1. The word 'Hindu' as reference to the people of Hind (India) was first used by: [1995]
2. Who among the following was a Brahmavadini who composed some hymns of the Vedas? [1995]
3. In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period women and Sudras speak:
4. The name by which Ashoka is generally referred to his inscriptions is: [1995]
5. The term 'Yavanapriya' mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts denoted: [1995]
6. The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by: [1995]
7. According to Mimamsa system of philosophy, liberation is possible by means by: [1995]
8. Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with: [1995]
9. According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas the sequential order of the cycle of four acons (yugas) is: [1996]
10. The river most is mentioned in early Vedic literature ________. [1996]
11. Which one of the following is not a part of early Jains literature? [1996]
12. Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? [1996] ⏩1 1.Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment ⏩1 2.Indifference to the authority of the Vedas ⏩1 3.Denial ofefficacy ofrituals ⏩1 4.Non-injuryto animal life. ⏩1 Select the answer using the codes given below:
13. In the context of ancient Indian society which one of the following terms does not belong to the category of the other three? [1996]
14. Who among the following is known for his work on medicine during the Gupta period? [1996]
15. Which one of the following sculptures was invariably used green schist as the medium? [1996]
16. Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows divorce to a wife deserted by her husband? [1996]
17. Which one of the following statements regarding Ashoka stone pillars is incorrect? [1997]
18. Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was written from right to left? [1997]
19. The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the: [1997]
20. Milindapanho is in the form of a dialogue between the king Menander and Buddhist monk: [1997]
21. Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Ashoka? [1997]
22. In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisatva Avalokitesvara was also known as:
23. The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called: [1997]
24. Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India? [1997]
25. The Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I is dated in the Saka year 465. If the same were to be dated in Vikrama Samvat, the year would be: [1997]
26. Many of the Greeks, Kushanas and Shakas embraced uddhism rather than Hinduism because: [1998]
27. The Ashoka major rock edicts which tell us about the Sangam Kingdom include rock edicts: [1998]
28. What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? [1998] ⏩1 l. Gold coins ⏩1 2. Punch marked silver coins ⏩1 3. Iron plough ⏩1 4. Urban culture ⏩1 Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
29. Assertion : According to Ashoka's edicts social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion. ⏩1 Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion. [1998]
30. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food-grains to be utilised during the crises in the country? [1998]
31. The concept ofEight fold path forms the theme of: [1998]
32. From the third century AD when the Hun invasion ended the Roman Empire, the Indian merchants relied more and more on the: [1999]
33. The following persons came to India at one time or another: ⏩1 1. Fa-Hien ⏩1 2. I-Tsing ⏩1 3. Megasthanese ⏩1 4. Hieun-Tsang ⏩1 The correct chronological sequence of their visits is: [1999]
34. Which one of the following was initially the most powerful city state of India in the 6th century B.C. ? [1999]
35. The Indo-Laws Kingdom set up in north Afghanistan in the beginning of the second century B.C. was: [1999]
36. Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta period? [1999]
37. Assertion : The Aham and Puram poems of the Padinen Kilukanakku group formed a continuation of the Sangam composition. Reason (R): They were included under the post-Sangam Reason works as against the Sangam works proper. [2000]
38. Assertion : The emphasis of Jainism on non-violence (ahimsa) prevented agriculturalists from embracing Jainism. Reason(R): Cultivation involved killing ofinsects and pests. [2000]
39. Assertion : The origin of 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]
40. Assertion : Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire. Reason (R): Kalinga controlled the land and sea routes to South India. [2000]
41. The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by the: [2000]
42. Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time ofAlexander's invasion? [2000]
43. Hoysala monuments are found in:
44. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? [2001]
45. Harshavardhana convened the Prayag Assertion : Assembly. Reason (R): He wanted to popularize only the Mahayana Reason
46. Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir ? [2001]
47. Which one of the following animals was not represented seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture? [2001]
48. Which one of the following statements is not correct? [2002]
49. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the: [2002]
50. The ancient Indian play Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadutt has its subject on: [2002]
51. Emperor Harsha's southward march was stopped on the Narmada river by: [2001]
52. Consider the following statements: ⏩1 1. The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established their domination over peninsular India in the early medieval times. ⏩1 2. The Cholas sent an expedition against Sailendra empire of South-East Asia and conquered some of the areas. ⏩1 Which of these statements is/are correct? [2003] c d
53. Mrichchhakatika' an ancient Indian book written by Shudraka deals with: [2003]
54. Consider the following statements: ⏩1 1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended the fourth Great Buddhist Council held by Kanishka. ⏩1 2. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang met Harsha and found him to be antagonistic to Buddhism. ⏩1 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [2004]
55. With reference to ancient Jainism, which one ofthe following statements is correct? [2004]
56. Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells? [2004]
57. Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other three? [2005]
58. Who among the following laid the foundation of Rashtrakuta Empire? [2006]
59. Between which of the following was the ancient town of Takshasila located? [2006]
60. With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order? [2006]
61. Consider the following statements: [2006] ⏩1 1. The Ikshvaku rulers of Southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism. ⏩1 2. The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Buddhism. ⏩1 Which of the statement(s) given above is/ are correct?
62. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? [2012-1] ⏩1 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment ⏩1 2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas ⏩1 3. Denial ofefflcacy of rituals ⏩1 Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
63. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the __________________.
64. Lord Buddha 's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called 'Bhumisparsha Mudra'. It symbolizes ______________> [2012-1]
65. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of ___________________. [2012-1]
66. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? [2013-1]
67. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school: ⏩1 1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul. ⏩1 2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent. ⏩1 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
68. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism? [2013-1]
69. Which of the following characterizes / characterize the people of Indus Civilization? [2013-1] ⏩1 l. They possessed great palaces and temples. ⏩1 2 They worshipped both male and female deities. ⏩1 3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.
70. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine? [2013-1] ⏩1 1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance. ⏩1 2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul. 3⏩1 . Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended. ⏩1 Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
71. With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: ⏩1 l. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. ⏩1 2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. ⏩1 3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths. ⏩1 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
72. 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 l. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery. ⏩1 2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt ofa person. ⏩1 3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. ⏩1 Select the correct answer using the codes given below
73. In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called 'Tribhanga' has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose? [2013-1]
74. Consider the following historical places: ⏩1 1. Ajanta Caves ⏩1 2. Lepakshi Temple ⏩1 3. Sanchi Stupa Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings? [2013]
75. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy? [2014-1]
76. The national motto of India, 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from _______________.
77. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? ⏩1 1. Avanti ⏩1 2. Gandhara ⏩1 3. Kosala ⏩1 4. Magadha ⏩1 Select the correct answer using the code given below. [2014]
78. With reference to India's culture and tradition, what is 'Kalaripayattu? [UPSC 2014 ]
79. With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to [UPSC 2014 ]
80. Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong? [UPSC 2014 ]
81. With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest? [UPSC 2014 ]
82. With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term 'Araghatta' refers to [UPSC 2016 ]
83. 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? [UPSC 2016 ]
84. What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907? [UPSC ]
85. The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War _____________. [UPSC 2016 ]
86. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty? [UPSC 2016 ]
87. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka? [UPSC 2016 ]
88. 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 sentinent beings on their path to it. ⏩ Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2016 ]
89. What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? ⏩ 1. Both were built in the same period. ⏩ 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. ⏩ 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below. [UPSC 2016 ]
90. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and illustrated paintings at _________________. [UPSC 2017]
91. Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India? [UPSC 2018 ]
92. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? [UPSC 2019 ]
93. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? [UPSC 2019 ]
94. Consider the following statements: ⏩ 1. Deification of the Buddha ⏩ 2. Trading the path of Bodhisattvas ⏩ 3. Image worship and rituals ⏩ Which of the above is/are the feature/features of Mahayana Buddhism? [UPSC 2019 ]
95. With refence to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct? [UPSC 2019 ]
96. Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of [UPSC 2019 ]
97. With reference to scholars/litterateurs the of ancient India, consider the following statements: ⏩ 1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga. ⏩ 2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana. ⏩ 3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II. ⏩ Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2020 ]
98. Consider the following events in the history of India: ⏩ 1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja ⏩ 2 Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I ⏩ 3. Establishment of Chola power by Purantaka ⏩ 4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala. ⏩ What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time? [UPSC 2020 ]
99. With reference to the history of India, the terms 'kulyavapa' and 'dronavapa' denote _________. [UPSC 2020 ]
100. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? '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.' [UPSC 2020 ]
101. With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as _____________. [UPSC 2020 ]
102. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? [UPSC 2021 ]
103. In the first quarter of seventeenth century, in which of the following was/were the factory/factories of the English East India Company located? ⏩ 1. Broach ⏩ 2. Chicacole ⏩ 3. Trichinopoly ⏩ Select the correct answer using the code given below. [UPSC 2021 ]
104. 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?⏩ 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. [UPSC 2021 ]
105. According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas? ⏩ 1. Wrestling ⏩ 2. Astrology ⏩ 3. Accounting ⏩ 4. Soothsaying ⏩ Select the correct answer using the code given below.
106. With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the following statements is correct? [UPSC 2021 ]
107. With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous [UPSC 2021 ]
108. Which one of the following statements is correct? [UPSC 2021 ]
109. According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, which of the following are correct? ⏩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? [UPSC 2022 ]
110. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located? [UPSC 2023 ]
111. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as _______________________. [UPSC 2023 ]