Question 1
Q. Which of the following was a port city of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Options:
(a) Kalibangan
(b) Lothal
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Dholavira
Answer:
(b) Lothal
Explanation:
Lothal is one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, located in the Bhal region of the modern state of Gujarat and dating from 3700 BCE. It is the port city of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Question 2
Q. The Samkhya School of Philosophy was founded by ______.
Options:
(a) Patanjali
(b) Kapila
(c) Kumarila Bhatta
(d) Gautama
Answer:
(b) Kapila
Explanation:
Kapila is traditionally credited as a founder of the Samkhya school. Samkhya is the oldest of the Aastika or Orthodox philosophical systems in Hinduism. Samkhya means Enumeration.
Question 3
Q. Which of the following texts gives a detailed account of the kings of Kashmir?
Options:
(a) Rajatarangini
(b) Dipavamsa
(c) Vinaya Pitaka
(d) Katha Sarit Sagar
Answer:
(a) Rajatarangini
Explanation:
Rajatarangi is a metrical legendary and historical chronicle of the north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir. It was written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri historian Kalhana in the 12th century CE.
Question 4
Q. Which one of the following is INCORRECTLY matched?
Options:
(a) Sama-Veda – knowledge of Science
(b) Rig Veda – knowledge of the Hymns of Praise
(c) Atharva-Veda – knowledge of the magic formulas
(d) Yajur-Veda – knowledge of the sacrificial formulas
Answer:
(a) Sama-Veda – knowledge of Science
Explanation:
The basic Vedic texts are the Samhita “Collections” of the four Vedas: Rig-Veda “Knowledge of the Hymns of Praise”, for recitation. Sama-Veda “Knowledge of the Melodies”, for chanting. Yajur-Veda “Knowledge of the Sacrificial formulas”, for liturgy. Atharva-Veda “Knowledge of the Magic formulas”, named after a kind of group of priests.
Question 5
Q. The______is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy that was written in Sanskrit. Kautilya is traditionally credited as the author of the text.
Options:
(a) Rigveda
(b) Puranas
(c) Charaka Samhita
(d) Arthashastra
Answer:
(d) Arthashastra
Explanation:
The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, written in Sanskrit. Likely to be the work of several authors over centuries, Kautilya, also identified as Vishnugupta and Chanakya, is traditionally credited as the author of the text.
Question 6
Q. In which of the following periods Ostriches were found in India?
Options:
(a) Palaeolithic Period
(b) Neolithic Period
(c) Mesolithic Period
(d) Megalithic Period
Answer:
(a) Palaeolithic Period
Explanation:
Ostriches were found in India during the paleolithic period. Large quantities of ostrich egg shells were found at Patne in Maharashtra. Designs were engraved on some pieces, while beads were also made out of them.
Question 7
Q. The archeological site Inamgaon is situated in:
Options:
(a) Karnataka
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Gujarat
(d) Maharashtra
Answer:
(d) Maharashtra
Explanation:
Inamgaon is a post-Harappan agrarian village and archaeological site located in Maharashtra, western India. Situated along the right bank of the Ghod River, it is considered to be the ‘regional centre’ of the Bhima Valley.
Question 8
Q. _____ is considered to be the oldest discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Options:
(a) Bhirdana
(b) Mohenjodaro
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Allhdino
Answer:
(a) Bhirdana
Explanation:
Bhirdana is considered to be the oldest discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization. Its history stretches back to pre-Harappan times, as revealed by archaeological discoveries.
Question 9
Q. Which of the following is an ancient poem written by Banabhatta?
Options:
(a) Kadambari
(b) Mrichchhakatika
(c) Meghaduta
(d) Gita Govinda
Answer:
(a) Kadambari
Explanation:
Kadambari is a romantic novel in Sanskrit. It was substantially composed by Banabhatta in the first half of the 7th century CE, who did not survive to see it through completion. The novel was completed by Banabhatta’s son Bhushan Bhatt, according to the plan laid out by his late father.
Question 10
Q. Mohenjo Daro is situated on the bank of which river?
Options:
(a) Sarasvati
(b) Ravi
(c) Ghaggar
(d) Sindhu
Answer:
(d) Sindhu
Explanation:
Mohenjo-daro, a group of mounds and ruins, is on the right bank of the Indus River, northern Sindh province, southern Pakistan.
Question 11
Q. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is associated with which of the following ancient cultures?
Options:
(a) Egyptian
(b) Mesopotamia
(c) Chinese
(d) Harappan
Answer:
(b) Mesopotamia
Explanation:
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were the fabled gardens which adorned the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, built by its greatest king Nebuchadnezzar II. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, they are the only wonder whose existence is disputed among historians.
Question 12
Q. Which of the following sites of Indus valley civilization is not on the bank of river Indus?
Options:
(a) Chanhudaro
(b) Mohenjodaro
(c) Ropar
(d) Kot-Diji
Answer:
(c) Ropar
Explanation:
Ropar is located on the banks of river Sutlej.
Question 13
Q. How many Vedangas are there in total?
Options:
(a) Ten
(b) Six
(c) Five
(d) Two
Answer:
(b) Six
Explanation:
Vedangas are six auxiliary disciplines associated with the study and understanding of the Vedas. Six Vedangas are – Shiksha (Phonetics), Kalpa (Ritual Canon), Vyakaran (Grammar), Nirukta (explanation), Chhanda (Vedic meter), and Jyotisha (Astrology).
Question 14
Q. What is the Rigvedic name of the river Ravi?
Options:
(a) Vitasa
(b) Asikini
(c) Shutudri
(d) Parushni
Answer:
(d) Parushni
Explanation:
Vitasta – Jhelum, Askini – Chenab, Shutudri – Satluj, Parushni – Ravi.
Question 15
Q. Which among the following is a mature-phase Harappan site situated in the state of Rajasthan?
Options:
(a) Manda
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Chanhudaro
(d) Nageshwar
Answer:
(b) Kalibangan
Explanation:
Kalibangan, an ancient site of the Indus Valley Civilization, is in northern Rajasthan state, northwestern India. The site contains both pre-Harappan and Harappan remains.
Question 16
Q. The Rig Veda is divided into ______ books or mandalas.
Options:
(a) 34
(b) 10
(c) 8
(d) 12
Answer:
(b) 10
Explanation:
The Rig Veda is divided into 10 books or mandals. It is one of the oldest and sacred books of Hinduism. It consists of a collection of 1028 poems grouped into 10 mandals.
Question 17
Q. Which of the following is a part of the ‘Sutta Pitaka’?
Options:
(a) Dhammasangani
(b) Majjhima Nikaya
(c) Dipavamsa
(d) Manu Smriti
Answer:
(b) Majjhima Nikaya
Explanation:
Majjhima Nikaya is a part of the ‘Sutta Pitaka. Sutta Pitaka is divided under the following sections: Anguttara Nikaya (numerical), Digha Nikaya (long discourses), Khuddaka Nikaya (minor collection), Majjhima Nikaya (middle length), and Samyutta Nikaya (connected discourses of Buddha).
Question 18
Q. In which state is the archaeological site of Surkotada situated?
Options:
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Karnataka
(c) Haryana
(d) Gujarat
Answer:
(d) Gujarat
Explanation:
Surkotada is an archaeological site located in Rapar Taluka of Kutch district, Gujarat, India. During 1972, the Archaeological Survey of India undertook excavation in this site by J.P. Joshi.
Question 19
Q. Which of the following archaeological sites has evidence of pit-dwellings?
Options:
(a) Mehrgarh
(b) Burzahom
(c) Rana Ghundai
(d) Palavoy
Answer:
(b) Burzahom
Explanation:
Burzahom is an archeological site which has evidence of pit-dwelling. It is a primitive dwelling consisting of a pit excavated in the earth and roofed over.
Question 20
Q. Burzahom, the neolithic site, is located in ________.
Options:
(a) Karnataka
(b) Goa
(c) Mizoram
(d) Jammu and Kashmir
Answer:
(d) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation:
Burzahom is a neolithic site in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These sites are at the altitude of 1800 metres, it is the northernmost Neolithic site and these Neolithic sites have roof materials made of Burzahom trees.
Question 21
Q. In which province of Pakistan is the site of the ancient civilization of MohenjoDaro located?
Options:
(a) Balochistan
(b) Sindh
(c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) Punjab
Answer:
(b) Sindh
Explanation:
Mohenjo-daro, meaning ‘Mound of the Dead Men’, is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Built around 2500 BCE, it was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
Question 22
Q. The skull of a ‘Homo erectus’ was found in which of the following prehistoric Indian sites?
Options:
(a) Pachmarhi
(b) Hathnora
(c) Patne
(d) Sanganakallu
Answer:
(b) Hathnora
Explanation:
The skull cap from Hathnora is considered as the oldest belonging to the Homo erectus of the Middle Pleistocene.
Question 23
Q. From which of the following Harappan era sites has the evidence of ploughed fields been found?
Options:
(a) Mohenjodaro
(b) Chanhudaro
(c) Kalibangan
(d) Harappa
Answer:
(c) Kalibangan
Explanation:
The furrows discovered in the pre-Harappan phase at Kalibangan (Rajasthan) indicate that the fields were ploughed during the Harappan period.
Question 24
Q. ‘Microliths’ were ______ used by early humans.
Options:
(a) coins
(b) stone tools
(c) clothes
(d) earthen pots
Answer:
(b) stone tools
Explanation:
‘Microliths’ were stone tools used by early humans. The microliths were used in spear points and arrowheads. These tools were used to cut, pound, crush, and access new foods—including meat from large animals.
Question 25
Q. Which of the following is a Palaeolithic site of archaeological importance in India?
Options:
(a) Chirand
(b) Burzahom
(c) Hunasagi
(d) Mehrgarh
Answer:
(c) Hunasagi
Explanation:
Hunasagi is a Palaeolithic site of archaeological importance in India. Some old Stone Age stone-cutting equipment have been found and kept in the Hunasagi Grampanchayat office.
Question 26
Q. Of the following sites of Harappan Civilization, which one is NOT located in Pakistan?
Options:
(a) Kot Diji
(b) Chanhudaro
(c) Shortughai
(d) Balakot
Answer:
(c) Shortughai
Explanation:
Shortughai site of Harappan Civilization is NOT located in Pakistan. Shortughai site of Harappa civilization is present in Darqad District of northern Afghanistan.
Question 27
Q. Which of the following Harappan sites is located in Afghanistan?
Options:
(a) Shortughai
(b) Balakot
(c) Nageswar
(d) Kalibangan
Answer:
(a) Shortughai
Explanation:
Shortugai was a trading post of Harappan times and it seems to be connected with lapis lazuli mines located in the surrounding area. It also might have connections with tin trade (found in Afghanistan) and camel trade, along with other Afghan valuables.
Question 28
Q. Which among the following is a Harappan city?
Options:
(a) Kosala
(b) Lumbini
(c) Dholavira
(d) Hampi
Answer:
(c) Dholavira
Explanation:
Harappan cities include Harappa, Ganeriwala, and Mohenjo-daro in modern-day Pakistan, and Dholavira, Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi, Rupar, and Lothal in modern-day India. Indus civilization also called Indus valley civilization or Harappan civilization is the earliest known urban culture of the Indian subcontinent.
Question 29
Q. Which metal did the Harappans get from the present-day Rajasthan?
Options:
(a) Iron
(b) Aluminium
(c) Copper
(d) Calcium
Answer:
(c) Copper
Explanation:
Harappans got Copper from the present-day Rajasthan. Khetri is situated at the foothills of the Aravalli Range and is famous for copper mines.
Question 30
Q. Lothal, a prominent city of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, is situated in which of the following states?
Options:
(a) Gujarat
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Punjab
Answer:
(a) Gujarat
Explanation:
Lothal, a prominent city of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, is situated in Gujrat. Lothal is located between the Sabarmati river and its tributary Bhogavo, in the Saurashtra region. The dockyard at Indus Valley Civilization was found in Lothal. It was first excavated in 1957 by S R Rao.
Question 31
Q. Which of the following is false as per Vedic theory?
Options:
(a) The Kshatriyas, or warriors, came from Purusha’s arms
(b) The Vaishyas, or the commoners, came from Purusha’s thighs
(c) The Brahmans, or priests, came from Purusha’s ears
(d) The Shudras, or labourers and servants, came from Purusha’s feet
Answer:
(c) The Brahmans, or priests, came from Purusha’s ears
Explanation:
The Brahmins, or priests, came from Purusha’s mouth; the Kshatriyas, or warrior rulers, came from Purusha’s arms; the Vaishyas, or commoners such as landowners and merchants, came from Purusha’s thighs; and the Shudras, or laborers and servants, came from Purusha’s feet.
Question 32
Q. With reference to the Vedangas, which of the following terms denotes ‘Ritual’?
Options:
(a) Vyakarana
(b) Chada
(c) Kalpa
(d) Shiksha
Answer:
(c) Kalpa
Explanation:
Kalpa ritual instructions. This field focused on standardizing procedures for Vedic rituals, rites of passage rituals associated with major life events such as birth, wedding, and death in family, as well as discussing the personal conduct and proper duties of an individual in different stages of his life.
Question 33
Q. Which of the following rivers was known as Purushni in the Vedic period?
Options:
(a) Ravi
(b) Chenab
(c) Sutlej
(d) Beas
Answer:
(a) Ravi
Explanation:
The Ravi river was known as Parushni or Iravati to Indians in Vedic times and as Hydraotes to the Ancient Greeks.
Question 34
Q. The words ‘Satyameva Jayate’ on the state emblem has been taken from which Upanishad?
Options:
(a) Katha
(b) Prasna
(c) Kena
(d) Mundaka
Answer:
(d) Mundaka
Explanation:
The words ‘Satyameva Jayate’ on the state emblem has been taken from Mundaka Upanishad.
Question 35
Q. At one stage in the Vedic Age, the king was called ‘gopati’ which meant ‘______’.
Options:
(a) lord of the universe
(b) lord of the people
(c) lord of land
(d) lord of cattle
Answer:
(d) lord of cattle
Explanation:
‘Gopati’ meant lord of cattle.
Question 36
Q. The collections of Vedic hymns or mantras are known as ______.
Options:
(a) Jnati
(b) Bali
(c) Samhita
(d) Vidatha
Answer:
(c) Samhita
Explanation:
The collection of Vedic hymns or mantras is called Samhitas. There are four Vedic Samhitas. Rig-Veda, Yajur-Veda, Sama-Veda, and Atharva-veda. This is the oldest layer of Vedic texts which were composed between circa 1500-1200 BCE.
Question 37
Q. According to the Puranas, Lord Vishnu took the shape of ______ in order to rescue the earth, which had sunk into the water.
Options:
(a) a lion
(b) a boar
(c) a tiger
(d) an elephant
Answer:
(b) a boar
Explanation:
According to the Puranas, Lord Vishnu took the shape of a boar in order to rescue the earth, which had sunk into the water. Varaha, (Sanskrit: “Boar”) third of the 10 incarnations (avatars) of the Hindu god Vishnu. According to Hindu iconography, the boar is a symbol of all aspects of sacrifice.
Question 38
Q. A person’s Vedic approach and his relationship with society are determined by the four goals of life. Which of the following is not among these goals?
Options:
(a) sidhi
(b) artha
(c) moksha
(d) dharma
Answer:
(a) sidhi
Explanation:
Sidhi is not the goal which determines a person’s Vedic approach and its relationship with society. The four goals determining a person’s approach are Kama, Artha, Dharma, and Moksha.
Question 39
Q. According to ‘The Ramayana’, Ratnakar was the other name of ______.
Options:
(a) Vishvamitra
(b) Gautam
(c) Durbasa
(d) Valmiki
Answer:
(d) Valmiki
Explanation:
According to ‘The Ramayana’, Ratnakar was the other name of Valmiki. Valmiki was born as Agni Sharma to a Brahmin named Pracheta (also known as Sumali) of Bhrigu gotra. According to legend, he once met the great sage Narada and had a discourse with him on his duties.
Question 40
Q. The main collections of Vedic hymns are called ______.
Options:
(a) Sutra
(b) Pad
(c) Samhita
(d) Mukh
Answer:
(c) Samhita
Explanation:
The main collections of Vedic hymns are called Samhita. The Rigveda Samhita is the oldest known Vedic Sanskrit text. It is a collection of 1,028 Vedic Sanskrit hymns and 10,600 verses in all, organized into ten books (Sanskrit: mandalas). The hymns are dedicated to Rigvedic deities.
Question 41
Q. ‘Purusha Sukta’ is a hymn from which Veda?
Options:
(a) Atharvaveda
(b) Yajurveda
(c) Rigveda
(d) Samaveda
Answer:
(c) Rigveda
Explanation:
Purusha sukta is the hymn of the Rigveda. The most commonly used portion of the Sukta contains 24 mantras or stanzas. Purusha Suktam is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is described as the great Purusha in the hymn. Purusha Suktam is one of the Pancha Suktam (5 Suktams) – Purusha Suktam, Vishnu Suktam, Sri Suktam, Bhu Suktam, and Nila Suktam.
Question 42
Q. Which of the following Vedas dealt with music?
Options:
(a) Sama Veda
(b) Rig Veda
(c) Yajur Veda
(d) Atharva Veda
Answer:
(a) Sama Veda
Explanation:
Sama Veda – The earliest reference for singing. The Samaveda is considered as the root of Indian classical music and dance. This Veda is related to public worship, Rig Veda – It is the earliest form of Veda, Yajurveda – It is called the book of prayers, Atharvaveda – The book of magic and charms.
Question 43
Q. Which of the following is the oldest of the Vedas?
Options:
(a) Yajurveda
(b) Rigveda
(c) Samaveda
(d) Atharvaveda
Answer:
(b) Rigveda
Explanation:
Rigveda is the oldest of the Vedas. There are four Vedas – Rig Veda (the earliest form of Veda), Samaveda (the earliest reference for singing), Yajurveda (the book of prayers), Atharvaveda (the book of magic and charms). Rig Veda – 1028 hymns deal with deities including Agni, Indra, and are attributed and dedicated to a sage rishi.
Question 44
Q. In which year were 30 Rig Veda manuscripts dating from 1800 to 1500 BC included in the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register?
Options:
(a) 2008
(b) 2005
(c) 2009
(d) 2007
Answer:
(d) 2007
Explanation:
In 2007, 30 Rig Veda manuscripts dating from 1800 to 1500 BC were included in the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. The Rigveda is divided into ten books which are known as Mandalas. It is a collection of 10,600 verses and 1,028 hymns. It is the oldest text in any Indo-European language. It has originated as early as 1700 BC.
Question 45
Q. In which of the following states was Lord Mahavira born?
Options:
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Karnataka
(c) Bihar
(d) Gujarat
Answer:
(c) Bihar
Explanation:
In the Jain tradition, it is accepted that Mahavira was born in the early part of the 6th century BCE into a royal Kshatriya Jain family in present-day Bihar, India. He abandoned all worldly possessions at the age of about 30 and left home in pursuit of spiritual awakening, becoming an ascetic.
Question 46
Q. The __________ is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, most notably Parshvanath and Mahavira.
Options:
(a) Uttaradhyayana
(b) Adi Purana
(c) Mahapurana
(d) Kalpa Sutra
Answer:
(d) Kalpa Sutra
Explanation:
The Kalpa Sutra is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, notably Parshvanatha and Mahavira. The Kalpa-sutra is also important for its contents, set out in three parts. The first two parts contain details of the lives of the 24 Jinas, who are the source of Jain teachings, and their early followers. The third part establishes rules for monastic conduct during the rainy season, which is an exceptional period in the life of mendicants.
Question 47
Q. According to the Jain Philosophy, the term ‘Jina’ means _____.
Options:
(a) Lord
(b) free from fetters
(c) worthy
(d) the conqueror
Answer:
(d) the conqueror
Explanation:
Jina – one who, according to Jainism, has conquered temporal and material existence through self-discipline and attained a transcendent and eternal state of bliss and is venerated as a tirthankara.
Question 48
Q. Name the holy city recognized as the birthplace of the first and fourth Jain Tirthankaras.
Options:
(a) Varanasi
(b) Dwaraka
(c) Ayodhya
(d) Gaya
Answer:
(c) Ayodhya
Explanation:
Ayodhya is recognized as the birthplace of the first (Rishabhdev) and fourth (Abhinandannath) Jain Tirthankaras.
Question 49
Q. Mahavira, who was known in Pali literature as Nigantha Nataputta, founded a religion called ______.
Options:
(a) Zoroastrianism
(b) Baháʼí
(c) Jainism
(d) Sikhism
Answer:
(c) Jainism
Explanation:
Mahavira founded a religion called Jainism. Mahavira is also known as Vardhamana. He was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
Question 50
Q. Where did Lord Mahavira attain salvation?
Options:
(a) Sonagiri
(b) Pawapuri
(c) Shravanabelagola
(d) Mount Abu
Answer:
(b) Pawapuri
Explanation:
Lord Mahavira attained salvation in Pawapuri. Pawapuri or Pawa is located in the Nalanda district in the Bihar state. It is also called Apapapuri, meaning ‘the Sinless town’.
Question 51
Q. ________ is famous for outstanding specimens of Buddhist art and architecture, belonging to the period between the third century B.C. and the 12th century A.D.
Options:
(a) Satna
(b) Vidisha
(c) Sanchi
(d) Dewas
Answer:
(c) Sanchi
Explanation:
Sanchi is famous for outstanding specimens of Buddhist art and architecture, belonging to the period between the third century B.C. and the 12th century A.D. The major attractions of Sanchi include a number of Buddhist stupas, monasteries, temples, and pillars.
Question 52
Q. One of the prominent Buddhist structures in India, __________ Stupa at Sarnath was constructed by the great Mauryan king, Ashoka.
Options:
(a) Dhauli
(b) Dhamekh
(c) Bharhut
(d) Lalitgiri
Answer:
(b) Dhamekh
Explanation:
One of the prominent Buddhist structures in India, Dhamekh Stupa at Sarnath was constructed by the great Mauryan king, Ashoka. Dhamekh Stupa is the Sanskrit version of Dharmarajika Stupa. According to Buddhist literature, this stupa was built on the spot where the Buddha gave the first sermon to his first five Brahmin disciples after attaining enlightenment, “revealing his Eightfold Path leading to nirvana”.
Question 53
Q. The concept of ‘The Four Noble Truths’ belongs to which of the following religions?
Options:
(a) Jainism
(b) Sikhism
(c) Hinduism
(d) Buddhism
Answer:
(d) Buddhism
Explanation:
The Four Noble Truths, Pali Chattari-ariya-saccani, Sanskrit Chatvari-arya-satyani, one of the fundamental doctrines of Buddhism, said to have been set forth by the Buddha, the founder of the religion, in his first sermon, which he gave after his enlightenment.
Question 54
Q. Which of the following sites is associated with the birth of Gautama Buddha?
Options:
(a) Sarnath
(b) Lumbini
(c) Kushinagar
(d) Bodh Gaya
Answer:
(b) Lumbini
Explanation:
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. in the famous gardens of Lumbini, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his commemorative pillars there.
Question 55
Q. The Chaitya and Viharas were constructed for the monks of which religion?
Options:
(a) Judaism
(b) Christianity
(c) Buddhism
(d) Hinduism
Answer:
(c) Buddhism
Explanation:
Buddhism, Chaityas were the place of worship in Buddhism, whereas Viharas were dwelling places of monks.
Question 56
Q. Lomas Rishi Cave, constructed for Buddhist monks is located in which state?
Options:
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Bihar
Answer:
(d) Bihar
Explanation:
The Lomas Rishi Cave, also called the Grotto of Lomas Rishi, is one of the man-made Barabar Caves in the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills of Jehanabad district in the Indian state of Bihar.
Question 57
Q. Which Mauryan ruler became a follower of Buddhism?
Options:
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Brihadratha
(c) Ashoka
(d) Chandragupta
Answer:
(c) Ashoka
Explanation:
Ashoka The lethal war with Kalinga formed the vengeful Emperor Ashoka into a stable and peaceful emperor and he became a patron of Buddhism.
Question 58
Q. Which historical site is located in Jogad in Odisha?
Options:
(a) Royal semicircular auditorium of Gupta dynasty
(b) Ashoka’s rock inscription site
(c) Ancient artwork site of Maurya Empire
(d) Palace of the Nawabs of Bengal
Answer:
(b) Ashoka’s rock inscription site
Explanation:
Jaugada is a ruined fortress in the Ganjam district in Odisha. Jaugada lies 35 km north-west of Berhampur and 160 km south-west of Bhubaneshwar. Once a provincial Mauryan fortified capital of the newly conquered province of Kalinga, Jaugada is famed by its version of the monumental stone-cut edicts in Prakrit of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.
Question 59
Q. The ‘Gandhara’ School of Art was influenced by the art from which of the following European countries?
Options:
(a) Italy
(b) Belgium
(c) Hungary
(d) Greece
Answer:
(d) Greece
Explanation:
The combination of these Greco-Roman and Indian ideas along with the influence of other foreign traditions such as from China and Iran resulted in the formation of a distinct style known as the Gandhara School of art.
Question 60
Q. Which of the following terms is associated with the architecture of a Buddhist Stupa?
Options:
(a) Gopuram
(b) Mandapam
(c) Garbhagriha
(d) Harmika
Answer:
(d) Harmika
Explanation:
A square railing around the mount of dirt, at the very top of the stupa is known as Harmika. As a symbol of honour and respect, sometimes an umbrella is also mounted on the top of the stupa.
Question 61
Q. Which of the following Stupa sites is NOT located in the state of Uttar Pradesh?
Options:
(a) Chaukhandi
(b) Dhamek
(c) Bharhut
(d) Ramabhar
Answer:
(c) Bharhut
Explanation:
Bharhut Stupa site is located in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its famous relics from a Buddhist stupa. The most famous donor for the Bharhut stupa was King Dhanabhuti.
Question 62
Q. In which city was the third Buddhist council held?
Options:
(a) Shravasti
(b) Taxila
(c) Pataliputra
(d) Rangoon
Answer:
(c) Pataliputra
Explanation:
The third Buddhist council was held in Pataliputra (present-day Patna, Bihar) under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka in 250 BCE. The council was led by Moggaliputta Tissa and aimed to purify the Buddhist movement and compile the Tripitaka, the Buddhist scriptures.
Question 63
Q. Which of the following Buddhist sites is located in Uttar Pradesh?
Options:
(a) Karle
(b) Sarnath
(c) Amaravati
(d) Sanchi
Answer:
(b) Sarnath
Explanation:
Sarnath is one of the famous Buddhist sites located in Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath is located near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers. It was here that the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment, setting the wheel of the dharma (truth) in motion.
Question 64
Q. The place of Gautama Buddha’s birth was a grove known as ______.
Options:
(a) Mangar Bani
(b) Kavus
(c) Lumbini
(d) Mawphlang
Answer:
(c) Lumbini
Explanation:
The place of Gautama Buddha’s birth was a grove known as Lumbini, located in the Terai plains of southern Nepal.
Question 65
Q. The rules made for the ______ were written down in a book called ‘Vinaya Pitaka’.
Options:
(a) Lingayats
(b) Vaishnavites
(c) Buddhist sangha
(d) Shakta cult
Answer:
(c) Buddhist sangha
Explanation:
The rules made for the Buddhist sangha were written down in a book called ‘Vinaya Pitaka’. The Tripitaka is considered to be a record of the words of the Buddha. Vinaya Piṭaka is the oldest and smallest of the three sections of Tipiṭaka. Vinaya Pitaka contains the rules telling monks and nuns how to behave with each other and within society.
Question 66
Q. At which of the following places did Lord Buddha give his first sermon on the Four Noble Truths?
Options:
(a) Bodh Gaya
(b) Lumbini
(c) Rajgir
(d) Sarnath
Answer:
(d) Sarnath
Explanation:
At Sarnath, Lord Buddha gave his first sermon on the Four Noble Truths: the existence of suffering, the cause of suffering, that the cause of suffering can end, and the path to the end of suffering.
Question 67
Q. At which of the following places did Lord Buddha attain enlightenment?
Options:
(a) Vaishali
(b) Sarnath
(c) Bodh Gaya
(d) Rajgir
Answer:
(c) Bodh Gaya
Explanation:
Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. The Buddha delivered his last sermon at Vaishali and announced his Nirvana here. Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. Both Mahavira and Buddha taught their beliefs in Rajgir.
Question 68
Q. One of the major events of Ashoka’s reign was the convening of the ______ Buddhist Sangha (council) in 250 BCE in the capital Pataliputra.
Options:
(a) First
(b) Fourth
(c) Third
(d) Second
Answer:
(c) Third
Explanation:
The third Buddhist Sangha (council) was organized in 250 BCE in Pataliputra during the reign of Ashoka. Four Buddhist councils were held in total under the patronage of different rulers.
Question 69
Q. ______’s foster mother Mahapajapati Gotami was the first woman to be ordained as a Bhikkhuni.
Options:
(a) Ashoka
(b) Buddha
(c) Arjuna
(d) Bindusara
Answer:
(b) Buddha
Explanation:
Buddha’s foster mother or maternal aunt was Mahapajapati Gotami. In the Buddhist tradition, she was the first woman to seek ordination for women, which she did from Gautama Buddha directly, and she became the first bhikkhuni (Buddhist nun).
Question 70
Q. The First Buddhist Council is said to have been patronised by:
Options:
(a) Porus
(b) Ashoka
(c) Ajatashatru
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
Answer:
(c) Ajatashatru
Explanation:
The First Buddhist Council is said to have been patronised by Ajatashatru. He was a king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha. He was the son of King Bimbisara and was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.
Question 71
Q. ‘Chethiyagiri Vihara’ is a ______ festival celebrated in Sanchi.
Options:
(a) Jain
(b) Sikh
(c) Hindu
(d) Buddhist
Answer:
(d) Buddhist
Explanation:
‘Chethiyagiri Vihara’ is a Buddhist festival celebrated in Sanchi. It is a festival celebrated to attract thousands of Buddhist monks and pilgrims to Sanchi to see the relics of Sai Puttha and Maha Moggallana, two of Buddha’s earliest disciples.
Question 72
Q. The earliest Buddhist texts were written in:
Options:
(a) Pali
(b) Apabhramsha
(c) Prakrit
(d) Sanskrit
Answer:
(a) Pali
Explanation:
The earliest Buddhist texts were written in Pali. Pali canon, also called Tipitaka (Pali: “Triple Basket”), is the complete canon, first recorded in Pali, of the Theravada (“Way of the Elders”) branch of Buddhism.
Question 73
Q. Which of the following is NOT one of the monarchical states that existed in the 7th and early 6th centuries BC in India?
Options:
(a) Magadha
(b) Vaishali
(c) Avanti
(d) Kosala
Answer:
(d) Kosala
Explanation:
According to the Puranas and the Ramayana epic, Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala during the reign of Ikshvaku and his descendants. Shravasti is recorded as the capital of Kosala during the Mahajanapada period (6th–5th centuries BCE), but post-Maurya (2nd–1st centuries BCE) kings issued their coins from Ayodhya.
Question 74
Q. ____ assumed the title of ‘Gangaikondachola’ or the conqueror of the river Ganga.
Options:
(a) Rajadhiraja Chola
(b) Rajaraja Chola I
(c) Rajendra Chola I
(d) Vijayalaya Chola
Answer:
(c) Rajendra Chola I
Explanation:
Rajendra Chola I assumed the title of ‘Gangaikonda’ and it means one who has conquered places up to the Ganga river.
Question 75
Q. The monuments of Khajuraho in the state of Madhya Pradesh are fine denotations of the ______ dynasty.
Options:
(a) Chola
(b) Chalukya
(c) Chandela
Answer:
(c) Chandela
Explanation:
The monuments of Khajuraho in the state of Madhya Pradesh are fine denotations of the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. The Chandela dynasty was a central Indian dynasty that ruled over the Bundelkhand region of India between the 9th and 13th centuries.
Question 76
Q. Temple for Goddess Nishumbhasudini was built by ______.
Options:
(a) Pallavas
(b) Cholas
(c) Gupta Dynasty
(d) Muttaraiyar
Answer:
(b) Cholas
Explanation:
The temple was built by the founder of the Chola Empire, Vijayalaya, in 850 AD. Vijayalaya was the first feudatory of the Pallavas of Kanchi. He captured Tanjore in 850 A.D. It is dedicated to Goddess Nishumbhasudini (Durga).
Question 77
Q. Ajatshatru, a ruler of the Haryanka Dynasty, was the son of _______.
Options:
(a) Naga-Dasak
(b) Udayin
(c) Anurudha
(d) Bimbisara
Answer:
(d) Bimbisara
Explanation:
Ajatashatru (492 to 460 BCE or early 4th century BCE) was a king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha in East India. He was the son of King Bimbisara and was a contemporary of both Mahavira (Nigantha Nataputta) and Gautama Buddha.
Question 78
Q. The famous physician Jeevaka was appointed by the court of:
Options:
(a) Krishnadeva Raya
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Ashoka
(d) Bimbisara
Answer:
(d) Bimbisara
Explanation:
The famous physician Jeevaka was appointed in the court of Bimbisara. He is generally known as ‘King of Medicine’. He lived in Rajagriha, present-day Rajgir, in the 5th century BCE.
Question 79
Q. Who among the following was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty?
Options:
(a) Dhanananda
(b) Panduka
(c) Govishanaka
(d) Kaivarta
Answer:
(a) Dhanananda
Explanation:
Dhana Nanda (died 321 BCE) was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty. He was the youngest of the eight brothers of the dynasty’s founder Ugrasena. The Nanda dynasty ended with him in about 321 BCE when Chandragupta led the foundation of the Gupta Dynasty.
Question 80
Q. ______ was the capital of Magadha before the 4th century BCE.
Options:
(a) Rajagriha
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Varanasi
(d) Mathura
Answer:
(a) Rajagriha
Explanation:
Rajagriha was the capital of Magadha before 425 BCE, and Pataliputra was the capital of Magadha after 425 BCE.
Question 81
Q. In the 4th century BCE, the capital of Magadha was shifted to ______.
Options:
(a) Mathura
(b) Varanasi
(c) Panipat
(d) Pataliputra
Answer:
(d) Pataliputra
Explanation:
Shishunaga founded his dynasty in 413 BCE with its capital in Rajgir and later Patliputra (now in present Bihar).
Question 82
Q. Which dynasty built the pancha rathas of Mahabalipuram?
Options:
(a) Chera
(b) Pallava
(c) Satavahana
(d) Chola
Answer:
(b) Pallava
Explanation:
The Pancha Rathas are the monolithic chariot structures at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. They were constructed during the reign of Pallava Kings Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I. An interesting aspect is that each ratha is named after the Pandavas of the Mahabharata fame.
Question 83
Q. Which of the following is an example of a Chola empire temple?
Options:
(a) Badami cave temple
(b) Chennakesava temple
(c) Airavatesvara temple
(d) Virupaksha temple
Answer:
(c) Airavatesvara temple
Explanation:
Airavatesvara temple is a Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture located in Tamil Nadu. It was built by Rajaraja Chola II and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Question 84
Q. How many great powers (Mahajanpadas) existed in the 7th and early 6th centuries BC, during the lifetime of Lord Gautam Buddha?
Options:
(a) 16
(b) 13
(c) 11
(d) 17
Answer:
(a) 16
Explanation:
During the lifetime of Lord Gautam Buddha, sixteen great powers (Mahajanpadas) existed in the 7th and early 6th centuries BC. The ancient and modern names of the 16 mahajanapadas: (1) Kashi (Benaras), (2) Kosal (Lucknow), (3) Malla (Gorakhpur), (4) Vatsa (Allahabad), (5) Chedi (Kanpur), (6) Kuru (Delhi), (7) Panchal (Rohilkhand), (8) Matsya (Jaipur), (9) Shurasen (Mathura), (10) Ashmak (Aurangabad, Maharashtra), (11) Avanti (Ujjain), (12) Ang (Champa East Bihar), (13) Magadha (South Bihar), (14) Vrijji (North Bihar), (15) Gandhara (Peshawar), (16) Kamboj (Near Gandhara).
Question 85
Q. Who was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty?
Options:
(a) Narasimhavarman
(b) Mangalesa
(c) Kirtivarman
(d) Pulakesin I
Answer:
(d) Pulakesin I
Explanation:
The Chalukya dynasty was established by Pulakeshin I in 543 A.D. Pulakeshin I took Vatapi (modern Badami in Bagalkot district, Karnataka) under his control and made it his capital.
Question 86
Q. The Vikramasila University was founded by ________.
Options:
(a) Ashoka
(b) Dharmapala
(c) Chandragupta-I
(d) Bimbisara
Answer:
(b) Dharmapala
Explanation:
Vikramashila was founded by Pāla king Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th century. It prospered for about four centuries before it was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji along with the other major centres of Buddhism in India around 1193.
Question 87
Q. Vikramshila University was founded by_____ a Pala King.
Options:
(a) Rajendra Chola
(b) Pulakeshin I
(c) Mihira Bhoja
(d) Dharmapala
Answer:
(d) Dharmapala
Explanation:
Vikramashila was founded by Pāla king Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th century. It prospered for about four centuries before it was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji along with the other major centres of Buddhism in India around 1193.
Question 88
Q. Mihira Bhoja was the ruler of ________ .
Options:
(a) Rashtrakuta
(b) Chola
(c) Pratihara
(d) Chalukya
Answer:
(c) Pratihara
Explanation:
Mihira Bhoja (836–885 CE) or Bhoja I was a ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty of India. Bhoja was a devotee of Vishnu and adopted the title of Adivaraha which is inscribed on some of his coins.
Question 89
Q. The Badami Chalukyas first had their capital at ________before they moved it to Badami.
Options:
(a) Pattadakal
(b) Aihole
(c) Hubli
(d) Bijapur
Answer:
(b) Aihole
Explanation:
Chalukyas ruled from Raichur Doab which was situated between the rivers of Krishna and Tungabhadra. Aihole (city of temples) was the first capital of Chalukyas and it was the centre of trade which was later developed into a religious centre having a number of temples around. The capital of Chalukyas was later moved to Badami during Pulakesin I. Badami is also known as Vatapi.
Question 90
Q. The present day city of Bhopal was built by which of the following Pratihara rulers?
Options:
(a) Mahendra Bhoja
(b) Rajyapala
(c) Vijayasena
(d) Mihir Bhoja
Answer:
(d) Mihir Bhoja
Explanation:
The present day city of Bhopal was built by Mihir Bhoja. He recovered Kanauj (Kanyakubja) by 836, and it remained the capital of the Pratiharas for almost a century. He built the city Bhojpal (Bhopal). Raja Bhoja and other valiant Gujara kings faced and defeated many attacks of the Arabs from the west.
Question 91
Q. The present day city of Bhopal was built by which of the following Pratihara rulers?
Options:
(a) Mahendra Bhoja
(b) Rajyapala
(c) Vijayasena
(d) Mihir Bhoja
Answer:
(d) Mihir Bhoja
Explanation:
The greatest ruler of the Pratihara dynasty was Mihir Bhoja. He built the city Bhojpal (Bhopal). Bhopal was originally known as Bhojpal. The modern Bhopal city was established by Dost Mohammad Khan (1672–1728).
Question 92
Q. The famous Khajuraho group of Monuments was constructed by the _______.
Options:
(a) Solankis
(b) Gahadavalas
(c) Chalukyas
(d) Chandelas
Answer:
(d) Chandelas
Explanation:
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments (Temples) in Madhya Pradesh is a splendid saga of architectural brilliance that draws tourists from all over the world. The temples of Khajuraho were commissioned by the Rajput rulers of Chandella Dynasty who ruled over central India from the 10th to the 13th Century CE. The temples were built about 57 Km from the city of Mahoba, the capital of the Chandella dynasty rulers.