Ancient History- Solved Questions (2013-2021) | UPSC Topic Wise Previous Year Questions PDF Download

Question 1:

From the declines of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?     [2021] 

1. The Guptas of Magadha
2. The Paramaras of Malwa
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
5. The Yadavas of Devagiri
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1, 2 and 5
b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
c) 2, 3 and 4
d) 5 and 6

Correct Answer is Option (b)

• After the Guptas and before the rise of Harshavardhana different dynasties came to power in different parts of the country
• Yadavas of Deogiri came in the Medieval India
• Parmara of Malwas came to power in the 10th Century onwards

Question 2:

In reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following Statements is/are correct? 

1. Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes. 
2. In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim right to the property during the lifetime of the father, whereas in the Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that the sons can claim right to the property. 
3. The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family.    [2021]

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 Only
c) 1 and 3
d) 3 Only

Correct Answer is Option (b)

• Not given in standard reference books but in IndianExpress explained series 2020.
• Mitakasara- compiled by Vijneswara, it was a commentary on Yajvalkya Smriti
• Belonged to the court of Vikramadtiya VI of Kalyani Chalukyas
• This book had detailes about the sucession laws of Hindu families

Question 3:
Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?     [2021]
a)  Dholavira
b) Kalibangan
c) Rakhigarhi
d) Ropar

Correct Answer is Option (a)

• Dholavira was known for the Water Management
• Surrounded by 2 channels, the natives had built dam, reservoir, step well and canal for effective water management.

Question 4:
Consider the following pairs:     [2021]

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

Correct Answer is Option (d)

• Burzhaom- is a Neolithic site, known for pit dwellings. It doesn’t have have Rock Cut Shrines.
• Ganeshwar- Chalcolithic culture site, contemporary to IVC. It is known for copper smelting
• Chandraketugarh- located in Bengal
• Post Mauryan period site, known for terracotta sculptures and Image

Question 5:
With reference to the cultural history of India consider the following pairs:    [2020-1]
1. Parivrajaka - Renunciant and Wanderer
2. Shramana - Priest with a high status
3. Upasaka - Lay follower of Buddhism
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only    
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only    
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)

• During Vedic age, there was a lot of emphasis on rituals and sacrifices. This type of excessive ritualism produced a natural reaction in the form of Sramana religion, which protested against the divine origin of the Vedas and efficacy of the sacrifices. 
• Sramanas were recruited from all people irrespective of caste and creed. Their teachers were anti-Vedic and anti-Brahmanic and they challenged Vedic learning and Vedic rituals. So, #2 is wrong. By elimination we are left with correct answer “b” 
• Sree Narayana Gum had become a ‘Parivrajaka’ (one who wanders from place to place in quest of Truth), so, #1 is correct.

Question 6: 
With reference to the period of the Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul were well known as  [2020-1]
(a) ports handling foreign trade 
(b) capital of powerful kingdoms 
(c) places of exquisite stone art and architecture 
(d) important Buddhist pilgrimage centers

Correct Answer is Option (a)
By Elimination
Portuguese will be fighting the Battle of Chaul to control coastal areas of Western India.

Question 7:
With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: [2020-I]

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only 
(b) 1 and 4 only 
(c) 2 and 3 only 
(d) 2 and 4 only

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Mapping Question
1. Bliilsa- Madhya Pradesh- Correct- Known as Vidisha, main centre of the Sunga dynasty &Udaigiri caves in Madhya Pradesh (not to be confused with Udaigiri-Odisha)
2. Girinagar- Gujarat- Correct
3. Stlianeshwara- Uttarpradesh- Incorrect. Sthaneshwara- located in Harayana (not in Uttarpradesh) Main seat of the Pushyabhutidyansty- Harshavardhan (606-647CE) originally belonged to Sthaneshwara, who later on shifted the capital at Kannauj
4. Dwarsamudra- Maharashtra- Incorrect- Hoysala dynasty used to rule from Dwarsamudra- also known as Halebid - located in Karnataka.

Question 8:
Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription?: “Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely,”   [2020-1]

(a) Ashoka    
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Harshavardhana    
(d) Krishna Deva Raya

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Ashoka’s Dhamma- Always talked about Tolerance among all sects.

Question 9:
With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote [2020-1] 
(a) measurement of land 
(b) coins of different monetary value 
(c) classification of urban land 
(d) religious rituals

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Gupta Age- mentioned in different inscriptionsKulyavapa, Dronavapa, Adhavapa And Pataka from Bengal,
Nivartana And Hhumi from central India, and to Nivartana And Padavarta from western India Very tough to attend, not given in standard books like NCERT or Tamilanadu

Question 10:
Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period? [2020-1] 
(a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates 
(b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts 
(c) A bill of exchange 
(d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Hundi is a note recording a deposit made by a person. The amount deposited can be claimed in another place by presenting the record of the deposit.

Question 11:
Consider the following events in the history of India: [2020-1] 
1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja 
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman - I 
3. Establishment of Chola Parantaka - I
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala 
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time? 
(a) 2-1-4-3 
(b) 3-1-4-2 
(c) 2-4-1-3 
(d) 3-4-1-2

Correct Answer is Option (c)

• Mahendra Varrnan-1 (590- 630 CE)
• Gopala (750 CE)
• King Bhoja- Pratihara( 836-885 CE)
• Prantaka-1 Chola ( 907-953 CE)

Question 12:
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: [2020-1] 
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. 
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. 
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasangliikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism. 
Which of the statements given above are correct? 
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)

• Fourth Council convened in Kashmir under the patronage of Kanishka 
• It resulted into division of all the Buddhists into two major sects 
• Sarvastivadins (popular in Kashmir and Mathura regions) and Mahasanghikas together forming the Mahayanists (followers of the Greater Vehicle), 
• Sthaviravadins and others forming the Hinayanists (followers of the Lesser Vehicle); Thus, Sthaviravadins is not part of Mahayana. So, #1 wrong. 
• The Mahasanghikas gave rise to the following sects: 1. Ekavyaharikas 2. Lokottaravadins 3. Kukkutikas 4. Bahusrutiyas 5. Prajnapativadins 6. Chaitya-sailas 7. Apara-sailas 8. Uttara-sailas. So, #2 is right, hence answer “b”.

Question 13:
With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements: [2020-1] 
1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga 
2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana 
3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)

• Statement 2- Incorrect because Amarsimha belonged to the Court of Chandra Gupta- II (he was one of the navratna). Thus, by elimination we are left with correct answer C. 
• Statement 3- Correct because Kalidasa belonged to the Court of Chandra Gupta- II (he was one of the Navratna). 
• Statement 1- Incorrect because Panini belonged to the 5-6th Century BCE Period- he wrote Astdhvayi, where asPushyamitra Sunga belonged to the Post Mauryan Period- 2nd Century BCE- he came to power after killing last Maury an King- Brihadratha.

Question 14:
With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’? [2020-I]
(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts were written in aphoristic (sutra) style. 
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas. 
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path 
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

• Bodhisattva are part of the Mahayana/Vajrayana Tradition. They are mentioned in the Mahayana literature called the Vaipulya Sutra- written in Sanskrit  
• Inside the Vaipulya Sutra- Prajna Paramita is mentioned.

Question 15:
Building 'Kalyana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of   [2019-I] 
(a) Chalukya 
(b) Chandela 
(c) Rashtrakuta 
(d) Vijayanagara

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Vijayanagara School: More than one mandap was built in each temple. The central mandap came to be known as Kalyan Mandap.

Question 16:
With reference to forced labor (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?  [2019-I]
(a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
(b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.
(c) The forced laborer is entitled to weekly wages.
(d) The eldest son of the laborer was sent as the forced laborer.

Correct Answer is Option (a)
A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh, page 508: Forced labor (Vishti) became more common than before in this Gupta period. The fact that it is mentioned along with the taxes in the land grant inscriptions suggests that Vishti was considered a source of income for the state, a sort of tax paid by the people. The fact that most of the inscriptions referring to Vishti come from Madhya Pradesh and Kathiyawar regions may suggest this practice for more prevalent in these areas. So, a is right b is wrong.

Question 17:
Consider the following : [2019-I] 
1. Deification of the Buddha 
2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas 
3. Image worship and rituals 
Which of the above is/ are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 1 and 2 only 
(c) 2 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The Mahayana followers believe in idol or image worship of Buddha. So 1 and 3 are correct. The concept of Bodhisattva is the result of Mahayana Buddhism. So 2 is also correct.

Question 18:
In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? [2019-I] 
(a) Kanganahalli 
(b) Sanchi 
(c) Shahbazgarhi 
(d) Sohgaura

Correct Answer is Option (a)
1993: A team of archeologists surveyed Sann ai, Karnataka. The most dramatic evidence came from Kanagahalli. The discoveries at the site included a broken relief sculpture showing a king and queen flanked by female attendants. An inscription in Brahmi's letter read "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ashoka).

Question 19:
Which one of the following is not a Harappan Site? [2019-I] 
(a) Chanhudaro 
(b) Kot Diji 
(c) Sohagaura 
(d) Desalpur

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Nitin ch1: Sohgaura Copper Plate: The earliest known copper plate, known as the Sohgaura copper plate, is a Mauryan record that mentions famine relief efforts. So it can't be a Harappan site, the answer is c.

Question 20:
Consider the following pairs of Tradition vs State: [2018 - I]
1. Chapchar Kut festival: Mizoram  
2. Khongjom Parba ballad: Manipur 
3. Thang-Ta dance: Sikkim 
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 1 and 2 
(c) 3 only 
(d) 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Khongjom Parva is important folk music from the state of Manipur. It is a popular ballad genre that is a musical narration of the battle of Khongjom fought between the British army and the Manipuri resistance forces in 1891. So, statement#2 is right, this eliminates A and (C)
Thang-Ta is the exclusive martial dance form of Manipur. Thang means sword and Ta means spear. So, statement#3 is wrong, this eliminates (D) Therefore answer must be B: only 1 and 2.

Question 21:
Consider the following pairs Craft vs Heritage of   [2018 - I]
1. Puthukkuli shawls: Tamil Nadu  
2. Sujni embroidery: Maharashtra 
3. Uppada Jamdani saris: Karnataka 
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 1 and 2 
(c) 3 only 
(d) 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Sujni embroidery- Incorrect. It belongs to Bihar. 

• Upada Jamdani Sarees- Incorrect. It belongs to Andhra Pradesh. 
• So, by elimination, we are left with answer A: 1 only.

Question 22:
With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?  [2018 - I] 
(a) Avalokiteshvara 
(b) Lokesvara 
(c) Maitreya 
(d) Padmapani

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Maitreya is the future Buddha, whose coming was said to have been prophesied by the historical Buddha and who in years to come, would purify the world with his teachings. let's also learn about the wrong options, lest they're asked in future exams: Avalokitesvara (watchful lord), also called Padmapani (lotus-bearer), whose attribute is compassion, which reaches down even to Avichi, the lowest Buddhist purgatory. Loksesvara is also used as a synonym for Avalokitesvara.

Question 23:
With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to(Pre18 Set-D)  [2018 - I] 
(a) Buddhism 
(b) Jainism 
(c) Vaishnavism 
(d) Shaivism

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Sthanakvasi doesn't differ much from the other Svetambara Jainas, hence now-a-days they invariably call themselves Svetambara Sthanakvasi.

Question 24:
Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?  [2017-I] 
(a) Kakinada 
(b) Motupalli 
(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam) 
(d) Nelluru

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Academic books on medieval history mention that Ganapati was the most powerful of Kakatiya sovereigns. Motupalli, now in Krishna district, was an important seaport in his kingdom, frequented by foreign merchants. So, "b" is the answer.

Question 25:
With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct?              [2017-I] 
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them. 
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver, and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron. 
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)
All the gold jewelry found at Harappan sites was recovered from hoards. So, the second statement is wrong, which eliminated B and D. But then depending on which history book you refer to, Harappans were aware or unaware about the horses. So the experts were divided between option A and options C. UPSC chose ‘C’ as the official answer- meaning Harappans did not know about the horses.

Question 26:
Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? [2017-I] 
1. Arasavalli 
2. Amarkantak 
3. Omkareshwar 
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (a)

• Andhra Pradesh State Govt. website says Arasavalli in Srikakulam district has sun temple. So 1 is right.
• Sri Omkareshwar temple in Mysore is for Lord Shiva and it's not a Sun Temple. 
• Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh has temples, but not any Sun temple. So #3 is wrong. Hence, by elimination, answer "A" only 1.

Question 27:
The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at   [2017-I] 
(a) Ajanta 
(b) Badami 
(c) Bagh 
(d) Ellora

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Question 28:
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: [2017-I] 
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism. 
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary but existed forever in a latent form. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Sautrantikas and Sammtiyas as Buddhism sects. So the first statement is wrong. And Sarvastivadin sect of Buddhism believes that all things exist, and exist continuously, in the past and the future as well as in the present.  So the second statement is right.

Question 29:
In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs: [2016-I]

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 
(a) 1 and 2 
(b) 3 only 
(c) 2 and 3 
(d) 1 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)
A special category of land, eripatti, or land, is mentioned. Donated by individuals, the revenue from this land was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank. Occasionally a very large village would be administered as a single unit and this was called Taniyur.

Question 30:
Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of the Sunga dynasty? [2016-I] 
(a) Swapnavasavadatta 
(b) Malavikagnirnitra 
(c) Meghadoota 
(d) Ratnavali

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The Malavikagnimitra is a Sanskrit play by Kalidas. The play tells the love story of Agnimitra, the Shunga Emperor. He falls in love with the picture of an exiled servant girl named Malavika.

Question 31:
With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest? [2015-I] 
(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubneshwar 
(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli 
(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram 
(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli was built during the reign of Ashoka in 250 BC. Lingaraja Temple at Bhubneshwar was built by Yayati (1025-1040). Rock-cut monuments at Mahabalipuram were built during the 7th-8th century AD during the reign of Pallavas. Varaha Image at Udaygiri was built by Chandragupta II of the Gupta Empire.

Question 32:
Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? [2014 - I] 
1. Avanti 
2. Gandhara 
3. Kosala 
4. Magadha 
Select the correct answer using the code given below. 
(a) 1, 2 and 3 
(b) 2 and 4. 
(c) 3 and 4 only 
(d) 1, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Buddha was born in Lumbini, in the Kosala kingdom.Buddh died in Kusinara, in Magadha kingdom. Avanti lay outside the area visited by buddha and was converted to his teaching by his disciple Mahakaccana. Gandhara is the western part of Pakistan & Afghanistan and Buddha never went to Pakistan.

Question 33:
The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from  [2014 - I] 
(a) Katha Upanishad
(b) Chandogya Upanishad 
(c) Aitareya Upanishad 
(d) Mundaka Upanishad

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The words Satyameva Jayate came from Mundaka Upanishad, meaning ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’.

Question 34:
Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?  [2014 - I]
(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta 
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika 
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika 
(d) Sankhya and Yoga

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Lokayata and Kapalika do not form of Six systems of Indian philosophy

Question 35:
With reference to Buddhist history, tradition, and culture in India, consider the following pairs: [2014 - I]

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Tabo monastery and temple complex is in Spiti Valley and Alchi temple complex is in Ladakh. Lhotsava Lhakhang, Nako is in Himachal Pradesh. Zanskar Valley is in Jammu and Kashmir.

Question 36:
With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: [2014 - I]

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)
1 is correctly matched because Parinirvana of the Buddha in Cave 17 of Ajanta, with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below, is one of the grandest and yet most delicately expressive scenes ever made in stone. 2 is wrong because the huge image of Varaha Avatar of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock is found in Mamallapuram. 3 is right because Arjuna's Penance “Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders is found in Mamallapuram.

Question 37:
Consider the following historical places:  [2013 - I] 
1. Ajanta Caves 
2. Lepakshi Temple 
3. Sanchi Stupa 
Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 1 and 2 only 
(c) 1, 2 and 3 
(d) None

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Ajanta Caves have mural paintings in caves 1, 2, 16, and 17. Some of the paintings were commissioned by Harisena of the Vakataka dynasty. The theme of the paintings was Jataka tales. Lepakshi Temple is renowned for being one of the best repositories of mural paintings of the Vijaynagar kings. Sanchi Stupa has many beautiful sculptures but not mural paintings.

Question 38:
In the context of the cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favorite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?   [2013 - I] 
(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at the waist and neck 
(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures, and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters 
(c) Movements of body, face, and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story 
(d) A little smile, a slightly curved waist, and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism.

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The pose ‘Tribhanga’ is the favorite posture of Lord Krishna. We have often seen Lord Krishna standing in tribhanga posture before his cow ‘Kamdhenu’ or whenever he is playing his flute. He is often called Tribhana Murari.

Question 39:
The Chinese traveler Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2013 - I] 
1. The roads and river routes were completely immune from robbery. 
2. As regards punishment for offenses, ordeals by fire, water, and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. 
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The tradesmen had to pay light duties at ferries and barriers. After paying the revenue they could go to and fro to barter their merchandise. The punishment for social offenses according to the traveler’s account, was to cut off the nose, or an ear or a hand. Minor offenses were dealt with fines. And to determine guilt or innocence, ordeals by fire, water, and poison were the instruments that were used.

Question 40:
With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: [2013 - I] 
1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. 
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. 
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The Barbara rock-cut caves are the oldest rock-cut caves. They were originally made for the Ajivikas during the Mauryan period (322-185 BCE). The Ellora caves were built between the 5th century and 10th centuries. There were 34 caves out of which 12 were Buddhist caves, 17 were Hindu caves and 5 were Jain caves. The proximity of the caves clearly demonstrates the religious harmony prevalent at that period of time.