Ancient History and Art & Culture PYQ

Ancient History and Art &
Culture
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15 Jun 2022
45 min read
2023
1. In which one of the following regions was
Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist
centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?
(a) Andhra
(b) Gandhara
(c) Kalinga
(d) Magadha
2. With reference to ancient India, consider the following

statements :
1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.

2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 3. Stupa was a votive
and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
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(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
3. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai,

Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as
(a) capital cities
(b) ports
(c) centres of iron-and-steel making
(d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras
4. Which one of the following explains the practice of

Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?
(a) Kings employing women bodyguards.
(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious

and philosophical matters
(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving
away birds and animals
(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by

starving himself to death
5. Consider the following dynasties:
1. Hoysala
2. Gahadavala
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3. Kakatiya
4. Yadava
How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in

early eighth century AD?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None
6. With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the

following pairs:
Literary work Author

1. Devichandragupta Bilhana
2. Hammira-Mahakavya Nayachandra Suri
3. Milinda-panha Nagarjuna
4. Nitivakyamrita Somadeva Suri
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
7. "Souls are not only the property of animal and plant

life, but also of rocks, running water and many other
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natural objects not looked on as living by other religious
sects."
The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of

which one of the following religious sects of ancient
India?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Shaivism
(d) Vaishnavism
8. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara

Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra
River and canalcum-aqueduct several kilometres long
from the river to the capital city?
(a) Devaraya I
(b) Mallikarjuna
(c) Vira Vijaya
(d) Virupaksha
9. Consider the following pairs:
Site Well known for

1. Besnagar Shaivite cave shrine
2. Bhaja Buddhist cave shrine
3. Sittanawasal Jain cave shrine
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How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
2022
Site of Ashoka’s major rock Location in the State

edicts of
1. Dhauli — Odisha
2. Erragudi — Andhra Pradesh
3. Jaugada — Madhya Pradesh
4. Kalsi — Karnataka
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
2. Which one of the following statement about Sangam

literature in ancient South India is correct?
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(a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
(b) The social classification of Varna was known to

Sangam poets.
(c) Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.
(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.
3. “Yogavasistha” was translated into Persian by

Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of:
(a) Akbar
(b) Humayun
(c) Shahjahan
(d) Aurangzeb
4. The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of

Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India
at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following
statements correctly represents the teachings of
Ramanuja?
(a) The best means of salvation was devotion.
(b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
(c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss
(d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
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5. The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new
Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of
the following statements are correct regarding Somnath
Temple?
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present

day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
6. With reference to Indian history, consider the following

texts:
1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
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Which of the above are Jaina texts?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
7. With reference to Indian history, consider the following

pairs:
Historical person Known as

1. Aryadeva — Jaina scholar
2. Dignaga — Buddhist scholar
3. Nathamuni — Vaishnava scholar
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) None of the pairs
(b) Only one pair
(c) Only two pairs
(d) All three pairs
8. 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.
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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?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2021
1. 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?
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar
2. 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?
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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.
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 5 and 6 only
3. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of

the following statements is/are correct?
1. Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga
was the civil law for lower castes.
2. In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim right to the
property during the lifetime of the father, whereas in the
Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that
the sons can claim right to the property.
3. The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the
property held by male members only of a family, whereas the
Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the
property held by both male and female members of a family.
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(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
4. With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’

pertain to
(a) Dance forms of Northwest India
(b) Musical instruments
(c) Pre-historic cave paintings
(d) Tribal languages
5. With reference to the history of ancient India,

Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous
(a) Jain monks
(b) Playwrights
(c) Temple architects
(d) Philosophers
6. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora River.
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(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal River.
(c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada River.
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari River.
7. With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated

near Morena, consider the following statements:
1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of

Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the
inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Historical place Well-known for

1. Burzahom Rock-cut shrines
2. Chandraketugarh Terracotta art
3. Ganeshwar Copper artefacts
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Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
2020
1. With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient

India, consider the following statements:
1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra

2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana
3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. With reference to the history of India, consider the

following pairs:
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1. Aurang - In-charge of treasury of the State
2. Banian - Indian agent of the East India Company
3. Mirasidar - Designated revenue payer to the State
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. With reference to the religious history of India,

consider the following statements:
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.

2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of
Buddhism.
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered
Mahayana Buddhism.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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4. 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 Parantaka-I
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above

events, starting from the earliest time?
(a) 2 – 1 – 4 - 3
(b) 3 – 1 – 4 - 2
(c) 2 – 4 – 1 - 3
(d) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2
5. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the

‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-
Harsha period?
(a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates
(b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts
(c) A bill of exchange
(d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates
6. With reference to the history of India, the terms

‘kulyavapa’ and ‘dronavapa’ denote
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(a) measurement of land
(b) coins of different monetary value
(c) classification of urban land
(d) religious rituals
7. 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.”
(a) Ashoka
(b) Samundragupta
(c) Harshavardhana
(d) Krishanadeva Raya
8. With reference to the history of India, consider the

following pairs:
Famous Place Present State

1. Bhilsa - Madhya Pradesh
2. Dwarasamudra - Maharashtra
3. Girinagar - Gujarat
4. Sthanesvara - Uttar Pradesh
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Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 4 only
9. With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in

ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul
were known as
(a) ports handling foreign trade
(b) capitals of powerful kingdoms
(c) places of exquisite stone art and architecture
(d) important of Buddhist pilgrimage centers
10. With reference to the cultural history of India, which

one of the following is the correct description of the term
'paramitas'?
(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra)

style
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva

path
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(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India
11. With reference to the cultural history of India,

consider the following pairs:
1. Parivrajaka - Renunciant and Wanderer

2. Shramana - Priest with a high status
3. Upasaka - Lay follower of Buddhism
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2019
1. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?
(a) Chanhudaro
(b) Kot Diji
(c) Sohgaura
(d) Desalpur
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2. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is
‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the
stone portrait of Ashoka?
(a) Kanganahalli
(b) Sanchi
(c) Shahbazagrhi
(d) Sohgaura
3. Consider the following:
1. Deification of the Buddha

2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
3. Image worship and rituals
Which of the above is/are the feature/ features of

Mahayana Buddhism?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
4. With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during

the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is
correct?
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(a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a
sort of tax paid by the people.
(b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar

regions of the Gupta Empire.
(c) The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.
(d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.
5. Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in

the temple construction in the kingdom of
(a) Chalukya
(b) Chandela
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Vijayanagara
2018
Tradition — State
1. Chapchar Kut Festival — Mizoram
2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur
3. Thang-Ta Dance — Sikkim
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
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(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3
2. With reference to culture history of India,consider the

following statements:
1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of

Lord Krishna.
2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
4. Annamacharya kirtnas are devotional songs in praise of Lord
Venketshwara.
Which of the statement is given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4
3. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider

the following statements:
1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and

Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
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2. Red Sandstone and marble were used in making Bara
Imambara and Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
4. With reference to the Indian History, who among the

following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the
world?
(a) Avalokiteshvara
(b) Lokesvara
(c) Maitreya
(d) Padmapani
5. The well-known painting "Bani Thani" belongs to the
(a) Bundi school
(b) Jaipur school
(c) Kangra school
(d) Kishangarh school
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6. With reference to the religious practices in India, the
"Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaivism
2017
1. With reference to the difference between the culture of

Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the
following statements is/are correct?
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare

whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave
any evidence of using them.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus
Valley people knew only copper and iron.
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is
no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this
animal.
(a) 1 only
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(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Which one of the following was a very important

seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?
(a) Kakinada
(b) Motupalli
(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
(d) Nelluru
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4. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the
most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at:
(a) Ajanta
(b) Badami
(c) Bagh
(d) Ellora
Traditions Communities
1 Chaliha Sahib Festival Sindhis
2 Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra Gonds
3 Wari-Warkari Santhals
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above
6. Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?
1. Arasavalli
2. Amarakantak
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3. Omkareshwar
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
7. With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the

1. It is a song and dance performance.

2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the
performance.
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only
2016
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1. 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 the pairs given above correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3
2. 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) Parivrajaka
(c) Agrahaarika
(d) Maagadha
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3. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of
Emperor Ashoka?
(a) Georg Buhler
(b) James Prinsep
(c) Max Muller
(d) William Jones
4. 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
5. With reference to the cultural history of medieval India,

1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and

condemned idolatry.
2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth
and rejected the caste hierarchy.
(a) 1 only
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(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
6. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of

Emperor Ashoka?
(a) Georg Buhler
(b) James Prinsep
(c) Max Muller
(d) William Jones

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.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
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(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
8. 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.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the statements given above is correct
9. 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
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(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3
2015
1. 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 codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 3 and 4 only
2. Kalamkari painting refers to
(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
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(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East
India
(c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of

India
(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India
3. Which of the following kingdoms were associated with

1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 3 and 4 only
4. 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?
(a) Amoghavarsha I
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(b) Ballala II
(c) Harihara I
(d) Prataparudra II
5. With reference to the art and archaeological history of

India, which one among the following was made earliest?
(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri
6. Which one of the following was given classical language

status recently?
(a) Odia
(b) Konkani
(c) Bhojpuri
(d) Assamese
2014
1. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with
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1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
2. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of

the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(d) Sankhya and Yoga
3. Consider the following towns of India:
1. Bhadrachalam
2. Chanderi
3. Kancheepuram
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4. Karnal
Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional

sarees/fabric?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 3 and 4
4. Consider the following languages
1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. Telugu
Which of the above has/have been declared as 'Classical Language /

Languages' by the Government?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
5. With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider

the following statements:
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1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs
composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
6. With reference to the Indian history of art and culture,

consider the following pairs:
Famous work of sculpture Site

A grand image of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana with
1 numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful Ajanta
figures of his followers below
A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boarincarnation) of
Mount
2 Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and
Abu
chaotic waters, sculpted on rock
“Arjuna's Penance”/ “Descent of Ganga” sculpated on the Mamalla-
3
surface of huge boulders puram
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
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(d) 1, 2 and 3
7. With reference to India's culture and tradition, what is

`Kalaripayattu'?
(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some

parts of South India
(b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in

southern part of Coromandel area
(c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the

northern part of Malabar
(d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of

South India
1. Garba : Gujarat
2. Mohiniattam : Odisha
3. Yakshagana : Karnataka
Which of the pairs given above is / are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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:
9. With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and
culture in India, consider the following pairs:
Famous shrine Location

1 Tabo monastery and temple complex Spiti Valley
2 Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako Zanskar Valley
3 Alchi temple complex Ladakh
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly atched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
10. A community of people called Manganiyars is well-

known for their
(a) martial arts in North-East India
(b) musical tradition in North-West India
(c) classical vocal music in South India
(d) pietra dura tradition in Central India
11. With reference to the cultural history of India, the

term 'Panchayatan' refers to
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:
(a) an assembly of village elders
(b) a religious sect
(c) a style of temple construction
(d) an administrative functionary
2013
1. 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 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. 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?
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:
1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from
robbery.
2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and
poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or
guilt of a person.
3. 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
3. Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the

people of Indus Civilization?
1. They possessed great palaces and temples.

2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given

below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
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:
4. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while
the 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
5. 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
6. Which of the following characterizes/characterize the

people of Indus Civilization?
1. They possessed great palaces and temples

2. They worshipped both male and female deities
Page 41 of 51
:
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare
Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given

below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
7. With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut

architecture, consider the following statements:
1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in

India
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas
by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
8. In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in
Page 42 of 51
:
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?
(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at
waist and neck
(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to

symbolize certain epic or historic characters
(c) Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself
or to tell a story
(d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are
emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism
9. Consider the following Bhakti Saints:
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty
fell and Babur took over?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
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:
10. Consider the following historical places:
1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. 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
11. With reference to the history of philosophical thought

in India, consider the following statements regarding
Sankhya school:
1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or

transmigration of soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to
liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
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:
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
2012
1. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of

the following was/were common to both Buddhism and
Jainism?
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment

2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
3. Denial of efficacy of rituals
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the

hand gesture called 'Bhumisparsha Mudra'. It symbolizes
(a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent
Mara from disturbing his meditation
(b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity
despite the temptations of Mara
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:
(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the
Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is
transitory
(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
3. With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India

that played a very important role in the country’s
economy, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the

State and the king was the chief administrative authority on
them.
2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by
the guild.
3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
4. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient

India, which of the statements given below are correct?
1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in
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:
common use by 1st century AD.
2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by
the beginning of 3rd century AD.
3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.
4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century
AD.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
5. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of
(a) Bhakti
(b) image worship and Yajnas
(c) worship of nature and Yajnas
(d) worship of nature and Bhakti
6. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the
(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of

Indian can be classified
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:
(c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
7. With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions

of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of
the following statements are correct?
1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms

during the Mughal period.
2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.
3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above is correct
8. How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and

Bharatanatyam dances?
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi

dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a
feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have
such a form of movements.
Page 48 of 51
:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
2011
1. The “dharma” and “rita” depict a central idea of ancient

Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the
1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of

one’s duties to oneself and to others.
2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning
of the universe and all it contained.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Page 49 of 51
:
2. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and
maintained by
(a) Universal Law
(b) Universal Truth
(c) Universal Faith
(d) Universal Soul
3. India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade

links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For
this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of
Bengal, which of the following could be the most
convincing explanation/explanations?
(a) As compared to other countries, India had a better ship-building

technology in ancient and medieval times
(b) The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, brahmin

priests and buddhist monks in this context
(c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages
(d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context
4. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the

1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious

element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
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:
2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles
in India.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Page 51 of 51
:

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Ancient History and Art &

2. With reference to ancient India, consider the following

1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(c) All three

3. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai,

(a) capital cities

(c) centres of iron-and-steel making

(d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

4. Which one of the following explains the practice of

(a) Kings employing women bodyguards.

(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious

(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by

5. Consider the following dynasties:

How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

6. With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the

Literary work Author

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

7. "Souls are not only the property of animal and plant

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of

8. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara

(c) Vira Vijaya

9. Consider the following pairs:

Site Well known for

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

Site of Ashoka’s major rock Location in the State

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair

(b) Only two pairs

(c) Only three pairs

(d) All four pairs

2. Which one of the following statement about Sangam

(b) The social classification of Varna was known to

(c) Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.

(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.

3. “Yogavasistha” was translated into Persian by

4. The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of

(a) The best means of salvation was devotion.

(b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.

(d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.

2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.

3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

6. With reference to Indian history, consider the following

(b) 2 and 4 only