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Indian History MCQs 41 (For UPSC PSC and other prelims exams)

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1. Consider the following statements about the Indus Valley Civilization:

  1. The Indus Valley people had extensive maritime trade with Mesopotamia.
  2. Evidence of horse domestication has been found at several Indus Valley sites.
  3. The Indus script has been successfully deciphered.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (b) 1 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Indus Valley people had trade relations with Mesopotamia, as evidenced by seals and trade records. ✅
  • No conclusive evidence of horse domestication has been found at Indus sites. ❌
  • The Indus script remains undeciphered, preventing us from fully understanding their language. ❌

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

  1. The society was primarily pastoral and semi-nomadic.
  2. The political units were called Janapadas.
  3. The Rig Veda mentions both the Indus and the Saraswati rivers.

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:

  • Rig Vedic society was pastoral and semi-nomadic, with cattle being a major economic asset. ✅
  • Political units were called ‘Janas’, not Janapadas. The term ‘Janapada’ became common in the later Vedic period. ❌
  • The Rig Veda mentions both the Indus and Saraswati rivers, indicating their significance in early Vedic geography. ✅

3. Consider the following statements about Buddhism:

  1. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during the reign of Ashoka.
  2. The Tripitaka consists of the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
  3. The Buddhist concept of Nirvana means complete extinction of the soul.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (b) 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during Kanishka’s reign (1st century CE), not Ashoka’s. ❌
  • The Tripitaka consists of three major texts: Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), Sutta Pitaka (Buddha’s discourses), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophy and psychology). ✅
  • Nirvana in Buddhism does not mean extinction of the soul (as Buddhism rejects the concept of a permanent soul). Instead, it signifies the cessation of suffering and desire. ❌

4. With reference to the Mauryan administration, consider the following statements:

  1. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a Mahamatra.
  2. The ‘Arthashastra’ provides detailed information about Mauryan administration.
  3. The concept of ‘Dhamma’ was introduced by Chandragupta Maurya.

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 was divided into provinces governed by officials such as the Mahamatras and Rajukas. ✅
  • Kautilya’s Arthashastra is an important source on Mauryan administration, covering taxation, law, and governance. ✅
  • The concept of Dhamma was introduced by Ashoka, not Chandragupta Maurya. ❌

5. Consider the following statements regarding the Gupta period:

  1. The Gupta rulers issued the first-ever gold coins in Indian history.
  2. The Gupta period is often referred to as the ‘Golden Age of India.’
  3. The famous Iron Pillar at Mehrauli was erected during Chandragupta I’s reign.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Tap here for Answer
✅ Answer: (b) 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • Gold coins were first issued by the Indo-Greeks and Kushanas, not the Guptas. The Guptas further refined coinage but did not introduce it. ❌
  • The Gupta period is indeed known as the ‘Golden Age’ due to advancements in science, literature, and arts. ✅
  • The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli was erected during the reign of Chandragupta II (not Chandragupta I). ❌

6. With reference to the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:

  1. The Great Bath was discovered at Mohenjo-Daro.
  2. The Indus people primarily used iron tools for agriculture.
  3. The cities had a well-planned drainage system.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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

📖 Explanation:

  • The Great Bath, an important public structure, was found at Mohenjo-Daro. ✅
  • The Indus people did not use iron; they primarily used bronze and copper tools. ❌
  • The Indus cities had an advanced drainage system, showing their urban planning skills. ✅

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

  1. The political system transitioned from tribal assemblies to monarchy.
  2. The caste system became more rigid during this period.
  3. Iron tools were first introduced during the Later Vedic Age.

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:

  • During the Later Vedic period, tribal assemblies (Sabha and Samiti) lost power, and monarchy became dominant. ✅
  • The caste system became more rigid, with occupations becoming hereditary. ✅
  • Iron tools were introduced earlier during the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture, which overlaps with the Later Vedic period but is not exclusive to it. ❌

8. Consider the following statements about the Mauryan economy:

  1. The state controlled most industries and regulated trade.
  2. The empire had a well-organized taxation system.
  3. Punch-marked silver coins were first introduced during the Mauryan period.

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 state controlled several key industries like mining, textiles, and metalwork, ensuring economic stability. ✅
  • The Mauryan taxation system was well-organized, with land revenue being a major source of income. ✅
  • Punch-marked silver coins existed even before the Mauryan period, used by earlier Mahajanapadas. ❌

9. With reference to the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:

  1. The people of the Indus Valley worshipped a mother goddess.
  2. Fire altars have been discovered at Harappan sites.
  3. There is clear evidence of temples dedicated to gods and goddesses.

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 people worshipped a mother goddess, as indicated by terracotta figurines. ✅
  • Fire altars have been discovered at sites like Kalibangan, suggesting ritualistic practices. ✅
  • There is no evidence of large temples or idol-based worship; their religious practices were likely nature-based. ❌

10. Consider the following statements about the Gupta period:

  1. The decimal system and the concept of zero were fully developed during this period.
  2. The Ajanta caves were built entirely during the Gupta period.
  3. The Gupta rulers followed a highly centralized administration similar to the Mauryans.

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 decimal system and the concept of zero were fully developed during the Gupta period, with scholars like Aryabhata and Brahmagupta making key contributions. ✅
  • The Ajanta caves were initially built during the Satavahana period but were expanded and decorated with frescoes during the Gupta period. ✅
  • Unlike the Mauryan Empire, Gupta administration was more decentralized, with local rulers and feudal lords holding significant power. ❌

 

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