McqMate
| 101. |
Who were the patrons of Sangama Literature? |
| A. | Nayakas |
| B. | Chandellas |
| C. | Pandyas |
| D. | Solankis |
| Answer» C. Pandyas | |
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Explanation: Sangam was the ancient academy, which enabled Tamil poets and authors to gather periodically to publish their work. The Sangam met periodically in the city of Madurai in South India under the patronage of the Pandya kings. Sangam literature comprises some of the oldest extant Tamil literature, and deals with love, war, governance, trade and bereavement. |
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| 102. |
Which among the following chronology is correct regarding four samvatas'? |
| A. | Gupta-Gregorian-Hizri-Saka |
| B. | Gregorian-Saka-Hizri-Gupta |
| C. | Saka-Gregorian-Hizri-Gupta |
| D. | Hizri-Gupta-Gregorian-Saka |
| Answer» A. Gupta-Gregorian-Hizri-Saka | |
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Explanation: Samvat is any of the various Hindu calendars. In India, there are several calendars in use. The Saka Samvat is associated with 78 A.D; Gupta Samvat with 320 A.D; and Hijri Samvat with 622 A.D. The first ear of Hijri era was the Islamic year beginning in AL 622 during which the emigration of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra, |
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| 103. |
The home of Gargi, Maitrey, and Kapila was at - |
| A. | Vidisha |
| B. | Ujjain |
| C. | Pataliputra |
| D. | Mithila |
| Answer» D. Mithila | |
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Explanation: The name Mithila' goes back to Puranic times. It occurs in the Mahabharata and in Pali literature cording to the Puranic tradition the name has been derived from that of Mithi (son of Nimi) King of Aodhya and grandson of Manu who founded a kingdom which was called Mithila after him. It is associated with Valmiki, Ashtavakra, Yajnavalkya, Udayana, Mahavira, Kanada, Jaimini and Kapila as well as the women philosophers, such as, Gargi, Maitreyi, Bharati and Katyayani. After the era of the Ramayana it is said that the three seats of culture in Vedic perio Kosala, Kasi and Videha - merged to form the Vajíans confederacy and the centre of political gravity shift from Mithila to Vaishali. |
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| 104. |
Who, according to the Buddhists is believed to be the next incarnation of Gautam Buddha? |
| A. | Atreya |
| B. | Maitreya |
| C. | Nagarjuna |
| D. | Kalki |
| Answer» B. Maitreya | |
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Explanation: Maitreya is foretold as a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology. In some Buddhist lit erature, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, he or she is referred to as Ajita Bodhisattva Maitreya is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradi tion is to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlight enment, and teach the pure dharma. According to scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor of the historic Sakyamuni Buddha. |
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| 105. |
Who is hailed as the “God of Medicine" by the practitioners of Ayurveda? |
| A. | Susruta |
| B. | Chyavana |
| C. | Dhanwantari |
| D. | Charaka |
| Answer» C. Dhanwantari | |
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Explanation: Dhanvantri is an Avatar of Vishnu from the Hindu tradition. He appears in the Vedas and Puranas as the physician of the gods (devas), and the god of Ayurvedic medicine. It is common practice in Hinduism for worshipers to pray to Dhanvantri seeking his blessings for sound health for themselves and/or oth ers. Dhanvantri is depicted as Vishnu with four hands, holding medical herbs in one hand and containing rejuvenating nectar called amrita in another. T pot he Puranas state that Dhanvantri emerged from the Ocean of Milk' and appeared with the pot of nectar during the story of the Samudra or Sagar manan whilst the ocean was being churned by the devas and asuras, using the Mandara mountain and the serpent Vasuki. |
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| 106. |
Which was the only Indus site with an artificial brick dockyard? |
| A. | Lothal |
| B. | Kalibangan |
| C. | Harappa |
| D. | Mohenjo Daro |
| Answer» A. Lothal | |
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Explanation: Lothal ancient Indus valley civilization. Located in Bhal region of the modern state of Gujarat and dating from was one of the most prominent cities of the 2400 BCE, it was discovered in 1954. Lothal was excavated from February 13, 1955, to May 19, 1960, by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Lothal's dock-the world's earliest known, connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati river on the trade route between Harappan cities in Sindh and the peninsula of Saurashtra when the surrounding Kutch desert of today was a part of the Arabian Sea. It was a vital and thriving trade center in ancient times, with its trade of beads, gems and valuable ornaments reaching the far corners of West Asia and Africa. |
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| 107. |
'Bull' in Buddhism is associated with which event of Buddha's life? |
| A. | Birth |
| B. | Great departure |
| C. | Enlightenment |
| D. | Mahaparinirvan |
| Answer» A. Birth | |
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Explanation: The five great events in Buddha's life are represented by symbols as under: (1) Birth by Lotus and Bull, (2) Great Renunciation by Horse, (3) Nirvana by Bodhi Tree, (4) First Sermon by Dharmachakra or Wheel and (e) Parinirvana or death by the stupa. |
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| 108. |
Which of the following would be the most accurate description of the Mauryan Monarchy under Ashoka? |
| A. | Enlightened despotism |
| B. | Centralised autocracy |
| C. | Oriental despotism |
| D. | Guided democracy |
| Answer» A. Enlightened despotism | |
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Explanation: Despotism is a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. However, in enlightened absolutism (also known as benevolent despotism), absolute monarchs used their authority to institute a number of reforms in the political systems and societies of their countries. During Ashoka's reign, the Mauryan Empire was indeed the first attempt in India to secure administrative centralization on an extended scale. Within its framework it united a number of people and tribes. Tha nature of the Mauryan government was enlightened despotism. The centralized monarchy became a paternal despotism under the able guidance of Ashoka. |
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| 109. |
Which event brought about a profound change in Ashoka's administrative policy? |
| A. | The third Buddhist Council |
| B. | The Kalinga War |
| C. | His embracing of Buddhism |
| D. | His sending of missionary to Ceylon |
| Answer» B. The Kalinga War | |
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Explanation: Kalinga War was the only major war Ashoka fought after his accession to throne. It is one of the major and bloodiest battles in the history of India. Kalinga put up a stiff resistance, but they were no match for Ashoka brutal strength. The bloodshed of this war is said to have prompted Ashoka to adopt Buddhism. |
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| 110. |
The monk who influenced Ashoka to embrace Buddhism was - |
| A. | Vishnu Gupta |
| B. | Upagupta |
| C. | Brahma Gupta |
| D. | Brihadratha |
| Answer» B. Upagupta | |
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Explanation: Upagupta was a Buddhist monk. According to some stories in the Sanskrit Avadana he was the spiritual teacher of Asoka the great Mauryan emperor. Upagupteacher was Sanavasi who was a disciple of Ananda, the Buddha's attendant. Due to the absence of his name in Theravada literature it is assumed that Upagupta was a Sarvadin monk. |
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| 111. |
Seleucus Nicator was defeated - |
| A. | Asoka |
| B. | Chandragupta Maurya |
| C. | Bindu Sara |
| D. | Brihadratha |
| Answer» B. Chandragupta Maurya | |
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Explanation: Seleucus I Nicator was a leading officer of Alexander the Great's League of Corinth and one of the Diadochi. In the Wars of the Diadochi that took plaafter Alexander's death, Seleucus established the Seleucid dynasty and the Seleucid Empire. He was defeated by the emperor of India, Chandragupta Maurya and accepted a matrimony alliance for 500 elphants after ceding the territories considered as part of India. |
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| 112. |
The striking feature of the Indus Valley Civilization was - |
| A. | Urban Civilization |
| B. | Agrarian Civilization |
| C. | Mesolithic Civilization |
| D. | (4) Paleolithic Civilization |
| Answer» A. Urban Civilization | |
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Explanation: The most characteristic feature of the Harappan Civilization was its urbanization. The cities show evidence of an advanced sense of planning and organization. The town was extremely well planned. The street ran straight and at right angles to each other following the grid system. The rectangular town planning was unique to the Harappans and was not known in Mesopotamia or Egypt. The streets were very wide and the houses built of burnt bricks lined both sides of the street. In Egypt and Mesopotamia dried or baked bricks were used. |
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| 113. |
Which language was mostly used for the propagation of Buddhism? |
| A. | Sanskrit |
| B. | Prakrit |
| C. | Pali |
| D. | Sauraseni |
| Answer» C. Pali | |
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Explanation: Pali is a Middle Indo-Aryan language (of Prakrit group) of the Indian subcontinent. It is best known as the language of many of the earliest extant Buddhist scriptures, as collected in the Pali Canon or Tipitaka, and as the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism. Pali is a literary language of the Prakrit language family and was first written down in Sri Lankain the first century BCE. |
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| 114. |
The Hoyasala's capital was - |
| A. | Warangal |
| B. | Devagiri |
| C. | Dwarasamudra |
| D. | Krishnagiri |
| Answer» C. Dwarasamudra | |
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Explanation: Halebidu (literally 'ruined city"), also known as Dwarasamudra, was the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. It is home to one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture in the ornate Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples. This name is given because this city was ruined two times by Bahmani Sultanate. |
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| 115. |
The Harappans were the earliest people to produce - |
| A. | Seals |
| B. | Bronze implements |
| C. | Cotton |
| D. | Barely |
| Answer» C. Cotton | |
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Explanation: The Harappans were the earliest known people to grow cotton. They produced cotton cloth hundreds of years before anyone else. In fact, the Greek word for cotton is sindon, a word derived from Sind which is a part of the Indus Valley Civilization region. |
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| 116. |
In which language were the Buddhist- texts 'Pitakas' composed? |
| A. | Sanskrit |
| B. | Ardhamagadhi |
| C. | Pali |
| D. | Prakrit |
| Answer» C. Pali | |
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Explanation: Tripitaka is the collection of the teachings of the Buddha over 45 years in the Pali language, and it consists of Sutta - conventional teaching, Vinaya disciplinary code, and Abhidhamma - moral psychology. Tripitaka is the main categories of texts that make up the Buddhist canon. |
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| 117. |
Who was called India's Napoleon because of his victories? |
| A. | Skandagupta |
| B. | Chandragupta |
| C. | Brahmagupta |
| D. | Samudragupta |
| Answer» D. Samudragupta | |
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Explanation: Samudragupta, ruler of the Gupta Empire, and successor to Chandragupta-I, is considered to be one of the greatest military geniuses in Indian history according to Historian |
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| 118. |
Who defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of Narmada? |
| A. | Pulakesin I |
| B. | Pulakesin II |
| C. | Vikramaditya |
| D. | Nandivarman |
| Answer» B. Pulakesin II | |
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Explanation: Harsha's ambition of extending his power to the Deccan and Southern India were stopped by the great Chalukya Emperor of South India Pulakeshini-II, the Chalukya king of Vatapi in Northern Karnataka along the banks of river Narmada. Pulakeshi defeated Harsha's army on the banks of the river Narmada in 620 A truces was agreed upon and the river Narmada was marked as the southern boundary of Harsha's kingdom. |
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| 119. |
During whose reign did the Gandhara School of Art blossom? |
| A. | Harsha |
| B. | Ashok |
| C. | Kanishka |
| D. | Chandragupta II |
| Answer» C. Kanishka | |
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Explanation: The Kushan period is considered the Golden Period of Gandhara. Peshawar Valley and Taxila are lit tered with ruins of stupas and monasteries of this period. Gandharan art flourished and produced some of the best pieces of Indian sculpture. Many monuments were created to commemorate the Jataka tales.The Gandhara civilization peaked during the reign of the great Kushan king Kanishka (128-151). The cities of Taxila (Takshasila) at Sirsukh and Peshawar were built. |
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| 120. |
The Chola kings were ruling over - |
| A. | Tamil Nadu |
| B. | Andhra |
| C. | Kerala |
| D. | Bengal |
| Answer» A. Tamil Nadu | |
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Explanation: Chola dynasty was a Tamil dynasty which was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in southern India. The arliest datable references to this Tamil dynasty are in inscriptions from the 3rd century BC left by Asoka, the dynasty continued to govern over varying territory until the 13th century AD. The heartland of the Cholas was the fertile valley of the Kaveri River, butthey ruled a significantly larger area at the height of their power from the later half of the 9th century tillthe beginning of the 13th century. |
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| 121. |
Which one of the following Vedas contains sacrificial formulae? |
| A. | Sama Veda |
| B. | Rig Veda |
| C. | YajurVeda |
| D. | Atharva Veda |
| Answer» C. YajurVeda | |
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Explanation: Yajur Veda deals with sacrificial formulae. It is divided into Black Yajur Veda and White Yajur Veda. |
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| 122. |
When did the best productions of Gandhara sculpture appear? |
| A. | Mauryan period |
| B. | Kushan period |
| C. | Gupta period |
| D. | Harsha period |
| Answer» B. Kushan period | |
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Explanation: The best productions of Gandhara Sculpture appreared during Kushana period. Gandhara sculpture shows Greek influence, therefore, it is known as IndoGreek art. |
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| 123. |
What is the first sermon of Buddha called as? |
| A. | Brahmajalasutta |
| B. | Dhammachakkapabattanasutta |
| C. | Kachchayanagottasutta |
| D. | Mahaparinirvansutta |
| Answer» B. Dhammachakkapabattanasutta | |
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Explanation: The first sermon Buddha gave to the five monks was called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. It is also called the Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma. |
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| 124. |
Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha together are known as - |
| A. | Triratna |
| B. | Trivarga |
| C. | Trisarga |
| D. | Trimurti |
| Answer» A. Triratna | |
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Explanation: The Three Jewels (triratna) are the three things that Buddhists take refuge in, and look toward for guidance, in the process known as taking refuge. The Three Jewels are: Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. |
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| 125. |
During which of the following periods of Indian History did the Kshatriyas have distinct identity? |
| A. | Age of the Buddha |
| B. | Maurya period |
| C. | Post-Maurya age |
| D. | Gupta period |
| Answer» A. Age of the Buddha | |
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Explanation: The Kshatriyas as the 'khattiyas' of Buddhist liter ature had a distinct identity at the time of the Buddha, but later their actual identity becomes vague. The same is also true of the Vaishyas. Of the three dvija castes, theBrahmin is the most easily identifiable as a concrete social group. |
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| 126. |
Which of the following countries has asked India to return the famous 'Dancing Girl' statue from Mohenjodaro? |
| A. | Bangladesh |
| B. | Bhutan |
| C. | China |
| D. | Pakistan |
| Answer» D. Pakistan | |
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Explanation: The Sindh government of Pakistan, in February 2014, requested Islamabad for asking India to return the famous statue of the Dancing Girl, which is in possession of the Indian authorities since 1946. The 10.8cm bronze statue, made in 2500 BC, is on display at the National Museum in New Delhi. |
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| 127. |
Who is the founder of Jainism in India? |
| A. | Gautama |
| B. | Mahavira |
| C. | Chandragupta |
| D. | Ashoka |
| Answer» B. Mahavira | |
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Explanation: According to Jain scriptures, Vardhaman Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara founded Jainism as a faith in the 5th or 6th century B.C. The religion derives its name from the jinas ("conquerors"), a title given to twenty-four great teachers (Tirthankara through whom their faith was revealed. |
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| 128. |
Who compiled the tales of The Panchatantra"? |
| A. | Valmiki |
| B. | VedaVyasa |
| C. | Vishnu Sharma |
| D. | Tulsidas |
| Answer» C. Vishnu Sharma | |
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Explanation: The Panchatantra is attributed to Vishnu Sharma. It an ancient Indian collection of inter-related animal fables in verse and prose arranged within a frame story. The original Sanskrit work, some scholars believe was composed around the 3rd century BC. |
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| 129. |
Which of the Kushana ruler patronised Buddhism? |
| A. | Ashoka |
| B. | Vikramaditya |
| C. | Kanishka |
| D. | Kautlya |
| Answer» C. Kanishka | |
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Explanation: Kushana, the most famous Kushana ruler, patronized Buddhism. The Fourth Buddhist Council, in which Buddhism got split into two different schools Hi nayana and Mahayana-, was held during his reign in Kashmir. He also patronized the Buddhist scholars Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna. |
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| 130. |
Which of the following was the early capital of the Rashtrakutas? |
| A. | Sopara |
| B. | Ellora |
| C. | Vatapi |
| D. | Ajanta |
| Answer» B. Ellora | |
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Explanation: There is uncertainty about the location of the early capital of the Rashtrakutas. However, since most of the Rashtrakuta monuments are found at Ellora (Ilapura), with nothing correspondence at Malkhed (Manakhet), it has been suggested that the early Rashtrakuta capital was located in the vicinity of the Ellora caves in the time of Dantidurga who was the founder and first ruler of the dynasty. Later, Amoghavarsha I made Manyakhet his capital that remained the Rashtrakutas' regal capital until the end of the empire. |
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| 131. |
Whose army did Alexander, the Greek ruler confront on the banks of the river Jhelum? |
| A. | Chandragupta Maurya |
| B. | Ambi |
| C. | Dhanananda |
| D. | Porus |
| Answer» D. Porus | |
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Explanation: The Battle of the Hydaspes was fought by Alexander the Great in 326 BC against King Porus of the Paurava kingdom on the banks of the river Hydaspes (Jhelum) in the Punjab near Bhera. The battle resulted in a complete Macedonian victory and the annexation of thePunjab.dragupta gave away his throne to his son, Bindusara, and spent his life as an ascetic. He accepted Jainism and spent his last days at Sravanabelagola in Karnataka along with Bhadrabahu He gave up his life by the strict Jain ritual of sallakhena. |
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| 132. |
Ajanta Caves were built during period of - |
| A. | Gupta |
| B. | Maurya |
| C. | Chalukya |
| D. | Kushana |
| Answer» A. Gupta | |
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Explanation: The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, are about 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 or 650 A.D, Most of them were constructed during Gupta Period. |
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| 133. |
The term 'Upanishad' literally implies - |
| A. | Knowledge |
| B. | Wisdom |
| C. | Sitting near |
| D. | Recitation |
| Answer» C. Sitting near | |
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Explanation: Upanishad means sitting down near", refers to the student sitting down near the teacher while receiving esoteric knowledge. Monier-Williams' Sanskrit Dictionary adds that, "Upanishad means 'setting to rest ignorance by revealing the knowledge of the supreme spirit.". |
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| 134. |
Who was called Lichchavi Dau2 hitra? |
| A. | Chandragupta I |
| B. | Skandagupta |
| C. | Kumaragupta |
| D. | Samudragupta |
| Answer» A. Chandragupta I | |
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Explanation: Chandragupta I was known as Lichchavidauhl tra. His marriage with the Lichchavi Princess Kuma radevi was one of the significant events in the Gupta rule. The importance o this marriage can be known further from Samudragupta's Allahabad inscription in which he has described himself as "Lichchhavisdau hitra or daughter's son of the Lichchavis. |
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| 135. |
The seashore temple at Mahaba lipuram was built by - |
| A. | Mahendra Varman I |
| B. | Narasimha Varman I |
| C. | Nandi Varman II |
| D. | Dandi Varman |
| Answer» B. Narasimha Varman I | |
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Explanation: The seashore temple at Mahabalipuram was built by Narasimha Varman I. |
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| 136. |
Coins made of metal first a peared in - |
| A. | Harappan Civilisation |
| B. | Later Vedic Age |
| C. | Age of the Buddha |
| D. | Age of the Mauryas |
| Answer» C. Age of the Buddha | |
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Explanation: Metal currency was minted in India well before the Mauryan empire (322-185 BC). The first Indian coins were minted around the 6th century BC by the Ma hajanapadas of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The coins of this period were punch marked coins called Puranas, Karshapanas or Pana. Early coins of India (400 BC 100 A.D.) were made of silver and copper, and bore animal and plant symbols on them. |
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| 137. |
Both Jainism and Buddhism has no faith in - |
| A. | yajnas |
| B. | salvation |
| C. | caste system |
| D. | rituals |
| Answer» C. caste system | |
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Explanation: Jainism and Buddhism arose us a protest against the ritualism of the Hindu religion. Gautam Buddha and Vardhaman Mahavir both belonged to ruling families of Kshatriyas. Buddhism, as well as, Jainism had no faith in Vedic religion. Besides, both these heterodox sects had no faith in caste distinctions and opposed the caste-system vehemently. |
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| 138. |
Buddhism in Nepal was introduced during the reign of - |
| A. | Samudragupta |
| B. | Ashoka |
| C. | Chandragupta |
| D. | Harshavardhana |
| Answer» B. Ashoka | |
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Explanation: As a Buddhist emperor, Ashoka sent many prominent Buddhist monks (bhikshus) Sthavira like Madhyamik Sthavira to modern Kashmir and Afistan; Maharaskshit Sthavira to Syria, Persia/ Egypt, Greece, Italy and Turkey; and Massim Sthavra to Nepal. He built a number of stupas, Sangharama, viharas, chaitya, and residences for Buddhist monks all over South Asia and Central Asia. The Asokan pillar at Lumbini, Nepal speaks about Asoka an his works. |
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| 139. |
Chinese pilgrim who visited India during Harsha Vardhan's period was - |
| A. | Fa-hien |
| B. | I'tsing |
| C. | Nishka |
| D. | Hiuen Tsang |
| Answer» D. Hiuen Tsang | |
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Explanation: Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese pilgrim who came to India in the first half of the seventh century A.D during the time of Harshavardhan in order to visit the places of pilgrimage associated with Buddha. His object was to secure authentic Buddhist scriptures and visit places of Buddhist interest. On returning to China, he put down all his impressions in a book called Si-yu-ki or The Records of the Western World' which proved to be an invaluable source of information to historians about Harsha and the political, social, economic and religious conditions in India during his reign. |
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| 140. |
Who, among the following, was not a part of the Mauryan dynasty? |
| A. | Ajatsatru |
| B. | Bindusara |
| C. | Chandragupta Maurya |
| D. | None of these |
| Answer» A. Ajatsatru | |
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Explanation: Ajatasatru (491 BC c. 461 BC) was a king of the Magadha empire in north India. He was the son of King Bimbisara, the great monarch of Magadha. He was contemporary to Mahavira and Buddha. |
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| 141. |
After Alexander's death the Eastern part of his empire came under - |
| A. | Seleucus Nicator |
| B. | Menander |
| C. | Rudradaman |
| D. | Kanishka |
| Answer» A. Seleucus Nicator | |
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Explanation: Seleucus I was a leading officer of Alexander the Great's League of Corinth and one of the Diadochi. In the wars of the Diadochi that took place after Alexander's death, Seleucus established the Seleuciddy nasty and the Seleucid Empire. His kingdom would be one of the last holdouts of Alexander's former empire to Roman rule. They were only outlived by the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt by roughly 34 years. |
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| 142. |
Harshvardhana was defeated by - |
| A. | Prabhakaravardhana |
| B. | Pulakesin II |
| C. | Narasimhasvarma Pallava |
| D. | Sasanka |
| Answer» B. Pulakesin II | |
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Explanation: In 630 BC, Harshavardhana faced defeat at the hands of Pulakesin II, the Chalukya King of Vatapi, in Northern Karnataka. The defeat resulted in a truce between the two kings, with Harsha accepting River armada as the southern boundary for his kingdom. |
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| 143. |
The illustrious names of Aryab hatta and Varahamihir are associated with the age of the - |
| A. | Guptas |
| B. | Kushanas |
| C. | Mauryas |
| D. | Palas |
| Answer» A. Guptas | |
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Explanation: The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire which existed from approximately 320 to 550 CE and covered much of the Indian Subcontinent. Scholars of this period include Varahamihira and Aryabhatta who is believed to be the first to come up with the concept of zero, postulated the theory that the Earth moves round the Sun, and studied solar and lunar eclipses. The most famous works of Aryabhatta are the Aryabhatiya and the Arya- siddhanta. Varahamihira was an Indian astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer who lived in Ujjain. He is considered to be one of thenine jewels (Navaratnas) of the court of legendary ruler Vikramaditya (thought to be the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II Vikramaditya). |
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| 144. |
Which dynasty succeeded the Chalukyas in Western India? |
| A. | Cholas |
| B. | Kakatiyas |
| C. | Pallavas |
| D. | Rashtrakutas |
| Answer» D. Rashtrakutas | |
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Explanation: The Chalukya dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries. The earliest dynasty, known as the "Badami Chalukyas", ruled from Vatapi (modern Badami) from the middle of the 6th century. The Badami Chalukyas began to assert their independence at the decline of the Kadamba kingdom of Banavasi and rapidly rose to prominence during the reign of Pulakesin II. After the death of Pulakesin II, the Eastern Chalukyas became an independent kingdom in the eastern Deccan. They ruled from Vengi until about the 11th century. |
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| 145. |
Which rulers built the Ellora Tem? |
| A. | Chalukya |
| B. | Sunga |
| C. | Rashtrakuta |
| D. | Pallava |
| Answer» C. Rashtrakuta | |
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Explanation: These religious establishments could have received royal patronage from various dynasties, even though inscriptional evidences are lacking for most of them. The only definite inscriptional evidence is that of Rash trakuta Dantidurga (c.753-57 A. D.) The majority o the Brahmanical establishments and the remaining Buddhist ones can be attributed to the Rashtrakuta times which indicate the religious tolerance of the ntemporary period. The Jaina caves definitely post date the Rashtrakutas as indicated by the style of execution and fragmentary inscriptions. This region was under the control of Kalyani Chalukyas and Yada vas of Deogiri (Daulatabad) during this period. |
|
| 146. |
Which area of India was known as Avantika in ancient times? |
| A. | Avadh |
| B. | Ruhelkhand |
| C. | Bundelkhand |
| D. | Malwa |
| Answer» D. Malwa | |
|
Explanation: Ujain (Avanti, Avantikapuri), is an ancient city of Malwa region in central India, on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River, today part of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Avanti with its capital at Ujaini, is men tioned in Buddhist literature as one of the four great powers along with Vatsa, Kosala and Magadha. |
|
| 147. |
Who among the following were contemporaries of Kanishka? |
| A. | Kamban, Banabhatta, Asvagosha |
| B. | Nagarjuna, Asvagosha, Vasumitra |
| C. | Asvagosha, Kalidasa, Banabhatta |
| D. | Kalidasa, Kamban, Vasumitra |
| Answer» B. Nagarjuna, Asvagosha, Vasumitra | |
|
Explanation: The eminent Buddhist writers Nagarjuna, Asva hosha, Parsva and Vasumitra flourished at the court of Kanishka. Nagarjuna was the great exponent o Mahayana doctrine and Asvaghosha, a multifaceted personality, was known as a poet, musician, scholar and zealous Buddhist monk. Charaka, the most celebrated authority on Ayurveda was the court physician of Kanishka and Mathara, a politician of raremerit, was his minister. Vasumitra presided over the fourth Buddhist Council. |
|
| 148. |
Who were the first kings to issue gold coins in India? |
| A. | Mauryas |
| B. | Indo-Greeks |
| C. | Guptas |
| D. | Kushans |
| Answer» B. Indo-Greeks | |
|
Explanation: The Indo-Greek kings were the first to issue gold coins in India and their coins were special in the sense that each king had his own distinctive coins by which he could be definitely identified. The names of at least thirty Bactrian kings are known with the help of numerous coins, and they help in the reconstruction of the history of the kings. The coins carry legends in Greek and also in Kharosthi and Brahmi. |
|
| 149. |
Who established Mahabalipuram? |
| A. | Pallava |
| B. | Pandya |
| C. | Chola |
| D. | Chalukya |
| Answer» A. Pallava | |
|
Explanation: Mahabalipuram, derived from 'Mamallapuram the prior and colloquial name of a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, now officially called Mamallapuram. Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of the South In an dynasty of the Pallavas near the city of Chennaiin Tamil Nadu. The name Mamallapuram is beli have been given after the Pallava king Narasimhavar man I, who took on the epithet Maha-malla (grea wrestler), as the favourite sport of the Pallavas wrestling. |
|
| 150. |
The First Tirthankara of the Jains was - |
| A. | Arishtanemi |
| B. | Parshvanath |
| C. | Ajitanath |
| D. | Rishabha |
| Answer» D. Rishabha | |
|
Explanation: In Jainism, Rishabh was the first of the 24 Tirthankaras who founded the Ikshavaku dynasty and was the first Tirthankara of the present age. Because of this, he was called Adinath. He is mentioned in the Hindu text of the Bhagavata Purana as an avataro Vishnu. In Jainism, a Tirthankara is a human being who helps in achieving liberation and enlightenment as an "Arihant" by destroying all of their soul constraining (ghati) karmas, became a role- model and leader for those seeking spiritual guidance. |
|
| 151. |
The great silk-route to the Indians was opened by: |
| A. | Kanishka |
| B. | Ashoka |
| C. | Harsha |
| D. | Fa-Hien |
| Answer» A. Kanishka | |
|
Explanation: The Silk Road or Silk Route is a modern term referring to a historical network of interlinking trade routes across the Afro- Eurasian landmass that connected East, South, and Western Asia with the Med iterranean and European world, as well as parts of North and East Africa. Extending 6,500 km, the Silk Road gets its name from the lucrative Chinese silk trade along it, which began during the Han Dynas (206 BC - 220 AD). The Kushan Empire incorporated Samarkand, Bokhara and Fergana, bordering on the Silk Road towns of Kashgar, Yarkand and Khotan The main route from Central Asia into India, connecting India with the Silk Roads and the Mediterraneanran through Gandhara. Kanishka sought to promote the thriving trade with the Silk Road centres like Kashgar and beyond, sending an envoy to Ttajan in Rome. |
|
| 152. |
The subject-matter of Ajanta Paintings pertains to - |
| A. | Jainism |
| B. | Buddhism |
| C. | Vaishnavism |
| D. | Shaivism |
| Answer» B. Buddhism | |
|
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves are the treasure house of delicate paintings that portray scenes from Jataka tales and from the life of Lord Buddha. Celebrated for its archaic wonder and laced with the series of carved artistry, Ajanta Cave paintings echo the quality of Indian creativity in perhaps the subtlest way. In the Ajanta wall-paintings, there is a profound modification from the art of early Buddhism. The Ajanta paintings stress on religious romanticism with lyric quality a reflection of the view that every aspect of life has anequal value in the spiritual sense and as an aspect of the divine. |
|
| 153. |
Up to where did Chandragupta Maurya's empire extend in the north-west? |
| A. | Ravi river |
| B. | Indus river |
| C. | Satluj river |
| D. | Hindukush range |
| Answer» B. Indus river | |
|
Explanation: Prior to Chandragupta's consolidation of power, small regional kingdoms dominated the northwestern subcontinent, while the Nanda Dynasty dominated the middle and lower basin of the Ganges. After Chan dragupta's conquests, the Maurya Empire extended from Bengal and Assam in the east, to Afghanistan and Balochistan, some part of the eastern and south- eastern in the west, to Kashmir and Nepal in the north, and to the Deccan Plateau in the south. The vast empire extended from the Bay of Bengal in the east to the Indus River in the west |
|
| 154. |
Prince Ellara conquered Sri Lanka in the second century BC With which of the following dynasties of Dravida ruler was he associated? |
| A. | Chera |
| B. | Chola |
| C. | Pandya |
| D. | Pallava |
| Answer» B. Chola | |
|
Explanation: Elara (235 BC-161 BC), also known as Manu Needhi Cholan was a Chola king from the Chola Kingdom, in present day South India, who ruled Sri Lanka from 205 BC to 161 BC from the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. Often referred to as 'the Just King.’ The Tamil name Elalan means, 'the one presentdayho rules the Ellai (boundary). Elara is a peculiar figure in the history of Sri Lanka and one with particular resonance given the ongoing ethnic strife in the country. Although he was an invader, he is often regarded as one of Sri Lanka's wisest and most just monarchs, as highlighted in the ancient Sinhalese chronicle Mahavamsary. |
|
| 155. |
Lothal is a site where dockyards of which of the following civilization were found? |
| A. | Indus Valley |
| B. | Mesoptamian |
| C. | Egyptian |
| D. | Persian |
| Answer» A. Indus Valley | |
|
Explanation: Lothal is one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization. Lothal's dock-the world's earliest known, connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati river on the trade route between |
|
| 156. |
Buddha' means |
| A. | The Enlightened one |
| B. | The Religious Preacher |
| C. | The Genius |
| D. | The Powerful |
| Answer» A. The Enlightened one | |
|
Explanation: The word Buddha is a title for the first awakened being in an era. "Buddha" is also sometimes translated as "The Enlightened One". As Gautam fully comprehended the Four Noble Truths and as he arose from the slumbers of ignorance he is called a Buddha. Before His Enlightenment he was a bodhisattva eans one who is aspiring to attain Buddha hood. He was not born a Buddha, but became a Bucddha by his own efforts. Every aspirant to Buddhahood passes through the bodhisattva period- a period comprising many lives over a vast period of time. |
|
| 157. |
Which of the following was NOTcomposed by Harshavadhana? |
| A. | Harshacharita |
| B. | Ratnavali |
| C. | Priyadarshika |
| D. | Nagananda |
| Answer» A. Harshacharita | |
|
Explanation: The Harshacharita, is the biography of Indian Emperor Harsha by Banabhatta, also known as Bana who was a Sanskrit writer of 7th century in India. He was the 'Asthana Kavi', meaning Court Poet', of King Harsha. |
|
| 158. |
The early Buddhist scriptures were composed in: |
| A. | Prakrit texts |
| B. | Pali texts |
| C. | Sanskrit texts |
| D. | Pictographical texts |
| Answer» B. Pali texts | |
|
Explanation: Pali is the language in which the texts of the Theravada school of Buddhism arepreserved. The Pali texts are the oldest collection of Buddhist scriptures preserved in the language in which they were writter down. |
|
| 159. |
In Mohanjadaro, the largest building is: |
| A. | the great bath |
| B. | a granary |
| C. | the Pillared Hall |
| D. | a two storeyed house |
| Answer» B. a granary | |
|
Explanation: The Great Granary of Harappa was the largest building of the Indus Valley Civilization. It was about 45 meters long and 15 meters wide. It was meant to store food grains. It had lines of circular brick plat forms for pounding grain. There were barrack like quarters for workmen. The granary also had smaller halls and corridors. It was used to store surplus food grains. There were two rows of granaries. Each row had six granaries. A similar granary has been found in Mohanjodaro. All the granaries were built close to the river bank so that grains could be easily transported with the help of boats. |
|
| 160. |
Sangam Age is associated with the history of - |
| A. | Benaras |
| B. | Allahabad |
| C. | Tamil Nadu |
| D. | Khajuraho |
| Answer» C. Tamil Nadu | |
|
Explanation: Sangam period is the period in the history of ancient southern India (known as the Tamilakam) spanning from c. 30th century BC to c. 4th century CE. It is named after the famous Sangam academies of poets and scholars centered in the city of Madurai. In old Tamil language, the term Tamilakam referred to the whole of the ancient Tamil-speaking area, corresponding roughly to the present-day Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, parts of Andhra Pradesh, parts of Karnataka and northern Sri Lanka. |
|
| 161. |
Who was the court poet of Harsha? |
| A. | Bhani |
| B. | Ravi Kirti |
| C. | Banabhatta |
| D. | VishnuSharma |
| Answer» C. Banabhatta | |
|
Explanation: Banabhatta was a Sanskrit prose writer and poet of India. He was the Asthana Kavi in the court of King Harshavardhana, who reigned in the years century 606-647 CE in north India. |
|
| 162. |
Chalukya king Pulakesin-Il was defeated by - |
| A. | Mahendra Varman-I |
| B. | Narasimha Varman-I |
| C. | Parameswara Varman-I |
| D. | Jatila Parantaka |
| Answer» A. Mahendra Varman-I | |
|
Explanation: Narasimhavarman-I, son of Mahendravarman-I, was a Tamil king of the Pallava dynasty who ruled South India from 630-668 A.D. He avenged his father's defeat at the hands of the Chalukya king, Pulakesin II in the year 642 CE. Narasimhavarman was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler) and Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) was named after him. It was during his reign that the Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang visited Kanchipuram. |
|
| 163. |
Greek- Roman Art has found a place in |
| A. | Ellora |
| B. | Gandhara |
| C. | Kalinga |
| D. | Buddhist Art. |
| Answer» D. Buddhist Art. | |
|
Explanation: Greco-Buddhist art is the artistic manifestation of Greco-Buddhism, a cultural syncretism between the Classical Greek culture and Buddhism, which developed over a period of close to 1000 years in Central Asia, between the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE, and the Islamic conquests of the 7th century CE. Under the Indo-Greeks and then the Kushans, the interaction of Greek and Buddhist culture flourished in the area of Gandhara, in today's northern Pakistan, before spreading further into India, influencing the art of Mathura, and then the Hindu art of the Gupta empire, which was to extend to the rest of South- East Asia. |
|
| 164. |
The Pallavas ruled from - |
| A. | Kanchipuram |
| B. | Madurai |
| C. | Tanjore |
| D. | Tiruchendur |
| Answer» A. Kanchipuram | |
|
Explanation: The Pallavas ruled regions of northern Tamil Nad and southern Andhra Pradesh between the second the ninth century A.D. Their capital was Kanchipuram Located on the banks of river Vegavathy, it served as the capital city of the Pallava Kingdom during the 4th to 9th century A.D. |
|
| 165. |
The Gandhara style of sculpture, during the Kushan period is a combination of |
| A. | Indo-Islamic style |
| B. | Indo-Persian style |
| C. | Indo-China style |
| D. | Indo-Greek style |
| Answer» D. Indo-Greek style | |
|
Explanation: Gandhara sculpture was an amalgamation of IndoGreek styles. The distinguishing Gandhara sculpture is the standing or seated Buddha. The western classical factor rests in the style, in the handling of the robe, and in the physiognomy of Buddha. The cloak, which covers all but the appendages, is dealt like in Greek and Roman sculptures. |
|
| 166. |
The Gupta Saka was founded by - |
| A. | Chandra Gupta, the First |
| B. | Chandra Gupta, the Second |
| C. | Samudra Gupta |
| D. | Kumara Gupta |
| Answer» A. Chandra Gupta, the First | |
|
Explanation: Chandra Gupta was a major king in the Gupta Empire around 320 C.E. and is generally considered as the founder of the Gupta dynasty. As the ruler of the Gupta Empire, he is known for forging alliance with many powerful families in the Ganges region. The well known Gupta era which commenced on February 26, 320 AD is generally attributed to Chandragupta I. Hence it is surmised that the Gupta era began on the occasion of the coronation of Chandragupta I. |
|
| 167. |
The language from which the term 'India' is derived is - |
| A. | English |
| B. | Greek |
| C. | Persian |
| D. | Arabic |
| Answer» C. Persian | |
|
Explanation: The name India is derived from Indus, which originates from the Old Persian word Hindu. The latter term stems from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, which was the historical local appellation for the Indus River. The ancient Greeks referred to the Indians as In the doi which translates as "the people of the Indus''. |
|
| 168. |
Which of the following is not the "Tri Ratna" of Jainism? |
| A. | Right faith |
| B. | Right knowledge |
| C. | Right view |
| D. | Right conduct |
| Answer» C. Right view | |
|
Explanation: In Jainism the three jewels (also referred to as ratnatraya) are understood as samyagdarshana (right faith"), samyagjnana ("right knowledge"), and samy akcharitra (right conduct"). One of the three cannot exist exclusive of the others, and all are required for spiritual liberation. |
|
| 169. |
The caves of Ajanta and Ellora belonged to - |
| A. | Jains |
| B. | Buddhists |
| C. | Hindus |
| D. | Sikhs |
| Answer» B. Buddhists | |
|
Explanation: The famous caves of Ajanta and Ellora belonged to Buddhists. |
|
| 170. |
Subject matter which Manu Smriti deals with is related to - |
| A. | Economics |
| B. | Politics |
| C. | Law |
| D. | Artx |
| Answer» C. Law | |
|
Explanation: Manu Smriti deals with law. |
|
| 171. |
Mahavira's first disciple was - |
| A. | Bhadrabahu |
| B. | Sthulabhadra |
| C. | Charvaka |
| D. | Jamali |
| Answer» D. Jamali | |
|
Explanation: Jamali, who was husband of Anonja Priyadarshini, was the first disciple of Mahavira. He was Mahavira's son-in-law. |
|
| 172. |
Vardhman Mahavir is also known as - |
| A. | Jena |
| B. | Great teacher |
| C. | Great preacher |
| D. | Jain |
| Answer» A. Jena | |
|
Explanation: Vardhamana Mahavira was also known as Jina which literally means the 'conqueror'. Jina refers to the one who has conquered love and hate, pleasure and pain, attachment and aversion, and has thereby freed his' soul from the karmas obscuring knowledge, perception, truth, and ability. It was from this rd that Jainism was derived. |
|
| 173. |
The Sage who is said to have Ary anised South India, was - |
| A. | Yagnavalkya |
| B. | Vashistha |
| C. | Agastya |
| D. | Vishwamitra |
| Answer» C. Agastya | |
|
Explanation: Sage Agastya, often considered the father of tradi tional Indian Medicine, is also associated with the Aryanization of South India. The Yadavas of South India were the first to be aryanized. Agastya compiled the first Tamil grammar called Agathiyam. |
|
| 174. |
The origin of Indian music can be traced to which of the following Vedic Samhitas? |
| A. | Rigveda |
| B. | Samaveda |
| C. | Yajurveda |
| D. | Atharvaveda |
| Answer» B. Samaveda | |
|
Explanation: Organized Indian music owes its origin to the Sama Veda which was a collection (samhita) of hymns and detached verses from other Vedas, meant for recital these hymns were sung by Udgatar priests at sacrifices in which the Soma ritual drink was offered in libation to various deities. |
|
| 175. |
Who amongst the following also had the name 'Devanama Piyadassi'? |
| A. | Mauryan King Ashoka |
| B. | Mauryan King Chandra-gupta Maurya |
| C. | Gautam Buddha |
| D. | Bhagwan Mahavira |
| Answer» A. Mauryan King Ashoka | |
|
Explanation: The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of 33 i scriptions on the Pillars of Ashoka, as well as boul ders and cave walls, made by the Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty during his reign from 269 BCE to 231 BCE. These inscriptions are dispersed throughout the areas of modern-day Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan and represent the first tangible evidence of Buddhism. In these inscriptions, Ashoka refers to himself as "Beloved of the Gods" and "King Priya-darshi." The identification of King Priya-darshi with Ashoka was confirmed by an inscription discovered in 1915 by C. Beadon at Maski, the village in Raichur district of Karnataka. Another minor rock edict is found at the village Gujarra in Datia district Madhya Pradesh. This also shows the Name "Asoka"in addition to usual "Devanam Piyadasi". |
|
| 176. |
Which was the backbone of Indus Economy? |
| A. | Agriculture |
| B. | Trade |
| C. | Wheel Made Pottery |
| D. | Carpentry |
| Answer» A. Agriculture | |
|
Explanation: As in most other contemporary civilizations, agniculture was the backbone of the Indus economy. I people made extensive use of the wooden plows. Barley and wheat were the main food crops. Agriculture sustained the rudimentary urban centers that emerged (Studies in World History Volume 1. by James P. Sto baugh). |
|
| 177. |
The author of 'Arthashastra' was a contemporary of - |
| A. | Ashoka |
| B. | Chandragupta Maurya |
| C. | Samudragupta |
| D. | Chandragupta Vikramaditya |
| Answer» B. Chandragupta Maurya | |
|
Explanation: The Arthashastra was authored by Kautilya, also known as Vishnugupta, who was a contemporary and mentor of Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Maruryan Empire. It is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy, written in Sanskrit. |
|
| 178. |
Which one of the following was the book written by Amoghvarsha the Rashtrakuta King? |
| A. | Adipurana |
| B. | Ganitasara Samgraha |
| C. | Saktayana |
| D. | Kavirajamarga |
| Answer» D. Kavirajamarga | |
|
Explanation: 'Kairajamarga'(meaning Royal Path for Poets") was written by the famous Rashtrakuta King "Nrupatunga Amoghavarsha I. it is the earliest available writing on rhetoric, poetics and grammar in the Kannada language. It was written around 850 A.D. |
|
| 179. |
Find the odd one: |
| A. | Samveda |
| B. | Yajurveda |
| C. | Vishnu Purana |
| D. | Rigveda |
| Answer» C. Vishnu Purana | |
|
Explanation: There are four Vedas: the Rig- Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda and the Atharva Veda. On the other hand, Vishnu Purana is a religious Hindu text and ne of the eighteen Mahapuranas. It has been given the name Puranaratna. |
|
| 180. |
Which Indian rular fought the Kalinga War? |
| A. | Samudragupta |
| B. | Chandragupta |
| C. | Shivaji |
| D. | Ashoka |
| Answer» D. Ashoka | |
|
Explanation: The Kalinga War was fought between the Mauryan peror Ashoka and Raja Anantha Padmanabhan of Kalinga in 262-261 B.C. It was the only major war Ashoka fought after his accession to throne. Ho ever, it is one of the major and bloodiest battle world history. The bloodshed of this war is said to have prompted Ashoka to adopt Buddhism. |
|
| 181. |
What is the Mehrauli Pillar in the complex of Qutub Minar primarily famous for? |
| A. | Proverbial height |
| B. | Skilful stone cutting |
| C. | Excellent quality steel |
| D. | Statue of Buddha on top |
| Answer» C. Excellent quality steel | |
|
Explanation: The Iron Pillar located in Delhi, is a 7 m (23 ft) column in the Qutb complex, notable for the rust resistant composition of the metals used in its con struction. The pillar has attracted the attention of archaeologists and materials scientists because of its high resistance to corrosion. The corrosion resistance results from an even layer of crystalline iron hydrogen phosphate hydrate forming on the high phosphorus content iron, which serves to protect it from climate. |
|
| 182. |
Which script was used in Ashoka's inscriptions? |
| A. | Brahmi |
| B. | Devanagiri |
| C. | Gurmukhi |
| D. | Sanskrit |
| Answer» A. Brahmi | |
|
Explanation: Most of Asokan inscriptions in the eastern parts of the Mauryan empire were written in Magadhi language using the Brahmi script. Kharosthi script was used in the north- western parts of his empire. The Brahmi script was deciphered in 1837 by James Princep, an archaeologist, philologist, and official of the East India Company. |
|
| 183. |
Who among the following was the court physician of Kanishka? |
| A. | Vasumitra |
| B. | Nagarjuna |
| C. | Charaka |
| D. | Patanjali |
| Answer» C. Charaka | |
|
Explanation: Charaka was the court physician of Kanishka I. He was one of the principal contributors to the ancient art and science of Ayurveda, a system of medicine and lifestyle developed in ancient India. He is sometimes referred to as the Father of Indian Medicine. |
|
| 184. |
Name the Republic which was a confederacy of tribes in the 6th century B.C. |
| A. | Gandhara |
| B. | Vatji |
| C. | Kosala |
| D. | Avanti |
| Answer» B. Vatji | |
|
Explanation: Vajiji or Vrilji was a confederacy in the 6th century B.C. The rulers of Vajji were a confederacy of the eight clans (atthakula) of whom the Vajjis, the Licchavis the Jnatrikas and the Videhas were the most impor tant. It was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas. |
|
| 185. |
Who built the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora? |
| A. | Rajendra I |
| B. | Mahendra Varman I |
| C. | Krishna I |
| D. | Govinda I |
| Answer» C. Krishna I | |
|
Explanation: The Kailasa temple was built by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I in the 8th century A.D. It is a megalith carved out of one single rock, one of the 34 monasteries and temples known collectively as the Ellora Caves. It is a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture. |
|
| 186. |
Ashok spread Buddhism all over India and Ceylon by - |
| A. | Teaching the Triratnas |
| B. | Sending the Dharma Mahamatras |
| C. | Waging wars |
| D. | Becoming a Buddhist Monk |
| Answer» B. Sending the Dharma Mahamatras | |
|
Explanation: For the spread of Buddhism, Asoka sent missionaries (dharma mahamatras) all over India and beyond the missionaries sent by Ashoka to the other countries were well received by them and the conversions took place easily because of the influence and the personal power Ashoka exercised. |
|
| 187. |
Which one of the following is not included in the 'Eight Fold Path of Buddhism? |
| A. | Right Speech |
| B. | Right Contemplation |
| C. | Right Desire |
| D. | Right Conduct |
| Answer» C. Right Desire | |
|
Explanation: The Noble Eightfold Path is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and the achievement of self-awakening. The path comprises right view, right aspiration, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. |
|
| 188. |
Name the temple in Indonesia where scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharatha are depicted. |
| A. | Borobudur |
| B. | Kailashnath |
| C. | Angkor Wat |
| D. | Brihadeshwara |
| Answer» A. Borobudur | |
|
Explanation: Borobudur Temple is located in Indonesia. Angkor Wat Temple is located in Cambodia. |
|
| 189. |
Who among the following was the pioneer of Yoga? |
| A. | Patanjali |
| B. | Vagbhata |
| C. | Atreya |
| D. | Vrudukanta |
| Answer» A. Patanjali | |
|
Explanation: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are 196 Indian sutras (aphorisms) that constitute the foundational text of Raja yoga. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali prescribes adherence to eight |
|
| 190. |
Vaishakha Poornima has a great significance because it was on this day - |
| A. | Buddha was born |
| B. | Buddha got enlightened |
| C. | Buddha died |
| D. | All of the above |
| Answer» D. All of the above | |
|
Explanation: The day of Vaisakh Purnima, which usually falls in the month of May, is considered most sacred by Buddhists all over the world. Buddha attained Supreme Enlighten or Buddha hood, beneath the Bodhitree at Boddha Gaya. Forty-five years later at the age of eighty, he finally passed away in Parinivana on the same day of the year at Kushinagar. Vaisaka Purnima is celebrated especially in Boddha Gaya, Lumbini and in Kushinara as they are the holy places that were con nected with the blessed ones birth, enlighten and the Parinirvana. |
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| 191. |
The greatest Kushan leader who got converted to Buddhism was - |
| A. | Kujala |
| B. | Vima |
| C. | Kanishka |
| D. | (4) Kadphises |
| Answer» C. Kanishka | |
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Explanation: Kanishka's reputation in Buddhist tradition is based mainly that he convened the 4th Buddhist Council in Kashmir. Images of the Buddha based on 32 physical signs were made during his time. He provided encouragement to both the Gandhara school of GrecoBuddhist Art and the Mathura school of Hindu art.Kanishka personally seems to have embraced both Buddhism and the Persian cult of Mithra. |
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| 192. |
The Ajanta pantings belong to the - |
| A. | Harappan period |
| B. | Mauryan period |
| C. | Buddhist period |
| D. | Gupta period |
| Answer» D. Gupta period | |
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Explanation: The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad |
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| 193. |
Where is the Lingaraja Temple located? |
| A. | Madurai |
| B. | Tiruchendur |
| C. | Bhubaneswar |
| D. | Ujjain |
| Answer» C. Bhubaneswar | |
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Explanation: Lingaraj Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Harihara, another name for Shiva and is one of the oldest temples of Bhubaneswar, a revered pilgrimage center and the capital of Odisha. Shiva is here worshipped as Tribhuvaneshwara (Master of three worlds |
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| 194. |
The caste system of India was created for - |
| A. | immobility of labour |
| B. | recognition of the dignity of labour |
| C. | economic uplift |
| D. | occupational division of labour |
| Answer» D. occupational division of labour | |
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Explanation: The caste system is a system of division of labour and power in human society. It is a system of social stratification, and a basis for affirmative action. His torically, it defined communities into thousands of endogamous hereditary groups called Jatis. The Jatis were grouped by the Brahmanical texts under the four well-known caste categories (the varnas): viz Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. |
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| 195. |
Which of the following is not one of the animals carved on the Sarnath Pillar? |
| A. | Humped Bull |
| B. | Deer |
| C. | Elephant |
| D. | Horse |
| Answer» B. Deer | |
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Explanation: Ashoka built the Sarnath pillar to commemorate the site of the first preaching of Lord Buddha, where he taught the Dharma to five monks. The Lion Capital of Ashoka comprises four lions, standing back to back, mounted on a cylindrical abacus. The abacus features the sculptures of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion, separated by intervening 24-spoked Dharma wheels over a bell-shaped lotus. The four animals in the Sarnath capital are believed to symbolize different phases in Lord Buddha's life. The Elephant is a representation of Queen Maya's conception of Buddha when she saw a white elephant entering her womb in dream. The Bull represents desire during the life of the Buddha as a prince. The Horse symbolizes Buddha's departure from palatial life whilen represents the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Buddha. |
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| 196. |
Where do you find the temple of Angkor Wat? |
| A. | In Thailand |
| B. | In Malaysia |
| C. | In Cambodia |
| D. | In Myanmar |
| Answer» C. In Cambodia | |
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Explanation: The temple of Angor Vat is located in Angkor, Siem Reap Province, in Cambodia. It is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world. The temple was built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura, the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaivism tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the bestpre served temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foun dation - first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors. |
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| 197. |
Harshavardhana organized his religious assembly at - |
| A. | Mathura |
| B. | Prayag |
| C. | Varanasi |
| D. | Tamralipt |
| Answer» B. Prayag | |
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Explanation: After the Kannauj Assembly was concluded, Hiuen-Tsang was making preparations to go to his home but Harsha invited him to attend another Assembly at Prayag which he used to hold after ever five year the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna. Five such assemblies had already taken place and this was the sixth Assembly in which Hiuen-Tsang was invited. This ceremony was attended by the kings of eighteen kingdoms and about 5, 00,000 people including Sra manas. Heretics, Nigranthas, the poor, the orphans, etc, attended this assembly. The Prayag Assembly is a glorious example of the generosity of Harshavard Hana as he gave all his personal wealth and belongings charity during the assembly. |
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| 198. |
Which of the following Craftsmanship was not practiced by the Aryans? |
| A. | Pottery |
| B. | Jewellery |
| C. | Carpentry |
| D. | Blacksmith |
| Answer» D. Blacksmith | |
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Explanation: Iron was a metal unknown to the Aryans during the early Vedic age. The advent of iron is generally associated with the late or post-Vedic ages. So black smith did not exist during this period. |
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| 199. |
The rulers of which dynasty started the practice of granting tax-free villages to Brahmanas and Buddhist Monks? |
| A. | Satavahanas |
| B. | Mauryas |
| C. | Guptas |
| D. | Cholas |
| Answer» A. Satavahanas | |
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Explanation: Land grants formed an important feature of the Satavahana rural administration. Inscriptions show that the Satavahanas started the practice of granting fiscal and administrative immunities to Brahmins and Buddhist monks. Earlier, the grants to individuals were temporary but later grants to religious beneficiaries were permanent. Perhaps the earliest epigraphic grant of land is found in the Nanaghat CaveInscription of naganika, who bestowed villages (grama) on priests for officiating at Vedic sacrifices, but it does not speak of any concessions in this context. These an in grants made by Gautamiputra Satakarni in the first quarter of the second century A.D appear first. |
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| 200. |
The most important text of Vedic mathematics is - |
| A. | Satapatha Brahman |
| B. | Atharva Veda |
| C. | Sulva Sutras |
| D. | Chhandogya Upanishad |
| Answer» C. Sulva Sutras | |
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Explanation: The Shulba Sutras are sutra texts belonging to the Strauta ritual and containing geometry related to fire altar construction. They are part of the larger corpus of texts called the Shrauta Sutras, considered to be appendices to the Vedas. They are the only sources of knowledge of Indian mathematics from the Veperiod. The four major Shulba Sutras, which are math ematically the most significant, are those composed by Baudhayana, Manava, Apastamba and Katyayana. |
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