UPSC Prelims 2013
Ancient History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Explore 2 solved UPSC Prelims 2013 Ancient History questions with detailed step-by-step bilingual solutions, option analysis, and answer keys.
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?
- The roads and river-routes were completely immune from the robbery.
- As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
- The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) himself was robbed during his travels in India, proving that roads and river-routes were not completely immune from robbery.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Yuan Chwang recorded that four ordeals – by water, fire, weighing, and poison – were used to determine the innocence or guilt of accused persons.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: He noted that tradesmen paid light duties at ferries and barrier stations while bartering their merchandise.
Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization?
- They possessed great palaces and temples.
- They worshipped both male and female deities.
- They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The Indus Civilization had Great Baths and granaries, but no palaces or temples have been discovered.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Female figurines suggest worship of Mother Goddess; a seal showing a male figure in yogic posture with animals (possibly proto-Shiva) indicates worship of male deities.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Horse remains are absent or disputed in Harappan sites; horse-drawn chariots were not used in warfare by the Indus people.
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UPSC Prelims 2013 - Ancient History Chapter-wise Distribution
Indus Valley Civilization
1 Qs (50%)Post-Gupta Period
1 Qs (50%)UPSC Prelims 2013 - Ancient History Questions FAQs
Q1 How many Ancient History questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2013?
Q2 What is the chapter-wise question distribution for Ancient History in UPSC Prelims 2013?
- Indus Valley Civilization: 1 questions (50%)
- Post-Gupta Period: 1 questions (50%)