Q. Many of the Greeks, Kushanas and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because (a) Buddhism was in the ascendant at that time (b) they had renounced the policy of war and violence (c) caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them (d) Buddhism provided easier access to Indian ...

Q. The concept of Eight-fold path forms the theme of (a) Dipavamsa (b) Divyavadana (c) Mahaparinibban Sutta (d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta Ans: (d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta

Q. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve foodgrains to be utilised during the crises in the country? (a) Sohagaura Copper-plate (b) Rummindei pillar-edict of Asoka (c) Prayaga-Prasasti (d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra ...

Q. Assertion (A): According to Asoka's edicts social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion. Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion. (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A (b) Both A and R are true, but ...

Q. Assertion (A): The Gandhara School of art bears the mark of Hellenistic influence. Reason (R): Hinayana form was influenced by that art. (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A (b) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A (c) A is true, ...

Q. Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India? (a) Chaturvedimangalam (b) Parishad (c) Ashtadikgaja (d) Manigrama Ans: (d) Manigrama Explanation: A manigramam was a large, influential guild of South Indian merchants during the period of Western ...

Q. The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called (a) Rupaka (b) Karshapana (c) Dinara (d) Pana Ans: (a) Rupaka Explanation: The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called Rupaka. The silver coin was called Rupaka based on Sakas of Ujjaini weighing 32-36 grains. The Gupta ...

Q. In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as (a) Vajrapani (b) Manjusri (c) Padmapani (d) Maitreya Ans: (c) Padmapani Explanation: In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as (c) Padmapani. Avalokitesvara is one of the ...

Q. The following maps shows four of the sixteen mahajanapadas that existed in ancient India The places marked A, B, C and D respectively are (a) Matsya, Cedi, Kosala, Anga  (b) Surasena, Avanti, Vatsa, Magadha (c) Matsya, Avanti, Vatsa, Anga (d) Surasena, Cedi, Kosala, Magadha ...

Q. Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Asoka? (a) Kalsi (b) Rummindei (c) Special Kalinga Edict (d) Maski Ans: (d) Maski Explanation: Among the given options, the edict that mentions the personal name of Asoka is (d) Maski. The Maski edict, also known ...

Q. Which one of the following statements regarding Asokan stone pillars is incorrect? (a) These are highly polished (b) These are monolithic (c) The shaft of pillars is tapering in shape (d) These are parts of architectural structures Ans: (d) These are parts of architectural ...

Q. Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows divorce to a wife deserted by her husband? (a) Kamasutra (b) Manavadharmashastra (c) Sukra Nitisara (d) Arthashastra Ans: (d) Arthashastra Explanation: According to the Arthashastra, a wife who had been deserted by her ...