History Questions - upsc Practice

#1

With reference to ancient Indian history, the term ‘niyoga’ denoted:

Consequences one had to face in the next life because of their past life actions. A practice in Jainism involving self-reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness for past transgressions. Predetermined course of events and fate in a person's life. A practice where a younger brother or close relative marries the widow of the deceased elder brothe

#2

Consider the following statements: 1. The Pallavas, the Kadambas, the Chalukyas of Badami, and their other contemporaries rejected the Vedic sacrifices. 2. The worship of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, especially of the last two, has become popular since the seventh century in southern India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#3

With reference to early Tamil Literature, the term ‘Virarkal’ refers to:

An assembly or college of poets War booty as an important source of livelihood Stones raised in honour of heroic warriors Rich merchants and royal patrons of the literature

#4

Consider the following statements regarding Chola empire: 1. The Chola kingdom was situated to the north-west of the territory of the Cheras. 2. Their chief centre of political power lay at Korkai, a place famous for cotton trade. 3. King Karikala founded Puhar and constructed 160 km of embankment along the Kaveri River. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only 3 only 1 and 2 only

#5

With reference to the Kalabhra Revolt of 6th century, Consider the following statements ; 1. The Kalabhra revolt was a powerful peasant protest directed against the landed brahmanas. 2. The Kalabhras were patrons of Buddhism. 3. By the last quarter of the 6th century, the Kalabhras had imprisoned the Chola, the Pandya, and the Chera kings. How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#6

Consider the following statements about Megalithic culture: 1. Statement-I: Black and Red Ware pottery is the sole defining characteristic of the Megalithic culture in South India. 2. Statement-II: This type of pottery has been found in association with various Megalithic burial sites across the Deccan plateau. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement- Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

#7

Consider the following statements regarding Gupta Empire: 1. The Gupta ruler entered into matrimonial alliance with the Vakataka dynasty of the Deccan. 2. In general, women did not have the autonomy to independently access land resources. 3. Some of the Brahmanas were exempted from paying land revenue. How many of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#8

Consider the following statements regarding the Sangam literature: 1. Tolkappiyam is a treatise on grammar and poetics. 2. Tolkappiyam is the only surviving work from the first Sangam. 3. Silappadikaram, authored by Sittalai Sattanar, offers valuable insights into Sangam polity and society. How many of the above statement(s) is/are not correct?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#9

With reference to ancient India, Title of Enadi refers to?

The title of an Indian epic poem. A renowned Indian mathematician. Location of temple complex Commanders of the army

#10

Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct about the plays of the Gupta period? 1. They are all comedies and there are no tragedies in these plays. 2. The Shudras in these plays spoke Sanskrit language like the higher classes. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#11

Which of the following statements is not correct about Chalukya King Pulakeshin-II?

He is known to us from the eulogy written on him by the court poet Ravikirti in the Aihole inscription. He defeated Harsha’s army on the Narmada and checked his advance towards the Deccan. He killed the Pallava king Narasimhavarman, who occupied the Chalukya capital at Vatapi. He conquered the Kadamba capital at Banavasi and forced the Gangas of Mysore to recognize his authority.

#12

) With reference to the dynasties of southern India from 600-750 CE, consider the following pairs: Dynasty Location 1. Western Chalukyas Madurai 2. Pandyas Badami 3. Western Gangas Mysore 4. Kadambas Banavasi How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correct?

Only one Only two Only three All four

#13

Which one of the following kingdoms, according to Megathenes, was celebrated for pearls?

Chola kingdom Chera kingdom Pandya kingdom Pallava kingdom

#14

Who among the following is known as Red Chera or Good Chera?

Uthiyan Cheralathan Nedum Cherlathan Senguttuvan Chera Kulashekhara Varma

#15

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order (largest to smallest) for the division of kingdom during Sangam age?

Mandalam-Nadu-Ur-Sirur-Perur Nadu-Mandalam-Ur-Sirur-Perur Ur-Mandalam-Nadu-Sirur-Perur Mandalam-Nadu-Ur-Perur-Sirur

#16

The terms ‘Aprahata’ and ‘Vasti’ in the Gupta period referred to:

Administrative officials Religious rituals Different types of land Trade guilds

#17

With reference to the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?

The Guptas issued the largest number of gold coins but coins made of silver were very rare. During this period, the position of Shudras improved, and there was a decline in Brahmanical supremacy Widow re-marriage was not allowed to members of the higher social orders but the Shudras could practice levirate and widow remarriage. Buddhism continued to receive high royal patronage during the Gupta period

#18

Who assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda, or the Conqueror of Vatapi’ among the following kings?

Simhavarman Pulakeshin-II Pulakeshin-I Narasimhavarman

#19

Consider the following pairs: Emblem Kingdom 1. Fish Pandyas 2. Varaha Cholas 3. Bow Cheras How many of the above pair(s) is/are correctly matched?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#20

With reference to the Guptas, consider the following statements: 1. Coins were struck in the joint names of Chandragupta II, his queen and the Lichchhavi nation, acknowledging their marital alliance. 2. Charles Wilkins called Samudragupta as the ‘Napoleon’ of India. 3. The Buddhist philosopher Vasubandhu was a contemporary of Guptas. How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#21

Consider the following statements regarding Sangam literature: 1. All three Sangams received patronage from Pandyan kingdoms. 2. The poets of Sangam were exclusively men from various social classes. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#22

Which of the following was considered as the “Odyssey of Tamil poetry”?

Silappadikaram Manimekalai Gitagovinda Nitisara

#23

Consider the following statements with respect to Sangam Age: 1. Narrative texts called Kilkanakku consist of works on heroic poetry. 2. Didactic texts called Melkannaku consist of famous works on ethics. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#24

Consider the following personalities of Gupta Empire: 1. Charaka 2. Panini 3. Amarasimha 4. Shanku 5. Varahamihira 6. Dhanvantri 7. Kahapanaka 8. Vetala Bhatta How many of the above personalities were part of Navaratnas of Chandragupta II?

Only four Only five Only six Only seven

#25

The best account of Indo-Roman trade of Sangam age is given in which book?

Tholkappiyam Periplus of Erythrean Sea Mrichchakatikam Indica

#26

With reference to ancient Indian history, consider the following pairs: Port Coast 1. Muziris Coromandel coast 2. Korkai Western coast 3. Puhar Eastern coast How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correctly matched?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#27

With reference to ancient history of India, consider the following pairs: Book Author 1. Panchasiddhantika Varahamihira 2. Ganitasarasangraha Aryabhatta 3. Ashtangahridaya Dhanvantiri How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correctly matched?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#28

) Consider the following pairs: Book Author 1. Mudrarakshasa Sudraka 2. Amarakosha Vishakhadatta 3. Meghaduta Kalidasa 4. Kiratarjuniya Bharavi How many pair(s) given above is/are correct?

Only one Only two Only three All four

#29

In the context of the scientific and technological development during the Gupta period, consider the following pairs: Scientists Contribution 1. Varahamihira Astronomical text covering topics like astrology and celestial mechanics 2. Sushruta Development of complex surgical procedures 3. Bhaskaracharya Author of Lilavati How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correctly matched?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#30

Consider the following statements: 1. Tamil people were primarily hunters and traces of early megalithic life appear in the Sangam texts. 2. Ancient primitive tribes like Thodas, Irulas, Nagas and Vedars lived in this period. 3. Courage, creativity and spirituality of women was respected in Sangam society. 4. Royal courts were filled with singing bards known as Panar and Viraliyar. How many of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

Only one Only two Only three All four

#31

The Gupta rulers were great patrons of art and literature. How many of the following scholars adorned their court? 1. Aryabhatta 2. Amarasimha 3. Dandin 4. Bhasa 5. Bharavi Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Only two Only three Only four All five

#32

Consider the following dynasties: 1. Pallavas of Kanchi 2. Cheras 3. Chalukyas of Badami 4. Pandyas of Madurai 5. Satavahanas How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in the period between 300 and 750 CE?

Only two Only three Only four All five

#33

With reference to South India in the period between 300−750 CE, consider the following statements 1. Narasimhavarman founded the port city of Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram in the seventh century. 2. Pattadakal has ten temples built in the seventh and eighth centuries, the most celebrated of which are the Kailasanatha temple and the Shore temple. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#34

With reference to the western Ganga dynasty, consider the following statements: 1. Western Gangas is an important contemporary dynasty of the Pallavas. 2. They established their kingdom in southern Kerala around the fourth century. 3. Their earliest capital was located at Kolar which, given its gold mines, may have helped the rise of this dynasty. How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#35

Consider the following pairs regarding Sangam age: Empire Capital 1. Chola Vanji 2. Chera Uraiyur 3. Pandya Madurai How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correct?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#36

Consider the following statements regarding Rigvedic age: 1. Cattle were considered to be synonymous with wealth, and a wealthy person was called gopa or gomati. 2. Wars were fought over cattle and, therefore, the raja, whose principal responsibility was to protect the cows, was called gomat. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are not correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None of the above

#37

Consider the following statements regarding Economic relation of Sangam age: 1. The Handicraft during sangam included weaving, metal works and carpentry, ship building and making of ornaments using beads, stones and ivory. 2. Handicrafts were in great demand in the internal and external trade that was at its peak during the Sangam period. 3. A high expertise was attained in spinning and weaving of cotton and silk clothes. How many of the above statement(s) is/are not correct?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#38

With reference to life in the Gupta age, consider the following statements: 1. Civil and criminal laws were clearly defined and demarcated for the first time. 2. The most important officers in the Gupta empire were the Kumaramatyas. 3. Hieun Tsang visited India during the Gupta period. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3

#39

With reference to Sangam Councils, consider the following pairs: Sangam Council Place 1. First Sangam Kapadapuram 2. Second Sangam Madurai 3. Third Sangam Thenmadurai How many of the above pair(s) is/are not correctly matched?

Only one Only two All three None of the above

#40

Consider the following statements about Aryabhatta, an Indian mathematician and astronomer: 1. Aryabhatta proposed a geocentric model of the solar system, placing the Earth at the center. 2. He is credited with accurately calculating the value of Pi (π). Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#41

Which one of the following is not a Megalithic site:

Adichallanur Brahmagiri Navdatoli Navdatoli

#42

With reference Ancient Indian history, the terms ‘Akam’ and ‘Puram’ refers to:

Religious philosophies Trade and agriculture practices Poems in the Tamil language. Social classes

#43

With reference to the Sangam period, the terms ‘Iravu’ and ‘Karai’ refer to:

Forms of taxes Important port towns Royal families Dance forms

#44

With reference to the Sangam period, the term ‘Umnar’ refers to:

Hunters and food gatherers Plough agriculturists Salt manufacturers Cattle-Keepers

#45

With reference to the Mahasabhas in Sangam period, consider the following pairs: Mahasabhas Denotes 1. Amaichar Priests 2. Anthanar Ministers 3. Thuthar Envoys 4. Senapathi Military leaders How many of the above pair(s) is/are correct?

Only one Only two Only three All four

#46

With reference to the Sangam authorities, consider the following pairs: Ministers Portfolios 1. Kanakasurram Treasury officials 2. Kadaikappalar Palace guards 3. Karanattiyalavar Accountants 4. Karumakarar Executive officials How many of the above pairs(s) is/are correct?

Only one Only two Only three All four

#47

With reference to the Megalithic age the ‘Cists’ refer to:

Type of burials Merchant guilds Peasants Tax forms

#48

With reference to the Megalithic period, “Topikal” and “Dolmen” were used:

To identify the burial sites To exchange goods To act as a tool for trade None of the above

#49

With reference to the “Tolkappiyam”, consider the following pairs: Land type Chief deity 1. Kurinji Murugan 2. Marudam Indra 3. Neydal Varunan 4. Palai Korravai How many of the above Pair(s) is/are not correct?

Only one Only two Only three None of the above

#50

Which term was denoted “customs duties” in the Sangam period?

Ulgu Vendar Velir Tyndis