Question 1

Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included?

Accepted Answer

Deva (gods). * Yaksha is NOT included: In Jain philosophy, rebirth is classified into four principal forms of existence (Gati) determined by an individual's karma. These four Gatis are: Deva (heavenly beings), Manushya (human beings), Tiryancha (animals, birds, insects, plants), and Naraka (infernal beings).

* Yakshas are regarded as semi-divine attendant deities in the Jain tradition, but they are not categorized as one of the four principal Gatis recognized in Jain philosophy.

Question 2

In which one among the following texts does the term kshetra-patni ('mistress of the field') originate?

Accepted Answer

Rigveda. * Atharvaveda: The term Kshetra-patni ("Lady or Mistress of the Field") is associated with the Atharvaveda, where it appears in the context of agrarian and fertility rites. The Atharvaveda places greater emphasis on agricultural practices, household rituals, and fertility ceremonies.

* Note: By contrast, the Rigveda mentions the masculine counterpart Kshetrapati ("Lord or Protector of the Field"), who is invoked for the protection, fertility, and successful yield of cultivated land.

Question 3

The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was:

Accepted Answer

a water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley. * (b) is correct: The 'ara-ghatta' originates from the blend of the Sanskrit words "ara" (spoke) and "ghatta" (pot).

* It refers to a large waterwheel featuring earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes, designed to lift water from open wells for the irrigation of land.

Question 4

Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles 'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta' and 'Gunabhara'?

Accepted Answer

Mahendravarman I. * (a) Mahendravarman I is correct: He was a Pallava king who ruled from 600 A.D. to 630 A.D. and assumed many titles such as 'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta', and 'Gunabhara'.

* The Mandagappattu inscription hails him as Vichitrachitta because he constructed a temple for Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva without the use of bricks, timber, metal, and mortar. He was also a great scholar in the Sanskrit language and wrote the satirical drama Mattavilasa Prahasanam.

Question 5

Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of:

Accepted Answer

Samudragupta. * (b) Chandragupta II is correct: The reign of Chandragupta II saw the high-water mark of the Gupta Empire, and he adopted the title of Vikramaditya.

* An important incident that took place during his reign was the visit of Fa-Hien, a Chinese pilgrim, who came to India in search of authentic Buddhist texts.

Question 6

Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?

Accepted Answer

Prataparudra (Kakatiya). * (c) Rajendra I (Chola) is correct: Rajendra Chola I (reigned 1014–1044 CE) succeeded his father Rajaraja Chola I.

* He continued the policy of expansion, which included an expedition to the Ganges valley. Even more ambitious was Rajendra's overseas campaign involving both his army and his navy against the kingdom of Srivijaya in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and southern Thailand.

Question 7

Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the 'Pradeshika', 'Rajuka' and 'Yukta' were important officers at the:

Accepted Answer

village-level administration. * (b) district-level administration is correct: In Mauryan administration, a collection of districts formed a province. At the district level, the officials listed in inscriptions were the Pradeshika, Rajuka, and Yukta.

* The Pradeshika was the overall in-charge of the district. The Rajuka was responsible for the survey and assessment of land, while the Yukta was a junior officer giving secretarial assistance.

Question 8

The famous female figurine known as 'Dancing Girl', found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of:

Accepted Answer

clay. * (c) bronze is correct: The iconic 'Dancing Girl' figurine discovered at Mohenjo-daro is an outstanding 4-inch-tall masterpiece made entirely of bronze, representing the advanced metallurgical expertise of the Indus Valley Civilization.

* The artifact was manufactured approximately 4,500 years ago using the sophisticated lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue), showing a confident posture adorned with bangles.

Question 9

Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on:

Accepted Answer

Visuddhimagga. * (c) Sarvastivada Vinaya is correct: India developed deep cultural and religious exchanges with China by sending Buddhist missionary monks. Monks like Kumarajiva and Sanghabhuti traveled to China to propagate texts, and Sanghabhuti authored an important commentary focusing specifically on the Sarvastivada Vinaya.

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