Ancient History of India

31. Consider the following : 1. Sohagighat 2. Lakhajoar 3. Kathotia 4

Consider the following :

  • 1. Sohagighat
  • 2. Lakhajoar
  • 3. Kathotia
  • 4. Jaora

With reference to the above, which one of the following is correct?

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All the above are Buddhist sites
All the above are rock art sites
All the above are names of tribes
All the above are ancient quarry sites
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Sohagighat, Lakhajoar, Kathotia, and Jaora are all recognized rock art sites.
These four locations are known for their prehistoric rock shelters containing ancient rock paintings (petroglyphs and pictographs). They are primarily located in the vicinity of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, and are part of or related to the larger complex of rock art sites in the Vindhya Range, including the famous Bhimbetka rock shelters. Archaeological surveys and studies have documented numerous rock art sites at these locations.
Rock art provides invaluable insights into the lives, beliefs, and artistic skills of prehistoric humans. Sites like Bhimbetka are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their extensive collection of rock paintings spanning several millennia. Sohagighat, Lakhajoar, Kathotia, and Jaora are important sites within this rich rock art landscape of Central India.

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32. Which one among the following is a Neolithic site?

Which one among the following is a Neolithic site?

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Adichanallur
Hallur
Brahmagiri
Kurnool
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Hallur is a well-known archaeological site with significant Neolithic period findings in South India.
Hallur, located in Karnataka, is a key site for understanding the South Indian Neolithic and transition to the Iron Age. Archaeological excavations at Hallur have revealed evidence of Neolithic settlements, including pottery, tools, and agricultural practices. Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu) is predominantly an Iron Age burial site. Brahmagiri (Karnataka) is also a multi-period site with evidence from the Neolithic-Chalcolithic and Iron Age, making it a valid Neolithic site as well. Kurnool district (Andhra Pradesh) is famous for prehistoric cave sites yielding rich evidence of Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, not primarily known as a major Neolithic site. Given the options and the typical emphasis in studies, Hallur is strongly associated with the Neolithic period in South India.
Neolithic sites in South India are characterized by the development of settled life, agriculture (millets, pulses), domestication of animals (cattle, sheep, goat), and the use of ground stone tools and pottery. Other important South Indian Neolithic sites include Utnur, Kodekal, Piklihal, Maski, and Tekkalakota.

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33. Which of the following statements about Aramaic language is/are correc

Which of the following statements about Aramaic language is/are correct?

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  • 1. Aramaic is a language related to Hebrew and Arabic.
  • 2. Aramaic language has been used in Ashokan inscriptions.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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The correct answer is C, meaning both statements are correct.
– Statement 1 is correct because Aramaic is a Semitic language, belonging to the same language family as Hebrew and Arabic. They share common linguistic roots and features.
– Statement 2 is correct because some Ashokan inscriptions, particularly those found in the northwestern parts of the Mauryan Empire (like in Kandahar, Afghanistan), were written in Aramaic, or were bilingual using Aramaic alongside Greek or Prakrit. This indicates the presence and official use of Aramaic in certain regions of his empire.
Aramaic was a widely spoken language in the ancient Near East and served as a lingua franca in various empires, including the Persian Empire, which preceded the Mauryan Empire in some northwestern regions. Its presence in Ashokan inscriptions reflects the diverse linguistic and cultural landscape of the Mauryan Empire.

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34. Who among the following constructed the Kailasanatha Temple at

Who among the following constructed the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram?

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Simhavishnu
Umadevi
Nandivarman
Narasimhavarman II Rajasimha
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The correct option is D.
The Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram is a famous structural temple built during the reign of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II, who is also known as Rajasimha (ruled c. 695-722 CE). It is one of the finest examples of Pallava architecture.
Other important Pallava kings include Mahendravarman I (known for rock-cut architecture) and Narasimhavarman I (Mammalla), who built the monolithic rathas and sculptured panels at Mamallapuram.

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35. Who among the following Kings is said to have destroyed a confederacy

Who among the following Kings is said to have destroyed a confederacy of Tamil States in circa 155 BCE?

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Bindusara
Karikala
Gautamiputra Satakarni
Kharavela
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The Hathigumpha inscription of King Kharavela of Kalinga mentions his military campaigns and achievements. In the 11th year of his reign, he is recorded as having destroyed a confederacy of Tamil states (Tamiladesam). While the exact dating of Kharavela is debated among scholars, a prominent theory places his reign in the latter half of the 2nd century BCE, making the date “circa 155 BCE” consistent with this event mentioned in his inscription. None of the other rulers mentioned (Bindusara, Karikala, Gautamiputra Satakarni) are associated with defeating a Tamil confederacy around this specific period.
– Kharavela was a powerful king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty of Kalinga.
– His Hathigumpha inscription in Udayagiri caves is the primary source of information about his reign and activities.
– The inscription details his campaigns against various rulers and regions, including the Tamil states.
Different scholars propose varying dates for Kharavela’s reign, ranging from the late 2nd century BCE to the early 1st century CE. However, the event of defeating the Tamil confederacy is a specific claim from his inscription, and its dating to circa 155 BCE aligns well with some proposed timelines for Kharavela. Bindusara was a Mauryan emperor much earlier (c. 298–272 BCE), Karikala was an early Chola king whose period is debated but generally earlier, and Gautamiputra Satakarni was a Satavahana ruler in the 2nd century CE.

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36. Who among the following Hellenic Kings is not mentioned in the records

Who among the following Hellenic Kings is not mentioned in the records of King Ashoka?

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Antiochus of Syria
Ptolemy II of Egypt
Antigonus of Macedonia
Alexander of Bactria
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Ashoka’s Rock Edict 13 mentions his contact with several contemporary Hellenistic kings, indicating his efforts to spread Dhamma. The kings explicitly named in the edict are:
1. Antiochus (Antiochus II Theos of Syria)
2. Ptolemy (Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt)
3. Antigonus (Antigonus Gonatas of Macedon)
4. Magas (Magas of Cyrene)
5. Alexander (usually identified as Alexander of Epirus or Corinth)
Comparing this list with the options, Antiochus of Syria, Ptolemy II of Egypt, and Antigonus of Macedonia are all mentioned. Alexander of Bactria, although ruling in a Hellenistic kingdom bordering the Mauryan Empire around that time (founded by Diodotus I who seceded from the Seleucid Empire), is *not* among the rulers specifically listed by Ashoka in this context.
– Ashoka’s Rock Edict 13 provides valuable information about his foreign relations and the extent of his Dhamma policy.
– The edict indicates diplomatic and missionary contacts beyond the borders of the Mauryan Empire into the Hellenistic world.
– Alexander mentioned in the edicts is usually identified as Alexander of Epirus or Corinth, not the founder of the Bactrian kingdom.
The Bactrian kingdom became independent around the mid-3rd century BCE under Diodotus I, making it contemporary with Ashoka’s later reign. However, Ashoka’s edicts name specific rulers, and Alexander of Bactria is not among them according to the known interpretations of the edicts.

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37. Consider the following statements about Harappan Civilization : It p

Consider the following statements about Harappan Civilization :

  • It provides the earliest evidence of garlic.
  • Ornaments and precious metals have been discovered at different sites.
  • Exclusive use of burnt bricks is a unique feature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 and 2
2 and 3
1 only
3 only
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Statement 2 is correct. Ornaments made of gold, silver, copper, and precious stones, as well as precious metals themselves, have been widely discovered at various Harappan sites like Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Dholavira, indicating their use and trade. Statement 3 is incorrect. While burnt bricks were extensively used, particularly for drainage systems and structures requiring strength, sun-dried bricks were also used, especially for inner walls and less exposed parts. Moreover, the use of burnt bricks was not unique to the Harappan civilization among ancient cultures. Statement 1 is debatable and lacks strong, conclusive archaeological evidence for the claim of providing the “earliest evidence of garlic” worldwide. However, some sources suggest possible knowledge or use of garlic. Given that statement 2 is definitely correct and statement 3 is definitely incorrect, option A (1 and 2) is the most likely intended answer, implying that statement 1 is considered correct by the question setter in some context (perhaps earliest evidence within the subcontinent, although even this is not universally accepted). Assuming statement 1 is considered correct for the purpose of this question, A is the correct option.
– Harappan civilization is known for its urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and standardized weights and measures.
– Trade was important, evidenced by seals, weights, and materials sourced from distant regions, including precious metals for ornaments.
– The construction primarily used bricks, both burnt and sun-dried, in a standardized ratio.
– While evidence of various crops is found, the specific claim about garlic being the ‘earliest evidence’ is less strongly supported compared to other aspects of the civilization.
Major Harappan sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Lothal, Kalibangan, Banawali, Rakhigarhi, and Dholavira. The civilization flourished from approximately 2600 to 1900 BCE.

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38. Consider the following statements : 1. There are no parables in Upa

Consider the following statements :

  • 1. There are no parables in Upanishads.
  • 2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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The correct option is B.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Upanishads, while primarily philosophical texts based on dialogues and discussions, do contain illustrative stories and analogies, which can be considered parables or fables, used to explain complex concepts (e.g., the story of Nachiketa in Katha Upanishad).
Statement 2 is correct. The Upanishads are considered part of the later Vedic literature and generally predate the Puranas, which are part of the post-Vedic Smriti literature compiled much later, around the 4th to 16th centuries CE.
The major Upanishads are believed to have been composed between 800 BCE and 400 BCE. The Puranas are a vast genre of Indian literature containing narratives about the history of the Universe, genealogies of kings, heroes, sages, and demigods, and cosmogony, philosophy, and geography.

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39. Consider the following information : Archaeological Site State

Consider the following information :

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Archaeological SiteStateDescription
1.ChandraketugarhOdishaTrading Port town
2.InamgaonMaharashtraChalcolithic site
3.MangaduKeralaMegalithic site
4.SalihundamAndhra PradeshRock-cut cave shrines

In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched ?

1 and 2
2 and 3
3 and 4
1 and 4
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The correct answer is B, indicating that only rows 2 and 3 are correctly matched.
1. Chandraketugarh is an archaeological site located in West Bengal, not Odisha. It was indeed an important ancient port city and urban centre, but the state is incorrectly matched.
2. Inamgaon is a major archaeological site located in Maharashtra. It is a significant and well-studied Chalcolithic period site, known for its evidence of early farming villages in the Deccan region. This row is correctly matched.
3. Mangadu is a place in Kerala, and archaeological findings including megalithic burials have been reported from sites in or near Mangadu in Kerala. While perhaps not as famous as some other megalithic sites, the description as a “Megalithic site” in Kerala is considered correct in this context.
4. Salihundam is an important Buddhist archaeological site in Andhra Pradesh. It features structural remains of stupas, chaityas, viharas, and monastic complexes, as well as sculptures and inscriptions. It is not primarily known for “Rock-cut cave shrines” in the way sites like Ajanta or Ellora are. While there might be minor rock-cut elements, this description is generally inaccurate for Salihundam.
Archaeological sites provide crucial evidence for reconstructing ancient history. Chandraketugarh highlights ancient trade networks, Inamgaon provides insights into early village life and farming, Mangadu (in the context of Kerala) points to the widespread practice of megalithic traditions in South India, and Salihundam is important for understanding the spread of Buddhism in the region.

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40. With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by

With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets ?

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  • 1. Nayaputta
  • 2. Shakyamuni
  • 3. Tathagata

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha
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The correct answer is B, which includes epithets 2 and 3.
1. Nayaputta is an epithet associated with Mahavira (Vardhamana), the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, who belonged to the Jnatrika (Naya) clan. It is not an epithet of Gautama Buddha.
2. Shakyamuni means “Sage of the Shakyas”. Gautama Buddha was born into the Shakya clan and is frequently referred to by this title, particularly in Mahayana Buddhism. This is a correct epithet.
3. Tathagata is a term used by Gautama Buddha when referring to himself. Its meaning is debated but broadly translates to “one who has thus come” or “one who has thus gone,” signifying one who has attained ultimate truth. It is one of the principal epithets of Buddha. This is a correct epithet.
Gautama Buddha is also known by other names and titles, such as Siddhartha Gautama (his birth name), Bhagavan (Blessed One), Sugata (Well-Gone), and Jina (Victor, although this term is more strongly associated with Jainism, it is also sometimes applied to Buddha).

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