Ancient History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Ancient India made significant contributions to science, particularly in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Achievements include the concept of zero and the decimal system, advancements in surgery and the accurate calculations of the Earth’s circumference.

Statement 1 is correct: Ancient Indian texts like the Sushruta Samhita (6th century BC) describe specialized surgical instruments for procedures such as surgery, eye treatments, and plastic surgery, indicating well-developed surgical knowledge by the 1st century AD.

Statement 2 is incorrect: There has been no documented proof of organ transplants in the 3rd century AD. The concept of organ transplantation is much more modern, developing in the 20th century.

Statement 3 is correct: Aryabhata, in the 5th century AD, improvised the concept of sine (jya in Sanskrit) in his book and used it in astronomical calculations. Aryabhata’s work in trigonometry laid the foundation for later developments in mathematics.

Statement 4 is correct: The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals, where a quadrilateral can be inscribed in a circle, was known to Brahmagupta in the 7th century AD, who also provided a formula for their area.

Explanation

As mentioned in Arthshastra, Guilds, also known as Shrenis or Trade Guilds, played a significant role in ancient Indian society. These organizations brought together artisans, merchants, and traders to promote their collective interests, provide protection, and facilitate trade.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The king or local rulers protected guilds and ensured compliance with state regulations, but guilds operated autonomously and were not always formally registered with the central authority.

Statement 2 is correct: Guilds had significant control over the economic activities of their members. They were responsible for regulating various aspects of production, trade, and commerce, which included setting wages, standards of workmanship, prices for goods, and rules of operation.

Statement 3 is correct: Guild members were entitled to impeach and punish a chief found guilty of misconduct. The Arthashastra describes the role of guilds in resolving disputes through a Shreni court, where matters related to trade, contracts, and disagreements were handled by the guild’s officials.

Explanation

Vedic Aryans used to worship manifestations of forces of nature as Gods in the form of Indra, Agni, Soma, Varuna. Mother Earth and Rivers, especially Saraswati, were worshiped as the goddess. The hymns in the Rigveda reflect reverence for natural forces like fire, wind, and the sun, with a strong emphasis on rituals and offerings. Yajna was a method of worship that involved offering sacrifices. It included Vedic chants singing and a sacrificial mantra. The Vedic mantra was chanted while sacrificing havan samagri in the fire during a yajna. Bhakti (devotion) and image worship became more prominent in later religious developments.

Explanation

Indus Valley Civilization, one of the earliest urban cultures, is notable for its advanced urban planning, trade systems, and crafts, yet it was largely secular in nature with no dominant religious structure.

Statement 1 is correct: The Indus Valley Civilization is often considered more secular compared to other ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia or Egypt, where religion played a dominant role in daily life and governance. Although evidence of religious practices exists (e.g., figurines, seals depicting deities, the Great Bath which may have had ritual significance), there is no clear evidence of a theocratic society or large, grandiose temples. The focus of the Indus civilization appears to be on urban planning, trade, and practical aspects of daily life.

Statement 2 is correct: The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the earliest known civilizations to have used cotton for textile production. Evidence of cotton cultivation has been found at several Indus sites, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, where cotton fibers have been discovered, indicating its use in making cloth. Also, cotton seeds found near Mehrgarh dated to 5000 BCE.

Explanation

The concepts of Dharma and Rita were central to the Vedic civilization of India, shaping its moral, social, and cosmic order. Dharma and rita are interconnected, with rita providing the cosmic framework within which dharma operates. Together, they create a moral universe where every action aligns with the natural order. These concepts guide both personal behavior and societal norms, ensuring that individuals act in accordance with the universal laws and maintain harmony in all aspects of life.

Statement 1 is correct: In the Vedic context, dharma refers to the concept of obligations and duties. It is about the righteous conduct and the moral responsibilities one has to oneself and to society.

Statement 2 is correct: Rita is the principle of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe and everything within it. It is the cosmic order or the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe.

Explanation

Statement (a) is correct: Yukti Kalpataru, written by the Indian scholar Bhoja in the 11th century CE, is a work of great significance that discusses a wide range of topics, including shipbuilding. This text does provide evidence of the advanced shipbuilding techniques of the time, offering insight into how ships were constructed and used for trade and warfare. Indian maritime history of Shipbuilding dates back to the Harappan civilization. India had a well-developed maritime tradition, but other civilizations, like China, also had advanced shipbuilding. Statement (b) is correct: The South Indian rulers always patronized traders and monks due to their knowledge and wisdom. Heavy grants and lands were issued for their knowledge about the outside world. The Cholas, Pallavas, and Srivijaya kingdom had strong maritime links due to royal patronage of trade and cultural exchanges. Statement (c) is correct: Indians have been familiar with the monsoon winds since the Gupta era. Although the Bay of Bengal’s monsoon winds made sea travel easier, this was not the only factor in India’s early commerce and cultural connections with Southeast Asia. Note: Although all the statements seems correct but UPSC has given option (c) as the most convincing correct answer.

Explanation

The invasions of ancient India by the Greeks, Sakas, and Kushanas occurred between the 4th century BCE and the 2nd century AD, marking significant cultural and political shifts in the Indian subcontinent due to the introduction of Hellenistic, Central Asian, and nomadic influences.

Option (a) is correct:

Greeks: In the 4th century BCE, Alexander the Great initiated the Greek invasions into India. After his death, his Indian conquests we taken over by the Seleucids and then by the Greeks of Bactria. Sakas: The Sakas, or Scythians, were a group of nomadic tribes from Central Asia who invaded north-western India in the 2nd century BC, following the path set by the Greeks. Kushanas: The Kushans, originally from Central Asia (modern China), invaded India from the 1st to the 3rd century AD.

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: Amoghavarsha I (814-878 CE) was one of the greatest rulers of the Rashtrakuta Empire, he was known for his negotiations and peace treaty with the Gangas and other southern powers and for his immense contributions to literature. He authored Kavirajamarga, the earliest known Kannada literary work, and shifted the capital to Manyakheta.

Option (b) is correct: Dantidurga is considered to be the founder of the Rashtrakuta Empire in the Deccan region of India, during the late 8th century. He overthrew the rule of the Chalukya dynasty and laid the foundation for what became a powerful empire in India.

Option (c) is incorrect: Dhruva was also a ruler of the Rashtrakuta Empire, notably crushing the revolt in Gujarat and effectively dealing with invasions from the Arab world.

Option (d) is incorrect: Krishna I was another significant ruler from the Rashtrakuta dynasty, known particularly for the construction of the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora.

Explanation

The Al lahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prashasti), composed by Harishena, highlights Samudragupta’s conquests and administrative capabilities. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Mahapadma Nanda predated the inscription’s composition. There is no connection between Chandragupta Maurya and this inscription. Ashoka built many pillars but did not contribute to this inscription.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ikshvaku dynasty ruled Andhra Pradesh during the 3rd-4th century CE. The Ikshvakus primarily followed Brahmanical traditions but were not hostile to Buddhism. Their reign saw the coexistence of multiple religious traditions. Many Buddhist stupas and viharas were constructed during their rule, particularly in Nagarjunakonda.

Statement 2 is correct: The Pala dynasty (8th-12th century CE) ruled over Bengal and Bihar and was known for its strong patronage of Mahayana Buddhism. They played a significant role in establishing major Buddhist centers such as Vikramashila, Nalanda, and Somapura Mahavihara. Rulers like Dharmapala and Devapala actively promoted Buddhism, not only within India but also in regions like Tibet.