2022
2022
2022
2022
1With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts:
Nettipakarana, Parishishtaparvan, Avadanashataka, Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
Which of the above are Jaina texts?
The correct answer is B.
Parishishtaparvan: This text is a 12th-century Sanskrit mahakavya by Hemachandra, which details the histories of the earliest Jain teachers.
Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana: This is a major Jain text composed largely by Acharya Jinasena.
Avadanashataka: This is a Buddhist text and is not considered Jain.
Nettipakarana: This is a Buddhist text, not Jain.
2With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs:
Historical person – Known as
1. Aryadeva – Jaina scholar
2. Dignaga – Buddhist scholar
3. Nathamuni – Vaishnava scholar
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
The correct answer is C.
Aryadeva was a Mahayana Buddhist monk, a disciple of Nagarjuna and a Madhyamaka philosopher.
Dignaga was an Indian Buddhist scholar.
Sri Ranganathamuni, popularly known as Sriman Nathamuni, was a Vaishnava theologian.
3With reference to the Indian National Movement, consider the following statements:
1. The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in 1885 in Bombay.
2. The goal of the Indian National Congress at the time of its formation was complete independence for India.
3. The Quit India Movement was launched in 1942 during World War II.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
The correct answer is B.
The first session of the Indian National Congress was indeed held in 1885, but it was in Bombay, not in other locations as sometimes claimed. The Indian National Congress’s goal at the time of its formation was not immediate independence, but rather the pursuit of constitutional reforms. The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, was indeed launched during World War II as a demand for immediate independence from British rule.
4Which of the following statements regarding the Maurya Empire is correct?
1. The Maurya Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE.
2. Ashoka, the last major ruler of the Maurya dynasty, embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga war.
3. The Maurya Empire is known for the construction of the famous Iron Pillar of Delhi.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
The correct answer is A.
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire in 321 BCE. Ashoka, after the Kalinga war, embraced Buddhism and spread its teachings across the empire. However, the Iron Pillar of Delhi was constructed during the Gupta period, not during the Maurya Empire.
5With reference to the Gupta period, consider the following statements:
1. The Gupta Empire is known for its contributions to mathematics and astronomy, including the concept of zero.
2. The Gupta period saw the establishment of the Nalanda University, one of the first residential universities in India.
3. The Gupta period is considered a time of religious intolerance, with Hinduism being the state-sponsored religion.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
The correct answer is A.
The Gupta period is famous for its advances in mathematics and astronomy, including the concept of zero and the decimal system. Nalanda University, a major seat of learning, was indeed established during the Gupta period. However, the Gupta period is generally known for religious tolerance, and Hinduism was not imposed as a state religion in a restrictive manner.
