Question 1

Who among the following was not associated with the excavation of Harappa and Mohenjodaro?

Accepted Answer

Vincent Arthur Smith (V.A Smith) was not associated with the excavation of Harappa and Mohenjodaro. He was an Irish Indologist, historian, member of the Indian Civil Service, and curator. He authored 'The Early History of India' in 1914. Excavation facts: Madho Swaroop Vatsa excavated Harappa in 1926; Rakhal Das Banerjee excavated Mohenjodaro in 1922; Kashi Narayan Dikshit was part of John Marshall's team that excavated Mohenjodaro in 1937 and later became Director General of Archaeological Survey of India. [56-59th BPSC Prelims Exam 2015]

Question 2

Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon at

Accepted Answer

Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath to his five disciples. This event is symbolized by the Dharmachakra (Wheel of Law) and is known as 'Dharmachakra Pravartana'. Important Facts about Buddha: Born in 563 BC at Lumbini, clan Sakya Kshatriya, father Suddhodhana (republican king of Kapilavastu), mother Mahamaya, stepmother Mahaprajapati Gautami, wife Yasodhara (son Rahul). Teachers: Alara Kalama and Udraka Ramputra. Four signs leading to renunciation: old man, diseased person, dead body, ascetic. Mahabhinishkramana at age 29 symbolizes leaving home for spiritual quest, riding horse Kanthaka with charioteer Channa. Nirvana attained at 35 under Bodhi tree with aid of Sujata. Mahaparinirvana at 80 in 483 BC at Kushinagara. [56-59th BPSC Prelims Exam 2015]

Question 3

Who is called the 'Napoleon of Ancient India'?

Accepted Answer

Due to his military conquests, Samudragupta was hailed as the 'Napoleon of Ancient India' by V.A Smith. Samudragupta [335-380 AD] was the greatest king of the Gupta empire. His reign is detailed in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayaga Prasati) composed by court poet Harisena. Military campaigns: 1) North India - defeated Achyuta and Nagasena, annexing their states; 2) Dakshinapatha expedition - defeated 12 South Indian rulers but only imposed suzerainty; 3) Second campaign in North India - defeated remaining rivals. Post victories, performed asvamedha sacrifice and issued coins inscribed 'restorer of the asvamedha'. Patron of poet Harisena and Buddhist scholar Vasubandhu. Known for magnanimity, poetic skill, Vaishnavism, and tolerance. [56-59th BPSC Prelims Exam 2015]

Question 4

Which Chinese traveller visited India during the Harshavardhana’s rule?

Accepted Answer

Hieun Tsang [630-645 AD] visited India during Harshavardhana's reign and stayed for 15 years. He wrote 'Si-yu-ki' (The Records of the Western World) and is recognized as the 'Prince of Pilgrims'. [56-59th BPSC Prelims Exam 2015]

Question 5

What is 'Adhai Din Ka Jhopda'?

Accepted Answer

'Adhai Din Ka Jhopda' is a historical mosque in Ajmer, Rajasthan. It exemplifies early Indo-Islamic architecture. Constructed under the commission of Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1192 and designed by Abu Bakr of Herat. Completed in 1199 AD. [56-59th BPSC Prelims Exam 2015]

Question 6

In which language was 'Tuzuk-i-Baburi' written?

Accepted Answer

'Tuzuk-i-Baburi' is the autobiography of Mughal emperor Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur, written in Turkish. It details historical events, the empire, and flora/fauna of Hindustan. Translated into Persian as 'Baburnama' in 1589 by Abdur Rahim Khan. [56-59th BPSC Prelims Exam 2015]

Question 7

Who was the commander of Rana Pratap’s army in the Battle of Haldighati?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was fought between Mewar forces led by Maharana Pratap and Mughal forces led by Man Singh I of Amber. Hakim Khan commanded Rana Pratap’s army. Rana Pratap was defeated but continued resistance. Haldighati is in Rajasthan. He killed Afzal Khan (deputed by Adil Shah of Bijapur) in 1659. Signed the Treaty of Purandhar in 1665, ceding forts and visiting Mughal court at Agra. Coronated in 1674 at Raigarh as 'Haindava Dharmodharak' (Protector of Hinduism). [56-59th BPSC Prelims Exam 2015]

Question 8

Where was the capital of Shivaji?

Accepted Answer

The capital of Shivaji was Raigarh. Important facts: Born at Shivneri Fort in 1627. Religious teacher was Samarth Ramdas. After death of guardian Dadaji Kondadev in 1647, he assumed full charge of his jagir. [56-59th BPSC Prelims Exam 2015]

Question 9

Who was the author of 'Indica'?

Accepted Answer

Megasthenes [302-298 BC], a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nikator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya, lived 6 years at the Mauryan court. Greeks called Chandragupta 'Sandrocottus'. 'Indica' describes India as a quadrilateral with seas on both sides, many rivers, and huge mountains. It details Mauryan administration, military organization, and mentions seven caste systems (Philosophers, Farmers, Herdsmen, Artisans, Military, Administrators, Councillors). [56-59th BPSC Prelims Exam 2015]

56th-59th Prelims 2015