Skip to content
No results
Compass by Rau's IAS
Menu
Compass by Rau's IAS
Menu

Ancient History 2018 MCQs

With reference to 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

Show Answer
The correct answer is C.

Maitreya: According to Buddhist texts, Maitreya is a bodhisattva who will eventually appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma. Maitreya is prophesied to arrive when the teachings of the current Buddha, Gautama Buddha, have been forgotten. He is considered to be a successor to the historical Buddha and is anticipated to be a unifying figure who will restore the dharma and lead beings to enlightenment.

Avalokiteshvara: Known as the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara is not prophesied to be a future Buddha but is revered for their deep compassion and desire to save all beings from suffering.

Lokesvara: This is another name for Avalokiteshvara in certain contexts, especially in Mahayana Buddhism, representing the lord who looks down upon the world with compassion.

Padmapani: Literally meaning "lotus bearer," it is another aspect or representation of Avalokiteshvara, often depicted holding a lotus.

With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to
  • A Buddhism
  • B Jainism
  • C Vaishnavism
  • D Shaivism

Show Answer
The correct answer is B.

Sthanakvasi, (Sanskrit: “meetinghouse-dweller”) a modern subsect of the Shvetambara (“White-robed”) sect of Jainism, a religion of India.

With reference to cultural 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 kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
  • A 1 and 3 only
  • B 2 and 4 only
  • C 1, 2 and 3 only
  • D 2, 3 and 4 only

Show Answer
The correct answer is B.
  • Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna: This statement is incorrect. Tyagaraja, one of the trinity of Carnatic music, composed most of his kritis (songs) in praise of Lord Rama, not Lord Krishna.
  • Tyagaraja created several new ragas: This statement is correct. Tyagaraja is known for his significant contributions to Carnatic music, including the creation of several new ragas.
  • Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries: This statement is incorrect. Annamacharya (1408–1503) and Tyagaraja (1767–1847) lived in different centuries and were not contemporaries.
  • Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara: This statement is correct. Annamacharya, a revered Telugu composer, is famous for his kirtanas (devotional songs) that predominantly praise Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji) of Tirumala.
The well-known painting "Bani Thani" belongs to the
  • A Bundi school
  • B Jaipur school
  • C Kangra school
  • D Kishangarh school

Show Answer
The correct answer is D.
  • Bundi school: The Bundi school of painting is one of the Rajasthani schools of Indian miniature painting that emerged in the princely state of Bundi. This school is characterized by its lush vegetation, dramatic night skies, and romantic themes. However, "Bani Thani" is not a part of the Bundi school.
  • Jaipur school: The Jaipur school of painting developed in and around the royal court of Jaipur, Rajasthan. This school is known for its Mughal influence, bold colors, and religious themes, including scenes from Krishna's life. While Jaipur school has its own unique style, "Bani Thani" does not belong to this school.
  • Kangra school: The Kangra school of painting is one of the schools of Pahari miniature painting that developed in the Himalayan foothills, primarily in what is now Himachal Pradesh. Kangra paintings are known for their delicate brushwork and use of naturalistic landscapes and romantic themes, often focusing on the love stories of Krishna and Radha. "Bani Thani" is not part of the Kangra school.
  • Kishangarh school: The Kishangarh school of painting, originating in the Kishangarh region of Rajasthan in the 18th century, is renowned for its highly stylized and romantic portrayals of subjects. The "Bani Thani" painting is one of the most iconic works of this school. This painting is distinguished by the exaggerated features of the subject, such as the elongated neck, arched eyebrows, lotus-like eyes, and fine detailing, which became hallmarks of the Kishangarh style.
Consider the following pairs :
Craft   Heritage of
1. Puthukkuli shawls - Tamil Nadu
2. Sujni embroidery - Maharashtra
3. Uppada Jamdani saris - Karnataka
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
  • A 1 only
  • B 1 and 2 only
  • C 3 only
  • D 2 and 3 only

Show Answer
The correct answer is A.
  • Puthukkuli shawls – Tamil Nadu: This pair is correct. Puthukkuli shawls, also known as Toda embroidery or Pukhoor, are a traditional craft of the Toda tribe in Tamil Nadu. These shawls feature distinctive embroidery patterns and are part of the tribe's cultural heritage.
  • Sujni embroidery – Maharashtra: This pair is incorrect. Sujni embroidery is actually associated with Bihar, not Maharashtra. It is a traditional form of embroidery originating from Bihar and is known for its unique stitching and colorful patterns, often depicting village scenes and narratives.
  • Uppada Jamdani saris – Karnataka: This pair is incorrect. Uppada Jamdani saris are from Andhra Pradesh, specifically from the Uppada area in the East Godavari district. Uppada Jamdani is a style of weaving that is known for its light weight and intricate geometric and floral designs.

Get Email Updates

Trending now

State of India’s Environment 2026: Rising Climate Risks and the Need for Resilience
Karnataka Announces Ban on Social Media for Children Under-16
India–France “Special Global Strategic Partnership”: A New Indo-Pacific Anchor
Front-of-Package Labelling: A Preventive Strategy to Address India’s Rising Lifestyle Diseases

About Rau’s IAS

  • About Us
  • Faculty
  • Our Results
  • Academic Courses
  • Contact Us
  • Payment Methods

About Civil Services Exam

  • Structure of Exam
  • List of Services
  • No. of attempts
  • Eligibility Criteria
  • How To Apply
  • UPSC Syllabus

Foundation Course

  • Best UPSC Classroom Foundation Course
  • CSAT Foundation Course
  • Optional Subject coaching for IAS/UPSC exam
  • Distance Learning Study Material

Targeted Course

  • Our Online Courses
  • Prelims Test Series & QIP 2024
  • Mains Test Series & QIP 2024
  • Interview Guidance for UPSC IAS

Resources

  • FOCUS Magazine
  • COMPASS Magazine
  • Perspectives Magazine
  • NCERT Books
  • Prelims Paper – 10 years
  • Mains Paper – 10 years

Copyright © 1953-2026 - Rau's IAS Study Circle. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Policy

Designed by Gaurav Tiwari