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ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL INDIAN HISTORY TEST NO: 01

1. In Indian history, the term “Apana” is referred to A. Guilds B. Shopkeepers C. Artisans D. Chief merchant

Ans: B Types of Merchants The Garland of calls the streets broad rivers of people who buy and sell in the market place. The importance of shopkeepers is indicated by the repetition of the term apana in the description of the city of Sakala. Its shops appear as filled with various types of cloth made in Kashi, Kotumbara, and elsewhere. Hence, option (b) is correct. Many artisans and merchants were organized into guilds called sreniandayatana, but how these organizations functioned is indicated neither in the Mahavastunor in the Milinda-Panho. Both merchants and craftsmen were divided into high, low, and middle ranks. The Buddhist texts mention the sresthi, who was the chief merchant of thenigama, and the sarthavaha, the caravan leader who was the head of the corporation of merchants(vanijgramo). It also speaks of nearly half a dozen petty merchants called vanija. They dealt in fruits, roots, cooked food, sugar,bark cloth, sheaves of corn or grass, and bamboo. We also hear of manyshopkeepers in a Tamil text. They sold sweet cakes, scented powder, fetal quids, and flower garlands. These merchants thus met the varied needs of the urban folk including food, clothing, and housing. To them we can add perfumers or all-purpose merchants called gandhika. Various types of oilmen, some of them dealing in perfumed oils, are covered by the term. The term vyavahari, that is, one who transacts business, is also used, but the term vyaparior trader seems tobe missing. The term agrivanija seems to be obscure, but these merchants may have been the predecessors of the agrawalas if we allow for some linguistic change. Whatever may be the meaning of this term, there were certainly wholesale merchants who conducted both internal and external trade.

2. Battle of Hydaspes was fought between 1. Alexander 2. Porus 3. Dhana Nanda 4. Darius I Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 and 4 only D. 1 and 4 only

Ans: A Battle of Hydaspes In 327 B.C. Alexander crossed the Hindukush Mountains and spent nearly ten months in fighting with the tribes. He crossed the Indus in February 326 B.C. with the help of the bridge

TNPSC AURA TEST NO: 01 www.tnpscaura.com of boats. He was warmly received by Ambhi, the ruler of . From there Alexander sent a message to Porus to submit. But Porus refused and decided to fight against Alexander. Then Alexander marched from Taxila to the banks of the river Hydaspes (Jhelum). On The other side of the river he saw the vast army of Porus. Hence, option (a) is correct. As there were heavy floods in the river, Alexander was not able to cross it. After a few days, he crossed the river and the famous battle of Hydaspes was fought on the plains of Karri. It was a well-contested battle. Although Porus had a strong army, he lost the battle. Alexander was impressed by the courage and heroism of this Indian prince, treated him generously and reinstated him on his throne.

3. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched? A. Sakiyas – Kapilvastu B. Koliyas – Ramagrama C. Kalamas – Allakappa D. Mallas – Kusinagara

Ans: C Sakyas of Kapilavastu , republican clan with the capital at Kapilavattu, was a vassal of King Prasenjit of It was a great center of . Koliyas, a republican clan had 2 chief settlements in Ramagama and Devadaha. was related to the Koliyans through his mother and wife. After the demise of the Buddha, the Koliyans obtained a share of his relics and erected a stupa over it. Mallas had 2 confederacies; one at Kusinara and the other at Pava. Kusinara was famous as it was the site of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana. Raja initially opposed Buddhism, later accepted him after he heard the Buddha’s discourses. Bulis of Allakappa, Moriyas of Pipphalivana and Kalamas of Kesaputta were followers of the Buddha. All are related to Gautam Bhudha and Kautilya also mention many self governing clans in which these exist.

4. Consider the following statements regarding society under the Pallavas 1. The caste system became highly rigid. 2. Land grants to Brahmins were common during Pallavas regime 3. Revival of was the principal feature during Pallavas time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 2 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 3 only D. None

Ans: B Society under the Pallavas: The Tamil society witnessed a great change during the Pallava period. The caste system became rigid. The Brahmins occupied a high place in the society. They were given land-grants by the kings and nobles. Hence statement 1 and 2 is correct. They were also given the responsibility of looking after the temples. The Pallava period also witnessed the rise of Saivism and Vaishnavism and also the decline of Buddhism and Jainism. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. The Saiva Nayanmars and the Vaishnava Alwars contributed to the growth of Saivism and Vaishnavism. This is known as the Bhakti Movement. They composed their hymns in the Tamil

TNPSC AURA TEST NO: 01 www.tnpscaura.com language. These hymns revealed the importance of devotion or Bakthi. The construction of temples by the Pallava kings paved the way for the spread of these two religions.

5. Consider the following statements regarding Satavahanas 1. The founder of the was Simuka. 2. The Nasik and Nanaghad inscriptions throw light on the reign of Simuka. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 or 2

Ans: A Satavahanas: In the Deccan, the Satavahanas established their independent rule after the decline of the Mauryas. Their rule lasted for about 450 years. They were also known as the Andhras. The and inscriptions remain important sources for the history of Satavahanas. Among the inscriptions, the Nasik and Nanaghad inscriptions throw much light on the reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. The coins issued by the Satavahanas are also helpful in knowing the economic conditions of that period. The founder of the Satavahanadynasty was Simuka. He was succeeded by Krishna, who extended the kingdom up to Nasik in the west. The third king was Sri Satakarni. He conquered western Malwa and Berar. He also performed asvamedha sacrifices. The seventeenth king of the Satavahana dynasty was Hala. He reignedfor a period of five years. Hala became famous for his book Gathasaptasati, also called Sattasai. It contains 700 verses in language.

6. Consider the following statements regarding the Rashtrakutas 1. Jainism was flourishing along with Vaishnavism in their kingdom. 2. The Rashtraku takings promoted the Arab trade by maintaining friendship with them. 3. Village assemblies played a significant role in their administration Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 3 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 only D. 1, 2 and 3

Ans: D All the statements given above are correct. The Hindu sects of Vaishnavism and Saivism flourished during the period of Rashtrakutas. Yet, they did not affect the progress of Jainism under the patronage of Rashtrakuta kings and officers. Almost one third of the population of the Deccan were Jains. The economy was also in a flourishing condition. There was an active commerce between the Deccan and the Arabs. The Rashtrakuta kings promoted the Arab trade by maintaining friendship with them. The village administration was carried on by the village headmen. However, the village assemblies played a significant role in the village administration.

7. In context of Mauryan administration, who was regarded as the ‘Chief treasury officer’?

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A. Samaharta B. Paura C. Sannidhata D. Karmantika

Ans: C As per the Arthashastra of Chankya, there were two important officers in the Central Administration. These are Sannidhata (the Chief treasury officer) and Samaharta (the Chief Collector General of Revenue).

8. Consider the following statements regarding difference between sangam texts and Rig Veda 1. Sangam Literature does not constitute religious literature. 2. Sangam Literature is short and long poems were composed by numerous poets in praise of various heroes and heroines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: C Answer Justification : The sangam texts are different from the Vedic texts, particularly the RigVeda. They do not constitute religious literature. The short and long poems were composed by numerous poets in praise of various heroes and heroines and are thus secular in nature. They are not primitive songs, but literature of high quality. Many poems mention a warrior or a chief or a king by name and describe in detail his military exploits. The gifts made by him to bards and warriors are celebrated. These poems may have been recited in the courts. They are compared with the heroic poetry of the Homeric age, for they represent a heroic age Of warriors and battles. It is difficult to use these texts for historical purposes. Perhaps the proper names, titles, dynasties, territories, wars, and the like mentioned in the poems are partly real. Some of the Chera kings mentioned in the Sangam texts also appear as donors in inscriptions of the first and second centuries.

9. Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of ? A. Taxila B. C. Maski D. Edict

Ans: C Answer Justification : Maski is a town and an archaeological site in the district of the state of , . It lies on the bank of the Maskiriver which is a tributary of the Tungabhadra. Maski derives its name from Mahasangha or Masangi .The site came into prominence with the discovery of a minor rock edict of Emperor Ashoka by C. Beadon in 1915.It was the first edict of Emperor Ashoka that contained the name Ashoka in it instead of the earlier edicts that referred him as Devanampiyapiyadasi.

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10. Consider the following statements 1. The Gurjara-Pratiharas were the earliest of the Rajput rulers. 2. Rajput clans were largely united against a common enemy. 3. The Pratiharas involved in a three-cornered contest with the Palas of Bengal and the Rashtrakutas of Deccan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 2 only B. 3 only C. 1 and 2 only D. 1 and 3 only

Ans: D The Gurjara-Pratiharas were the earliest of the Rajput rulers. Its first great leader was Harischandra. He conquered extensive territory in Rajaputana and ruled with his capital at Bhinmal. The Gurjaras were in different branches. Hence statement 1 is correct. One branch ruled Gujarat and another at Avanthi. The Pratiharas involved themselves in a threecornered contest with the Palas of Bengal and the Rashtrakutas of Deccan. Later the Pratiharas became weak. Hence statement 3 is correct. The Chauhans, the most valiant of the Rajput races, ruled Ajmir. Vigraharaj was their most important king, who occupied . Therefore, the Chauhans faced the onslaught of the Muslims under Muhammad of Ghori. The Paramaras were also important Rajput rulers of this period. The most important king was Bhoja. His military conquests as well as cultural contributions remain notable in the history of Rajputs. Constant fighting weakened the Rajputs. Also, they never united against a common enemy. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

11. At which of the following sites, largest variety of food grains in the age has been found? A. Navdatoli B. Gilund C. Adamgarh D. Banahali

Ans: A

12. Consider the following statements regarding Tolkappiyam 1. Tolkappiyam is authored by Tolkappiyar. 2. It is a work on Tamil grammar. 3. It also provides information on the political and socioeconomicconditions of the . Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3

Ans: D Sangam Literature The corpus of Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam,Ettutogai, Pattuppattu,

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Pathinenkilkanakkuand the two epics – SilappathigaramandManimegalai. Tolkappiyamauthored byTolkappiyar is the earliest of the . It is a work onTamil grammar but it provides information on the political and socioeconomicconditions of the Sangam period. The Ettutogaior EightAnthologies consist of eight works – Aingurunooru, Narrinai,Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, ParipadalandPadirruppattu. The Pattuppattuor Ten Idylls consist of tenworks – Thirumurugarruppadai, Porunararruppadai,Sirupanarruppadai, Perumpanarruppadai, Mullaippattu,Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanji, Kurinjippatttu, Pattinappalai and Malaipadukadam. Both Ettutogai and Pattuppattu were divided into two main groups – Aham (love) and Puram (valour). 13. The battle of Tarain was fought between A. Prithiviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghazni B. Prithiviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori C. kingdom and Mahmud of Ghazni D. Hindu Shahi kingdom and Muhammad Ghori

Ans: B The Battle of Tarain (1191-1192) Realizing their grave situation, the Hindu princes of north India formed a confederacy under the command of Prithiviraj Chauhan. Prithviraj rose to the occasion, and defeated Ghori in the battle of Tarain near Delhi in 1191 A.D. Muhammad Ghori felt greatly humiliated by this defeat. To avenge this defeat, he made serious preparations and gathered an army of 1,20,000 men. He came with this large force to Lahore via Peshawar and Multan. He sent a message to Prithviraj asking him to acknowledge his supremacy and become a Muslim. Prithviraj rejected this proposal and prepared to meet the invader. He gathered a large force consisting of 3,00,000 horses, 3000 elephants and a large body of foot soldiers. Many Hindu rajas and chieftains also joined him. In the ensuing Second Battle of Tarain in 1192, Muhammad Ghori thoroughly routed the army of Prithiviraj, who was captured and killed.

14. Consider the following statements regarding Sangam literature 1. The Sangam literature comprises about 30,000 lines of poetry arranged in eight anthologies called Ettuttokai. 2. There are two main groups: PatinenkilKannakku (The Eighteen Lower Collections) and Pattuppattu (The Ten Songs). 3. The latter is generally assumed to be older than the former. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3

Ans: A The Sangam literature comprises about 30,000 lines of poetry arranged in eight anthologies called Ettuttokai. The poems are collected in groups of hundreds such as Purananuru(The Four Hundred of the Exterior). There are two main groups PatinenkilKannakku(The Eighteen Lower Collections) and Pattuppattu(The Ten Songs). The former is generally assumed to be older thanthe latter, and hence is

TNPSC AURA TEST NO: 01 www.tnpscaura.com considered to be of great historical importance. Hence, statement 1& 2 is correct. The Sangam texts have several layers, but at present these cannot be established on the basis of style and content, but, as shown later, they can be detected on the basis of stages in social evolution.

15. Which among the following kings was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler)? A. Pulakesi II B. C. D. None of the above

Ans: C Narasimhavarman I was a Tamil king of the who ruled from 630–668 A.D. Narasimhavarman was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler) and (Mahabalipuram) was named after him.

16. Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander's invasion? A. Nanda B. Maurya C. Sunga D. Kanva

Ans: A Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. Nandas were ruling over India at that time. The chronological order of these 4 dynasties was: Nanda, Maurya, Sunga and Kanvas.

17. Consider the following statements regarding Chola kingdom 1. Their chief centre of political power laid at Madurai. 2. The Chola kingdom was situated between the Pennar and the Velar rivers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: B The Chola kingdom, which came to be called Cholamandalam (Coromandel),in early medieval times, was situated to the north-east of the territory of the Pandyas, between the Pennar and the Velar rivers. We have some idea of the political history of the Cholas from the Sangam texts. Their chief centre of political power laid at , a place famous for cotton trade. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. It seems that in the mid-second century BC, a Chola king named Elara conquered Sri and ruled over it for nearly fifty years. A clearer history of the Cholas begins in the second century AD with their famous king . He founded Puhar and constructed 160 km of embankment along the Kaveri river. This was built with the labour of 12,000 slaves who were brought as captives from . Puharis coterminous with Kaveripattanam, the Chola capital. It was a great centre of trade and commerce, and excavations show that it had a large dock. One of the principal sources of the

TNPSC AURA TEST NO: 01 www.tnpscaura.com wealth of the Cholas was trade in cotton cloth. They maintained an efficient navy.

18. Consider the following statements regarding Rajendra I 1. He reasserted the Chola authority over the Chera and Pandya kingdom 2. He founded the city of Gangaikondacholapuram to commemorate his invasion to North India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: C Both the statements are correct. Rajendra I (1012-1044 A.D.) Rajendra had demonstrated his military ability by participating in his father’s campaigns. He continued his father’s policy of aggressive conquests and expansion. His important wars were: 1. Mahinda V, the king of Sri Lanka attempted to recover from the Cholas the northern part of Ceylon. Rajendra defeated him and seized the southern Sri Lanka. Thus the whole of Sri Lanka was made part of the Chola Empire. 2. He reasserted the Chola authority over the Chera and Pandya countries. 3. He defeated Jayasimha II, the Western Chalukya king and the river Tungabadhra was recognized as the boundary between the Cholas and Chalukyas. 4. His most famous military enterprise was his expedition to north India. The Chola army crossed the Ganges by defeating a number of rulers on its way. Rajendra defeated Mahipala I of Bengal. To commemorate this successful north-Indian campaign Rajendra founded the city Of Gangaikondacholapuram and constructed the famous Rajesvaram temple in that city. He also excavated a large irrigation tank called Cholagangam on the western side of the city.

19. Rummindei Pillar Inscription which talks about taxation in Maurya era has been found at which of the following places? A. Junagarh in Gujarat B. Ranchi in Jharkhand C. Bhabru in Rajasthan D. Lumbini in

Ans: D Lumbini Pillar Edict in Nepal is known as the Rummindei Pillar Inscription. The Lumbini Pillar Edict recorded that sometime after the twentieth year of his reign, Ashoka travelled to the Buddha’s birthplace and personally made offerings. He then had a stone pillar set up and reduced the taxes of the people in that area.

20. Consider the following statements regarding Sungas 1. The founder of the Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga. 2. Pushyamitra was a staunch follower of Brahmanism and against Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only

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C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: A Sungas The founder of the Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga,who was the commander-in chief under the Mauryas. He assassinated the last Mauryan ruler and usurped the throne. The most important challenge to the Sunga rule was to protect north India against the invasions of the Bactrian Greeks from the northwest. The Greeks advanced up to and occupied it for some time. However, Pushyamitra succeeded in regaining the lost territory. He also fought a campaign against Kharavela of Kalinga who invaded north India. Pushyamitra was a staunch follower of Brahmanism. He performed two asvamedha sacrifices. Buddhist sources refer himas a persecutor of Buddhism. But there is enough evidence to show that Pushyamitra patronised Buddhist art. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. During his reign the Buddhist monuments at and were renovated and further improved. After the death of Pushyamitra, his son Agnimitra became theruler. The last Sunga ruler was Devabhuti, who was murdered by his minister Vasudeva Kanva, the founder of the . The Kanva dynasty ruled for 45 years. After the fall of the Kanvas,the history of Magatha was a blank until the establishment of theGupta dynasty.

21. Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India? A. Chaturvedimangalam B. Parishad C. Ashtadikgaja D. Manigrama

Ans: D A manigramam was a large, influential guild of South Indian merchants during the period of Western Chalukyan rulers in 10th – 12th Century CE

22. Consider the following statements regarding Cholas 1. The temples remained centres of economic activity during this period. 2. Education saw a rapid decline due to foreign invasions. 3. Caste system was brittle and jobs were assigned based on the merit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 2 only B. 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1 only

Ans: D Caste system was widely prevalent during the Chola period. Brahmins and Kshatriyas enjoyed special privileges. The inscriptions of the later period of the Chola rule mention about two major divisions among the castes – Valangai and Idangai castes. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

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Education was also given importance. Besides the temples and mathas as educational centres, several educational institutions also flourished. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. A number of temples were built with the patronage of Chola kings and queens. The temples remained centres of economic activity during this period. Hence statement 1 is correct. The mathas had great influence during this period. Both agriculture and industry flourished. Reclamation of forest lands and the construction and maintenance of irrigation tanks led to agricultural prosperity.

23. Who among the following introduced Shaka era? A. Ashoka B. Kanishka C. Rudraraman D.

Ans: B Kushana emperor Kanishka is credited with the initiation of the Saka era on his accession to the throne in 78 A D.

24. Consider the following statements regarding Asoka’s Dhamma 1. Dhamma was a way of life, a code of conduct and a set of principles to be adopted and practiced by the people. 2. He equated Dhamma with Buddhist teachings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: A Asoka’s Dhamma Although Asoka embraced Buddhism and took efforts to spread Buddhism, his policy of Dhamma was a still broad concept. It was a way of life, a code of conduct and a set of principles to be adopted and practiced by the people at large. His principles of Dhamma were clearly stated in his Edicts. The main features of Asoka’s Dhamma as mentioned in his various Edicts may be summed as follows: 1. Service to father and mother, practice of ahimsa, love of truth, reverence to teachers and good treatment of relatives. 2. Prohibition of animal sacrifices and festive gatherings and avoiding expensive and meaningless ceremonies and rituals. 3. Efficient organization of administration in the direction of social welfare and maintenance of constant contact with people through the system of Dhammayatras. 4. Humane treatment of servants by masters and prisoners by government officials. 5. Consideration and non-violence to animals and courtesy torelations and liberality to Brahmins. 6. Tolerance among all the religious sects. 7. Conquest through Dhamma instead of through war. The concept of non-violence and other similar ideas of Asoka’s Dhamma are identical with the teachings of Buddha. But he did not equate Dhamma with Buddhist teachings. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. Buddhism remained his personal belief. His Dhamma signifies a

TNPSC AURA TEST NO: 01 www.tnpscaura.com general code of conduct. Asoka wished that his Dhamma should spread through all social levels.

25. Consider the following statements regarding Guptas 1. The Guptas were possibly feudatories of the Kushans in UP. 2. The founder of the Gupta dynasty was Chandragupta I. 3. Meherauli Iron Pillar inscription mentions Chandragupta I’s extensive conquests. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3

Ans: B The Guptas were possibly feudatories of the Kushans in UP, and seem to have succeeded them without any considerable time-lag. At many places in UP and Bihar, Kushan antiquities are immediately followed by Gupta antiquities. Itis likely that the Guptas learnt the use of the saddle, reins, buttoned coats ,trousers, and boots from the Kushans. The founder of the Gupta dynasty was Sri Gupta. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. He was succeeded by Ghatotkacha. These two were called Maharajas. Much information was not available about their rule. The next ruler was Chandragupta I and he was the first to be called Maharajadhiraja(the great king of kings). The Meherauli Iron Pillar inscription mentions his extensive conquests. Chandragupta I is considered to be the founder of the Gupta era which starts with his accession in A.D. 320.