66th Prelims Re 2021

Explanation:

The first human fossil in India was discovered from the Narmada Valley. On 5th December 1982, geologist Arun Sonakia found a fossil of a human ancestor at Hathnora village in Sehore district, approximately 35 kilometers east of Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh. The fossil, known as the Narmada human, is a skull belonging to the Homo erectus species, which lived between 1.8 million and 200,000 years ago. Sonakia estimated the fossil's age to be 500,000-600,000 years, and the individual was likely 25-30 years old. [66th BPSC Prelims Re-Exam 2021]

Explanation:

The first empire in India was established by Chandragupta Maurya. He overthrew the last Nanda ruler, Dhanananda, and captured Pataliputra in 322 BC with the guidance of his advisor Kautilya. In 305 BC, Chandragupta defeated Seleucus Nicator and acquired territories including Herat, Kandahar, Baluchistan, and Kabul in exchange for 500 elephants. Under him, Northern India was unified for the first time. Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent to his court by Seleucus Nicator. Later, Chandragupta became a Jain and retired to Chandragiri Hill, Shravanabelagola, in Karnataka with his guru Bhadrabahu. [66th BPSC Prelims Re-Exam 2021]

Explanation:

The oldest sculptures of Buddha were made in the Gandhara style. The seated Buddha from Gandhara is an early surviving statue discovered at Jamal Garhi in ancient Gandhara (modern-day Pakistan) dating to the 2nd or 3rd century AD during the Kushan Empire. Gandhara art blends Indian and Graeco-Roman elements, depicting Buddha in various postures and scenes like his birth, renunciation, and preaching. Its salient features include realistic human body modelling with detailed muscles and facial features, thick drapery with bold folds, rich carvings, elaborate ornamentation, and symbolic expressions. Gandhara art emerged with Mahayana Buddhism and the evolution of Buddha's iconography. [66th BPSC Prelims Re-Exam 2021]

Explanation:

The Kalinga victory is mentioned in Major Rock Edict XIII of Ashoka, which is the largest of Ashoka's edicts. It records the Kalinga War of 261 BC and Ashoka's dhamma victory over South India, including regions of Cholas and Pandyas. The edict also references Greek rulers such as Antiochus of Syria (Amtiyoko), Ptolemy of Egypt (Turamaye), Magas of Cyrene (Maka), Antigonus of Macedon (Amtikini), and Alexander of Epirus (Alikasudaro). The Maski Inscription confirms the title 'Devanampiya Piyadasi' for Ashoka. Junagarh Inscription contains records of Ashoka, Saka ruler Rudradaman, and Skandagupta. Hathigumpha Inscription details the history of the Chedi dynasty and King Kharavela, a Jain patron. [66th BPSC Prelims Re-Exam 2021]

Explanation:

Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316 AD) initiated the Public Distribution System during the Sultanate period. This was part of his market reforms, which included paying soldiers in cash, controlling prices of commodities, and establishing four markets in Delhi: one for grain, another for cloth, sugar, dried fruits, butter, and oil, a third for horses, slaves, and cattle, and a fourth for miscellaneous commodities. Each market was managed by a high officer called Shahna-i-Mandi, and grain stocks were maintained in government storehouses to stabilize supply and prices. [66th BPSC Prelims Re-Exam 2021]

Explanation:

The Battle of Talikota occurred in 1565 AD. Rama Raya, the chief minister of the Vijayanagara Empire, led the army at Talikota (also known as Rakshasi Tangadi) and suffered a devastating defeat against the combined forces of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, and Golconda. The victorious army sacked the city of Vijayanagara, marking the end of its dominance in South India. [66th BPSC Prelims Re-Exam 2021]

Explanation:

Emperor Akbar promulgated 'Din-e-Illahi' (Divine Faith) in 1582 AD. It promoted monotheism without strict dogmas and combined elements from different religions, focusing on rationality. Its goal was to bridge religious divisions in India. During Akbar's lifetime, only 15 individuals joined the sect, including the courtier Birbal. [66th BPSC Prelims Re-Exam 2021]

Explanation:

Shivaji, the Maratha ruler, established a strong administrative system. The king was the pivot of governance and was assisted by a council of ministers called 'Ashta Pradhan', each responsible directly to Shivaji. The ministers were: Peshwa (Finance & General Administration, later Prime Minister), Senapati (Sar-i-Naubat, Military Commander), Amatya (Accountant General), Waqenavis (Intelligence, posts, household affairs), Sachiv (Correspondence), Sumanta (Master of Ceremonies), Nyayadish (Justice), and Panditarao (Charities and Religious Administration). [66th BPSC Prelims Re-Exam 2021]