UPSC Prelims 2023
Ancient History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Explore 3 solved UPSC Prelims 2023 Ancient History questions with detailed step-by-step bilingual solutions, option analysis, and answer keys.
Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death
'Vattakirutal' (also spelled 'Vatakkiruthal') was a ritualistic practice mentioned in Sangam literature where a defeated king would fast unto death to preserve his honor and dignity. This practice reflected the warrior ethos of ancient Tamil society, where death with honor was preferred over the humiliation of defeat and capture. The term literally means 'sitting facing north' and involved the king abstaining from food and water until death, demonstrating ultimate commitment to his code of honor.
📝 Short Notes: Sangam Literature & Society
- Sangam Period: Refers to ancient Tamil literature composed roughly between 300 BCE and 300 CE, named after the legendary 'Sangam' (assembly) of Tamil poets.
- Warrior Culture: Sangam poems, especially those in 'Purananuru' (one of the Pattuppattu collections), extensively describe warfare, valor, and the code of honor among Tamil kings and warriors.
- Vattakirutal: A ritual suicide by fasting, undertaken by defeated kings or warriors to avoid dishonor; sitting facing north was considered the direction of death.
- Social Values: Honor, courage, and self-respect were paramount; capture by enemies or submission was seen as worse than death.
- Other Sangam Practices: Various customs like 'Sati' (though less common), hero stones (Nadu Kal), and elaborate funeral rites for warriors are mentioned in Sangam texts.
"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?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Jainism
The statement reflects the fundamental Jain doctrine that the entire cosmos is alive. According to Jain philosophy, souls (Jivas) are not restricted to humans, animals, and plants but are also present in elements like rocks (earth), running water, air, and fire. These are categorized as Sthavara Jivas (immobile living beings) or Ekendriya (one-sensed beings). This ontological belief is the foundation for the rigorous practice of Ahimsa (non-violence) in Jainism, as harming any natural element is considered harming a living soul.
📝 Short Notes: Jain Doctrine of Soul (Jiva)
- Jiva (Soul): Jainism believes that souls exist in all forms of matter—living and non-living by conventional standards.
- Classification of Jivas: Divided into two main categories: Sthavara (immobile) and Trasa (mobile).
- Ekendriya (One-sensed beings): Includes earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, and plant-bodied beings—all possessing the sense of touch only.
- Multi-sensed beings: Range from two-sensed (worms) to five-sensed beings (humans, animals) with progressively more senses.
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): This belief in universal souls makes Jainism the most rigorous religion in practicing non-violence, avoiding harm to even the smallest elements.
- Anekantavada: The doctrine of non-absolutism or multiplicity of viewpoints—recognizes that truth has many aspects and no single viewpoint is complete.
- Difference from other religions: Buddhism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism do not attribute souls to inanimate natural objects like rocks and water.
With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — ports
Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were prominent ancient port cities in South India during the Sangam period (c. 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE). They served as vital centers for maritime trade between India and the Roman Empire, as well as Southeast Asia. Korkai (Pandya dynasty) was famous for pearl fishery, Poompuhar/Kaveripattinam (Chola dynasty) was a bustling international trade hub at the Kaveri mouth, and Muchiri/Muziris (Chera dynasty) on the Malabar Coast was the primary center for pepper trade with Rome.
📝 Short Notes: Major Sangam Period Ports
| Port | Location | Dynasty | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korkai | Thamirabarani River mouth, Tamil Nadu | Pandya | Pearl fishery; international trade |
| Poompuhar (Kaveripattinam) | Kaveri River mouth, Tamil Nadu | Early Chola | Chief port; described in Silappadikaram; bustling trade hub |
| Muchiri (Muziris) | Malabar Coast, Kerala | Chera | Major pepper trade center with Roman Empire |
| Tondi | East coast | Pandya | Important secondary port |
| Arikamedu | Near Pondicherry | — | Indo-Roman trading settlement; archaeological evidence |
- Sangam Literature Reference: The term 'Puhar' in Sangam texts specifically denotes a river mouth or harbor town where goods were discharged.
- Trade Commodities: Pepper, pearls, precious stones, spices, ivory, silk, and muslin were exported; wine, gold coins, glassware, and pottery were imported.
- International Connections: These ports connected South India with Rome, Egypt, Arabia, Southeast Asia, and China.
- Historical Significance: The prosperity of Sangam kingdoms was closely tied to maritime trade through these ports.
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UPSC Prelims 2023 - Ancient History Chapter-wise Distribution
Sangam Age and South India
2 Qs (66.7%)Religious Movements
1 Qs (33.3%)UPSC Prelims 2023 - Ancient History Questions FAQs
Q1 How many Ancient History questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2023?
Q2 What is the chapter-wise question distribution for Ancient History in UPSC Prelims 2023?
- Sangam Age and South India: 2 questions (66.7%)
- Religious Movements: 1 questions (33.3%)