Ancient History – Political and Social Life (Prelims PYQs)
Prehistoric Age
2023-1995 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were well known as: [2023]
a) Capital cities
b) Ports
c) Centres of iron- and- steel making
d) Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras
2] Consider the following dynasties: [2023]
1. Hoysala 2. Gahadavala
3. Kakatiya 4. Yadava
How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?
a) Only one b) Only two
c) Only three d) None
3] Consider the following pairs: [2021]
Historical Place Well-known for
1. Burzahom Rock-cut shrines
2. Chandraketugarh Terracotta art
3. Ganeshwar Copper artefacts
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2
c) 3 only
d) 2 and 3
Indus Valley Civilization
2023-1995 Prelims PYQs
1] Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? [2019]
a) Chanhudaro b) Kot Diji
c) Sohgaura d) Desalpur
2] Which of the following characterizes/ characterizes the people of Indus civilization? [2013]
1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 only
c) 1, 2, and 3 d) None is correct
3] Regarding the Indus Valley civilization , consider the following statements? [2011]
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
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
4] Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [2002]
List 1 (Ancient Site) List 2 (Archeological Finding)
A. Lothal 1. Ploughed field
B. Kalibangan 2. Dockyard
C. Dholavira 3. Terracotta replica of plough
D. Banawali 4. An inscription comprising ten large-sized signs of the Harappan script
Codes:
A B C D
a) 1 2 3 4
b) 2 1 4 3
c) 1 2 4 3
d) 2 1 3 4
5] Which one of the following animals was NOT represented on the seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture? [2001]
a) Cow b) Elephant
c) Rhinoceros d) Tiger
Vedic Age
2023-1995 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2017]
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
2] The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of: [2012]
a) Bhakti
b) Image Worship and Yajnas
c) Worship of Nature and Yajnas
d) Worship of Nature and Bhakti
3] The “dharma” and “Rita” depict a central Idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements: [2011]
1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one’s duties to oneself and to others.
2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained.
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.
4] The term ‘Aryan’ denotes: [1999]
a) An ethnic group
b) A nomadic people
c) A speech group
d) A superior race
5] 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
6] The original home of the gypsies was: [1995]
a) Egypt b) Russia
c) India d) Persia
Age of Mahajanpadas
2023-1995 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: [2020]
Famous Place Present State
1. Bhilsa — Madhya Pradesh
2. Dwarasamudra — Maharashtra
3. Girinagar — Gujarat
4. Sthanesvara — Uttar Pradesh
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
2] Consider the following pairs: [2016]
Famous place – Region
1. Bodhgaya – Baghelkhand
2. Khajuraho – Bundelkhand
3. Shirdi – Vidarbha
4. Nasik (Nashik) – Malwa
5. Tirupati – Rayalaseema
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
a) 1, 2 and 4 b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
c) 2 and 5 only d) 1, 3, 4 and 5
3] Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? [2014]
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
4] Between which of the following was the ancient town of Takshasila located? [2006]
a) Indus and Jehelum
b) Jhelum and Chenab
c) Chenab and Ravi
d) Ravi and Beas
5] Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other three? [2005]
a) Bimbisara b) Gautama Buddha
c) Milinda d) Prasenjit
6] 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
7] Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? [1998]
I. Lothal: Ancient dockyard
II. Sarnath: First Sermon of Buddha
III. Rajgir: Lion capital of Asoka
IV. Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist learning
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
a) I, II, III and IV b) III and IV
c) I, II and IV d) I and II
8] The following maps 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
Mauryan Period
2023-1995 Prelims PYQs
1] According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct? [2022]
1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.
2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.
3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master’s son.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
2] Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? [2020]
“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.”
a) Ashoka b) Samudragupta
c) Harshavardhana d) Krishanadeva Raya
3] Consider the following statements: [2003]
1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander in chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.
2. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne
3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 b) Only 2
c) Only 3 d) 1, 2 and 3
4] Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion? [2000]
a) Nanda b) Maurya
c) Sunga d) Kanva
5] Assertion (A): Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire.
Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India. [2000]
a) Both A and R are true, and 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
6] Assertion (A): According to Asoka’s edicts social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion.
Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion. [1998]
a) Both A and R are true, and 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
7] The given map relates to: [1998]
a) Kaniska at the time of his death
b) Samudragupta after the close of his South Indian campaign
c) Asoka towards close of his reign
d) Empire of Thaneswar on the eve of Harsha’s accession
Post Mauryan Period: Greek, Saka, Parthian and Kushan Invasions, Satavahanas in Deccan
2023-1995 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order? [2006]
a) Greeks . Sakas . Kushans
b) Greeks . Kushans . Sakas
c) Sakas . Greeks . Kushans
d) Sakas . Kushans . Greeks
2] 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
3] The Indo-Greek kingdom set up in north Afghanistan in the beginning of the second century BC was: [1999]
a) Bactria b) Scythia
c) Zedrasia d) Aria
4] Many of the Greeks, Kushanas 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) Casteridden Hinduism did not attract them
d) Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society
5] What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? [1998]
I. Gold coins
II. Punchmarked silver coins
III. Iron plough
IV. Urban culture
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
a) III, IV, I, II b) III, IV, II, I
c) IV, III, I, II d) IV, III, II, I
Guptas and Vakatakas
2023-1995 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to the history of India, the terms ‘kulyavapa’ and ‘dronavapa’ denote: [2020]
a) Measurement of land
b) Coins of different monetary value
c) Classification of urban land
d) Religious rituals
2] With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were known as: [2020]
a) Ports handling foreign trade
b) Capitals of powerful kingdoms
c) Places of exquisite stone art and architecture
d) Important of Buddhist pilgrimage centres
3] With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct? [2019]
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 labourer was entitled to weekly wages.
d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.
4] With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2012]
1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.
2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.
3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members.
Choose the correct option:
a) 1 & 2 Only b) 3 Only
c) 2 & 3 Only d) 1,2, & 3
5] Consider the following statements: [2004]
1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa Hien attended the fourth Great Buddhist Council held by Kanishka.
2. The Chinese pilgrim Huan Tsang met Harsha and found him to be antagonistic to Buddhism.
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
6] 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, and 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
7] Which one of the following ports handled the north Indian trade during the Gupta period? [1999]
a) Tamralipti b) Broach
c) Kalyan d) Cambray
8] The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called: [1997]
a) Rupaka b) Karshapana
c) Dinara d) Pana
9] Who among the following is known for his work on medicine during the Gupta period? [1996]
a) Saumilla b) Sudraka
c) Shaunaka d) Susrutha
10] In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta Period women and sudras speak: [1995]
a) Sanskrit b) Prakrit
c) Pali d) Sauraseni
Era of King Harsha
2023-1995 Prelims PYQs
1] From the decline 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 code given below.
a) 1, 2 and 5 b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
c) 2, 3 and 4 d) 5 and 6
2] Emperor Harsha’s southward march was stopped on the Narmada river by: [2003]
a) Pulakesin I b) Pulakesin II
c) Vikramaditya I d) Vikramaditya II
3] Assertion (A): Harshavardhana convened the Prayag Assembly.
Reason (R): He wanted to popularise only the Mahayana form of Buddhism. [2001]
a) Both A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are individually 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
History of South India
2023-1995 Prelims PYQs
1] In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs: [2016]
Term: Description
1) Eripatti: Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank
2) Taniyurs: Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
3) Ghatikas: Colleges generally attached to the temples
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
2] India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with southeast Asia across the bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of the early maritime history of the Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations? [2011]
a) As compared to other countries, India had better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times.
b) The rulers of southern India always patronised traders , Brahmin priests and Buddhist monks in this context.
c) Monsoon winds across the bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages.
d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context.
3] Consider the following statements: [2003]
1. The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established their domination over peninsular India in early medieval times.
2. The Cholas sent an expedition against the Sailendra empire of SouthEast Asia and conquered some of the areas.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
a) Only 1 b) Only 2
c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
4] Which one of the Chola kings conquered Ceylon? [2001]
a) Aditya I b) Rajaraja I
c) Rajendra d) Vijayalaya
5] One consistent feature found in the history of southern India was the growth of small regional kingdoms rather than large empires because of: [1999]
a) The absence of minerals like iron
b) Too many divisions in the social structure
c) The absence of vast areas of fertile land
d) The scarcity of manpower
6] Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the code given below the lists: [1997]
List I List II
I. Gupta A) Badami
II. Chandella B) Panamalai
III. Chalukya C) Khajuraho
IV. Pallava D) Deogarh
Codes:
a) ID, IIC, IIIA, IVB b) ID, IIB, IIIC, IVA
c) IB, IIC, IIID, IVA d) IC, IID, IIIA, IVB
7] Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India? [1997]
a) Chaturvedimangalam
b) Parishad
c) Ashtadikgaja
d) Manigrama
Post Harsha Period
2023-1995 Prelims PYQs
1] Consider the following pairs: [2022]
King Dynasty
1. Nannuka Chandela
2. Jayashakti Paramar
3. Nagabhata II Gurjara-Pratihara
4. Bhoja Rashtrakuta
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
a) Only one pair b) Only two pairs
c) Only three pairs d) All four pairs
2] Consider the following events in the history of India: [2020]
1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I
3. Establishment of Chola power by 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
3] Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period? [2020]
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
4] Consider the following statements: [2006]
1. The Ikshvaku rulers of southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism.
2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Buddhism.
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
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