Ancient History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Ashokan pillar architecture is characterized by tall, monolithic stone columns with tapering shafts, polished surfaces, and inscriptions. Examples of some Ashokan Pillars are The Sarnath Pillar (UP), Lauria Nandangarh & Lauria Araraj (Bihar). Statement (a) is correct: Highly polished surfaces, which give them a smooth, lustrous finish. The pillars, made of sandstone, were polished so well that they shine even today. This smooth finish shows the advanced craftsmanship of the Mauryan period. Statement (b) is correct: Monolithic design, meaning each pillar was carved from a single block of stone.These pillars were carved from huge blocks of stone and transported to various locations across the Mauryan Empire. Statement (c) is correct: Tapering shafts, which narrow slightly towards the top, add to their elegance. Statement (d) is incorrect: Ashoka’s stone pillars were not generally parts of architectural structures like temples or gateways. Instead, they were freestanding monolithic columns, typically used for inscription and public proclamation. These pillars were placed at important sites to commemorate events, convey royal edicts, and spread Ashoka’s Dhamma (moral code).

Explanation

The Ashokan Edicts are a series of inscriptions engraved on rocks, pillars, and cave walls across the Indian subcontinent, commissioned by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Dynasty in the 3rd century BC.

Option (a) is correct: The Maski Edict, found in Karnataka, is unique for explicitly mentioning Ashoka’s personal name. It confirms that the titles "Devanampiya" and "Piyadassi" refer to Emperor Ashoka.

Option (b) is incorrect: The Special Kalinga Edicts, issued by Ashoka for Kalinga highlights his shift from violence to Dhamma, promoting moral living and ethical governance.

Option (c) is incorrect: The Rummindei Edict (also known as the Lumbini Pillar Inscription) was discovered at Rummindei (present-day Lumbini in Nepal), which is recognised as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha commemorates Ashoka’s pilgrimage to Lumbini and his dedication to Buddhism.

Option (d) is incorrect: The Kalsi Edict, found in Uttarakhand, is the only Major Rock Edict in North India. It highlights Ashoka’s promotion of Dhamma and moral governance but does not mention his personal name, as shown in the Ashoka Empire 250 BC map. Fig.: Ashoka Empire, 250 BC Map

Explanation

The Gupta Empire (c. 320-550 CE) is celebrated as ancient India’s "Golden Age" for its advancements in art, literature, and science. The Chandelas (10th-12th centuries) flourished in Bundelkhand, renowned for their architectural masterpieces like Khajuraho. The Chalukyas (6th-12th centuries) dominated the Deccan region, while the Pallavas (6th-9th centuries) ruled parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, leaving a lasting cultural and architectural legacy.

Option (a) is correct: Key dynasties in ancient India were associated with specific centers of power: the Cholas ruled from Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram; the Pallavas from Kanchi and Panamalai; the Pandyas from Madurai. The Chalukyas governed from Badami (Vatapi), while the Later Chalukyas ruled from Kalyani. In the north, the Guptas were linked to Deogarh, and the Chandelas to Bundelkhand and Khajuraho.

Explanation

The Gupta Empire is known for its remarkable coinage that highlighted the artistry and cultural achievements of the period. The silver coins issued by the Guptas were known as "Rupaka." This term, "Rupaka," signifies a form or image, reflecting the Gupta Empire’s tradition of detailed and artistically crafted silver coinage.

Option (a) is correct: Rupaka specifically refers to the silver coins issued by the Gupta rulers.

Option (b) is incorrect: The Karshapana was a type of coin used primarily in ancient India during the Mauryan Empire, composed of various metals, typically copper or silver, but not specifically linked to the Guptas’ silver coins.

Option (c) is incorrect: While the Gupta Empire did issue Dinara coins, these were gold coins rather than silver. The term Dinara was influenced by Roman coinage and mainly reflected wealth in gold, not silver.

Option (d) is incorrect: Pana was a unit of currency used in ancient India, including the Mauryan period, but it was not specific to the Gupta Empire’s silver coinage.

Explanation

The Saka Era is a historical calendar that begins in 78 A.D., marking its epoch in Indian history. The Vikrama Samvat is another significant calendar system in India, which starts from 58 B.C.. To convert a Saka year to Vikrama Samvat, 136 years are added to the Saka year. Therefore, adding 136 years to 465 (Saka year) results in 601, which corresponds to a Vikrama Samvat year.

Explanation

Kula, Vamsa, and Gotra were terms associated with the social and family structure of ancient Indian society, particularly in relation to lineage and ancestry. In contrast, Kosa referred to the treasury and was a key element in state administration. Mentioned in Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Kosa was one of the seven components of Kautilya’s Saptanga policy, which included Swamin (Ruler), Amatya (Ministers), Janapada (Territory), Durg (Forts), Kosa (Treasury), Bala (Army), and Mitra (Friend or Ally).

Explanation

Vedic literature consists of the Vedas, which are the oldest religious texts of India, comprising hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings. It includes four Vedas--Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda--and their associated texts like the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is the Sindhu. It is mentioned over 150 times in the Rig Veda, the oldest known Hindu text. The Sindhu is identical to the Indus River and is considered to be a sacred river associated with fertility, abundance and prosperity. Other rivers that are mentioned in early Vedic literature include the Saraswati, Yamuna and Ganges. Saraswati is called naditama or the best of the rivers in the Rig Veda.

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

Brahmavadini refers to women who sought spiritual knowledge and philosophical understanding of Brahman, the ultimate reality. These women ascetics were known for their intellectual pursuits, poetic abilities, and compositions of Vedic hymns. Among the prominent women Vedic scholars, we find references to Maitreyi, Viswambhara, Apala, and Lopamudra, to name a few.