UPSC CSE PRE 1998 - Testpapers

The given map relates to :

(a) Kanishka at the time of his death.
(b) Samudragupta after the close of his South Indiancampaign.
(c) Ashoka towards close of his reign.
(d) Empire of Thaneswar on the eve of Harsha’s accession.

Ans: (c) Ashoka towards close of his reign.

Explanation:The given map is related to the reign of Ashokatowards end of his rule. Ashoka (304–232 BC),popularly known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indianemperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled over theIndian subcontinent from 269 BC to 232 BC. His empirestretched from present-day Pakistan, Afghanistan inthe west, to the present-day Bangladesh and theIndian state of Assam in the east, and as far south asnorthern Kerala and Andhra.

The concept of Eight fold path forms the theme of:

(a) Dipavamsa
(b) Divyavadana
(c) Mahaparinibban
(d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta

Ans: (d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta

Explanation:The Noble Eight fold Path, is one of the principalteac hings of the Buddha, who desc rib ed it as the wayleading to the cessation of suffering (Dukkha) andattainment of self-awakening. In Buddhist symbolism,the Noble Eight fold Path is often represented bymeans of the Dharma wheel (Dharmachakra), whoseeight spokes represent the eight elements of the path.Eight fold path includes right understanding, right speech, right livelihood; right mindfulness, rightthought, right action, right effort and right concentration.

Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food-grains to be utilised during the crises in the country?

(a) Sohgaura Copper-plate
(b) Rummindei Pillar-edict of Ashoka
(c) Prayaga-prasasti
(d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra

Ans: (a) Sohgaura Copper-plate

Explanation:The earliest known copper-plate called Sohgaurais a Maurya record that mentions famine relief efforts.It is one of the very few pre-Ashoka Brahmiinscriptions in India.

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?

1. Lothal : Ancient dockyard
2. Sarnath : First Sermon of Buddha
3. Rajgir : Lion capital of Ashoka
4. Nalanda : Great seat of Buddhist learning

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 2

Ans: (c) 1, 2 and 4

Explanation:Lion capital of Ashoka is in Saranath (not Rajgir).

Assertion (A) and Reason (R) Question

Assertion (A): According to Ashoka’s edicts social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion.
Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion.

(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Ans: (a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A

Explanation:Ashoka’s edicts put stress on social harmonyamong the people by spreading ideas of equity insteadof promotion of religion.

What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India?

1. Gold coins
2. Punch marked silver coins
3. Iron plough
4. Urban culture

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 3, 4, 1, 2
(b) 3, 4, 2, 1
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2
(d) 4, 3, 2, 1

Ans: (d) 4, 3, 2, 1

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?

1. Mrichchakatikam–Shudraka
2. Buddhacharita–Vasuvandhu
3. Mudrarakshasha–Vishakadatta
4. Harshacharita–Banabhatta

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3

Ans: (b) 1, 3 and 4

Explanation:Buddhacharita was written by Ashvaghosh.

The Ashoka major rock edicts which tell us about the Sangam Kingdom include rock edicts:

(a) I and X
(b) I and XI
(c) II and XIII
(d) II and XIV

Ans: (c) II and XIII

Explanation:The ll and Xlll rock edicts mention the southernkingdoms of Chola, Pandya, Satyaputra, Keralaputraand Tambapanni.

Many of the Greeks, Kushanas and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because:

(a) Buddhism was in the ascendant at that time
(b) they had renounced the policy of war and violence
(c) caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them
(d) Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society

Ans: (c) caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them

Explanation:They embraced Buddhism because caste riddenHinduism did not attract them.