UPSC 2020 Ancient History Questions with Answers

Explanation

Ashoka’s religious philosophy evolved from a belief in traditional Hindu practices to the adoption of Buddhism, emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa), compassion, and moral conduct. His Edicts reflect his commitment to dharma, promoting tolerance, welfare, and ethical governance. In Major Rock Edicts 7 and 12, Ashoka explicitly advocates for religious tolerance and the coexistence of all religions. He emphasized that all ascetics (spiritual teachers) should be honored, irrespective of their faith, and that people should respect each other’s beliefs. These edicts reflect Ashoka’s commitment to dhamma (righteousness), which promoted peaceful co-existence.

Explanation

During the Gupta period, different land measures were known in different regions such as Nivartana, Kulyavapa, and Dronavapa. These units of measurement, including Kulyavapa and Dronavapa, are mentioned in inscriptions from Bengal, as well as in texts like the Arthashastra and other regional inscriptions of the Gupta period. The term ‘’vap" means ‘’to sow". Kulyavapa means the area required to sow one kulya of grain and the Dronavyapa was the area required to sow one drona of grain. One kulya is equal to eight drona.

Explanation

During the Gupta period, maritime trade flourished, with ports like Surat, Chaul, and Tamralipti facilitating trade with regions such as Southeast Asia, Persia, and the Roman Empire. The Gupta Empire’s thriving seafaring commerce included goods like spices, textiles, and precious stones.

Option (a) is correct:

Ghantasala: Located in present-day Andhra Pradesh, it was a port town during the Gupta period. It was known for its proximity to the sea and played a role in maritime trade, particularly with Southeast Asia. Kadura: identified with a modern day coastal town in Karnataka, is believed to have been a key coastal town with commercial and trade significance. Chaul: located on the west coast of India in present-day Maharashtra, was a prominent port town during the Gupta period. It was an active center for foreign trade, particularly with Persia and Arabia.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Panini, the great grammarian, is not associated with Pushyamitra Shunga. He is traditionally believed to have lived during the Maurya period, possibly around the 4th century BCE. Pushyamitra Shunga, however, founded the Shunga dynasty around 185 BCE, well after Panini’s time. Panini is most famous for his work "Ashtadhyayi", a treatise on Sanskrit grammar.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Amarasimha, an eminent scholar and lexicographer, is associated with the Gupta period, not Harshavardhana. He is known for compiling the Amarakosa, a famous Sanskrit lexicon. Amarasimha is believed to have lived during the reign of Chandragupta II of the Gupta Empire (c. 4th century CE), not during Harshavardhana’s reign (7th century CE).

Statement 3 is correct: Kalidasa, one of the greatest classical Sanskrit poets and playwrights, is traditionally associated with the Gupta period, specifically with Chandragupta II, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya (r. 375-413 CE). Kalidasa is believed to have flourished at the Gupta court, and his works such as "Abhijnanasakuntalam", "Meghaduta", and "Raghuvamsa" reflect the grandeur of the Gupta Empire. Kalidasa and Amarsimha were among the nine jewels of Chandragupta-II aka Chandragupta Vikramaditya.