Indian History MCQs 46 (For UPSC PSC and other prelims exams)

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51. Consider the following statements regarding the Mauryan administration:

  1. The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a Kumara.
  2. The Arthashastra provides details about Mauryan governance and espionage.
  3. The Mauryan rulers discouraged trade with foreign nations.

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 Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a Kumara (prince or royal governor). βœ…
  • The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya, provides insights into governance, economic policies, and espionage. βœ…
  • The Mauryan rulers promoted foreign trade, especially with Greek and Persian territories. ❌

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

  1. The Gupta rulers introduced the concept of feudalism in India.
  2. Sanskrit literature flourished, with works like Kalidasa’s plays being written during this time.
  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 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

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

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • The Guptas introduced feudal elements by granting land to officials in return for administrative services. βœ…
  • Sanskrit literature flourished during the Gupta period, with Kalidasa writing works like Abhijnana Shakuntalam. βœ…
  • Unlike the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta administration was decentralized. ❌

53. Consider the following statements regarding the Harappan civilization:

  1. The cities were planned with an advanced drainage system and granaries.
  2. The Harappans practiced irrigation-based agriculture.
  3. The presence of fire altars suggests the worship of Agni, similar to Vedic practices.

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:

  • Harappan cities were well-planned, with advanced drainage systems and large granaries. βœ…
  • Harappans used irrigation, but it was primarily based on river flooding rather than canals. βœ…
  • Fire altars have been found, but there is no direct evidence linking them to Agni worship. ❌

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

  1. The Sangam literature was written in Tamil and reflects social and political life.
  2. The concept of Bhakti was prominent in Sangam texts.
  3. The Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas were major ruling dynasties during this 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:

  • Sangam literature, written in Tamil, describes various aspects of life, including wars, trade, and governance. βœ…
  • Bhakti (devotional worship) became prominent much later, in the medieval period. ❌
  • The Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas were the dominant dynasties of the Sangam Age. βœ…

55. Consider the following statements regarding the Ashokan edicts:

  1. The inscriptions were written in Brahmi script in most of India.
  2. Some edicts were inscribed in Greek and Aramaic.
  3. The edicts primarily focus on administrative laws rather than moral teachings.

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:

  • Ashoka’s edicts were mainly written in Brahmi script, with some found in Greek and Aramaic in northwestern regions. βœ…
  • The inscriptions focused on Dhamma (moral teachings) rather than administrative laws. ❌

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

  1. The Charvaka school of philosophy rejected the concept of afterlife and karma.
  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:

  • Charvaka materialism rejected karma, the afterlife, and religious practices. βœ…
  • The Nyaya school focused on logic, epistemology, and reasoning. βœ…
  • The Vedanta school is concerned with spiritual knowledge (Brahman), not just rituals. ❌

57. Consider the following statements regarding the Gupta period:

  1. The Guptas promoted trade with the Roman Empire.
  2. The concept of zero and decimal notation was developed during this period.
  3. The Nalanda University was established by Chandragupta 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: (a) 1 and 2 only

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • The Guptas had trade relations with the Roman Empire, exporting textiles, spices, and pearls. βœ…
  • Zero and the decimal system were fully developed in this period by Indian mathematicians like Aryabhata. βœ…
  • Nalanda University was founded by Kumaragupta I, not Chandragupta I. ❌

58. With reference to Indian temple architecture, consider the following statements:

  1. The Nagara style is characterized by a curvilinear Shikhara (tower).
  2. The Dravidian style features a pyramid-shaped Vimana and large gateways (Gopurams).
  3. The Vesara style is a blend of 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
βœ… Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • Nagara temples (North India) have a curvilinear Shikhara. βœ…
  • Dravidian temples (South India) have large Vimanas and towering Gopurams. βœ…
  • The Vesara style is a fusion of both, seen in Deccan temples like those in Badami. βœ…

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

  1. The city of Dholavira had a unique water conservation system.
  2. The Harappans primarily worshipped a male deity similar to Shiva.
  3. The Indus script has been deciphered and linked to early 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
βœ… Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

πŸ“– Explanation:

  • Dholavira in Gujarat had a sophisticated water conservation system with reservoirs. βœ…
  • The Harappans worshipped a male deity resembling Shiva in the form of Pashupati, as seen on seals. βœ…
  • The Indus script remains undeciphered, and its connection to Sanskrit is unproven. ❌

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

  1. The Rig Vedic people primarily worshipped nature-based deities.
  2. There was no concept of idol worship during this period.
  3. The society was matrilineal, with women playing a dominant role in administration.

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 Rig Vedic people worshipped natural elements like Indra (thunder), Agni (fire), and Varuna (water). βœ…
  • Idol worship was absent in early Vedic times, with prayers being offered to natural forces. βœ…
  • The society was patriarchal, though women had considerable rights, including participation in debates and rituals. ❌

 

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