1. Which of the following Jain Tirthankara have been mentioned in Rigveda?
Rishabha and Aristanemi, mentioned in the Rigveda, are linked to Jainism as early Tirthankaras. Their spiritual significance is recognized in both Vedic literature and Jain traditions.
2. In which year, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, who became its first Director-General. It aimed to systematically study and preserve India's archaeological heritage.
3. Which of the below-mentioned ancient Indian jurists established a priority of inheritance where the wife is followed by daughters after the sons?
Yajnavalkya, an ancient Indian jurist, established a priority of inheritance where the wife was given precedence, followed by daughters, after the sons. This was outlined in his Yajnavalkya Smriti.
4. Which among the following scripts of modern India have descended from the Sarda Script? 1. Gurmukhi 2. Dogri 3. Sindhi Select the correct option from the codes given below:
Gurmukhī, developed by Guru Angad from Śāradā, simplified literacy among Sikhs. Śāradā, once widespread, is now mainly used ceremonially by Kashmiri Pandits, preserving its historical and cultural significance.
5. Which Harappan pottery is said to be the earliest example of its kind in the world?
Glazed pottery from the Harappan civilization is considered the earliest example of its kind in the world. It demonstrates the advanced technological skills of the Harappans in creating a shiny, glazed finish on pottery.
6. Under which of the following Jain saints Chandragupta Maurya adopted Jainism?
Chandragupta Maurya adopted Jainism under the guidance of Bhadrabahu, a prominent Jain saint. He later renounced his throne and migrated to Shravanabelagola, where he spent his final years in asceticism.
7. Which of the following kings succeeded Mahendravarman II?
After the reign of Mahendravarman II, he was succeeded by Parameshvaravarman I, who became the ruler of the Pallava dynasty.
8. The book ‘Tripitak’ belongs to which of these following religions?
The Tripiṭaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is the canonical collection of scriptures in Buddhism. It contains the teachings of the Buddha and is divided into three "baskets" (Pitakas): the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
9. What kind of cities were Harappa and Mohenjodaro were?
Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were planned cities, characterized by advanced urban planning, including grid layouts, well-organized streets, drainage systems, and uniform brick sizes, showcasing remarkable engineering and architecture.
10. From which site was the seal depicting a Mother Goddess with a plant growing from the womb found in Indus Valley Civilization?
The seal from Harappa depicts a Mother Goddess with a plant growing from her womb, symbolizing fertility and the connection between the earth goddess and plant growth in the Indus Valley.
11. Who built the famous Vaikunta Perumal temple at Kanchipuram?
Nandivarman II was a ruler of the Pallava dynasty and the temple is one of the most prominent examples of Pallava architecture, showcasing intricate design and religious significance dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
12. The whole Tamilakam in the Sangam period was divided into which of the following tinais, or ecozones? 1. Kurinji (hilly region) 2. Palai (arid zone) 3. Mullai (pastoral tracts) 4. Marudam (wet lands) 5. Neital (seacoast) Select the correct option from the
13. Which below mentioned pair is incorrect?
Fa-Hien was a Chinese monk who traveled to India, not Malaysia. The other pairs—Hiuen Tsang (China), Ibn Battuta (Morocco), and Megasthenes (Greece)—are correctly matched with their respective countries.
14. Which of the following kings is also considered as “the Ashoka of the South”?
Amoghvarsha I, the Rashtrakuta ruler, is called "the Ashoka of the South" for promoting Buddhism, supporting cultural advancements, and contributing to the religious and intellectual growth, akin to Ashoka.
15. Which of the following is identical with the ‘Andhras’ of the Puranas?
The Satavahanas are identified with the Andhras mentioned in the Puranas. They were a prominent dynasty in ancient India, ruling over a large part of the Deccan region.
16. Which of the following were considered adharmikas?
The Nanda dynasty was often considered adharmikas (unrighteous or immoral) by some ancient Indian sources, particularly in comparison to the Mauryas, who were generally regarded as more righteous.
17. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. What was it?
The Pavarana ceremony in Buddhist monasteries involved monks confessing offenses committed during the rainy season retreat (Vassa). It allowed for self-reflection and seeking forgiveness from fellow monks.
18. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called chaityas while the others viharas. What is the difference between the two?
Chaityas are Buddhist rock-cut caves designed primarily as places of worship, often containing a stupa at the far end.
Viharas are dwelling places for monks, providing living quarters, meditation spaces, and communal areas.
19. In ancient India, the area around which among the following modern areas was known as “Golden Chersonese” ?
The term "Golden Chersonese" referred to the Southeast Asian Peninsula, which includes areas of Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Burma (Myanmar). It was known for its wealth, particularly in spices.
20. Who was the brother-in-law of Harshavardhan ?
Grahavarmana was the brother-in-law of Harshavardhana, the ruler of Kanauj. He was married to Harsha's sister and played an important role in Harsha's reign and political alliances.
21. Which of the following rulers were contemporary of Buddha?
All the rulers listed were contemporaries of Buddha:
Bimbisar was the king of Magadha and a patron of Buddhism.
Prasenjit (also known as Pasenadi) was the king of Kosala and a follower of Buddha.
Udayan was the king of Avanti and was also a contemporary of Buddha.
22. During the reign of Guptas in North India , who were their contemporaries in South India ?
During the reign of the Gupta Empire in North India, their contemporaries in South India were primarily the Cholas, a powerful dynasty that controlled the Tamil region. The Cholas rose to prominence after the Gupta period, especially during the medieval era.
23. What was “Halivakara” in the Gupta Era?
Halivakara was a type of tax levied during the Gupta period, particularly related to agriculture. It was a tax on the agricultural produce, usually a share of the crops harvested.
24. Which Buddhist council was held during the reign of Kanishka?
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during the reign of Kanishka in 72 AD at Kundalvana in Kashmir. This council was significant for the compilation of the Kanjur (Buddhist scriptures) and the standardization of Buddhist teachings.
25. On which of the following systems of Hindu Philosophy, Shankaracharya wrote commentary in 9th century AD?
Shankaracharya wrote commentaries on Uttarmimansa (Vedanta) in the 9th century AD, particularly on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizing Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism), which is central to Hindu philosophy.
26. Which King took the title of Vatapikonda?
Narasimhavarman I of the Pallava dynasty took the title "Vatapikonda", which means "Conqueror of Vatapi." This was in recognition of his victory over the Chalukya king, Pulakeshin II, and the capture of Vatapi (modern-day Badami).
27. Which of the following is the equivalent term used for Raja in early vedic era?
The term "Gopati" was used in the early Vedic period to refer to the chief or king, equivalent to the term "Rajan". Gopati literally means "protector of cows" and signifies the leader of a pastoral community, often responsible for the welfare of the people.
28. For the first time in Indian History, the description of the State Administration was found for which among the following periods?
The first detailed description of state administration in Indian history is found during the Maurya Period, particularly in Kautilya's Arthashastra and Ashoka's Edicts, outlining governance, policies, and economic systems.
29. Vasucharita is a work of which of the following ?
Vasucharita is a work written by Vitthalantha, a 12th-century Kannada poet. The work is a poetic narrative, often associated with the Vachana literature of the time.
30. The bilingual Inscriptions of Asoka involved which of the following two languages?
The Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription, created by Ashoka in 260 BCE, is written in Greek and Aramaic, marking the first known inscription, not in Brahmi, showcasing Ashoka's outreach beyond India.
31. The earliest record of Land grants to Brahmins in ancient India has the reference of __:
The earliest records of land grants to Brahmins in ancient India are found in the Satavahana period. The Satavahanas granted land to Brahmins, reflecting the importance of religious patronage during their rule.
32. Which Pallava ruler founded the city of Mahabalipuram and built several temples there?
The Pallava ruler who founded the city of Mahabalipuram and built several temples there was Narasimhavarman I. He is known for his contributions to architecture, including the construction of rock-cut temples.
33. Which of the following caves has the sculpture with the three faces of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh known as “Trimurti”?
The sculpture of the Trimurti in Elephanta Caves depicts Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) in a 20-foot-high bust, known as Sadashiva, representing the cosmic aspects of creation, preservation, and destruction.
34. Which of the following is not the characteristic of Neolithic period?
The Neolithic period primarily involved the development of agriculture, domestication of animals, and fishing. The use of copper emerged later during the Chalcolithic period.
35. In which one of the following inscriptions is Ashoka mentioned by name?
The Minor Rock Inscription at Maski is the one where Ashoka is mentioned by name, referring to him as "Devanampriya" (Beloved of the Gods). This inscription highlights his rule and policies.
36. Which of the following was the staple diet of the people during the Later Vedic perid?
The staple diet of people during the Later Vedic period was Godhuma, which refers to wheat. Wheat was an essential part of their diet, alongside other grains like barley.
37. What were the rich peasants called in the 6th century BCE?
The rich peasants in the 6th century BCE were called Gahapati. They were landowners or householders who had significant wealth and were often influential in their communities.
38. Which event of Gautam Buddha’s life is depicted by the wheel and deer in Indian art?
The wheel and deer in Indian art depict Buddha's first preaching, which took place at the Deer Park in Sarnath. This event marks the Buddha's first sermon, where he taught the Dharma (the path to enlightenment).
39. Under the reign of which of the following kings the third Buddhist council held?
The third Buddhist council, held under Emperor Ashoka in 250 BCE at Pataliputra, aimed to purify Buddhist teachings, remove distortions, and organize the teachings under the leadership of monk Mahinda.
40. Which of the following was known as ‘Kamasoka’?
Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, was referred to as "Kamasoka" (meaning "Ashoka the passionate") before his conversion to Buddhism. After adopting Buddhism, he became known for his commitment to peace and dharma.
41. Which of the following kings issued coins showing him playing veena?
Samudragupta, a Gupta emperor, is depicted playing the veena on some of his gold coins. This representation highlights his cultural achievements and patronage of the arts during his reign.
42. Which of the following rulers is considered as the second ruler of the Vakataka Dynasty?
Pravarasena, son of Vindhyashakti, was the second ruler of the Vakataka dynasty. He is credited with consolidating the dynasty's power and establishing its significance, marking the peak of Vakataka strength.
43. Which of the following kings marched towards Kannauj and rescued his sister Rajyashri, who was believed to be on the verge of committing Sati?
Harsha Vardhana marched towards Kannauj and rescued his sister Rajyashri, who was believed to be on the verge of committing Sati.
44. Which of the following kings along with Chandragupta II defeated the Shaka satraps of Malwa and Kathiawar?
Prithvisena I, the Vakataka ruler, along with Chandragupta II, played a significant role in defeating the Shaka satraps of Malwa and Kathiawar, consolidating their territories and expanding their influence.
45. How many members were there in the war office which took care of the administration of different branches of the army in Mauryan administration?
In the Mauryan administration, the war office (also known as the "Kautilya's army" or the "Chankyan army") consisted of 30 members, responsible for the administration of different branches of the army.
46. Which of the following King of the Sangam age is credited with constructing a dam on the river Kaveri?
King Karikala of the Sangam age is credited with constructing the famous dam on the river Kaveri, known as the "Kaveri dam" or "Karikala's dam," which is considered an engineering marvel of that time.
47. What inspired the paintings of Ajanta?
The paintings at the Ajanta caves were inspired by the life and teachings of Buddha, particularly emphasizing themes like his compassion, enlightenment, and the Jataka tales, which narrate stories of the Buddha's previous lives.
48. Who wrote Amuktamalyada in Telugu?
Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara emperor, wrote the famous Telugu work Amuktamalyada, a literary masterpiece that depicts the story of the marriage of the Tamil king, Krishna Deva Raya, and the goddess Andal.
49. Which of the following killed Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty?
Vasudeva Kanva, a member of the Kanva dynasty, killed Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty, and subsequently established the Kanva dynasty.
50. In India, which book printed first?
"St. Peter Charita," a Marathi translation of the religious text, was the first book printed in India. It was printed in 1810 at the Serampore Mission Press.
51. Portuguese introduced crops to India, pick the odd
While the Portuguese introduced green chilies, tobacco, and maize to India during their early voyages and colonial period, the tomato is widely believed to have been introduced later, likely by the British or other European colonizers.
52. Pitt India Act
The Pitt's India Act (1784) improved British control over India by establishing a Board of Control for oversight, while the East India Company retained administrative authority, creating a dual governance system.
53. Title of Raja to Raja Ramamohan Rai is given by
Mughal Emperor Akbar II conferred the title of "Raja" to Raja Ram Mohan Roy in recognition of his efforts in social reform and his role as an ambassador to Britain.
54. Bahadurshah II imprisoned in ____________ and died in 1862
Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal emperor, was exiled to Rangoon (modern-day Yangon, Myanmar) by the British after the 1857 Revolt. He died there in 1862.
55. By which Act Board of control is created
The Board of Control was created by the Pitt's India Act of 1784 to allow the British government greater control over the East India Company's administration in India.
56. Name the Mughal emperor whose army was defeated at the Battle of Saraighat.
The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's army was defeated by the Ahom Kingdom at the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. Led by the brilliant Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan, this battle marked a significant victory in resisting Mughal expansion in Assam.
57. Which of the following countries does not exist presently ?
Czechoslovakia no longer exists as a country. It peacefully split into two separate nations, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, on January 1, 1993, in what is known as the Velvet Divorce.
58. To which emperor was Chanakya the royal advisor ?
Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta) was the royal advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire. Chanakya played a key role in Chandragupta's rise to power and authored the famous treatise Arthashastra on governance and statecraft.
59. Which of the following travellers had visited Kamrupa Kingdom ?
Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang), a Chinese traveler and scholar, visited the Kamrupa Kingdom (ancient Assam) during the 7th century. He documented his travels, including his observations about the kingdom, in his writings.
60. Which of the following is different from the rest ?
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine, while the other three—Samaveda, Rigveda, and Yajurveda—are ancient Vedic texts that form part of the Vedas in Hindu philosophy.
61. What was the last capital of Ahom Kingdom?
Jorhat was the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom. After the fall of the Ahom Kingdom in the early 19th century, Jorhat served as the capital until the British annexed Assam in 1826.
62. Who among the following was involved in the Battle of Waterloo?
Napoleon Bonaparte was involved in the Battle of Waterloo, which took place on June 18, 1815. This battle marked the end of his reign as Emperor of France and led to his final defeat by the Allied forces. The other figures listed were not involved in the battle.
63. The Harappan site known for its dockyard is:
Lothal, in Gujarat, had the world’s earliest dockyard linked to the Sabarmati River. It highlights advanced maritime trade in the Harappan Civilization, unlike Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, or Kalibangan....
64. At what rate of simple interest per annum will a sum of money get doubled in 10 years ?
For simple interest, SI = P×R×T/100. To double, SI = P. So, P = P × R × 10 / 100 ⇒ R = 10%