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 Table of Content

Page No.
1. Ancient History 1-19
Stone Age & Indus Valley Civilization…………………………...………………………………………………………………
Vedic Age & Rise of Mahajanapada…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Buddhism & Jainism………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Mauryan & Post Mauryan Empire………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Gupta & Post Guptas Age………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Sangam Age………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

2. Medieval History 20-37

Delhi Sultanate……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Mughal Empire and Later Mughals……………………………………………………………………………………………...
Southern Dynasty…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Maratha, Regional Kingdoms & Religious Movements……………………………………………………………………….
Rise of East India Company & British Administration………………………………………………………………………...
India under East India Company’s Rule………………………………………………………………………………………...

3. Modern History 38-65

Socio - Religious Reform Movements…………………………………………………………………………………………...
The Great Revolt of 1857………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Indian National Congress & Congress Sessions……………………………………………………………………………….
National Movement (1885 - 1919) ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
National Movement (1919 - 1939) ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Freedom to Partition (1939-1947) ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Governor General & Viceroys…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Other Dimensions…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Post-Independence Events……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. World Geography 66-78

Solar System………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Geomorphology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Climatology & Biogeography…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Oceanography……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Important Locations Around the World………………………………………………………………………………………..

5. Indian Geography 79-107

Physiographic Division & Locations of India…………………………………………………………………………………...
Indian Rivers & Water Resources………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Indian Climate……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Soil Distribution…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Major Crops Grown in India………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Mineral & Energy Resources……………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Transport & Communication……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Demography & Census Data……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

6. Polity 108-151
Basics of Constitution……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Fundamental Rights……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Fundamental Duties……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Important Articles………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Important Parts & Schedules……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
 Important Acts……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Important Amendments…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Central Government……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
State Government………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Judiciary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Local Government……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Constitutional & Non Constitutional Bodies……………………………………………………………………………………

7. Economy 152-172
National Income Accounting……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Money and Banking………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Agriculture…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Industrial Sector…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Five Year Plan………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Initiatives by Government………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

8. Art and Culture 173-199

Architecture…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Paintings, Language & Literature………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Music…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Dances……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Fairs & Festivals…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

9. Static GK 200-241
Awards & Honours………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Books & Authors……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Important Institutions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Committees & Recommendations………………………………………………………………………………………………
Science & Technology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Days & Events………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Government Policies & Schemes………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Famous People……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Famous Places……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Sports………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

10. Ecology and Environment 242-250

Ecology & Functions of Ecosystem………………………………………………………………………………………………
Ecology and Environment Pollution & Problems……………………………………………………………………………...
National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary & Biosphere Reserve……………………………………………………………………..

11. Computer 251-264

Basics of Computers……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Memory……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....
Microsoft Office…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Keyboard Shortcuts………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Abbreviations……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Computer Fundamentals and Terminologies………………………………………………………………………………….
CHAPTER꞉ 1

ANCIENT HISTORY
11. Most of the standard Harappan seals were made of
_______, a kind of soft stone that was square in shape with
STONE AGE & INDUS VALLEY a 2 × 2 dimension and was used for commercial purposes.
CIVILIZATION [RRB NTPC 2022]
A) Steatite B) Golden rutile
C) Selenite D) Rhodonite
1. The most significant feature of Indus Valley civilization was
12. Which of the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization is
A. Barter system
located in Punjab (India)? [RRB NTPC 2022]
B. Local transport system
A) Banawali B) Balu
C. Buildings made of brick
C) Kot Diji D) Ropar
D. Administrative system
[RRB NTPC 2016] 13. In which year was the Indus Valley Civilization discovered?
A) A B) B A) 1921 B) 1933
C) C D) D C) 1917 D) 1941
2. Dholavira, an archaeological site, is associated with which 14. Which site of Harappa shows the earliest evidence of
period? earthquake?
A. Gupta period A) Harappa B) Dholavira
B. Magadha period C) Mohenjodaro D) Kalibangan
C. Indus Valley Civilization 15. Mehrgarh, the earliest Neolithic site in Pakistan, is located
D. Chalukya period in the valley of which river ?
[RRB NTPC 2016] A) Sindhu B) Ravi
A) B B) A
C) Sarasvati D) Bolan
C) D D) C
16. In which of the sites the overlap between Late Harappan
3. The Indus Valley Civilization belonged to the ________. and Ochre Coloured Pottery phase can be traced?
[RRB NTPC 2017] A) Ahichchhatra and B) Atranjikhera and Noh
A) Bronze Age B) Stone Age Jhinjhana
C) Gold Age D) None of the above C) Saipai and Atrajikhera D) Bargaon and Ambakheri
4. The Harappan Civilization flourished around 2500 BC in 17. Which one of the following agency undertook the
what we call today ________. [RRB NTPC 2017] excavation work of Kalibangan?
A) Pakistan and Afghanistan B) Western India and Pakistan A) Melbourne University of B) The Rajasthan Department
C) Afghanistan and Western D) India and China Australia of Archaeology and Museums,
India Jaipur
5. In which of the following locations was 'Nataraja', a stone C) The Archaeological Survey D) Deccan College, Pune
of India, New Delhi
male dancing figure discovered? [RRB NTPC 2021]
A) Rangpur B) Lothal 18. The excavation work of Ahar was accomplished under
C) Mohenjo-daro D) Harappa whose leadership?
A) H.D. Sankalia B) B.B. Lal
6. Which of the following sites is NOT a part of the Indus
C) V.N. Misra D) V.S. Wakankar
Valley Civilization? [RRB NTPC 2021]
A) Harappa B) Uruk 19. Which of the following part of Harappan cities was known
C) Mohenjo Daro D) Lothal as citadel?
A) North B) East
7. Which one of the following animals was frequently seen on
C) West D) South
the seals of the Harrapan Civilisation? [RRB NTPC 2021]
A) Fox B) Bull 20. The Ancient city of Harappa was built on the bank of
C) Lion D) Deer which river?
A) Ravi B) Satluj
8. The first site discovered at the Indus Valley Civilisation is꞉
C) Kosi D) Meera
A) Lothal B) Mohenjo-Daro
C) Kalibangan D) Harappa 21. Which of the following Indus Valley civilization sites is not
in India?
9. Which city from the Harappan Civilization was almost
A) Kalibangan B) Rakigarhi
exclusively devoted to crafting production including bead
C) Lothal D) Mohenjo-Daro
making, shell cutting, metalworking, seal making and weight
make? [RRB NTPC 2021] 22. The Harappans procured Lapis Lazuli, a blue stone from ꞉
A) Harappa B) Nageshwar A) Nageshwar B) Shortughai
C) Mohenjo Daro D) Chanhudaro C) Balakot D) Lothal
10. During the Indus Valley Period, from where were the shells 23. Canal remains have been uncovered at which Harappan
procured for craft production? [RRB NTPC 2022] site?
A) Shortughai B) Ropar A) Kalibangan B) Shortughai
C) Jaipur D) Nageshwar C) Chanhudaro D) Dholavira

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24. Which of the following people discovered Mohenjo-Daro? A) Atharva Veda B) Rig Veda
A) John marshall B) James prinsep C) Yajur Veda D) Som Veda
C) Archibold Carlleyle D) R. D. Banerjee 37. Out of the _______ Upanishads, _______ Upanishads are
25. The Harappan city of Dholavira was named the ______ considered to be the main - [RRB Group D 2018]
Indian site on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. A) 108, 11 B) 116, 22
A) 38th B) 39th C) 100, 12 D) 99, 10
th
C) 37 D) 40th 38. Which is the most accepted date of the composition of
the Rig veda?
26. Mesolithic period is marked by which of the following
A) 1000 BC B) 1500 BC
changes?
A) Development of grasslands B) Development of semi-arid C) 1500 BC to 1000 BC D) About 4500 BC
zones 39. What was the root cause of the religious movements in
C) Massive deforestation D) Colder temperature on the India during the 6th century B.C.?
planet A) Sacrifice of cattle on a B) Expansion of new
27. What is the most significant feature of the Indus Valley large scale due to Vedic agriculture economy in
Civilization? practices. eastern India.
A) Burnt brick buildings B) First true arches C) Social conflict between the D) Urban revolution and
C) Buildings of worship D) Art and architecture Brahmans and Kshatriyas. increasing internal and
external trade.
40. Mahishmati city was situated in which Mahajanapada?
VEDIC AGE & RISE OF A) Vatsa B) Matsya
C) Awanti D) Asmaka
MAHAJANAPADA
41. Which of the following Mahajanapadas was situated on
the banks of river Godavari?
28. What does "Satyameva Jayate" mean? A) Kombojas B) Vatsa
A. "Truth alone triumphs" C) Awanti D) Asmaka
B. "True Faith is Rare"
C. "Truth is Drivine" 42. Which Mahajanapada was a confederation of 8
D. "Truth is a Treasure" republican clans?
[RRB NTPC 2016] A) Vajji B) Vatsa
A) C B) B C) Magadha D) Malla
C) A D) D 43. By what name was the river Chenab known during the
29. Which of the following Vedas contains treatment for Vedic period?
diseases? A) Purushni B) Shutudri
A) Yujurved B) Rigved C) Vitasta D) Askini
C) Samaved D) Atharvaved 44. What is the correct sequence of Mahajanapadas from
30. What does the term 'Yajur' in 'Yajur Veda' mean? west to east?
[RRB NTPC 2017] A) Avanti, Vatsa, Chedi, Anga, B) Chedi, Vatsa, Avanti,
Magadha Magadha, Anga
A) Life B) Nature
C) Avanti, Chedi, Vatsa, D) Vatsa, Avanti, Anga, Chedi,
C) Sacrifice D) Truth
Magadha, Anga Magadha
31. Dhanurveda is the upveda of the Yajurveda. It deals with꞉
45. Which of the following statements is not correct regarding
[RRB NTPC 2021]
A) art of warfare B) architecture the Smriti Literature?
A) Manusmriti was compiled B) The paternal estate was to
C) medicine D) art and music
between c. 200 BCE and 200 be divided equally amongst
32. The Rig Veda consists of 1028 hymns, organised into ten CE. sons after the death of the
books known as ________. [RRB NTPC 2022] parents, with a special share
A) Mandalas B) Padapa̅tha for the eldest.
C) Anuda̅tta D) Su̅ktas C) Manusmriti warned women D) Issues of ownership have
against hoarding family not been talked about in
33. Which of the following Vedas is also called "Book of property, or even their own ancient texts like
Songs", "Veda of Mantras" or "Yoga of Songs"? valuables, without the Dharmasutras, and
[RRB Group D 2022] husband’s permission. Dharmashastras.
A) Yajurveda B) Rigveda 46. 'Mridhara-Vacha' mentioned in Rig-Veda refers to
C) Atharvaveda D) Samveda A) One who performs B) One who does not perform
34. Which of the following Veda mentions about music? sacrifices sacrifices
A) Atharvana Veda B) Rigveda C) One who worships nature D) One who worships stone
C) Yajurveda D) Samaveda 47. Tax which kings used to collect from the people in vedic
35. Which of the following Veda mentions about magical period was called ________.
rituals and charms? A) Kara B) Varman
A) Samaveda B) Yajurveda C) Bali D) Vidatha
C) Atharva Veda D) Rigveda 48. Which of the following rivers is named only once in
36. Which of these is NOT a Veda? [RRB Group D 2018] Rigveda?

2
A) Ganga B) Indus A) Leh B) Kullu
C) Saraswati D) Jhelum C) Almora D) Gangtok
49. Which ancient Mahajanapada had its capital at Taxila? 63. At which of the following places did the Buddhist event
A) Anga B) Kasi known as 'Dhammachakkapavattan' take place?
C) Magadha D) Gandhar A) Lumbini B) Kushinagar
C) Bodh Gaya D) Sarnath
50. Which of the following statements is incorrect?
A) The oldest Veda is the B) 'Matr' is a sanskrit term. 64. What is considered the most important fundamental
Rigveda, composed about principle of Jainism?
3500 years ago. A) Karma B) Non-violence
C) The Rigveda was read D) Some of the hymns in the C) Dispassion D) More than one of the
rather than recited and Rigveda are in the form of above
heard. dialogues.
65. The ultimate goal of education in Jainism is
51. In Vedic literature, the deity Indra, often referred to as A) Charity B) Pity and renunciation
Purandara. What does the term "Purandara" means? C) Liberation D) Non-violence
A) The Creator of Universe B) The Bringer of Rain
C) The Controller of Time D) The Destroyer of Forts 66. What does the 'Harmika' represent in the Buddhist Stupa?
A) Abode of the gods B) Open walkway
52. Which of the following female scholar was mentioned in
C) Separation of the sacred D) Tathagata's Relics
Upanishad? from the secular world
A) Kumara devi B) Gautami Balashri
67. What is 'Pradakshina-path' in the structure of Stupa?
C) Gargi D) None of the above
A) Circular path B) Balcony structure
53. With reference to the Sixteen Mahajanapadas, which C) Richly carved entrance D) Semicircular mound
among the following was NOT a capital city? [RRB NTPC 2022]
A) Ujjain B) Avanti 68. Who is the author of a unique Buddhist text, a section of
C) Sravasti D) Kausambi the Sutta Pitaka and a collection of verses that throws light on
the social and spiritual experiences of women?
54. Udayin shifted the capital of Magadha from A) Brahman B) Bhikkhunis
___________ to Patliputra. [RRB NTPC 2021] C) Varundata D) Devta
A) Sarnath B) Rajagrih
69. The Buddha belonged to a small gana known as
C) Kaushambi D) Taxila
_________.
55. Who was the Physician of Magadh ruler Bimbisara? A) Sakya gana B) Avanti Gana
A) Vijayasena B) Jeevaka C) Kuru gana D) Panchal gana
C) Manu D) Shilabhadra
70. Which of the following terms is the most appropriate to
describe the Buddha?
A) Theist B) Atheist
BUDDHISM & JAINISM C) Agnostic D) Materialist
71. Upasakadasah is a text belongs to ꞉
56. What is the meaning of "Mahayana" in Sanskrit?
A) Shaivism B) Vaishnavism
A) Small Vehicle B) Great Vehicle
C) Jainism D) Buddhism
C) Fast Path D) Great Sacrifice
72. Who among the following were referred to as the 'Theris’ in
57. According to Buddhist traditions, who was Charioteer of
ancient India?
Buddha?
A) Respected women B) Elder nuns in Buddhism
A) Channa B) Kanthaka
C) Women denied the D) Women expelled from the
C) Devdatta D) Chunda Hide Bhikkhuni status Buddhist Sangha
58. At which of the following Buddhist sites women were 73. Which of the following place is world famous for painting
ordained into the Sangha for the first time? of the life of the Tathagata Lord Gautam Buddha ?
A) Sarnath B) Vaishali A) Verul Caves B) Ajanta Caves
C) Shravasti D) Rajgir C) Elephanta Caves D) Aurangabad Caves
59. Mahavira's teachings were compiled in ______, 74. Who among the following Jain Tirthankar attained
called Angas. They were written in Prakrit language. nirvana at Mandar hill?
A) 13 sections B) 14 sections A) Vasupujya B) Mahavira
C) 15 sections D) 12 sections C) Parshvanatha D) Rishabhanatha
60. Mahavir Swami became known as "Jina", what does "Jina" 75. Who among the Mauryan ruler pioneered the propagation
mean? of Buddhism?
A) The Conqueror B) The great soul A) Samparti B) Devavarman
C) The God D) Non-violent C) Ashoka D) Bindusara
61. Who among the following was contemporary of Gautam 76. At the age of ________, Mahavira left home and went to
Buddha? live in a forest in search of enlightenment.
A) Nagarjuna B) Kanishka A) thirty-two B) thirty
C) Kautilya D) Mahavir C) twenty-eight D) twenty-nine
62. Where is Central Institute of Buddhist Studies situated? 77. Where was Mahavir Swami born?

3
A) Kundgram B) Kapilvastu 93. Out of the three Pitakas, the Abhidhamma Pitaka deals
C) Nalanda D) Pataliputra with ______ . [RRB NTPC 2022]
A) Stories on Sarnath Pillar B) Philosophical matters
78. What was the childhood name of Mahatma Buddha?
C) Rules for those who joined D) Buddha's teachings
A) Vinay B) Rahul
the sangha
C) Siddhartha D) Gautam
94. The foundation of Buddhism are the ____ noble truths and
79. According to which religion, nirvana or salvation depends
the _____ fold path. [RRB Group D 2018]
on꞉ 1. Right Belief, 2. Right Knowledge and 3. Right Action? A) six, four B) eight, six
A) Shaivism B) Buddhism
C) two, eight D) four, eight
C) Jainism D) Hinduism
95. What does "Triratna" mean in Buddhism?
80. Xuan Zang and other pilgrims spent time studying in
A) Tripitaka B) Buddha, Dhamma
Nalanda, the most famous Buddhist monastery, located in (dharma), Sangha
which of the following Indian state?
C) Satya, Ahimsa, Karuna D) Sheel, Samadhi, Sangha
A) Odisha B) Bengal
C) Bihar D) Sikkim 96. Under which tree did Queen Mayadevi give birth to
Gautam Buddha? [RRB Group D 2018]
81. 'Alara Kalama' was the first guru of? A) Ashoka tree B) Peepal tree
A) Gautam Buddha B) Mahavira
C) Mango tree D) Sal tree
C) Rishabhanatha D) Parshvanatha
97. The rise of Jainism and Buddhism saw religious unrest in
82. "Ranakpur" temple is basically- India in the __________ century BC. [RRB Group D 2018]
A) Buddhist B) Jain A) 5th B) 4th
C) Shiv D) Vishnu C) 6th D) 7th
83. According to the Hindu Calendar, Buddha Purnima falls on 98. Which one of the following is not among the Four Noble
the full moon day of __________. [RRB Group D 2022] Truths of Lord Buddha? [RRB Group D 2018]
A) Chaitra B) Ashadha A) The world is the home of B) Desire is the cause of
C) Vaishakha D) Magha sorrows suffering
84. Kangyur and Tengyur are꞉ C) If desires are not relieved, D) This can be done by
A) Buddhist literature B) Jain Agamas then misery can be avoided following the eight fold path
C) Puranic historical works D) Collection of oral history of 99. The ‘Tripitaka’ is a holy book of which religion from
ancient China following ___________. [RRB Group D 2022]
85. Which of the following was not a centre of Jainism during A) Buddhism B) Zoroastrianism
the early medieval period? C) Jainism D) Sikhism
A) Ellora B) Nagapattanam 100. One of the foundations of Buddhism is the eight-fold
C) Dilwara D) Shravanabelagola path or Ashtangika Marga. Which among the following is
86. Which of the following kings convened the fourth Buddhist not an Ashtangika Marga?
A) Right Speech B) Right Control
Council in Kashmir? [RRB NTPC 2021]
A) Chandragupta Maurya B) Bimbisara C) Right Effort D) Right Thoughts
C) Kanishka D) Ajatashatru 101. The first and last Tirthankaras; Rishabhanatha
87. Name the Buddhist text that comprises rules for monks. and Mahavira had the symbol of _________ and __________
respectively.
[RRB NTPC 2021]
A) bull and elephant B) lion and serpent
A) Tipitaka B) Vinaya Pitaka
C) moon and fish D) bull and lion
C) Sutta Pitaka D) Abhidhamma Pitaka
102. Towards the close of Chandragupta Maurya’s rule, a
88. Jataka tales are related to _____ [RRB NTPC 2020]
terrible famine broke out in South Bihar. _______ and his
A) Buddhism B) Sikhism
disciples migrated to Sravanabelgola in Karnataka.
C) Hinduism D) Jainism
A) Jambu B) Sthulabhadra
89. Lord Mahavira's original name is _________. C) Bhadrabahu D) Indrabhuti
[RRB NTPC 2020]
103. Which of the following is not a Buddhist literary text?
A) Ananda B) Siddhartha
A) Milinda panha B) Abhidharmamoksha
C) Sariputta D) Vardhamana
C) Uvasaggaharam Stotra D) Mahavamsa
90. Buddha delivered his first sermon which is called
104. Which of the following statements regarding Jainism
_______, at Sarnath to his five disciples. [RRB NTPC 2022]
A) Niranjana B) Mahabhinishkramana is/are correct?
C) Maha parinirvana D) Dharmachakra Pravartana 1. The word 'Jaina' is derived from the term 'Jina', meaning
conqueror.
91. In Vaishali, the second Buddhist council was organized by 2. Vardhamana Mahavira was the first Tirthankara of the
________. [RRB NTPC 2022] Jains.
A) shaven B) Anurudh A) 1 only B) 2 only
C) sunidha D) kalashoka C) Both 1 and 2 D) Neither 1 nor 2
92. Soniji ki Nasiya Temple in Ajmer built in the 19th century is 105. With which one of the following is the classic 'Jivaka
dedicated to ________. [RRB NTPC 2022] Chintamani' associated?
A) Lord Ajitnath B) Lord Rishabhdev
C) Lord Mahavir D) Lord Chandraprabh

4
A) Jainism B) Hinduism A) Dashratha B) Vitashoka
C) Buddhism D) Sikhism C) Chandragupta Maurya D) Bindusara
106. The Buddhist text Visuddhimagga was written by꞉ 120. Which Mauryan emperor had his inscriptions engraved
A) Nagasena B) Buddhaghosha on rocks and pillars during his reign from c. 272/268-231 BCE?
C) Nagarjuna D) Asvaghosha [RRB NTPC 2022]
A) Ashoka B) Bindusara
107. Which personality is mentioned in the Buddhist text
C) Chandragupta Maurya D) Brihadratha
'Milinda Panha'?
A) Nagasena B) Kalidas 121. With reference to the distribution of Asokan inscriptions,
C) Chanakya D) Hemachandra which among the following sites is in the modern state of
Gujarat? [RRB NTPC 2022]
108. In whose reign was the Second Buddhist Council held?
A) Girnar B) Kalsi
A) Ajatshatru B) Ashoka
C) Shishupalgarh D) Sannati
C) Kalashok D) Kanishka
122. During the Mauryan reign which of the following
109. Which of the following Jain Tirthankar attained
provinces was considered as the Gold mine hub in Karnataka?
nirvana at Mandar hill? [RRB NTPC 2022]
A) 9th Tirthankar B) 12th Tirthankar A) Tosali B) Ujjayini
C) 13th Tirthankar D) 15th Tirthankar C) Taxila D) Suvarnagiri
110. What is not true in relation to Vardhamana Mahavir? 123. Which of the following was the capital of Magadh for
A) He is considered to be 24th B) His mother was sister of several years before it was shifted to Pataliputra?
and last Tirthankara Licchavi's king Chetaka
[RRB NTPC 2022]
C) He did not marry in his D) He left his body in 527 BCE A) Patna B) Gaya
lifetime. at Pavapuri near Patna
C) Nalanda D) Rajgriha
111. Priyadarshana who was the daughter of Mahavira was
124. Megasthenes was an ambassador who was sent to the
married to whom?
court of Chandragupta Maurya by the ______ ruler named
A) Bimbisara B) Indrabhuti Gautama
Seleucus Nicator. [RRB NTPC 2022]
C) Jamali D) Mauryaputra A) Greek B) Arab
112. At which of the following caves of ancient Magadha, the C) Chinese D) Persian
first Buddhist Council was held?
125. King Ashoka was the son of _____ who belonged to the
A) Son Bhandar Cave B) Saptaparni Cave
Maurya dynasty. [RRB Group D 2018]
C) Lomas Rishi Cave D) Sudama Cave A) Bimbisara B) Chandragupta Maurya
113. Ubbiri was a C) Chandragupta II D) Bindusara
A) a Jaina nun B) a Buddhist nun
126. Literary sources from the Mauryan period include Indica
C) a Vaishnav saint D) a Saiva saint and ________. [RRB Group D 2018]
114. The first Jain assembly was organized at - A) Rock Inscriptions B) Arthshastra
A) Patliputra B) Vaishali C) Coins D) Pillar inscription
C) Rajgrih D) Vallavi 127. Emperor Ashoka propagated the ideals of Buddhism. He
sent missionaries to distant places so that people could
inspire their lives by the teachings of Lord Buddha. His son
MAURYAN & POST MAURYAN _______ and daughter ________ were also included in these
missionaries. [RRB Group D 2018]
EMPIRE A) Manoj and Sanjana B) Mahesh and Sangeeta
C) Mahendra and D) Mandeep and Suhasana
115. The earliest deciphered epigraphy of Ashoka's inscription Sanghamitra
in India was written in which script? [RRB NTPC 2021]
128. Which of the following was a provincial capital under the
A) Kharoshthi B) Devnagri
rule of Ashoka?
C) Harappan D) Brahmi
I. Taxila
116. Sanchi Stupa is situated near the city of _________. II. Ujjain
[RRB NTPC 2021] A) Neither I nor II B) Only II
A) Bhopal B) Gwalior C) Both I and II D) Only I
C) Jhansi D) Agra
129. Arrange the following events in chronological order꞉
117. The National Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion I. Kalinga War
Capital built by which emperor? [RRB NTPC 2017] II. Accession of Bindusar
A) Ashoka B) Akbar III. Shunga Dynasty
C) Chandragupta D) Ajatasatru A) I, II, III B) II, I, III
118. Most Ashokan inscriptions were in the _______ language C) III, I, II D) II, III, I
while those in the northwest of the subcontinent were in 130. Which literary source describes how Chandragupta
Aramaic and Greek. [RRB NTPC 2022] Maurya get Chanakya's assistance to overthrow the Nandas?
A) Pali B) Sanskrit A) Mudra Rakshasa B) Indica
C) Prakrit D) Tamil C) Arthasastra D) Divyavadana
119. Who was the grandfather of King Ashoka? 131. Pushyamitra, who was the commander of Brihadratha, the
[RRB NTPC 2022] last Mauryan emperor, killed the king and established a new

5
dynasty. Which of the following was his dynasty? 145. After the decline of the Kushan empire who took control
A) Shunga B) Kanva over Patliputra?
C) Satavahana D) Chedi A) Kanvas B) Shungas
132. The hereditary soldiers of the Mauryan period were C) Hunas D) Scythians
known as꞉ 146. Who among the following was a Shaka ruler in India (AD
A) Bhrutakas B) Maula 130 - 150)?
C) Atavivala D) Vardhaki A) Bindusara B) Panduka
133. In Which of the following states Erragudi inscription is C) Rudradaman D) Chashtana
located? 147. Who was responsible for killing the last Mauryan King?
A) Andhra Pradesh B) Tamil Nadu A) Vasudev Kanva B) Simuka
C) Odisha D) Kerala C) Kanishka D) Pushyamitra Sunga
134. Who among the following was a ruler of Shunga 148. Consider the following pairs꞉
dynasty?
Rulers Related Facts
A) Porus B) Pushyamitra
C) Bindusara D) Ashoka He vanquished Kalinga after the passing of
1. Satakarni I
Kharavela.
135. Who among the following rulers adopted the title
2. Hala He arranged the Gatha Saptashati.
"Devaputra" or 'Son of God'?
A) Chola Rulers B) Maurya Rulers 3. Gautamiputra He is viewed as the best lord of the
C) Gupta Rulers D) Kushana Rulers Satakarni Satavahana tradition.

136. In the Mauryan period the Samaharta stands for Which of the above pair is/are correctly matched?
A) Commander in Chief B) The Chief Custodian of A) 1 only B) 1 and 2 only
Storehouses C) 1, 2, and 3 D) More than one of the
C) Officer Incharge of D) Officer of Forest above.
Assessment and Collection 149. With reference to the conquerors of post–Maurayan
137. Where Chandra Gupta Maurya spent his last days? period i.e Greeks, Sakas, Parthians and the Kushans, which
A) Kashi B) Pataliputra among the following options is NOT correct?
C) Ujjain D) Shravanabelagola A) They lost their identity in B) They came to be known as
India and got completely second class kshatriyas
138. With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one Indianized
of the following is the correct chronological order? C) They accepted D) More than one of the
A) Sakas-Kushans - Greeks B) Greeks-Sakas-Kushans Vaishnavism as their religion above.
C) Sakas-Greeks - Kushans D) Greeks-Kushans - Sakas and discarded Shaivism

139. Which Kushan ruler extended his empire upto Bihar? 150. Who among the following kings constructed the Stupa at
A) Vima Kadphises B) Kanishka Sanchi?
C) Sadashkana D) Kujula Kadphises A) Ashoka B) Bindusara
C) Kanishka D) Kumaragupta
140. The earliest epigraphic reference to Chandragupta
Maurya is to be found in the꞉ 151. Which one of the following activities was not a part of the
A) Barabar Hill Cave B) Nagarjuni Hill Cave daily time-table for a King as prescribed in Arthashastra?
Inscription of Asoka Inscription of Dasaratha. A) Receive reports on defense B) Visit the town incognito
C) Junagarh Rock Edict of D) Junagarh Rock Inscription C) Receive revenue in cash D) Consult his Council of
Asoka. of Rudradaman Ministers
141. The colour of the pennants of the Mauryan chariots was 152. ln which of the following Ashoka edict mentions that ‘All
A) white B) blue men are my children.’
C) red D) green A) Rummindei B) Schism
C) Delhi-Topra D) Dhauli and Jaugada
142. In which Major Rock Edict did Asoka counsel for public
generosity to Brahmins and Sramanas? 153. In Mauryan administration, the word ‘tirtha’ means꞉
A) V B) IX A) Council B) Administrative Department
C) III D) IV C) Religious place D) Tax collected at a place of
pilgrimage
143. Read the following statements about Post-Mauryan
Brahmins and identify the one which is not correct꞉ 154. Which literary source describes how Chandragupta
A) The king relied on Brahmins B) The highest praise for a Maurya get Chanakya's assistance to overthrow the Nandas?
for his daily work monarch was to say that he A) Mudra Rakshasa B) Indica
did nothing which hurt the C) Arthasastra D) Divyavadana
Brahmins.
155. In which text, it is mentioned that Pushyamitra,
C) The Brahmins were well D) The Brahmins strictly
versed in the Vedas and practised vegetarianism and commander-in-chief of the Maurya army, killed the Mauryan
performed their rituals daily. never took intoxicants. king Brihadratha?
A) Malavikagnimitra B) Nagnanda
144. Which of the following is not a Sanskrit work?
C) Harshacharita D) Kadambari
A) Lalitavistara B) Divyavadana
C) Milinda Panho D) Mahavastu 156. With reference to the ancient dynasty of India Vasudeva,
Bhumimitra, Narayana, and Susharman were the king of
which dynasty?

6
A) Sunga Dynasty B) Kushan Dynasty 169. Which one of the following was the most important
C) Satavahana dynasty D) Kanva Dynasty consequence of the ancient Indian feudal system?
A) Stability in the caste system B) Development of handicrafts
157. The most famous ‘shatak’ of Mathura during post-
C) Extension of the arable D) Development of trade and
Mauryan period was a type of ________
land commerce
A) Metal B) Dance
C) Wine D) Cloth 170. Mahabalipuram Monuments were built in ________
dynasty architecture.
158. Under which dynasty, earliest inscriptional information on
A) Chandella B) Pallava
land grants is provided?
C) Pali D) Gupta
A) The Mauryas B) The Satavahanas
C) The Sakas D) The Guptas 171. Who among the following is known as the father of plastic
surgery in ancient Indian history?
159. Which Mauryan ruler was called ‘Amitrochates’ by the
A) Sushruta B) Kalhan
Greeks?
C) Bimbisara D) Kautilya
A) Samudragupta B) Chandragupta I
C) Bindusara D) Kanishka 172. Ravikirti composed prashasti of which of following
Chalukya rulers?
A) Mangalesha I B) Pulakeshin II
GUPTA & POST GUPTAS AGE C) Kirtivaraman II D) Vikramaditya IV
173. Samudragupta's mother belonged to which of the
160. The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli in Delhi is believed to record following gana?
the achievements of A) Koliya B) Lichchhavi
A) Ashoka B) Chandragupta Maurya C) Sakya D) Vajji
C) Samudragupta D) Chandragupta II 174. Who amongst the following is the daughter of one of the
161. Harshvardhana declared war against which ruler of the most important rulers in early Indian history, Chandragupta II?
Gauda kingdom? A) Satyavati Gupta B) Prabhavati Gupta
A) Pulakeshin I B) Pulakeshin II C) Amravati Gupta D) Kushana Gupta
C) Narsimhadeva D) Shashanka 175. Who of the following is one of the nine gems of
162. Five types of gold coins were issued by Skandagupta. Chandragupta II? [RRB NTPC 2021]
Which among the following is not one of those type? A) Vishakhadatta B) Brahmagupta
A) Archer type B) Horseman type C) Moggallana D) Varahamihira
C) King and Queen type D) Bull type 176. Who is known as the 'Napoleon of India'?[RRB NTPC 2021]
163. What was the land donated to Brahmins in the Gupta A) Skandagupta B) Samudragupta
period called? C) Kumaragupta D) Chandragupta
A) Vellanvagai B) Shalabhoga 177. Vikramaditya is another name of which famous Gupta
C) Devadana D) Agrahara ruler? [RRB NTPC 2021]
164. Vikramaditya VI, whose court poet Bilhan wrote his A) Chandragupta I B) Ramagupta
biography, was the ruler of the ________ dynasty. C) Kumaragupta II D) Chandragupta II
A) Chalukya B) Pallava 178. Name the daughter of one of the most important rulers in
C) Rashtrakuta D) Ganga early Indian history, Chandragupta II. [RRB NTPC 2021]
165. Fa-Hien’s mission to India was to ____________. A) Parvatigupta B) Rudrama Devi
A) learn about the B) understand the social C) Prabhavatigupta D) Lopamudra
administrative system of the position of women during the
179. Ravikirti's Aihole inscription speaks in detail the victory of
Gupta kings Gupta period
Pulakesin II over꞉ [RRB NTPC 2022]
C) visit the Buddhist D) More than one of the
A) Samudragupta B) Harsha
institutions and to collect above.
copies of Buddhist C) Kharavela D) Kirtivarman I
manuscripts 180. Who among the following visited India during the reign of
166. Which Chinese pilgrim came to India during the reign of Harshavardhana? [RRB NTPC 2022]
Harshavardhana? A) Fa Hien B) Xuan Zang (Hsuan Tsang)
A) Fa Xian B) I- Qing C) Marco Polo D) Ibn Battuta (Abu Abdullah
C) Nishka D) Hiuen Tsang Muhannad ibn Battutah)

167. Which of the following dynasties of South India issued 181. Prayag Prashasti (also known as Allahabad Pillar
their documents first in Prakrit and later in Sanskrit ? Inscription) provides us information about the achievements
A) The Cholas of Tamil Nadu B) The Pandyas of the post- of ________. [RRB NTPC 2022]
Sangam Age A) Samudragupta B) Chandragupta-I
C) The Pallavas of D) The Gangas of C) Ashoka D) Srigupta
Tondaimandalam Kalinganagara 182. Aihole Inscription is associated with which of the
168. Architectural developments In India manifested following rulers? [RRB Group D 2018]
themselves In their full glory during the period of the A) Vikramaditya B) Pulakesin II
A) Guptas B) Nandas C) Akbar D) Ashoka
C) Mauryas D) Cholas 183. Chandra Gupta II extended the Gupta Kingdom to
Gujarat in _______ AD [RRB Group D 2018]

7
A) 390 B) 309 A) Narmada B) Krishna
C) 903 D) 930 C) Godavari D) Ganga
184. With reference to history of India, the terms ‘Rajuka’ used 196. What was King Harshavardhana's capital city?
for which of the following? A) Patliputra B) Kannauj
A) Merchant guilds B) Land measurement C) Varanasi D) Mathura
C) Political associations D) Revenue officials
197. Harshavardhana hosted two major religious gatherings in
185. The Gupta gold and silver issues were initially based on A) Kannauj and Prayag B) Prayag and Thaneshwar
the coins of the C) Thaneshwar and Vallabhi D) Vallabhi and Prayag
A) Romans and the Saka- B) Kushanas and Yaudheyas
Kshatrapas 198. The term Prathama-Kulika in the Gupta period stands for ꞉
C) Kushanas and Saka- D) Romans and Kushanas A) Chief Judicial Officer B) Chief Banker
Kshatrapas C) Chief Merchant D) Chief Craftsman
186. Assertion (A) Harshavardhana, according to the Chinese
199. Who among the following Shilahara Kings was defeated
traveller Hiuen Tsang not only followed Buddhism, but also
by the Solanki King Kumarapala?
had marked antipathy to the Brahmanical religion.
A) Mallikarjuna B) Arikesarin
Reason (R) Some seals which refer to his elder brother as a
C) Aparajita D) Chhittaraja
Buddhist describe Harsha as a devoted Saiva.
A) Both A and R are true, and B) Both A and R are true, but 200. Which dynasty did Harshavardhana belong to?
R is the correct explanation of R is not the correct [RRB NTPC 2022]
A explanation of A A) Gupta dynasty B) Chalukya dynasty
C) A is true, but R is false D) A is false, but R is true C) Maurya dynasty D) Pushyabhuti dynasty
187. The temple of Deogarh near Jhansi and the sculptures in
the temple at Garhwas near Allahabad remain important
specimen of the_____. SANGAM AGE
A) Gupta art B) Rashtrakutas art
C) Pallavas art D) Mauryan art
201. Which of the following rulers was not related to Sangam
188. Which Persian king did Chalukyan king Pulakeshin II send State Chera?
his embassy to? A) Nedeon B) UdayinJarral
A) Khusrau II B) Xerxes C) Nedunjaral D) Nedum
C) Cyrus D) Darius I
202. Silappadikaram' is a Tamil epic that was written by
189. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched? ______.
A) Kubernaga – married to B) Dhruvadevi – Ramgupta’s A) Avvaiyar B) Thiruvalluar
Chandragupta I widow whom Chandragupta II C) Sattanar D) Ilango Adigal
married
C) Prabhavati – married to D) Kumardevi – married to 203. Which dynasty was NOT in power during the Sangam
Chandragupta II Rudrasena II, the Vakataka Age?
ruler A) Pandayas B) Cheras
C) Cholas D) Pallavas
190. Which, among the following dynasties, had not
participated in the tripartite struggle which took place in 204. Which of the following does NOT belong to the Five epics
ancient India? of Sangam ?
A) Palas B) Pratiharas A) Silapathigaram B) Manimeghalai
C) Rashtrakutas D) Chalukyas C) Sivakachintamani D) Thirumurugatrupadai
191. Who composed the Allahabad Prashasti of 205. Tolkappiyam in Sangam age is the greatest work of
Samudragupta? ______ literature.
A) Ravikirti B) Umapati Dhara A) Tamil B) Telugu
C) Vatsabhaṭṭiḥ D) Harishen C) Sanskrit D) Kannada
192. Which one of the following texts is a treatise on 206. The term amaichar best described as which among the
astronomical system? following during the Sangam Period?
A) Ganitsarsangrah B) Panchsidhantika A) Ministers B) Military commanders
C) Namlinganusashna D) Asthanghriday C) Envoys D) Spies
193. Nalanda University was established by ______ in the 5th 207. Who was the last ruler of the Chola dynasty?
century. [RRB NTPC 2016]
A) Skandagupta B) Chandragupta II A) Rajaraja Chola 3 B) Rajendra Chola 3
C) Kumaragupta D) Samudragupta C) Vijayalaya Chola D) Koluthunga Chola 3
194. Who among the following was the founder of the 208. What was ‘Sangam’ in ancient India?
Vakataka Dynasty? A) Sangha or Mandal of Tamil B) Tamil King’s court poets
A) Pravarasena I B) Vindhyashakti poets.
C) Pravarasena II D) Prabhavatigupta C) Tamil settlement D) Mesolithic graves
195. On the banks of which river was the war between 209. In which of the following cities was the Sangam
Harshavardhana and Pulakeshin II fought? assemblies held?

8
A) Nagapattinam B) Thiruvarur 210. How many Sangams (assembly of Tamil poets) were held
C) Thiruvallur D) Madurai in south India?
A) Four B) Three
C) Five D) Two

ANSWER KEY
Q. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Ans C D A B D B B D D D A D A D
Q. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Ans D D C A C A D B B D D A A C
Q. 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
Ans D C A A D D C D A C A C D A
Q. 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56
Ans D C D B C A D C D C B B B B
Q. 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
Ans A B D A D A D B C A A B A C
Q. 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84
Ans C A B A C B A C C C A B C A
Q. 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Ans B C B A D D D B B D B D C C
Q. 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112
Ans A B D C C A A B A C B C C B
Q. 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126
Ans B A D A A C C A A D D A D B
Q. 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140
Ans C C B A A B A B D C D B A D
Q. 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154
Ans A C D C D C D C C A B D B A
Q. 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168
Ans C D D B C D D D D A C D C A
Q. 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182
Ans C B A B B B D B D C B B A B
Q. 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196
Ans A D D D A A B D D B C B A B
Q. 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210
Ans A D A D A D D D A A B A D B

SOLUTIONS
3. The Indus Valley Civilisation was a Bronze Age civilization
STONE AGE & INDUS VALLEY that existed in the northwestern part of South Asia from
2500–1700 BCE. The civilization is known for its development
CIVILIZATION
of techniques in metallurgy and the use of bronze, copper,
lead and tin for utensils, sculptures, vessels, and jewellery.
1. The most significant feature of Indus Valley civilization
was the buildings made of the bricks. Indus Valley Civilization 4. The history of India begins with the birth of the Indus Valley
is also known as Harappan Civilization, which flourished Civilization, known more specifically as the Harappan
around 2500 BC in Pakistan and Western India. Civilization. It flourished around 2,500 BC, in the western part
2. Dholavira, an archaeological site, is associated with of South Asia, that is Pakistan and Western India.
the Indus Valley Civilization period. Dholavira is
an archaeological site at Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of
Kutch District, in the state of Gujarat in western India, which
has taken its name from a modern-day village 1 kilometer
south of it.

9
5.

Site Excavator Region Findings 11. Steatite was the material used to make most of the
standard Harappan seals. These seals were square in shape
Rows of 6 with a 2 × 2 dimension and were primarily used for commercial
granaries. purposes. Steatite is a soft stone that was easy to carve and
Stone was readily available in the region.
lingam &
12. Ropar in Punjab is the site of the earliest Indus Valley
yoni
excavations in independent India and a well-developed
figures.
civilization. Recent excavations have further established its
Wheat &
Montogomery significance. Banawali in Haryana is another Indus Valley site
Barley in
Dayaram on the bank of the Saraswati River. However, the correct
district of Pakistan, the
Harrapan Sahani answer to the question is Ropar.
Left bank of river wooden
(1921) 13. Firstly, in 1921, Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni, under the
Ravi. altar.
Dancing direction of Sir John Marshall, Director General of the
Nataraja. Archaeological Survey of India, explored Harappa located on
Copper the banks of the Ravi river in the Montgomery district of
scale, Punjab (present-day Pakistan). Three names are used for this
mirror, civilization - Indus Civilization, Indus Valley Civilization and
vanity box,
Harappan Civilization.
dice.
14. The Kalibanga site of Harappa has shown evidence of an
Pashupati earthquake around 2600 BC, which brought an end to the
seals. Early Indus settlement at the site. This is perhaps the earliest
Bronze archaeologically recorded earthquake.
sculpture
15. Mehrgarh is located in the valley of the Bolan river in the
of a
dancing Kacchi plains, about 150 km from Quetta in Baluchistan. It is a
girl. pre-pottery Neolithic culture and the inhabitants used
Steatite polished stone axes, querns, microliths, and bone tools. Bones
RD Larkana district in of gazelle, swamp deer, and antelopes indicate that they
image of a
Mohenjodaro Banerjee Sindh on the right hunted wild animals too.
breaded
(1922) bank of Indus. 16. The overlap between Late Harappan and Ochre Coloured
man.
Terracotta Pottery phase can be traced at Bargaon and Ambakheri sites
figurine of in western Uttar Pradesh. The evidence suggests an eastward
Mother and southward migration of the Harappans. The Ochre
Goddess. Coloured Pottery culture is a Bronze Age culture of the Indo-
Three Gangetic Plain, generally dated "2000–1500 BCE," extending
cylindrical from eastern Punjab to northeastern Rajasthan and western
seals. Uttar Pradesh, showing similarities with both the Late
Harappan culture and the Vedic culture.
6. The main sites of the Indus Valley Civilization are
17. The Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi undertook
Rakhigarhi (first site with genetic testing), Sanauli, Farmana,
the excavation work of Kalibangan. Kalibangan is a town
Kalibangan, Lothal, Dholavira, Mehrgarh, Harappa,
located on the left or southern banks of the Ghaggar in
Chanhudaro and Mohenjodaro.
Hanumangarh District, Rajasthan. The name " Kalibanga "
Uruk, also known as Warka or Warkah, was an ancient city of means " Black colored Bangles ". The leg bone of the elephant
Sumer (and later of Babylonia) situated east of the present was found in Kali Bangan.
bed of the Euphrates River on the dried-up ancient channel of
18. The excavation work of Ahar was accomplished under the
the Euphrates 30 km east of modern Samawah, Al-Muthannā,
leadership of H.D. Sankalia. Ahar civilization was located in
Iraq.
Udaipur, Rajasthan. This civilization was situated near the
7. The bull was frequently seen on the seals of the Harrapan Banas River. It was also known as 'Tamravati'.
Civilisation. Harappan seals and materials were found 19. The part of Harappan cities that was known as the citadel
in Sumerian, Mesopotamian Oman, Bahrain, and Iran. was the West Side. It was typically located on a raised area
8. Harappa is the earliest city discovered in India was and was surrounded by high walls. The citadel was home to
Harappa. It was excavated in 1921 in the Punjab province of the most important buildings in the city, including temples,
British India. After the excavation of Harappa as the first site, palaces, and administrative buildings.
the Indus Valley Civilisation is also known as Harappan
20. Harappa, one of the major cities of the ancient Indus
Civilisation hereafter.
Valley Civilization, was built on the bank of the Ravi River. The
9. Compared to Mohenjodaro, Chanhudaro was a small
ruins of Harappa are located in present-day Pakistan, near
settlement. This section was dedicated solely to the the city of Sahiwal in Punjab province.
manufacturing of handicrafts. Bead-making, shell-cutting,
21. Mohenjo Daro is an archaeological site in the Sindh
metal-working, seal-making, and weight-making are some of
the principal craft productions. province of Pakistan. The meaning of Mohenjo is Daro The
mound of the dead. After a year of discovery of the Harappa,
10. Indus Valley settlements procured shells from Nageshwar
the archaeological site of Mohenjo-Daro was recognized in
and Balakot, lapis lazuli from Shortughai, carnelian from
1922. Mohenjo-Daro was developed around 3,000 BCE from
Bharuch, and steatite from Rajasthan and Gujarat. Copper
the prehistoric Indus culture and it was among the largest
was obtained from Oman. Local materials like soil and wood
were also used. cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

10
22. Harappans procured Lapis Lazuli, a blue stone 32. The Rig Veda is the oldest religious text in the world with
from Shortughai. The Harappans used a variety of 1028 hymns divided into ten books. It contains the Gayatri
materials for craft production. While some such as clay were Mantra and Purushasukta hymn which talks about the caste
locally available, many such as stone, timber and metal had to system. The Vedas are the first religious text of Hinduism with
be procured from outside the alluvial plain. four Vedas. 9th Mandala is a compilation of soma hymns. The
23. Canal traces have been discovered in Shortughai. 10th Mandala of Rigveda contains the Purushasukta about
Shortughai is located in Afghanistan. It is thought to be the origin of the caste system
the Indus Valley Civilization's northernmost 33. Samveda. It is one of the four main Vedas of Hinduism and
settlement. Carnelian and lapis lazuli beads, bronze objects, is known as the "Book of Songs" or "Veda of Chants". It is a
and terracotta figurines were found in Shortughai. collection of tunes and chants set to the words of Rigveda.
The Gandharvaveda, which deals with art forms like music
24. R. D. Banerjee is the discoverer of Mohenjo-Daro
and dance, is related to Samaveda.
meaning “Mound of the dead”. The site was discovered in
1922. Mohenjo-Daro is an ancient city located in the province 34. Samaveda mentions about music. It is also called the book
of Sindh, Pakistan. It was one of the largest settlements of the of melodies. It is a part of four Vedas namely Rig Veda, Sama
Indus Valley Civilization. Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharvana Veda. It’s Upaveda is Gandharva
25. The 40th Indian point to be inscribed on the UNESCO Veda.
World Heritage List is located in Gujarat. After the addition of 35. The Atharva Veda is one of the four Vedas which mentions
the two spots, the number of World Heritage about magical rituals and charms.The Atharva Veda is
spots in India stands to be 40. While Dholavira came to the sometimes called the "Veda of magical formulas”, an epithet
fourth point from Gujarat and 40th from India to make the list, declared to be incorrect by other scholars.
it's the first point of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation( 36. Som Veda is not a Veda. Vedas are written in Sanskrit and
IVC) in India to get the label.
oldest text about Hindu culture. They are also known as
26. Mesolithic period is marked by the development of Sruti. Vedvyasa is known to be compiled Vedas.
grasslands. This in turn led to an increase in the number of
37. Out of the 108 Upanishads, 11 Upanishads are considered
deer, antelope, goat, sheep and cattle, i.e. animals that
survived on grass. Those who hunted these animals now to be the main. The word Upanishad means to sit down near
followed them, learning about their food habits and their someone and denotes a student sitting near his guru to learn.
breeding seasons. 38. The oldest existing veda focuses on worldly prosperity and
27. Burnt brick buildings are the most significant feature of the natural beauty. It was believed to be composed between 1500
Indus Valley Civilization. John Marshall was the first scholar to BC to 1000 BC. It comprises 1028 hymns which were
use the term ‘Indus Valley Civilisation’. The Indus Valley dedicated to several deities, in particular, to their chief deity,
Civilisation belongs to the Protohistoric Period (Chalcolithic Indra. These hymns were composed by sages (rishis).
Age/Bronze Age). Dayaram Sahni first discovered Harappa 39. Sacrifice of cattle on a large scale due to Vedic
Civilisation in 1921. practices was the root cause of the religious movements in
India during the 6th century B.C. The simplicity, social
equality, unity and morality of the Early Vedic times got lost in
VEDIC AGE & RISE OF blind rites in form of animal sacrifices, numerous ceremonies
MAHAJANAPADA and meaningless practices during the Later Vedic period.
40. Avanti, in the Malwa region of central India, was divided
into a northern and a southern part by the Vindhyas. The two
28. "Satyameva Jayate" means "Truth alone triumphs". It is a
important capitals of this kingdom
part of a mantra from Mundaka Upanishad which is
were Mahishmati (identified with modern Maheshwar)
an ancient Hindu scripture. This phrase was adopted as the
and Ujjayini (near modern Ujjain). Pradyota was a famous king
national motto of India on 26 January 1950 following the
of Avanti.
independence of India.
41. Angutara Nikaya, a Buddhist scripture talks of 16
29. Atharva Veda is an Encyclopedia for medicine. It was
Mahajanapadas. Most of them flourished in the northern or
a collection of spells, prayers, charms, and hymns. There
central part of the Indian subcontinent. Among them, Asmaka
are prayers for various purposes like to protect crops from
or Assaka was the only Mahajanapada in Dakshinapatha to
lightning, against poisonous snakes, healing spells, love spells,
be found south of the Vindhya Range. It was situated on
versus, etc. The purpose of charms and spells is to ward off
the banks of the Godavari in present-
evils and disease. It contains the procedure for everyday life.
day Telangana and Maharashtra.
30.
42. Vajji Mahajanapada was a confederation of 8 republican
The Yajur Veda is an ancient collection of Sanskrit mantras
clans. The principality of the Vajji (Vrijji) was in eastern India,
and verses, used in Hindu worship and rituals.
north of the Ganga, extending up to the Nepal hills. Historians
The name was taken from the Sanskrit roots, yajur,
consider the Vajji a confederacy of eight clans. This is based
meaning "worship" or "sacrifice" and Veda, meaning
on a reference in Buddhaghosha’s Sumangala Vilasini.
"knowledge".
Yajur Veda is sometimes translated as "Knowledge of the 43. The Chenab River, also known as Chandrabhaga, is a
Sacrifice". tributary of the Indus River. It was called Askini during the
Vedic period. It flows through Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and
31. Dhanurveda is related to Archery (Weapon). The
Kashmir, and Punjab, Pakistan, and its waters are shared by
word Dhanurveda comes from "Dhanus" meaning bow and
India and Pakistan according to the Indus Waters Treaty.
"Veda" meaning knowledge means the science of
44. Avanti, Chedi, Vatsa, Magadha, and Anga were powerful
archery. Dhanurveda is an ancient treatise on the science of
kingdoms in the 6th century B.C. Avanti was located in the
archery and the art of warfare.

11
Ujjain district, Chedi in the eastern parts of modern 55. Jeevak was the name of the famous doctor in the court
Bundellchand, Vatsa in Kausambi, Magadha around Patna of King Bimbisara who was the personal physician of Lord
and Gaya, and Anga in Bhagalpur and Monghyr. Sisupala was Buddha. He lived in Rajgraha, present-day Rajgir in the 5th
a famous enemy of Krishna and ruled Chedi. Magadha was century BCE. Jeevak was also sometimes described as the
protected by the rivers Son and Ganga and had Girivraja or
"Medicine King".
Rajagriha as its capital. Anga was located to the east of
Magadha and west of the Rajamahal hills.
45. Ownership issues have been discussed in ancient texts like BUDDHISM & JAINISM
Dharmasutras, Dharmashastras, and Manusmriti. The
Manusmriti states that the paternal estate should be divided
56. The meaning of "Mahayana" in Sanskrit is Great
equally among sons after the death of parents, with a special
share for the eldest. Women were allowed to keep gifts Vehicle. Mahayana is a term for a broad group of Buddhist
received during marriage as Stridhana, which could be traditions, texts, philosophies, and practices developed in
inherited by their children without the husband's claim. ancient India. It is considered one of Buddhism's three main
existing branches, the others being Theravada and Vajrayana.
46. In the Rigvedic period, the main way of worshiping gods
was through sacrifices, but there is also mention of 'Mridhara- 57. In Buddhist tradition, Channa was the charioteer and
Vacha', meaning 'the one who does not sacrifice'. This refers companion of Prince Siddhartha Gautama before he became
to someone who does not perform sacrifices, unlike the the Buddha. When Siddhartha decided to renounce his
majority of people during that time. Therefore, the correct princely life, Channa accompanied him out of the palace on a
answer is option 2. horse named Kanthaka.
47. Bali was the tax that was collected during the Vedic 58. The correct answer is Vaishali. The first woman to be
period. This tax was usually collected in the form of a portion ordained into the Sangha was Mahaprajapati Gautami, who
of the agricultural produce or as a tribute from conquered was the aunt of Gautama Buddha. It was the first
territories. The collected revenue was then used to support the Buddhist sites where women were ordained into the Sangha
king's administration and his court. for the first time.
48. Rigveda is one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, 59. Mahavira's teachings were compiled in 12 sections known
composed in the ancient Sanskrit language. It contains hymns as angas. The teachings are comprehensive instructions on
and prayers dedicated to various deities and natural elements every aspect of life, including moral, ethical, and philosophical
like rivers, mountains, and forests. Among the rivers mentioned dimensions. The Prakrit language was used to pen down these
in Rigveda, Ganga is the only one that is named just once, in teachings as it was the common language in India during
the 10th book, hymn 75, verse 5. Mahavira's time, which made the teachings more accessible
49. to the common people.
60. The term "Jain" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Jina"
Mahajanapadas Capital
which means conqueror of senses. Vardhamana Mahavira was
Kosala Shravasti the last and 24th Tirthankara of the Jains.

Kuru Indraprastha/Hastinapur 61. Mahavira was a contemporary of Gautam Buddha.Both

Mahavira and Gautam Buddha preached their teachings at
Vajji Vaishali the same time, hence are considered to be contemporaries of
Gandhara Taxila each other Siddhartha Gautama was born in 563 BC in
Lumbini, Shakya Republic (present-day Nepal) (according to
50. The oldest Veda is the Rigveda, composed the Buddhist tradition).Mahavira was born in a royal Kshatriya
about 3500 years ago. The Rigveda includes more than a family to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala.Mahavira was
thousand hymns, called sukta or “well-said”. These hymns are born in 540 BC.
in praise of various gods and goddesses. The Rigveda
62. The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, formerly known
was recited and heard rather than read.
as the School of Buddhist Philosophy, located in the city of
51. The term "Purandara" is derived from Sanskrit, where Leh in Ladakh, is a deemed university under the Ministry of
"Pura" means 'city' or 'fort' and "dara" means 'tearer' or Culture.
'destroyer'. Therefore, "Purandara" translates to "Destroyer of
63. Buddha gave his first preaching at Sarnath, and this act is
Forts".
called Dhammachakkapavattan. Buddha left home at the age
52. Most Upanishadic thinkers were men, especially brahmins of 29 to become a preacher.
and rajas. Occasionally, there is mention of women thinkers,
64. Non-violence (Ahimsa) is the most fundamental among
such as Gargi, who was famous for her learning, and
the five principles of Jainism. "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" was
participated in debates held in royal courts.
told by Lord Mahavira. The Other principles of Jainism
53. Avanti was an ancient Indian Mahajanapada (great are꞉ Truthfulness (Satya), Non-stealing (Asatya), Celibacy
region), which at present belonged to the Malwa (brahmacharya), Non-Possessiveness (Aparigraha).
region.According to the Buddhist text, Anguttara Nikaya,
65. The ultimate goal of education in
Avanti was one of the Solasa Mahajanapadas (sixteen great
Jainism is 'liberation' as their teachings laid primary emphasis
regions) of the 6th century BCE.
on꞉ attainment of salvation or moksha from the chain of birth
54. The city of Pataliputra was founded by Udayin at the and death, teaching that salvation or moksha is attainable to
confluence of two rivers, the Son and the Ganges. Because of anyone willing to learn it.
Patliputra's pivotal location in the empire, he moved his
66. ‘Harmika’, a balcony-like structure that represented the
capital from Rajgriha to Patliputra. It was named Rajagaha in
abode of God was part of Buddhist architecture. The
the Pali language.

12
Harmika is inspired by a square railing or fence that penance, he attained the highest spiritual knowledge called
surrounded the mound of dirt, marking it as a sacred burial Kevala Gnana.
site. 77. Mahavira was born into King Siddhartha and Queen
67. Pradakshina-path is the circular path around the stupa. Trishala. Mahavira was born in 540 BCE. Mahavira belongs to
This was surrounded with railings. Entrance of the path was the Ikshvaku dynasty. Kundagrama near Vaishali is considered
through gateways. Devotees walked around the stupa in a to be the birthplace of Mahavira.
clockwise direction, as a mark of devotion.
78. According to historical events, the Buddha was born into a
68. The correct answer is Bhikkhunis. Therigatha is classified
noble family in Lumbini in 563 BCE, whereas Buddhist
as part of the Khuddaka Nikaya, the collection of short books
tradition dates his birth to 624 BCE. In his early years, he was
in the Sutta Pitaka. Therigatha is the "earliest extant text
known by the name Siddhartha.
depicting women's spiritual experiences." in Theravada
Buddhism. 79. According to Jainism, nirvana or salvation depends upon
right belief, right knowledge and right action. Jainism is an
69. The Buddha belonged to the Sakya gana, which was a
ancient Indian religion which teaches the way to liberation
small republic located in the foothills of the Himalayas in
and a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through
present-day Nepal. The Sakya gana was ruled by a council of
disciplined nonviolence to all living creatures.
elders known as the Gana Parishad and was known for its
adherence to Vedic traditions and rituals. 80. The University at Nalanda was established in the fifth
century and shut down in the thirteenth. In the ancient Indian
70. The Buddha's belief system is best described as agnostic.
kingdom of Magadha, which is now called Bihar, Nalanda
He did not deny the existence of gods or a creator, but he also
University served as the epicentre of learning. King of the
did not claim to know for sure whether they existed. He
Gupta Dynasty, Kumargupta I, founded the University of
emphasized personal experience and rejected dogma and
Nalanda.
blind faith. The Buddhist concept of emptiness reflects this
agnosticism, as it views everything as constantly changing 81. Alara Kalama was the first teacher of Gautam
and interdependent with no permanent self or substance. The Buddha. Alara Kalama wanted Siddhartha (Buddha) to
Buddha's teachings encourage testing teachings for oneself to succeed him as head of his teaching lineage. He politely
see if they lead to greater wisdom and compassion, rather declined and continued on his quest to Awakening. His next
than blindly following tradition or authority. teacher was Udraka Ramputra.
71. Upasakadasah is a text that belongs to Jainism. According 82. Ranakpur is famous for its Jain temple dedicated
to Jaina tradition, Mahavira was preceded by 23 other to Tirthankara Adinatha. Ranakpur is a village located in
teachers or Tirthankaras – literally, those who guide men and Desuri tehsil near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan.
women across the river of existence. The most important idea
83. Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon day of Vaishakha
in Jainism is that the entire world is animated꞉ even stones,
according to the Hindu Calendar. Vaishakha is the second
rocks and water have life. month of the Hindu calendar and falls in April-May in the
72. In ancient India, the term "Theris" refers to respected Gregorian calendar.
women in Buddhism. Initially, only men were allowed into the 84. Kangyur and Tengyur are Buddhist literature. The meaning
sangha, but later women also came to be admitted. of “Kangyur” is “the translated words (of the Buddha)”. It is the
According to Buddhist texts, this was made possible through entire collection of texts regarded as buddhavacana or
the mediation of Ananda, one of the Buddha’s dearest “Buddha-word”, translated into Tibetan.
disciples, who persuaded him to allow women into the 85. Nagapattanam was not a centre of Jainism during the
sangha. early medieval period. Nagapattinam is a town in Tamil Nadu
73. Tathagata is a Pali word; Gautama Buddha uses it when that was important during the Medieval Cholas period as a
referring to himself or other Buddhas in the Pāli Canon.The port for commerce and naval expeditions.
Buddha is quoted on numerous occasions in the Pali Canon 86.
as referring to himself as the Tathāgata instead of using the Kanishka convened the fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
pronouns me, I, or myself. The paintings are generally themed The fourth Buddhist council was convened at Kudalavana,
around Buddhism – the life of Tathagatha Buddha and Jataka Kashmir in 72AD.
stories. The outlines of the paintings were done in red It was presided by Vasumitra and deputed by Asvaghosha.
color. One of the striking features is the absence of blue color The fourth Buddhist council dealt with the serious conflict
between Sarvasthivada teachers of Kashmir and Gandhara.
in the paintings.
Sarvasthivada was one of the early Buddhist schools
74. The 12th Tirthankar, Vasupujya attained nirvana at Mandar established during the reign of Ashoka.
hill. Bhagavan Vasupujya got Nirvana on the fourteenth day Buddhism was divided into two sects namely Hinayana and
of the bright half of the month of Ashadh. On top of this hill is Mahayana after this council.
also a Jain temple built in honour of Vasupujya. 87. Vinaya Pitaka is the oldest and smallest of the three
75. Ashoka was one of the most famous Mauryan rulers who sections of the Buddhist canonical Tipitaka (“Triple
ruled from 268 to 232 BCE. He is known for his conversion to Basket”) and the one that regulates monastic life and the daily
Buddhism and his efforts to spread the religion throughout his affairs of monks and nuns according to rules attributed to the
empire. After a brutal battle In Kalinga in 261 BCE, he became Buddha.
disillusioned with the violence and bloodshed that he had 88. The Jataka tales depict stories related to the Gautama
witnessed. He turned to Buddhism as a way to find inner Buddha in both human and animal forms. The Jataka is a
peace and to promote nonviolence and compassion. collection of stories about the previous birth life of Gautam
76. At the age of thirty, Vardhamana Mahavira became an Buddha.
ascetic and wandered for twelve years. In the 13th year of his

13
89. Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. and last Tirthankara, is associated with a lion as his emblem,
Vardhamana is the original name of Lord Mahavira. He was which symbolizes bravery, fearlessness, and courage. Both of
born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama near Vaishali in Bihar. these emblems are considered significant in Jainism and are
Vardhamana was a Kshatriya prince of the Lichchhavis.The frequently used in Jain art and literature.
language used by Mahavira and his followers was the Prakrit 102. Towards the close of Chandragupta Maurya’s rule, a
language.
terrible famine broke out in South Bihar. Bhadrabahu and his
90. Buddha's first sermon was delivered at Sarnath to his five disciples migrated to Sravanabelgola in Karnataka. He was
disciples and is known as Dharmachakra Pravartana. He the last acharya of the undivided Jain sangha. After him, the
introduced the Four Noble Truths, the foundational teaching Sangha split into two separate teacher-student lineages of
of Buddhism, in this sermon. The Seated Buddha from monks.
Gandhara depicts him in the Dharmachakra Mudra, setting
the wheel of Dharma in motion. This event is also known as 103. Uvasaggaharam Stotra was composed 2,100 years
The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma. ago by Shree Bhadrabahu Swami, a very powerful Jain Monk.
91. The second Buddhist council was held in Vaishali under Bhadrabahu Swami wrote “Uvasaggaharam” to pay respect to
King Kalashoka's patronage and presided over by Sabakami. 23rd Jain Tirthankara Bhagwan Parshvanath and seek his help
It discussed whether monks could handle wealth. The Stavros in making all Upsargs vanish.
caused the first schism in the Union, leading to the second 104. Jainism came to prominence in the 6th century B.C.,
council Kalashoka. when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion. There were 24
92. Soniji ki Nasiya Temple in Ajmer is a Jain temple dedicated great teachers, the last of whom was Lord Mahavira.
to Lord Rishabhdev with a main hall called 'Swarna Nagri' These twenty-four teachers were called Tirthankaras-people
housing gold-preserved wooden works depicting Jainism. The who had attained all knowledge (Moksha) while living and
depiction of Ayodhya in this room uses 1000 kg of gold. preached it to the people. The first Tirthankara
93. Abhidhamma Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and the Sutta Pitaka was Rishabnatha.
are the three Pitakas. It is composed during the third Buddha 105. 'Jivaka Chintamani' is associated with Jainism. It is a
council held at Patliputra during the reign of Ashok. it is Sanskrit text that focuses on medicine and was written by an
composed by mogliputratissa unknown author in the 8th century CE. The text is named after
Jivaka, a physician who was a contemporary of the Buddha
94. The four Noble Truths are꞉ The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha),
and is considered a significant figure in Jain medicine.
The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudhya), The Truth of
the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha), The Truth of the Path 106. The Visuddhimagga is the "great treatise" of Theravada
Cessation of Suffering (Magga)The eight-fold path Buddhism. It is a comprehensive manual of doctrine and
is Ashtangika Marga - Right View or Right meditation written in the fifth century in Pali by the great
Understanding, Right Thoughts, Right Speech,Right Buddhist commentator, Buddhaghosa.
Conduct,Right Livelihood,Right Effort,Right Mindfulness,Right 107. Milinda-panha was a lively dialogue on
Meditation or Right Contemplation Buddhist doctrine with questions and dilemmas posed by King
95. Triratna in Sanskrit means 'Three Jewels. The Milinda—i.e., Menander, the Greek ruler of a large Indo-Greek
empire in the late 2nd century BCE—and answered by
Buddha, Dhamma(dharma)꞉ his teaching, and Sangha꞉ the
Nagasena, a senior monk.
community of all those who follow his teachings.
108. According to Buddhist literature, the second Buddhist
96. Queen Maya Devi of Sakya was the birth mother of
Council held 100 years after the Maha Parinirvana of Lord
Gautam Buddha, the sage on whose teachings Buddhism was
Buddha, in Vaishali, was patronised by Kalashoka, in the tenth
founded. Under Sal tree, Queen Mayadevi give birth to
year of his reign. Despite King Kalashoka's best efforts,
Gautam Buddha.
differences among the Buddhists persisted.
97. The rise of Jainism and Buddhism saw religious unrest in
109. The 12th Tirthankar, Vasupujya attained nirvana at
India in the 6th century BC. Gautama Buddha
was the founder of Buddhism and was born in 563 BC, Mandar hill. Bhagavan Vasupujya got Nirvana on
whereas Jainism was founded by Rishabhnath. According to the fourteenth day of the bright half of the month of Ashadh.
Jain tradition, there were 24 Tirthankaras, the first 110. Vardhamana Mahavira was Jainism's 24th Tirthankara.
being Rishabhadeva /Adinatha and the last being Mahavira. He has been the spiritual successor of Parshvanatha, who the
98. If desires are not relieved, then misery can be avoided is 23rd Tirthankara. A Tirthankara is considered as the spiritual
not among the Four Noble Truths of Lord Buddha. The Four teacher and saviour of dharma (righteous path) in
Noble Truths comprise the essence of Buddha's teachings, Jainism.Following his parent's instructions, he married Princess
though they leave much left unexplained. Yashoda, at a very young age and the couple had a daughter,
99. The Tripitaka is the holy book of Buddhism, consisting of Priyadarshana.
three Pitakas. Zoroastrianism is an Iranian religion with a 111. Mahavira, born in 540 BC to King Siddhartha and Queen
dualistic cosmology, while Jainism is an Indian religion. The Trishala of the Ikshvaku dynasty as Vardhaman Mahavir was
Buddha's teachings are preserved in writing in the Tripitaka. the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism and travelled throughout the
100. Right Control is not included in the Noble Eightfold Path Indian subcontinent to spread Jainism. He married Princess
(Ashtangika Marga) of Buddhism. The idea of the Eightfold Yashoda at a very young age and both had a daughter
Path appears in what's considered the primary sermon of the Priyadarshana. Priyadarshana married Jamali.
founding father of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, referred 112. First Buddhist Council was held at the Saptaparni Cave of
to as Buddha, which he delivered after his enlightenment.
Rajgriha. Ajatashatru patronized the first Buddhist Council
101. Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara in Jainism, is often and Buddha died during his reign.
depicted with a bull as his emblem, which represents strength,
stability, and Dharma. On the other hand, Mahavira, the 24th

14
113. Ubbiri was a Buddhist nun. Ubbiri was a woman of 125. King Ashoka was the son of Bindusara, who belonged to
Shravasti, who attained Nibbana (enlightenment) as the Maurya dynasty. Bindusara was the second Mauryan
an upasika, i.e., laywoman. The turning point in her life was an emperor of India. He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya,
encounter with the Buddha. That encounter took place while the founder of the Mauryan dynasty.
she was lamenting the death of her daughter Jiva.
126. The literary sources from the Mauryan period comprised
114. The First Jain assembly was held in 300 BC at Patliputra
Kautilya’s Arthasastra, Visakha Datta’s Mudra Rakshasa,
during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. This meeting took
Megasthenese’s Indica, Buddhist literature, and Puranas.
place under the chairmanship of Sthoolabhadr. In the first
Jain assembly, the Jain religion was divided into two parts 127. Emperor Ashoka propagated the ideals of Buddhism. He
Digambar and Shwetambar. sent missionaries to distant places so that people could
inspire their lives with the teachings of Lord Buddha. His son
Mahendra and daughter, Sanghamitra were also included in
MAURYAN & POST MAURYAN these missionaries.
EMPIRE 128. Both Taxila and Ujjain were provincial capitals under the
rule of Ashoka. Taxila was the capital of the Gandhara
province and Ujjain was the capital of the Avanti province.
115. The earliest deciphered epigraphy of Ashoka's inscription
129. The correct answer is II, I, III. The Kalinga war was fought
in India was written in Brahmi script. Ashoka was the first ruler
in the year 261 BC. Under Bindusar rule he brought 16 more
who tried to take his message to the people through
Indian kingdoms in his rule and thus the Mauryan Empire had
inscriptions. Most of Ashoka’s inscriptions were in Prakrit and almost spanned the entire Indian Peninsula. He was born
were written in the Brahmi script. in 320 BC and ruled from 298 BC to 272 BC. The Shunga
116. Sanchi Stupa is situated near the city of Bhopal. It is a dynasty was a Brahmin dynasty of ancient India, which ruled
Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa, on a hilltop at after the Maurya dynasty. They ruled in North India from 185
Sanchi Town in Raisen District of the State of Madhya BC to 73 BC i.e., it lasted for 112 years.
Pradesh. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India and 130. Mudra Rakshasa describes how Chandragupta Maurya
was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka in the get Chanakya's assistance to overthrow the Nandas. It is a
3rd century BCE. Sanskrit-language play by Vishakhadatta that narrates the
117. Ashoka belonged to the Maurya dynasty. We know about ascent of king Chandragupta Maurya to power in India. It also
the Maurya dynasty and Ashoka from Arthashastra and gives an excellent account of the prevailing socio-economic
Indica of Megasthenes. The name Priyadasi belongs to conditions of that time.
Ashoka. He spread Buddhism all over Asia. At the time of his 131. Pushyamitra established the Shunga dynasty after killing
reign, the capital of the dynasty was in Pataliputra with the last Mauryan emperor. This dynasty ruled over North India
provincial capitals at Taxila and Ujjain. from around 185 BCE to 73 BCE.
118. Between the third century BCE and the eighth century CE, 132. During the Mauryan period, the hereditary soldiers were
a series of Middle Indo-Aryan dialects known as known as "Maula". The Maulas were a class of soldiers who
the Prakrits were spoken on the Indian subcontinent. While inherited their profession from their ancestors. They were
those in the northwest of the subcontinent were written typically trained in the use of weapons and were expected to
in Aramaic and Greek, Prakrit was the language used for the provide military service when called upon by the king.
majority of Asokan inscriptions. Inscriptions 133. Minor Rock Edicts are the first edicts in the Indian
in Afghanistan employed the Aramaic and Greek scripts. language of Emperor Ashoka and Erragudi
119. Chandragupta Maurya was the grandfather of King inscription was inscribed in the 3rd century and was written in
Ashoka. He established the Maurya dynasty and ruled from the Prakrit language and Brahmi script. This site is called
324 BCE to 293 BCE with his capital in Magadha. Yerragudi site or Suvarnagiri site and is located in Kurnool
120. Ashoka was the Mauryan emperor who had his district, Andhra Pradesh.
inscriptions engraved on rocks and pillars during his reign 134. Shunga Dynasty꞉ It was founded by Pushyamitra. There
from c. 272/268-231 BCE. He was the first ruler to inscribe his were ten Shunga rulers. Their capital was
messages on stone surfaces in Prakrit and Brahmi script. Patliputra. Pushyamitra was the commander of the
121. Girnar, located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, is the last Mauryan emperor Vrihadratha.
correct option as it houses fourteen of Ashoka's Major Rock
135. Kushana rulers adopted the title devaputra, or “son of
Edicts. Kalsi, Shishupalgarh, and Sannati are located in
god”, possibly inspired by Chinese rulers who called
Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Karnataka respectively.
themselves sons of heaven. Their history has been
122. Suvarnagiri was considered the Gold mine hub in
reconstructed from inscriptions and textual
Karnataka during the Mauryan reign. It was an important
traditions. The notions of kingship they wished to project are
source of revenue for the empire.
perhaps best evidenced in their coins and sculpture. Some
123. Rajgir, also known as Rajagriha, was the capital of historians feel this indicates that the Kushanas considered
Magadh for several years before it was shifted to Pataliputra. themselves godlike.
The Rajgir Hills lie near the city of Rajgir in central regions of
the Indian state of Bihar. 136. Samaharta was officer incharge of assessment and
collection of revenue from various parts of the kingdom or
124. Greek historian, diplomat, and explorer Megasthenes
provinces. He looked after the income and expenditure by
lived in the Hellenistic era (350–290 B.C.). He was sent as an
supervising the works of the Akshapataladhyaksha
ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya's court by Seleucus I
Nicator, the Greek conqueror of West Asia. (accountant general).
137. In 298 BCE, Chandragupta Maurya renounced his rule,
handing over power to his son Bindusara and traveled south

15
to a cave at Shravanabelogola. There, he meditated without by Murundas, Scythian Governor.
eating or drinking for five weeks until he died of starvation in a 146. The Shaka rulers were a group of nomadic people who
practice known as sallekhana or santhara. migrated from Central Asia to various parts of India from
138. The invasion in ancient India was first done by the Greeks the 2nd century BCE to the 4th century CE. Rudradaman was
and then by Sakas and then Kushanas. The Greek a Shaka ruler who ruled over the western Indian region of
conquests of India took place in the years before the Common Malwa and parts of Gujarat from around AD 130 to 150. He
Era, and a rich trade flourished between India and Greece, was known for his military campaigns against other regional
especially in silk, spices, and gold. powers like the Satavahanas and the Yaudheyas.
139. Vima Kadphises was the son of Sadakshana and the 147. The Sunga Dynasty was established by the Pushyamitra
father of Kanishka, according to the Rabatak inscription. He Sunga by overthrowing the Maurya Dynasty in 185 BCE.
was Kadphises II, and during his reign, he struck a vast Pushyamitra Sunga ruled for about 36 years from 185 BCE to
quantity of gold coins and extended the Kushan Kingdom to 149 BCE. There were 10 rulers in the Sunga dynasty who in
the east of the Indus. He extended his empire upto Bihar. total rulers for 112 years.
140. The earliest epigraphic reference to Chandragupta 148. Satakarni I vanquished Kalinga after the passing of
Maurya is to be found in the Junagadh Rock Inscription of Kharavela.Hala arranged the Gatha Saptashati. Hence, Pair
Rudradaman I. This inscription was written in 150 CE by 2 is correctly matched. It is known as Gaha Sattasai in Prakrit,
Rudradaman I, a king of the Western Satraps. In the it is an assortment of sonnets with generally love as the
inscription, Rudradaman mentions that he repaired a dam on subject.Gautamiputra Satakarni is viewed as the best lord of
the Sudarshana Lake, which was originally built by the Satavahana tradition.
Chandragupta Maurya.
149. The Greeks, the Sakas, the Parthians and the
141. The pennants of the Mauryan chariots were white with a
Kushans ultimately lost their identity in India. They became
peacock motif on them. The peacock was the dynastic symbol
completely Indianized in course of time. They came to be
of the Mauryan Empire, representing power and authority. The
considered second-class
white colour of the pennants symbolized purity and peace.
They were made of silk or linen, about 3 feet long and 2 feet Kshatriyas. The Kushan rulers worshipped both Shiva and the
wide, and attached to the top of the chariot's mast. They Buddha, and the images of these two gods appeared on the
fluttered in the wind, making a loud noise that could be heard Kushan coins. In no other period of ancient Indian history were
from a distance. The pennants were a symbol of the Mauryan foreigners assimilated into Indian society on such a large
Empire's power and prestige, used to intimidate enemies and scale as they were in post-Maurya times.
inspire loyalty among the empire's subjects. 150. The Great Stupa of Sanchi was originally built in the 3rd
142. Asoka's III-rd Major Rock Edict instructed his officials to century BCE by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. It is located at
spread the Dhamma and encourage people to be generous to Sanchi Town in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh. The
Brahmins and Sramanas. He believed that generosity to Great Stupa and Sanchi’s other Buddhist monuments were
religious practitioners created goodwill and harmony in collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989.
society, leading to increased prosperity and happiness. Asoka
emphasized the importance of religious tolerance and respect 151. Arthashastra suggests that the king should often visit
for all faiths, and his edict is a valuable record of his belief in towns and kingdom in disguise to understand the ground
the power of generosity to create a more just and peaceful realities and monitor the administration's functioning. This
world. was not the part of daily activity of the Mauryan King.
143. The statement that Brahmins strictly practised 152. In the separate Kalinga Edicts (Dhauli and
vegetarianism and never took intoxicants is not correct. While Jaugada), Ashoka also articulated his popular doctrine of
it is true that Brahmins were expected to follow a strict code administration i.e. "All men are my children. As I desire for my
of conduct, which included abstaining from meat and alcohol, children that they all should enjoy bliss and happiness in this
there is evidence to suggest that some Brahmins did not world and next, the same I desire also for all my men".
adhere to these rules. For example, the Arthashastra, a text 153. The Mauryan administration was highly centralized and
on political science and economics written in the 3rd century had a council of ministers called Mantriparishad. The Tirthas
BCE, mentions that Brahmins could be found working as were the highest category of officials in the administration
cooks and brewers, both of which involved handling meat and and were the administrative departments.
alcohol. 154. Mudra Rakshasa describes how Chandragupta Maurya
144. The Milinda Panho is a Buddhist text that records a get Chanakya's assistance to overthrow the Nandas. It is a
dialogue between the Buddhist sage Nāgasena and the Indo- Sanskrit-language play by Vishakhadatta that narrates the
Greek king Menander. It is not a Sanskrit work, but a Pali work, ascent of king Chandragupta Maurya to power in India. It also
an ancient Indian language closely related to Sanskrit. gives an excellent account of the prevailing socio-economic
Although there is debate about whether the text was conditions of that time.
originally written in Sanskrit or Pali, the majority of scholars 155. According to the Harshacharita, Pushyamitra,
believe it was written in Pali, as the surviving Pali version is
commander-in-chief of the Maurya army, killed the Maurya
much more complete than the Chinese translation, and the
king Brihadratha while Brihadratha was inspecting his troops.
text's use of Pali terminology is consistent with other Pali
This brought an end to Maurya rule in 187 BCE and
works of the same period. The Milinda Panho is now
considered a canonical work in the Theravada tradition of Pushyamitra usurped the throne. Pushyamitra’s empire
Buddhism and is most commonly studied and recited in the extended over only part of the Maurya empire.
Pali language. 156. The last ruler of the Shunga dynasty, Devabhuti, was
145. After the decline of the Kushana Empire Patliputra came overthrown by his minister Vasudeva, who founded the Kanva
under the hands of Scythians. Patliputra was ruled dynasty in 75 BCE.The Kanva ruler allowed the kings of the

16
Shunga dynasty to continue to rule in obscurity in a corner of 167. The Pallavas of Tondaimandalam were the dynasty in
their former dominions.The first ruler of the Kanva dynasty South India that issued their documents first in Prakrit and
was Vasudeva after whose Gotra the dynasty was named.He later in Sanskrit. The Pallavas initially used Prakrit, an ancient
was succeeded by his son Bhumimitra. Coins bearing the Indian language, for issuing their documents. Over time, they
legend Bhumimitra have been discovered from the Panchala transitioned to Sanskrit, a classical language, for the
realm.Bhumimitra ruled for fourteen years and was composition of inscriptions and official documents.
later succeeded by his son Narayana. Narayana ruled for 168. The Gupta Empire (320-550 CE) is considered the golden
twelve years.He was succeeded by his son Susharman who
age of Indian art and architecture. During this period, there
was the last king of the Kanva dynasty.
was a flowering of creativity and innovation in all aspects of
157. The silk textile industries in the country got a lot of the arts, including architecture. Gupta architecture is
encouragement from the import of Chinese silk. A special type characterized by its use of intricate carvings, graceful
of cloth was made in Mathura, which was called Shataka. proportions, and harmonious balance.
158. The earliest inscriptions recording land grants were issued 169. The feudal system in India had a number of different
by the Satvahanas. They were also the first rulers to make consequences, some of which were more important than the
land grants to Brahmanas. The Satvahanas is also known as extension of arable land.The vassals, in turn, were obligated to
Andhras. They existed from the early 1st century BCE and the provide military service to the king or emperor in return for
3rd century BCE based in the Deccan region. Thus, under the their land. This system of land grants and military service
Satavahanas, the earliest inscriptional information on land helped to create a strong central government in India. Finally,
grants is provided. the feudal system helped to spread Indian culture throughout
159. Bindusara, the second Mauryan emperor, was called the subcontinent. This was because the vassals were often
'Amitrochates' by the Greeks. The name means 'the destroyer required to adopt the language and customs of the king or
of enemies' in Sanskrit. emperor. This helped to create a more unified Indian
culture. In conclusion, the extension of arable land was not the
most important consequence of the ancient Indian feudal
GUPTA & POST GUPTAS AGE system.
170. Mahabalipuram Monuments were built in Pallava dynasty
160. The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli in Delhi is believed to record architecture. This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava
the achievements of Chandragupta II. Chandragupta II, also kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in
known as Vikramaditya, is regarded as one of the greatest the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas
rulers of the Gupta dynasty. Chandragupta II was the son of (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave
Samudragupta and Datta Devi. sanctuaries).
161. Harshvardhana declared war against Shashanka of the 171. Sushruta is the First surgeon in history and is also known
Gauda kingdom. After his brother's death, at the age of 16, as the Father of Plastic Surgery. "Sushruta Samhita " the first
Harshavardhana became the undisputed ruler of Thaneshwar book on Plastic Surgery was written by him. Sushruta was
and declared war on Shashanka to avenge his brother and contemporary to Gupta Era (320-550 AD).
embarked upon a campaign of Digvijay, i.e. to conquer the
world. 172. Ravikirti composed prashasti of Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin
II. The prashasti is an inscription that praises the
162. Five types of gold coins issued by Skandagupta are the achievements of the ruler. Pulakeshin II was a prominent ruler
Archer type, Horseman type, King and queen type, Lion-slayer of the Chalukya dynasty and his reign is considered to be a
type and Chhatra type. Bull type is a type of silver coin issued golden era in the history of Karnataka.
by him. It is not a type of Gold coin. Hence, we conclude that 173. Samudragupta was the son of the Gupta king
the Bull type is not a gold coin issued by him. Chandragupta I and Queen Kumaradevi, who came from a
163. Agrahara was land, village, or fields that were given to Lichchhavi family. His fragmentary Eran stone inscription
Brahmins. Agrahara in Sanskrit refers to "land exempt from states that his father selected him as the successor because of
leasing rights". The Agraharas were exempted from taxes and his "devotion, righteous conduct, and valour".
had other administrative immunities and were also known as 174. Chandragupta II's daughter, Prabhavati Gupta, was a
Agraharam, Chaturvedimangalams, Ghatoka, and Boya in queen of the southern Vakataka kingdom. She
ancient times. married Rudrasena II of the Vakataka Dynasty and served
164. Vikramaditya VI, whose court poet Bilhan wrote his as regent to her sons Divakarsena and Damodarsena after her
biography, was the ruler of the Chalukya dynasty. The husband died.
Chalukya dynasty was established by Pulakeshin I in 543. 175. Varahmihir Was an astronomer believed to be one of the
Pulakeshin I took Vatapi (modern Badami in Bagalkot district, nine gems in Chandragupta II’s court. His book
Karnataka) under his control and made it his capital. ‘Brihatsamhita’ is an encyclopedia of astronomy, botany,
165. Fa-Hien was a Chinese pilgrim, who visited India during physical geography, and natural history. His other works are
the reign of Chandra Gupta II. His primary aim was to visit the Pancha Siddhantika, Brihat Jataka etc.
Buddhist religious places and to take with him the copies of 176. Samudragupta was the greatest king of the Gupta
the Buddhist religious texts.
dynasty. The most detailed and authentic record of
166. Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese pilgrim came to India during the Samudragupta's reign is preserved in the Prayaga
reign of Harshavardhan. He wrote a book ‘Shi-Yu-Ki’ (the Prasasti/Allahabad pillar inscription, composed by his court
world of the west) after going back to China. He studied at poet Harisena. Samudragupta’s military campaigns justify the
Nalanda and later taught there only for nine years. description of him as the Napoleon of India by V.A. Smith.

17
177. Chandragupta II, commonly known as Vikramaditya, was Deccan. Pulakesin II sent a complimentary embassy to the
a great ruler of northern India who reigned from 380 AD to 415 Persian king Khusrau II in 625-626 CE.
AD. He was the grandson of Chandragupta I and the son 189. Dhruvadevi was the widow of Ramgupta, the elder
of Samudra Gupta. Chandragupta-II's mother was queen brother of Chandragupta II. After Ramgupta's death,
Datta or Dattadevi, described as Mahadevi. Chandragupta II married Dhruvadevi to strengthen his
178. Prabhavatigupta a powerful monarch in early Indian political alliances and legitimize his claim to the throne. This
marriage also helped Chandragupta II consolidate his power
history was the daughter of Chandragupta II and queen
and expand his empire.
Kuberanaga. She was married to Rudrasena II and remained
active for 20 years in public life. 190. The tripartite struggle was a contest between the Palas,
Gurjara-Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas for control of
179. Ravikirti;s Aihole inscription describes the victory of
Kanyakubja in the 8th-9th century CE, with the Pratiharas
Pulakesin II over Harshavardhana, the ruler of the northern
ultimately gaining power in the north after the conquest of
Indian empire. Pulakesin II defeated Harsha in 618 AD on the
Kannauj due to domestic seditions in the Rashtrakuta family.
banks of the River Narmada, when Harsha attempted to
expand his empire towards the southern peninsula of India. 191. Allahabad Prashasti is a pillar inscription of
Samudragupta found at Allahabad and written in Sanskrit. It
180. Hiuen-Tsang visited India during Harshavardhana's rules.
was composed by Harisena.
Huen Tsang or Xuanzang was a Chinese Buddhist Traveler
who belongs to the early Tang times of China. He studied at 192. Varahamihira wrote Brihat Samhitaa which deals with
Nalanda University. During his stay in India, he visited various astronomy, astrology, botany, natural history, and physical
places in northern and southern India. geography. His Panchasiddhantika throws light on five
181. The Prayag Prashasti provides us information about the astronomical theories (Siddhanta), two of which bear
achievements of Samudragupta, the Gupta dynasty emperor. thorough familiarity and close resemblance with Greek
It was composed by Harisena, the court poet of astronomical practice.
Samudragupta, and was engraved on the Ashoka pillar 193. Kumargupta founded Nalanda University in
brought from Kaushambi. the 5th century A.D.He was also called Shakraditya.Nalanda
182. Aihole inscription was written by Ravikirti who was a poet was a huge monastic-educational establishment.Primary
during the reign of Pulakeshi II. Aihole is situated in Karnataka teaching focus꞉ Mahayana Buddhism, yet included other
and is widely recognized as the Cradle of Indian Architecture. ‘secular’ subjects as well- Like, Grammar, logic, epistemology,
It served as the capital of Chalukyas. and sciences
183. Chandragupta II is known as Vikramaditya, a powerful 194. Vindhyashakti was the founder of the Vakataka Dynasty,
emperor (380-415 AD) of northern India. He was the son which ruled in central India from the 3rd to the 5th century
of Samudra Gupta who established a vast empire. CE. He was succeeded by his son Pravarasena I, who
Chandragupta II subjugated (From 388 to 409 AD) Gujarat, expanded the dynasty's territory and established its capital at
the north of Bombay, Saurashtra, in western India, and Malwa. Vatsagulma (modern-day Washim in Maharashtra).
184. The terms ‘Rajuka’ was used for the Revenue officials. The 195.
administrative system during the Gupta dynasty was found Pulakeshin II defeated Harsha on the banks of Narmada in
more or less similar to that of the Mauryan Empire. At the time the winter of 618-619 CE.Pulakeshin entered into a treaty with
of the Gupta rule, there was political harmony in ancient India. Harsha, with the Narmada River designated as the border
185. The Gupta gold and silver coinage was initially based on between the Chalukya Empire and that of Harshavardhana.
the coins of the Kushan Empire and the Roman 196. Harshavardhana belonged to the Pushyabhuti
Empire. The Kushanas were known for their gold coins dynasty. Harshavardhana succeeded the throne in 606
featuring the images of their rulers and deities, and the A.D. He conquered Magadha and established his capital at
Guptas adapted these designs for their own coinage. Kannauj.
The Roman coins, on the other hand, were widely used in 197. Harshavardhana organized two religious conferences꞉ the
trade and commerce in the ancient world, and the Guptas Kannauj assembly, and the Prayag assembly. Harsha, himself
likely drew inspiration from their designs and inscriptions for a devotee of Lord Shiva in his early days, in his later years, he
their silver coinage. was inclined towards Buddhism. After accepting the
186. According to the Chinese traveller Hiuen Mahayana, a sect of Buddhism he stood as its redoubtable
champion and also patronized his earlier religion side by side
Tsang, Harshavardhan was a supporter of Buddhism. While it
with Buddhism.
is true that Harsha was a patron of Buddhism and
supported Buddhist monasteries and institutions, he did not 198. The term Prathama-Kulika in the Gupta period refers to
necessarily favor or support the Brahmanical religion, which is the head artisan or craftsman in a guild. These guilds
also known as Hinduism. regulated the production and distribution of goods and
ensured fair working conditions for their members. Therefore,
187. The Gupta temple-building activity represents an
the correct option is Chief Craftsman.
evolution from the earlier tradition of rock-cut shrines which
now reached a whole new level. It marks the formative phase 199. Mallikarjuna was the Shilahara King who was defeated by
of temple construction in India, but it was a significant phase the Solanki King Kumarapala. Kumarapala (1143-1172 CE) was
a king from the Chaulukya (Solanki) dynasty of Gujarat. His
that continued to influence temple-building right up to the
capital was Anahilapataka (modern Patan). Kumarapala was
medieval period. It is evident from Dashavatara temple at
a keen and generous patron of arts and architecture.
Deogarh in Jhansi district (UP).
200. Harshavardhana belonged to the Pushyabhuti dynasty
188. Pulakesin II was the greatest king of the Chalukya of
which was founded by Naravardhana in the 5th or beginning
Badami. His accession to the throne in the year 609 CE, marks of the 6th century A.D. The dynasty flourished under
the beginning of an important epoch in the history of

18
Prabhakarvardhana, father of Harshavardhana, who assumed were ministers (amaichar), priests (anthanar), military
the title of Maharajadhiraja. commanders (senapathi), envoys (thuthar)
and spies (orrar).The military administration was also
efficiently organized during the Sangam Age.
SANGAM AGE
207. Rajendra Chola 3 was the last ruler of the Chola
dynasty. The Chola dynasty was the greatest of all South
201. Nedeon was not related to Sangam State Chera. Sangam
Indian dynasties. Chola ruled maritime islands such as the
period (from 3rd century BC to 3rd century AD) is the phase of Maldives and Sri Lanka, indicating that he had a highly skilled
history which existed in ancient Tamil Nadu and Kerala. and vast naval power. Vijayalaya Chola is considered
Udiyanjeral (or UthiyanCheralatan) was the first the founder of the Chola dynasty.
recorded Chera ruler of the Sangam period in ancient South
208. From the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, the
India. He was succeeded by his son, NedumCheralathan, or
NedunjeralAthan Sangam period encompassed ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala,
and parts of Sri Lanka (then known as Tamilakam). It was
202. Silappadikaram is a literary work in Tamil. It is held in
named after the illustrious Madurai-based Sangam
high regard by the Tamil people. It is written by Ilango academies of poets and scholars.
Adigal. He was a prince. In the epic we get to know
209. The Sangam assemblies were held in Madura city. The
about Kannagi, who having lost her husband to a miscarriage
of justice at the court of the Pandyan Dynasty, wreaks her period roughly between the 3rd century B.C. and 3rd century
revenge on his kingdom. A.D. in South India (the area lying to the south of river Krishna
and Tungabhadra) is known as Sangam Period. It has been
203. Pallavas is the dynasty which was not in power during
named after the Sangam academies held during that period
the Sangam Age. During the Sangam Age, three that flourished under the royal patronage of the Pandya kings
dynasties- the Cheras, the Cholas, and the Pandayas of Madurai.
ruled. The main source of information about these kingdoms is
210. Three Sangams (assembly of Tamil poets) were held
traced from the literary references of the Sangam Period.
in South India. The period roughly between the 3rd century
204. The Five Epics of the Sangam age are꞉ Silapathigaram,
B.C. and 3rd century A.D. in South India (the area lying to the
Manimeghalai, Civakachintamani, Kundalkesi, Valaiyapathi.
south of river Krishna and Tungabhadra) is known as Sangam
205. Tolkappiyam was written by Tolkappiyar in Tamil. It is a Period. It has been named after the Sangam academies held
work on Tamil Grammar. It also gives an idea of during that period that flourished under the royal patronage
the Political and Social scenario at that time. The Tamil of the Pandya kings of Madurai.
language was used in the Sangam Literature.
206. The king was assisted by a large body of officials who
were divided into five councils.They

19