Ancient History (UPSC Prelims) [2013-2022] – Previous Year Questions

1. Parishishtaparvan: This text is a 12th-century Sanskrit mahakavya by Hemachandra which details the histories of the earliest Jain teachers​.
2. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana: This is a major Jain text composed largely by Acharya Jinasena during the rule of Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha and completed by his pupil Gunabhadra in the 9th century CE​.
3. Avadanashataka: This text, also known as “A Hundred Glorious Deeds,” is a Buddhist text that is an anthology in Sanskrit of one hundred Buddhist legends​.
4. Nettipakarana: This text is identified as a Buddhist scripture, sometimes included in the Khuddaka Nikaya of Theravada Buddhism’s Pali Canon​.

Aryadeva was a Mahayana Buddhist monk, a disciple of Nagarjuna and a Madhyamaka philosopher. Dignaga was an Indian Buddhist scholar and one of the Buddhist founders of Indian logic. Dignaga’s work laid the groundwork for the development of deductive logic in India and created the first system of Buddhist logic and epistemology. Sri Ranganathamuni, popularly known as Sriman Nathamuni was a Vaishnava theologian who collected and compiled the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. Considered the first of Sri Vaishnava acharya, Nathamuni is also the author of Yogarahasya, And Nyayatattva.

1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment. This is accurate according to the Arthashastra. In ancient Indian society, slavery was a recognized institution, and one of the ways a person could become a slave was as a form of judicial punishment.
2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free. This statement aligns with the principles in the Arthashastra. The text stipulates that a female slave who bore her master a son would be freed. This was part of the broader social and legal norms of the time.
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. This is also correct. The Arthashastra and other ancient Indian texts often acknowledged the offspring of a master and a slave woman as legitimate, and they were granted rights similar to other legitimate children, including inheritance rights.

Note: As per UPSC answer key, the answer is option (b). But as per Historian’s Text, the answer is option (d).

1. Dhauli (Odisha): Dhauli hill is notable for its rock edicts of Ashoka. It’s located on the banks of the river Daya, near Bhubaneswar in Odisha.
2. Erragudi (Andhra Pradesh): Erragudi is known for Ashoka’s rock edicts. It’s situated in Andhra Pradesh.
3. Jaugada (Madhya Pradesh): The pair is incorrect. Jaugada is actually located in Ganjam district of Odisha, not in Madhya Pradesh.
4. Kalsi (Karnataka): The pair is incorrect. Kalsi, known for Ashoka’s rock edicts, is situated in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, not in Karnataka.

Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture:

• This statement is incorrect. Sangam literature, particularly the Neithal songs, has references to the material culture of the time, exploring elements like food and clothing​.
• Additionally, archaeological evidence from the Sangam age sheds light on material culture aspects such as buildings, agricultural and irrigation methods, arts and crafts, dress and ornaments, burial practices, and coins, as revealed through Sangam literature​.

The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets:

• This statement is correct. Sangam literature does reflect a knowledge of the Varna social classification, with mentions of different social groups like Kings (Arashar), traders (Vaishiyar), and farmers (Velalar).
• However, it is also noted that the four-fold Varna classification had little application to ancient Tamil Society, indicating a nuanced understanding of social classification by Sangam poets​.

Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic:

• This statement is incorrect. Sangam literature, especially the Puram poems, is pervaded with a warrior ethic. The goal of the hero in these poems was to achieve glory (Pukal) and a heroic death, which was greatly valued.
• There’s even mention of a belief that the spirit of a warrior who died in battle dwelt in Paradise​.

Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational:

• This statement is incorrect. In Sangam literature, magical forces, termed as “Aṇaṅku,” are depicted as sacred powers that were believed to inhabit various objects, influencing their association with society.
• These forces were not viewed as irrational but rather as sacred and were managed through rites and rituals carried out by specific groups​.

Pingali Venkayya and Indian National Flag: There’s no evidence linking Pingali Venkayya’s design of the Indian National Flag to Madanapalle. His design was conceptualized during the freedom struggle, but the exact location of its design isn’t associated with Madanapalle.

Pattabhi Sitaramaiah and Quit India Movement: No information is available linking Pattabhi Sitaramaiah to leading the Quit India Movement from Madanapalle.

Rabindranath Tagore and National Anthem Translation: Rabindranath Tagore visited Madanapalle in 1919 and translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English during his visit.

Madame Blavatsky, Colonel Olcott, and Theosophical Society: There’s no evidence to suggest that Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott set up the headquarters of Theosophical Society in Madanapalle. The headquarters were initially established in New York, USA, before moving to Adyar, Chennai, India.

Mitakshara and Dayabhaga as Civil Law for Different Castes:

• Both Mitakshara and Dayabhaga were legal systems that governed property rights and inheritance but were not explicitly designated for different castes​.

Claim to Property during Father’s Lifetime:

• Under the Mitakshara system, sons could claim a right to the property during the father’s lifetime as they acquire a share in the property by birth. On the other hand, in the Dayabhaga system, sons could claim a right to the property only after the father’s death as this system doesn’t recognize the concept of coparcenary and follows the principle of propinquity, meaning the closest heirs inherit the property​.

Treatment of Male and Female Members:

• The Mitakshara system historically favored male descendants over females in matters of inheritance, with females being able to become coparceners only after the enactment of the Hindu Succession Act, 2005. The Dayabhaga system, in contrast, provides relatively better property rights to women as it allows both male and female heirs to inherit property, not limiting inheritance to the male line of descendants​.

Bhavabhuti:

• Bhavabhuti was a renowned Sanskrit playwright and poet who lived during the 8th century. He is known for his plays like ‘Mahaviracharita’, ‘Malatimadhava’, and ‘Uttararamacharita’. Bhavabhuti was believed to be the court poet of King Yashovarman of Kannauj and was known for his vivid characterization and suspenseful dramas which were often compared to the works of the famous playwright Kalidasa​.

Hastimalla:

• Hastimalla was a noted Kannada poet and playwright in the Hoysala Empire. He wrote 8 plays including ‘VikrantKaurava’ and ‘Subhadra Harana’. Additionally, it’s mentioned that Hastimalla was a Jain poet in the court of the Solanki rulers​.

Kshemeshvara:

• The information regarding Kshemeshvara is somewhat unclear and contradictory across different sources. One source mentions Kshemeshvara, along with Bhavabhuti and Hastimalla, as a famous playwright in ancient India. Another source refers to a Kshemeshvara associated with Ayurvedic recipes in the ancient Indian science known as Rasaśāstra (medical alchemy)​. Additionally, there’s reference to a deity named Kshemeshvara in the Skanda Purana, which is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas preserving ancient Indian society and Hindu traditions.

• Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora River: This statement is correct. The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for their ancient Buddhist rock-cut temples and monasteries, are located in a gorge along the Waghora River in Maharashtra, India.
• Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal River: This statement is incorrect. The Sanchi Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Buddhist monuments, is located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. It is not situated in a gorge, nor is it near the Chambal River.
• Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada River: This statement is incorrect. The Pandu-lena Cave Shrines, also known as Pandav Leni Caves, are a group of 24 rock-cut caves located near Nashik, Maharashtra. They are not located in a gorge of the Narmada River, which flows through a different part of central India.
• Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari River: This statement is incorrect. The Amaravati Stupa, an ancient Buddhist stupa located in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, is not situated in a gorge of the Godavari River. It is located near the Krishna River, not the Godavari.

• Dholavira, located in modern day Gujarat, was a Harappan civilization site that flourished around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE.

• It had a sophisticated system of dams, reservoirs, channels for collecting and storing seasonal water runoff.

• A series of reservoirs were interconnected to store and supply water efficiently.

• Dholavira efficiently conserved water in an arid environment usingharvesting systems, reservoirs and irrigation channels.

• Compared to Dholavira, the other towns like Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi and Ropar are not specifically known for water management systems.

1. Guptas of Magadha: The Later Gupta dynasty ruled Magadha in eastern India between the 6th and 8th centuries CE, following the decline of the Imperial Guptas​.
2. Paramaras of Malwa: The Paramara Dynasty ruled Malwa and surrounding areas in west-central India between the 9th and 14th centuries, which is outside the specified period​.
3. Pushyabhutis of Thanesar: The Pushyabhuti Dynasty, also known as the Vardhana or Pushpabhuti Dynasty, rose in the 6th century CE, after the downfall of the Gupta Empire, and continued until 647 CE. Their kingdom was situated mainly in present-day Haryana with the capital at Thanesar​.
4. Maukharis of Kanauj: The Maukharis rose as a power in the 6th century CE in northern India after the downfall of the Gupta Empire, holding power until 606 CE. Their core area was in modern-day Uttar Pradesh with the capital at Kannauj​.
5. Yadavas of Devagiri: The Yadavas of Devagiri emerged much later, around the 12th to 14th centuries, which falls outside the specified period​.
6. Maitrakas of Valabhi: The Maitraka dynasty ruled western India from approximately 475 to 776 CE, which partially aligns with the specified period​.

Burzahom:

• The Burzahom archaeological site is known for its Neolithic and Megalithic phases, with findings from archaeological excavations dating between 3000 BCE and 1000 BCE. It’s recognized for evidence of early human habitation, megalithic structures, and pottery rather than rock-cut shrine.

Chandra-ketugarh:

• Chandra-ketugarh is indeed known for its terracotta art, with many examples showcasing precision and craftsmanship​.

Ganeshwar:

• Ganeshwar is historically significant for its copper artifacts, especially during its second and third cultural phases around 2800 BCE and 2000 BCE, respectively​.

Paramitas refers to Buddhist term that translates into Perfection. The six paramitas — generosity, ethical discipline, patience, heroic effort, concentration, and wisdom—are among the core teachings of Buddhism across all its schools.

• Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga: This statement is incorrect. Panini, the ancient Sanskrit grammarian renowned for his work “Ashtadhyayi,” is believed to have lived around the 4th century BCE, much earlier than the time of Pushyamitra Shunga, who founded the Shunga Empire in the 2nd century BCE.
• Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana: This statement is incorrect. Amarasimha, known for his work “Amarakosha,” a thesaurus of Sanskrit, is traditionally associated with the court of King Vikramaditya of the Gupta dynasty, not with Harshavardhana, who ruled in the 7th century CE.
• Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta – II: This statement is correct. Kalidasa, a classical Sanskrit writer and poet, is widely believed to have been part of the court of Chandra Gupta II (also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya), who ruled the Gupta Empire in the 4th-5th century CE. Kalidasa’s works are often considered the epitome of Sanskrit literature.

Sthaviravadin or Thervadins: Earliest school from which all other schools of Buddhism originated. They follow the original doctrines of Buddha closely. They believe only in the three Pitakas: Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka. It is a sub-school of Hinayana Buddhism. (Hence, Statement 1 is wrong).

Mahasanghikas: It is a school which came into existence after the 2nd Buddhist Council. It is a sub-sect of Hinayana school of Buddhism. It separated from the Staviravadis over the differences in following monastic practices. Famous caves of Ellora, Ajanta and Karla in India, intricately carved and painted with images of Buddha and his teachings are associated with this sect. This sect is considered the origin of Mahayana School. Sub-sects of Mahasanghika school are:

• Lokottarvada: This school wrote Biography of Buddha in Sanskrit.
• Kukkutika: Set down an early chronology of the Buddha’s life.
• Caitika: Paintings of Ajanta and Ellora are associated with this school.

1. Pallava dynasty was established by Mahendravarman – 1 in 571 AD. 
2. Pala dynasty was established by Gopala in 750 AD.
3. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja took place in 836 AD. He adopted the title of Adivaraha. His capital was in Kannauj, which was known as PAnchala during his reign. 
4. Establishement of Chola Power by Parantaka -1 took place in 916 AD. Parantaka Chola I was a Chola emperor who ruled for forty-eight years, annexing Pandya by defeating Rajasimhan II and in the Deccan won the Battle of Vallala against Rashtrakutas which happened before 916 CE.

The series of Damodarpur copper plates also refer to the system of land measurement. The most common units were kulyavapa and dronavapa. One kulyavapa was equivalent to eight dronavapas. The suffix ‘vapa’ (to sow) indicates that these two were basically seed measures.

The king honours all religious sects with gifts and with honours of various kinds. But he does not value gifts or honour as much as the promotion of the essentials of all religious sects. The root of this is guarding one’s speech so that neither praising one’s own sect nor blaming others’ sects should occur on improper occasions; and it should be moderate on every occasion. And others’ sects should be honoured on every occasion. Acting thus, one both promotes one’s own sect and benefits others’ sects. Acting otherwise, one both harms one’s own sect and wrongs others’ sects. For whoever praises their own sect or blames another’s sect out of devotion to their own sect with a view to showing it in a good light, instead severely damages their own sect. Coming together is good, so that people should both hear and appreciate each other’s teaching.” (Major Rock Edict 12) of King Ashoka.

1. Bhilsa is now known as Vidisha, which is indeed in Madhya Pradesh. So, this pair is correctly matched.
2. Dwarasamudra was the capital of the Hoysala Empire, and it is now known as Halebidu, located in Karnataka, not Maharashtra. So, this pair is incorrectly matched.
3. Girinagar, also known as Girnar, is in Gujarat. This is the location of ancient and famous Jain temples. So, this pair is correctly matched.
4. Sthanesvara, also known as Thanesar, is in Haryana, not Uttar Pradesh. So, this pair is incorrectly matched.

• It is a circular temple built during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty: This statement is correct. The Chausath Yogini Temple, located at Mitaoli near Morena in Madhya Pradesh, is indeed a circular temple and was built during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty in the 10th-11th century.
• It is the only circular temple built in India: This statement is incorrect. While the Chausath Yogini Temple is one of the few circular temples in India, it is not the only one. There are other circular or hypaethral (open-air) temples in India, such as the Chausath Yogini Temple in Bhedaghat near Jabalpur.
• It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region: This statement is incorrect. The Chausath Yogini Temple is dedicated to the worship of 64 Yoginis, who are associated with the Tantric sect, and it is not related to the Vaishnava cult. Yogini worship is more closely associated with Shaktism and Tantric practices rather than Vaishnavism.
• Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building: This statement is correct. There is a popular belief, though not historically substantiated, that the circular design of the Chausath Yogini Temple at Mitaoli inspired the design of the Indian Parliament House in New Delhi.

Shramana were wandering monks who were associated with orders other than mainstream Hindu religions. They followed as ascetic lifestyle, renounced family life. Like Ajivikas, Jains and Buddhism.

Parivrajaka were wandering monks associated with Buddhism.

Upasaka were lay followers of Buddhism.

During Gupta Ports-East Coast Ports including Tamralipti, Ghantasala, Kandura handled the North Indian trade with South-East Asia. Those of the west coast including Bharoach, Chaul, Kalyan and Cambay traded with the Mediterranean and West Asia.

• A Hundi was an important financial instrument that developed in medieval India for handling payments and currency exchanges.

• It acted as a form of credit note or bill of exchange that enabled the transfer and remittance of money without having to physically move coins and currency.

• It allowed merchants and traders to make secure financial transactions. It could be cashed from the issuer or endorsed to another person.

• So Hundi functioned as a bill of exchange or promissory note, not as an official advisory, diary or feudal order as given in the other options.

Deification of the Buddha: In Mahayana Buddhism, the Buddha is often considered more than a spiritual teacher or enlightened being; he is regarded with a sense of divinity. This is a departure from early Buddhist teachings that emphasized the human aspect of the Buddha. In Mahayana, the Buddha is often seen as a saviour and worshiped in a divine context.

Treading the path of Bodhisattvas: The concept of the Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism. A Bodhisattva is someone who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but also vows to help all other beings achieve liberation from suffering. This path is not merely an aspiration; it is a practical guide for living and is deeply embedded in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.

Image worship and rituals: Mahayana Buddhism incorporates a more expansive use of images and rituals compared to early Buddhist practices. These rituals serve various functions, such as helping devotees to focus their devotion, earn merit, and express the values of compassion and wisdom. The use of statues and images of the Buddha, as well as various Bodhisattvas, is common in Mahayana Buddhist temples and is an essential part of their religious practices.

During the Gupta period land taxes increased considerably. The land tax called bali varied from 1/4th to 1/6th of the total produce. Two new agricultural taxes that appear in Gupta inscriptions are uparikara and udranga. However, their exact nature is not clear. In addition, the peasants had to meet the demands of the feudatories. They also had to feed the royal army when it passed from the villages. The villagers were also subjected to forced labour (vishti).

• Chalukya: The Chalukya dynasty, which ruled parts of southern and central India between the 6th and 12th centuries, is known for developing a unique architectural style that blended the Nagara (North Indian) and Dravida (South Indian) styles. Their temples often featured intricate carvings and detailed sculptures, but the construction of ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was not a particularly notable feature of Chalukya temple architecture.
• Chandela: The Chandela dynasty, ruling in central India from the 10th to the 13th century, is best known for the group of temples at Khajuraho. The Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are renowned for their stunning architecture and erotic sculptures. However, the construction of ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was not a distinguishing feature of Chandela temple architecture.
• Rashtrakuta: The Rashtrakuta dynasty, a major power in the Indian subcontinent during the 8th to 10th centuries, is known for its contribution to art and architecture, particularly the rock-cut architecture seen at the Ellora Caves. The Kailasa Temple at Ellora, attributed to the Rashtrakutas, is a remarkable example. However, ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ were not characteristic of Rashtrakuta temple architecture.
• Vijayanagara: The Vijayanagara Empire, which flourished in South India from the 14th to the 17th century, is indeed known for incorporating ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ into their temple architecture. These structures were used for ceremonial purposes, such as celebrating the divine marriages of deities. Temples built during this period, such as those in Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagara, often feature these distinctive marriage halls, which showcase the empire’s rich architectural legacy.

Kanaganahalli in Karnataka is the site with an inscription in Brahmi script reading “Ranyo Ashoka” (King Ashoka) and a sculpture of King Ashoka.

• Chanhudaro, Kot Diji and Desalpur are all well-known Harappan civilization sites, located mainly in modern day Pakistan and northwest India.
• However, Sohgaura is not a Harappan site. It is a site of the Painted Grey Ware culture in the Gangetic plains, dated between 1200 BCE – 600 BCE.
• Chanhudaro, Kot Diji and Desalpur are confirmed Harappan sites from that civilization. Sohgaura is from a different cultural complex in the Gangetic plains in the later Iron Age.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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.

• Ajanta: The Ajanta Caves are a complex of Buddhist rock-cut cave temples and monasteries located in Maharashtra, India. They date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. Ajanta is particularly famous for its exquisite mural paintings and sculptures that depict various Jataka tales and scenes from the life of the Buddha. Among these paintings, the depiction of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most celebrated. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its contribution to the development of Buddhist art in India.
• Badami: Badami, formerly known as Vatapi, is located in Karnataka, India. It is famous for its rock-cut cave temples that date back to the 6th century during the Chalukya dynasty. These caves represent some of the earliest known examples of Hindu temples in the Deccan region. The Badami cave temples are dedicated to Hindu deities like Vishnu and Shiva, as well as Jain Tirthankaras. While Badami is significant for its architecture and sculptures, it is not known for the painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani.
• Bagh: The Bagh Caves are a group of rock-cut Buddhist caves situated in the Bagh town of Madhya Pradesh, India. These caves, dating from the 5th to 7th centuries CE, are known for their mural paintings, similar in style to those found in Ajanta. However, the Bagh Caves are not as well-preserved as Ajanta and are not known for the specific painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani.
• Ellora: Ellora is another remarkable rock-cut cave complex located in Maharashtra, India, not far from Ajanta. The site encompasses a series of 34 caves that were excavated between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. Ellora is unique in that it houses Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples and monasteries side by side, reflecting the religious tolerance of the period. The Kailasa Temple, a massive rock-cut Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is particularly notable. Ellora is known for its sculptures rather than its paintings and does not house the painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani.

• Chaliha Sahib Festival – Sindhis: This pairing is correct. The Chaliha Sahib Festival is a Sindhi festival celebrated by the Sindhi community. It is dedicated to Jhulelal, the Ishta Dev (community deity) of Sindhis, and involves fasting and prayers.
• Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra – Gonds: This pairing is incorrect. The Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra is associated with the Garhwali people in Uttarakhand, not the Gonds. It is a religious pilgrimage and festival dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi.
• Wari-Warkari – Santhals: This pairing is incorrect. The Wari or Warkari tradition is linked to the Marathi-speaking Bhakti movement in Maharashtra and involves pilgrimage to the holy town of Pandharpur. The Santhals, an ethnic group predominantly found in eastern India, are not associated with the Wari-Warkari tradition.

Arasavalli: Arasavalli is indeed famous for its Sun temple. The Sun Temple at Arasavalli, located in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, India, is dedicated to the Hindu solar deity Surya.

Amarakantak: Amarakantak is known primarily for its religious significance in Hinduism as the source of the rivers Narmada and Sone. It is famous for its ancient temples, but it is not specifically known for a Sun temple.

Omkareshwar: Omkareshwar, located in Madhya Pradesh, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Omkareshwar is not famous for a Sun temple.

• 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. This is supported by descriptions in the Rigveda of warriors adorned with body armor during battles.

• Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no conclusive evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal. The Rigveda frequently mentions the horse and the chariot, which were central to the Aryan culture. In contrast, horse remains are sparse in the archaeological record of the Indus Valley civilization and are subject to debate among scholars regarding their significance.

• The people of the Indus Valley Civilization are not known to have used iron. Their metallurgical expertise included copper, bronze, lead, and tin, but there is no evidence that they knew of iron, which became common in the Indian subcontinent only after the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Manipuri Sankirtana is a classical dance form from the northeastern Indian state of Manipur.

• It is a song and dance performance: This statement is correct. Manipuri Sankirtana is a performing art that includes singing, drumming, and dancing. It is a significant aspect of the cultural and spiritual life in Manipur.
• Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance: This statement is incorrect. While cymbals are indeed used in Manipuri Sankirtana, they are not the only musical instruments employed. The Pung (a type of drum) is a primary instrument used in these performances, along with cymbals and other instruments.
• It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna: This statement is correct. Manipuri Sankirtana performances often revolve around the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. They are deeply embedded in the Vaishnavism tradition and depict various episodes from Hindu mythology, particularly those related to Krishna.

• Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism: This statement is incorrect. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were not sects of Jainism; they were schools of Buddhism. Sautrantika was an early school of Buddhism that emerged in India, known for its doctrine emphasizing that only mental events are real and everything else is a construct. Sammitiya, another Buddhist school, was one of the early Buddhist schools and is considered one of the Vibhajyavada branches.
• Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form: This statement is correct. The Sarvastivadin was a major school of early Buddhism. They are known for their doctrine that “all exists” (Sarva-asti), asserting that the dharmas (constituents of phenomena) exist in all three times (past, present, future) in some form, whether manifest or latent.

The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism: This statement is incorrect. The concept of the Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism, not Hinayana (also known as Theravada Buddhism). Theravada focuses on the individual’s path to enlightenment primarily through self-effort and regards the historical Buddha as the ultimate teacher. It does not emphasize the Bodhisattva ideal as Mahayana does.

Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment: This statement is correct. In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is indeed seen as an individual on the path to Buddhahood who embodies compassion, seeking enlightenment both for themselves and for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it: This statement is also correct. In Mahayana Buddhist doctrine, the Bodhisattva makes a vow to postpone full Buddhahood until all beings are saved from suffering and samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth. The Bodhisattva’s path is thus characterized by a selfless dedication to helping others achieve enlightenment.

• The Ajanta Caves were primarily created in two phases: the first phase around the 2nd century BCE and the second phase from about 400 to 650 CE. Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, dates back to the 7th and 8th centuries under the Pallava dynasty. Thus, they were not built in the same period.
• The Ajanta Caves are predominantly Buddhist in nature, featuring Buddhist monasteries and worship halls with various sculptures and paintings of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. Mahabalipuram, on the other hand, is primarily associated with Hinduism, with temples and sculptures depicting Hindu deities and mythologies.
• The Ajanta Caves are famous for their rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments that contain paintings and sculptures. Similarly, Mahabalipuram is known for its rock-cut and monolithic temples and sculptures, including the famous Shore Temple and the Pancha Rathas.

• Maagadhas were traditionally known as bards or panegyrists in ancient India. They specialized in reciting and memorizing historical records, royal lineages, and epic stories. Their role was significant in preserving and transmitting historical and cultural narratives through oral traditions, especially in the royal courts and among the people.
• Shramana refers to an individual who practices asceticism and is part of non-Vedic religious movements, such as Jainism and Buddhism.
• Parivraajaka denotes a wandering monk or ascetic in Indian religions.
• Agrahaarika is not a well-known term in the context of Indian cultural history and does not specifically relate to the profession of memorizing chronicles or histories.

1. Bodhgaya: It is a religious site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is famous for being the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have obtained Enlightenment. Bodhgaya is not in Baghelkhand, which is a region in central India, primarily located in Madhya Pradesh and a small part of Uttar Pradesh.
2. Khajuraho: Khajuraho is known for its ancient temples and is located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is indeed a part of the Bundelkhand region.
3. Shirdi: Shirdi is famous for being the home of the spiritual leader Sai Baba. It is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is not in Vidarbha, but rather in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.
4. Nasik (Nashik): Nashik is an ancient holy city in Maharashtra, known for its links to the “Ramayana” epic. It is not in the Malwa region, which is primarily in the western part of Madhya Pradesh. Nashik is in the Khandesh and Northern Maharashtra region.
5. Tirupati: Tirupati is a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, known for the sacred Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. It is indeed located in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.

The love story of the son of the founder of the Sunga Dynasty is found in the book “Malavikagnimitra” written by Kalidasa. This play is centered around the love story of King Agnimitra, who was the son of Pushyamitra Sunga, the founder of the Sunga Dynasty, and the beautiful handmaiden Malavika.

Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar-According to historical accounts, the Lingaraj Temple was built in the 11th century by Jajati Keshari, who was a Somvanshi king. However, there is a belief that the Swayambhu Shivalinga in the temple was worshipped even in the 7th century.

Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli-Rock cut elephant found at Dhaulagiri (Dhauli), which has been dated by historians to the third century BCE (272-231 B.C), one of the oldest known.

Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram-It is built during the 7th century under the patronage of Pallava Kings.

Varaha Image at Udayagiri-A sculpted panel at the Gupta-period (4th-6th century CE) caves of Udayagiri, Madhya Pradesh, India. The caves are rock-cut Hindu shrines and this panel shows Vishnu as the boar-headed incarnation Varaha.

Avanti: This was an ancient Indian kingdom located in the western part of the present-day Madhya Pradesh state. It was not directly related to the life of Buddha as it rose to prominence a bit later than the period of the Buddha’s life.

Gandhara: This was an ancient kingdom located in what is now the northern part of Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. Gandhara became a significant center of Buddhism centuries later, especially under the Kushan Empire, but it was not directly associated with the historical events of the Buddha’s life.

Kosala: This was indeed one of the major kingdoms during the life of the Buddha and is often mentioned in Buddhist texts. The Buddha had many interactions with the people and the royalty of Kosala. Notably, the capital of Kosala, Savatthi (Sravasti), was where the Buddha spent many rainy seasons teaching and where he performed many of his teachings and miracles.

Magadha: This was the kingdom in which the Buddha gained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. Magadha was one of the four main monarchies that existed during the time of the Buddha and became a great empire under rulers such as Bimbisara and Ajatasatru, who were contemporaries of the Buddha. The Magadhan city of Rajgir (Rajagaha) was another place where the Buddha spent several rainy seasons teaching.

The month-long ecologically important campaign/festival where certain communities or tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees is specifically associated with the Gond and Korku tribes. These tribes are known for their deep connection with nature and their traditional practices that emphasize environmental conservation. The Gond tribe is one of the largest tribal groups in India, primarily residing in the central regions of the country, while the Korku tribe mainly inhabits parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The Bhutia and Lepcha are communities primarily found in the Sikkim and Darjeeling regions. The Irula and Toda are tribal communities from the Nilgiri hills in southern India. The Sahariya and Agariya are tribal groups found in central India.

In the context of the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to a style of temple construction. This style typically involves the main shrine being surrounded by four subsidiary shrines at the four corners, forming a quincunx pattern. The term “Panchayatan” literally means a group of five, and in this architectural style, the central shrine is considered the principal one, with the other four shrines at its periphery.

The six systems of Indian Philosophy, also known as the Shad-Darshanas, are:

1. Nyaya
2. Vaisheshika
3. Sankhya
4. Yoga
5. Mimamsa (or Purva Mimamsa)
6. Vedanta (or Uttara Mimamsa)

These systems represent the major orthodox schools of Indian philosophy. They are called orthodox (astika) because they all accept the authority of the Vedas.

• Mimamsa and Vedanta are both part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy.
• Lokayata (also known as Charvaka) and Kapalika are not part of the six orthodox systems. Lokayata/Charvaka is a materialistic and atheistic school of thought in Indian philosophy, and it does not accept the authority of the Vedas. Kapalika is a sect of Shaivism and is not one of the six systems of philosophy.
• Nyaya and Vaisheshika are both among the six systems.
• Sankhya and Yoga are also part of the six systems.

The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ (Sanskrit for “Truth Alone Triumphs”), inscribed below the Emblem of India, is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad. This phrase is a part of a mantra from the Mundaka Upanishad, a collection of philosophical texts in the Hindu Vedas.

Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era generally corresponds to March 22 of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days. In leap years, it corresponds to March 21. The Saka Era is used in the Indian national calendar, which is an official civil calendar alongside the Gregorian calendar.

• ‘Bijak’ is actually a compilation of the teachings of Kabir, not Saint Dadu Dayal. Kabir was a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint, whose writings influenced Hinduism’s Bhakti movement.
• The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was not propounded by Madhvacharya; it was founded by Vallabhacharya. Madhvacharya was the proponent of the Dvaita (dualism) school of Vedanta. Vallabhacharya, on the other hand, established the Pushti Marg, a Vaishnavite sect in India, and he was a contemporary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Tabo Monastery and Temple Complex – Spiti Valley: The Tabo Monastery is indeed located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, which matches the given pair correctly.

Lhotsava Lhakhang Temple, Nako – Zanskar Valley: This is not correct. While the Lhotsava Lhakhang is associated with the village of Nako, this village is located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, not in the Zanskar Valley of Jammu and Kashmir.

Alchi Temple Complex – Ladakh: The Alchi Temple Complex is correctly matched with Ladakh. It is situated in the Alchi village of the Leh District in the Ladakh region and is part of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, on the Leh-Kargil Highway.

Chaitya: This is a term used for halls that enclose stupas or the halls where pilgrims pray, essentially a place of worship. A Chaitya is where worship and assembly take place, and it often includes a stupa within the structure at one end.

Vihara: In contrast, a Vihara refers to the constructions built as dwelling places for Buddhist monks. It acts as a monastery and serves as accommodation for the monks, especially during the rainy season when travel was traditionally limited. Viharas are usually carved out of rocks as cave structures and provide living quarters.

Extinction of the Flame of Desire: The term Nirvana is often likened to the extinguishing of a flame, particularly the flame of desire. This metaphor is used to describe the state of being free from the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion — the three poisons that in Buddhist teachings lead to suffering.

Complete Annihilation of Self: This interpretation is incorrect as Buddhism does not subscribe to the concept of a permanent self to begin with, which is to be annihilated. Nirvana is not about obliterating oneself, as the literal translation might suggest, but rather about overcoming the illusion of a permanent self and the suffering it causes.

A State of Bliss and Rest: While Nirvana is associated with peace and contentment, it is not merely a passive state of bliss or rest. It is the cessation of suffering and the end of the cycle of rebirth, which goes beyond just a temporary state of happiness.

A Mental Stage Beyond All Comprehension: Nirvana is indeed profound and often described as being beyond ordinary human comprehension. However, it is not so much incomprehensible as it is subtle and profound, representing the ultimate awakening or enlightenment.

They possessed great palaces and temples: This statement is not supported by the archaeological evidence. The people of the Indus Valley Civilization are known for their urban planning, including well-laid-out streets and impressive city structures like the Great Bath, but there is no definitive evidence of large palaces or temples. Their religious structures and practices remain largely a matter of conjecture due to the absence of clear temples or palatial complexes.

They worshipped both male and female deities: This statement seems likely to be correct. Various figurines and seals have been discovered that suggest the worship of female deities, often linked to fertility. Male deities are less evident but some seals suggest their worship as well.

They employed horse-drawn chariots: This statement is incorrect based on the evidence available to date. There is no conclusive evidence that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization used horse-drawn chariots. While some depictions on seals may suggest the presence of horses, these are not definitive, and the widespread use of chariots is more closely associated with later cultures, particularly after the arrival of the Indo-Aryans in the region.

Jainism assigns life to even non-living things.

Since the presence of karmic matter in the soul is the cause of the cycle of births and deaths and of all conditions of life, the soul must be freed from the karmic matter. For this the influx or inflow of karmic matter into the soul must be stopped by cultivating pure thoughts and actions, and the stock of existing karmic matter must be consumed by the practice of religious austerities.

• Yuan Chwang does mention some instances of robbery on roads and rivers in his writings. For example, he mentions how traders taking bamboo down the Ganges river would sometimes be attacked by pirates.
• He also mentions instances of robbers on land routes in more isolated areas.
• Therefore, immunity from robbery was not absolute or complete during this time. Statement 1 is incorrect.
• Yuan Chwang provides extensive documentation on the practice of trial by ordeals in courts during his travels.
• Different methods like dipping hands in boiling oil/water, drinking poison, and fire ordeals were prevalent.
• People believed gods would protect the innocent from harm during these trials.
• So statement 2 accurately reflects the judicial practices of that time as per Yuan Chwang.
• Yuan Chwang provides many accounts of taxes and duties levied on tradesmen and merchants.
• There were taxes to cross ferries and barriers along trade routes.
• Local chieftains would also collect taxes from merchants passing through their domains.
• Therefore, statement 3 is validated by Yuan Chwang’s detailed documentation on the taxes levied at that time.