UPSC Prelims previous year questions on Socio-Economic Life & Accounts (Ancient History) — real questions with answers and explanations.
2026Multi-statement (Traditional Style)Socio-Economic Life & Accounts
Consider the following statements:
I. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., kahapana, nikkha, kamsa, and kakanika.
II. The literary evidence from Pali texts is corroborated by archaeological evidence of punch-marked coins from many sites, most of them made of silver.
The above statements have been associated with which of the following?
1. Emergence of urban life
2. Transition to money economy
A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: * Statement 1 is correct: References to various types of coins in Pali literature point to the growth of trade and a vibrant commercial economy. The widespread recovery of punch-marked coins from archaeological sites indicates the circulation of currency, which facilitated market transactions and enabled the expansion of urban centres.
* Statement 2 is correct: The occurrence of terms like kahapana, nikkha, kamsa, and kakanika in Pali texts, coupled with archaeological evidence of punch-marked coins, highlights a gradual transition from a predominantly barter-based system to a more monetised economy.
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2025Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQSocio-Economic Life & Accounts
The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was:
A.a water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley
B.a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes
C.a larger earthen pot driven by bullocks
D.a large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand
Explanation: * (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.
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2025Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQSocio-Economic Life & Accounts
Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of:
A.Samudragupta
B.Chandragupta II
C.Kumaragupta I
D.Skandagupta
Explanation: * (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.
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