 BCE to 1300 BCE, with regional variations in timing and nature of decline or transformation. The abandonment of core regions like Cholistan by 1800 BCE is a significant event within this broader process.

133. According to early Indian philosophers, what are the basic elements de

According to early Indian philosophers, what are the basic elements described in Pancha Tattva ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Earth, Fire, Sky, Gas and Water” option2=”Air, Earth, Fire, Sky and Water” option3=”Gas, Land, Fire, Sky and Water” option4=”Air, Earth, Fire, Land and Water” correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B) Air, Earth, Fire, Sky and Water.

According to early Indian philosophical schools (like Samkhya) and traditional Indian medicine systems (like Ayurveda), the universe and everything in it, including the human body, are composed of five basic elements, known as Pancha Mahabhuta or Pancha Tattva. These elements are Prithvi (Earth), Apas (Water), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Air), and Akasha (Sky, Ether, or Space). The terms ‘Gas’ and ‘Land’ in options A, C, and D are not the traditional terms used for these fundamental elements in this philosophical context; ‘Air’ (Vayu) and ‘Earth’ (Prithvi) are the correct traditional terms.

These elements are not understood in the modern chemical sense but represent different states or qualities of matter and energy. Earth represents solidity, Water liquidity, Fire transformation/energy, Air gaseousness/movement, and Sky/Space represents emptiness or the medium in which everything exists.

134. Tamilakam was the name of the ancient Tamil country that included

Tamilakam was the name of the ancient Tamil country that included

[amp_mcq option1=”present-day Tamil Nadu as well as parts of Sri Lanka” option2=”land between present day Tirupati hills and the southernmost tip of peninsula” option3=”present-day Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra” option4=”present day Kerala, Telangana and Karnataka” correct=”option2″]

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Tamilakam, in ancient literature, was typically defined as the land between the Tirupati hills (Venkateswara Hills) in the north and the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula (Kanyakumari) in the south, encompassing the territories primarily inhabited by Tamil-speaking people. This aligns best with option B.

Tamilakam refers to the historical Tamil country, traditionally defined by specific geographical boundaries in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent.

Ancient Tamil texts like Tolkappiyam describe the boundaries of Tamilakam. This region historically included present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and southern parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Parts of Sri Lanka inhabited by Tamils were also sometimes considered part of a broader cultural Tamil sphere, but the core geographical definition within the mainland is typically between Tirupati and Kanyakumari.

135. Which one of the following statements about the Harappan script is NOT

Which one of the following statements about the Harappan script is NOT correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It has about four hundred signs” option2=”It was written from right to left” option3=”It has been found on bone rods and jewellery” option4=”It refers to the people of Meluhha” correct=”option4″]

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The statement “It refers to the people of Meluhha” about the Harappan script is NOT correct. Meluhha is the name used in Mesopotamian texts, written in Cuneiform script, believed to refer to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Harappan script itself is undeciphered, so we do not know what names or people it refers to internally. The other statements are generally considered correct based on current understanding of the Harappan script.

The Harappan script is undeciphered, meaning its language and content are unknown. Mesopotamian texts mention trade with a land called Meluhha, widely identified with the Indus Valley region.

Estimates for the number of signs in the Harappan script vary but are generally around 400-600, suggesting it was likely logographic-cum-syllabic. Evidence from overlapping signs suggests it was written from right to left, though boustrophedon (alternating direction) is also possible. While most inscriptions are found on seals, they also appear on pottery, copper tablets, tools, ivory rods, and potentially on other materials.

136. Who among the following is the author of the Kiratarjuniya?

Who among the following is the author of the Kiratarjuniya?

[amp_mcq option1=”Magha” option2=”Bharavi” option3=”Bhasa” option4=”Bhavabhuti” correct=”option2″]

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The Kiratarjuniya is a celebrated work of classical Sanskrit poetry (maha-kavya). It was written by Bharavi in the 6th century CE. The epic poem narrates the battle between Arjuna (disguised as a hunter) and Shiva (disguised as a Kirata or mountain-dweller).

Bharavi is known for his complex and ornate style, particularly his mastery of language and metre. The Kiratarjuniya is considered one of the great Sanskrit epics, alongside Kalidasa’s works and Magha’s Shishupala Vadha.

Magha was another prominent Sanskrit poet, author of Shishupala Vadha. Bhasa was an early Sanskrit playwright. Bhavabhuti was a Sanskrit playwright of the 8th century, known for plays like Uttararamacharita. These are all significant figures in Sanskrit literature, but Kiratarjuniya is definitively attributed to Bharavi.

137. Which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. The Satavahana

Which of the following statements is/are correct ?

1. The Satavahanas ruled over parts of western India and the Deccan
2. The Satavahanas repaired and rebuilt Sudarshana Lake

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

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Let’s evaluate the statements about the Satavahanas:
1. The Satavahanas ruled over parts of western India and the Deccan: The Satavahana dynasty was a prominent kingdom in the Deccan region, which includes parts of present-day Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Their rule also extended into parts of Karnataka and occasionally into Western India (like northern Konkan and parts of Gujarat). This statement is correct.
2. The Satavahanas repaired and rebuilt Sudarshana Lake: Sudarshana Lake was an artificial reservoir located near Girnar in Gujarat. It was originally constructed during the Maurya period (specifically under Chandragupta Maurya, with contributions from Ashoka). Historical records, particularly the Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman I (a Western Kshatrapa ruler, 2nd century CE), state that Rudradaman I repaired the lake after it was damaged by a storm. Later, the Gupta emperor Skandagupta also repaired it (5th century CE) as mentioned in the Junagadh inscription. There is no historical evidence connecting the Satavahana dynasty with the repair or rebuilding of Sudarshana Lake. So, this statement is incorrect.
Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.

The Satavahanas ruled in the Deccan and parts of Western India. The Sudarshana Lake was built by the Mauryas and repaired by Western Kshatrapas (Rudradaman I) and Guptas (Skandagupta), not the Satavahanas.

The Satavahana dynasty lasted for several centuries (roughly 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE) and played a significant role in the political and cultural history of the Deccan. Their conflict with the Western Kshatrapas over control of regions like Maharashtra and Gujarat was a recurring theme in their history.

138. Which of the following are prescribed as the duties of Vaishyas accord

Which of the following are prescribed as the duties of Vaishyas according to the Dharmashastras?

1. Studying the Vedas
2. Engaging in trade

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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Dharmashastras are ancient Indian legal and ethical texts that prescribe duties (dharma) for individuals based on their varna (social class). According to these texts:
– Brahmins: Studying and teaching the Vedas, performing sacrifices, giving and receiving gifts.
– Kshatriyas: Studying the Vedas (but not teaching), protecting the people, administering justice, performing sacrifices, engaging in warfare.
– Vaishyas: Studying the Vedas (though often less emphasized than for Brahmins/Kshatriyas), engaging in trade (vanijya), cattle rearing (pashupalya), and agriculture (krishi), performing sacrifices, lending money.
– Shudras: Serving the other three varnas, particularly Brahmins.
Let’s evaluate the statements regarding Vaishyas:
1. Studying the Vedas: While some texts mention that Vaishyas could study the Vedas, it was not considered a primary or universally obligatory duty in the same way it was for Brahmins. Some interpretations restrict deep Vedic study or teaching to Brahmins. However, the right to study was generally granted to the upper three varnas (dvijas – twice-born). So this is partially true but not the defining primary duty.
2. Engaging in trade: This is explicitly and consistently mentioned as a primary duty and occupation of Vaishyas in Dharmashastras.
Comparing the two, engaging in trade is the *most* prescribed and defining duty among the options for Vaishyas according to Dharmashastras. Often, studying Vedas for Vaishyas was limited compared to Brahmins. Considering the options and the typical emphasis in Dharmashastras, trade is the core duty listed.

Engaging in trade, agriculture, and cattle rearing were the primary prescribed duties/occupations for Vaishyas according to Dharmashastras. Studying the Vedas was sometimes permitted but not emphasized as their core duty compared to Brahmins.

The division of duties based on varna was an idealized model presented in these texts, and the actual social and economic practices varied in different regions and periods. The three upper varnas were considered ‘dvijas’ (twice-born) and had the right to Vedic initiation (upanayana), which was a prerequisite for Vedic study.

*Correction*: Re-evaluating statement 1. Dharmashastras generally state that the three dvija varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya) have the right to Vedic study. For example, Manusmriti states that the Vaishya should study the Vedas, perform sacrifices, lend money, etc. So, studying the Vedas was indeed a prescribed duty for Vaishyas. Therefore, both statements are correct according to the Dharmashastras.

Let’s re-assess ID 26394 based on this correction.
1. Studying the Vedas: Yes, prescribed for all dvijas, including Vaishyas.
2. Engaging in trade: Yes, a primary occupation and duty.
Both statements are correct.

Revised Explanation for ID 26394:

According to the Dharmashastras, the society was divided into four varnas, each with prescribed duties (dharma). The Vaishyas were part of the ‘dvija’ or twice-born varnas, along with Brahmins and Kshatriyas.
1. Studying the Vedas: Dharmashastras explicitly state that Vaishyas, as members of the dvija varnas, have the right and duty to study the Vedas, although the emphasis and depth might differ compared to Brahmins. For instance, Manusmriti includes studying the Vedas as a duty of the Vaishya. So, this statement is correct.
2. Engaging in trade: Trade (vanijya), along with agriculture (krishi) and cattle rearing (pashupalya), were the primary and defining occupations and duties prescribed for the Vaishyas. So, this statement is correct.
Since both statements are correct according to the Dharmashastras, the correct option is C.

Dharmashastras prescribed both studying the Vedas and engaging in trade as duties for the Vaishyas.

The Dharmashastras provided an ideal blueprint for social and religious order, outlining duties for each varna, ashrama (stage of life), etc. While studying the Vedas was a right of the three upper varnas, the primary economic duties like trade, agriculture, and cattle rearing were specifically assigned to the Vaishyas.

139. Which one of the following is NOT listed as one of the sixteen mahajan

Which one of the following is NOT listed as one of the sixteen mahajana-padas in the pre-Mauryan period?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kuru” option2=”Vatsa” option3=”Gandhara” option4=”Kalinga” correct=”option4″]

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Ancient Indian texts, such as the Anguttara Nikaya (a Buddhist text) and the Bhagavati Sutra (a Jaina text), list sixteen Mahajanapadas (Great Kingdoms) that existed in the Indian subcontinent during the 6th-4th centuries BCE, in the pre-Mauryan period. The commonly listed Mahajanapadas are: Anga, Magadha, Kashi, Kosala, Vriji (Vajji), Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Matsya (Machcha), Surasena, Asmaka, Avanti, Gandhara, and Kamboja.
Let’s check the options:
A) Kuru: Is one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
B) Vatsa: Is one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
C) Gandhara: Is one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
D) Kalinga: The region of Kalinga (modern Odisha) was a significant political entity, but it is not listed among the sixteen Mahajanapadas in the standard ancient lists for this period. It became particularly prominent during the reign of Ashoka, who conquered it in the 3rd century BCE.

The sixteen Mahajanapadas were prominent kingdoms in North India during the pre-Mauryan period. Kalinga was a separate kingdom that gained historical prominence later.

The lists of Mahajanapadas sometimes vary slightly between different texts. However, Kalinga is consistently absent from the lists of the sixteen Mahajanapadas of the 6th-4th centuries BCE.

140. Which of the following is/are the most distinctive artefacts of the Ha

Which of the following is/are the most distinctive artefacts of the Harappan Civilisation?

1. Steatite seal
2. Bricks of a standardised ratio
3. Gold bangles
4. Silver spittoon

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”1 and 2 only” option3=”2, 3 and 4″ option4=”1, 2 and 4″ correct=”option2″]

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Distinctive artefacts of a civilization are those that are unique or highly characteristic of that culture.
1. Steatite seal: Harappan seals with their unique script and animal motifs are considered one of the most distinctive and representative artefacts of the civilization. They are found in large numbers and across the extent of the Harappan world.
2. Bricks of a standardised ratio: The use of kiln-fired bricks in a specific, standardized ratio (typically 1:2:4 for thickness, width, and length) is a hallmark of Harappan urban planning and construction techniques, making it a highly distinctive feature.
3. Gold bangles: While gold ornaments were found in Harappan sites, bangles are a common form of ornament found in many cultures, making them less distinctly Harappan compared to seals or standardized bricks.
4. Silver spittoon: Silver objects were used, but a ‘spittoon’ is not typically highlighted as one of the most significant or distinctive artefact types representing the civilization as a whole.
Therefore, Steatite seals and Bricks of a standardised ratio are considered the most distinctive artefacts among the given options.

Harappan seals and their highly standardized brick architecture are widely recognized as prime identifying characteristics of the civilization.

Other significant artefacts include pottery, weights and measures (known for their accuracy), bronze figures (like the Dancing Girl), and terracotta figurines. However, seals and bricks often stand out due to their widespread presence and unique features.