Question 1

Which of the following is a Harappan Port?

Accepted Answer

Lothal was a port city of the Harappan Civilization. Other notable Harappan port cities include Kuntasi, Balakot, Allahdino, and Suktagendor. Details of Lothal: Located in Bhogava district, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, excavated by S.R Rao in 1954. Archaeological finds include a dockyard, rice husk, fire altars, double burials, terracotta model of a ship, Persian seal, painted jar with bird and fox, and terracotta figure of a horse. [53rd-55th BPSC Prelims Exam 2011]

Question 2

The Gupta emperor who defeated the 'Hunas' was

Accepted Answer

Skandagupta [455-467 AD] was the last great ruler of the Gupta dynasty. During his reign, the Huns invaded the Gupta Empire, and he successfully repelled their attack. After his death, successors like Purugupta, Narasimhagupta, Buddhagupta, and Baladitya could not protect the empire from further Hun invasions. [53rd-55th BPSC Prelims Exam 2011]

Question 3

What is the name of Kalhana’s book?

Accepted Answer

'Rajatarangini' (The River of Kings) was written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri historian Kalhana in the 12th century AD. It is a metrical, legendary, and historical chronicle of north-western India, particularly focusing on the kings of Kashmir. The text consists of 7,826 verses divided into eight books called 'tarangas'. It is considered the earliest historical text on Kashmir. Arthashastra was written by Kautilya; Indica by Megasthenes. [53rd-55th BPSC Prelims Exam 2011]

Question 4

Which inscription tells about the various achievements of Rudradaman I?

Accepted Answer

The Junagarh Rock Inscription (Girnar Rock Inscription) records the achievements of Rudradaman I, the most famous Saka ruler in India [130-150 AD]. He was known for his military conquests against the Satavahanas and public works such as repairing the Sudarshan lake of the Mauryan period to irrigate the dry regions of Saurashtra. The inscription is notable as the first long inscription in chaste Sanskrit. [53rd-55th BPSC Prelims Exam 2011]

Question 5

Who was the first ruler of the Slave dynasty?

Accepted Answer

Qutubuddin Aibak was the first ruler of the Slave dynasty [1206-1290] of the Delhi Sultanate. Originally a slave of Mohammad Ghori, he founded the dynasty after Ghori’s death in 1206 AD. Known as 'Lakh Baksh' for his generosity, he died in 1210 AD while playing polo (Chaugan). He constructed the 'Quwat-ul-Islam' mosque in Delhi and 'Adhai Din Ka Jhopra' in Ajmer. Patronized scholars Hasan-un-Nizami ('Taj-ul-Massir') and Fakhruddin ('Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi'). [53rd-55th BPSC Prelims Exam 2011]

Question 6

Who was the ruler of Devagiri at the time of Alauddin Khilji’s invasion?

Accepted Answer

Ramachandra Dev was the ruler of Devagiri during Alauddin Khilji’s invasion. He belonged to the Yadava dynasty with capital at Devagiri. In 1296, Alauddin sent Malik Kafur against him, and he submitted, paying rich tributes. 'Hazar Dinari' refers to Malik Kafur, who was purchased for 1000 dinars from Nusrat Khan. Despite being illiterate, Alauddin patronized poets like Amir Khusrau and Amir Hasan. In 1303, he invaded Chittor Fort, where Raja Ratan Singh and soldiers fought valiantly. Rani Padmini performed 'Jauhar', described in 'Padmavat' by Malik Mohammad Jayasi. [53rd-55th BPSC Prelims Exam 2011]

Question 7

Who among the following Muslim rulers abolished the 'Pilgrimage Tax'?

Accepted Answer

Akbar abolished the Pilgrimage tax (Haj tax) in 1563 AD. His religious policies were influenced by early contact with Sufi saints, teachings of his tutor Abdul Latif, and marriage with Hindu women, notably Jodha Bai of Amber. Akbar also abolished Jaziya in 1564, introduced the Mansabdari system in 1574, built Ibadatkhana in 1575, proclaimed 'Mazhar' in 1579, introduced Dahsala Bandobast in 1580, and founded Din-i-Ilahi in 1582. [53rd-55th BPSC Prelims Exam 2011]

Question 8

What was 'Dar-ul-Shafa' established by Firoz Tughlaq?

Accepted Answer

'Dar-ul-Shafa' established by Firoz Tughlaq was a free hospital at Delhi. Firoz Tughlaq [1351-1388 AD], cousin of Mohammad Tughlaq, became sultan after his death. He allowed noble succession to sons, prohibited women from worshipping at graves, and imposed four taxes: Kharaj (land tax 1/10), Zakat (2% on property), Jizya (non-Muslims), Khams (1/5th war booty). He improved agriculture by repairing canals and levied 'Haque-i-Sharb' (water tax). Departments: Diwan-i-Khairat (charity), Diwan-i-Bandgan (slaves), Diwan-i-Isthiaq (pensions). [53rd-55th BPSC Prelims Exam 2011]

Question 9

Where did Mahatma Buddha give his first 'Dharma Chakrapravartana'?

Accepted Answer

Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath to his five disciples. This event, symbolized by the Wheel, is known as 'Dharmachakra Pravartana' [Turning the Wheel of Law]. [53rd-55th BPSC Prelims Exam 2011]

Question 10

Where did Mahatma Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana take place?

Accepted Answer

Mahaparinirvana (Death) of Mahatma Buddha occurred at Kushinara [capital of Malla Mahajanapada] in 483 BC at age 80. This event is symbolized by the Stupa. [53rd-55th BPSC Prelims Exam 2011]

53th-55th Prelims 2011