63rd Prelims 2018

Explanation:

The most significant feature of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was the use of 'Burnt Brick Buildings'. Harappa, the first discovered site, gave its name to the civilization. John Marshall was the first scholar to term it 'Indus Civilization'. The civilization, dating from 2500 BC to 1750 BC according to Carbon-14 dating, spread across Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Western UP, and Northern Maharashtra. Major cities shared features like systematic grid-pattern town-planning, use of burnt bricks in construction, fortified and underground citadels, except Chanhudaro which lacked a citadel. [63rd BPSC Prelims Exam 2018]

Explanation:

Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nikator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He lived there for six years. Greeks referred to Chandragupta as 'Sandrocottus'. Megasthenes described India as a quadrilateral with seas on both sides, many rivers, and huge mountains. His book 'Indica' details Mauryan administration, military organization, a seven-class society, absence of slavery, the justice system (amputation or death instead of jails), and even tribes with unique features like eight toes pointing backwards. [63rd BPSC Prelims Exam 2018]

Explanation:

Kautilya's Arthashastra is an ancient Sanskrit treatise covering statecraft, political science, economic policy, and military strategy. First translated into English by R. Shamasastry in 1915, it includes discussions on government, law, civil and criminal courts, ethics, economics, markets, trade, theories on war, peace, and the duties and obligations of a king. [63rd BPSC Prelims Exam 2018]

Explanation:

Tripitikas are sacred Buddhist texts. 'Pitaka' means 'basket'. The three Pitakas are: 1. Sutta Pitaka – containing Buddha's sayings, including Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Khuddaka Nikaya, and Anguttara Nikaya; Udana in Khuddaka Nikaya has the story of the 'Blind Men and Elephant'. 2. Vinaya Pitaka – monastic code for monks (Bhikkus) and nuns (Bhikkunis), including Suttavibhanga, Khandakhas (Mahavagga and Cullavagga), and Parivara (summary of rules). 3. Abhidhamma Pitaka – philosophy and religious discourses of Buddha. [63rd BPSC Prelims Exam 2018]

Explanation:

Ashoka's Dhamma, derived from the Sanskrit 'Dharma', was not a new religion or political philosophy but a code of conduct for daily life, aiming to preserve social order. It included obedience to parents, respect for Brahmanas and Buddhist monks, mercy to slaves and servants, promoting peace and non-violence, respect for elders, and religious tolerance. Hence, Option E (more than one of the above) is the most suitable. [63rd BPSC Prelims Exam 2018]

Explanation:

The division of Mauryan society into seven classes is mentioned in 'The Indica' by Megasthenes. He describes India as a quadrilateral with seas on both sides, many rivers, and huge mountains. 'Indica' covers Mauryan administration, military organization, seven caste systems (Philosophers, Farmers, Herdsmen, Artisans, Military, Administrators, Councillors), absence of slavery, justice system (amputation or death), and tribes with unique features. [63rd BPSC Prelims Exam 2018]

Explanation:

The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien (405-411 AD) visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). He is recognized as the first Chinese pilgrim to India and provided valuable information about the Gupta dynasty in his work 'Fo-kyu-Ki'. [63rd BPSC Prelims Exam 2018]

Explanation:

The Chola age is noted for 'village assemblies'. There were three types: 'Ur' (general village assembly with all landowners), 'Sabha' (assembly exclusively of Brahmins), and 'Nagaram' (assembly of merchants and traders). [63rd BPSC Prelims Exam 2018]

Explanation:

Vijayanagara, meaning 'City of Victory', was an empire founded in the 14th century by Harihar and Bukka. Its ruins are at Hampi, rediscovered in 1800 by Colonel Mackenzie, who became the first Surveyor General of India in 1815. The name 'Hampi' comes from the local mother goddess 'Pampadevi'. The Reserve Bank of India features the 'Stone Chariot of Hampi' on its Rs 50 note to showcase cultural heritage. [63rd BPSC Prelims Exam 2018]

Explanation:

Balban (1266-1287 AD) was the first Muslim ruler to develop the 'theory of kingship', akin to the 'divine right of kings'. He consolidated the power of the crown, broke the 'Chalisa' of Iltutmish, established the military department 'Diwan-i-Arz', assumed the title 'Zil-i-Illahi' (Shadow of God), and introduced 'Sijda' (prostration) and 'Paibos' (kissing the monarch's feet) as forms of salutation. [63rd BPSC Prelims Exam 2018]

Explanation:

European paintings were introduced in Akbar's court (1556-1605 AD) by Portuguese priests. These influenced perspective techniques such as foreshortening. Humayun employed Iranian painters Sayyid Ali and Abdul Samad. Daswant and Basawan were prominent painters in Akbar’s court. Mughal painting reached its zenith under Jahangir (1605-1627 AD), with notable painters including Abul Hasan, Bishan Das, Mansur, Inayat, and Balchand. [63rd BPSC Prelims Exam 2018]