UPSC CSE Prelims
Ancient History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Solved Previous Year Questions (PYQs) for Ancient History in UPSC CSE Prelims in English & Hindi Medium.
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With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — measurement of land
The terms kulyavapa and dronavapa were units of land measurement used in ancient India, particularly during the Gupta period. These measurements were based on the quantity of seed required to sow a specific area of land—'vapa' means 'to sow', while 'kulya' and 'drona' were volumetric measures of grain.
📝 Short Notes: Ancient Indian Land Measurement Systems
| Term | Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Kulyavapa | Area of land requiring one kulya (larger measure) of grain to sow | Commonly found in Gupta-era copper-plate inscriptions (Damodarpur plates, etc.) recording land grants and transactions |
| Dronavapa | Area of land requiring one drona (smaller measure) of grain to sow | |
| Adhavapa | Area requiring one adha of grain to sow | |
| Pataka | Another unit of land measurement |
- Vapa literally means 'to sow', indicating these were seed-based measurements
- These units reflect an agricultural economy where land value was tied to productivity
- The Gupta period (c. 320-550 CE) saw systematic land revenue administration using these measures
- Land grants to Brahmanas and temples were often recorded using these units
- This system differed from modern area-based measurements, instead using functional agricultural capacity
With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term paramitas?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
The term 'paramitas' in Buddhist philosophy refers to the transcendent virtues or perfections that must be cultivated by Bodhisattvas on their path to enlightenment. In Mahayana Buddhism, these perfections typically include six virtues: generosity (dana), moral conduct (sila), patience (kshanti), diligence (virya), meditation (dhyana), and wisdom (prajna). The practice and perfection of these virtues enable Bodhisattvas to progress toward Buddhahood while helping others achieve liberation from suffering.
📝 Short Notes: Paramitas in Buddhism
- Paramitas (Perfections): Transcendent virtues practiced in Mahayana Buddhism to attain enlightenment and Bodhisattva status.
- Six Traditional Paramitas: (1) Dana (Generosity), (2) Sila (Moral Conduct/Ethics), (3) Kshanti (Patience/Forbearance), (4) Virya (Energy/Diligence), (5) Dhyana (Meditation/Concentration), (6) Prajna (Wisdom/Insight).
- Extended List: Some texts mention ten paramitas, adding Upaya (Skillful Means), Pranidhana (Vow/Resolution), Bala (Spiritual Power), and Jnana (Knowledge).
- Bodhisattva Path: A Bodhisattva is one who seeks enlightenment not just for themselves but to help all sentient beings; paramitas are essential practices on this path.
- Mahayana Tradition: The concept of paramitas is central to Mahayana Buddhism and distinguishes it from Theravada tradition in its emphasis on the Bodhisattva ideal.
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
- Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
- Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism
- The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only
This question tests knowledge of early Buddhist sectarian developments that led to the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism. The Mahasanghika sect played a crucial role in the evolution of Mahayana through its liberal doctrinal approach and deification of Buddha.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Sthaviravadins (Theravadins) belong to Theravada Buddhism, not Mahayana Buddhism. They represent the conservative orthodox school that emphasized strict adherence to monastic discipline and original teachings.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Lokottaravadin sect was indeed an offshoot of the Mahasanghika school. The term 'Lokottaravada' means 'transcendentalist doctrine,' believing that Buddha was supramundane (lokottara) and not bound by worldly laws.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The Mahasanghikas' progressive views, including the deification and transcendental nature of Buddha, directly contributed to the doctrinal foundation of Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasized the Bodhisattva ideal and multiple Buddhas.
📝 Short Notes: Early Buddhist Schools and Mahayana Development
| Aspect | Sthaviravadins (Theravada) | Mahasanghikas |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | 'Doctrine of Elders' | 'Great Assembly' |
| Nature | Conservative, orthodox | Liberal, progressive |
| View of Buddha | Human teacher who attained enlightenment | Transcendental, supramundane being |
| Monastic Rules | Strict adherence to Vinaya | More flexible interpretation |
| Contribution | Preserved early teachings; led to Theravada | Doctrinal innovations; fostered Mahayana |
| Key Offshoots | Various Theravada schools | Lokottaravadins, Prajñaptivadins |
- First Buddhist Council (483 BCE): Held at Rajagriha after Buddha's death; compiled teachings but seeds of disagreement emerged.
- Second Buddhist Council (383 BCE): Held at Vaishali; major split between Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas over monastic discipline.
- Lokottaravadins: Believed Buddha possessed infinite powers, infinite lifespan, and was never truly bound by physical limitations.
- Mahayana Evolution: Emerged around 1st century BCE-CE, building on Mahasanghika concepts of Buddha's transcendence, multiple Buddhas, and the Bodhisattva path.
- Theravada Today: Survives in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos as the only surviving school of early Buddhism.
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With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:
- Parivrajaka — Renunciant and Wanderer
- Shramana — Priest with a high status
- Upasaka — Lay follower of Buddhism
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 1 and 3 only
This question tests knowledge of ancient Indian religious and cultural terminology. Pair 1 and Pair 3 are correctly matched, while Pair 2 incorrectly describes Shramanas as high-status priests, whereas they were actually ascetic practitioners who rejected Brahmanical orthodoxy.
✅ Pair 1 – Correct: Parivrajaka literally means 'wanderer' and refers to renunciants who abandoned worldly life to travel and pursue spiritual knowledge.
❌ Pair 2 – Incorrect: Shramana means 'one who strives' and refers to ascetic traditions (Buddhism, Jainism, Ajivika) that opposed the Vedic priestly hierarchy, not priests with high status.
✅ Pair 3 – Correct: Upasaka refers to lay followers of Buddhism who practiced the faith without joining the monastic Sangha.
📝 Short Notes: Ancient Indian Religious Terminology
| Term | Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Parivrajaka | Wandering ascetic/renunciant | Religious mendicants who renounced worldly life and traveled for spiritual purposes |
| Shramana | One who strives/performs austerities | Ascetic traditions (Buddhism, Jainism, Ajivika) that rejected Vedic ritualism and caste hierarchy |
| Upasaka (male) / Upasika (female) | Lay follower | Non-monastic followers of Buddhism and Jainism who observed basic precepts |
| Bhikshu (male) / Bhikshuni (female) | Monk/Nun | Members of the Buddhist monastic Sangha who took full ordination |
| Brahmana | Vedic priest | High-caste priests who performed Vedic rituals and sacrifices |
Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? “Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.”
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Ashoka
This inscription is from Ashoka's Major Rock Edict XII, which emphasizes religious tolerance and harmony among different sects. Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor (268-232 BCE), promoted dhamma (righteousness) and religious pluralism after his transformation following the Kalinga War. The edict specifically warns against sectarian intolerance and advocates respecting all religious traditions.
📝 Short Notes: Ashoka's Edicts
| Type of Edict | Key Features | Important Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Major Rock Edicts (14) | Carved on large rock surfaces; deal with dhamma, religious tolerance, welfare measures | Rock Edict XII (religious tolerance), XIII (remorse for Kalinga War) |
| Minor Rock Edicts | Shorter inscriptions; focus on Buddhist principles and personal faith | Declaration of faith in Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha |
| Pillar Edicts (7) | Inscribed on polished sandstone pillars; administrative and moral instructions | Pillar Edict VII (religious tolerance and welfare) |
| Minor Pillar Edicts | Specific instructions to Buddhist monks and administrators | Schism Edict, Queen's Edict |
- Languages: Primarily Prakrit (Brahmi script), Greek and Aramaic in northwest regions
- Main Themes: Dhamma (righteousness), non-violence, religious tolerance, animal welfare, social harmony
- Rock Edict XII specifically: Criticizes sectarian pride, promotes mutual respect among religions, emphasizes growth through restraint in speech about other sects
- Historical Significance: Earliest deciphered inscriptions in India; provide insights into Mauryan administration and Ashoka's ideology
- Geographical Spread: Found across Indian subcontinent from Afghanistan to Karnataka, indicating vast empire extent
With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:
- Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.
- Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana.
- Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 3 only
This question tests the association of ancient Indian scholars with their contemporary rulers. Only Kalidasa's association with Chandragupta II is historically accurate, while Panini and Amarasimha are incorrectly matched with the given rulers.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Panini (5th-4th century BCE), author of Ashtadhyayi, lived centuries before Pushyamitra Shunga (2nd century BCE). Patanjali, not Panini, was contemporary to Pushyamitra Shunga.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Amarasimha, author of Amarakosha, was one of the Navaratnas in the court of Chandragupta II (Gupta period), not Harshavardhana (7th century CE, Pushyabhuti dynasty).
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Kalidasa, the greatest Sanskrit poet and dramatist, was indeed one of the Navaratnas in the court of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya, r. 375-415 CE).
📝 Short Notes: Scholars and Their Patrons
| Scholar/Litterateur | Period/Century | Associated Ruler/Dynasty | Major Work(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panini | 5th-4th century BCE | Pre-Mauryan period | Ashtadhyayi (Sanskrit grammar) |
| Patanjali | 2nd century BCE | Pushyamitra Shunga | Mahabhashya (commentary on Panini) |
| Kalidasa | 4th-5th century CE | Chandragupta II (Gupta) | Abhijnanashakuntalam, Meghaduta, Raghuvamsa |
| Amarasimha | 4th-5th century CE | Chandragupta II (Gupta) | Amarakosha (Sanskrit thesaurus) |
| Banabhatta | 7th century CE | Harshavardhana | Harshacharita, Kadambari |
- Navaratnas of Chandragupta II: Included Kalidasa, Amarasimha, Dhanvantari, Varahamihira, Vararuchi, Kshapanaka, Shanku, Vetala Bhatta, and Ghatakarpara.
- Gupta Golden Age: The period of Chandragupta II (375-415 CE) marked the zenith of classical Sanskrit literature and learning.
- Harsha's Court: While Harshavardhana (r. 606-647 CE) was a patron of learning, his court litterateurs included Banabhatta and Mayura, not Amarasimha.
Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Sohgaura
Sohgaura is not a Harappan site; it is located in Uttar Pradesh and is famous for its copper-plate inscription written in Prakrit using the Brahmi script, dating to the Mauryan period. The other three sites—Chanhudaro and Kot Diji in Sindh, Pakistan, and Desalpur in Gujarat, India—are all authentic Harappan sites.
📝 Short Notes: Harappan Sites
| Site | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Chanhudaro | Sindh, Pakistan | Bead-making, toy carts, footprints of dogs; no citadel found |
| Kot Diji | Sindh, Pakistan | Pre-Harappan and Harappan phases; fortification wall |
| Desalpur | Gujarat, India | Coastal Harappan site; evidence of trade |
| Sohgaura | Uttar Pradesh, India | Mauryan copper-plate inscription in Brahmi script; NOT a Harappan site |
With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
During the Gupta period, Vishti (forced labour) was recognized as a legitimate fiscal obligation where subjects rendered compulsory labour services to the State in lieu of tax payment. The Junagadh inscription explicitly lists Vishti alongside other revenue sources like Bali (tribute) and Bhaga (share of produce), confirming its status as a state income mechanism.
✅ Option 1 – Correct: Vishti was indeed regarded as a tax-in-kind, a compulsory labour service that constituted a revenue source for the State during the Gupta administration.
❌ Option 2 – Incorrect: Vishti was prevalent across the Gupta Empire, including Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions, as evidenced by inscriptional records from Junagadh (Kathiawar).
❌ Option 3 – Incorrect: Being a form of forced extraction, Vishti did not entitle labourers to any wages; it was an unpaid compulsory service obligation.
❌ Option 4 – Incorrect: There is no historical evidence suggesting that the burden of Vishti was specifically assigned to the eldest son; it was a general obligation imposed on the subject population.
📝 Short Notes: Taxation System in Gupta Period
| Tax/Revenue Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Bhaga | King's share of agricultural produce (usually 1/6th of the produce) |
| Bali | Religious tribute or offering paid to the king |
| Vishti/Visti | Forced labour service; compulsory unpaid work for the State |
| Hiranya | Tax paid in cash instead of kind |
| Udranga | Periodic tax or additional levy |
| Uparikara | Extra cess or additional tax on land |
- The Gupta revenue system was largely agrarian-based, with land revenue being the primary source of state income.
- Taxes were collected both in kind (grain, produce) and in cash depending on regional practices.
- Forced labour (Vishti) was particularly burdensome on lower social strata and peasant communities.
- The Allahabad Pillar Inscription and various land grant records provide detailed insights into Gupta fiscal administration.
Consider the following:
- Deification of the Buddha
- Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
- Image worship and rituals
Which of the above is/are the feature/features of Mahayana Buddhism?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3
All three statements are defining features of Mahayana Buddhism, which emerged as a liberal and reform movement emphasizing universal salvation and compassionate Bodhisattvas.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Mahayana Buddhism deified the Buddha, portraying him as a transcendent, cosmic being with multiple manifestations, unlike Theravada's historical human Buddha.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Bodhisattva ideal is central to Mahayana, where enlightened beings postpone their own nirvana to help all sentient beings achieve liberation.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Mahayana introduced elaborate image worship, rituals, and devotional practices centered around Buddha and Bodhisattva statues, making Buddhism more accessible to lay followers.
📝 Short Notes: Mahayana vs Theravada Buddhism
| Feature | Mahayana Buddhism | Theravada Buddhism |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Greater Vehicle | Way of the Elders |
| Buddha's Nature | Transcendent, divine being with multiple forms | Historical human teacher who attained enlightenment |
| Goal | Universal salvation for all beings | Individual enlightenment (Arhat) |
| Ideal | Bodhisattva path (compassion for all) | Arhat path (personal liberation) |
| Worship | Elaborate rituals, image worship, devotional practices | Meditation-focused, minimal rituals |
| Scriptures | Expanded canon including sutras like Lotus Sutra | Pali Canon (Tipitaka) |
| Geographic Spread | Tibet, China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia | Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia |
In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Kanganahalli
Kanganahalli, an archaeological site near Sannati in Karnataka, is renowned for containing the first and only known stone portrait of Emperor Ashoka with his name inscribed. A relief sculpture at this site depicts a royal figure with attendants and bears a Brahmi inscription reading 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka), making it a unique archaeological discovery that provides visual representation of the emperor.
Why other options are incorrect:
• Sanchi: Famous for the Great Stupa commissioned by Ashoka, but contains no inscribed stone portrait of the emperor.
• Shahbazgarhi: Site of Ashokan Rock Edicts in Kharosthi script promoting Dhamma, but lacks any portrait sculpture.
• Sohgaura: Known for a Mauryan-period copper-plate inscription about famine relief, not a relief sculpture of Ashoka.
📝 Short Notes: Kanganahalli and Ashokan Iconography
- Location: Kanganahalli is located near Sannati in Chitapur taluk, Kalaburagi district, Karnataka.
- Unique Feature: Contains the only known stone portrait of Emperor Ashoka with his name inscribed as 'Ranyo Ashoka' in Brahmi script.
- Historical Significance: Before this discovery, Ashoka was never depicted in sculpture with his name; Buddhist art traditionally avoided portraying the Buddha and key figures directly.
- Other Sculptures: The site also contains relief sculptures depicting Jataka tales, scenes from Buddha's life, and the Mahastupa at Sanchi.
- Period: The stupa and sculptures date to the 1st-3rd centuries CE, though the site was originally established during Ashoka's reign (3rd century BCE).
- Archaeological Discovery: Excavations revealed limestone slabs with inscriptions and sculptural panels, providing valuable insights into early Buddhist art and Mauryan history.
With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
- Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
- Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 1 and 3 only
This question tests the comparative understanding of Rigvedic Aryan culture and Indus Valley Civilization. Statement 1 and Statement 3 are correct, while Statement 2 contains a factual error regarding metallurgical knowledge.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Rigvedic Aryans used protective warfare equipment like 'varman' (coat of mail) and helmets, whereas the Indus Valley Civilization, being primarily a peaceful urban society, has not yielded archaeological evidence of such military gear.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Indus Valley people were part of a Bronze Age civilization and knew gold, silver, copper, and bronze (not iron). Rigvedic Aryans also knew gold, silver, and copper but not iron initially. The statement incorrectly claims IVC people knew only copper and iron, which is factually wrong on both counts.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The horse was central to Rigvedic Aryan culture with extensive mentions in the Rigveda, whereas there is no clear, widespread evidence of horse domestication or awareness in the Indus Valley Civilization.
In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Eripatti | Land revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank |
| 2. Taniyurs | Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins |
| 3. Ghatikas | Colleges generally attached to the temples |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1 and 3 only
✅ Pair 1 – Correct: Eripatti was land revenue specifically allocated for the maintenance and repair of village irrigation tanks (eri) during the Pallava and Chola periods in South India. This was a crucial component of agrarian infrastructure management.
❌ Pair 2 – Incorrect: Taniyurs were not villages donated to Brahmins. They were large, independent administrative units in the Chola empire that functioned as separate revenue entities outside the jurisdiction of regular Nadus (districts). Villages donated to Brahmins were called Brahmadeya or Agrahara.
✅ Pair 3 – Correct: Ghatikas were institutions of higher learning in ancient and medieval South India, typically attached to temples. They served as centers for Vedic studies, theology, and other branches of knowledge. The Ghatika at Kanchipuram was particularly renowned.
Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — James Prinsep
James Prinsep (1799-1840), an English scholar and antiquary with the British East India Company, was the first person to decipher Emperor Ashoka's edicts in 1837. He successfully decoded the Brahmi script in which most of Ashoka's inscriptions were written, enabling scholars to understand the content and historical significance of these ancient edicts. This breakthrough was pivotal in establishing Ashoka's identity and the extent of the Mauryan Empire, as prior to Prinsep's work, the inscriptions remained undeciphered and Ashoka was largely unknown in modern historical records.
With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and Epictales was the profession of which of the following?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Maagadha
Maagadha (or Magadha) was a professional class of bards and chroniclers in ancient India who specialized in memorizing and reciting dynastic histories, genealogies, chronicles, and epic tales. They were attached to royal courts and performed the crucial function of preserving oral traditions before written records became widespread. The other options refer to different professions: Shramana were ascetic monks in Jainism and Buddhism who renounced worldly life; Parivraaj (Parivrajaka) were wandering mendicants seeking spiritual wisdom; and Agrahaarika were administrators of land grants (agraharas) given to Brahmins, unrelated to historical preservation.
Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?
- Avanti
- Gandhara
- Kosala
- Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Avanti was ruled by King Pradyota, a contemporary of Buddha, but Buddha never personally visited Avanti; he sent his disciple Mahakaccana to preach there.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Gandhara was located in the far northwest (modern Pakistan-Afghanistan); Buddha's life and teachings were confined to the middle Gangetic plains, and he never traveled to Gandhara.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Kosala was central to Buddha's life; he spent significant time in its capital Shravasti, preaching at Jetavana monastery, and his birthplace Lumbini was in Kosalan territory.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Magadha was intimately associated with Buddha's life; he attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, frequently preached at Rajgir (capital), and received patronage from Kings Bimbisara and Ajatashatru.