Post Views: 12
1. Which of the following kings succeeded king Kadungon?
[A] Maravarman Avanisulamani
[B] Arikesary Maravarman
[C] Koccadiyan Ranadhira
[D] Maravarman Rajasimha I
Correct Answer: A [Maravarman Avanisulamani]
Notes:
Maravarman Avanisulamani was a Pandya ruler of early historic south India. He was the son and successor of king Kadungon and ruled from 620 A.D. to 645 A.D. He was, who revived the Pandya dynastic power after the Kalabhra interregnum.
2. The first Sangam was founded by which of the following?
[A] Kapilar
[B] Tolkappiyar
[C] Sage Agastya
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: C [Sage Agastya]
Notes:
The first Sangam was founded by Sage Agastya. The seat of first sangam was Thenmadurai in South Madurai. Thenmadurai is said to have submerged in the sea. It was patronised by 89 kings.
3. The whole Tamilakam in the Sangam period was divided into which of the following tinais, or ecozones?
- Kurinji (hilly region)
- Palai (arid zone)
- Mullai (pastoral tracts)
- Marudam (wet lands)
- Neital (seacoast)
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 2, 4 & 5
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3, 4 & 5]
Notes:
The whole Tamilakam in the Sangam period was divided into five tinais also called the ecozones, based on their economic resources. These were:
- Kurinji (hilly region)
- Palai (arid zone)
- Mullai (pastoral tracts)
- Marudam (wet lands)
- Neital (seacoast)
4. Under whose reign UNESCO Natural World Heritage site Khajuraho Group of Monuments built?
[A] Pandya dynasty
[B] Chalukya dynasty
[C] Pallava dynasty
[D] Chandella dynasty
Correct Answer: D [Chandella dynasty]
Notes:
UNESCO Natural World Heritage site Khajuraho Group of Monuments was built under the Chandella dynasty.
5. Where is Kumhrar located?
[A] Darbhanga
[B] Patna
[C] Nalanda
[D] Bhagalpur
Correct Answer: C [Patna]
Notes:
Kumhrar is located in Patna. It is the name of an area of Patna where remains of the ancient city of Pataliputra have been found. The excavation started in 1913 by the Archaeological survey of India.
6. During which historical periods did the Kshatriyas have a distinctive identity in India?
[A] Age of the Buddha
[B] Maurya Period
[C] Post-Maurya age
[D] Gupta Period
Correct Answer: A [Age of the Buddha]
Notes:
The Kshatriyas as the ‘khattiyas’ of Buddhist literature had a distinct identity at the time of the Buddha, but later their actual identity becomes vague. The same is also true of the Vaishyas. Of the three dvija castes, the Brahmin is the most easily identifiable as a concrete social group.
7. Which one of the following were the silver coins from Gupta period?
[A] Nishka
[B] Rupaka
[C] Kakini
[D] Dinar
Correct Answer: B [Rupaka]
Notes:
The silver coins issued during the Gupta period were called ‘Rupaka.’ These coins were based on Sakas of Ujjaini weighing 32-36 grains. However, according to Fa-Hsien, cowries were the common means of exchange.
8. What did the term ‘shalabhoga’ stand for from the Imperial Cholas?
[A] A newly settled village
[B] Land donated for the maintenance of a school
[C] Land donated for the maintenance of irrigation facilities
[D] Land donated to a warrior
Correct Answer: B [Land donated for the maintenance of a school]
Notes:
The Chola inscriptions mentioned various types of land as follows: Brahmadeya: These were the lands gifted to Brahamanas. Therefore a lot of Brahamana settlements emerged in the Kaveri valley and in the other southern parts of India. Vellanvagai: Land of non-Brahamana peasant proprietors. Shalabhoga: This refers to the land of the maintenance of a school. Devadana, tirunamattukkani: Land gifted to temples. Pallichchhandam: Land donated to Jaina institutions.
9. Which is the oldest Indian civilization?
[A] Egyptian civilization
[B] Indus Valley Civilization
[C] Mesopotamian civization
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: B [Indus Valley Civilization ]
Notes:
Indus Valley civilization was the oldest civilization to have flourished in the Indian subcontinent. Generally dated between 3000 B.C to 1800 B.C, it was one of three early civilizations of the Old World along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. It was a Bronze Age civilization.
10. Which of the following monuments is the oldest?
[A] Taj Mahal
[B] Khajuraho
[C] Qutab Minar
[D] Ajanta Caves
Correct Answer: D [Ajanta Caves ]
Notes:
The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra are about 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BC to about 480 or 650 A.D. Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 A.D by the Rajput Chandela dynasty. The Qutb Minar was built in the 13th century A.D, while the Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century.
