UPSC Prelims 2022
Ancient History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Explore 2 solved UPSC Prelims 2022 Ancient History questions with detailed step-by-step bilingual solutions, option analysis, and answer keys.
Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
Sangam literature (c. 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE) from ancient South India contains references to the Varna system, indicating that Sangam poets were aware of this social classification. The texts provide valuable insights into the societal structures of that period, including social stratification.
❌ Option 1 – Incorrect: Sangam poems contain extensive references to material culture, including trade, agriculture, urban life, crafts, and everyday objects.
✅ Option 2 – Correct: The Varna system was known to Sangam poets and is referenced in their works, though the Tamil society had its own distinct social organization.
❌ Option 3 – Incorrect: Sangam literature frequently glorifies warrior ethics, valor, bravery, and military prowess, particularly in the Puram (exterior) poems.
❌ Option 4 – Incorrect: Sangam literature includes references to supernatural and magical forces as part of cultural and religious beliefs, not explicitly labeled as irrational.
📝 Short Notes: Sangam Literature
- Period: Approximately 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE, representing the classical period of Tamil literature.
- Corpus: Comprises eight anthologies (Ettuthokai) and ten idylls (Pattupattu), totaling over 2,000 poems by numerous poets.
- Two Main Categories: Akam (interior/love poetry) dealing with personal and romantic themes, and Puram (exterior/heroic poetry) dealing with war, valor, and public life.
- Social Structure: References to Varna system alongside indigenous Tamil social divisions; mentions of various occupational groups and social classes.
- Material Culture: Rich descriptions of trade (both inland and overseas), agriculture, urban centers, crafts, jewelry, and daily life.
- Warrior Ethics: Extensive glorification of martial valor, code of conduct for warriors, and the concept of heroic death in battle.
- Religious References: Mentions of various deities, rituals, and supernatural elements integrated into the cultural framework of ancient Tamil society.
According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, which of the following are correct?
- A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment.
- If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.
- 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 ?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only
According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, statements 2 and 3 are correct regarding the laws pertaining to slavery. The Arthashastra provided progressive provisions for slaves, particularly female slaves who bore children to their masters.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: A person could not become a slave as a result of judicial punishment according to the Arthashastra. Kautilya explicitly prohibited enslavement as a form of punishment.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally entitled to freedom as per the provisions in the Arthashastra.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: A son born to a female slave and fathered by her master was granted the legal status of the master's son, with all associated rights and privileges.
📝 Short Notes: Slavery in Kautilya's Arthashastra
- Progressive Nature: The Arthashastra contained relatively progressive laws on slavery compared to contemporary systems, with clear protections for slaves.
- Sources of Slavery: Persons could become slaves through birth (if born to a slave), voluntary self-sale during distress, capture in war, or as a result of debt bondage—but NOT through judicial punishment.
- Prohibition of Judicial Slavery: Kautilya explicitly prohibited making slavery a form of punishment for crimes, distinguishing it from other ancient legal systems.
- Rights of Female Slaves: Female slaves who bore children to their masters gained freedom, and their children enjoyed the legal status of legitimate heirs.
- Temporary Nature: Many forms of slavery (especially debt slavery) were temporary, with provisions for manumission and redemption.
- Arya Slavery: Kautilya distinguished between Arya (indigenous) slaves, who had more protections, and Dasa slaves (foreigners/war captives).
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UPSC Prelims 2022 - Ancient History Chapter-wise Distribution
Mauryan Empire
1 Qs (50%)Sangam Age and South India
1 Qs (50%)UPSC Prelims 2022 - Ancient History Questions FAQs
Q1 How many Ancient History questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2022?
Q2 What is the chapter-wise question distribution for Ancient History in UPSC Prelims 2022?
- Mauryan Empire: 1 questions (50%)
- Sangam Age and South India: 1 questions (50%)