Q1. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?

(a) Andhra

(b) Gandhara

(c) Kalinga

(d) Magadha

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The correct answer is (a) Andhra.

Explanation:

Dhanyakataka, also known as Amaravati or Dharanikota, was an ancient city located in the present-day Andhra Pradesh region, specifically in the Guntur district along the banks of the Krishna River. It flourished as a prominent Buddhist center, particularly under the Mahasanghikas, one of the earliest and influential schools of Buddhism. The city was a major hub of Buddhist teachings, monasticism, and art from around the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE.

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• Dhanyakataka was the capital of the Satavahana dynasty, which patronized Buddhism and helped in the development of Buddhist institutions there.

• The Amaravati Stupa, located in Dhanyakataka, is one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in India, famous for its intricate sculptures and carvings depicting the life of the Buddha and Buddhist philosophy.

• The Mahasanghikas, known for their liberal interpretation of Buddhist doctrine and emphasis on the Bodhisattva ideal, had a significant presence in this region, contributing to the rise of Mahayana Buddhism.

Other options such as Gandhara, Kalinga, and Magadha are important Buddhist regions but are not associated with Dhanyakataka. Gandhara is in the northwest (present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan), Kalinga corresponds to parts of Odisha and northern Andhra, and Magadha is in present-day Bihar - none of these were the location of Dhanyakataka.

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Thus, Dhanyakataka’s location in Andhra Pradesh, its association with the Satavahanas, and its prominence under the Mahasanghikas confirm that the correct answer is Andhra

Q2. With reference to Ancient India, consider the following statements:

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1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.

2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.

3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

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The correct answer is (c) All three.

Explanation:

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1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin:Although the word "stupa" appears in ancient Vedic texts like the Rigveda and Atharvaveda referring to a heap or mound, the concept of the stupa as a religious monument with spiritual significance is closely linked to Buddhism. It evolved from simple burial mounds or funerary mounds into sacred Buddhist monuments associated with the Buddha and his teachings.

2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics:Stupas were primarily built to enshrine relics of the Buddha or other revered Buddhist saints (arhats, bodhisattvas). After the Buddha’s death, his cremated remains were divided and enshrined in stupas at various locations, making them important pilgrimage and worship sites.

3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition:Stupas served as votive monuments, built as offerings or to commemorate significant events or persons in the Buddhist tradition. They symbolized spiritual ideals and were places for meditation and devotion. The structure itself carried symbolic meaning, representing the Buddha’s presence and the path to enlightenment.

Thus, all three statements are correct in the context of ancient India and Buddhist tradition.

Q3. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as: 

(a) capital cities

(b) ports

(c) centres of iron-and-steel trailing

(d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

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The correct answer is (b) ports.

Explanation:

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• Korkai was an ancient port city located in present-day Tamil Nadu and served as the early capital of the Pandyan Kingdom. It was famous for its pearl fishery and was a major center for maritime trade, especially with the Roman Empire.

• Poompuhar (also known as Kaveripoompattinam) was a crucial port city of the Chola Kingdom, situated at the mouth of the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu. It was an important hub for maritime trade connecting South India with overseas markets.

• Muchiri (also known as Muziris) was an ancient port located near present-day Kodungalloor in Kerala on the Malabar Coast. It was a significant center for the spice trade and had extensive trade links with the Mediterranean and Red Sea regions.

These three cities were primarily recognized for their roles as ports facilitating trade and cultural exchange in ancient South India, rather than being capital cities, centers of iron-and-steel making, or shrines of Jain Tirthankaras.

Q4. Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?

(a) Kings employing women bodyguards

(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters

(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals

(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

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The correct answer is (d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death.

Explanation:

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• Vattakirutal (also spelled Vatakkiruttal or Vadakiruthal) was a Tamil ritual practiced during the Sangam age, where a defeated or dishonored king or warrior would fast until death, facing north. This was a way to uphold honor and avoid the shame of defeat or capture in battle.

• The ritual symbolized the warrior ethos prevalent in ancient Tamil society, where personal and family honor was paramount, and death was preferred over living with dishonor.

• Sangam literature contains several references to kings and warriors who undertook this ritual, sometimes accompanied by their loyal supporters or poets who chose to die alongside them.

• Examples include Chera king Neduncheralathan and Chola king Kopperuncholan, who are described in Sangam poems as having committed Vattakirutal to preserve their dignity after defeat or disgrace.

Other options do not relate to the meaning of Vattakirutal:

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• (a) Kings employing women bodyguards – unrelated to Vattakirutal.

• (b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts – describes assemblies but not Vattakirutal.

• (c) Young girls guarding fields – unrelated to this ritual.

Hence, the practice of Vattakirutal is specifically the ritual suicide by fasting to death by a defeated king, making option (d) the correct choice.

Q5. Consider the following dynasties:​

1. Hoysala

2. Gahadavala

3. Kakatiya

4. Yadava

How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) None

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The correct answer is (d) None.

Explanation:

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• Hoysala dynasty: The earliest record of the Hoysala dynasty dates to 950 CE, with Arekalla mentioned as the chieftain. They gained power as provincial governors under the Chalukyas and achieved the status of a kingdom under Vishnuvardhana in 1116 CE.

• Gahadavala dynasty: The Gahadavala dynasty existed between the second half of the 11th century and the mid-13th century. The dynastic power consolidated under Yashovigraha, Mahichandra, and Chandradeva (c. 1089–1103).

• Kakatiya dynasty: The Kakatiya dynasty ruled most of the eastern Deccan region between the 12th and 14th centuries. Early Kakatiya rulers served as feudatories to the Rashtrakutas and Western Chalukyas for over two centuries and assumed sovereignty in 1163 CE under Prataparudra I.

• Yadava dynasty: The earliest historical ruler of the Seuna/Yadava dynasty can be traced back to the mid-9th century (860-880 AD), with Dridhaprahara credited with founding the city of Chandradityapura. They initially ruled as feudatories of the Western Chalukyas and declared independence around the middle of the 12th century.

Thus, none of the listed dynasties established their kingdoms in the early eighth century AD.

Q6. With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four 

The correct answer is (b) Only two.

Explanation: 

1. Devichandragupta: Bilhana - This pair is incorrectly matched. Devichandragupta was written by Vishakhadatta (Vishakhadeva). Bilhana was a Kashmiri poet known for Vikramarkacharita and Chaurangi.

2. Hammira-Mahakavya: Nayachandra Suri - This pair is correctly matched. Hammira-Mahakavya was indeed written by Nayachandra Suri.

3. Milinda-panha: Nagarjuna - This pair is incorrectly matched. Milinda-panha is a text containing dialogues between the Buddhist monk Nagasena and the Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda).

4. Nitivakyamrita: Somadeva Suri - This pair is correctly matched. Nitivakyamrita is a book on political thought written by Somadeva Suri, a Jain writer.

Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched: Hammira-Mahakavya: Nayachandra Suri and Nitivakyamrita: Somadeva Suri.

Q7.   "Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects."

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?

(a)   Buddhism

(b)   Jainism

(c)   Shaivism

(d)   Vaishnavism

The correct answer is (b) Jainism.

Explanation:

• The belief that "souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects" directly reflects the core doctrine of Jainism.

• Jainism teaches that jiva (soul) is present not only in living beings like animals and plants but also in what are commonly considered inanimate objects, such as rocks, water, fire, air, and earth. These are known as saptajiva (seven types of souls), which include both mobile and immobile entities.

• This doctrine is a distinguishing feature of Jain philosophy and is not found in Buddhism, Shaivism, or Vaishnavism. Buddhism, for instance, does not accept the existence of a permanent soul (anatman), and Hindu sects like Shaivism and Vaishnavism reserve the concept of soul (atman) for living beings only.

Therefore, the statement describes Jainism.

Q8. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?

(a)   Devaraya I

(b)   Mallikaijuna

(c)   Vira Vijaya

(d)   Virupaksha

The correct answer is (a) Devaraya I.

Explanation

• Devaraya I (reigned 1406–1422 CE) was a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire renowned for his significant contributions to water management and infrastructure.

• He constructed a large dam (barrage) across the Tungabhadra River and commissioned a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometers long to bring water from the river to the capital city of Vijayanagara (Hampi).

• This massive project ensured a steady water supply for both the city and the surrounding agricultural lands, greatly enhancing the prosperity and growth of the empire.

• Contemporary accounts and historical records consistently attribute this achievement specifically to Devaraya I. Other rulers listed in the options (Mallikarjuna, Vira Vijaya, Virupaksha) are not associated with this particular irrigation project.

Therefore, the correct answer is Devaraya I.

9. Consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

The correct answer is (b) Only two.

Explanation

1. Besnagar : Shaivite cave shrine

• Incorrect. Besnagar (modern Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh) is famous for the Heliodorus Pillar, which is dedicated to Lord Vasudeva (Krishna), a Vaishnavite deity, not Shaivite. There is no well-known Shaivite cave shrine at Besnagar.

2. Bhaja : Buddhist cave shrine

• Correct. The Bhaja Caves in Maharashtra are a group of 2nd century BCE rock-cut caves and are well-known as early Buddhist cave shrines.

3. Sittanavasal : Jain cave shrine

• Correct. Sittanavasal (in Tamil Nadu) is famous for its Jain cave shrine, known as Arivar Koil, with significant Jain frescoes and inscriptions.