51. Which ancient Indian text is considered the earliest known legal code?
(a) Arthashastra
(b) Manusmriti
(c) Rig Veda
(d) Brihat Samhita
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Answer: (b) Manusmriti
📖 Explanation:
- The Manusmriti is the earliest known legal text in India, compiled around 200 BCE – 200 CE (✔).
- It lays down rules for social conduct, law, and administration.
52. The ancient port of Lothal belonged to which civilization?
(a) Vedic Civilization
(b) Indus Valley Civilization
(c) Mauryan Empire
(d) Gupta Empire
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Answer: (b) Indus Valley Civilization
📖 Explanation:
- Lothal (located in Gujarat) was an important port city of the Indus Valley Civilization (✔).
- It had a well-planned dockyard, indicating maritime trade.
53. The term ‘Bodhisattva’ is associated with which religion?
(a) Hinduism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) Zoroastrianism
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Answer: (b) Buddhism
📖 Explanation:
- In Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who postpones Nirvana to help others attain it (✔).
- Famous Bodhisattvas include Avalokiteshvara and Maitreya.
54. Who among the following is credited with the spread of Buddhism to Sri Lanka?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Chandragupta Maurya
(c) Kanishka
(d) Harsha
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Answer: (a) Ashoka
📖 Explanation:
- Ashoka sent his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism (✔).
- They were received by King Devanampiya Tissa.
55. The ‘Nasik Prashasti’ inscription was issued by which ruler?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Kanishka
(c) Gautamiputra Satakarni
(d) Harsha
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Answer: (c) Gautamiputra Satakarni
📖 Explanation:
- The Nasik Prashasti was issued by Gautamiputra Satakarni, the greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty (✔).
- It was inscribed by his mother, Gautami Balashri.
56. The famous “Saptarishi Mandala” (Ursa Major) is mentioned in which ancient text?
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Arthashastra
(c) Manusmriti
(d) Mahabharata
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Answer: (a) Rig Veda
📖 Explanation:
- The Rig Veda mentions the “Saptarishi Mandala,” which refers to the constellation of Ursa Major (✔).
- It played an important role in early Vedic astronomy.
57. The capital of the Pandya dynasty was:
(a) Kanchipuram
(b) Ujjain
(c) Madurai
(d) Amaravati
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Answer: (c) Madurai
📖 Explanation:
- Madurai was the capital of the Pandya dynasty, famous for its Meenakshi Temple and Sangam literature (✔).
- It was an important center for Tamil culture and trade.
58. The “Saka Era” was started by which ruler?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Kanishka
(c) Harsha
(d) Samudragupta
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Answer: (b) Kanishka
📖 Explanation:
- The Saka Era was started by Kushana ruler Kanishka in 78 CE (✔).
- It is still used as the basis for India’s national calendar.
59. The Upanishads are primarily concerned with:
(a) Ritualistic sacrifices
(b) Philosophy and spirituality
(c) Codes of law
(d) Buddhist teachings
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Answer: (b) Philosophy and spirituality
📖 Explanation:
- The Upanishads focus on metaphysical ideas like Brahman (universal soul) and Atman (individual soul) (✔).
- They mark the transition from ritualistic Vedic religion to philosophical thought.
60. The famous Sun Temple at Konark was built by which dynasty?
(a) Chola
(b) Pallava
(c) Ganga
(d) Maurya
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Answer: (c) Ganga
📖 Explanation:
- The Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha, was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty (✔).
- It is designed like a chariot with intricately carved wheels and horses.
