Ancient History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Chandraketugarh is not located in Odisha. It is actually an archaeological site in West Bengal, near Kolkata. It is known for its historical significance as an ancient trading hub and port town, dating back to the pre-Mauryan and Gupta periods. It is an urban centre of the ancient state of Gangaridai belonging to the trans-Bengal region at the interface of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The antiquity of the area dates back to eras as early as 4th century BCE, a period much prior to the Mauryan era and shows evidence in the continuity of subsequent Sunga, Kushana, Gupta, Pala and Sena dynasties.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Inamgaon is a chalcolithic site in Maharashtra. After the disintegration of the Indus civilization, in a phase known as the Early Jorwe (1400-1000 BC), hundreds of agrarian villages flourished in the Deccan region of west-central India. Environmental degradation, combined with unsustainable agricultural practices, contributed to the abandonment of many communities around 1000 BC. Inamgaon was one of a handful of villages to persist into the Late Jorwe phase (1000-700 BC), wherein reliance on dry-plough agricultural production declined. The site provides evidence of early farming communities, pottery, and burial practices. It is considered a key site for understanding the Deccan Chalcolithic culture.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Mangadu is a Megalithic Site in Kerala. The megalithic monuments at Mangadu consisted of 28 hard compact and unhewn laterite blocks within an area of 5 cents of land. The pottery at Mangadu can be classified into three categories namely the huge urns, the medium sized jars are hand made. The associated potteries are of wheel-made pottery and the fabric is black and red and red wares.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Salihundam is a Buddhist Site in Andhra Pradesh as early as the 2nd century CE to the 12th century CE. Here, Buddhism flourished under the patronage of various dynasties, including the Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, and the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The archaeological excavations have revealed numerous stupas, chaityas, viharas and a congregation hall, indicating the importance of this site in the transmission of Buddhist knowledge and wisdom. Rock cut caves are not found in Salihundam.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: A parable is a succinct, didactic story, in prose or verse, that illustrates one or more instructive lessons or principles. The Upanishads do contain parables (short stories with moral or philosophical lessons). Examples include:

Nachiketa and Yama in the Katha Upanishad, which explores the concept of the soul and immortality.

Statement 2 is correct: The Upanishads (1000-500 BCE) were composed during the later Vedic period, forming the philosophical core of Hinduism. The Puranas, on the other hand, were compiled much later (mostly between 3rd to 10th century CE), making Upanishads earlier than Puranas.

Explanation

Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh holds historical significance as the site of ancient Dhanyakataka, a prominent town in the Deccan region of the later Satavahanas, as recorded in numerous inscriptions. This area also housed a significant Buddhist settlement. According to some Tibetan scriptures Dhanyakataka is the place where early Kalachakra tradition took off. Kalachakra is a Buddhist tantric practice. It was a significant hub of Mahayana Buddhism and was associated with the Mahasanghika sect. The famous Amaravati Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in India, is located near this site. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Gandhara (Pakistan-Afghanistan region) was a center of Gandhara art and Mahayana Buddhism. Kalinga (Odisha) was significant for Ashoka’s Buddhist transformation but not specifically for the Mahasanghikas. Magadha (Bihar) was the heartland of early Buddhism but not linked to Dhanyakataka.

Explanation

Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were prominent ancient port cities in South India that played a crucial role in maritime trade. Korkai: Korkai, situated in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, emerged as a significant port city during ancient times, notably flourishing during the era of Tamil Sangam literature. It served as the primary port for the Pandya Kingdom during this period. Poompuhar: Alternatively known as Kaveripattinam, it stands out as an ancient port city with a vibrant maritime trading legacy. Positioned on the banks of the Kaveri River in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, it served as the primary port for the esteemed Chola Kingdom. Muchiri: Muchiri, alternatively referred to as Muziris, stood as an ancient port city situated in what is now Kerala, close to the town of Kodungallur. It held substantial importance as a trading hub within the Indian Ocean trade network throughout the ancient and medieval eras. Tondi and Muchiri emerged as pivotal ports within the realm of the Chera kingdom. Hence, all the three sites mentioned were well known as Ports in ancient South India.

Explanation

Vatakkiruttal, also known as Vadakiruthal or Vadakiruttal, was particularly prevalent during the Sangam period (3rd century BCE to 2nd Century CE). Tamil Kings, in a bid to uphold their honor and prestige, were willing to face death by fasting, a practice known as "Vatakkiruttal."

Explanation

Hoysala Dynasty: Originating from the Indian subcontinent, the Hoysala Empire held sway over a significant portion of present-day Karnataka from the 10th to the 14th centuries. While the Hoysalas initially established their capital at Belur, it was later relocated to Halebidu. Gahadavala Dynasty: Following the dissolution of the Pratihara empire, several Rajput states emerged in northern India. Among these, the Gahadavalas of Kanauj (12th to 13th century), the Paramaras of Malwa, and the Chauhans of Ajmer were the most prominent. Kakatiya Dynasty: The Kakatiya dynasty ruled the region comprising present day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh during the 12th and 14th centuries. Their capital was Warangal in Telangana. The distinct style of Kakatiya-era architecture is seen in the Thousand Pillar Temple and Ramappa Temple near Warangal. Yadava Dynasty: The Yadava dynasty ruled in the 12th-14th -century and comprised the Hindu kingdom of central India in what is now the Indian state of Maharashtra. Originally a feudatory of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, the dynasty became paramount in the Deccan under Bhillama (c. 1187-91), who founded Devagiri (later Daulatabad) as his capital.

Explanation

India’s historical sites highlight diverse peculiarities as Bhimbetka’s prehistoric rock art, Nalanda’s ancient university, Sanchi’s stupas, Dholavira’s urban planning, Pattadakal’s Chalukyan temples, and Khajuraho’s erotic sculptures, reflecting the subcontinent’s rich contributions to art, architecture, and education across areas.

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Burzahom (Kashmir) had a well-developed bone tool industry. Other finds at Burzahom include pits and coarse pottery. Rock-cut shrines were not a feature of the Burzahom site.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Chandraketugarh is located in the Ganges delta in West Bengal. It is known for its rich collection of terracotta plaques and figurines that date back to the pre-Mauryan and Gupta periods.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Ganeshwar is located in the northeastern part of Rajasthan. Hundreds of copper artifacts have been found at this site which suggests it must have been a copper working center.

Explanation

Indus Valley Civilization featured advanced town planning with well-laid-out streets, drainage systems, and standardized brick construction. Notable examples include the cities of Mohenjo-Daro, with its grid-like streets and Great Bath, and Harappa, known for its drainage systems and carefully planned residential areas.

Option (a) is correct: Discovered in 1968 by Jagat Pati Joshi, Dholavira is one of the best-preserved Indus Valley sites, with a unique water management system using reservoirs and dams. Located between the Manhar and Mandsar streams, it was likely accessible by boat when the Rann’s water levels were higher.

Explanation

Post-Gupta India saw the rise of regional kingdoms and fragmented political power. This period marked a decline in centralized rule, leading to a more decentralized political landscape.

Option (b) is correct: Due to Hun invasions, the Gupta kingdom was weakened in its power and several independent kingdoms arose in north India such as Yashodharman of Malwa, the Maukharis of Kanauj, the Maitrakas in Saurashtra and others. Pushyabhuti of Thanesar (Haryana) also carved an independent state around that time. After the coming of Tomars of Delhi in the 8th century, later by the 11-12th century, long after the decline of Gupta’s, Chauhans of Rajasthan, Solankis of Gujarat, Parmars of Malwa, and Chandels of Bundelkhand started ruling north India. It is only during the 14th CE, the Yadavas of Devagiri (Maharashtra) became an important ruling dynasty of Deccan.

Explanation

Ancient and medieval Indian playwrights and dramatists, like Bhasa, Kalidasa, and Bhavabhuti, created masterpieces that blended poetry, philosophy, and performance. Bhavabhti was an 8th-century scholar of India noted for his plays and poetry, written in Sanskrit. He is known as "Poet of Karun Rasa" for his work named as Uttararamacharita. His written plays include Mahavircharitra and Malatimadhava. Hastimalla was a Kannada poet and playwright during Hoysalas’ reign. He wrote 8 plays including ’VikrantKaurava’ and ’Subhadra Harana’ Kshemeshvara was an 11th-century Sanskrit poet from Kashmir in India. One of the important works attributed to him is the Dasavatar Charita.