upsc history quiz

Q. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 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 […]

Q. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following? (a) Shramana (b) Parivraajaka (c) Agrahaarika (d) Magadha Ans: (d) Magadha

Q. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs : 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

Q. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of

Q. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka? (a) Georg Buhier (b) James Prinsep (c) Max Muller (d) William Jones Ans: (b) James Prinsep Explanation:  The person who first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka was (b) James Prinsep. James Prinsep, an English scholar and antiquarian, played a crucial role

Q. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty? (a) Swapnavasavadatta (b) Malavikagnimitra (c) Meghadoota (d) Ratnavali Ans: (b) Malavikagnimitra Explanation: The love story of the son of the founder of the Sunga dynasty is depicted in the play “Malavikagnimitra.” “Malavikagnimitra”

Q. Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements : 1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land. 2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 Only

Q. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? 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 Ans: (c) 3 and 4

Q. The Chinese traveller 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? 1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery. 2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were

Q. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine? 1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance. 2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul. 3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. (a) 1