Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - History (21 August 2023)

Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Subject : History

1. Consider the following statements regarding the differences between Buddhist and Jain literature:

1. While Buddhist tales and literature are didactic in character, Jain tales are not.
2. While ancient/medieval Buddhist literature is available in Sanskrit, ancient/medieval Jain literature was not composed in Sanskrit.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Buddhist canonical literature is in Pali which includes Tipitaka (threefold basket). Buddhist literature is also abundantly available in Sanskrit, which includes the great epic Buddhacharita by Aswaghosha (78 A.D.). Like the Buddhist stories, the Jain tales in general are didactic in character. They are written in some forms of Prakrit. Jain literature is available in Sanskrit too, like the Upamitibhava Prapancha Katha of Siddharasi (906 A.D.).

Hence, both statements are incorrect.

2. Consider the following sites:

1. Tekkalkota
2. Piklihal
3. Kupgallu

The above-mentioned sites are:

(a) Jain pilgrimage sites from south India
(b) Harappan sites from western India
(c) Chalcolithic sites from north India
(d) Neolithic paintings sites from south India

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The above-mentioned sites are Neolithic paintings sites from south India

Prehistoric Rock Painting:

  1. The granite rocks of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh provided suitable canvases to the Neolithic man for his paintings.
  2. There are several such sites but more famous among them are Kupgallu, Piklihal and Tekkalkota.
  3. Three types of paintings have been reported from here—paintings in white, paintings in red ochre over a white background and paintings in red ochre.

3. Consider the following statements regarding Cholas:

1. The temples remained centres of economic activity during this period.
2. Education saw a rapid decline due to foreign invasions.
3. Caste system was brittle and jobs were assigned based on the merit.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Caste system was widely prevalent during the Chola period. Brahmins and Kshatriyas enjoyed special privileges. The inscriptions of the later period of the Chola rule mention about two major divisions among the castes – Valangai and Idangai castes. Education was also given importance. Besides the temples and mathas as educational centres, several educational institutions also flourished. A number of temples were built with the patronage of Chola kings and queens. The temples remained centres of economic activity during this period. The mathas had great influence during this period. Both agriculture and industry flourished. Reclamation of forest lands and the construction and maintenance of irrigation tanks led to agricultural prosperity. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

4. Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Ashoka?

(a) Taxila
(b) Lumbini
(c) Maski
(d) Kalinga Edict

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Maski is a town and an archaeological site in the Raichur district of the state of Karnataka, India. It lies on the bank of the Maski river which is a tributary of the Tungabhadra. Maski derives its name from Mahasangha or Masangi. The site came into prominence with the discovery of a minor rock edict of Emperor Ashoka by C. Beadon in 1915.It was the first edict of Emperor Ashoka that contained the name Ashoka in it instead of the earlier edicts that referred him as Devanampiya piyadasi.

5. Consider the following statements regarding Simon Commission:

1. The Commission recommended establishing the Consultative Council of Greater India.
2. Congress along with the Unionists in Punjab and Justice party in the south boycotted Simon commission.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (A)

Explanation: An all-white, seven-member Indian Statutory Commission, popularly known as the Simon Commission (after the name of its chairman, Sir John Simon), was set up by the British government under Stanley Baldwin’s prime ministership on November 8, 1927. It suggested that a Consultative Council of Greater India should be established, which should include representatives of both the British provinces as well as princely states. Congress and Muslims league boycotted commission. But some others, such as the Unionists in Punjab and the Justice Party in the south, decided not to boycott the commission. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.