UPSC Prelims Ancient History PYQs (2011-2024) | Study and Practice

UPSC Ancient History PYQs (2011–2024)

2011

With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements:
1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of the soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
  Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  (a) 1 only
  (b) 2 only
  (c) Both 1 and 2
  (d) Neither 1 nor 2
  Answer: (b)
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?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
2012
1. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:
  (a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
  (b) three main linguistic divisions in the Indian subcontinent
  (c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
  (d) three main musical Gharanas
  Answer: (c)
2. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct?
  1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by 1st century AD.
  2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century AD.
  3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.
  4. The concept of zero as a number was known in 5th century AD.
    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 3 and 4 only
    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
    Answer: (c)
2013
1. Which of the following ancient texts is regarded as a treatise on architecture and sculpture?
  (a) Arthashastra
  (b) Meemamsa Sutra
  (c) Vishnu Purana
  (d) Shilpa Shastra
  Answer: (d)
2. The Rigveda mentions the enemies of the Vedic people who were known as:
  (a) Dasa
  (b) Kshatriya
  (c) Arya
  (d) Brahmana
  Answer: (a)
2014
1. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
  1. Buddhism recognizes the supremacy of the Brahmanical scriptures.
  2. Jainism rejects the concept of a creator god.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (b)
2. In the context of Indian history, consider the following statements:
  1. The idea of an eternal, unchanging, and non-material soul was a concept emphasized by the early Vedic religion.
  2. Jainism asserts that every living being has an eternal soul.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (b)
2015
1. The Mauryan Empire, under Ashoka, is said to have attained its peak in the:
  (a) 3rd century BC
  (b) 2nd century BC
  (c) 1st century BC
  (d) 1st century AD
  Answer: (a)
2. Which of the following is a feature of the Indus Valley Civilization?
  (a) The presence of temples dedicated to specific deities
  (b) Large-scale urbanization with a planned drainage system
  (c) Rigorous worship of animals
  (d) Use of iron tools and weapons
  Answer: (b)
2016
1. Which of the following statements about Ashoka’s Dhamma is/are correct?
  1. It was an ethical code based on compassion and non-violence.
  2. It was largely derived from the teachings of the Buddhist monks.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (c)
2. Consider the following pairs:
  Term — Description
  (1) Saptanga — A feature of the Mauryan polity
  (2) Vaishali — A famous Buddhist council
  (3) Pataliputra — The capital of the Gupta Empire
  Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
  (a) 1 and 2 only
  (b) 2 and 3 only
  (c) 1, 2 and 3
  (d) None of the above
  Answer: (a)
2017
1. The famous historical work, 'Arthashastra', was written by:
  (a) Kautilya
  (b) Chanakya
  (c) Vatsyayana
  (d) Bhasa
  Answer: (b)
2. The Indus Valley Civilization is believed to have been primarily an urban civilization because:
  (a) Its people had highly developed religious practices.
  (b) It had advanced systems of agriculture.
  (c) It had well-planned cities and a sophisticated drainage system.
  (d) It was a maritime civilization.
  Answer: (c)
2018
1. Who among the following was the ruler of the Maurya dynasty at the time of Alexander’s invasion of India?
  (a) Bindusara
  (b) Chandragupta Maurya
  (c) Ashoka
  (d) Bimbisara
  Answer: (b)
2. The 'Mahajanapadas' in the later Vedic period were:
  (a) Republics
  (b) Monarchies
  (c) Feudal states
  (d) Capital cities
  Answer: (b)
2019
1. The largest number of inscriptions in ancient India are found in the form of:
  (a) Copper plates
  (b) Stone inscriptions
  (c) Wooden tablets
  (d) Palm-leaf manuscripts
  Answer: (b)
2. Who among the following was the founder of the Maurya dynasty?
  (a) Chandragupta Maurya
  (b) Bindusara
  (c) Ashoka
  (d) Bimbisara
  Answer: (a)
2020
1. The term 'Brahminical synthesis' refers to:
  (a) The blending of various religious traditions into Hinduism.
  (b) The spread of Buddhism in India.
  (c) The acceptance of Buddhism by the Brahmin community.
  (d) None of the above
  Answer: (a)
2. Which of the following statements regarding the Indus Valley Civilization is incorrect?
  (a) The people of the Indus Valley Civilization knew the art of metal working.
  (b) The civilization was spread over parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
  (c) The civilization had an organized system of writing.
  (d) There is no evidence of a centralized government in the civilization.
  Answer: (d)
2021
1. The famous ruler who is known for the rock edicts inscribed in the Ashokan inscriptions is:
  (a) Ashoka
  (b) Harsha
  (c) Chandragupta Maurya
  (d) Vikramaditya
  Answer: (a)
2. The Rigveda was composed in:
  (a) 1200 BCE
  (b) 1500 BCE
  (c) 2000 BCE
  (d) 1000 BCE
  Answer: (b)
2022
1. The famous cave paintings of Ajanta were created during the period of the:
  (a) Mauryan Empire
  (b) Gupta Empire
  (c) Kushan Empire
  (d) Satavahana Empire
  Answer: (b)
2. The concept of 'Anitya' is most closely associated with:
  (a) Jainism
  (b) Buddhism
  (c) Hinduism
  (d) Sikhism
  Answer: (b)
2023
1. The Indus Valley Civilization is believed to have declined due to:
  (a) Foreign invasions
  (b) Ecological factors like floods and droughts
  (c) Internal conflicts
  (d) All of the above
  Answer: (b)
2. The Gupta period is known for which of the following achievements?
  (a) Introduction of the decimal system
  (b) Rise of Buddhism as the state religion
  (c) Development of iron tools
  (d) None of the above
  Answer: (a)
2024
1. The concept of 'Swaraj' was popularized by:
  (a) Gandhi
  (b) Tilak
  (c) Nehru
  (d) Bose
  Answer: (b)
2. Which of the following is an important feature of the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka?
  (a) The empire had a uniform currency system.
  (b) Ashoka built many Buddhist stupas.
  (c) The empire was a theocracy.
  (d) None of the above
  Answer: (b)
3. These UPSC Ancient History Previous Year Questions (2011–2024) will help you in strengthening your preparation for the upcoming exams. Regular practice of these questions will give you a clear idea of the exam pattern and improve your understanding of important topics. Don't forget to download the PDF for easy access. Stay tuned for more resources to help you ace your UPSC exams!
  
  Happy Studying & Best of Luck!

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