Ancient History UPSC PYQ 2011 — UPSC Practice Questions

Question 1

India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations ?

Accepted Answer

Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages

Answer

As compared to other countries, India had a better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times

Answer

The rulers of southern India always patronized traders, brahmin priests and buddhist monks in this context

Answer

Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanations in this context

Question 2

The "dharma" and "rita" depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one's duties to oneself and to others.
2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Both 1 and 2

Answer

1 only

Answer

2 only

Answer

Neither 1 nor 2

Question 3

Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements :
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Both 1 and 2

Answer

1 only

Answer

2 only

Answer

Neither 1 nor 2