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1. Who identified “Sandrokottus” of the Greco-Roman literature with Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] D. R. Bhandarkar
[B] Alexander Cunningham
[C] R. P. Chanda
[D] William Jones
Correct Answer: D [William Jones]
Notes:
The Maurya Empire was the first and one of the most significant empires in Indian history, founded by Chandragupta Maurya. In 322 BC, he overthrew the last Nanda king, Dhananand, and took control of Patliputra with the assistance of Kautilya (also known as Chanakya). By 305 BC, he had defeated Seleucus Nicator, a general of Alexander the Great. In Greek writings, he is referred to as Sandro Kottus, Androcottus, and Sandokyptos.
2. Which among the following Bodhisattva holds thunderbolt?
[A] Vajrapani
[B] Manjushri
[C] Maitreya
[D] Amitabha
Correct Answer: A [Vajrapani]
Notes:
Vajrapani, the Bodhisattva, wields a thunderbolt similar to the Hindu god Indra and battles against evil and wrongdoing. Avalokitesvara, also known as Padmapani, carries a lotus flower. Manjushri holds a book that outlines the ten spiritual perfections. Maitreya is known as the future Buddha. Ksitigarbha is the protector of those in hell and oversees purgatories. Amitabha is the Buddha of heaven, representing Immeasurable Life and Light.
3. Which among the following Ashokan inscriptions mentions the name Ashoka?
[A] Bhabru Edict
[B] Maski Edict
[C] Puranas
[D] Junagarh Inscription
Correct Answer: B [Maski Edict]
Notes:
The Mauryan Emperor Asoka has been mentioned by the name ‘Ashoka’ in his inscriptions at Maski and Gujarra only.
4. Which city is historically believed to be the main site of Hastinapur, the capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas?
[A] Delhi
[B] Ghaziabad
[C] Meerut
[D] Faridabad
Correct Answer: C [Meerut]
Notes:
Meerut, an old city in Uttar Pradesh, India, is thought to be the primary site of Hastinapur, the capital for both the Kauravas and Pandavas during the Vedic era (1500-500 BCE). Rich in mythology and history, this city was the heart of the Kuru Kingdom. The Imperial Gazetteer of India confirms its significance, marking it as a place of great archaeological and cultural value.
5. Agnimitra, who is the hero of Kalidasa’s ‘Malvikagnimitram’ was a king of which of the following dynasties?
[A] Sunga
[B] Kanva
[C] Satavahana
Correct Answer: A [Sunga]
Notes:
Malavikagnimitram is a Sanskrit play featuring Agnimitra as the main character. He falls in love with Malvika, a maid. The chief queen learns of this and has Malvika imprisoned. Eventually, it is revealed that Malvika comes from a royal family, and she is accepted as Agnimitra’s queen. The play also describes the Rajsuya Yajna performed by Pushyamitra Shunga, Agnimitra’s father.
6. Which among the following is not included in the five aggregates of Buddhism?
[A] Rupa
[B] Vedana
[C] Moksha
[D] Sanna
Correct Answer: C [Moksha]
Notes:
The five aggregates of Buddhism which are also called Pancha-khanda or Pancha-skandha include Rupa, Vedana, Sanna, Sankharas, and Vinnana. These five aggregates work together to produce the personal experience.
7. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to Ajivikas?
- They were rigid fatalists.
- They were determinists
- They held that the affairs of the entire universe were ordered by a cosmic force called niyati.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
The following statements are correct with respect to Ajivikas:
- They were rigid fatalists.
- They were determinists
- They held that the affairs of the entire universe were ordered by a cosmic force called niyati.
8. Which of the following is known as an era of ‘Second Urbanisation’?
[A] Third century BCE
[B] Second century BCE
[C] Sixth century BCE
[D] Seventh century BCE
Correct Answer: C [Sixth century BCE]
Notes:
The sixth century BCE is also known as the era of ‘Second Urbanisation’ in the Indian Subcontinent. Urban centers emerged nearly after a gap of more than a thousand years after the decline of Harappan towns.
9. What does the use of ‘Horse’ as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Symbol of fertility
[B] Purity and Fecundity
[C] Departure of Siddhartha
[D] Dharmachakra
Correct Answer: C [Departure of Siddhartha]
Notes:
The Ashokan pillar contains different motifs placed at the top of the pillars. These motifs are considered to be in harmony with the Dhamma message. The Horse symbolizes the departure of Siddhartha from his home.
10. Which of the following Chola King annexed the northern Sri Lanka and named it Mummadichola mandalam?
[A] Sundara Chola
[B] Uttama Chola
[C] Rajaraja I
[D] Rajaraja II
Correct Answer: C [Rajaraja I]
Notes:
Rajaraja I destroyed the chera navy at Trivandrum, attacked Quilon, and captured Madurai. He also captured northern Sri Lanka and named it Mummadichola mandalam. Rajaraja I also conquered the Maldives islands.
