Q51. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
(a) The Harappan civilization – Painted Greyware
(b) The Kushans – Gandhara School of Art
(c) The Mughals – Ajanta Paintings
(d) The Marathas – Pahari School of Painting
Answer: (b) TheKushans – Gandhara School of Art
Explanation: Painted Greyware belonged to the later Vedic period (1000–600BC). Ajanta paintings belong to the Gupta period. Pahari School came into existence during the Mughal period.
Q52. Assertion (A): Harshavardhana convened the PrayagAssembly.
Reason (R): He wanted to popularize only the Mahayana form of Buddhism. [2001]
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer:(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
Explanation: To popularize the Mahayana form of Buddhism. Harshavardhana convened an assembly at Kannauj. The Prayag assembly was convened to popularize himself.
Q53. In Rigveda, the maximum number of shlokas are written in the memory of :
(a) Indra
(b) Brahma
(c) Vishnu
(d) Shiva
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The maximum number of Shlokas in Rigveda is written in the memory of Indra. Indra was the most popular god in the Vedic period.
Q54. Who is believed by the Jainas to be the first Tirthankar?
(a) Rishabhadeva
(b) Mahavira
(c) Neminath
(d) Parshvanath
Answer: (a)
Explanation: According to Jaina Text, the first and founder of the Jain religion is Rishabhadeva. There are 24 Tirthankaras in the Jain religion with which Neminath is the 22nd Tirthankara, Parshvanath 23rd and last and 24th Tirthanka is Mahavira.
Q55. The three-age system – Stone, Bronze, and Iron from the collection of Copenhagen Museum was coined by
(a) Thomsen
(b) Lubbock
(c) Taylor
(d) Childe Indus Valley Civilization
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The three-age system was initially developed by C.J Thomsen
Q56. Which one of the following scholars, challenged Invincible Yajnavalkya for debate?
(a) Ghosha
(b) Apala
(c) Maitreyi
(d) Gargi
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Gargi Vachaknavi sage Yajnavalkya for debate at Rajasuya Yagya held by King Janaka.
Q57. Which one of the Chola kings conquered Ceylon?
(a) Aditya-I
(b) Rajaraja-I
(c) Rajendra
(d) Vijayalaya
Answer:(c) Rajendra
Explanation: In 1018, Rajendra conquered Ceylon (Srilanka). Earlier Rajaraja I conquered only half of it.
Q58. Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other there?
(a) Bimbsara
(b) Gautama Buddha
(c) Milinda
(d) Prasenjit
Answer:(c) Milinda
Explanation: Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. Magadha Empire came into prominence under him. He was a contemporary of the Buddha. He strengthened his position by marriage alliances. His first wife was the sister of Prasenjit (son of the king of Koshala) who was also a contemporary of the Buddha.
Q59. Ancient Pushkalavati has been identified with
(a) Balkh
(b) Charsadda
(c) Hadda
(d) Sirkap
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Pushkalavati, meaning the Lotus City in Sanskrit, was the earliest capital of Gandhara. The lotus city has been identified with the region we now know as Charsadda and its neighborhood.
Q60. Santhara is a religious ritual of ______ community
(a) Sikhs
(b) Jews
(c) Jain
(d) Buddhists
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Santhara is a religious ritual of Swetambara Jain. Santhara means the fast into death. It is also known as Samadhi Marana Emperor Chandragupta Maurya died of Santhara (Salikhna).
Q61. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?
(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
(d) There is no material difference between the two
Answer: (b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
Explanation: Chaityas refer to the halls enclosing the stupas. Chaityas were probably constructed to hold large numbers of devotees for prayer. Viharas on the other hand are constructions built in ancient India to provide resting places for the wandering Buddhist monks.
Q62. Who among the following scholars was a contemporary of Kanishka?
Ashvaghosa
Nagarjuna
Vasumitra
Chanakya
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 4
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Kanishka, was the emperor of the Kushan dynasty in 127-151 A.D; famous for his military, political, and spiritual achievements. Some of the scholars in the Court of Kanishka were Parsva, Vasumitra, Asvaghosa, Nagarjuna, Charaka, and Mathara.
Q63. Dasarajana was :
(a) ten incarnations of Vishnu
(b) a sacrifice to be performed by the king
(c) battle of ten kings
(d) None of these
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Dasarajana was the battle of ten kings. The name of Confederate kings involved in this war is slightly over ten but was referred to roughly as ‘dasha’ in the Rigveda. They were Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha, Bhalanas, Shiva, Vishanin, Simyu, Vaikrna, and others.
Q64. Kalinga’s ruler Kharavela gave his protection to –
(a) Hinduism
(b) Shaivism
(c) Buddhism
(d) Jainism
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Kalinga’s ruler Kharavela gave his protection to Jainism.
Q65. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
(a) The extinction of the flame of desire
(b) The complete annihilation of self
(c) A state of bliss and rest
(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension.
Answer:(c) A state of bliss and rest
Explanation: The concept of Nirvana was originally explained by Lord Buddha (566-486 BC). The word ‘Nirvana’ comes from the root meaning ‘to blow out’ and refers to the extinguishing of the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion. When these emotional and psychological defilements are destroyed by wisdom, the mind becomes free, radiant, and joyful, and he who has realized the Truth (Nirvana) is the happiest being in the world. He is free from all complexes and obsessions. He does not repent of the past nor does he brood over the future. He lives fully in the present. He appreciates and enjoys things in life in the purest sense without self-projections. He is free from the thirst for becoming and the illusion of self. Buddism explains Nirvana as a state of bliss or peace.
Q66. The university which became famous in the post-Gupta Era was:
(a) Kanchi
(b) Taxila
(c) Nalanda
(d) Vallabhi
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Nalanda Vishwavidyalya (Bihar) was founded in the 5th century by Gupta king Kumar Gupta. Bakhtiyar looted and burned the Nalanda University in 1193 AD.
Q67. About the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:
The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:(b)
Explanation: The Barbara rock-cut caves are the oldest rock-cut caves. They were originally made for the Ajivikasduring the Mauryan period (322-185 BCE). The Ellora caves were built between the 5th century and 10th centuries. There were 34 caves out of which 12 were Buddhist caves, 17 were Hindu caves and 5 were Jain caves. The proximity of the caves demonstrates the religious harmony prevalent at that period.
Q68. What was Chandragupta II also known as?
(a) Samudra Gupta
(b) Skanda Gupta
(c) Vikramaditya
(d) Rama Gupta
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Chandra Gupta II also Known as Vikramaditya.
Q69. The Chinese traveler 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?
The roads and river routes were completely immune from robbery.
As regards punishment for offenses, ordeals by fire, water, and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:(b)
Explanation: The tradesmen had to pay light duties at ferries and barriers. After paying the revenue they could go to and fro to barter their merchandise. The punishment for social offenses according to the traveller’s account, was to cut off the nose, an ear, or a hand. Minor offenses were dealt with fines. To determine guilt or innocence, ordeals by fire, water, and poison were the instruments that were used.
Q70. Which of the following cannot be considered Proto-Harappan culture?
(a) Sothi culture
(b) Jornie culture
(c) Kot-Diji culture
(d) Amri culture
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Time Period of Different Culture
(i) Sothi Culture – 4600 BC
(ii) Jornie Culture – 1500 BC
(iii) Kot-Diji Culture – 3300 BC
(iv) Amri Culture – 3600 BC
The mature phase of Harappan civilization – 2600 BC to 1900 BC So Jornie Culture cannot be considered as Proto-Harappan Culture.
Q71. Which one of the following is not included in the eight-fold path of Buddhism?
(a) Right speech
(b) Right contemplation
(c) Right desire
(d) Right conduct
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Eightfold Path in Buddhism, is an early formulation of the path to enlightenment. The idea of the Eightfold Path appears from the first sermon of the Buddha, which was delivered after his enlightenment. Right desire is not included in the Eightfold Path of Buddhism.
Q72. Consider the following historical places:
Ajanta Caves
Lepakshi Temple
Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer:(b)
Explanation: Ajanta Caves have mural paintings in caves 1, 2, 16, and 17. Some of the paintings were commissioned by Harisena of the Vakataka dynasty. The theme of the paintings was Jataka tales. Lepakshi Temple is renowned for being one of the best repositories of mural paintings of the Vijaynagar kings. Sanchi Stupa has many beautiful sculptures but not mural paintings.
Q73. During the reign of which Pallava ruler began the long-drawn struggle between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas?
(a) Mahendravarman I
(b) Simhavishnu
(c) Narasimhavarman I
(d) Mahendravarman II
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Mahendravarman I was a Pallava king during his reign and began the long-drawn-out struggle between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas. He was defeated by Pulakesin II and a part of his Kingdom was occupied.
Q74. Concerning the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs:
Famous work of Sculpture
Site
1. A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below
Ajanta
2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock
Mount Abu
3. “Arjuna’s Penance”/ “Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders
Mamallapuram
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation: 1 is correctly matched because Parinirvana of the Buddha in Cave 17 of Ajanta, with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below, is one of the grandest and yet most delicately expressive scenes ever made in stone. 2 is wrong because the huge image of Varaha Avatar of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock is found in Mamallapuram. 3 is right because Arjuna’s Penance “Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders is found in Mamallapuram.
Q75. Gandhara school of art came into existence in
(a) Hinayana sect
(b) Mahayana sect
(c) Vaishnava sect
(d) Shaiva sect
Answer: (b)
Explanation: (i) The Mahayana sect believes in idol worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
(ii) Gandhara school of Art was established during the Kushan era.
(iii) It was the first to sculpturally represent the Buddha in human form as ‘Man-God’.
