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Indian History MCQs 47 (For UPSC PSC and other prelims exams)

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61. Consider the following statements about Buddhism:

  1. The first Buddhist council was held at Rajgir.
  2. The Mahayana sect introduced the concept of Bodhisattvas.
  3. The Tripitaka consists of three parts: Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (c) 1, 2, and 3

📖 Explanation:

  • The First Buddhist Council was held at Rajgir under King Ajatashatru’s patronage. ✅
  • The Mahayana sect introduced the concept of Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who postpone Nirvana. ✅
  • The Tripitaka includes Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), Sutta Pitaka (discourses), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophy). ✅

62. With reference to the Mauryan economy, consider the following statements:

  1. The state controlled all major industries, including mining and textile production.
  2. The Mauryans extensively used gold coins for trade.
  3. The Arthashastra mentions a detailed system of taxation and market regulations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Mauryan state controlled key industries such as mining, forests, and textiles. ✅
  • Gold coins were not widely used in Mauryan trade; silver and copper punch-marked coins were more common. ❌
  • The Arthashastra provides detailed insights into taxation, market regulation, and economic policies. ✅

63. Consider the following statements regarding the Gupta period:

  1. The Guptas patronized Hinduism but were tolerant of Buddhism and Jainism.
  2. The decimal system and the concept of zero were fully developed during this period.
  3. The Gupta rulers established a highly centralized administrative system.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Guptas were great patrons of Hinduism but were tolerant of Buddhism and Jainism. ✅
  • The decimal system and the concept of zero were fully developed during this time by Indian mathematicians. ✅
  • Unlike the Mauryans, the Gupta administration was decentralized, with local rulers enjoying autonomy. ❌

64. Consider the following statements regarding early temple architecture:

  1. The Nagara style is predominant in North India and features a curvilinear Shikhara.
  2. The Dravidian style is found in South India and has a pyramidal tower called Vimana.
  3. The Vesara style combines elements of both Nagara and Dravidian styles.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

📖 Explanation:

  • Nagara temples (North India) have curvilinear Shikharas. ✅
  • Dravidian temples (South India) have pyramidal Vimanas and grand entrance towers (Gopurams). ✅
  • The Vesara style is a hybrid, seen in Deccan temples like those at Badami and Pattadakal. ✅

65. With reference to the Sangam Age, consider the following statements:

  1. The Sangam literature was composed in Tamil and mainly describes secular themes.
  2. The Sangam period was marked by extensive maritime trade with Rome and Southeast Asia.
  3. The Bhakti movement had its origins in Sangam literature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • Sangam literature, written in Tamil, mostly contains secular poetry on love, war, and ethics. ✅
  • There was active maritime trade between South India, Rome, and Southeast Asia. ✅
  • The Bhakti movement developed later, around the 7th century CE, not during the Sangam period. ❌

 

66. Consider the following statements regarding the Indus Valley Civilization:

  1. The Indus people were familiar with bronze but did not use iron.
  2. The cities had a well-planned drainage system with underground sewers.
  3. The civilization primarily declined due to Aryan invasions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization; iron was not used. ✅
  • The cities had an advanced drainage system, including covered drains and soak pits. ✅
  • There is no conclusive evidence that Aryan invasions caused the decline of the civilization. Multiple theories suggest environmental factors, shifting rivers, and economic decline. ❌

67. With reference to the Vedic period, consider the following statements:

  1. The Later Vedic period saw the rise of territorial states (Janapadas).
  2. The caste system became more rigid during the Later Vedic period.
  3. The Vedic economy was primarily based on hunting and gathering.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Later Vedic period saw the formation of Janapadas, which were territorial states replacing tribal units. ✅
  • The caste system became more rigid, with occupations becoming hereditary. ✅
  • Agriculture, rather than hunting and gathering, was the main economic activity. ❌

68. Consider the following statements regarding Buddhism:

  1. The Mahayana sect of Buddhism introduced the concept of Bodhisattvas.
  2. Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, China, and Southeast Asia.
  3. The Tripitaka texts are primarily written in Sanskrit.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Mahayana sect introduced the concept of Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings who delay Nirvana to help others). ✅
  • Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka (his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitra), and also influenced Buddhism in Southeast Asia. ✅
  • The Tripitaka texts are written in Pali, not Sanskrit. ❌

69. With reference to the Mauryan Empire, consider the following statements:

  1. The Mauryan Empire had a well-organized espionage system.
  2. Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador, wrote about Mauryan administration in Indica.
  3. Ashoka’s Dhamma policy promoted Buddhism as the state religion.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Mauryan Empire had an advanced espionage system with officials monitoring different aspects of governance. ✅
  • Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya’s court, described the administration in Indica. ✅
  • Ashoka’s Dhamma policy was not a promotion of Buddhism as a state religion but rather a broader ethical code of tolerance and non-violence. ❌

70. Consider the following statements regarding the Gupta period:

  1. The Gupta Empire is often called the ‘Golden Age of India’ due to advancements in science and arts.
  2. The concept of zero and the decimal system were fully developed during this period.
  3. The Gupta rulers maintained a strong navy to control overseas trade.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Gupta period saw remarkable progress in mathematics, astronomy, and literature, leading to its recognition as the ‘Golden Age of India’. ✅
  • The decimal system and concept of zero were developed by Indian mathematicians like Aryabhata and Brahmagupta. ✅
  • The Guptas were not known for maintaining a strong navy; their strength lay in land-based administration and trade. ❌

 

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