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UPSC Assistant Commandant Ancient India With Important Facts

   Published Date: 28th April 2023
UPSC Assistant Commandant Ancient India With Important Facts

UPSC Assistant Commandant Ancient India With Important Facts

Hello Aspirants,

Ancient India is a rich and fascinating period of history, spanning thousands of years and encompassing a wide range of cultures, religions, and political systems. Here are some important facts about ancient India:

The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the earliest and most sophisticated civilizations in ancient India, with major urban centers at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.

The Vedic Period, which began around 1500 BCE, is characterized by the emergence of Hinduism and the composition of the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts in the world.

The Maurya Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE, was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India, and was known for its efficient bureaucratic system and advanced military tactics.

Ashoka the Great, who ruled the Maurya Empire from 268 to 232 BCE, is known for his conversion to Buddhism and his promotion of nonviolence and religious tolerance.

The Gupta Empire, which flourished from the 4th to 6th centuries CE, is known for its achievements in art, literature, and mathematics, including the invention of the decimal system and the concept of zero.

Buddhism and Jainism emerged as major religions in ancient India, emphasizing nonviolence, spiritual enlightenment, and the rejection of materialism.

The caste system, which divided Indian society into four main classes (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras), played a major role in ancient Indian society and continues to influence Indian culture today.

Ancient India was known for its advances in science, medicine, and technology, including the development of Ayurvedic medicine, the use of iron and steel, and the creation of the world’s first university at Nalanda.

The Mughal Empire, which ruled much of India from the 16th to 19th centuries, is known for its contributions to architecture, art, and literature, including the construction of the Taj Mahal.

The British East India Company established a presence in India in the 17th century, leading to British colonial rule over the subcontinent until independence in 1947. This period had a significant impact on Indian culture and politics, including the introduction of Western education and the growth of Indian nationalism.

Download GK Notes 

Most Important Ancient India Question Answer

Q 1.The Boghazkoi inscription was discovered in __?
[A] India
[B] Iran
[C] Syria
[D] Turkey

Answer: D [ Turkey ]
Notes:- Homeland of Aryans : one of the inscription proves that the Aryans are from Central Asia is Boghazkoi (Asia Minor ,Turkey ) Inscription.
Q 2.In context of Mauryan administration, who was regarded as the ‘Chief treasury officer’?
[A] Samaharta
[B] Paura
[C] Sannidhata
[D] Karmantika

Answer: C [ Sannidhata ]
Notes:- As per the Arthashastra of Chankya, there were two important officers in the Central Administration. These are Sannidhata (the Chief treasury officer) and Samaharta (the Chief Collector General of Revenue).
Q 3.Which Indian city was also known as Kusumapura during the ancient period?
[A] Allahabad
[B] Patna
[C] Ujjain
[D] Amaravati

Answer: B [ Patna ]
Notes:- Patna was known as Kusumapura during the ancient period. Aryabhata called himself a native of Kusumapura or Pataliputra (present day Patna, Bihar).
Q 4.Who among the following is said to have crossed the Vindhyas in the later Vedic age and aryanise the south ?
[A] Parashara
[B] Agatsya
[C] Jamadagni
[D] Vasistha

Answer: B [Agatsya]
Notes:- During the Later Vedic Age the Aryans thoroughly subdued the fertile plains watered by Yamuna, Ganges and Sadanira. They crossed the Vindhyas and settled in the Deccan, to the north of Godavari. Sage Agastya was the first to cross the Vindhyas.
Q 5.Katyotsarga pose is a gesture of which of the following?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Shiva
[C] Mahavira
[D] Gautam Buddha

Answer: C [Mahavira]
Notes:- Katyotsarga pose is a gesture of Mahavira. Kayotsarga is a yogic posture which is an important part of Jain meditataion. seated cross-legged on a lion throne in the posture of meditation, dhyanamudra.
Q 6.In which of the following marriages in Vedic era, a girl was given by her father to a sage?
[A] Brahma marriage
[B] Daiva Marriage
[C] Gandharva Marriage
[D] Arsha Marriage

Answer: D [Arsha Marriage]
Notes:- In Arsha marriage, the girl is given in marriage to a sage. One example of Arsh Marriage is that of Agastya with Lopamudra.
Q 7.Nalanda University was founded by which of the following ?
[A] Kumaragupta
[B] Skandagupta
[C] Samudragupta
[D] None of the above

Answer: A [Kumaragupta]
Notes:- The Nalanda University was founded by Gupta emperor Kumargupta I. He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. It was established in 5th century.
Q 8.Which of the following dynasty was ruling in India, when Alexander invaded India?
[A] Nanda Dynasty
[B] Shunga Dynasty
[C] Maurya Dynasty
[D] Shishunaga Dynasty

Answer: A [Nanda Dynasty]
Notes:- The Nanda dynasty ruled in northern part of the Indian subcontinent during the 4th century BCE, and possibly during the 5th century BCE. In 326 BC, Alexander invaded India, after crossing the river Indus he advanced towards Taxila.
Q 9.Select the statement which is NOT correct regarding Kalidasa:
[A] Kalidasa was a renowned Sanskrit poet and dramatist of Gupta period.
[B] He was one of the nine gems in the court of Chandragupta I.
[C] Kumarasambhavam and Ritusamhara are his two epic works.
[D] His plays and poetry are primarily based on Hindu Puranas and philosophy

Answer: B [He was one of the nine gems in the court of Chandragupta I.]
Notes:- He was one of the nine gems in the court of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya.
Q 10.Which of the following is not an event in ancient Indian history in BC era?
[A] Foundation of the Indo-Greek empire
[B] Beginning of Vikram samvat Era
[C] Fourth Buddhist Council
[D] Hathigumpha inscription by Kharvela

Answer: C [ Fourth Buddhist Council]
Notes:- Foundation of the Indo-Greek empire by Demetrius in 182 BC. Beginning of Vikram samvat Era in 58BC by Vikramaditya of Ujjain. Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD under the patronage of Kushan king Kanishka. The King Kharavela of Kalinga left Hathigumpha inscription in around 50BC. So correct answer would be C.

Q 11.Amarsimha whose work Amarkosha is related to which of the following ?
[A] Poetry
[B] Lexicography
[C] Grammar
[D] wars

Answer: B [Lexicography]
Notes:- The Amarakosha is a vocabulary of Sanskrit roots, in three books, and hence sometimes called Trikanda or the “Tripartite”. Lexicography is the activity or occupation of compiling dictionaries.
Q 12.Which among the following is Not correctly matched?
[A] Takshshila – Gandhar
[B] Viratanagara – Matsya
[C] Surasena – Kausambi
[D] All are correct

Answer: C [Surasena – Kausambi]
Notes:- Shurasena was an ancient Yadava ruler of Mathura after whom the Surasena Kingdom or Mahajanpada and the Yadava sect of Surasenas were named. Kaushambi was was the capital of the Vatsa kingdom, one of the sixteen mahajanapadas.
Q 13.In which of the following Buddhist Councils , the compilation of Dhamma Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka took Place?
[A] 1st
[B] 2nd
[C] 3rd
[D] 4th

Answer: A [1st]
Notes:- First Buddhist Council in 483 at Satparni caves near Rajgriha
Q 14.Who among the following annexed Anga to Magadha?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Ashoka
[D] Samudragupta

Answer: B [Bimbisara]
Notes:- Anga was annexed to Magadha by Bimbisara. He was the main reason for the expansion of the empire. He annexed Anga, Kosi etc.
Q 15.Who among the following established Mewar Kingdom in Rajasthan ?
[A] Nagaditya
[B] Shiladitya
[C] Bappa Rawal
[D] Mahdenra II

Answer: C [Bappa Rawal]
Notes:- Mewar or Mewad is a region in the south-central part of Rajasthan state of India. It was established by Bappa Rawal. The bardic chronicles describe him as a member of the Guhila clan of Rajputs, and some of these consider him as the founder of the Guhila dynasty.
Q 16.With reference to the position of women in Rig-Vedic India, which among the following observations is / are correct?
1.A girl generally selected her own husband
2.Unmarried girls obtained a share in paternal property
3.Widows could remarry after death of their husbands
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3

Answer: D [ 1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:- There were no unhealthy restrictions upon Hindu women in those days, no rules to keep them secluded or debarred from their legitimate place in society. A girl generally selected her own husband, but her parents’ wishes were for the most part respected. We have frequent allusions to careful and industrious wives who superintended the arrangements of the house, and, like the dawn, roused everyone in the morning and sent him to his work. Girls who remained unmarried obtained a share in the paternal property. Widows could re-marry after the death of their husbands. (RC Datt)
Q 17.Consider the following statements:
The Atharvaveda deals with peace and prosperity of human society and contains the procedures for everyday life
The Samaveda is the Veda of melodies and chants
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:- The Sama Veda is the Yoga of Song. It consists of various hymns of the Rig Veda put to a different and more musical chant. The Atharvaveda deals with peace and prosperity of human society and contains the procedures for everyday life.
Q 18.Which of the following is / are correct statements with respect to the Indus Valley Civilization people?
They were primarily rural people engaged in agriculture
They had great reverence for bull
They used horse for war and outdoor games
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B [ 2 Only ]
Notes:- Only second statement is correct in this question. Indus valley is considered to be made of urban settlements primarily. Use of horse by Indus Valley People is also doubtful.
Q 19.Consider the following statements about the Chalcolithic Phase:
The chalcolithic people cultivated cereals in abundance
Chalcolithic people were the first to uses painted pottery
The chalcolithic phase had an essential rural background
Use of iron axes and ploughs made production far more efficient
Which of the above statements are correct?

[A] 1, 3 & 4 Only
[B] 1, 2 & 3 Only
[C] 2, 3 & 4 Only
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4

Answer: B [ 1, 2 & 3 Only ]
Notes:- Fourth statement is incorrect because the use of iron implements had no place in chalcolithic culture. The people used copper to make tools and weapons. The supply of copper was limited and people didn’t know the use of bronze. Most of the Chalcolithic people domesticated cattle and lived in central and western India and did not practise cultivation on large scale.
Q 20.In which of the following the only mention of the four varnas was found?
[A] Fifth mandal
[B] Tenth mandal
[C] Seventh mandal
[D] First mandal

Answer: B [Tenth mandal]
Notes:- The tenth mandal of the Rig Veda contains the only mention of the four varnas. It was found in the Purusashukta of the tenth mandal of the Rig Veda. The varna system was probably introduced towards the end of the Rig Vedic age.

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