Indian History MCQs 50 (For UPSC PSC and other prelims exams)

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

  1. The first Buddhist council was held at Rajgir.
  2. The Vinaya Pitaka contains the monastic rules for monks and nuns.
  3. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held under Harsha’s patronage.

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 First Buddhist Council was held at Rajgir under King Ajatashatru’s patronage.
  • The Vinaya Pitaka contains monastic rules and guidelines for Buddhist monks and nuns.
  • The Fourth Buddhist Council was held under Kanishka’s patronage, not Harsha’s.

92. Consider the following statements regarding the Mauryan administration:

  1. The empire was divided into provinces, each ruled by a Kumara.
  2. The Mauryan state controlled key industries such as mining and textiles.
  3. The Mauryan economy was primarily based on maritime trade.

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, each ruled by a Kumara (prince).
  • The state controlled key industries like mining, forestry, and textiles.
  • The Mauryan economy was mainly agrarian, with trade being an important but not the dominant factor.

93. Consider the following statements regarding the Gupta period:

  1. The Gupta rulers issued gold coins called Dinaras.
  2. The decimal system and the concept of zero were developed during this period.
  3. The Gupta Empire had a strong centralized administration similar to the Mauryan 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
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Guptas issued gold coins known as Dinaras, which facilitated trade.
  • The concept of zero and the decimal system were fully developed during this period.
  • Unlike the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta administration was decentralized.

94. With reference to early temple architecture, consider the following statements:

  1. The Nagara style is prevalent in North India and has a curvilinear Shikhara.
  2. The Dravidian style is found in South India and features towering Vimanas.
  3. The Vesara style is an exclusive feature of Eastern 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:

  • The Nagara style has a curvilinear Shikhara and is predominant in North India.
  • The Dravidian style features pyramidal Vimanas and large Gopurams, common in South Indian temples.
  • The Vesara style is a blend of both Nagara and Dravidian styles, primarily found in the Deccan.

 


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

  1. The Indus Valley people were familiar with cotton cultivation.
  2. The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro suggests that ritual bathing was an important aspect of their culture.
  3. The Indus script was primarily written from right to left.

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: (d) 1, 2, and 3

📖 Explanation:

  • Evidence of cotton cultivation has been found at Mehrgarh, indicating that the Indus people used cotton fabric.
  • The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro indicates that ritual bathing might have been part of their religious or social practices.
  • The Indus script is mostly written from right to left, though some examples show bidirectional writing.

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

  1. The political system transitioned from tribal rule to hereditary monarchy.
  2. The practice of yajnas (sacrificial rituals) became more elaborate.
  3. The Ashrama system, dividing life into four stages, was first introduced in 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
Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

📖 Explanation:

  • In the Later Vedic period, hereditary monarchy replaced tribal rule.
  • Sacrificial rituals like Rajasuya and Ashvamedha became more complex.
  • The Ashrama system (Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sannyasa) was formally introduced during this period.

97. Consider the following statements regarding Buddhism:

  1. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held under Kanishka’s patronage.
  2. The Sutta Pitaka contains the sermons of Buddha.
  3. The Mahayana sect believes in idol worship and the divinity 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
Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

📖 Explanation:

  • The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened by Kanishka in Kashmir.
  • The Sutta Pitaka consists of Buddha’s discourses and teachings.
  • The Mahayana sect introduced idol worship and the concept of Buddha as a divine figure.

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

  1. The empire was divided into five major provinces, each governed by a Kumara.
  2. The Arthashastra provides details about espionage and revenue collection.
  3. The Mauryan state discouraged foreign trade to maintain self-sufficiency.

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 (e.g., Magadha, Gandhara, Avanti), each ruled by a Kumara (royal governor).
  • The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya, provides details on governance, revenue collection, and espionage.
  • The Mauryan state actively promoted trade with Greek, Persian, and Southeast Asian regions.

99. Consider the following statements about the Gupta Empire:

  1. The Gupta rulers patronized Sanskrit literature and Hindu temples.
  2. The decimal system and numerals were further developed during this period.
  3. The Gupta administration was highly centralized.

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:

  • Sanskrit literature flourished during the Gupta period, with scholars like Kalidasa, and temples were built in Nagara style.
  • The decimal system and numerals (including zero) were developed by mathematicians like Aryabhata.
  • The Gupta administration was decentralized, with regional rulers exercising autonomy.

100. With reference to ancient Indian metallurgy, consider the following statements:

  1. The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli, built during the Gupta period, has remained rust-free for centuries.
  2. The Harappans were the first to use iron tools in India.
  3. Wootz steel, known for its high quality, was produced in ancient 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: (c) 1 and 3 only

📖 Explanation:

  • The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli, attributed to the Gupta period, is known for its rust-resistant composition.
  • The Harappans did not use iron; they were a Bronze Age civilization.
  • Wootz steel, famous for its durability and used in Damascus swords, was produced in ancient South India.

 

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