Ancient Indian History

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1.Which one is the longest epic of the world?

[A] Ramayana
[B] Ramcharitmanas
[C] Mahabharata
[D] Hanuman Chalisa

 

Correct Answer: C [ Mahabharata ]

Notes:
The Mahabharata by Ved vyas is the longest epic of the world consists of 1,00,000 shlokas.

2.Which of the following Vedanga is related to metrics?

[A] Kalpa
[B] Nirkuta
[C] Chhanda
[D] Shiksha

 

Correct Answer: C [ Chhanda ]

Notes:
There are six vedangas (limbs of Vedas) evolved for the proper understanding of the Vedas. These are Siksha (phonetics), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarna (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chhanda (metrics) and Jyotisha (astronomy).

3.The Sangai Festival is organized in __:

[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Bihar
[D] Nagaland

 

Correct Answer: B [Manipur]

Notes:
The Sangai festival is an annual cultural festival organised by Manipur Tourism Department on every year from November 21 to 30. The festival as named as the Sangai Festival to stage the uniqueness of the shy and gentle brow-antlered deer popularly known as the Sangai Deer, which is the state animal of Manipur.

4.Ramman is a religious festival and ritual theatre of ____?

[A] Uttarkhand
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] West Bengal
[D] Madhya Pradesh

 

Correct Answer: A [Uttarkhand ]

Notes:
Ramman is a religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal region, Uttarkhand. It is a festival of the Hindu community in the Saloor Dungra village in the Chamoli district of Uttarkhand. The festival and the eponymous art form are conducted as an offering to the village deity, Bhumiyal Devta.

5.Which is the largest Indian museum?

[A] Nizam’s Museum
[B] Salar Jung Museum
[C] AP state Archaeology Museum
[D] Indian Museum Kolkata

 

Correct Answer: D [Indian Museum Kolkata]

Notes:
Indian Museum Kolkata is the largest museum in India. It was founded by 1814. It is also the oldest Indian museum.

6.Who wrote famous Hindi work “Padmavat”?

[A] Malik Muhammad Jayasi
[B] Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana
[C] Amir Khusro
[D] Bulleh Shah

 

Correct Answer: A [Malik Muhammad Jayasi]

Notes:
Padmavat of Malik Muhammad Jayasi is a poem about the beauty and Jauhar of Padmani.

7.The famous Muslim pilgrimage town “Galiakot” is located in which among the following states of India?

[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Haryana
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Gujarat

 

Correct Answer: C [Rajasthan]

Notes:
Galiyakot is a town in Dungarpur District of Rajasthan, India. Near the Rajasthan city of Udaipur. It is a Dawoodi Bohra pilgrimage site. The town is famous for the tomb of Babjee Moula Syedi Fakhruddin who lived there in the 11th century.

8.Moti Masjid was built in Red Fort by which of the following Mughal Emperor?

[A] Shahjahan
[B] Aurangazeb
[C] Shah Aalam II
[D] Akbar

 

Correct Answer: B [Aurangazeb]

Notes:
Moti Masjid is a mosque built in Red Fort. It was built by Aurangzeb in 1659 for his second wife. It was used by the ladies of the Zenana.

9.Consider the following statements with respect to Project ‘Mausam’ by Government of India:

1. The project has been launched by Ministry of Culture.
2. It aims to rekindle the long-lost ties across nations of the Pacific Ocean world.

Which of the above statement is/are correct?

[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2

 

Correct Answer: A [ 1 Only]

Notes:
Second statement is wrong because the project aims to develop lost links and cultural relations with countries of Indian Ocean littoral and not Pacific Ocean.
The central themes that hold Project ‘Mausam’ together are those of cultural routes and maritime landscapes that not only linked different parts of the Indian Ocean littoral, but also connected the coastal centres to their hinterlands.More importantly, shared knowledge systems and ideas spread along these routes and impacted both coastal centres, and also large parts of the environs.

10.Consider the following festivals with states in which they are celebrated:

1. Yaoshang – Manipur
2. Hornbill – Nagaland
3. Saga Dawa – Sikkim

Which of the above is/are correctly matched?

[A] 3 Only
[B] 1 & 2 Only
[C] 1, 2 & 3
[D] None

 

Correct Answer: C [1, 2 & 3]

Notes:
All given pairs are correct

11.Pandit Jasraj belongs to which among the following Gharanas?

[A] Kirana
[B] Jaipur
[C] Banaras
[D] Mewati

 

Correct Answer: D [Mewati]

Notes:
Pandit Jasraj was an Indian classical vocalist, belonging to the Mewati gharana. His musical career spanned 75 years resulting in national and international fame, respect and numerous major awards and accolades. He died in August 2020.

12.Who wrote famous Hindi work “Padmavat”?

[A] Malik Muhammad Jayasi
[B] Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana
[C] Amir Khusro
[D] Bulleh Shah

 

Correct Answer: A [Malik Muhammad Jayasi]

Notes:
Padmavat of Malik Muhammad Jayasi is a poem about the beauty and Jauhar of Padmani.

13.“Sur Sagar “, a treatise on music was written during the reign of which of the following Mughal emperors?

[A] Humayun
[B] Akbar
[C] Jahanagir
[D] Shahjahan

 

Correct Answer: B [Akbar]

Notes:
Surdas wrote Sursagar, Tulsidas who wrote Ramcharitmanas was also a contemporary of Akbar.

14.Out of Capital of Akbar’s Kingdom, Buland Darwaja , Panch Mahal and Akbar’s Mausoleum , which are located at the same place?

[A] Panch Mahal and Akbar’s Mausoleum
[B] Buland Darwaja , Panch Mahal and Akbar’s Mausoleum
[C] Capital of Akbar’s Kingdom, Buland Darwaja , Panch Mahal

[D] Capital of Akbar’s Kingdom and Akbar’s Mausoleum

 

Correct Answer: C [Capital of Akbar’s Kingdom, Buland Darwaja , Panch Mahal]

Notes:
Capital of Akbar Kingdom, Buland Darwaja , Panch Mahal  (all fatehpur sikri ) mausoleum at Sikandara

15.Kalady in Ernakulam district of Kerala is a birth place of which of the following ?

[A] Adi Shankara
[B] Vallabha Acharya
[C] Sathya Sai Baba
[D] Ramakrishna

 

Correct Answer: A [Adi Shankara]

Notes:
Kalady in Ernakulam district of Kerala is a birth place of Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya is a philosopher. He gave the doctrine of AdvaitaVada.

16.Sidi Bashir Mosque is located at:

[A] Ahmedabad
[B] Delhi
[C] Jaipur
[D] Hyderabad

 

Correct Answer: A [Ahmedabad]

Notes:
The mosque is also called Jhulta Minar or Shaking Minarets.

17.Kallol was the name of one of the most influential movements in which among the following literatures?

[A] Gujarati
[B] Bangla
[C] Punjabi
[D] Haryanvi

 

Correct Answer: B [Bangla]

Notes:
Kallol refers to one of the most influential literary movements in Bengali literature. It can be placed approximately between 1923 and 1935. The name Kallol of the Kallol group derives from a magazine of the same name (which translates as ‘the sound of waves’ in Bengali).

18.With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is “Kambala”?

[A] an annual buffalo race held traditionally in Karnataka
[B] a martial art practiced in Manipur
[C] a folk art of Kerala
[D] an ancient style bronze and brasswork of Andhra Pradesh

 

Correct Answer: A [ an annual buffalo race held traditionally in Karnataka]

Notes:
Kambala is an annual buffalo race held traditionally in Karnataka state of India. The event was recently in news, when after the ban on Jallikattu; the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has asked Karnataka government to ban the race citing reasons of cruelity to animals.

19.Identify the Hindu temple architecture with the help of given information:

1. The temple  is always square in plan and surmounted by a pyramidal roof of one or more stories
2. The temple contains pillared outdoor hall for public rituals
3. Monumental tower, usually ornate, at the entrance, called Gopurams are the principal features of the temple

Select the correct answer from options given below:

[A] Nagara
[B] Dravidian
[C] Vesara
[D] Panchayatan

 

Correct Answer: B [Dravidian]

Notes:
All given statements are features of Dravidian architecture.

20.Identify the classical work by the following information:
1. Its a Classical Sanskrit text attributed to Matanga Muni
2. It is the first text that speaks directly of the raga and distinguishes the classical (marga) and the folk (desi)
3. It introduced sargam notation in Indian Classical Music
Choose the correct option:

[A] Natya Shashtra
[B] Brihaddeshi
[C] Sangeet Parijat
[D] Sangeet Maakrand

 

Correct Answer: B [Brihaddeshi]

Notes:
Brihaddeshi is a Classical Sanskrit (dated ca. 6th to 8th century) text on Indian classical music, attributed to Matanga Muni. It is the first text that speaks directly of the raga and distinguishes the classical (marga) and the folk (desi). It also introduced sargam notation. In Matanga’s discussion of musical scales and micro-tonal intervals he clarifies Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra on which the author based his work. It clarifies many issues related to shruti that were presented tersely by Bharata.

21.Which of the following was the first Indian product to get the geographical indication tag?

[A] Darjeeling Tea
[B] Odisha Patachitra
[C] Kashmir Pashmina
[D] Mizo Chilli

 

Correct Answer: A [ Darjeeling Tea]

Notes:
Darjeeling Tea is one of the major export products of India. It received the Geographical Indication tag in 2004, and was the first Indian product to get it.

22.The Saga Dawa festival marks the life of Buddha. It is most commonly celebrated in which state?

[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Sikkim
[C] Assam
[D] Maharashtra

 

Correct Answer: B [Sikkim]

Notes:
Saga Dawa festival marks the life of Buddha. Buddha Jayanti in Bhutia language is called Saga Dawa.

23. Consider the following pairs of fairs with states where they are celebrated:

1. Hemis Gompa – Jammu & Kashmir
2. Chandrabhaga – Odisha
3. Ambubasi – Assam

Which of the above are correct?

[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 2 & 3 Only
[C] 1 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2 & 3

 

Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]

Notes:
All of the above pairs are correct
Chandrabhaga fair is held in the month of February on the banks of Chandrabhaga River in Odisha.

24. Consider the following pairs of dance forms with states where they are most predominantly performed:

1. Kalbelia – Rajasthan
2. Ghumura – Odisha
3. Maach – Madhya Pradesh

Which of the above is/are correct?

[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 3 Only
[C] 2 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2 & 3

 

Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]

Notes:
Maach is a traditional theatre form of Madhya Pradesh. Ghumura dance is a folk dance of Kalahandi district of the Indian state Orissa. Kalbelia  is one of the most sensuous dance forms of Rajasthan, performed by the Kalbelia tribe of Rajasthan.

25. Consider the following statements about festival Onam:

1. It is a rice harvest celebration in Kerala
2. Lord Vishnu is revered on this day

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2

 

Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]

Notes:
Both are correct statements

26. Consider the following pairs of symbols to what they represent with respect to Buddha’s Life:

1. Lotus – Birth of Buddha
2. Horse – Renunciation
3. Wheel – First Sermon
4. Stupa – Mahaparinirvana

Which of the above are correct?

[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 2, 3 & 4 Only
[C] 1, 2 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4

 

Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]

Notes:
The Great Renunciation (Mahabhinishkramana) is represented by Horse. Buddha’s birth is represented by Lotus and Bull. First Sermon is represented by Wheel and Mahaparinirvana by Stupa.

27. Consider the following animals based festivals with states where they are predominantly celebrated:

1. Myoko – Arunachal Pradesh
2. Ooru Habba – Karnataka
3. Kambala – Jammu & Kashmir

Which of the above is/are correct?

[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] 2 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2 & 3

 

Correct Answer: A [ 1 & 2 Only]

Notes:
Ooru Habba is a festival celebrated predominantly in Karnataka. To celebrate the Ooru Habba festival, two tribal groups, the Hakki Pikki and Iruliga, sacrifice buffaloes and goats outside the Bannerghatta National Park. The Myoko Festival is an annual celebration in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. It is celebrated on a rotational basis by three different tribes namely Diibo-Hija, Hari-Bulla and Hong of the Apatani plateau. Kambala is an annual buffalo race which is a tradition in the Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts farming community.

28.Identify the painting with the help of given information:

1. The painting is created in the form of scroll
2. The colours used in this type of painting are obtained from natural resources
3. Cotton or tussar silk is mainly used in this type of painting
4. The crude brushes used for the paintings are made from the hair of domestic animals

Select the correct answer from options given below:

[A] Patachitra
[B] Madhubani
[C] Batik
[D] Thankga

 

Correct Answer: A [Patachitra]

Notes:
All given features are of Patachitra paintings

29. Consider the following differences between Natyadharmi and Lokadharmi:

1. While Natyadharmi means theatre oriented and Lokadharmi means life oriented
2. While Natyadharmi is theatrical representation larger than life, Lokadharmi deals with the worldly activity of people

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2

 

Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]

Notes:
Both are correct statements

30.Consider the following statements 1.The 15th annual Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) was being held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 2.The first chapter of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held in 2003 . 3.Theme of this year was “Role of Indian Diaspora in building New India”. Which one among the above is/are correct statement?

[A] 1 only
[B] 3 only
[C] 2 and 3
[D] 1,2,3

 

Correct Answer: D [ 1,2,3 ]

Notes:
The 15th annual Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) is being held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnath was the chief guest. These conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and Indian communities.

31.Which of the following refers to udaka-bhaga?

[A] Tax on irrigated land
[B] Tax on fertile land
[C] Tax on trade
[D] Tax on production

 

Correct Answer: A [Tax on irrigated land]

Notes:
During the Mauryan period when the importance of irrigation was fully realised, the peasants had to pay more tax on irrigated land which was known as udaka-bhaga. It refers to water rate, and was generally levied at one-fifth to one-third of the produce.

32.Which of the following places developed as a great center of education for Mahayana Buddhism during the Gupta period?
1) Taxila
2) Nalanda
Select the correct option from the codes given below:

[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2

 

Correct Answer: B [Only 2]

Notes:
The Gupta kings were patrons of Hinduism, but they also followed a policy of tolerance towards other religious sects. During the Gupta period, Nalanda developed as a great centre of education for Mahayana Buddhism. Students from other countries also came to study in this university.

33.Nighantu was written by which of the following?

[A] Kasyapa
[B] Nagarjuna
[C] Dhanvantari
[D] None of the above

 

Correct Answer: C [Dhanvantari]

Notes:
The book ‘Nighantu’ was wriiten by Dhanvantari. It is one of the oldest medico-botanical dictionary. Later this book was revised by Kasyapa. It is a treatise on medicinal herbs and drugs.

34.The Kotla fort at Delhi was the creation of which of the following?

[A] Ghyasuddin Tughlaq
[B] Firoz Tughlaq
[C] Sikander Lodhi
[D] Ibrahim Lodhi

 

Correct Answer: B [Firoz Tughlaq]

Notes:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq of the Tughlaq dynasty built the tomb of Ghyasuddin on a high platform whereas the Kotla fort at Delhi was the creation of Firozshah Tughlaq. The Lodhi garden of Delhi is an example of the architecture of the Lodhis.

35.Vittalaswamy and Hazara Ramaswamy temples were built in rule of which Vijayanagara empire?

[A] Harihara -II
[B] Krishna Deva Raya
[C] Devaraya-I
[D] Devaraya-II

 

Correct Answer: B [Krishna Deva Raya]

Notes:
Vittalaswamy and Hazara Ramaswamy temples built by Krishna Deva Raya. Hazara Ramaswamy temple adorned with sculptures illustrates the main events from the Ramayana. Vittalaswami temple is a portrays magnificence in floral sculpture.

36.With reference to Sufism, which of the following term refers to divine proximity?

[A] Qurbat
[B] Ruh
[C] Hulul
[D] Fana

 

Correct Answer: A [Qurbat ]

Notes:
The ideas central to the theory of Sufism are of ruh (soul), qurbat (divine proximity), and hulul (infusion of the divine spirit), Ishq (divine love), and Fana (self-annihilation).

37.During the reign of which of the following kings Gesu Daraz arrived in Gulbarga?

[A] Firoz Shah Bahmani
[B] Ahmed Shah Wali Bahmani
[C] Ala-ud-Din Ahmed Shah Bahmani
[D] Nizam Shah Bahmani

 

Correct Answer: A [Firoz Shah Bahmani]

Notes:
After the death of his father in Daulatabad, Gesu Daraz who was 16 years old returned to Delhi where he joined the spiritual discipline of Shaikh Nasir-ud-din Chiragh. He arrived in Gulbarga during the reign of Sultan Firoz Shah Bahmani.

38.Which of the following were influenced by Kabir?
1. Raidas
2. Guru Nanak
3. Dhanna
Select the correct option from the codes given below:

[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3

 

Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]

Notes:
Some of the people who were very much influenced by Kabir are as follows: Raidas, who was a tanner by caste and was from Benares, Guru Nanak, from Punjab was a Khatri merchant, and Dhanna, who was a Jat peasant from Rajasthan.

39.Who is the author of Ramacharitamanasa?

[A] Tulsidas
[B] Kabir
[C] Guru Nanak
[D] Ramanuja

 

Correct Answer: A [Tulsidas]

Notes:
Tulsidas was a great scholar and had made a profound study of Indian philosophy and literature. He is also the author of Ramacharitamanasa which is popularly called Tulsi-krita Ramayana.

40.Which of the following saints founded the Sabiri branch of Chisti order?

[A] Makhdurn Alauddin Ali
[B] Abdul Quddus Gangohi
[C] Muhibbullah Allahabadi
[D] Salim Chishti

 

Correct Answer: A [Makhdurn Alauddin Ali ]

Notes:
Makhdurn Alauddin Ali Sabir was a close relative of Fariduddin Masud also known as Baba Farid Ganj-i Shakar. He tried to revive the Chisti order in northern India. This is known as the Sabiri branch.

41.When did Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki died?

[A] 1135 CE
[B] 1150 CE
[C] 1235 CE
[D] 1250 CE

 

Correct Answer: C [1235 CE]

Notes:
Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki who established the Chisti presence in Delhi, died in 1235 CE and was buried in Mehrauli in Delhi, at the site which he had himself chosen and purchased.

42.The Chishti Sufis in the Deccan were referred by which of the following names?
1) Ulema-i-akhirat
2) Ulema-i-duniya
Select the correct option from the codes given below:

[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2

 

Correct Answer: B [Only 2]

Notes:
The Chishti Sufis were referred to as the ulema-i-akhirat in northern India and as the ulema-i-duniya in the Deccan. The end of the fourteenth century saw a decline of the Chishti order in northern India.

43.Which of the following is identified as the founder of the Ram cult in north India?

[A] Kabir
[B] Ramananda
[C] Guru Nanak
[D] Dadu Dayal

 

Correct Answer: B [Ramananda]

Notes:
Ramananda looked upon Ram as the object of bhakti and not Vishnu. He worshiped Ram and Sita and later he came to be identified as the founder of the Ram cult in north India.

44.Which of the following composed the famous text Wird al Muridin?

[A] Saba Dawud Khaki Suhrawardi
[B] Makhdum Hamzah
[C] Shihabuddin Suhrawardi
[D] Bahauddin Zakariya

 

Correct Answer: B [Makhdum Hamzah ]

Notes:
Baba Dawud Khaki Suhrawardi was the most eminent disciple of Makhdum Hamzah Kashmiri. He is credited with the composition of the famous text Wird al Muridin, a biography of Makhdum Hamzah in verse.

45.The Punjab branch of the Qadiris was founded by which of the following saint?

[A] Ibrahim Makhdumji
[B] Sayyid Muhammad Halabi Uchhi
[C] Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani
[D] Mir Muhammad Miyan

 

Correct Answer: B [Sayyid Muhammad Halabi Uchhi]

Notes:
During the mid 15th century, another branch of the Qadiris was established in the Punjab. It was founded by Sayyid Muhammad Halabi Uchhi who was a descendent of Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani.

46.Sewak Ram was a well-established Company Painter in which of the following cities?

[A] Agra
[B] Benaras
[C] Patna
[D] Bengal

 

Correct Answer: C [Patna]

Notes:
Patna was a great centre of the Company Paintings because it hosted many expatriates of the East India Company. Sewak Ram who lived from 1770 CE to 1830 CE was a well-established Company Painter in Patna.

47.Which of the following school of philosophies proposes two metaphysical realities?

[A] Nyay  school of Hindu thought
[B] Samkhya school of Hindu thought
[C] Vedanta  school of Hindu thought
[D] Yoga school of Hindu thought

 

Correct Answer: C [Vedanta  school of Hindu thought]

Notes:
The Samkhya school of Hindu Philosophy postultes two metaphysical realities, namely Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (inert primal matter), adding  that the Purusha is the root cause of all existence in the universe while Prakriti is its material cause.

48.Which of the following ways was followed by Bhakti scholars/poets in imaging the nature of the divine?

[A] Nirguna Brahman
[B] Saguna Brahman
[C] Both of the above
[D] None of the above

 

Correct Answer: C [Both of the above]

Notes:
The Bhakti movement of Hinduism imagined the nature of the divine (Brahman) in two forms – Nirguna and Saguna. Nirguna Brahman was conceived as the Ultimate Reality as formless whereas Saguna Brahman was developed as with form, attributes and quality.

49.Ajnana schools of ancient Indian philosophy traces its origin to which of the following religions?

[A] Jainism
[B] Buddhsim
[C] Both of the above
[D] None of the above

 

Correct Answer: C [Both of the above]

Notes:
Ajnana is one of the nastika or “heterodox” schools of ancient Indian philosophy, and the ancient school of radical Indian skepticism. Ajnana is one of the nastika or “heterodox” schools of ancient Indian philosophy and radical skepticism. All of our knowledge of the Ajnana come from the Buddhists and Jain sources.

50.Traditional Advaita Vedanta centers on which of the following for its elaboration and interpretation?

[A] Sruti
[B] Brahma
[C] Bhagavad Gita
[D] All of the above

 

Correct Answer: D [All of the above]

Notes:
Traditional Advaita Vedanta focusses on the study of the Sruti, especially the Principal Upanishads, along with the Brahma Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, which are collectively known as Prasthantrayi.