UPSC IAS / IPS
Civil Services Prelims and Mains prep
32 Questions 15 Topics Take Test
Advertisement
Showing 1–10 of 32 questions
The rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora contain significant Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments. Which dynasty is primarily credited with the construction of these caves?
A Satavahana and Vakatakas
B Maurya and Gupta
C Chalukya and Rashtrakuta
D Chola and Pandya
Correct Answer:  A. Satavahana and Vakatakas
EXPLANATION

The Ajanta caves (c. 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE) and Ellora caves (c. 5th to 10th century CE) were constructed over a long period.

The earlier Ajanta caves are primarily associated with the Satavahana dynasty, while Ellora caves were built by various dynasties including the Vakatakas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas.

However, the initial patronage and bulk of construction at Ajanta is credited to the Satavahanas, making them primary contributors to these monumental rock-cut structures.

Take Test
Which early Buddhist council was responsible for the compilation of the Buddhist canon (Tipitaka) in the form recognized today?
A First Buddhist Council under Ashoka
B Second Buddhist Council
C Third Buddhist Council under Ashoka
D Fourth Buddhist Council under Kanishka
Correct Answer:  C. Third Buddhist Council under Ashoka
EXPLANATION

The Third Buddhist Council, convened by Ashoka at Pataliputra (c. 250 BCE), standardized the Buddhist canon and sent missionaries to spread Buddhism.

The Tipitaka (Three Baskets) comprising Vinaya, Suttas, and Abhidhamma were formally compiled during this council.

This was crucial for establishing canonical orthodoxy.

Take Test
Which of the following Ashoka edicts specifically addresses the relationship between the ruler and his subjects and emphasizes the welfare of all people?
A Rock Edict I
B Rock Edict VI
C Pillar Edict I
D Kalinga Edict
Correct Answer:  B. Rock Edict VI
EXPLANATION

Rock Edict VI emphasizes Ashoka's administrative accessibility to his subjects, stating that he is always available to hear their grievances and concerns regardless of their status.

It reflects his commitment to the welfare principle (praja-sukhe) inherent in his Dhamma policy.

Take Test
The concept of 'Chakravartin' (universal monarch) in ancient India primarily implied:
A A monarch who ruled with absolute and autocratic powers
B A monarch whose overlordship was recognized by neighboring rulers and who followed chakravala conquests
C A merchant prince controlling trade routes
D A feudal lord under a stronger king
Correct Answer:  B. A monarch whose overlordship was recognized by neighboring rulers and who followed chakravala conquests
EXPLANATION

Chakravartin (wheel-turner) denoted a paramount sovereign whose suzerainty was acknowledged by other rulers through tributary relationships.

It involved ritualistic chakravala (circular) conquests where enemies submitted peacefully.

This concept is found in Sanskrit texts and ancient Indian political theory.

Take Test
Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, renounced worldly life at what age?
A 25 years
B 28 years
C 30 years
D 35 years
Correct Answer:  C. 30 years
EXPLANATION

According to Jain texts, Mahavira (599-527 BCE) renounced his family and kingdom at the age of 30 and pursued ascetic practices for 12 years before attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience).

He was a contemporary of Buddha.

Take Test
Advertisement
The Chola dynasty's maritime trade networks during the Sangam Age extended to which of the following regions?
A Only Indian coastal regions
B Southeast Asia and possibly Egypt
C Greece and the Mediterranean
D China exclusively
Correct Answer:  B. Southeast Asia and possibly Egypt
EXPLANATION

Archaeological and literary evidence indicates Chola maritime trade extended to Southeast Asian regions (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia) and possibly Egypt.

Tamil inscriptions found in Southeast Asia and Roman coins found in South India confirm this extensive network.

Trade with China occurred but was not exclusive to China.

Take Test
Jainism, as propounded by Vardhamana Mahavira, differs from contemporary Buddhism primarily in its concept of:
A Ahimsa (non-violence)
B Karma and its relationship to the soul
C Monastic organization and discipline
D Rejection of Vedic authority
Correct Answer:  B. Karma and its relationship to the soul
EXPLANATION

While both Buddhism and Jainism reject Vedic authority and emphasize ahimsa, they differ fundamentally on karma.

Jainism believes karma is a material substance that attaches to the soul (Jiva), while Buddhism denies the existence of an eternal soul.

Mahavira's emphasis on karma as material binding force distinguishes Jainism from Buddhist philosophy.

Take Test
Consider the following statements about early Buddhism:
1. The Buddha rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Brahmanical caste system
2. The Sangha (monastic community) required members to renounce worldly life
3. Bodhi Sattva concept was central to early Buddhism

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A 1 and 2 only
B 1 and 3 only
C 2 and 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer:  A. 1 and 2 only
EXPLANATION

Statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Early Buddhism (Theravada) rejected Vedic authority and caste system, and the Sangha required renunciation.

Statement 3 is incorrect as Bodhisattva concept is central to Mahayana Buddhism, not early Buddhism.

Early Buddhism focused on the individual's path to Nirvana through the Eightfold Path.

Take Test
Which of the following statements about the emergency provisions under the Indian Constitution is INCORRECT?
A National Emergency can be declared only on grounds of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion
B During President's rule, the President can exercise all legislative and executive powers of the State
C Financial Emergency requires the President's proclamation but doesn't require approval of Parliament
D A National Emergency can remain in force indefinitely without any time limit
Correct Answer:  D. A National Emergency can remain in force indefinitely without any time limit
EXPLANATION

Article 352 (National Emergency) requires that the proclamation be laid before Parliament, and must be approved within 30 days.

If Parliament approves, it can last for 6 months and can be renewed.

However, it does have a maximum duration constraint through parliamentary renewal requirements.

The 44th Amendment Act imposed several safeguards on emergency provisions.

Take Test
Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was modified by which constitutional amendment?
A 370th Amendment Act
B Constitution (Application to J&K) Order, 2019
C 35th Amendment Act
D 90th Amendment Act
Correct Answer:  B. Constitution (Application to J&K) Order, 2019
EXPLANATION

Article 370 was effectively abrogated through the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order issued by the President in August 2019, coupled with the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

This was not a formal constitutional amendment but was justified as invoking Article 370(1)(d) itself to abrogate Article 370.

Take Test
IGET
iget AI
Online · Ask anything about exams
Hi! 👋 I'm your iget AI assistant.

Ask me anything about exam prep, MCQ solutions, study tips, or strategies! 🎯
UPSC strategy SSC CGL syllabus Improve aptitude NEET Biology tips