UPSC Ancient History Quiz 03 April 25, 2021 April 25, 2021 1. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food-grains to be utilised during the crises in the country? [1998] Sohgaura Copper-plate Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra Prayaga-prasasti Rummindei Pillar-edict of Ashoka The earliest known copper-plate called Sohgaura is a Maurya record that mentions famine relief efforts. It is one of the very few pre-Ashoka Brahmi inscriptions in India. 2. In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose? [2013 – I] A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism. Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters The pose ‘Tribhanga’ is the favourite posture of Lord Krishna. We have often seen Lord Krishna standing in tribhanga posture before his cow ‘Kamdhenu’ or whenever he is playing his flute. He is often called Tribhana Murari. 3. What does Baudhayan theorem (Baudhayan Sulva Sutras) relate to? [2008] Lengths of sides of a right angled triangle Normal distribution curve Calculation of the value of pi Logarithmic calculations This is same as the Pythagoras theorem. 4. Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom? [2017-I] Kakinada Motupalli Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam) Nelluru Academic books on medieval history mention that Ganapati was the most powerful of Kakatiya sovereigns. Motupalli, now in Krishna district, was an important seaport in his kingdom, frequented by foreign merchants. So, “B” is the answer. 5. Which one of the following statements is not correct? [2002] Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Siva. The statue of Gomateshwara at Shravana Belagola represents the last Tirthankara of Jains. Khajuraho temples were built under Chandela kings. India’s largest Buddhist monastery is in Arunachal Pradesh. The Statue of Gomateshwara was built in deference to Jain deity Bahubali, It does not represent last Tirthankara of Jains. India’s largest Buddhist monastery is Tawang Monastery located in Arunachal Pradesh. It is the second largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. 6. The Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I is dated in the Saka year 465. If the same were to be dated in Vikrama Samvat, the year would be: [1997] 300 407 330 601 The Saka era started in 78 AD, while Vikram era started from 58 BC. So if we want to convert Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I to Vikram era, it will be 465 + 78 + 58 = 601 Vikram Samvat. 7. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism? [2013 – I] A mental stage beyond all comprehension. The complete annihilation of self The extinction of the flame of desire A state of bliss and rest The concept of Nirvana was originally explained by Lord Buddha (566-486 BC). The word ‘Nirvana’ comes from the root meaning ‘to blow out’ and refers to the extinguishing of the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion. When these emotional and psychological defilements are destroyed by wisdom, the mind becomes free, radiant, and joyful and he who has realized the Truth (Nirvana) is the happiest being in the world. He is free from all complexes and obsessions. He does not repent the past nor does he brood over the future. He lives fully in present. He appreciates and enjoys things in life in the purest sense without self projections. He is free from the thirst of becoming and the illusion of self. Buddism explain Nivrana as a state of bliss or peace. 8. Assertion The Aham and Puram poems of the Padinen Kilukanakku group formed a continuation of the Sangam composition. Reason (R): They were included under the post- Sangam works as against the Sangam works proper. [2000] Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A A is false but R is true A is true but R is false The didactic works of Sangam period are called Kilukanakku (18 minor groups) consisting of Tirukurral and Naladiyar. The Aham and Puram poems of the Kilukanakku group were composed in post-Sangam period. That’s why R explains A. 9. Which one of the following is not a part of early Jains literature? [1996] Sutrakritanga Brihatkalpasutra Acarangasutra Therigatha Therigatha was a part of the Buddhist literature. 10. Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta period? [1999] Kalyan Cambray Tamralipti Broach Tamralipta or Tamralipti was the name of an ancient city on the Bay of Bengal corresponding with Tamluk in modern-day India. Tamralipta may have been one of the most important urban centres of trade and commerce of early historic India, trading along the Silk Road with China, by Uttarapatha, the northern high road, the main trade route into the Middle East and Europe; and by seafaring routes to Bali, Java and the Far East. Loading … Share this:WhatsAppTelegramTweet Related
