ACE SSC General Awareness PDF

ACE SSC GENERAL AWARENESS A Complete Guide on General Awareness for SSC Examinations that includes SSC CGL, CHSL/10+2, CPO, MTS & other competetive examinations 1  Content...

ACE SSC GENERAL AWARENESS A Complete Guide on General Awareness for SSC Examinations that includes SSC CGL, CHSL/10+2, CPO, MTS & other competetive examinations 1  Content PART – I SECTION A : HISTORY 1. Ancient History................................................... 8 Ancient History MCQ Question................................... 19 2. Medieval History................................................. 48 Medievl History MCQ Question.................................... 63 3. Modern History................................................... 98 Modern History MCQ Question................................... 123 SECTION B : GEOGRAPHY 1. Solar System.................................................... 188 2. Interior Structure of the Earth..................................... 191 3. Atmosphere...................................................... 194 4. Oceanography.................................................... 199 5. Physiographic Division of India.................................... 202 6. Drainage System.................................................. 204 7. Climate......................................................... 208 8. Soil............................................................. 210 9. Natural Vegetation................................................ 211 10. Agriculture..................................................... 213 11. Transport System in India......................................... 214 12. Minerals........................................................ 216 13. Some Important Facts about India.................................. 218 14. Continents of the World........................................... 220 15. Miscellaneous.................................................... 224 Geography MCQ................................................. 228 SECTION C : POLITY 1. Framing of Indian Constitution...................................... 275 2. Parts & Schedules of Indian Constitution............................. 277 3. Preamble, Union & its territories & Citizenship....................... 279 4. Fundamental Rights & Duties...................................... 280 5. Union Executive.................................................. 282 3  6. Parliament...................................................... 287 7. Emergency provisions in India................................... 292 8. State Legislature..................................................294 9. Governor...................................................... 296 10. Local-Self Governance........................................... 298 11. Judiciary........................................................ 300 12. Union Territories............................................... 303 13. Special Status of Jammu & Kashmir................................. 304 14. Government Bodies............................................... 305 15. Parliamentary Funds............................................ 308 16. Some Important Points.......................................... 309 17. GST & Union Budget............................................ 310 18. Index.......................................................... 313 Indian Polity M.C.Q............................................ 316 SECTION D : Economics 1. Introduction................................................... 387 2. Demand & Supply............................................... 388 3. Macro Economics................................................ 394 4. Inflation........................................................ 396 5. Tax Structure in India............................................ 397 6. Economic Reforms...................... …....................... 399 7. Poverty & Unemployment........................................ 401 8. Reserve Bank of India........................................... 402 9. Stock Exchange.................................................. 404 10. Important Schemes.............................................. 407 Economics MCQ............................................... 413 SECTION E : Traditional General Knowledge 1. Traditional General Knowledge..................................... 434 Miscellaneous MCQ............................................ 470 4  PART – II SECTION A : PHYSICS 1. Physical Quantities.............................................. 476 2. Rest and Motion............................................. 477 3. Force and Newton’s Law of Motion.............................. 480 4. Oscillations & waves....................................... 482 5. Sound................................................. 485 6. Heat............................................................ 487 7. Matter......................................................... 492 8. Light.......................................................... 496 9. Magnetism & Electricity......................................... 499 10. Nuclear Reactor................................................ 505 11. Work, Power and Energy........................................ 506 12. Gravitation....................................................... 508 13. Satellite.......................................................... 510 PHYSICS MCQ..................................................... 511 SECTION B : Chemistry 1. Nature and Composition of Substances............................ 557 2. Acid, Base and Salt.............................................. 559 3. Structure of Atom............................................ 561 4. Elements & their compounds...................................... 563 5. Chemistry in Everyday life.................................... 567 6. Chemistry in Agriculture & Medicine............................... 569 7. Polymerization.................................................. 570 8. Classification of Elements......................................... 572 9. Chemical Reactions and Equation................................ 573 10. Matters & its Nature............................................. 576 11. Some Important Metals & their Uses............................... 578 12. Chemical Bonding............................................. 582 13. Pollution........................................................ 584 14. Gases.......................................................... 586 15. Organic Chemistry................................................ 587 CHEMISTRY MCQ................................................. 590 5 SECTION C : BIOLOGY 1. Introduction................................................ 623 2. Cells and Tissues.............................................. 625 3. Muscular & Skeletal System..................................... 629 4. Nervous System............................................... 630 5. Endocrine System................................................ 632 6. Lymphatic System & Immunity.................................... 634 7. Circulatory System............................................... 636 8. Reproductive System......................................... 639 9. Digestive System............................................. 641 10. Excretory System.............................................. 644 11. Diversity in Living organism..................................... 645 12. Micro-organisms............................................... 649 13. Some Important Facts........................................... 650 BIOLOGY MCQ...................................................... 655 6 7 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com  Chapter 1 Ancient History PALEOLITHIC OR OLD STONE AGE (5,00,000 B.C. – 10,000 B.C.) In India, the Palaeolithic Age developed in the Pleistocene period or the Ice Age and was spread. In practically all parts of India except the alluvial parts of Ganga and Indus. Food gathering and hunting were the main occupations of the people of this phase. They had no knowledge of agriculture, fire or pottery of any material. Man during this period used tools of unpolished, undressed rough stones and lived in cave and rock shelters. They mainly used hand axes, cleavers, choppers, blades, scrapers and burin. Their tools were made of hard rock called ‘quartzite’. Hence Paleolithic men are also called ‘Quartzite Men’. Homo sapiens first appeared in the last phase of Paleolithic age. The Paleolithic Age in India has been divided into three phases according to the nature of stone tools used by the people and also according to the nature of change in the climate – Early or lower Paleolithic, Middle Paleolithic and Upper Paleolithic. (a) The Early Paleolithic Age covers the greater part of the Ice Age. Its characteristic tools are hand axes, cleavers and choppers. Such tools have been found in Soan and Sohan river valley (now in Pakistan) and in the Belan Valley in the Mirzapur district of UP. In this period climate became less humid. (b) Middle Paleolithic Phase is characterized by the use of stone tools made of flakes mainly scrapers, borers and blade like tools. The sites are found in the valleys of Soan, Narmada and Tungabhadra rivers. During this phase, Pithecanthropus or Homo erectus evolved. (c) In the Upper Paleolithic Phase, the climate became warm and less humid. This stage is marked by burins and scrapers. Such tools have been found in AP, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bhopal and Chhota Nagpur plateau. The Old Stone Age sites are widely found in various parts of the Indian subcontinent and are generally located near water sources. In the Old Stone Age, food was obtained by hunting animals and gathering edible plants and tubers. Therefore, these people are called as hunter-gatherers. The hunting of large animals would have required the combined effort of a group of people with large stone axes. Their way of life became modified with the passage of time since they made attempts to domesticate animals, make crude pots and grow some plants. A few Old Stone Age paintings have also been found on rocks at Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh and other places. The period before 10000 B.C. is assigned to the Old Stone Age. Some of the famous sites of Old Stone Age in India are: (a) The Soan valley and Potwar Plateau on the northwest India; (b) The Siwalik hills on the north India; (c) Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh; (d) Adamgarh hill in Narmada valley; (e) Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh; and (f) Attirampakkam near Chennai. At Chopani-Mando in the Belan valley of the Vindhyas and the middle part of the Narmada valley a sequence of occupation from all the three stages of the Paleolithic to Neolithic stage have been found in sequence. Chopani Mando is an important site where fossil animal bones have been found. The Son and the adjacent Belan valley (Mirzapur, UP) provide a sequence of artifacts from lower Paleolithic to Neolithic. 8 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com  MESOLITHIC OR MIDDLE STONE AGE (10,000 B.C. – 6000 B.C.) The next stage of human life is called Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age which falls roughly from 10000 B.C. to 6000 B.C. and was the transitional phase between the Paleolithic Age and Neolithic Age. Various Mesolithic sites are found in the Chhotanagpur region, Central India and also south of the Krishna River. Mesolithic remains are found in Langhanj in Gujarat, Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh and also in some places of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the sites of Mesolithic Age, a different type of stone tools is found. These are tiny stone artifacts, often not more than five centimeters in size. These characteristic tools of the Mesolithic Age are known as Microliths-pointed, cresconic blades, scrapers, etc, all made of stone. The paintings and engravings found at the rock shelters give an idea about the social life and economic activities of Mesolithic people. The hunting-gathering pattern of life continued during this period. However, there seems to have been a shift from big animal hunting to small animal hunting and fishing. The use of bow and arrow also began during this period. Also, there began a tendency to settle for longer periods in an area. Therefore, domestication of animals, horticulture and primitive cultivation started. The last phase of this age saw the beginning of plain cultivation. Animal bones are found in these sites and these include dog, deer, boar and ostrich. Occasionally, burials of the dead along with some microliths and shells seem to have been practiced. NEOLITHIC AGE (6000 B.C. – 1000 B.C.) A remarkable progress is noticed in human civilization in the Neolithic Age. In the world context, the New Stone Age began in 9000 B.C. The only Neolithic settlement in the Indian subcontinent attributed to 7000 B.C. lies in Mehrgarh, which is situated in Baluchistan, a province of Pakistan. In India, Neolithic Age is not earlier than 6000 BC and at some places in South and Eastern India; it is as late as 1000 B.C. These include the Kashmir valley, Chirand in Bihar, Belan valley in Uttar Pradesh and in several places of the Deccan. The important Neolithic sites are: (a) Burzahom and Gufkral in J&K (famous for pit dwelling, stone tools and graveyard in house), (b) Maski, Brahmagiri, Tekkalakota in Karnataka, Paiyampatti in Tamil Nadu, (c) Piklihal and Hallur in AP, (d) Garo hills in Meghalaya, (e) Chirand and Senuwar in Bihar (known for remarkable bone tools), (f) Amri, Kotdiji, etc. Koldihawa in UP revealed a threefold cultural sequence: Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Iron Age. The chief characteristic features of the Neolithic culture are the practice of agriculture, domestication of animals, polishing of stone tools and the manufacturing of pottery. The cultivation of plants and domestication of animals led to the emergence of village communities based on sedentary life. There was a great improvement in technology of making tools and other equipments used by man. Stone tools were now polished and theses polished axes were found to be more effective tools for hunting and cutting trees. Mud brick houses were built instead of grass huts. Neolithic people knew about making fire and making pottery, first by hand and then by potters wheel. They also painted and decorated their pottery. 9 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com  Pottery was used for cooking as well as storage of food grains. Large urns were used as coffins for the burial of the dead. There was also improvement in agriculture. Wheat, barley, rice, millet were cultivated in different areas at different points of time. Neolithic sites in Allahabad district are noted for the cultivation of rice in the sixth millennium B.C. Domestication of sheep, goats and cattle was widely prevalent. Cattle were used for cultivation and for transport. The people of Neolithic Age used clothes made of cotton and wool. CHACOLITHIC OR METAL AGE The end of the Neolithic Period saw the use of metals of which copper was the first and a culture based on the use of stone and copper arrived. Such a culture is called Chalcolithic which means the stone-copper phase. The new technology of smelting metal ore and crafting metal artifacts is an important development in human civilization. But the use of stone tools was not given up. Some of the micro-lithic tools continued to be essential items. People began to travel for a long distance to obtain metal ores which led to a network of Chalcolithic cultures and the Chalcolithic cultures were found in many parts of India. Generally, Chalcolithic cultures had grown in river valleys. Gold was probably one of the earliest discoveries, but it served as a material for ornaments only. Important sites of this phase are spread in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, MP, etc. In South India the river valleys of the Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Pennar and Kaveri were settled by farming communities during this period. Although they were not using metals in the beginning of the Metal Age, there is evidence of copper and bronze artifacts by the end of second millennium B.C. Several bronze and copper objects, beads, terracotta figurines and pottery were found at Paiyampalli in Tamil Nadu. The Chalcolithic people used different types of pottery of which black and red pottery was most popular. These people were not acquainted with burnt bricks and generally lived in thatched houses. It was a village economy. The Chalcolithic age is followed by Iron Age. Iron is frequently referred to in the Vedas. The Iron Age of the southern peninsula is often related to Megalithic Burials. Megalith means Large Stone. The burial pits were covered with these stones. Such graves are extensively found in South India. Some of the important megalithic sites are Hallur and Maski in Karnataka, Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh and Adichchanallur in Tamil Nadu. Black and red pottery, iron artifacts such as hoes and sickles and small weapons were found in the burial pits. INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION IN INDIA The Indus Valley Civilization was an ancient civilization thriving along the Indus River & the Ghaggar- Hakra River in what is now Pakistan & north-western India. According to radio-carbon dating, it spread from the year 2500 – 1750 BC. Dayaram Sahni first discovered Harappa (on Ravi) in 1921. R.D. Banerjee discovered Mohenjodaro or ‘Mound of the Dead’ (on Indus) in 1922. Sir John Marshal played a crucial role in both these. Harappan Civilization forms part of the proto history of India & belongs to the Bronze Age. Copper, bronze, silver, gold were known but not iron. The Indus-Valley people were well-acquainted with the use both of cotton & wool. 10 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com Domestication of animals: Stock breeding was important in Indus culture. Besides sheep & goats, dogs, humped cattle, buffalo & elephant was certainly domesticated. The camel was rare & horse was not known. Town Planning: Elaborate town-planning. It followed the Grid System. Roads were well cut, dividing the town into large rectangular or square blocks. Used burnt bricks of good quality as the building material. Elsewhere in the contemporary world, mud- bricks were used. In Mohenjodaro, a big public bath (Great Bath) measuring 12 m by 7 m & 2.4 m deep, has been found. Steps led from either end to the surface, with changing rooms alongside. It was probably used for ritual bathing. Underground Drainage System. Major Cities & Their Features: Mohenjodaro (Sind) is situated on the right bank of the Indus. Great Granary, Great bath, Assembly halls, Shell strips, Pashupati Mahadev/Proto Shiva(Seal), Bronze image of Dancing girl, Steatite image of Bearded man, Clay figure of Mother goddess found in Mohenjodaro. Chanhudaro lies on the left bank of the Indus about 130 km south of Mohenjodaro. City without a citadel, Inkpot, Imprints of dog’s paw on Brick, Terracotta model of a bullock cart, Bronze toy cart are important archeological findings of Chanhudaro. Kalibangan (Rajasthan) was on the banks of the river Ghaggar which dried up centuries ago. Ploughed field surface, 7 Fire alters, decorated bricks, wheels of a toy cart, Mesopotamian cylindrical seal are found in Kalibangan. Lothal is at the head of the Gulf of Cambay. Important excavations are Dockyard, Fire alters, Terracotta figurine of Horses, Double Burial, Terracotta Model of a ship, Dying vat, Persian/Iranian seal, Painted Jar(Bird And Fox). Banawali (Haryana) was situated on the banks of the now extinct Saraswati River. Important features of Lothal are lack of grid pattern town planning, lack of systematic drainage pattern, Toy Plough, Clay figures of Mother Goddess. Surkotoda (Gujarat) is at the head of the Rann of Kutch. Important archeological excavations are Bones of Horse, Oval Graves and Pot Burials. Dholavira (Gujarat) excavated is in the Kutch district. Bronze Images (Charioteer with Chariot, ox, elephant and rhinoceros) are important excavations. Trade & Commerce in Indus Valley Civilization: There was no metallic money in circulation & trade was carried through Barter System. Weights & measures of accuracy existed in Harappan culture (found at Lothal). The weights were made of limestone, steatite, etc. & were generally cubical in shape. 16 was the unit of measurement (16, 64,160, 320). A dockyard has been discovered at Lothal. Rangpur, Somnath & Balakot functioned as seaports. Sutkagendor & Sutkakoh functioned as outlets. Indus Valley Civilization Script: The script is not alphabetical but pictographic (about 600 undeciphered pictographs). The script has not been deciphered so far, but overlaps of letters show that it was written from right to left in the first line & left to right in the second line. This style is called ‘Boustrophedon’. 11 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com  VEDIC CULTURE (1500 BC-600 BC) The Vedic Civilization was the culture and traditions of the society prevalent during the Vedic age (1500- 600 BCE). Vedic Literature: The term Veda means “superior knowledge” in Sanskrit. Four major Vedas constitute the vedic literature. They are – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sam Veda, and Atharva Veda. Rig Veda – Earliest veda. Has 1028 hymns in praise Gods. Yajur Veda – Has details of rules to be followed during sacrifices ama Veda – Has a collection of songs. The origins of Indian music are traced to it. Atharva Veda – has a collection of spells and charms. Besides these Vedas, there were Brahmanas, Upnishads, Aryankas, and epics- Ramayana and Mahabharata. Brahmanas – Prose about vedic hymns, rituals and philosophies. Aryankas – Deal with mysticism, rites and rituals. Upnishads – Philosophical texts dealing with soul, mysteries of nature. Ramayana was authored by Valmiki. Mahabharata was written by Ved Vyasa. Classification of Vedic Period: The period of Vedic Civilization (1500-500 BCE) is divided into two broad parts – Early Vedic Period (1500-1000 BC), also known as Rig Vedic Period. Later Vedic Period (1000- 600 BC). Political Organisation in Vedic Age: In Early Vedic Age: ‘Kula‘ was the basic unit of political organization. Multiple families together of kinship formed a ‘grama‘. Group of villages were called ‘visu’, headed by ‘vishayapati‘. The highest political and administrative unit was ‘jana‘ or tribe. There were several such tribal kingdoms – Bharatas, Matsyas, Yadus and Purus. There were two bodies- Sabha(council of elders) and Samiti(general assembly of people). Society in Vedic Civilization: The Rig Vedic society was basically patriarchal. The basic unit of society was ‘graham’ or family, its head was called as ‘grahapathi’. Apala, Viswavara, Ghosa and Lopamudra were women poets. Women could attend the popular assemblies. No child marriage, sati practice ocial divisions were not rigid. Varna system in vedic civilization. Economic Conditions in Vedic Civilization: The Rig Vedic Aryans were pastoral, cattle rearing people. After they permanently settled in North India they began agriculture. Carpenters produced chariots and ploughs. A variety of articles with copper, bronze and iron were made by workers. Spinning was an important occupation – cotton and woolen fabrics. Goldsmiths made ornaments. The potters made different kinds of vessels for domestic use. Trade was conducted by barter system in begining but later shifted to use of gold coins called ‘nishka‘ for large transactions. Rivers acted as means of transport. Coins: Besides ‘nishka’, ‘satamana’– gold coins and ‘krishnala‘– silver coins were also used as a media of exchange. 12 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com Religion in Vedic Period: Rig Vedic Aryans worshiped natural forces like earth, fire, wind, rain and thunder by personifying them into many gods. Some important Rig Vedic gods – Prithvi (Earth), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Wind), Varuna (Rain) and Indra (Thunder). And ‘Indra’ was most popular. ‘Agni’ – an intermediary between the gods and the people. ‘Varuna’ – the upholder of natural order. Female Gods – ‘Aditi’ and ‘Ushas’. No temples and no idol worship. Prayers were offered to gods for rewards. BUDDHISM IN INDIA Buddha Born in 563 BC on the Vaishakha Poornima Day at Lumbini (near Kapilavastu) in Nepal. His father Suddhodana was the Saka ruler. His mother (Mahamaya, of Kosala dynasty) died after 7 days of his birth. Brought up by stepmother Gautami. Married at 16 to Yoshodhara. Enjoyed the married life for 13 years & had a son named Rahula. Left his palace at 29 (with Channa, the charioteer & his favourite horse, Kanthaka) in search of truth (also called ‘Mahabhinishkramana’ or The Great Renunciation) & wandered for 6 years. Attained ‘Nirvana’ or ‘Enlightenment’ at 35 at Gaya in Magadha (Bihar) under the Pipal tree. Delivered the first sermon at Sarnath where his five disciples had settled. His first sermon is called ‘Dharmachakrapravartan’ or ‘Turning of the Wheel of Law’. Attained Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar (identical with village Kasia in Deoria district of UP) in 483 BC at the age of 80 in the Malla republic. Buddhist Councils: The monks gathered 4 times after the death of Buddha & the effect of these events had their effect on Buddhism. First Council: At Rajgriha, in 483 BC under the chairman ship of Mehakassaapa (King was Ajatshatru). Divided the teachings of Buddha into two Pitakas – Vihaya Pitaka & Sutta Pitaka. Upali recited the Vinaya Pitaka & Ananda recited the Sutta Pitaka. Second Council: At Vaishali, in 383 BC under Sabakami (King was Kalasoka). Followers divided into Sthavirmadins & Mahasanghikas. Third Council: At Pataliputra, in 250 BC under Mogaliputta Tissa (King was Ashoka). In this, the third part of the Tripitaka was coded in the Pali language. Fourth Council: At Kashmir (Kundalvan), in 72 AD under Vasumitra (King was Kanishka). Vice-Chairman was Ashwaghosha). Divided Buddhism into Mahayana & Hinayana sects. Buddist Literature: Buddhist scriptures in Pali are commonly referred to as Tripitakas, i.e. ‘Threefold Basket’. Vinaya Pitaka: Rules of discipline in Buddhist monasteries. Sutta Pitaka: Largest, contains collection of Buddha’s sermons. Abhidhamma Pitaka: Explanation of the philosophical principles of the Buddhist religion. JAINISM IN INDIA There were 24 tirthankaras (Prophetsor Gurus), all Kshatriyas. First was Rishabhanath (Emblem: Bull). The 23rd Tirthankar Parshwanath (Emblem: Snake) was the son of King Ashvasena of Banaras. His main teachings were: Non-injury, Non-lying, Non-stealing, Non-possession. The 24th & the last Tirthankar was Vardhman Mahavira (Emblem: Lion). 13 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com Vardhman Mahavira : He was born in Kundagram (District Muzafffarpur, Bihar) in 599 BC. His father Siddhartha was the head of Jnatrika clan. His mother was Trishala, sister of Lichchavi Prince Chetak of Vaishali. Mahavira was related to Bimbisara. Married to Yashoda, had a daughter named Priyadarsena, whose husband Jamali became his first disciple. At 30, after the death of his parents, he became an ascetic. In the 13th year of his asceticism (on the 10th of Vaishakha), outside the town of Jrimbhikgrama, he attained supreme knowledge (Kaivalya). From now on he was called Jaina or Jitendriya & Mahavira, & his followers were named Jains. He also got the title of Arihant, i.e., worthy. At the age of 72, he attained death at Pava, near Patna, in 527 BC. Note: In Jainism, three Ratnas (Triratnas) are given & they are called the way to Nirvana. They are Right Faith, Right Knowledge & Right Conduct. History of Jain Councils: First Council: Held at Pataliputra by Sthulabhadra in the beginning of third century BC. It resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas to replace 14 Purvas. Second Council: It was held at Vallabhi (Gujarat) in the fifth century AD under the leadership of Devridhigani. THE MAGADHA EMPIRE Period of Magadha Empire: 6th Century – 4th Century BC. Extent of Magadha Empire: Magadha embraced the former districts of Patna, Gaya & parts of Shahabad & grew to be the leading state of the time. Haryanka Dynasty: Originally founded in 566 BC by the grandfather of Bimbisara, but actual foundation by Bimbisara. King Bimbisara of Magadha (544 BC – 492 BC): Contemporary of Buddha. His capital was Rajgiri (Girivraja) His capital was surrounded by 5 hills, the openings in which were closed by stone walls on all sides. Ajatshatru (492 BC – 460 BC): Son of Bimbisara killed his father & seized the throne. Buddha died during his reign; arranged the first Buddhist Council. Udayin (460 – 444 BC): He founded the new capital at Pataliputra, situated at the confluence of the Ganga & Son. Shishunaga Dynasty: Founded by a minister Shishunaga. He was succeeded by Kalasoka (IInd Buddhist council). Dynasty lasted for two generations only. Greatest achievement was the destruction of power of Avanti. 14 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com Nanda Dynasty: Founder was Mahapadma Nanda. Alexander attacked India in their reign. Dhana Nanda was there at that time. Alexander’s Invasion of India Alexander (356 BC – 323 BC) was the son of Philip of Macedonia (Greece) who invaded India in 326 BC. At that time NW India was split up into a number of small independent states like Taxila, Punjab (kingdom of Porus), Gandhara etc. Except Porus who fought the famous battle of Hydaspes (on banks of Jhelum) with Alexander, all other kings submitted meekly. Except Porus who fought the famous battle of Hydaspes (on banks of Jhelum) with Alexander, all other kings submitted meekly. When Alexander reached Beas, his soldiers refused to go further, so he was forced to retreat. To mark the farthest point of his advance, he erected 12 huge stones altars on the northern bank of Beas. Remained in India for 19 months & died in 323 BC at Babylon. THE MAURYAN DYNASTY Chandragupta Maurya (322 – 297 BC): With the help of Chanakya, known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, he overthrew the Nandas & established the rule of the Maurya dynasty. Built a vast empire, which included not only good portions of Bihar & Bengal, but also western & north western India & the Deccan. This account is given by Megasthenes (A Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus to the court of Chandragupta Maurya) in his book Indica. We also get the details from the Arthashastra of Kautilya. Chandragupta adopted Jainism & went to Sravanabelagola (near Mysore) with Bhadrabahu, where he died by slow starvation. Bindusara (297 – 273 BC): Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son Bindusara in 297 BC. He is said to have conquered ‘the land between the 2 seas’, i.e., the Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal. Ashoka (269 – 232 BC): Ashoka was the most famous Mauryan king and one of the greatest rulers. Ashoka assumed the title of Priyadarshi (pleasing to look at) and Devanampriya (beloved of Gods). In the Sarnath inscription, he adopted the third title, i.e. Dharmshoka. Ashoka’s Rock Edicts - Major rock edicts (a set of 14 inscription) found at following 8 places: Dhauli, Girnar, Jaduguda, Kalsi, Mansehra, Shahbazgarhi, Sopara and Yenagardi. Minor rock edicts found at 13 places: Bairat, Brahmagiri, Gavimath Gajarra, Jatinga-Rameshwar, Maski, Palkigunda, Meadagiri, Rupanath, Sasaram, Siddhapur, Suvarnagiri and Verragudi. Major rock edicts- 1st Major Rock Edict- Prohibition of animal sacrifice. 2nd Major Rock Edict- Related to measures of social welfare. 3rd Major Rock Edict- Respecting one’s parents. 4th Major Rock Edict- Impact of Dhamma, Non-violence towards animals. 5th Major Rock Edict- Appointment of Dhamma Mahamantras to spread Dhamma. 6th Major Rock Edict- Welfare measures of efficient. 15 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com The Kalinga War: (261 BC, mentioned in XIII rock edict): It changed his attitude towards life. Ashoka became a Buddhist after that. Ashoka’s Dhamma Dhamma is the Prakrit word form of the Sanskrit term ‘Dharma’ which means religious duty. Ashoka gave up the policy of conquest through war (dig-vijaya) and began to follow a policy of conquest through dharma (dharma-vijaya). Ashoka’s Dhamma was related to norms of social behaviour and activities. Its norms are mentioned in Ashoka’s edits. Due to this policy, his name shines with unique brilliance. Causes of the fall of Mauryan Empire: Ashoka’s patronage of Buddhism & his anti-sacrificial attitude is said to have affected the income of the Brahmins. So, they developed antipathy against Ashoka. Revenue from agrarian areas was not sufficient to maintain such a vast empire as booty from war was negligible. Successors of Ashoka were too weak to keep together such a large centralized empire. Note: The last Mauryan king Brihadratha was killed by Pushyamitra Shunga (Commander in Chief) in 185 BC, who started the Shunga dynasty in Magadha. SANGAM AGE IN INDIA Cholas : The kingdom was called Cholamandalam or Coromondal. The chief centre was Uraiyur, a place famous for cotton trade. Capital was Kaveripattanam/Puhar. A Chola king named Elara conquered SriLanka & ruled it over for 50 years. Karikala was their famous king. Main source of wealth was trade in cotton cloth. They also maintained an efficient navy. The Iron Age in South India laid the foundation stone for a golden period which began in 300 BC and lasted till 300 AD. This period, popularly known as SANGAM AGE, is widely regarded as the golden age of the Tamils. The literature collectively produced by the ancient Tamil poets is commonly known as the Sangam literature. Sangam literature makes a mention of three kingdoms— Chola, Chera and Pandiyan. THE GUPTA DYNASTY Gupta Empire Golden Age of India On the ruins of the Kushan empire arose a new empire, which established its way over a good part of the former dominions of both Kushans & Satavahanas. The first two kings of the dynasty were Srigupta & Ghatotkacha. Chandragupta I (AD 319 – 335): First important king of Gupta Dynasty. Started the Gupta era in 319-320 AD. He enhanced his power & prestige by marrying Kumara Devi, princess of the Lichchavi clan of Nepal. He acquired the title of Maharajadhiraj. Struck coins in the joint names of himself, his queen & the Lachchavi nation, thereby acknowledging his marriage alliance. 16 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com Samudragupta (AD 335 – 375): The Gupta kingdom was enlarged enormously by Chandragupta’s son & successor Samudragupta. Samudragupta believed in the policy of war & conquest & because of his bravery & generalship he is called the ‘Napoleon’ of India (by the historian V.A. Smith). Chandragupta – II (AD 380 – 413): Samudragupta was succeeded by Ramgupta but Chandragupta II killed him & married his queen Dhruvadevi. He was the first ruler to issue silver coins. Also issued copper coins. His court was adorned by celebrated nine gems (navratnas) including Kalidasa, Amarsimha, Varahmihir, & Dhanvantri. Chinese pilgrim Fahien visited India at this time. Kumaragupta – I (AD 413 – 455): He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. Founded Nalanda University (a renowned university of ancient India). He was the worshipper of Lord Kartikeya (son of Lord Shiva). In the last years of his reign, the peace & prosperity of the empire was disturbed due to the invasion of Turko-Mongol tribe, Hunas. During the war with the Hunas, Kumaragupta died. Skandagupta (AD 455 – 467): Kumaragupta-I was followed by Skandagupta. Restored Sudarshana Lake. After his death, the great days of the Guptas were over. The empire continued but central control weakened & local governors became feudatory kings with hereditary rights. Gupta Literature in India: Kalidas, the great Sanskrit dramatist, belonged to this period. His books are: Abhigyanashakuntalam (considered as one of the best literary works in the world & one of the earliest Indian work to be translated into European language, the other work being the Bhagavadgita), Ritusamhara, Meghadutam, Kumarasambhavam, Malavikagnimitram, Raghuvansha, Vikramurvashi etc. Out of these, Ritusamhara, Meghadutam, Raghuvansha were epics & the rest were plays. Vishakhadatta wrote Mudrarakshasa & Devichandraguptam. Vishnu Sharma wrote Panchtantra & Hitopdesh. The Gupta period also saw the development of Sanskrit grammar based on Panini & Patanjali. Ramayana & Mahabharata were almost completed by the 4th century AD. Other Dynasties & Rulers (7th Century–12th Century AD) Harshavardhana (AD 606 – 647) Belonged to Pushyabhuti family & son of Prabhakar Vardhan. Originally belonged to Thaneshwar, but shifted to Kannauj (after Harsha’s death Kannauj was won from Harsha’s successors by the Pratiharas). Chinese pilgrim, Hieun Tsang (Prince of Travelers) visited during his reign. Harsha himself wrote 3 plays – Priyadarshika, Ratnavali & Nagananda. After the death of Harsha in 647, the empire once again broke up into petty States. I–tsing, another Chinese pilgrim, visited in 670 AD. 17 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com The Chalukyas 1. Pulakesin I (543-566) was the first independent ruler of Badami with Vatapi in Bijapur as his capital. 2. Kirthivarma I (566-596) succeeded him at the throne. When he died, the heir to the throne, Prince Pulakesin II, was just a baby & so the king’s brother, Mangalesha (597-610), was crowned the caretaker ruler. Over the years, he made many unsuccessful attempts to kill the prince but was ultimately killed himself by the prince & his friends. 3. Pulakesin II (610-642), the son of Pulakesin I, was a contemporary of Harshavardhana & the most famous of the Chalukyan kings. His reign is remembered as the greatest period in the history of Karnataka. He defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada. 4. After conquering the Kosalas & the Kalingas, & eastern Chalukyan dynasty was inaugurated by his (Pulakeshin II) brother Kubja Vishnuvardana. 5. In 631, the Chalukyan empire extended from sea to sea. However, Pulkeshin II was defeated & probably killed in 642, when the Pallavas under Narsimhavarma I attack on their capital & captured the chalukyan capital at Badami. 6. The Chalukyas rose to power once again under the leadership of Vikramaditya I (655-681), who defeated his contemporary Pandya, Pallava & Cholas rulers to establish the supremacy of the Chalukyan empire in the region. 7. Vikramaditya II (733-745) defeated the Pallava king Nandivarma II to capture a major portion of the Pallava kingdom. 8. Vikramaditya II’s son, Kirtivarma II (745), was disposed by the Rashtrakuta ruler, Dhantidurga, who established the Rashtrakuta dynasty. THE CHOLAS (9TH TO 13TH CENTURY) 1. The Chola dynasty was one of the most popular dynasties of south India which ruled over Tamil Nadu & parts of Karnataka with Tanjore as its capital. 2. Early Chola rulers were the Karikala Cholas who ruled in the 2nd century. 3. In 850, Vijayalaya captured Tanjore during the Pandya-Pallava wars. To commemorate his accession, he built a temple at Tanjore. The giant statue of Gomateswara at Shravanbelagola was also built during this period. 4. Vijayalaya’s son Aditya I (871-901) succeeded him to throne. 5. It was Rajaraja I (985-1014) during which the CHOLAS reached at its zenith. He snatched back lost territories from the Rashtrakutas & become the most powerful of the Chola rulers. Rajaraja is also famous for the beautiful shiva temple which he constructed at Thanjavur(Tamil Nadu). It is called Rajarajeswara after his name. 6. Rajendra Chola (1014-1044), son of Rajaraja I, was an important ruler of this dynasty who conquered Orissa, Bengal, Burma & the Andaman & Nicobar Island. The Cholas dynasty was at its zenith also during his reign. He also conquered Sri Lanka. 7. Kulottunga I (1070-1122) was another significant Chola ruler. Kulottunga I united the two kingdom of the eastern Chalukyas of Vengi & the Cholas of Thanjavur. After a long reign of about half a century, Kulottunga I passed away sometime in 1122 & was succeeded by his son, Vikrama Chola, surnamed Tyagasamudra. 8. The last ruler of the Chola Dynasty was Rajendra III (1246-79). He was a weak ruler who surrendered to the Pandyas. Later, Malik Kafur invaded this Tamil state in 1310 & extinguished the Chola empire. 18 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com 1. The Arthashastra was written by 13. Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra have rock-cut cave (a) Chanakya (b) Kalidasa monuments of which religion? (c) Harsha Vardhana (d) Vatsyayana (a) Sikhism (b) Buddhism 2. Who wrote the Panchatantra? (c) Christianity (d) Hinduism (a) Vyasa (b) Vishnu Sharma 14. Whose reign in Indian History is called the Golden Age of India? (c) Valmiki (d) Yajnavalkya (a) Mughal Empire (b) Maratha Empire 3. Alexander defeated _________ in the battle of (c) Gupta Empire (d) Maurya Empire Hydaspes. 15. The Buddha has been eulogized as an ocean of (a) Porus wisdom and compassion in (b) Chandragupta Maurya (a) Buddha-Charita (b) Jataka tales (c) Herakles (c) Amarakosha (d) The Light of Aisa (d) Eudemus 16. Tripitakas are related to 4. Ramcharitmanas is an epic poem written in (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism which language? (c) Hinduism (d) Zoroastrians (a) Santali (b) Munda 17. The Digambaras and Shvetambaras differ primarily with regard to their (c) Awadhi (d) Sanskrit (a) Choice of god 5. From which monument, Gautama Buddha (b) Totally different philosphy propagated his divine knowledge of Buddhism (c) Dress to the world? (d) Rituals (a) Humayun's Tomb (b) Sarnath Stupa 18. When did the first Huna invasion take place? (c) Qutub Minar (d) Red Fort Complex (a) 358 AD (b) 458 AD 6. Alexander the Great was born in ________. (c) 558 AD (d) 658 AD (a) 356 BC (b) 189 BC 19. Chandragupta (322–298 BC) was the ruler of (c) 189 AD (d) 356 AD which dynasty? 7. Oil paint was first used for Buddhist paintings by (a) Maurya (b) Mewar (c) Mughal (d) Peshwas Indian and Chinese painters in western _____ 20. Ajatashatru was the son of sometime between the fifth and tenth centuries. (a) Brahmadatta (b) Bindusara (a) Iraq (b) Afghanistan (c) Bimbisara (d) Chetaka (c) Pakistan (d) India 21. Ashoka converted to which religion after the 8. Kalinga War was fought in the year _______ Kalinga war? (a) 1604 BC (b) 261 BC (a) Jainism (b) Buddhism (c) 731 AD (d) 1113 AD (c) Christianity (d) Judaism 9. Chandragupta Maurya was born in _______. 22. Chandragupta Maurya was an ardent follower of (a) 340 BC (b) 563 BC __________. (c) 189 BC (d) 99 BC (a) Sikhism (b) Jainism (c) Buddhism (d) Jewism 10. Ashoka was an emperor of the __________ 23. Chanakya was the chief advisor of _______. Dynasty. (a) Babur (a) Mughal (b) Chola (b) Chandragupta Maurya (c) Maurya (d) Gupta (c) Akbar 11. Who built the Group of Monuments at (d) Kautilya Mahabalipuram? 24. What is the name of the preaching mudra or (a) Chola Kings (b) Pallava Kings gesture, in which the Buddha is depicted (c) Chera Kings (d) Chalukya Kings delivering his first sermon, in the Gandhara 12. Bimbisara was the king of which dynasty? Sculptures? (a) Haryanka (b) Maurya (a) Abhaya (b) Dharmachakra (c) Dhyana (d) Bhumisparsha (c) Shunga (d) Nanda 19 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com 25. Chandragupta Maurya was born in Pataliputra, 37. What is the Mehrauli Pillar in the complex of which is now in _______. Qutub Minar primarily famous for? (a) Chattisgarh (b) Madhya Pradesh (a) Proverbial height (c) Uttar Pradesh (d) Bihar (b) Skilful stone cutting 26. Ghatotkacha (who ruled in the years 290–305 (c) Excellent quality steel B.C.) was a king from which dynasty? (d) Statue of Buddha on top (a) Gupta Dynasty (b) Kanva Dynasty 38. Which script was used in Ashoka's inscriptions? (c) Shunga Dynasty (d) Maurya Dynasty (a) Brahmi (b) Devanagiri 27. Indus Valley Civilization was a __________ age (c) Gurmukhi (d) Sanskrit civilization. 39. Aryabhatta and Kalidasa were in the court of (a) Silver (b) Tin which Gupta Emperor? (c) Gold (d) Bronze (a) Kumara Gupta I (b) Chandra Gupta II 28. Which among the following games was very (c) Samudra Gupta (d) Skanda Gupta popular in ancient India? 40. Which is the biggest building at Mohenjodaro? (a) Chess (b) Cricket (a) Great Bath (c) Hockey (d) Football 29. Ashoka The Great (273–232 B.C.) was the ruler of (b) Great Granary which dynasty? (c) Assembly Hall (a) Mewar (b) Mughal (d) Rectangular Building (c) Maurya (d) Peshwas 41. Who among the following was the court 30. The first Buddhist Council was held at physician of Kanishka? ____________. (a) Vasumitra (b) Nagarjuna (a) Kashmir (b) Rajagriha (c) Charaka (d) Patanjali (c) Pataliputra (d) Vaisali 42. The veda which deals with the rituals is known 31. Who was the founder of the Satvahana Empire? as_____________. (a) Kanha (b) Simuka (a) Rigveda (b) Yajurveda (c) Hala (d) Gautamiputra (c) Samaveda (d) Atharvaveda 32. The people of the Indus valley civilisation 43. The capital of the Mauryan Kingdom was located worshipped ____________. at___________ (a) Vishnu (b) Pashupati (a) Pataliputra (b) Vaishali (c) Indra (d) Brahma (c) Lumbini (d) Gaya 33. The Upanishads are the ____________. 44. Where is the Brihadeshwar temple, built during (a) Great Epics the Chola period, located? (b) Story Books (a) Mysore (b) Mahabalipuram (c) Source of Hindu Philosophy (c) Tanjavur (d) Kanyakumari (d) Law Books 34. Gandhara Art is the combination of - 45. Kamarup is an ancient name of which region of (a) Indo - Roman (b) Indo - Greek India? (c) Indo - Islamic (d) Indo - China (a) Bihar (b) Rajasthan 35. The earliest reference to sati custom is made in (c) Karnataka (d) Assam which of the following inscriptions? 46. The school of Indian art which is also known as (a) Allahabad Pillar inscription the Greco-Roman-Buddhist art is the _____ (b) Eran inscription of Bhanugupta school. (c) Aihole inscription of Pulkesin II (a) Mauryan (b) Shunga (d) Bhitan inscription of Skandgupta (c) Gandhara (d) Gupta 36. Which of the following is not true about Ajanta 47. Which of the following Pallava Kings assumed Caves? the title of "Vatapikonda" after defeating and (a) They are in Maharashtra slaying the great Chalukyan King Pulekesin II? (b) They are decorated with Buddhist Art (a) Narsimha Varman I (c) They depict the techniques used in Ancient (b) Mahendra Varman I India (c) Parameshwar Varman I (d) They do not contain paintings of flora and (d) Nandi Varman fauna 20 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com 48. Who among the following was the first 61. Takshashila University was located between grammarian of the Sanskrit language? which two rivers? (a) Kalhana (b) Maitreyi (a) Indus and Jhelum (b) Jhelum and Ravi (c) Kalidasa (d) Panini (c) Beas and Indus (d) Satluj and Indus 49. To which clan Gautam Buddha belonged? 62. Who is the most prominent god of 'Rig Veda'? (a) Shibi (b) Shakya (a) Indra (b) Agni (c) Saurasena (d) Shabara (c) Pashupati (d) Vishnu 50. Chachnama records the history of which 63. Big landlords or warrior chiefs in the seventh conquest? century were acknowledged as _________ by the (a) Kushanas (b) Hunas existing kings? (c) Arabs (d) Greeks (a) Rashtrakutas (b) Chalukya 51. A collective term used by the Jains for their (c) Samantas (d) Brahmanas sacred books is - 64. The Chola kingdom mostly ruled which region of (a) Prabandhas (b) Angas India? (c) Nibandhas (d) Charits (a) East (b) West 52. Match the following: (c) North (d) South 65. Group of Monuments at Hampi was built by? (a) Harihara and Bukka (b) Udayin and Shishunaga (c) Devavarman and Vainya (d) Maravarman and Sirmara (a) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2 (b) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1 66. According to the categories of land mentioned in (c) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4 (d) A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3 the Chola inscriptions ___________ was known 53. The important book written by Kautilya is - as the land for the maintenance of schools? (a) Arthashastra (a) Vellanvagai (b) Brahmadeya (b) Indica (c) Shalabhoga (d) Devadana (c) Arya Manju Sri Mula Kapa 67. According to the categories of land mentioned in (d) Rajatarangini the Chola inscriptions ___________ was known 54. Harsha moved his capital from _____ to _____. as the land of non-Brahmana peasant (a) Thanesar, Kannauj (b) Delhi, Deogiri proprietors? (c) Kamboj, Kannauj (d) Valabhi, Delhi (a) Vellanvagai (b) Brahmadeya 55. Who wrote 'Nyaya Sutra'? (c) Shalabhoga (d) Devadana (a) Vyasa (b) Gautam 68. According to the categories of land mentioned in (c) Kapila (d) Charaka the Chola inscriptions ___________ was known 56. Sanchi Stupa was built by? as the land donated to Jaina institutions? (a) Akbar (b) Humayun (a) Vellanvagai (b) Brahmadeya (c) Ashoka (d) Narasimha (c) Shalabhoga (d) Pallichchhandam 57. Who was the son of Chandragupta Maurya? 69. According to the categories of land mentioned in (a) Bindusara (b) Chandragupta II the Chola inscriptions ___________ was known (c) Ashoka (d) Binbsara as the land gifted to Brahmanas? 58. What is the name of the court poet of King (a) Vellanvagai (b) Brahmadeya Harshavardhana? (c) Shalabhoga (d) Devadana (a) Tulsidas (b) Banabhatta 70. Dhamek Stupa was built by? (c) Surdas (d) Raskhan (a) Akbar (b) Humayun 59. Who built the Konark Sun Temple? (c) Ashoka (d) Narasimha (a) AnantavarmanChodaganga Deva 71. According to the categories of land mentioned in (b) Narasimhadeva I the Chola inscriptions ___________ was known (c) Kapilendra Deva Routaray as the land gifted to temples? (d) PurushottamDev (a) Vellanvagai (b) Brahmadeya 60. Which emperor wrote the play 'Nagananda' in (c) Shalabhoga (d) Devadana Sanskrit language? 72. Rajendra I was the son of? (a) Prabhakaravardhana (b) Harshavardhana (a) Bindusara I (b) Devabhuti I (c) Chandragupta II (d) Bindusara (c) Skanda Gupta I (d) Rajaraja I 21 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com 73. What was the real name of Chanakya? 85. The main historical source regarding the (a) Kautilya (b) Vishnu Gupta information about Self-government under the (c) Ramtanu Mishra (d) None of these Cholas is the? 74. Taxila was a famous site of (a) Halmidi inscription (a) Mauryan Art (b) Gupta Art (b) Jatwai inscription (c) Uttaramerur inscription (c) Gandhara Art (d) Early Vedic Art (d) Chandravallo inscription 75. Who built the stupa at Sanchi in Madhya 86. Megasthenes was at the court of Pradesh? (a) Kanishka (a) Kanisha (b) Chandragupta (b) Ashoka (c) Ashoka (d) Harsha (c) Chandragupta Maurya 76. Fourteen rock edicts of Ashoka have been (d) Harsha unearthed at 87. Who, among the following rulers, organised the Second Buddhist Assembly? (a) Sasaram (b) Kandhar (a) Ajatashatru (b) Kalasoka (c) Girnar (d) None of these (c) Ashoka (d) Ananda 77. To which king belongs the Lion capital at 88. Ashoka’s conquest of Kalinga has been described Sarnath? in the minor rock edict numbered (a) Chandragupta (b) Ashoka (a) I (b) IV (c) Kanishka (d) Harsha (c) VIII (d) XIII 78. The name by which Ashoka is generally referred 89. The first Iranian ruler who brought some parts of to in his inscriptions is— India under his sway was (a) Chakravarti (b) Dharmadeva (a) Darius I (b) Cyrus (c) Dharmakirti (d) Piyadassi (c) Cambysis (d) Shaharsh 79. The territory of Porus who offered strong 90. The most commonly used coin during the resistance to Alexander was situated between the Mauryan period was rivers of (a) Karashapana (b) Nishka (a) Sutlej and Beas (c) Suvarna (d) Kakini (b) Jhelum and Chenab 91. The reverential title of ‘The Liberator’ had been (c) Ravi and Chenab earned by (d) Ganga and Yamuna (a) Alexander 80 The word Jina from which the Jainism has (b) Chandragupta Maurya originated stands for (c) Ashoka (a) great (d) Chandragupta Vikramaditya (b) detached 92. Who was the Greek ambassador in the court of (c) non-violence Chandragupta Maurya? (d) conqueror of senses (a) Megasthanes (b) Seleucos 81. Ashokan inscriptions were first deciphered by- (c) Menander (d) Demetrias (a) Buhler (b) Robert Sewell 93. Ashoka expresses his faith in the Buddhist creed (c) James Prinsep (d) Codrington in the 82. As a prince where was Ashoka sent to suppress (a) Rummindei inscription the revolt? (b) Schism edict (c) Kandhar inscription (a) Taxila (b) Kalinga (d) Bhabru edict (c) Ujjain (d) Deccan 94. In which script, the Ashokan inscription were 83. The Hathigumpha inscription near written in North West Frontier Province? Bhubaneshwar, Orissa relates to the king? (a) Prakrit (b) Brahmi (a) Susharma (b) Hala (c) Sanskrit (d) Kharoshti (c) Kharavela (d) Pulamayi 95. Who among the following presided over the Buddhist council held during the reign of 84. Ashoka called the Third Buddhist Council at? Kanishka at Kashmir? (a) Pataliputra (b) Magadha (a) Parsva (b) Vasumitra (c) Kalinga (d) Sarnath (c) Nagarjuna (d) Sudraka 22 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com 96. The official language of the Mauryan Court was 106. Who of the following also had the name (a) Magadhi (b) Pali Devanampiya? (c) Maithili (d) Sanskrit (a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Ashoka 97. Who constructed the 84 thousands Stupa? (c) Bindusara (d) Harsha (a) Ashoka (b) Pushyamitra 107. Who of the following was known as (c) Menander (d) Kanishka Amitrochates? 98. In sixth century BC, Suktimati was the capital of (a) Chandragupta Maurya (a) Panchala (b) Kuru (b) Bindusara (c) Chedi (d) Avanti (c) Ashoka 99. Who was the founder of Nanda dynasty? (d) Kautilya (a) Bimbisara 108.Chanakya, the famous teacher of Chandragupta (b) Dhanananda Maurya, was associated with (c) Ramananda (a) Nalanda (b) Vaishali (d) Mahapadamananda (c) Takshashila (d) Vikramshila 100. Which one of the following factors was not 109. The famous ruler of ancient India who is said to responsible for Chandragupta Maurya’s success have been converted to Jainism, towards the end against the Nanda Kings? of his life, is (a) Chandragupta’s brilliant generalship (a) Bindusara (b) Samudragupta (b) Kautilya’s astute diplomacy (c) Chandragupta (d) Ashoka (c) Military assistance provided by Greek rulers 110. Gandhara School of Art was established in (d) Weakness of Nanda rulers (a) Eastern India (b) Southern India 101. How are empires different from kingdoms? (c) North-Western India (d) Western India (a) Empires are larger than Kingdoms 111. Gandhara School of art developed during the (b) Empires need more resources than Kingdoms time of (c) Empires need more officials who collect more (a) Sungas (b) Kushans taxes than Kingdoms (c) Guptas (d) Mauryas (d) All of them 112. The earliest rock cut caves in western India are 102. Where did Ashoka send his messengers to spread those at— ideas about ‘dhamma’. Choose the correct (a) Nasik, Ellora and Ajanta answer from the code given below : (i) Syria (ii) Egypt (b) Junnar, Kalyan and Pitalkhora (iii) Greece (iv) Sri Lanka (c) Ajanta, Bhaja and Kondane (a) Only (i) (b) Only (ii) and (iii) (d) Bhaja, Pitalkhora and Kondane (c) Only (iv) (d) All of them 113. Kanishka's capital was at 103. Which of the following was not one of the (a) Mathura (b) Peshawar Ashoka's dhamma? (c) Amravati (d) Kanauj (I) To teach the lesson of non violence through 114. Who amongst the following is regarded as the inscriptions; like a father teaches his children historical founder of Jain’s (II) To resolve conflicts amongst people and (a) Mahavira (b) Sisunaga families (c) Rishabhanatha (d) Gautama (III) To perform sacrifices in order to bring peace 115. Which of the following was one of the ingredients (IV) To build roads, wells and inns for both of ‘Middle Path’ advocated by Buddha? humans and animals (a) Abandonment of killing (a) I and III (b) Only III (c) III and IV (d) II and IV (b) Right effort 104. The last Mauryan emperor was (c) Speak no falsehood (a) Kunal (b) Jalok (d) Giving up hankering for wealth (c) Samprati (d) Brihadaratha 116. Which of the following School accepted 105.Who deciphered the Brahmi script ? perception and inference as sources of valid (a) John F. Fleet knowledge? (b) James Prinsep (a) Nyaya School (b) Vaisheshika (c) Alexander Cunningham (d) John Marshall (c) Both A & B (d) None of the above 23 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com 117. Which of the following pairs of various eras and 131. Which ruler of Gupta Empire is also known as the respective years they commenced from, is “Napoleon of India”? wrong? (a) Chandragupta I (b) Chandragupta II (a) Saka Era; 78AD (c) Samudra Gupta (d) Srigupta (b) Gupta Era; 318-319 AD 132. To which period does the Mehrauli Pillar (c) Vikram Era; 58 AD inscription belong? (d) Kali Era; 3102 BC (a) Mauryas (b) Sungas 118. In whose coins was the wheel found? (c) Kushanas (d) Guptas (a) Menander (b) Demetrius 133. The silver coins of the Gupta period were known (c) Kanishka (d) Nahapana as? 119. One of them was not conquered by Kanishka (a) Dinar (b) Rupyaka from China. Identify. (c) Satamana (d) Karshapana (a) Khotan (b) Yarkand 134. In which field of art extraordinary progress was (c) Kashgar (d) Kapisa made in the Gupta period? 120. Who among the following is referred to as the (a) Architecture (b) Sculpture ‘Sadhu from the west ’? (c) Painting (d) Coinage (a) Thomas of Cannan (b) St Thomas 135. Against whom Skandagupta had to wage long (c) St Bartholomew (d) None of the above wars on the North West border? 121. The largest urban centre in ancient India had (a) Shakas (b) Yavanas been (c) Huns (d) Greeks (a) Pataliputra (b) Kausambi 136. The foreign traveler who visited India during the (c) Taxila (d) Kannauj rule of the Guptas was? 122. What was the original name of Euthydemia? (a) Hiuen Tsang (b) Beriner (a) Gondhara (b) Sakala (c) Fa-Hein (d) Manucci (c) Kapisa (d) Purushapura 137. Which of the following was an important port of 123. In whose reign did the visit of Saint Thomas take the eastern coast during the Gupta period ? place? (a) Kalyan (b) Sopara (a) Maues (b) Gondophernes (c) Tamralipti (d) Broach (c) Kanishka (d) Menander 138. Which of the following periods is referred to as 124. Who was the founder of Sunga dynasty? the period of Hindu revival or renaissance? (a) Pushyagupta (b) Pushyamitra (a) Period of Harsha (b) Kushan Period (c) Pushparaja (d) Pravarsena (c) Gupta Period (d) Mauryan Period 125. Who was the founder of Kanva dynasty? 139. The name of the Indian Astronomer (who knew (a) Vasumitra (b) Bhumimitra for his five astronomical systems book Pancha- (c) Vasudeva (d) Devabhuti Siddhantika), who lived in the 6th century was 126. Gathasaptasati was written by (a) Varahamihira (b) Bhandarkar (a) Hala (b) Bharatmuni (c) Pujyapada (d) Prasastapada (c) Bhas (d) Satakarni I 140. Which Avtar of Vishnu tricked Mahabali and 127. The first inscription evidence of Satipratha has claimed earth and heaven from him? been found from (a) Vamana (b) Narasimha (a) Eran (b) Junagarh (c) Matsya (d) Kurma (c) Mandsaur (d) Sanchi 141. The ammonite (Shaligrama), a fossilized 128. The Kushans ruled in shellfish, was recognized by Hindus as one of the (a) 1st century AD (b) 2nd century BC symbols of (c) 3rd century AD (d) 5th century BC (a) Brahma (b) Hanuman 129. The King Kanishka held a great Buddhist Council (c) Shiva (d) Vishnu under whose presidentship? 142. The fourth age of the aeon (mahayuga ) is (a) Asvaghosha (b) Sangharaksha (a) Kali (b) Dvapara (c) Nagasena (d) Vasu Mitra (c) Treta (d) Kreta 143. Angkor wat temple is located 130. Charaka was the famous court physician of (a) Cambodia (b) Thailand (a) Kanishka (b) Pushyamitra (c) Vietnam (d) India (c) Chandragupta (d) Ashoka 24 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com 144. The Gupta gold coins were known as (c) He came by sea route and returned by land (a) Dinaras (b) Karsapana route (c) Rupaka (d) Nisaka (d) He came by sea route and also returned by sea 145. The first Gupta ruler to assume the title of ‘Param route Bhagawata’ was 156. Who amongst the following kings defeated (a) Chandragupta I (b) Samudragupta Harsha's army on the bank of river Narmada? (c) Chandragupta II (d) Kumargupta (a) Rajendra Chola (b) Pulakesin II 146. The concept of Trimurti was promulgated during (c) Krishnadeva Raya (d) Rajendra I the 157. Banabhatta, a great scholar, lived during the (a) Mauryan period reign of (b) Post-Mauryan period (a) Ashoka (b) Harsha (c) Gupta period (c) Kanishka (d) Chandragupta II (d) Post-Gupta Period 158. Who wrote the biography of Harshavardhana? 147.Which of the following rulers started Gupta (a) Aryabhatta (b) Kalidasa currency system? (c) Shaka (d) Banabhatta (a) Srigupta (b) Chandragupta I 159. Where did Rigvedic Aryans live in India? (c) Samudragupta (d) Chandragupta II (a) Northern India (b) All over India 148.The officer responsible for the safe custody of (c) Eastern part of India (d) Sapta Sindhu area land records during the Gupta period was known 160. What was the name of Harshavardhana’s as biography? (a) Dhruvadhikarana (b) Karanika (a) Harshacharita (b) Harshamanglam (c) Samaharta (d) Shaulkika (c) Harshamanas (d) None of them 149. Who was Samudragupta’s mother? (a) Kumara Devi (b) Lakshmi Bai 161. Who wrote 'Ashtadhyayi', the earliest existing (c) Hazrat Mahal (d) None of them grammar of Sanskrit? 150. Who was the first ruler to adopt the title of (a) Panini (b) Sushruta Maharaja-adhiraja? (c) Patanjali (d) Charak (a) Ashoka (b) Chandragupta 162. The Lilavati was a treatise on (c) Tipu Sultan (d) None of them (a) Arithmetic (b) Astronomy 151. A ‘Sabha’ in the Vedic period was a/an (c) Philosophy (d) Medicine (a) Institution of professional men in villages 163. Megasthenes “Indica” deals with the history of (b) Royal Court the (c) Mantri Parishad (a) Guptas (b) Satavahanas (d) Assembly of all Citizens (c) Cholas (d) Mauryas 152. Who founded “MATHAS’ in the four corners of 164. Among the four works mentioned be low which India? one is encyclopedic in nature? (a) Madhavacharya (b) Shankaracharya (a) Mamarakosa (b) Siddhantasiromani (c) Bhaskaracharya (d) Ramanujacharya (c) Ashtangahridaya (d) Brihat Samhita 153. When the fully developed splendid form of 165. The Sanskrit drama which describes temple architecture emerged in India? Chandragupta Maurya’s triumph over the (a) First century B. C. Nanda is (b) Fourth century B. C. (a) Mrichhakatika (b) Mudrarakshasa (c) Sixth century A. D. (c)Devichandragupta (d)Prabodhchadrodaya (d) Eleventh century A. D. 166.‘Abhijnanasakuntalam’ has been reckoned as a 154. The important books written by Banabhatta were ______. masterpiece of (a) Harshcharita (b) Kadambari (a) Bhasa (b) Kalidasa (c) Both of the above (d) None of the above (c) Asvaghosha (d) Sudraka 155. How did Hiuen Tsang undertake journey from 167. Which of the following was not the work of and to India? Kalidasa? (a) He came by land route and also returned by (a) Raghuvamsa land route (b) Abhijnanasakuntalam (b) He came by land route but returned by sea (c) Kumarasambhavam route (d) Kadambari 25 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com 168. The study of inscription is known as- 182. The successors of the Satavahanas in the Deccan (a) Archaeology (b) Epigraphy were the (c) Anthropology (d) History (a) Vakatakas (b) Kadambas 169. Who of the following was the author of (c) Rashtrakutas Meghadoota? (d) Chalukyas of Badami (a) Vishakhdatta (b) Vishnusharma 183. The last Nanda ruler of Magadha who was (c) Kalidasa (d) Bhashkara overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya with the 170. Gita Govinda was written by help of Chanakya was (a) Jayant (b) Jayadeva (a) Mahapadmananda (b) Dhanananda (c) Jayasimha (d) Jayachandra (c) Navananda (d) Not known 184. The new element of Gopuram had been 171. Who was the writer of Tales of Panchatantra? encouraged in temples of southern India by the (a) Kautilya (b) Pushyagupta (a) Chalukyas (b) Pallavas (c) Vishnu Sharma (d) Vishakhdatta (c) Cholas (d) Pandyas 172. Kautilya’s Arthashastra deals with the aspects of 185. Madurai had been the capital of the (a) Political policies (b) Religious life (a) Cholas (b) Pallavas (c) Social life (d) None of these (c) Rashtrakutas (d) Pandyas 173. Pulakesin II was the most famous ruler of? 186. India had a brisk foreign trade with the Roman world during the _________ period. (a) Cholas (b) Chalukyas (a) Sangam (b) Pallava (c) Pallavas (d) Satavahanas (c) Chola (d) Vijayanagar 174. Under whose reign were the earliest of Ajanta 187. The rulers of a dynasty of the Deccan who were caves made? supposed to be Brahmanas and staunch (a) Chalukyas (b) Vakatakas supporters of Brahmanism were (c) Satavahana (d) Kshatrapas (a) Satavahanas (b) Vakatakas 175. The large Shiva Temple at Thanjavur was built by (c) Rashtrakutas (d) Chalukyas (a) Chandellas (b) Rashtrakutas 188. The Pallava king who adopted the epithet of (c) Mughals (d) Cholas Vichitrachitta or curious minded was 176. Among the four dynasties listed below, which (a) Mahendravarman I one minted coins made of lead? (b) Narasimhavarman I (a) Mauryas (b) Satvahanas (c) Narasimhavarman II (c) Western Kshatrapas (d) Guptas (d) Simhavishnu 177. Which of the following dynasties patronised the 189. Which of the following is called The Bible of famous Kailash temple at Ellora? (a) Vakataka (b) Gupta Tamil? (c) Early Chalukya (d) Rastrakuta (a) Tolkappiyam (b) Silappadikaram 178. Kailasa Temple, one of the largest monolithic (c) Manimekalai (d) Thirukkural structures, is in 190. Where is the famous Virupaksha temple located? (a) Ajanta Caves (b) Elephanta Caves (a) Bhadrachalam (b) Hampi (c) Ellora Caves (d) Nalanda Caves (c) Chidambaram (d) Srikalahasti 179. The temples known as the Seven Pagodas had 191. The official language of the Satvahanas was been built by the (a) Prakrit (b) Sanskrit (a) Pallavas (b) Cholas (c) Apabhramsa (d) Telugu (c) Hoysalas (d) Chalukyas 192. Who was the founder of Vakatak dynasty? 180. Where did the game of Chess originated? (a) Vindhya Shakti (b) Ishwarsena (a) India (b) Persia (c) Pravarsena (d) Rudrasena (c) Arabia (d) Europe 193. Which one of the following Chola kings 181. The lowest unit of Chola administration was the conquered Ceylon (Srilanka) first? (a) Nadu (b) Mandalam (a) Aditya I (b) Rajaraja I (c) Kurram (d) Valanadu (c) Rajendra (d) Vijayalaya 26 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com 194. Rath Temples at Mahabalipuram were built 204. Which among the following cities is considered during the reign of which Pallava ruler? as one of the oldest surviving cities in the world? (a) Mahendravarman (a) Mathura (b) Varanasi (b) Narasimahavarman I (c) Hardwar (d) Ayodhya (c) Parameshwarvarman 205. Pre-history means (a) period having written evidences (d) Nandivarman I (b) period having no written evidences 195. The battle of Koppam was fought between (c) period which have all the 3 evidences like (a) the Western Chalukyas and the Pallavas time, place and events (b) the Western Chalukyas and the Cholas (d) none of the above (c) the Cholas and the Hoysalas 206. Old stone age people (d) the Pandyas and the rulers of Ceylon (a) wore cotton clothes 196. The Chalukya king Kumarapala is said to have (b) wore leaves, barks of trees and skin of animals instituted a Jaina reformation under the guidance (c) wore woollen clothes of (d) none of the above (a) Mallinatha (b) Sthulabhadra 207.The first animal tamed by primitive man was (a) cow (b) horse (c) Nayachandra (d) Hemchandra (c) dog (d) goat 197. The fertile agrarian tract in the early Tamil 208. Fire had been discovered in which age? country is denoted by the term (a) Paleolithic (b) Mesolithic (a) Palai (b) Marudam (c) Neolithic (d) Chalcolithic (c) Mullai (d) Neydal 209. The Granary at Harappa was made of 198 The first Tamil Sangam is said to have been (a) bricks only (b) bricks and timber instituted by (a) Tiruvalluvar (b) Parasurama (c) bricks and stones (d) None of these (c) Mamulanar (d) Agastya 210. Which of the following was the most significant 199. The Kalyana-mandapa was a notable feature of feature of the Indus Valley Civilization? temple architecture in the kingdom of (a) Economic System (b) Religious life (a) Pallavas (b) Cholas (c) Town Planning (d) Social life (c) Kadambas (d) Vijayanagara 211. The earliest evidence regarding a ploughed field 200.Which emperor conquered and annexed the has been found from? northern part of Sri Lanka and named it (a) Lothal (b) Kalibangan Mummadi Cholamandalam? (c) Harappa (d) Maski (a) Rajaraja I (b) Parantaka I 212. The earliest evidence of silver in India is found in (c) Rajendra I (d) Rajadhiraja I the— 201. Sangam literature is (a) Harappan culture (a) classical Sanskrit literature patronised by the (b) Chalcolithic cultures of Western India Guptas. (c) Vedic texts (b) Pali literature dealing with the history of the (d) Silver punch marked coins Buddhist sanghas. 213. The entry port for trade between the Indus (c) early Tamil literature attributed to the history trading centres and Mesopotamia was? of ancient Southern India. (a) Elam (b) Oman (d) Sanskrit works of Puranic nature dealing with (c) Behrain (d) Afganistan the sanctity of the place where there is the 214. Which was the only Indus city without a citadel? confluence of rivers in Prayaga. (a) Kalibangan (b) Harappa 202. At which of the following places were the third (c) Mohenjodaro (d) Chanhudraro Sangam Literary Assemblies held? 215. The script of the Indus Valley Civilization was (a) Thanjavur (b) Kanchipuram (a) Dravidian (b) Persian (c) Madurai (d) Vanji (c) Sanskrit (d) Undecipherable 203.The earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian sub- 216. Which of the following was common to both the continent comes from? Harappan society and the Rigvedic society? (a) Koldihwa (b) Lahuradeva (a) Female deities (b) Urban centres (c) Mehrgarh (d) Tokwa (c) Iron implements (d) None of these 27 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com 217. River Chenab was known is ancient times as 229. Which of the following was not one of the (a) Parushni (b) Satudri distinguished tribes of the later Vedic period?’ (c) Himadri (d) Asikni (a) Videhas (b) Bharatas 218. Who possibly ruled the Indus people? (c) Panchalas (d) Kurus (a) An assembly of elders 230. In Rig Vedic period, the most important (b) Merchants functionary after the king was (c) Kings (a) Purohita (b) Senani (d) Priests (c) Law Officer (d) Tax Collector 219. The Indus Valley Civilisation type was found in 231. The tax which the kings used to collect from the (a) Sumer (b) Egypt people in the Vedic period was called (c) China (d) All the three (a) Kara (b) Varman 220. The Harappan town considered to be a town of (c) Bali (d) Vidatha the artists and craftsmen was 232. In the Vedic Society, the term used to denote a (a) Mohenjo-Daro (b) Chanhudaro group of families was (c) Harappa (d) Lothal (a) gotra (b) jana 221. Which of the following metals was not known to (c) vish (d) grama the Indus Valley people? 233. The Puranas are........ in number. (a) tin (b) lead (a) 18 (b) 25 (c) iron (d) copper (c) 52 (d) 108 222. The first metal used by man was 234. Which of the following Vedangas contains the (a) Copper (b) Iron Srautra, the Grihya and the Dharma Sutras? (c) Aluminium (d) Gold (a) Nirukta (b) Shiksha 223.Which one of the following was not common (c) Chhandas (d) Kalpa between the Indus Valley people and the Vedic 235. Which one of the following is the earliest school Aryans? of Indian philosophy? (a) meat eating (a) Samkhya (b) Yoga (b) cattle rearing (c) Karma mimamsa (d) None of these (c) use of cotton clothes 236. The world is God and God is my soul is the (d) worship of Mother-Goddess philosophy contained in the 224. Which of these help you to know about Indus (a) Vedas (b) Puranas Valley Civilization? (c) Brahamanas (d) Upanishads (a) coin inscriptions 237. The Upanishads are (b) archaeological evidences (a) prayers to God (c) literary sources (b) books of ancient Hindu laws (d) none of the above (c) books on social behavior of man 225. Which of the following is known as “Mini (d) a source of Hindu philosophy 238. The term 'Yavanapriya' mentioned in ancient Harappa”? Sanskrit texts denoted? (a) Mohanjodaro (b) Lothal (a) Ivory (c) Kalibangan (d) Rangpur (b) Pepper 226. A clay model of plough has been found from: (c) A fine variety of Indian muslin (a) Banawali (b) Kalibangan (d) Damsels sent to the Greek court for dance (c) Rakhigarhi (d) Mitathal 227. The local name of Mohenjodaro is: performance (a) Mound of Living (b) Mound of Survivor 239. The number of Vedas is (c) Mound of Dead (d) Mound of Great (a) Eight (b) Four 228. Codes of conduct of the Vedic Society are laid (c) Ten (d) Two down in 240. The Vedic deity Indra was the God of (a) Puranas (b) Vedas (a) fire (b) rain and thunder (c) Brahmanas (d) Smritis (c) eternity (d) wind 28 Adda247 Publications For More Study Material Visit: adda247.com 241. The term ‘nishka’ which meant an ornament in 250. Which School is originally called Sanatana the Vedic period was used in later times to denote Dharma? a/an— (a) Nastika School (b) Astika School (a) Weapon (c) Both of the above (d) None of the above (b) Agricultural implement 251. The famous vedic saying “war begins in the (c) Script