UPSC CSE PRE ANCIENT HISTORY- Page 6 of 7

Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?

1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
3. Denial of efficacy of rituals
4. Non-injury to animal life

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

Ans: (b) 2, 3 and 4

Explanation:Both denied the authority of the Vedas and thenecessity of performing sacrifices and rituals. Both ofthem were opposed to animal sacrifices.

Which one of the following is not a part of early Jains literature?

(a) Therigatha
(b) Acarangasutra
(c) Sutrakritanga
(d) Brihatkalpasutra

Ans: (a) Therigatha

Explanation:Therigatha was a part of the Buddhist literature.

The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is :

(a) Sindhu
(b) Sutudri
(c) Sarasvati
(d) Ganga

Ans: (a) Sindhu

Explanation:(a)Sapta Sindhu play a prominent part in the hymnsof the Rigveda, and consequently in early Vedicreligion.

Which one of the following temples figured in the news regarding the institution of the Devadasi?

(a) Jagannath temple, Puri
(b) Pashupatinath temple, Kathmandu
(c) Kandariya Mahadev temple, Khajuraho
(d) Chausath Yogini temple, Bhedaghat

Ans: (a) Jagannath temple, Puri

According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas the sequential order of the cycle of four acons (yugas) is:

(a) Dvapara, Krita, Treta and Kali
(b) Krita, Dvapara, Treta and Kali
(c) Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali
(d) Treta, Dvapara, Kali and Krita

Ans: (c) Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali

Explanation:A complete Yuga starts with the Satya Yuga(Krita), via Treta Yuga and Dvapara Yuga into a KaliYuga.

Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with:

(a) eight hands
(b) six hands
(c) four hands
(d) two hands

Ans: (c) four hands

Explanation:Four handed Bronze icon of Nataraja is the finestexample of Chola sculpture..

According to Mimamsa system of philosophy, liberation is possible by means by:

(a) jnana
(b) bhakti
(c) yoga
(d) karma

Ans: (d) karma

Explanation:According to the Mimamsa system of philosophy, liberation is possible by means of Karma. It was started by Jaimini.

The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by:

(a) Mahayana Buddhism
(b) Hinayana Buddhism
(c) Jainism
(d) The Lokayata school

Ans: (c) Jainism

Explanation:Anuvrata was the five main teachings of Jainism-Ahimsa, Asateya, Aparigraha, Satya and Brahmacharya

The term ‘Yavanapriya’ mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts denoted:

(a) a fine variety of Indian Muslim
(b) ivory
(c) damsels sent to the Greek court for dance performance
(d) pepper

Ans: (d) pepper

Explanation:Yavanas were Indo-Greeks. They liked pepper,that is why pepper was known as Yavanapriya.

The name by which Ashoka is generally referred to his inscriptions is:

(a) Chakravarti
(b) Dharmadeva
(c) Dharmakirti
(d) Priyadarsi

Ans: (d) Priyadarsi

Explanation:n the year 1915 near a village called Maski inRaichur District of Karnataka, a rock inscription wasdiscovered on a hill. In this inscription for the firsttime the name of Ashoka was found with titles likeDevanampriya and Priyadarshi. It was then certainthat Devanampriya Priyadarshi was no other thanAshoka.