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Indian History MCQs 44 (For UPSC PSC and other prelims exams)

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

  1. The drainage system of the Indus Valley Civilization was more advanced than that of contemporary Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations.
  2. Evidence suggests that the Indus people domesticated cattle and buffalo.
  3. The primary mode of writing in the Indus Valley Civilization was on palm leaves.

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 drainage system of the Indus Valley Civilization was highly advanced, with covered drains and soak pits, surpassing contemporary civilizations. ✅
  • Domesticated cattle, buffalo, and sheep have been found at various Harappan sites. ✅
  • The Indus script was written on seals, pottery, and other materials, not on palm leaves. ❌

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

  1. The society was primarily tribal in nature, with no significant class divisions.
  2. The main deity worshipped was Indra, the god of thunder and rain.
  3. Agriculture was the primary occupation of the people.

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 Rig Vedic society was largely tribal, with clans and kinship-based organization, though social distinctions existed. ✅
  • Indra was the most frequently mentioned deity, associated with war, thunder, and rain. ✅
  • Pastoralism was more dominant than agriculture during the Rig Vedic period, with cattle being a major source of wealth. ❌

33. Consider the following statements about the Later Vedic period:

  1. The concept of private land ownership became more prominent.
  2. The caste system became more rigid, with occupations becoming hereditary.
  3. The term ‘Janapada’ was commonly used to refer to political units.

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:

  • Private land ownership became common as agriculture expanded. ✅
  • The caste system became rigid, and occupations started being determined by birth. ✅
  • The term ‘Janapada’ (territorial state) replaced the earlier ‘Jana’ (tribal unit), signifying political evolution. ✅

34. With reference to Buddhism, consider the following statements:

  1. The concept of ‘Bodhisattva’ is unique to Mahayana Buddhism.
  2. The Tripitaka contains the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
  3. The Second Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra.

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: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The concept of Bodhisattva, referring to enlightened beings who delay Nirvana to help others, is primarily associated with Mahayana Buddhism. ✅
  • The Tripitaka consists of Vinaya Pitaka (monastic discipline), Sutta Pitaka (Buddha’s teachings), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical discussions). ✅
  • The Second Buddhist Council was held at Vaishali, not Pataliputra. ❌

35. Consider the following statements about the Mauryan administration:

  1. The Mauryan Empire had a highly centralized administrative structure.
  2. The concept of ‘Dhamma’ was introduced by Chandragupta Maurya.
  3. The chief minister of the empire was known as the Amatya.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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

📖 Explanation:

  • The Mauryan administration was highly centralized, with a well-structured bureaucracy. ✅
  • The concept of ‘Dhamma’ was introduced by Ashoka, not Chandragupta Maurya. ❌
  • The chief minister was known as the Amatya, playing a crucial role in governance. ✅

36. With reference to the Gupta Empire, consider the following statements:

  1. The Gupta rulers issued the first-ever gold coins in Indian history.
  2. The Nalanda University was founded during this period.
  3. The Gupta Empire had a highly decentralized 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: (b) 2 and 3 only

📖 Explanation:

  • Gold coins were issued earlier by Indo-Greek and Kushana rulers; the Guptas refined their coinage system but did not introduce it. ❌
  • Nalanda University was established during the Gupta period and became a major center of Buddhist learning. ✅
  • The Gupta administration was decentralized, unlike the Mauryans, with local rulers and feudal lords holding power. ✅

37. Consider the following statements regarding the Ajanta and Ellora caves:

  1. The Ajanta caves are primarily Buddhist, while the Ellora caves have Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain influences.
  2. Both cave complexes were built during the same period.
  3. The paintings in the Ajanta caves belong to the Mauryan period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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

📖 Explanation:

  • Ajanta caves are mainly Buddhist, while Ellora caves have Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain influences. ✅
  • Ajanta caves were built earlier (2nd century BCE – 6th century CE), while Ellora caves were constructed later (6th-9th century CE). ❌
  • The Ajanta paintings belong to the Gupta period, not the Mauryan period. ❌

 

38. Consider the following statements regarding the Megalithic culture in India:

  1. Megalithic structures were mainly used for burial purposes.
  2. The people of the Megalithic culture were the first in India to use iron tools.
  3. The Megalithic sites are found only in South India.

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:

  • Megalithic structures were primarily used for burials, as seen in sites like Brahmagiri and Maski. ✅
  • The Megalithic culture is associated with the early use of iron tools. ✅
  • Megalithic sites are found in South India as well as in parts of Central and Eastern India. ❌

39. With reference to Harappan civilization, consider the following statements:

  1. The Harappans had knowledge of decimal measurement.
  2. The cities followed a unique grid pattern with well-planned streets.
  3. Evidence of horse domestication has been found at multiple Harappan sites.

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 Harappans used a uniform system of weights and measures based on decimal units. ✅
  • Harappan cities were laid out in a grid pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles. ✅
  • There is no conclusive evidence of horse domestication at Harappan sites. ❌

40. Consider the following statements about the Sangam Age:

  1. The Sangam literature is written in Tamil and deals with themes of love, war, and ethics.
  2. The Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas were the most powerful dynasties of the Sangam period.
  3. The Sangam texts were compiled 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 Sangam literature is written in Tamil and consists of secular poetry on themes of war, love, and morality. ✅
  • The Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas were prominent during the Sangam Age. ✅
  • The Sangam texts were compiled between the 3rd century BCE and the 3rd century CE, not during the Mauryan period. ❌

 

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