Art, Literature and Culture During Ancient Times: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Ancient History)

Explanation

The Hoysala dynasty (10th-14th centuries CE) ruled over present-day Karnataka, known for their patronage of art and architecture. They played a key role in resisting northern invasions in South India.

Option (b) is correct: Hoysala architecture is renowned for its intricate detailing, evident in the temples at Halebid and Belur in Karnataka. These monuments reflect unique craftsmanship and religious art of the period.

Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect Hampi and Hosper relate to Vijayanagara architecture. Mysore and Bangalore are not prominent Hoysala sites. Sringeri and Dharwar are not primarily known for Hoysala temples.

Explanation

Travel accounts Megasthenes, Fa-Hien, Xuanzang and I-Tsing provide invaluable insight into ancient India.

Option (b) is correct:

Megasthenes was an ancient Greek traveler and diplomat sent from Hellenistic king Seleucus I. He visited India during the Mauryan era (321-185 BC). He compiled his account on India in the famous book called ‘Indica’. Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist monk and explorer who traveled through India in search of Buddhist Scriptures during the Gupta period (4th Century CE to 6th Century CE). Hiuen Tsang (629-645 C.E) or Xuanzang was a Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India during the reign of King Harsha Vardhana to obtain the Buddhist scriptures, He is also known as the "Prince of Pilgrims,". I-Tsing was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler who journeyed to India. After visiting the important Buddhist sites in Magadha, he spent ten years (676-685) at the renowned Nalanda monastery

Explanation

Sohgaura copper-plate inscription is among the earliest records highlighting the Mauryan state’s concern for preserving food grains during crises. Issued during the Mauryan period, it details a directive for famine relief by storing grains, showcasing a significant step in disaster preparedness by the state. This inscription reflects the Mauryan administrative foresight in dealing with natural calamities and highlights the organized approach of the empire. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Rummindei Pillar Edict of Ashoka is associated with Ashoka’s spread of Dhamma, focusing on moral and ethical governance rather than food grain preservation. Prayaga-prasasti is an inscription that commemorates the achievements of Emperor Samudragupta. It is a eulogy that highlights the military and political prowess of the Gupta dynasty. The Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandragupta II primarily commemorates victories and royal patronage rather than providing instructions for crisis management or food grain preservation.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Lothal, located in present-day Gujarat, was a major port city of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is renowned for its well-planned dockyard, which is considered one of the earliest known examples of a dockyard in the world, indicating the importance of maritime trade.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, marking the beginning of his teachings on the Middle Path.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: The Lion Capital of Ashoka is not associated with Rajgir but was found at Sarnath. The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a famous sculpture from the Mauryan period and is now the national emblem of India.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Nalanda was a renowned center of Buddhist learning, attracting scholars from across Asia. Nalanda University (Bihar) was one of the greatest centers of Buddhist learning in ancient India, flourishing under the Gupta and Pala dynasties. It attracted scholars from across Asia, including China, Korea, and Tibet.

Explanation

The correct order of development (from oldest to newest):

Urban Culture arose with the Indus Valley Civilization (~2600 BCE), marking the emergence of planned urban centers.(4) Iron Plough usage began around the 1st millennium BCE, enhancing agricultural output.(3) Punch-marked Silver Coins started circulating by the 6th century BCE as early currency.(2) Gold Coins were introduced during the Kushan period, establishing high-value currency standards.(1)

Explanation

The four yugas--Krita (Satya), Treta, Dvapara, and Kali--form a cyclical model in Hindu cosmology, depicting a gradual decline in virtue and dharma over time. A full Yuga cycle lasts 4,320,000 years (12,000 divine years), and a Kalpa, or epoch, consists of a thousand such cycles.

Option (c) is correct: Based on Yuga Duration Table given below:

Yuga Duration (in years) Krita (Satya) 1,728,000 years (4,800 divine years) Treta 1,296,000 years (3,600 divine years) Dvapara 864,000 years (2,400 divine years) Kali 432,000 years (1,200 divine years)

Explanation

The Jagannath Puri Temple, located in Odisha, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is famous for its annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival), attracting millions of devotees. The Devadasi system involved dedicating women to serve deities through rituals and dance, often leading to social exploitation. The Jagannath Puri Temple in Odisha is historically associated with this tradition, where Devadasis were committed to temple service, showcasing both devotion and the cultural acceptance of the practice in temple life. Over time, this system drew criticism due to its exploitative aspects, prompting reforms. The association of Devadasis with the Jagannath Temple highlights Odisha’s rich religious culture and complex socio-religious customs.

Explanation

Yavanapriya is a term in ancient Sanskrit texts referring to pepper, a commodity highly prized in early Indo-Mediterranean trade. The term "Yavanapriya" is made up of two Sanskrit words, "Yavana" referring to Greeks and "priya" meaning loved. Ancient Sanskrit texts used this term to denote the commodity loved by the Greeks from India. This lucrative trade in spices, particularly pepper, was crucial for India’s ancient economy and helped establish India as a prominent player in global commerce. v v v