Indian History MCQs 43 (For UPSC PSC and other prelims exams)

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21. With reference to the Gupta period, consider the following statements:

  1. The Gupta rulers followed a highly centralized administrative system.
  2. The decimal system and the concept of zero were developed during this period.
  3. The Nalanda University was established by Kumaragupta I.

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
βœ… Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • The Gupta Empire had a decentralized administrative structure, unlike the Mauryan Empire. ❌
  • The decimal system and the concept of zero were developed by Indian mathematicians like Aryabhata and Brahmagupta. βœ…
  • Nalanda University was founded by Kumaragupta I and became a major center of Buddhist learning. βœ…

22. Consider the following statements regarding ancient Indian economy:

  1. The barter system was prevalent during the Vedic period.
  2. Punch-marked coins were first issued during the Mauryan period.
  3. Guilds (Shrenis) played a significant role in trade and commerce during the Gupta 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
βœ… Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • The barter system was commonly used in the Vedic period due to the absence of coinage. βœ…
  • Punch-marked coins were first introduced by the Mahajanapadas, predating the Mauryan Empire. ❌
  • Guilds (Shrenis) played a crucial role in trade and manufacturing during the Gupta period. βœ…

23. With reference to Indian philosophy, consider the following statements:

  1. The Sankhya school of philosophy was founded by Kapila.
  2. The Mimamsa school focused on the interpretation of Vedic rituals.
  3. The Charvaka school supported the concept of rebirth and karma.

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
βœ… Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • The Sankhya school, founded by Kapila, proposed a dualistic approach to reality. βœ…
  • The Mimamsa school was focused on the proper interpretation of Vedic rituals and sacrifices. βœ…
  • The Charvaka school rejected rebirth and karma, promoting materialism instead. ❌

 


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

  1. Harappan towns had a citadel and a lower town, indicating social hierarchy.
  2. The Indus Valley people had a script, but it remains undeciphered.
  3. Fire altars have been found at Lothal, suggesting Vedic practices.

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
βœ… Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • Harappan cities had a citadel (higher area for elites) and a lower town (for common people), indicating social hierarchy. βœ…
  • The Indus script remains undeciphered, preventing us from fully understanding their language. βœ…
  • Fire altars have been found at Kalibangan, not Lothal. Lothal was a major port city. ❌

25. Consider the following statements about the Later Vedic Period:

  1. The concept of Varna system became more rigid during this period.
  2. The use of iron tools became widespread.
  3. The Later Vedic texts include the Upanishads, which emphasize spiritual knowledge.

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
βœ… Answer: (c) 1, 2, and 3

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • The Varna system became more rigid, leading to the development of caste-based occupations. βœ…
  • Iron tools were widely used in the Later Vedic period, improving agriculture and warfare. βœ…
  • The Upanishads, composed in this period, emphasized philosophical and spiritual discussions. βœ…

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

  1. The Mauryan administration was highly centralized.
  2. The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya, provides information about Mauryan governance.
  3. The Mauryan rulers promoted trade but discouraged foreign interactions.

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
βœ… Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • The Mauryan Empire had a highly centralized administration with a strong bureaucracy. βœ…
  • The Arthashastra is a crucial source of information on Mauryan economy, diplomacy, and governance. βœ…
  • Mauryans encouraged trade, including foreign interactions with Hellenistic kingdoms. ❌

27. Consider the following statements about the Gupta period:

  1. The Gupta rulers introduced land grants to Brahmins and Buddhist monks.
  2. The concept of zero and decimal notation was fully developed during this period.
  3. The Gupta administration was more centralized than the Mauryan administration.

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
βœ… Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • Gupta rulers granted land to Brahmins and Buddhist monks, strengthening religious patronage. βœ…
  • Mathematicians like Aryabhata and Brahmagupta developed the decimal system and zero. βœ…
  • Unlike the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta administration was decentralized, with regional rulers having autonomy. ❌

28. With reference to the ancient Indian economy, consider the following statements:

  1. Guilds (Shrenis) played a significant role in trade and industry during the Gupta period.
  2. The barter system completely disappeared with the introduction of coinage.
  3. Roman coins have been found in South India, indicating trade with the Roman Empire.

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
βœ… Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • Guilds (Shrenis) were powerful institutions controlling trade, crafts, and industry during the Gupta period. βœ…
  • The barter system did not completely disappear; it coexisted with coinage. ❌
  • Roman coins found in South India indicate Indo-Roman trade, especially in textiles and spices. βœ…

29. Consider the following statements about Buddhism:

  1. The first Buddhist council was held at Rajgir under the patronage of Ajatashatru.
  2. The Mahayana school of Buddhism introduced idol worship.
  3. The Vinaya Pitaka deals with philosophical teachings of Buddha.

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
βœ… Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • The first Buddhist council was held at Rajgir under Ajatashatru’s patronage to compile the teachings of Buddha. βœ…
  • The Mahayana school introduced idol worship and the concept of Bodhisattvas. βœ…
  • The Vinaya Pitaka deals with monastic discipline, not philosophical teachings (which are in the Sutta Pitaka). ❌

30. With reference to ancient Indian philosophy, consider the following statements:

  1. The Charvaka school promoted materialism and rejected the Vedas.
  2. The Nyaya school focused on logic and reasoning.
  3. The Vedanta school is primarily concerned with rituals and sacrifices.

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
βœ… Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • The Charvaka school promoted materialism, rejected the Vedas, and denied concepts like rebirth and karma. βœ…
  • The Nyaya school emphasized logic and systematic reasoning. βœ…
  • The Vedanta school focused on spiritual knowledge and the Upanishads, not rituals and sacrifices. ❌

 

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