Static Quiz 18 January 2025 (Ancient History)
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Static Quiz 18 January 2025 (Ancient History) For UPSC Exam
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- Question 1 of 5
1. Question
Consider the following statements regarding Pala rulers:
1. They were great patrons of Sanskrit learning and Hindu religion.
2. Pala empires were divided into bhukti (provinces), and mandala or visaya (districts).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?CorrectQ1.b
Explanation
• Statement 1 is incorrect:
◦ Information about the Palas is also found in Tibetan chronicles (written in the 17th century).
◦ Dharmapala revived the Nalanda University and set aside 200 villages to fund it.
◦ He also founded Vikramasila University, located in Magadha.
• Statement 2 is correct:
◦ Direct administration in Pala and Pratihara empires was divided into:
▪ Bhukti (provinces)
▪ Mandala/Visaya (districts)
◦ Uparika – Governor of a province
◦ Visayapati – Head of a district
◦ Uparika and Visayapati were responsible for land revenue collection and law and order.IncorrectQ1.b
Explanation
• Statement 1 is incorrect:
◦ Information about the Palas is also found in Tibetan chronicles (written in the 17th century).
◦ Dharmapala revived the Nalanda University and set aside 200 villages to fund it.
◦ He also founded Vikramasila University, located in Magadha.
• Statement 2 is correct:
◦ Direct administration in Pala and Pratihara empires was divided into:
▪ Bhukti (provinces)
▪ Mandala/Visaya (districts)
◦ Uparika – Governor of a province
◦ Visayapati – Head of a district
◦ Uparika and Visayapati were responsible for land revenue collection and law and order. - Question 2 of 5
2. Question
During the period of Harshavardhana, the terms Bhaga, Hiranya, and Bali are used for which of the following purposes?
CorrectQ2.c
Explanation
• Three kinds of taxes during Harsha’s reign:
1. Bhaga – Land tax paid in kind (1/6th of the produce).
2. Hiranya – Tax paid by farmers and merchants in cash.
3. Bali – No reference to this tax.
• Crown land division:
1. Part I – State affairs
2. Part II – Paying ministers and officers
3. Part III – Rewarding scholars
4. Part IV – Charity to religious institutionsIncorrectQ2.c
Explanation
• Three kinds of taxes during Harsha’s reign:
1. Bhaga – Land tax paid in kind (1/6th of the produce).
2. Hiranya – Tax paid by farmers and merchants in cash.
3. Bali – No reference to this tax.
• Crown land division:
1. Part I – State affairs
2. Part II – Paying ministers and officers
3. Part III – Rewarding scholars
4. Part IV – Charity to religious institutions - Question 3 of 5
3. Question
With reference to the Prayag Prashasti, “the most important historical document of the classical Gupta age,” consider the following statements:
1. It is an inscription composed by Samudragupta himself to depict his political and military achievements.
2. It is written in the Kharosthi script.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?CorrectQ3.d
Explanation
• Statement 1 is incorrect:
◦ Prashastis are praises of kings, composed by poets.
◦ Prayag Prashasti was composed by Harisena for Samudragupta.
◦ It highlights the political and military achievements of the Gupta Empire.
• Statement 2 is incorrect:
◦ The inscription was in classical Sanskrit, using Brahmi script.
◦ It was engraved on an Ashokan Pillar.
◦ The inscription details Samudragupta’s conquests and Gupta boundaries.IncorrectQ3.d
Explanation
• Statement 1 is incorrect:
◦ Prashastis are praises of kings, composed by poets.
◦ Prayag Prashasti was composed by Harisena for Samudragupta.
◦ It highlights the political and military achievements of the Gupta Empire.
• Statement 2 is incorrect:
◦ The inscription was in classical Sanskrit, using Brahmi script.
◦ It was engraved on an Ashokan Pillar.
◦ The inscription details Samudragupta’s conquests and Gupta boundaries. - Question 4 of 5
4. Question
In the context of Gupta period societal conditions, consider the following statements:
1. As compared to the pre-Gupta period, the caste system had become rigid during the Gupta period.
2. The progress of Brahmanism led to the neglect of Buddhism and Jainism.
3. The position of women had also become miserable during the Gupta period.
Which of the statements given above are correct?CorrectQ4.d
Explanation
• Statement 1 is correct:
◦ Brahmins were given high status in society.
◦ The practice of untouchability started during this period.
◦ Fa Hien observed the miserable condition of Chandalas.
◦ Untouchables lived separately from other groups.
• Statement 2 is correct:
◦ Brahmanism gained popularity, reducing Buddhist and Jain patronage.
◦ Fa Hien mentioned the decline of Buddhism.
◦ Jainism flourished in western and southern India.
◦ Jain Council at Valabhi codified the Svetambara Canon.
• Statement 3 is correct:
◦ Women were prohibited from studying religious texts.
◦ Swayamvara practice declined.
◦ Manusmriti prescribed early marriage for girls.
◦ Women’s status deteriorated during this period.IncorrectQ4.d
Explanation
• Statement 1 is correct:
◦ Brahmins were given high status in society.
◦ The practice of untouchability started during this period.
◦ Fa Hien observed the miserable condition of Chandalas.
◦ Untouchables lived separately from other groups.
• Statement 2 is correct:
◦ Brahmanism gained popularity, reducing Buddhist and Jain patronage.
◦ Fa Hien mentioned the decline of Buddhism.
◦ Jainism flourished in western and southern India.
◦ Jain Council at Valabhi codified the Svetambara Canon.
• Statement 3 is correct:
◦ Women were prohibited from studying religious texts.
◦ Swayamvara practice declined.
◦ Manusmriti prescribed early marriage for girls.
◦ Women’s status deteriorated during this period. - Question 5 of 5
5. Question
Aihole Inscription is related to the defeat of which of the following rulers?
CorrectQ5.b
Explanation
• Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II:
◦ Mentions the defeat of Harsha by Pulakesin II.
◦ Pulakesin II assumed the title Paramesvara after this victory.
◦ Written by Ravikirti, the court poet of Pulakesin II.
◦ Found at Aihole Meguti Temple in Karnataka.
• Mehrauli Inscription:
◦ Related to Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty.
◦ Mentions the conquest of Vanga countries and Vakatkas.
◦ Established as Vishnupada in honor of Lord Vishnu.
• Allahabad Pillar Inscription:
◦ Composed by Harishena, a court poet of Samudragupta.
◦ Describes Samudragupta’s extensive military conquests.
◦ Mentions his victories over northern Indian kings.
• Udayagiri Cave Inscription:
◦ Mentions Chandragupta II and Kumaragupta.IncorrectQ5.b
Explanation
• Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II:
◦ Mentions the defeat of Harsha by Pulakesin II.
◦ Pulakesin II assumed the title Paramesvara after this victory.
◦ Written by Ravikirti, the court poet of Pulakesin II.
◦ Found at Aihole Meguti Temple in Karnataka.
• Mehrauli Inscription:
◦ Related to Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty.
◦ Mentions the conquest of Vanga countries and Vakatkas.
◦ Established as Vishnupada in honor of Lord Vishnu.
• Allahabad Pillar Inscription:
◦ Composed by Harishena, a court poet of Samudragupta.
◦ Describes Samudragupta’s extensive military conquests.
◦ Mentions his victories over northern Indian kings.
• Udayagiri Cave Inscription:
◦ Mentions Chandragupta II and Kumaragupta.
