21. Which of the following was a characteristic feature of the Harappan civilization?
(a) Use of horse-drawn chariots
(b) Construction of step pyramids
(c) Advanced urban planning with grid-patterned cities
(d) Introduction of coinage for trade
Tap here for Answer
✅
Answer: (c) Advanced urban planning with grid-patterned cities
📖 Explanation:
- Harappan cities were planned in a grid pattern with well-defined streets and drainage systems (✔).
- There is no evidence of horse-drawn chariots, step pyramids, or coinage during this period (✘).
22. Which of the following Mahajanapadas was most powerful during the time of Buddha?
(a) Avanti
(b) Kuru
(c) Magadha
(d) Gandhara
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✅
Answer: (c) Magadha
📖 Explanation:
- Magadha emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada during Buddha’s time (✔).
- It was ruled by dynasties like Haryanka, Shishunaga, and Nanda, later forming the foundation for the Maurya Empire.
23. The famous ‘Ashokan Pillars’ were primarily made of which material?
(a) Granite
(b) Sandstone
(c) Bronze
(d) Marble
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✅
Answer: (b) Sandstone
📖 Explanation:
- Ashokan Pillars were mainly made of finely polished sandstone (✔).
- The pillars contain inscriptions on Dhamma and are topped with animal capitals, like the Lion Capital of Sarnath.
24. The Mauryan Empire had a well-organized espionage system under which officer?
(a) Amatya
(b) Sandhivigrahika
(c) Mahamatra
(d) Samaharta
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✅
Answer: (c) Mahamatra
📖 Explanation:
- Mahamatras were high-ranking officials responsible for governance and intelligence (✔).
- They were responsible for maintaining law and order and spreading Ashoka’s Dhamma policy.
25. Which of the following Buddhist councils led to the division of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana?
(a) First Buddhist Council
(b) Second Buddhist Council
(c) Third Buddhist Council
(d) Fourth Buddhist Council
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✅
Answer: (d) Fourth Buddhist Council
📖 Explanation:
- The Fourth Buddhist Council (1st century CE, under Kanishka) led to the division into Hinayana and Mahayana (✔).
- It was held in Kashmir under the leadership of Vasumitra.
26. The Indus Valley Civilization belonged to which age?
(a) Stone Age
(b) Chalcolithic Age
(c) Bronze Age
(d) Iron Age
Tap here for Answer
✅
Answer: (c) Bronze Age
📖 Explanation:
- The Indus Valley Civilization is a Bronze Age civilization, using bronze tools and weapons (✔).
- It did not have iron tools, as iron usage started in the later Vedic period.
27. The term ‘Brahmavarta’ in early Vedic texts refers to:
(a) The entire Indian subcontinent
(b) The region between the Saraswati and Drishadvati rivers
(c) The area around the Ganges River
(d) The coastal regions of India
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✅
Answer: (b) The region between the Saraswati and Drishadvati rivers
📖 Explanation:
- Brahmavarta was considered the sacred land of the Aryans, located in present-day Haryana and Rajasthan (✔).
- It was regarded as the cradle of Vedic civilization.
28. Who among the following was the Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya?
(a) Megasthenes
(b) Seleucus Nicator
(c) Herodotus
(d) Strabo
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✅
Answer: (a) Megasthenes
📖 Explanation:
- Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya (✔).
- His book ‘Indica’ provides valuable insights into Mauryan society and administration.
29. The Jataka tales are associated with which religion?
(a) Hinduism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) Zoroastrianism
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✅
Answer: (b) Buddhism
📖 Explanation:
- The Jataka tales narrate the previous births of Gautama Buddha (✔).
- They were written in Pali and depict Buddhist moral teachings.
30. The Ajanta Caves were built primarily during the reign of which dynasty?
(a) Maurya
(b) Gupta
(c) Satavahana
(d) Pallava
Tap here for Answer
✅
Answer: (c) Satavahana
📖 Explanation:
- The Ajanta Caves were built during the Satavahana period (2nd century BCE – 5th century CE) (✔).
- They contain Buddhist murals and sculptures, showcasing early Indian art and culture.
