Arts & Culture PYQs

Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhāsa?

Consider the following statements: 1. There are no parables in Upanishads. 2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs : Literary work Author 1. Devichandragupta : Bilhana 2. Hammira-Mahakavya : Nayachandra Suri 3. Milinda-panha : Nagarjuna 4. Nitivakyamrita : Somadeva Suri How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?

With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts : 1. Nettipakarana 2. Parishishtaparvan 3. Avadanashataka 4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana Which of the above are Jaina texts?

Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct ?

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. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

“Yogavasistha” was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of:

With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous

With reference to the scholars/ litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements: (1) Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga. (2) Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana. (3) Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta - II. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?

The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from?

What does Baudhayan theorem (Baudhayan Sulva Sutra) relate to?

What does an empty seat represent in early Buddhist iconography?

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:

With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’?

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (1) Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. (2) Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. (3) The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs: 1. Parivrajaka — Renunciant and Wanderer 2. Shramana — Priest with a high status 3. Upasaka — Lay follower of Buddhism Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Consider the following: 1. Deification of the Buddha 2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas 3. Image worship and rituals Which of the above is/are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism?

With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes

Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times? 1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism 2. The invading tribes from Central Asia till the time of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists. 3. The Kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism Which of the Statements given above is/ are correct?

Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara? 1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami 2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole 3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh 4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal

The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple ? 1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines. 2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni. 3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: 1.It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. 2.It is the only circular temple built in India. 3.It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region. 4.Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? 1. Arasavalli 2. Amarakantak 3. Omkareshwar Select the correct answer using the code given below :

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to:

The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the

Where is the famous Virupaksha temple located?

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists (Famous Temple) (State) A. Vidyashankara temple 1. Andhra Pradesh B. Rajarani temple 2. Karnataka C. Kandariya Mahadeo 3. Madhya Pradesh D. Bhimesvara Temple 4. Orissa

Near which one of the following cities are Palitana Temples located?

Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music?

Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the:

The first gandharva mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by vishnu digambar paluskar in

With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?

With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements : 1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna. 2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. 3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries. 4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. Which of the statements given above are correct?

With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: 1. It is a song and dance performance. 2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance. 3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their:

With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct? 1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period. 2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music. 3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

The brothers Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha are:

With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as “Kulah-Daran”?

In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to:

With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size?

With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: (1) Anurang - In-charge of treasury of the State (2) Banian - Indian agent of the East India Company (3) Mirasidar - Designated revenue payer to the State Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following statements: 1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’. 2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution. 3. The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar? 1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection. 2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to

With reference to Indian History, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system? (1) A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority (2) Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land (3) Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord Select the correct answer using the code given below.

In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for

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?

Consider the following pairs: Site : Well Known for 1. Besnagar : Shaivite cave shrine 2. Bhaja : Buddhist cave shrine 3. Sittanavasal : Jain cave shrine How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Which one of the following statements is correct?

What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs : Famous work of sculpture : Site 1. A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below : Ajanta 2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock : Mount Abu 3. ‘Arjuna’s Penance’/ ‘Descent of Ganga’ sculpted on the surface of huge boulders : Mamallapuram Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: (1) The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. (2). The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. (3). At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is NOT included?

“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?

With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements : 1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism. 2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine? (1). The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance. (2). Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul. (3). Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by

Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for who of the following?

Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following ?

Which of the following pairs of the king and his dynasty in early historical Tamilakam is/are NOT correctly matched? 1. Senguttuvan : Chera 2. Udiyanjeral : Chola 3. Nedunjeliyan : Pandya

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?

Consider the following pairs : King Dynasty 1. Nannuka — Chandela 2. Jayashakti — Paramara 3. Nagabhata II — Gurjara-Pratihara 4. Bhoja — Rashtrakuta How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?

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.

In the context of Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State. 2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire. 3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Consider the following events in the history of India: (1) Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja (2) Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman – I (3) Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka – I (4) Pala dynasty founded by Gopala What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?

India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations?

The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents:

Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?

The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the

The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft illustrated paintings at

Kalamkari painting refers to

Consider the following historical places : (1). Ajanta Caves (2). Lepakshi Temple (3). Sanchi Stupa Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta Caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings?

Which of the following pairs of ancient and modern names of rivers is/are correctly matched? 1. Vitasta : Chenab 2. Asikni : Jhelum 3. Parushni : Ravi 4. Yavyavati : Beas

The irrigation device called ‘Araghatta’ was

Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles ‘Mattavilasa’, ‘Vichitrachitta’ and ‘Gunabhara’?

Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the ‘Pradeshika’, ‘Rajulka’ and ‘yukta’ were important officers at the

With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to

In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs: Term Description 1. Eripatti : Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank 2. Taniyurs : Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins 3. Ghatikas : Colleges generally attached to the temples Which of the pairs given above correctly matched?

Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally

Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns : I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels. II. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered. III. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements ? 1. Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home. 2. Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed. 3. Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system. Select the answer using the code given below :

The famous female figurine known as ‘Dancing Girl’, found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of:

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?

Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

With reference to .the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them. 2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron. 3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization? (1). They possessed great palaces and temples. (2). They worshipped both male and female deities. (3). They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. Select the correct the statement/statements using the codes given below.

Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: 1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene. 2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1.Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes, and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes. 2.In the Mitakshara system, sons can claim the right to the property during the lifetime of the father, whereas in the Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that sons can claim the right to the property. 3.The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

With reference to the history of India, the terms ‘’kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote

Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?

With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?

With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?

With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them. 2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild. 3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Consider the following pairs: Historical place : Well known for 1. Burzahom : Rock cut shrines 2. Chandraketugarh :Terracotta art 3.Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs : Craft. Heritage of 1. Puthukkuli shawls Tamil Nadu 2. Sujni embroidery Maharashtra 3. Uppada Jamdani saris Karnataka Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? (1) Banaras Brocades and Sarees (2) Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma (3) Tirupathi Laddu Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Consider the following towns of India: 1. Bhadrachalam 2. Chanderi 3. Kancheepuram 4. Karnal Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabrics?

With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?

Consider the following pairs: 1. Gatka a traditional marital art :Kerala 2. Madhubani, a traditional painting :Bihar 3. Singhwy Khababs Sindhu Darshan Festival: Jammu and Kashmir Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched:

Consider the following statements: 1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar. 2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: 1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. 2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Consider the following statements: 1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. 2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Consider the following Bhakti Saints : (1). Dadu Dayal (2). Guru Nanak (3). Tyagaraja Which among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi Dynasty fell and Babur took over?

With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices? 1. Meditation and control of breath 2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place 3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Among the following, who was not a proponent of bhakti cult ?

Consider the following information: Archaeological Site :: State :: Description 1. Chandraketugarh : Odisha : Trading Port town 2. Inamgaon : Maharashtra : Chalcolithic site 3. Mangadu : Kerala : Megalithic site 4. Salihundam : Andhra Pradesh : Rock-cut cave shrines In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs : Famous Place Present State 1. Bhilsa Madhya Pradesh 2. Dwarasamudra Maharashtra 3. Girinagar Gujarat 4. Sthanesvara Uttar Pradesh Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs Famous place - River Pandharpur - Chandrabhaga Tiruchirappalli - Cauvery Hampi - Malaprabha Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs: Famous Place Region 1. Bodhgaya : Baghelkhand 2. Khajuraho : Bundelkhand 3. Shirdi : Vidarbha 4. Nasik (Nashik ) : Malwa 5. Tirupati : Rayalaseema Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs : Medieval Indian State : Present Region (1) Champaka : Central India (2) Durgara : Jammu (3) Kuluta : Malabar Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs : Place of Pilgrimage : Location (1) Srisailam : Nallamala Hills (2) Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills (3) Pushkar : Mahadeo Hills Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

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

Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? (1) Avanti (2) Gandhara (3) Kosala (4) Magadha Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? 1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha Select the correct answer using the code given below:

With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs: Famous shrine : Location 1. Tabo monastery and temple complex : Spiti Valley 2. Lhotsava Lhakhang : Zanskar Valley 3. Aichi temple complex : Ladakh Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly?

In which State is the Buddhist site Tabo Monastery located?

Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct? 1. They acted as army fortresses. 2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles. 3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles. 4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles.

Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO?

Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: 1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya How many of the above properties were included in 2023?

Recently, which one of the following was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list?

Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register?

Who of the following rulers of medieval India gave permission to the Portuguese to build a fort at Bhatkal?

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?

According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas? 1. Wrestling 2. Astrology 3. Accounting 4. Soothsaying Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements: 1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land. 2. Private owners of workshops paid industries tax. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Who of the following 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 diety to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong? 5

With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statements: 1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand . 2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool. 3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant samplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

Consider the following pairs : Tribe State (1). Limboo (Limbu) : Sikkim (2). Karbi : Himachal Pradesh (3). Dongaria Kondh : Odisha (4). Bonda : Tamil Nadu Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Among the following, who are the Agaria community?

In which one of the following places is the Shompen tribe found ?

Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of

Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on:

Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?

The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? (1). The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery. (2). As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person. (3). The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Consider the following pairs : Site of Ashoka’s major rock edicts Location in the State of 1. Dhauli — Odisha 2. Erragudi — Andhra Pradesh 3. Jaugada — Madhya Pradesh 4. Kalsi — Karnataka How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?

Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? ‘’Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.”

In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?

Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?

With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements : 1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji. 2. During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city. 3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his kingdom to Mongols. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Consider the following statements: 1.It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince. 2.It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus. 3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Consider the following : The arrival of Babur into India led to the 1. introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent 2. introduction of the arch and dome in the region’s architecture 3. establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region Select the correct answer using the code given below.

What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the Third Battle of Panipat?

Consider the following statements about the Rigvedic period: I. Irrigation from wells allowed agriculture to expand away from flood plains and strips on river margins into the present Punjab and Haryana plains having underground water levels reasonably close to the surface. II. Draught-animal power was employed to draw up water out of the wells. Which of the following information support/supports the above statements ? 1.There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (strapped wooden pails) to draw up water. 2.Mention has been made in the Rigveda of the use of implements like parashu / kulisha (axe) and datra / sreni (sickle). 3.There is a history of the use of ox, even before the Rigveda, for ploughing the land and pulling the carts. Select the answer using the code given below:

In which one among the following texts does the term kshetra-patni (‘mistress of the field’) originate?

The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of:

The “dharma” and “rita” depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements: 1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one’s duties to oneself and to others. 2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: 1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama. 2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam. 3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances? 1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam. 2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

Consider the following statements: I. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., kahapana, nikkha, kamsa, and kakanika. II. The literary evidence from Pali texts is corroborated by archaeological evidence of punch-marked coins from many sites, most of them made of silver. The above statements have been associated with which of the following? 1. Emergence of urban life 2. Transition to money economy Select the correct answer using the code given below:

With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs : Historical person Known as 1. Aryadeva — Jaina scholar 2. Dignaga — Buddhist scholar 3. Nathamuni — Vaishnava scholar How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?

With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/ were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment 2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas 3. Denial of efficacy of rituals Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Consider the following pairs : Tradition State 1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram 2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur 3. Thang-Ta dance — Sikkim Which of the pairs given above is/are correct ?

Consider the following pairs : Traditions Communities 1. Chaliha Sahib Festival — Sindhis 2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra — Gonds 3. Wari-Warkari — Santhals Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs: 1. Garba : Gujarat 2. Mohiniattam : Odisha 3. Yakshagana : Karnataka Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as

Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom ?

Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India: 1. The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595596). 2. In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India. 3. The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century. which of the statements given above are correct?

With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? 1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by 1st century AD. 2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century AD. 3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD. 4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements : 1.White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri. 2.Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was?

Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school : (1). Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul. (2). Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

With reference to ancient India (600-322 BC), consider the following pairs: Territorial Region : River flowing region in the region I. Asmaka : Godavari II. Kamboja : Vipas III. Avanti : Mahanadi IV. Kosala : Sarayu How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Who among the following led a successsful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime state, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, sumatra, java and the neighbouring islands?

What is the number of spokes in the Dharma chakra in the National Flag of India?

Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct? 1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley. 2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size. 3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia.