Ancient and Medieval History

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Significance of Arthashastra

Statement 1 is incorrect: As per the Arthashastra, any person who has voluntarily enslaved himself shall, if he runs away, be a slave for life. Similarly, any person whose life has been mortgaged by others shall, if he runs away twice, be a slave for life.

Statement 2 is correct: There was a variety of protection offered to the slaves, especially to the women slaves. As per the Arthashastra, when a child is begotten on a female slave by her master, both the child and its mother shall at once be recognized as free.

Statement 3 is correct: According to the Arthshastra, 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.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Jain and Buddhist Literature/Text

• Buddhist Literature/Texts: The earliest Buddhist works were written in Pali, which was spoken in Magadha and South Bihar. The Buddhist works can be divided into the canonical and non-canonical texts. Canonical texts are believed to be the actual words of the Buddha. Canonical texts are books which lay down the basic tenets and principles of Buddhism such as the Tripitakas. Non-canonical texts or semi-canonical texts are commentaries and observations on canonical texts, quotes, definitions, historical information, grammars and other writings in Pali, Tibetian, Chinese and other East Asian
• Jain Literature/Text: The sacred books of the Jainas are collectively known as the Siddhanta or Agama. Both the Shvetambara and Digambara schools accept and give prime importance to the Angas. Agamas is a term used for Jaina canonical It includes: 14 Purvas; 12 Angas; 12 Upangas; 10 Prakirnas; 6 Cheda Sutras; 4 Mala Sutras; Niryuktis; Kalpasutra; Acharang Sutras; Nandi Sutra; Anuyogadvara.
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Netti Pakarana is a Buddhist scripture containing methods that were taught by the Buddha’s disciple Kaccana as approved by the Buddha and that it was recited at the First Buddhist Council.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Parishishta Parvan (12th century) by Hemachandra gives a history of the earliest Jaina teachers and also mentions certain details of political history.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Avadana literature (Avadana means ‘Legends’) is a type of Buddhist literature correlating past lives’ virtuous deeds to subsequent lives’ events.
• Statement 4 is correct: Trishashthilkshana Mahapurana is a major Jain text composed largely by Acharya Jinasena during the rule of Rashtrakutas.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Scholars and Thinkers of Ancient India

• Pair 1 is incorrect: A ryadeva was a Mahayana Buddhist monk, a disciple of Nagarjuna and a Madhyamaka philosopher. After Nagarjuna, he is considered to be the next most important figure of the Indian Madhyamaka school. His writings are important sources of Madhyamaka in both East Asian Buddhism and in Tibetan Buddhism.  A ryadeva  is  also  known as Kanadeva, recognized as the 15th patriarch in Chan Buddhism and some Sinhalese sources also mention an elder (thera) called Deva which may also be the same person. He is known for his association with the Nalanda monastery in modern-day Bihar, India.
• Pair 2 is correct: Dignāga, Buddhist logician and  author of the Pramāṇasamuccaya (“Compendium  of  the Means    of True Knowledge”), a work that laid the foundations of Buddhist logic. Dignāga gave a new definition of “perception”: knowledge that is free from all conceptual constructions, including name and class concepts. Dignāga’s tradition was further developed in the 7th century by Dharmakīrti.
• Pair  3   correct:   Sri    Ranganathamuni, popularly known as Sriman Nathamuni (823 CE–951 CE), was a Vaishnava theologian who collected and compiled the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. Considered the first of Sri Vaishnava āchāryās, Nathamuni is also the author of Yogarahasya, and Nyāyatattva.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Regional Dynasty

Pair 1 is correct: In the first quarter of the 9th century CE, the Chandella dynasty was founded by Nannuka.

Pair 2 is incorrect: Vakpati’s son’s Jayashakti (Jeja) and Vijayashakti (Vija) consolidated the Chandella power.

Pair 3 is correct: Nagabhata II (reigned c. 793–833) was Vatsaraja’s successor, he reorganized Pratihara power, attacked Kannauj. Pair 4 is incorrect: Bhoja I/Mihir Bhoja (c.836−885 CE) Grandson of Nagabhatta II, who had a long reign of over 46 years and proved to be the most successful and popular ruler of Pratiharas.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Delhi Sultanate and the Mongol Invasion

Statement 1 is incorrect: The first Mongol invasion of India took place in the reign of Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish.

Statement 2 is correct: During the reign of  Ala-ud-din  Khalji,  one  of  the  Mongol invasions reached till the outskirts of Delhi city and besieged it. Alauddin established a huge permanent, standing army to satisfy his ambition of conquest and to protect the country from Mongol invasion. The Mongols attacked at the worst time possible for Alauddin Khilji– when he was busy laying siege to Chittor. Alauddin Khilji was forced to retreat to Siri for about two months. The Mongols attacked and pillaged not only the surrounding areas, but Delhi itself. Alauddin Khilji continued to hold the fortress at Siri; Targhi withdrew the siege after a few months and left the area.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Muhammad-bin- Tughlaq defeated the Mongols and he had not lost any of the portions of his kingdom to them.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Sayyid Dynasty

Correct answer is Option (d):

• The sayyids put on a pointed cap (kulah) and they were known as ‘Kulah Daran’ during the Delhi The Sayyids were claimed to descend from the Prophet through his daughter Fatima. They Commanded special respect in Muslim society. Even the Timur protected the life of Sayyids during his invasion in India. Although his policy was one of general slaughter.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Socio-Economic Condition of Vijaynagar Empire

Correct answer is Option (b):

• The chief gold coin of the Vijayanagar Empire was the varaha or pagoda. The Perta was half a Varaha.
• Fanam was one tenth a perta. Tar was a silver coin. Jittal was a copper coin.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Shri Ramanujacharya

Correct answer is Option (a): Shri Ramanujacharya firmly believed that intense devotion to Vishnu was the best means to attain salvation. Sri Ramanujacharya was born in 1017 CE in Tamil Nadu.

• He is the most respected Acharya in the philosophy of Sri Vaishnavism. Ramanuja was deeply influenced by the Alvars. He firmly believed that intense devotion to Vishnu was the best means to attain He is famous as the chief proponent of Vishishtadvaita subschool of Vedānta.
• He was also referred to as Ilaya Perumal, which means the radiant He wrote nine works that came to be known as the Navratnas including three major commentaries, the Vedartha-Sangraha, the Sribhasya and the Bhagavad Gita-bhashya aimed at providing a philosophical foundation for devotional worship. Vishishtadvaita is a non-dualistic school of Vedanta philosophy in which Brahman alone exists, but is characterized by multiplicity.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Significant features of historical places

• Pair 1 is incorrect: Burzahom had a well- developed bone tool industry. Other finds at Burzahom include pits and coarse Rock-cut shrines were not a feature of the Burzahom site.
• Pair 2 is correct: Chandraketugarh is located in the Ganges delta in West Bengal. It was famous for terracotta art. It is connected to Ganga by the Vidyadhari river which makes it ideal for a flourishing trade centre.
• Pair 3 is correct: Ganeshwar is located in the northeastern part of Rajasthan. Hundreds of copper artefacts have been found at this site which suggests it must have been a copper working centre.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Location of historical place and its significant/unique feature

• Option (a) is correct: Dholavira was discovered in 1968 by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi, one of the most remarkable and well-preserved urban settlements in South Asia. After Mohen- jo-Daro, Ganweriwala and Harappa in Pakistan and Rakhigarhi in Haryana of India, Dholavira is the fifth largest metropolis of Indus Valley Civilization (IVC). The City of Dholavira had an impressive and unique system of water harvesting and management systems. The Rann’s water levels may have been greater in protohistoric times than they are now, enabling boats to travel from the shore all the way up to the site. Manhar and Mandsar, two streams, border the Dholavira site. To direct their water into reservoirs, dams had to be constructed.
• Option (b) is incorrect: Kalibangan is located
• on the bank of the Ghaggar river in Rajasthan. A fire altar, Camel’s bones and Wooden plough have been found here.
• Option (c) is incorrect: Rakhigarhi is the largest Harappan site in the Indian subcontinent. Planned townships having mud-brick as well as burnt-brick were found here.
• Option (d) is incorrect: At the Ropar site, a building made of stone and oil, a dog buried with humans and an oval pit burial have been found

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Historical Timeline of post-Gupta

The correct answer is Option (b): Due to Hun invasions, the Gupta kingdom was weakened in its power and several independent kingdoms arose in north India such as Yashodharman of Malwa, the Maukharis of Kanauj, the Maitrakas in Saurashtra and others. During that time the Gupta empire was restricted to Magadha only. Pushyabhuti of Thanesar (Haryana) also carved an independent state around that time. During the 10th CE, Tomars of Delhi, Chauhans of Rajasthan, Solankis of Gujarat, Parmars of Malwa, Chandels of Bundelkhand started ruling north India. During the 14th CE, the Yadavas of Devagiri (Maharashtra) became an important ruling dynasty of Deccan. By eliminating options 2 and 5, we can get the correct answer.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Ancient Indian Literature

The Correct answer is Option (b):

• Bhavabhuti was the court poet of King Yashovarman of Kannauj in 8th CE. His written plays include Mahavircharitra, Uttamcharitra, Malatimadhava. Bhavabhuti was an 8th-century scholar of India noted for his plays and poetry, written in Sanskrit. His plays are considered the equal of the works of Kalidasa. Bhavabhuti was born in Padmapura, Vidarbha, in Gondia district, on the Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh border. He is described as an ‘Udumbara Brahmin’. Dayananidhi Paramahansa is known to be his guru. He composed his historical plays at ‘Kalpi’, a place on banks of river Yamuna.

• Hastimalla was a Kannada poet and playwright during Hoysalas reign.
• Kshemeshvara was an 11th-century Sanskrit poet from Kashmir in He is known for his poetic works and for his contributions to the development of Sanskrit poetry. One of the important works attributed to him is the Dasavatar Charita.
• Playwrights write scripts for plays to be enacted on a stage.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Foreign invaders/Foreign Travellers Statement 1 is correct. In his pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince, Changez Khan arrived in India during the reign of Iltutmish. By denying shelter to Prince Jalaluddhin of Central Asia, Iltutmish protected India from Changez Khan’s fury.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The period of Muhammad bin Tughlaq was from 1325 to 1351. Taimur invaded India during the reign of Nasurud-din Muhammad Shah(1394-1412), the last Tughlaq ruler.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The reign of Devaraya II lasted from 1422 to 1426. He died in 1446. Vasco da Gama came to India in 1498.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: political history of medieval India

Statement 1 is incorrect: The kingdom of Arcot, also known as the kingdom of Carnatic,was the monarchy that ruled over the majority of the eastern part of the present-day Tamil Nadu region throughout the eighteenth century.

Statement 2 is correct: Under the Vijayanagar Empire, there was a small feudal kingdom called Mysore. The ruling Wodeyar dynasty declared their independence following the fall of Vijayanagar in 1565, and Raja Wodeyar ascended the throne in 1578. The capital moved from Mysore to Srirangapatna in 1610.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Ali Muhammad Khan established  Rohilakhand,  a  small kingdom, by taking advantage of the breakdown of authority in North India following Nadir Shah’s invasion.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Foreign Traveller/Vijaynagar Empire

Correct answer is Option (d): According to Fernao Nuniz: “he (the king of Vijaynagar) also has women who wrestle, do accounting and others who are astrologers and soothsayers.

• Fernao Nuniz was a Portuguese traveler who visited the Vijayanagar empire during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya. He has recorded that in Vijayanagara society, women typically held prominent positions, and there are numerous examples of them actively participating in the political, social, and literary life of the kingdom.
• In addition to receiving training in wrestling, using swords and shields, music, and other fine arts, some of these women also had some exposure to literature.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Mughal Administration

Correct answer is Option (a):

• The correct order according to the size is:

Pargana >Sarkar> Suba.

• The entire Suba was split into Sarkars (districts), with a military commander known as the chief Shiqdar in charge of each one. Each Sarkar was divided into smaller units called Parganas.
• Each Pargana had two Karkuns (clerks or writers), one Fotahdar (treasurer), one Shiqdar (military officer), one Amin or Munsif (civilian judge).
• In order to organise his kingdom for better administration and taxation, Akbar adopted Sher Shah’s methods and principles.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Ashoka and his Dhamma

The Correct answer is Option (a): As per the Major rock Edicts 7 and 12, Ashoka insisted that all religions should co-exist and the ascetics of all religions were honoured. About Ashoka’s Dhamma: Ashoka’s dhamma did not involve worship of a god, or performance of a sacrifice. He felt that just as a father tries to teach his children, he had a duty to instruct his subjects. He was also inspired by the teachings of the Buddha. People in the empire followed different religions, and this sometimes led to conflict. Ashoka appointed representatives, referred to as the dhamma mahamatta, who travelled  around  instructing  people  about dhamma. Ashoka had his messages inscribed on pillars and rocks, and he ordered his officials to read his messages to people who were unable to do so for themselves.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Administrative aspect of Gupta Age/ Terminologies based on ancient India

The correct answer is Option (a): During the Gupta period, different land measures were known in different regions such as Nivartana, Kulyavapa, Dronavapa. The term “Kulyavapa’’ and “Dronavapa’’ are mentioned in inscriptions in Bengal. 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.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Trades and Commerce during Gupta Age

The correct answer is Option (a): In India Trade with foreign empires dates to Harappan culture. Important among them were Lothal, Lakhabawal, Kindarkhera, Kuntasi, Megham, Prabhasa, Todio, Amra. This tradition continued through the Mauryan and Gupta empires. India had commercial and cultural ties with nearly all of the Southeast Asian nations as well as Egypt, Rome, the Greeks, Arabs, and China. Chaul was one of the ports in Western India, with Kalyan, Broach and Cambay. In the south were Kadura, Ghantsala and Puhar (Kaveripattinam).

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Ancient Indian Literature

The Correct answer is Option (c): Panini was a contemporary of the Mahajanapada era (6th to 4th CE). He was a Sanskrit Grammarian known for writing Ashtadhyayi- a sutra style treatise on Sanskrit grammar.

Pushyamitra Shunga started the Shunga dynasty by assassinating Brihadratha, the last ruler of the Magadha Empire in 185 BCE. Pushyamitra Sunga was a Buddhist follower. Some historians have portrayed him as anti Buddhist, but there is no credible evidence for the claim. He also constructed a stone gateway at Sanchi and restored Buddhist stupas at Barhut. He also patronized the Sanskrit grammar scholar Patanjali.

Amarasimha was a Sanskrit grammarian and poet who lived in ancient India. Amarasimha was one of the nine gems that adorned the throne of Vikramaditya, and according to the accounts of Hieun Tsang it is believed that he was the Chandragupta Vikramaditya (Chandragupta II) who flourished around 375 CE. Amarsimha is famous for his Sanskrit thesaurus- Amarakosha.

Kalidasa was a renowned Classical Sanskrit writer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets and dramatists in Indian history. He generally draws inspiration from the Vedas, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas for his plays and poems. Kalidasa wrote three plays: Malavikagnimitram, Abhijnanasakuntalam, and Vikramorvasiyam.

Two epic poems of Kalidasa are Raghuvamsa and Kumarasambhava. Kalidasa and Amarsimha were among the nine jewels of Chandragupta-II aka Chandragupta Vikramaditya.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Medieval Terminology or keyword/ Economic History of Medieval India

Correct answer is Option (c): Hundis are used as a form of remittance instrument to transfer money from place to place, as a form of credit instrument or IOU to borrow money and as a bill of exchange in trade transactions.

• The Hundis was a letter of credit payable after a period of time at a discount. The word “hundi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “hundika,” which was first used in 914 AD. The Lekhapaddhati and Kalhan’s Rajatrangini (12th century) refer to the use of hundika by kings and nobles to make payments but it may have been used by merchants as well.

• The Reserve Bank of India describes the Hundi as “an unconditional order in writing made by a person directing another to pay a certain sum of money to a person named in the order.” The hundi was a piece of paper, usually written in Hindi or any other Indian language, promising the payment of a sum of money to the bearer at a particular place either immediately or afterwards.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Chronology of Regional Dynasty of Medieval India

• Correct chronology of given events are as follows: 2-4-1-3

• Nagabhatta I founded the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty in the Malwa region around the 8th century AD. The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty ruled a large area of Northern India from the mid-8th century to the 11th century. Mihir Bhoja (836–885 CE) was the greatest ruler of the Pratihara dynasty.
• The Pallavas were a powerful dynasty that ruled a large part of southern India between the 6th and 9th centuries AD, with Kanchipuram (now in Tamil Nadu) as their capital. The Pallavas achieved their pinnacle with Mahendravarman I’s rule (c. 600–630), who reigned alongside Harsha and Pulakeshin II.
• The Cholas rose to prominence in the 9th century and formed an empire that included most of South India; Tanjore served as their capital. The reign of the Chola king Parantaka, who succeeded his father Aditya I as king, lasted from 907-953 CE.
• The Pala Empire, which started in the Bengal region and ruled throughout the post-classical period (8th and 9th century AD), was an imperial power. The empire was officially established when Gopala was chosen to rule as Gauda’s emperor in 750.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Location of Harappan site

Option (c) is correct: Sohgaura is located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Here Ashokan inscriptions were found. The Sohgaura copper plate inscription is an Indian copper plate inscription written in Prakrit in the Brahmi script. It was found at Sohgaura, about 20 kilometres to the southeast of Gorakhpur, on the banks of the Rapti River.

Option (a), (b), (d) are incorrect: Kot Diji, Desalpur and Chanhudaro are Harappan sites. Kotdiji means “Fort of the Daughter’’ and is located in Khairpur province, Pakistan. Here copper-bronze objects, bangles and arrowheads; etched carnelian and other beads and numerous terracotta human, bull, and bird effigy figurines were found. At Desalpur houses built next to walls have been found. Chanhudaro is located on the bank of the Indus River in Sindh, Pakistan. Bead makers’ shops have been found here.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Ashoka and sites (location) of his inscriptions

The correct answer is Option (a): Kanaganahalli is in Gulbarga, Karnataka. In this sculptural depiction, the emperor with his queen and attendants are carved on a slab, with “Ranyo Ashoka” (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka.

About Sannati and Kanaganahalli Buddhist Sites:

• About 3 kilometres from Sannati lies Kanganahalli, a significant Buddhist site where an old Mahastupa was erected.
• It is located in India’s Karnataka on the left bank of the Bhima River in the Chitapur Taluk of the Kalaburagi District.
• The remnants of a large stupa, as well as numerous brick buildings in the shape of a Chaitya-griha and memorial stupas, were uncovered during excavations conducted at Kanaganahalli from 1994 to 1998.
• During the excavations, numerous architectural components of the stupa were discovered, including four pictures of the Buddha, remains of sculptured veneering slabs, pieces of railings, pillars, and The sculptured panels show different Játaka, the legend of Lord Buddha’s life and portraits of numerous Satavahana kings.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Administrative aspect of Gupta Age

The correct answer is Option (a): During the Gupta period, forced labour (vishti) became a source of income for the state and was also looked upon as a form of taxation on the subjects. Vishti was forced labour in lieu of taxes hence no weekly wages were entitled. Anyone from the family can be sent as a forced labourer, not particularly the eldest son of the family.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Medieval Terminology or keyword/ Medieval Administration

Statement 1 is correct: In the land revenue system of the Delhi Sultanate, the central government appointed amil to collect revenues in each subdivision called shiq.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Iqta system of land control was first introduced in the Delhi Sultanate by Iltutmish. The institution known by its Arabic name, iqta, had existed in the early Islamic world as a means of rewarding services to the state. In the administration of the Caliphate, it served as a means of funding operations and compensating civil and military leaders. It was not an ancient indigenous institution.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The office of Mir Bakshi was established under the Mughal empire, who was head of the military department, nobility, information and intelligence agencies.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Bhakti and Sufi Movement

Statement 1 is incorrect: Saint Nimbarka is believed  to  be  the  contemporary  of

Ramanuja(11th  century).  He  believed  in

total devotion to Krishna and Rama. The Mughal emperor Akbar lived from 1542 -1605. Nimbarkacharya also known as Nimbarka, Nimbaditya or Niyamananda, was a Hindu philosopher, theologian and the chief proponent of the theology of Dvaitadvaita (dvaita–advaita) or dualistic–non-dualistic. He wrote Dashasloki and Vedanta. He was also a prominent astronomer

Statement 2 is incorrect: Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi (1564-1624 AD) was Islami Hanif, scholar of Naqsyabandi silsilah. Kabir (1440-1510 AD) was a follower of Nirguna bhakti of the 15th century.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Mughal Revenue System

Statement 1 is incorrect: Zamindars were also expected to maintain law and order in their jurisdictions. The judicial and police functions were performed locally by zamindars.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Jagirdar only has the right to claim and enjoy the revenue collected from the land. Jagirs were transferable and could be seized too.

Additional information:

• The holder of land was termed Zamindar. They have hereditary rights over the land.
• The primary responsibility of zamindars was to collect revenue and deposit it in the royal treasury.
• Law and order were another duty imposed on zamindars in their jurisdictions. The local zamindars handled the police and judicial duties.
• The Jagirdars were the King’s appointed officials who were given land by the King. The jagir system allocated a certain amount of land to each person, without any inheritance rights.
• Jagirdar is only entitled to claim and enjoy the revenue collected from the land. Jagirs could be transferred and seized as well.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Art and Culture during the Mughals

Correct answer is Option (a): Tansen was the title given to him by Raja Vikramjit of

Gwalior.

• Raja Ram Chandra of Bandavagarh employed Tansen as a court musician at his darbar (Rewa).
• After learning of Tansen’s extraordinary talent, Akbar wrote the king of Rewa a “firman” requesting Tansen and appointed him as one of the Navaratnas in his court.
• He bestowed upon him the name “Mian.” According to Lalita Ramakrishna’s Musical Heritage of India, Tansen is also referred to as the “Sangit Samrat”.
• He composed various dhrupads on Rama, Parvati, Shiva, and Ganesha. A compilation of 300 of his dhrupad that were in Gauhar Bani is called Kalpadruma. Tansen composed his favorite ragas — Multani, Bhairavi and Todi.
• He created the ragas Darbari Kanhra for the night, Mian Ki Todi for the morning, Mian ki Sarang for the midday, and Mian ki Malhar for the season.
• His descendants and disciples are called Seniyas. He composed songs for his patrons.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Art and Culture during the Mughals

Correct answer is Option (c): Mughal Emperor Jahangir shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts  to  albums  and  individual portraits.

• The Mughal school of painting achieved increased charm, elegance, and grandeur during his rule.
• The portrait of Jahangir, who is pictured holding a picture of the Virgin Mary in his right hand, is the best representation of this time period.
• Ayar-i-Danish and Anwar-i-sunavli are two further animal fable books with illustrations that date to Jahangir’s reign.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Foreign Travelers

Correct answer is Option (b): Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689) was a well-known gem trader and traveller in 17th-century France. He was an independent traveller and trader who, between the years of 1630 and 1668, made six travels to Persia and India, covering 60,000 leagues on his own expense.

• The Tavernier Blue diamond, which Tavernier discovered or bought in 1666, is what made him most famous. He went into great detail on Indian diamonds and diamond mines.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Significant features and lifestyle aspect of Aryans viz-a-viz Indus Valley Civilization

Statement 1 is correct: For offensive weapons, the Vedic-Aryans have the bow and arrow, spear, dagger, and axe, and for defensive armour the helmet and coat of mail. The Indus people also have the bow and arrow, spear, dagger and axe, but defensive armour is quite unknown to Indus valley people.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The metals which the Indo-Aryans used in the time of the Rigveda are gold and copper or bronze; but a little later, these metals are supplemented by silver and iron. Among the Indus people, silver is more common than gold, and utensils and vessels are sometimes made of stone – a relic of the Neolithic Age – as well as of copper and bronze. Statement 3 is correct: The horse seems to have been unknown to the inhabitants of Mohenjo-Jo-Daro and Harappa. But Many references have been made regarding the Surkotada site containing horse remains dated to 2000 BCE, which is considered a significant observation with respect to Indus Valley Civilisation. After evaluating the Surkotada bone fragments, Sándor Bökönyi (1997) concluded that at least six of the samples most likely belonged to the real horse. However, this is not definitive proof, and it does not imply that people in the Indus Valley knew about horses.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Kakatiya Kingdom

Option (a) is incorrect: Kakinada Deep Water Port was commissioned by the Government of AP in November 1997.

Option (b) is correct: Motupalli was the chief port of the Kakatiyas and this port was visited by the Venetian traveller, Marco Polo.

Option (c) is incorrect: Machilipatnam was the main port of Golconda Kingdom.

Option (d) is incorrect: Nelluru (a port town) was part of Kakatiya kingdom in the 13th century. Later it changed hands between Kakatiya and Pandyas a few times until Prataprudra II defeated Pandyas. But this doesn’t seem to be as significant as Motupalli.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Terminologies based on ancient India

The Correct answer is Option (d): Eripatti was a special kind of land donated by individuals, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of tanks in the village. Generous donations were given to places of study like Ghatikas and Mathas.

• During the Chola administration, occasionally a very large village would be administered as a single unit and this was called Taniyur.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Ashoka and his inscriptions

The correct answer is Option (b): James Prinsep deciphered the edicts of Ashoka in 1837. James Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the East India Company, deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi, two scripts used in the earliest inscriptions and coins. The most widely known are the edicts of Ashoka, which have been discovered in many parts of the country. In fact, the reconstruction of the Mauryan period to a great extent became possible only after the Brahmi script of the inscriptions at Sanchi was deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837. James Princep found that most of these mentioned a king referred to as Piyadassi – meaning “pleasant to behold”; there were a few inscriptions which also referred to the king as Asoka, one of the most famous rulers known from Buddhist texts.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Terminologies based on ancient India

The Correct answer is Option (d): About Buddhism and Jainism: Buddhism and Jainism emerged as prominent religions having a large number of followers, referred to as Sramanic religions; these two religious systems were antithetical to the mainstream Vedic religion. During its development, the term came to refer to several non-Brahmanical ascetic religions parallel to but separate from the Vedic religion. The Sramaṇa tradition includes primarily Jainism, Buddhism, and others such as the Ajivika. The Sramaṇa religions became popular in the same circles of mendicants from greater Magadha that led to the development of spiritual practices, as well as the popular concepts in all major Indian religions such as Samsara (the cycle of birth and death) and moksha (liberation from that cycle). The Sramanic traditions have a diverse range of beliefs, ranging from accepting or denying the concept of soul, fatalism to free will, idealisation of extreme asceticism to that of family life, renunciation, strict ahimsa (non- violence) and vegetarianism to permissibility of violence and meat eating.

• Memorizing chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of different types of people, the sutas and the Magdhas, who were descendants of priest families of the Vedic period.
• Shramana means seeker, one who performs acts of austerity.
• Agraharika looked after the lands given in charity. Agrahara means grant given to Brahmins, it was perpetual, hereditary and tax free.
• Parivrajaka means “One who roams around”. The Sanskrit word parivrajaka means renunciant & wanderer in English. Only a few parivrajakas have ever existed in history. Ajita Keshkambalin, Makhkhali Goshala, Gauthama Buddha, and Vardhamana Mahavira are a few well- known examples.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Medieval Terminology or keyword/ Economic History of Medieval India

Correct answer is Option (c): The ‘Persian Wheel’ has been referred to as Araghatta in ancient Sanskrit writings.

• The term “ara-ghatta” derives from the words “ara,” which means “spoke,” and “ghatta,” which means “pot.”
• There is evidence to support the theory that India was the origin of this method of drawing water from open wells.
• It is referred to as the “cakka-vattakka”or the “ghati yantra” in the Panchatantra (3rd century BCE) and the Rajatarangini (12th century CE).
  • In the twelfth century, this term, also known as the “Araghattikka” or “arahattiyanara,” was frequently used to refer to a person or animal working the Araghatta.
  • The Persian wheel is a water lifting device used usually by draft animals, like bulls, buffaloes, or camels.
  • Baburnama provides a comprehensive explanation and a picture of the Persian Wheel which was in use in the Punjab province.
  • NOTE: In Our Past II, Pg 6 and 7 there is a discussion on the invention of the Persian wheel in irrigation, UPSC twisted the information and asked the question on Persian wheel. Also, do not confuse it with the ‘Agrahara system’. A ‘agrahara’ was a piece of land given to a Brahmana who was typically exempt from paying land revenue and other dues to the king and frequently granted the authority to collect these dues from the local people.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Vijayanagar Economy

Statement 1 is correct: The tax rate was fixed between one-third and one-sixth depending on the quality of the land. In the reign of Krishna Deva, land revenue was the main source of income of the government. The government also assessed other taxes, such as the grazing tax, customs duty, gardening tax, and industrial taxes on the production of various goods.

Statement 2 is correct: Commercial taxes consisting of levies, duties and customs on manufactured articles of trade were also levied. Private owners of workshops also paid an industry tax. In addition to the land tax, there were taxes levied on shopkeepers, farm workers, farm servants, laborers, posters, shoemakers, musicians, etc. Grazing and house taxes were also imposed.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Cultural History of Medieval India

• Statement 1 is correct: Siddhas condemned idolatry, they advocated renunciation of the world. To them, the path to salvation lay in meditation on the formless ultimate reality and the realisation of oneness with it.
• There are 18 Siddhas who are considered as the pillars of Siddha medicine according to Tamil tradition.
• There is no consensus on their exact time. The Siddhars by their spiritual and yogic practices attained immense knowledge and experience in Vaithiyam (Medicine), Vatham (Alchemy), Jothidam (Astrology), Manthirigam (Tantric practices), Yogam (Meditation and yogic exercises) and Gnanam (Knowledge about the Almighty).
• Statement 2 is correct: The Lingayats challenged the idea of caste and the “pollution” attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas. They also questioned the theory of rebirth.
• The Lingayats are devotees of Basaveshwara, a poet and social reformer who lived in the 12th century.
• He was against the caste system and Vedic rituals. The Lingayats adhere to absolute monotheism. They encourage worshiping only one deity, especially Linga (Shiva).
• The term “Linga” refers to universal consciousness as defined by the universal energy, not to Lingas seen in temples (Shakti). Lingayats are Shaivites and have been categorized as a Hindu subcaste known as “Veerashaiva Lingayats.”

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Medieval Terminology/Keyword

Correct answer is Option (d): During the Indian Middle Ages, banjaras were generally

merchants. They referred to their caravans as tanda.

• During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, banjaras had a significant For the purpose of transporting grain to the markets in the cities, Alauddin Khalji used the Banjaras. They were responsible for moving goods from one location to another.
• According to the Emperor Jahangir’s chronicles, the Banjaras transported grain from various regions on their bullocks and sold it in towns.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Feudalism in India

Statement 1 is incorrect: Feudalism, in its various forms, usually emerged as a result of the decentralization of an empire which lacked the bureaucratic infrastructure necessary to administer grand empires. In the medieval era, feudalism was the predominant socio- economic structure. In this feudal system, the nobility owned land from the Crown in return for military service, and vassals were tenants of the nobles. The peasants were required to reside on their lord’s land and to offer him homage, labor, and a share of the production in exchange for military protection

Statement 2 is correct: An essential feature of Feudalism was the emergence of an administrative structure to maintain control and possession of land and effectively generate massive revenues from them.

Statement 3 is correct: A person became a vassal by pledging political allegiance and providing military, political, and financial service to a lord.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Past and Present name of Medieval Indian State

Correct answer is Option (b):

• The 9th century saw the rise of a number of hill states, some of which maintained their identity until recent years, despite their wars with each other and frequent raids from the plain areas.
  

  Medieval Indian state	Present Region
  Champaka	Chamba
  Durgara	Jammu

  Kuluta	Kullu
  Malwa	Central India
  Kamarupa	Assam
  Trigarta	Jalandhar
  Utkala	Odisha
  Twipra	Tripura

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Political aspect of Vijayanagar Empire

Correct answer is Option (c):Vijayanagara or the “city of victory” empire was founded in the fourteenth century by Harihara and Bukka (1336).

• It encompassed the entire Krishna- Tungabhadra Doab peninsula, extending from the river Krishna in the north to its furthest southern point.
• Harihara I founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna belonged.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Political aspect during the Mughals

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Gunpowder was first used in the Indian subcontinent during the Mongol invasion. When Babur acquired control of Bhera in India in 1519, it was his first significant mission.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The introduction of Islamic architectural details, such as true domes and arches, and the fusion of Indian and Islamic architectural forms were the Delhi Sultanate’s biggest contributions to Indian fine arts.
• Statement 3 is correct: The Timurids, an islamic Sunni dynasty, had two notable empires in history. The Timurid Empire (1370–1507) in Persia and Central Asia and the Mughal Empire (1526–1857) in India was greatly impacted by Persian culture.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Bhakti and Sufi Movement

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Bijak is the collection of ideas and teachings of Kabir was an Indian mystic poet and saint who lived in the 15th century.
• His verses may be found in the Sikhism’s holy book Guru Granth Sahib and his writings had an impact on the Bhakti movement in Hinduism. He was a disciple of Ramananda. He launched a strong campaign on the superficial religious rituals that Muslims and Hindus both observe.
• According to Kabir, the individual who is following the path of righteousness, views all living things as his own, and is passively detached from worldly affairs is the one who is closest to the truth.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Vallabhacharya’s philosophy came to be known as Pushti Marga. Vallabhacharya was also known as ‘Achinitabhadra’. He was the first to promote Krishna Bhakti on the basis of Maha Bhagavata Purana. He founded the philosophy of Shuddhadvaita which believed in the absolute union. He prescribed Pushtimarg as the means for salvation (extreme devotion to God).

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Medieval Terminology/Keyword

Correct answer is Option (b):

• Mahattara and pattakila were the village headmen. Pattalika is generally identified with the modern Patel, believed to be the king’s representative in the village.
• Mahattara was a non-official and possibly a representative of the people.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Aspect of Religious life of Harappan civilizations

Harappan civilization: The Harappan Civilization arose in the North -western part of the Indian subcontinent. It is called Harappan because this civilization was discovered first in 1921 at the modern site of Harappa situated in the province of West Punjab in Pakistan. The Harappan culture covered parts of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the fringes of western Uttar Pradesh. It is older than the chalcolithic cultures which have been treated earlier, but it is far more developed than these cultures.

Statement 1 is incorrect: No building has been discovered in the Indus valley which can resemble a temple. Although “Great Bath” may have been used for ritual purposes by the Indus valley people.

Statement 2 is correct: Figurines resembling female deities and male gods have been found in the Indus Valley.

Statement 3 is incorrect: No trace of Horses has been found in the Indus valley.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Foreign Travellers Account

Statement 1 is Roads and River- routes were not completely robbery-free. Hiuen-Tsang himself was looted a couple of times.

Statement 2 is correct. Criminal law was very severe. Mutilation was commonly practised. Ordeals by fire, water and poison were used to determine the innocence or guilt of a person. Statement 3 is correct. Duties were to be paid at trade barriers without fail. It was a source of income for the kingdom.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Bhakti Movement

Correct answer is Option (b):

• Guru Nanak was born in 1469. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the First battle of Panipat in 1526.
• So when Babur was strengthening the Mughal dynasty in India Guru Nanak was preaching Sikhism in India.
• Tyagaraja, a Carnatic music composer was born in 1767.
• Daddu Dayal was a poet-saint of Gujrat born in 1544.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Technological development during ancient times

Statement 1 is correct. Sushruta has been documented as the first surgeon. He used S-type and U-type instruments and has also documented Plastic surgery.

Statement 2 is incorrect. There has been no documented proof of organ transplants in the 3rd century AD.

Statement 3 is correct. Aryabhatta has given sine angles and reversed sine angles in his book Surya Siddhanta.

Statement 4 is correct. Brahmgupta was known to give the formula for the area of a cyclic quadrilateral.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Administrative structure during ancient times

Statement 1 is incorrect. Guilds were professional bodies of jewellers, weavers, and ivory carvers who came together to control quality production, create sound business ethics, and maintain fair wages and prices. Each Guild has its own chief, assisted by others.

Statement 2 is correct. The Ramayana and many plays from the Gupta period and Tamil Sangam literature write in detail about the trade guilds or shrenis.

Statement 3 is correct. Guild members were entitled to impeach and punish a chief found guilty of misconduct.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Religious aspects of early Vedic Aryans

The correct answer is Option (c): Vedic Aryans used to worship manifestations of forces of nature as Gods in the form of Indra, Agni, Soma, Varuna. Mother earth and Rivers, especially Saraswati, were worshipped as the goddess. Yajna was a method of worship that involved offering sacrifices. It included Vedic chants, shamans singing and a sacrificial mantra. The Vedic mantra was chanted while sacrificing havan samagri in the fire during a yajna.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Philosophical aspect of Jainism and Buddhism/Similarities between Jainism and Buddhism

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Sufi mysticism

• Sufism is a mystic branch of Islam that puts emphasis on the search for God on a spiritual level and rejects materialism. The Sufi practices included:
• Statement 1 and 2 are correct: Focuses on love and devotion to God. Devotee expressions for music and dance, breath-control techniques and meditation.
• They also used to perform Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place.
• Statement 3 is correct: The practice of Sama is a musical performance that aims to elicit a mystical feeling of ecstasy. Murid, or disciple, must pass through countless phases while engaging in spiritual activities in a lonely setting.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Religious aspect of Harappan civilization and significant features

Statement 1 is correct: Indus Valley people used to worship trees and animals. No traces of the practice of religion have been found at any site. The understanding of the religious rituals and beliefs of the Harappans is entirely based on the terracotta figurines and seals that have survived. The Harappan religion is normally termed as “animism” i.e., worship of trees, stones etc. A large number of terracotta figurines discovered at the Harappan sites have been associated with the worship of the mother goddess. Evidence of fire worship has also been found at some sites such as Kalibangan and Lothal. The burial practices and rituals have been a very important aspect of religion in any culture. Kalibangan has yielded evidence of a symbolic burial. Despite having the engineering know-how, the Indus Valley civilization did not build any grand palaces. Religious rituals were mostly performed in private houses, little temples, or outside.

Statement 2 is correct: In 1929 cotton textile fragments were found from Mohenjo-Jo-Daro. Also, cotton seeds found nearby Mehrgarh dated to 5000 BCE.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Philosophical aspect of Jainism

The correct answer is Option (a): Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by Universal laws. Jainism does not support belief in the creator deity. According to Jain doctrine, the universe and its constituents (soul, matter, space, time and motion) have always existed. The first Jain Tirthankara was Rishabnatha. Mahavira was the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara. Jainism did not condemn the concept of the varna system. Jainism believes in the theory of Karma. Both the idea of reincarnation and the universal soul are accepted in Jainism. Jainism rejects the idea of a creator god. The universe and all of its elements, including soul, matter, space, time, and motion, have existed forever, in accordance with Jain theology. To break free from the circle of karma and reach salvation, Jainism teaches that one must lead a life of extreme austerity and penance. Jainism holds to the “theory of Karma” and the “transmigration of the soul.” Anekantavada: Stresses that there are many different facets to the ultimate truth and reality, or the “theory of plurality.” Syadavada: Literally, means the procedure of analysing various probability. Five Doctrines Of Jainism: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha, Brahmacharya.

Ans: c

Sub Theme: Early Maritime History of India

Option (c) is correct: Indians have been familiar with the monsoon winds since the Gupta era. The Bay of Bengal’s monsoon winds made sea travel easier, this was the primary factor in India’s early commerce and cultural connections with Southeast Asia.