Ancient History- Solved Questions (1995-2000) | UPSC Topic Wise Previous Year Questions PDF Download

Question 1:
Assertion (A): The origin of the feudal system in ancient India can be traced to military campaigns.
Reason (R): There was considerable expansion of the feudal system during the Gupta period.  [2000]
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both  A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Question 2:
Assertion (A): The emphasis of Jainism on non-violence (ahimsa) prevented agriculturalists from embracing Jainism. 
Reason (R): Cultivation involved killing insects and pests.   [2000] 
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A 
(b) Both  A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A 
(c) A is true but R is false 
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Both statements are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Question 3:
Assertion (A): The Aham and Puram poems of the Padinen Kilukanakku group formed a continuation of the Sangam composition. 
Reason (R): They were included under the post-Sangam works as against the Sangam works proper.  [2000] 
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A 
(b) Both  A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A 
(c) A is true but R is false 
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Th e didactic works of San gam per iod are ca lled Kilukanakku (18 minor groups) consisting of Tirukurral and Naladiyar. The Aham and Puram poems of the Kilukanakku group were composed in the post-Sangam period. That’s why R explains A.

Question 4:
Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta period? [1999] 
(a) Tamralipti 
(b) Broach 
(c) Kalyan 
(d) Cambray

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Tamralipta or Tamralipti was the name of an ancient city on the Bay of Bengal corresponding with Tamluk in modern-day India. Tamralipta may have been one of the most important urban centers of trade and commerce of early historic India, trading along the Silk Road with China, by Uttarapatha, the northern high road, the main trade route into the Middle East and Europe; and by seafaring routes to Bali, Java, and the Far East.

Question 5:
The term 'Aryan' denotes:   [1999] 
(a) an ethnic group 
(b) a nomadic people 
(c) a speech group 
(d) a superior race

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Aryan is in fact a linguistic term indicating a speech group of Indo-European origin and is not an ethnic term.

Question 6:
The Indo-Laws Kingdom set up in northern Afghanistan at the beginning of the second century B.C. was:   [1999] 
(a) Bactria 
(b) Scythia 
c) Zedrasia 
(d) Aria

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Bactria was the ancient civilization of Iranian peoples. Ancient Bactria was located between the Hindu Kush mountain range and the Amu Darya river, covering the flat region that straddles modern-day Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

Question 7:
Which one of the following was initially the most powerful city-state of India in the 6th century B.C. ?  [1999] 
(a) Gandhar 
(b) Kamboj 
(c) Kashi 
(d) Magadh

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Of the 16 Mahajanapadas, Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti were more powerful. They fought amongst themselves for years and ultimately Magadha emerged victorious under Bimbisara (Haranyak dynasty) in 6th C BC.

Question 8:
The following persons came to India at one time or another:   [1999] 
1. Fa-Hien 
2. I-Tsing 
3. Megasthanese 
4. Hieun-Tsang 
The correct chronological sequence of their visits is: 
(a) 3, 1, 2, 4 
(b) 3, 1, 4, 2                     
(c) 1, 3, 2, 4 
(d) 1, 3, 4, 2

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Fa- Hien–405–411 CE; I-Tsin g– 671– 695 CE; Megasthanese – 302–298 BC; Hieun–Tsang–630–645CE

Question 9:
From the third century AD when the Hun invasion ended the Roman Empire, the Indian merchants relied more and more on the:   [1999]
(a) African trade 
(b) West-European trade 
(c) South-East Asian trade 
(d) Middle-Eastern trade

Correct Answer is Option (c)
After the 3rd century AD, Roman empire came to an end. Indian merchants meanwhile had begun to rely more heavily on the south-east Asian Trade.

Question 10:
The given map relates to [1998]
(a) Kanishka at the time of his death.
(b) Samudragupta after the close of his South Indian campaign.
(c) Ashoka towards the close of his reign.
(d) Empire of Thaneswar on the eve of Harsha's accession.

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The given map is related to the reign of Ashoka towards the end of his rule. Ashoka (304–232 BC), popularly known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled over the Indian subcontinent from 269 BC to 232 BC. His empire stretched from present-day Pakistan, Afghanistan in the west, to present-day Bangladesh and the Indian state of Assam in the east, and as far south as northern Kerala and Andhra.

Question 11:
The concept of the Eightfold path forms the theme of [1998] 
(a) Dipavamsa 
(b) Divyavadana 
(c) Mahaparinibban 
(d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The Noble Eightfold Path is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessation of suffering (Dukkha) and attainment of self-awakening. In Buddhist symbolism, the Noble Eightfold Path is often represented by means of the Dharma wheel (Dharmachakra), whose eight spokes represent the eight elements of the path. The eightfold path includes right understanding, right speech, right livelihood; right mindfulness, right thought, right action, right effort, and right concentration.

Question 12:
Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food-grains to be utilized during the crises in the country?   [1998] 
(a) Sohgaura Copper-plate 
(b) Rummindei Pillar-edict of Ashoka 
(c) Prayaga-prasasti 
(d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The earliest known copper plate called Sohgaura is a Maurya record that mentions famine relief efforts. It is one of the very few pre-Ashoka Brahmi inscriptions in India.

Question 13:
Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?   [1998] 
1. Lothal: Ancient dockyard 
2. Sarnath: First Sermon of Buddha 
3. Rajgir : Lion capital of Ashoka 
4. Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist learning 
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 
(b) 3 and 4 
(c) 1, 2 and 4 
(d) 1 and 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Lion Capital of Ashoka is in Saranath (not Rajgir).

Question 14:
Assertion (A): According to Ashoka's edicts social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion. 
Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of the promotion of religion. [1998] 
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A 
(b) Both  A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A 
(c) A is true but R is false 
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Ashoka’s edicts put stress on social harmony among the people by spreading ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion.

Question 15:
What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? [1998] 
1. Gold coins 
2. Punch marked silver coins 
3. Iron plough 
4. Urban culture 
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 
(a) 3, 4, 1, 2 
(b) 3, 4, 2, 1 
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2 
(d) 4, 3, 2, 1

Correct Answer is Option (d)
In India Indus Valley Civilization appeared the first signs of urbanization between 2500 and 2000 BCE. According to researchers, it is a hard fact that the earliest known specimen of iron ploughshare comes from Ganwaria in District Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and dates from ca. 700 BC. The first documented coinage is deemed to start with 'Punch Marked' coins issued between the 7th-6th century BC and 1stcentury AD. It was the Indo Greeks who ruled a large part of NorthWestern India around 200 BC (2218 years ago) that first introduced coins made of Pure Gold in India before Kushans. Therefore, according to the question the correct chronological order of the event that appeared in India is 4, 3, 2 and 1.

Question 16:
Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?  [1998] 
1. Mrichchakatikam–Shudraka 
2. Buddhacharita–Vasuvandhu 
3. Mudrarakshasha–Vishakadatta 
4. Harshacharita–Banabhatta 
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 
(b) 1, 3 and 4 
(c) 1 and 4 
(d) 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Buddhacharita was written by Ashvaghosh.

Question 17:
The Ashoka major rock edicts which tell us about the Sangam Kingdom include rock edicts:   [1998] 
(a) I and X 
(b) I and XI 
(c) II and XIII 
(d) II and XIV

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The ll and Xlll rock edicts mention the southern kingdoms of  Chola, Pandya, Satyaputra, Keralaputra and Tambapanni.

Question 18:
Many of the Greeks, Kush an as and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because  [1998] 
(a) Buddhism was in the ascendant at that time 
(b) they had renounced the policy of war and violence 
(c) caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them 
(d) Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society

Correct Answer is Option (c)
They embraced Buddhism because caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them.

Question 19:
The Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I is dated in the Saka year 465. If the same were to be dated in Vikrama Samvat, the year would be:  [1997] 
(a) 601 
(b) 300 
(c) 330 
(d) 407

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The Saka era started in 78 AD, while the Vikram era started in 58 BC. So if we want to convert the Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I to the Vikram era, it will be 465 + 78 + 58 = 601 Vikram Samvat.

Question 20:
Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India? [1997] 
(a) Chaturvedimangalam 
(b) Parishad 
(c) Ashtadikgaja 
(d) Manigrama

Correct Answer is Option (d)
A manigramam was a large, influential guild of South Indian merchants during the period of Western Chalukyan rulers in the 10th  – 12th Century CE.

Question 21:
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:   [1997]

(a) A – 3; B – 4; C – 5; D – 2 
(b) A – 3; B – 4; C – 2; D – 5 
(c) A – 5; B – 3; C – 4; D – 1 
(d) A – 1; B – 3; C – 5; D – 2

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Varahamihira also wrote Panchasiddhantika; Vishakhadatta also wrote Mudra Rakshasa.

Question 22:
(b) The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called: [1997] 
(a) Rupaka 
(b) Karshapana 
(c) Dinara 
(d) Pana

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Rupaka was a silver coin of the Gupta period.16 Rupaka was equal to 1 gold coin.

Question 23:
In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisatva Avalokitesvara was also known as [1997] 
(a) Vajrapani 
(b) Manjusri 
(c) Padmapani 
(d) Maitreya

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Avalokiteśvar a is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. He is one of the more widely revered bodhisattvas in mainstream Mahayana Buddhism. In Sanskrit, Avalokitesvara is also referred to as Padmapāni (“Holder of the Lotus”) or Lokeśvara (“Lord of the World”).

Question 24:
The following map shows four of the sixteen Mahajanapadas that existed in ancient India:  [1997]

The places marked A, B, C, and D respectively are: 
(a) Matsya, Cedi, Kosala, Anga 
(b) Surasena, Avanti, Vatsa, Magadha 
(c) Matsya, Avanti, Vatsa, Anga 
(d) Surasena, Cedi, Kosala, Magadha

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Matsya Mahajanapada comprised the present-day Jaipur-Bharatpur-Alwar area of Rajasthan, Avanti was one of the most important ones and its core area comprises the present-day Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh. Vatsa with its capital at Kausambi was another powerful Mahajanapada, annexed by Magadha. Anga Mahajanapada was in Gangetic valley.

Question 25:
Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Ashoka? [1997] 
(a) Kalsi 
(b) Rummindei 
(c) Special Kalinga Edict 
(d) Maski

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Maski, Gurjara, Netter, and Udegolam inscriptions mention the personal name of Ashoka.

Question 26:
Milindapanho is in the form of a dialogue between king Menander and Buddhist monk: [1997] 
(a) Nagasena 
(b) Nagarjuna 
(c) Nagabhatta 
(d) Kumarilabhatta

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Milindapanho wasn’t written by one person. It is the collected dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Milinda (or Meander) and the Buddhist sage Nagasena.

Question 27:
The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the: [1997] 
(a) Chhandogyopanishad 
(b) Mundakopanishad
(c) Kathopanishad
(d) Kenopanishad

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Kathopanishad is the conversation between Nachiketa and Yamraj (God of death). Nachiketa was a seeker, and Yamraj was a Guru (knower of secrets).

Question 28:
Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was written from right to left?  [1997] 
(a) Brahmi 
(b) Nandnagari 
(c) Sharada 
(d) Kharosthi

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Kharosthi script was deciphered by James Prinsep (1799–1840), using the bilingual coins of the Indo-Greek period. This in turn led to the reading of the Edicts of Ashoka, some of which, from the northwest of the Asian subcontinent, were written in the Kharosthi script.

Question 29:
Which one of the following statements regarding Ashoka stone pillars is incorrect?  [1997] 
(a) These are highly polished 
(b) These are monolithic 
(c) The shaft of pillars is tapering in shape 
(d) These are parts of architectural structures

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Ashoka stone pillars were meant to spread his Dhamma (not the part of architectural structure.)

Question 30:
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:  [1997]

(a) A – 4; B – 3; C – 1; D – 2 
(b) A – 4; B – 2; C – 3; D – 1 
(c) A – 2; B – 3; C – 4; D – 1 
(d) A – 3; B – 4; C – 1; D – 2

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Badami was also known as Vatapi in the Bijapur district of Karnataka. Panamalai or Kanchi in Tamil Nadu was the capital of Pallavas.

Question 31:
Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows divorce to a wife deserted by her husband?  [1996] 
(a) Kamasutra 
(b) Manava Dharma Shastra 
(c) Sukra Nitisara 
(d) Arthashastra

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Arthashastra was written by Kautilya. In this book 'Moksha' has been used for divorce.

Question 32:
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer:   [1996]

(a) A – 1; B –  3; C – 4; D – 2 
(b) A – 2; B –  1; C – 3; D – 4 
(c) A – 2; B – 3;  C – 1; D – 4 
(d) A – 3; B – 4;  C – 1; D – 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Vishakhadatta wrote a drama named “Mudra Rakshasa”.

Question 33:
Which one of the following sculptures were invariably used green schist as the medium? [1996] 
(a) Maurya sculptures 
(b) Mathura sculptures 
(c) Bharhut sculptures 
(d) Gandhara sculptures

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The Bharhut stupa may have been established by the Maurya king Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, but many works of art were apparently added during the Sunga period, from the 2nd century BCE. The ruined stupa is still at Bharhut, however, the gateways and railings were dismantled and reassembled at Kolkata Museum. They contain numerous birth stories of the Buddha's previous lives or Jataka tales. Many of them are in the shape of large, round medallions. Two of the panels are at the Smithsonian. Bharhut sculptures were invariably used green schist as the medium.

Question 34:
Who among the following is known for his work on medicine during the Gupta period? [1996] 
(a) Saumilla 
(b) Sudraka 
(c) Shaunaka 
(d) Susrutha

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Susrutha Samhita was written by Susrutha. He was said to have been the best surgeon during the Gupta period.

Question 35:
In the context of ancient Indian society which one of the following terms does not belong to the category of the other three? [1996] 
(a) Kula 
(b) Vamsa 
(c) Kosa 
(d) Gotra

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Kosa was used for treasury and the rest of the three terms were related to the family.

Question 36:
Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? [1996] 
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment 
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas 
3. Denial of the efficacy of rituals 
4. Non-injury to animal life 
Select the answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 
(b) 2, 3 and 4 
(c) 1, 3, and 4 
(d) 1 and 2

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Both denied the authority of the Vedas and the necessity of performing sacrifices and rituals. Both of them were opposed to animal sacrifices.

Question 37:
Which one of the following is not a part of early Jains literature? [1996] 
(a) Therigatha 
(b) Acarangasutra 
(c) Sutrakritanga 
(d) Brihatkalpasutra

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Therigatha was a part of Buddhist literature.

Question 38:
The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is : [1996] 
(a) Sindhu 
(b) Sutudri 
(c) Sarasvati 
(d) Ganga

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Sapta Sindhu plays a prominent part in the hymns of the Rigveda, and consequently in early Vedic religion.

Question 39:
Which one of the following temples figured in the news regarding the institution of the Devadasi? [1996] 
(a) Jagannath Temple, Puri 
(b) Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu 
(c) Kandariya Mahadev temple, Khajuraho 
(d) Chausath Yogini temple, Bhedaghat

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Devadasi is a girl "dedicated" to the worship and service of a deity or a temple for the rest of her life. They were Considered the human wife of Lord Jagannath.

Question 40:
According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas, the sequential order of the cycle of four acorns (yugas) is: [1996]
(a) Dvapara, Krita, Treta and Kali 
(b) Krita, Dvapara, Treta and Kali 
(c) Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali 
(d) Treta, Dvapara, Kali and Krita

Correct Answer is Option (c)
A complete Yuga starts with the Satya Yuga (Krita), via Treta Yuga and Dvapara Yuga into a Kali Yuga.

Question 41:
Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with [1995] 
(a) eight hands 
(b) six hands 
(c) four hands 
(d) two hands

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Four handed Bronze icon of Nataraja is the finest example of Chola sculpture.

Question 42:
According to Mimamsa system of philosophy, liberation is possible by means by [1995] 
(a) jnana 
(b) bhakti 
(c) yoga 
(d) karma

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Mimansa means investigation or enquiry. The primary enquiry is into the nature of dharma based on close theology of the Vedas. It has two divisions, Purva Mimansa and Uttar Mimansa. The Purva Mimansa explains the Dharma as a "virtue", "morality" or "duty". Dharma is the essentially ritualism, and there is a great significance of the Karma or action in attaining Dharma. Mimansa system of philosophy stresses on the doctrine of "karma". It says that liberation is possible by means of performing "Karma."

Question 43:
The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by: [1995] 
(a) Mahayana Buddhism 
(b) Hinayana Buddhism 
(c) Jainism 
(d) The Lokayata school

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Anuvrata was the five main teachings of Jainism Ahimsa, Asateya, Aparigraha, Satya and Brahmacharya

Question 44:
The term 'Yavanapriya' mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts denoted:   [1995] 
(a) a fine variety of Indian Muslim 
(b) ivory 
(c) damsels sent to the Greek court for a dance performance 
(d) pepper

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Yavanas were Indo-Greeks. They liked pepper, that is why pepper was known as Yavanapriya.

Question 45:
The name by which Ashoka is generally referred to his inscriptions is: [1995] 
(a) Chakravarti 
(b) Dharmadeva 
(c) Dharmakirti 
(d) Priyadarsi

Correct Answer is Option (d)
In the year 1915 near a village called Maski in Raichur District of Karnataka, a rock inscription was discovered on a hill. In this inscription for the first time the name of Ashoka was found with titles like Devanampriya and Priyadarshi. It was then certain that Devanampriya Priyadarshi was no other than Ashoka.

Question 46:
In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period women and Sudras speak: [1995] 
(a) Sanskrit 
(b) Prakrit 
(c) Pali 
(d) Sauraseni

Correct Answer is Option (b)
In Sanskrit plays of Gupta period women and Sudras speak prakrit and Elite class speak Sanskrit.

Question 47:
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer (using codes given below the lists) [1995]

(a) A – 2; B – 4; C – 5; D – 1 
(b) A – 1; B – 3; C – 2; D – 4 
(c) A – 4; B – 5; C – 2; D – 3 
(d) A – 4; B – 3; C – 2; D – 1

Correct Answer is Option (d)
248 A.D. is the Kalachuri era. Vikram era was started by king Vikramaditya. Shaka era was started by Kanishka. The Gupta era was started by Chandragupta-I.

Question 48:
Who among the following was a Brahmavadini who composed some hymns of the Vedas? [1995] 
(a) Lopamudra 
(b) Gargi 
(c) Leelavati 
(d) Savitri

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Other Brahmavadini are Vishwawara, Sikta, Nivavari, Ghosha, and Maitreyi.

Question 49:
The word ‘Hindu’ as a reference to the people of Hind (India) was first used by: [1995] 
(a) the Greeks 
(b) the Romans 
(c) the Chinese 
(d) the Arabs

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The name of India is a corruption of the word Sindhu. Sindhu is the name of the Indus River, mentioned in the Rigveda. Neighboring Arabs, Iranians uttered 's' as 'h' and called this land Hindu. Greeks pronounced this name as Indus.

Question 50:
The concept of the Eightfold path forms the theme of [1995] 
(a) Dipavamsa 
(b) Divyavadana 
(c) Mahaparinibban 
(d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The Noble Eightfold Path is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessation of suffering (Dukkha) and attainment of self-awakening. In Buddhist symbolism, the Noble Eightfold Path is often represented by means of the Dharma wheel (Dharmachakra), whose eight spokes represent the eight elements of the path. The eightfold path includes right understanding, right speech, right livelihood; right mindfulness, right thought, right action, right effort, and right concentration.