UPSC Prelims Ancient History Questions

UPSC Prelims 2024: Ancient History Questions

Q1. With reference to ancient India, “Gautama Buddha” was generally known by which of the following epithets?

1. Nayaputta
2. Shakyamuni
3. Tathagata

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above

Answer: (b)
Explanation:

• Nayaputta: This epithet is associated with Mahavira (the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism), who was known as Nataraputa or Nayaputta (son of the Naya clan). It is not an epithet for Buddha.
• Shakyamuni: This means “Sage of the Shakyas.” Buddha belonged to the Shakya clan, so this is a common epithet for him.
• Tathagata: This is a Pali/Sanskrit word that Buddha often used to refer to himself. It generally means “one who has thus gone” or “one who has arrived at the truth.”

Q2. 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

Answer: (d)
Explanation:

• Vattakirutal was a martial practice mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature. It involved a king who had suffered a defeat in battle (or sometimes a disgrace) facing North (Vatakkiruttal) and starving himself to death. His loyal followers would often join him in this ritual suicide.

Q3. Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa?
(a) Kavyalankara
(b) Natyashastra
(c) Madhyama-vyayoga
(d) Mahabhashya

Answer: (c)
Explanation:

• Madhyama-vyayoga (The Middle One) is a Sanskrit play attributed to Bhasa. It is based on characters from the Mahabharata (specifically Bhima and Ghatotkacha).
• Kavyalankara is by Bhamaha.
• Natyashastra is attributed to Sage Bharata.
• Mahabhashya is a commentary on grammar by Patanjali.

UPSC Prelims 2023: Ancient History Questions

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

Answer: (a)
Explanation:

• Dhanyakataka (modern-day Dharanikota/Amaravati) was a major ancient city in the Andhra region (Guntur district).
• It served as the capital of the Satavahanas and was a significant center for the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. The famous Amaravati Stupa is located here.

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

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

Answer: (b)
Explanation:

• Statement 1 is Incorrect: The concept of a Stupa (a burial mound) is pre-Buddhist. It originates from the ancient custom of raising earthen mounds over the remains of the dead (Chaityas). The Jains also erected Stupas initially. Buddhism adapted and popularized this structure.
• Statement 2 is Correct: Stupas were built over the relics (Saririka) of the Buddha or great monks.
• Statement 3 is Correct: Stupas were also built as commemorative markers (Uddeshika) for events in Buddha’s life or as votive offerings (Paribhogika) by pilgrims to earn merit.
  • Note: Since two statements are correct, the answer is “Only two”.

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 making
(d) Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

Answer: (b)
Explanation:

• These were famous port cities of the Sangam Age.
  • Korkai: Major port of the Pandyas (famous for pearl fishery).
  • Poompuhar (Kaveripattinam): Major port of the Cholas.
  • Muchiri (Muziris): Major port of the Cheras on the Malabar coast.

UPSC Prelims 2022: Ancient History Questions

Q1. According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the following are correct?

1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.
2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.
3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master’s son.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)
Explanation:

• Statement 1 is Correct: The Arthashastra mentions Dandadasa (enslavement due to judicial punishment or fines).
• Statement 2 is Correct: Kautilya explicitly states that if a female slave (Dasi) bears a child to her master, she, along with the child, becomes free.
• Statement 3 is Correct: The son born of such a union was entitled to the legal status of a son and a share in the inheritance.

Q2. Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
(a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
(b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
(c) Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.
(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.

Answer: (b)
Explanation:

• Statement (b) is Correct: The Sangam texts (specifically the Tolkappiyam) mention the four-fold division of society (Andanar, Arasar, Vanigar, Vellalar), which roughly corresponds to the Varna system (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Shudras), showing that the concept was known, though the social structure in the South was unique.
• Statement (a) is incorrect as Sangam poems vividly describe material culture (trade, houses, food, dress).
• Statement (c) is incorrect as Puram poetry is entirely dedicated to war, valor, and warrior ethics.

UPSC Prelims 2021: Ancient History Questions

Q1. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar

Answer: (a)
Explanation:

• Dholavira (in Gujarat) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Indus Valley Civilization famous for its sophisticated water conservation system.
• It features a series of reservoirs, check dams, and channels built of stone to store rainwater, which is unique compared to other Harappan sites that relied mostly on rivers or wells.

Q2. From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?

1. The Guptas of Magadha
2. The Paramaras of Malwa
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
5. The Yadavas of Devagiri
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 5
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 5 and 6

Answer: (b)
Explanation:

• Post-Gupta Period (6th Century AD):
  • 1. Guptas of Magadha: These were the “Later Guptas” who ruled small pockets of Magadha after the main empire collapsed. (Correct)
  • 3. Pushyabhutis of Thanesar: This is the dynasty of Harshavardhana. (Correct)
  • 4. Maukharis of Kanauj: They were powerful rulers in the Ganga-Yamuna doab before Harsha consolidated power. (Correct)
  • 6. Maitrakas of Valabhi: They ruled in Gujarat/Saurashtra region during this transition period. (Correct)
• Incorrect Options:
  • 2. Paramaras of Malwa: They were a medieval dynasty (Rajput period, roughly 9th-14th century AD), much later than Harsha.
  • 5. Yadavas of Devagiri: They were a medieval dynasty in the Deccan (12th-14th century AD).