1. The early Tamil Poet who makes a reference to the Nandas and Mauryas in his work is
(a) Sattanar
(b) Ilango Adigal
(c) Kapilar
(d) Mamulanar
Ans: d
2. The term Nadukal mentioned in the Sangam literature
(a) is a reference to a Velir chief
(b)means memorial stone
(c) was a tax on nadus
(d) was an item of export in Indo-Roman trade
Ans:b
3. What is the correct chronological order in which Buddhist Councils were held at the following four places?
1. Vaishali
2. Rajagriha
3. Kundalavana
4.Pataliputra
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 1, 3, 4
(d) 2, 1, 4, 3
Ans: d
4. According to the Mahasanghikas, a being is composed of
(a) five dharmas
(b) seven dharmas
(c) nine dharmas
(d) eighteen dharmas
Ans: a
5. Which one of the following was a Buddhist sect which held that constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form?
(a) Sautrantika
(b) Sthaviravadin
(c) Sarvastivadin
(d) Sammitiya
Ans: c
6.Which one of the following worshipped Chakresvari among other deities?
(a) Bhagavatas
(b) Saivas
(c) Jainas
(d) Buddhists
Ans: d
7.Which of the following are true of jainism?
1. It has affinity with the Vedanta system of philosophy
2. It has affinity with the Sankhya system of philosophy
3. It completely rejected the concept of the soul
4. According to it the world consists of two eternal categories, viz., conscious (jiva) and unconscious (ajiva)
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4
Ans: d
8. The historical site wherein an early inscription re- ferring to the five heroes of the Vrishnis is found in
(a) Ghoshundi
(b) Besnagar
(c) Dwaraka
(d) Mathura
Ans: d
9.Salaka-purusha is a concept associated with the
(a) Pasupatas
(b)Jainas
(c) Buddhas
(d) Bhagavatas
Ans: b
10. Which of the following were antya-jatis according to some Brahmanical texts?
1. Venas
2. Medas
3. Ljokayatikas
4. Nastikas
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 2, and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 3 and 4
Ans: a
11. Which of the following were important characteris of tics of early Bhagavatism?
1. Devotion
2. Action
3. Knowledge
4. Social rigidity
5. Self-sacrifice (Tyaga)
(a) I and 3
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 5
(c) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 3 and 5
Ans: a
12. Malatimadyava of Bhavabhuti is an important source for the study of the
(a) Digambara Jainas
(b) kapalikas
(c) Buddhist Tantriks
(d) Bhagavatas
Ans: b
13.Which one of the following statements regarding the stupa is incorrect?
(a) It has a umbrella at the top
(b) It has a sanctum sanctorum
(c) It has a circumambulatory path (pradakshinapatha)
(d) It has a fence surrounding it
Ans: b
14. During the Sangam age the Mahabharata in Tamil was composed by
(a) Perundevanar
(b) Villiputhur Alvar
(c) Kamban
(d) Kuttan
Ans: d
15. Which one of the following was introduced by Mahavira?
(a) Ahimsa
(b) Aparigraha
(c) Brahmacharya
(d) Satya
ANs: c
16. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists:
List-I List-II
(Their Congizance) (Name of the Jinas)
A. Parsvanatha 1. Bull
B. Adinatha 2. Lion
C. Mahavira 3. Snake
D. Santinatha 4. Goat
5. Deer
Ans:
Codes: A B C D
(a) 3 2 4 1
(b) 3 1 2 5
(c) 2 4 1 3
(d) 5 2 4 1
Ans: b
17. Which one of the following is mentioned in the Besanagar Pillar inscription as Bhagavata?
(a) Dion
(b) Heliodoros
(c) Antialkidas
(d) Kasiputra Bhagabhadra
Ans: b
18. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists:
List-1 List-II
A. Concept of Ardhanarisvara 1. Bhagavatism
B. Worship of five deities 2. Smartas
C. The theory of "May be" 3. Jainism
D. Hero worship 4. Saivism
Codes:
A B C D
(a) 2 1 3 4
(b) 4 2 1 3
(C) 4 2 3 1
(d) 3 4 2 1
Ans: c
19. Which one of the following is the most important feature of Bhagavatism ?
(a) Stress on devotion to a personal God
(b) Stress on penance
(c) Stress on rituals
(d) Stress on knowledge
Ans: a
20. Who among the following is said to be the founder of the Pasupata Cult?
(a) Basava
(b) Lakulisa
(c) Kusika
(d) Gorakhnatha
Ans: b
21. There was brisk commercial contact between Rome and Tamil Nadu during the Sangam period. Many articles were exported from Tamil Nadu to Rome. Which one among the following items was not in- cluded in the export ?
(a) Spices
(c) Ivory
(b) Beryl
(d)Wine
Ans: d
22. Assertion (A): The Bhagavata religion spread to western India and northern Deccan
Reason (R): The Yadava-Setvata-Vrishni people of Mathura migrated to different regions.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the corres explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
Ans: c
23. Assertion (A): Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism were divided into four speculative Schools Waibhashika, Sautramika, Madhymika and Juds Yogachara
Reason (R): References to these four Schools are to be found in the Brahmanical works on philoso phy.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the corres explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
Ans: a
24. Assertion (A): The Kushanas carried on sea trade through the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
Reason (R) : They maintained a well-organized navy.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the corres explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
Ans: c
List I List II
A. Tirukkural 1.Ilango Adigal
B. Silappadikaram 2. Sathanar
C. Manimekalai 3. Tolkappiyar
D. Tolkappiyam 4. Tiruvallurar
Codes:
A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3
(b) 1 4 3 2
(c) 4 1 3 2
(d) 1 4 2 3
Ans ; a
26. The earliest available work of the Sangam Tamils is
(a) Pattinappalai
(b) Tirumurugarruppadai
(c) Maduraikanchi
(d) Telkappiyam
Ans: d
27. Which of the following kings of ancient India were patrons of Jainism?
1. Srenika Bimbisara
2. Chandra gupta Maurya
3. Khandragupta
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1,2 and 3
(c)2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2
(d) 1 and 3
Ans: c
28. Which one of the following Buddhist sects insists on the necessity of the monastic life, worship of the relics of Lord Buddha, attainment of salvation by oneself alone and in the belief that Lord Buddha
will ne more be born?
(a) Hinayana
(b) Mahayana
(c) Vajrayana
(d) Lamaism
Ans: a
29. Assertion (A): The Kushanas issued a large num- ber of gold coins.
Reason (R): The period was marked by flourishing trade
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the corres explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
Ans: a
30 Which of the following characterized the Tamil society of Sangam Age?
1. Complex caste system
2. Prohibition of intermarriage between the kings and the Velalas
3. Vegetarianism among the Brahmanas
4. Gradual Aryanisation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
(a) 1 Only
(b) 1 ansd 2 Only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 4 only
Ans: d
31. What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in Tamil land?
1. Damili Inscriptions
2. Sangam Age
3. Rock-cut Temples
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
(a) 1, 2, 3
(b) 2, 1, 3
(c) 3, 1, 2
(d) 3, 2, 1
Ans: a
32. The first translator of Mahabharata into Tamil was
(a) Perundeavanar
(b) Kamban
(c) Sundaramurthi
(d) Bharavi
Ans: a
33. Who among the following was the earliest known Greek follower of Bhagawatism?
(a) Demetrius
(b) Antialkides Blos
(c) Heliodorus
(d) Menander
Ans: c
34. In the second Buddhist Council held at Vaishali, Buddhism was divided into
Consider the following statements:
1. Sthaviravadins
2. Mahasanghikas
3. Vajrayana
4. Kalchakrayana
(a) 1, 2, 3, and 4 are correct
(b) 1, 3 and 4 are correct
(c) 2, 3 and 4 are correct
(d) and 2 are correct
Ans: d
35. The earliest epigraphical evidence regarding Bhagavatism in India comes from
(a) Ghosundi Stone inscription of king Sarvatata
(b) Besanagar inscription of Heliodorus
(c) Nanaghat Cave inscription of the Satavahana queen Naganika
(d) Mehrauli pillar inscription of Chandra
Ans: b
37. "The Periplus of Erythraean Sea" bearing on India's trade in the early centuries of the Christian era was written by
(a) Ptolemy
(c) Pliny
(b) An unknown author
(d) Strabo
Ans: b
38. Which one of the following statements is not true in respect of some features associated with the pro- duction of commercial goods in the post-Mauryan period?
(a) Considerable technological advancement was reached in the production of commercial goods
(b) production and distrubution of commercial goods was organised effectively through guilds
(c) The producers worked under rigid state control
(d) The guilds used hired labour for production
Ans: c
39. In Tamil poetry, the Sangam group of poems
(a) dealt with love
(b) was in praise of kings
(c) was in praise of nature
(d) was in praise of Lord Shiva
Ans: a
40. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I List II
A. Shramanas 1. Known for kindness and mercy
B. Upasakas 2. "Space-clad"
C. Digambaras 3. Ascetics of unorthodox sects
D. Bodhisattvas 4. Lay worshippers
Codes:
A B C D
(a) 4 3 1 2
(b) 3 4 1 2
(c) 3 4 2 1
(d) 4 3 2 1
Ans ; c
43. According to tradition, the author of Silappadigaram IS
(a) Sattan
(c) hango Adigal
(b) Kamban
(d) Tirutakkadevar
Ans: c
44. Who among the following was the expounder of the Pasupata system?
(a) Kapilesyara
(b) Kusika
(c) Lakalisa
(d) Parasara
Ans: c
45. In the Bhagavata religion, besides Vasudeva, the most important deity was
(a) Balarama
(b) Kusika
(c) Samba
(d) Aniruddha
Ans: b
46. The Buddhist philosopher of Kashmiri origin, who took a leading part in propagating Mahayana Buddhism in Central Asia and China was
(a) Kumarajiva
(b) Asanga
(c) Vasubandhu
(d) Atisa
Ans: a
47. Which one of the following documents gives evi- dence of a temple of Augustus at Muziris in South India?
(a) Periplus of the Erythraean Sea
(b) Nearchus
(c) Genealogical Tables
(d) Sangam literature
Ans: d
48. In the context of South India, Cave Script meas
(a) Undeciphered graffiti marks
(b) Tamil-Brahmi
(c) Tamil Grantha
(d) Pallava Grantha
Ans: a
49 Telkappiyam is associated with the:
(a) First Sangam period
(b) Second Sangam period
(c) Third Sangam period
(d) Post third Sangam Period
Ans: b
50 Which of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?
(a) Kapilar : Pari
(b) Pisiranthaiyar : Kopperuncholan
(c) Auvaiyar : Adikayaman
d) Tolkappiyam : Pattinappalai
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
(a) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
() 1 and 3
(d) 3 and 4
Ans: d
51. Which of the following are associated with Jainism)
1. Anekantavada
2. Sunyavada
3. Syadvada
4. Sarcastivada
Ans: b
52. The crystallization of the Avatara concept and the worship of the incarnations of Vishnu were features Bhagavatism during the
(a) Early Vedic period
(b) Later Vedic period
(c) Mauryan period
(d) Gupta period
Ans: d
53. Which of the following famous temples of Dravidian style was built by the Pallava rural Narsimhavarman- II?
(a) Mahabalipuram Group
(b) Kailashnath Temple, Kanchi
(c) Shiva Temple, Tiruvadi
(d)Ukleshvar Templem Kanchi
Ans: b
54. Sravanabelgola is associated with:
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Asoka Dhamma
(d) Nagarjuna
Ans: b
55. Which of the following virtues was added by Mahavira by fold paths preached by 23rd Thirthankara Parshawnath
(a) Satya
(b) Ahimsa
(c) Bhramhacharya
(d) Astheya
Ans; c
56 Which one of the following Buddhist centres did not have direct connection with Buddha during his lifetime?
(a) Sarnath
(c) Rajagriha
(b) Uruvela
(d) Sanchi
Ans; d
57. Match List-1 (Works) with List-II (Contents) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I (Works) List II (Contents)
A. Maduraikkanji 1. A work on Tamil grammar
B. Tolkappiyam 2. An account of the pandya country
C. Paripadal 3. . A long poem on Kaveripattanam
D. Pattinapplai 4. A Sangam anthology
5. Translation of the Mahabharata into Tamil
Codes:
A B C D
(a) 4 1 5 3
(b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 4 3 5 1
(d) 2 1 4 3
Ans ; d
58. According to tradition the Sangams flourished at different places. Which of the following places were associated with the three Sangams?
(a) Madhura and Kapatpuram
(b) Madhura, Kapatpuram and Kavetipattanam
(c) Madhura, Uraiyur and Cholamandalam
(d) Puhar and Madhura
Ans: a
59. Which inscription refers to the worship of Vrishni- Viras among Bhagavata votaries?
(a) Nagavi inscription
(b) Besnagar inscription
(c) Mora Well inscription
d) Mathura inscription of Chandra Gupta - II
Ans: c
60. With which one of the following is the classic "Jivaka Chintamani" associated?
(a) Jainism
9b) Buddhism
(c) Hinduism
(d) Sikhism
Ans: a
61. An early translation of Bhagavati into Bengali was commissioned by Husain Shah, who undertook the translation work?
(a) Kavindra Parameswar
(b)Maladhar Vasu
(c) Srikarana Nandi
(d) Vidyapati
Ans: b
62. Match List-I (Terms) with List-11 (Usage) and se lect the answer from the codes given below the lists:
List 1 (Terms) List II (Usage)
A. Dar al-shifa 1. Open area for equestrian exercises
B. Furusiyya 2. A hospital
C. Maydan 3. Imperial camp
D. Urdu-i-Mualla 4. Open area for military parade
Codes:
A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3
(b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 4 3 2 1
(d) 2 1 4 3
Ans d
63. Which one of the following is the correct statement about the Sangam society of ancient South India?
(a) Slavery was not known to them
(b) The practice of Sati did not exist
(c) The sacred marital thread Tali was unknown to
(d) The women had no claim to the royal throne there
An: a
64. Which one among the following is the oldest stupa?
(a) Stupa of Sanchi
(b) Stupa of Bharhut
(c) Stupa of Piprawah
(d) Stupa of Amravati
Ans: a
65. Who was the hero of the literary work Silappadikaram?
(a) Karikala Chola
(b) Senguttuvan Chera
(c) Nedunjeliyan
(d) Segannan Chola
Ans: b
66. Consider the following statements
1. The earliest Persian work on Indian Music- Ghunyat-ul-Munya was written in the Court of Akbar.
2. Sangitopanishad Sarodhara - a treatise on music and dance was written by a Jain scholar of Gujarat.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: b
67. Which one of the following epigraphs is significant for the history of Bhagavatism?
(a) Mathura Pillar Inscription
(b) Besanagar Pillar Inscription
(c) Rumindei Pillar Inscription
(d) Talagunda Pillar Inscription
Ans: b
68. Who among the following left an inscrption which records reconstruction of a great artificial lake in Kathiawar?
(a) Gautamiputra Satakarni
(b) Kanishka
(c) Nahapana
(d) Rudradaman
Ans: d