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The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2023 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022.
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Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Later Vedic period?
Choose the correct code:
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 |
| Correct | Correct |
| Two prominent Early Vedic gods, Indra and Agni, lost their importance. Prajapati, the creator, became important. This phenomenon also represents the importance of sedentism now, since creation myths are important in the agrarian groups. Rudra, a minor deity in the Rigveda, became important now and Vishnu was conceived as the creator and protector of the universe. | Pushan, who protected cattle in the former period, now became the god of the Sudras. The changing status of the deities is an indication of the change in the character of the tribes from pastoral groups to sedentary agriculturist groups. The Early Vedic gods, who represented natural phenomena, were slowly discarded and the personification of natural elements as divine beings became very complex. It was no longer easy to find the natural element which represented a particular god from the hymns of the Later Vedic period. |
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 |
| Correct | Correct |
| Two prominent Early Vedic gods, Indra and Agni, lost their importance. Prajapati, the creator, became important. This phenomenon also represents the importance of sedentism now, since creation myths are important in the agrarian groups. Rudra, a minor deity in the Rigveda, became important now and Vishnu was conceived as the creator and protector of the universe. | Pushan, who protected cattle in the former period, now became the god of the Sudras. The changing status of the deities is an indication of the change in the character of the tribes from pastoral groups to sedentary agriculturist groups. The Early Vedic gods, who represented natural phenomena, were slowly discarded and the personification of natural elements as divine beings became very complex. It was no longer easy to find the natural element which represented a particular god from the hymns of the Later Vedic period. |
Which of the following personalities were the famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Solution (d)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 | Statement 4 | Statement 5 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct | Incorrect | Incorrect |
| Lopamudra – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age | Gargi – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age | Gosha – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age | Meera Bai – Meera Bai (1502–1556 AD), in Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Hindi (she wrote in three languages), Avvayyar, in Tamil, and Akkamahadevi in Kannada, are well known for their sheer lyrical intensity and concentrated emotional appeal. | Atukuri Molla – Atukuri Molla or Mollamamba(1440 A.D. -1530 A.D.) was a Telugu poet who authored the Telugu language Ramayana. |
Note:
Solution (d)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 | Statement 4 | Statement 5 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct | Incorrect | Incorrect |
| Lopamudra – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age | Gargi – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age | Gosha – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age | Meera Bai – Meera Bai (1502–1556 AD), in Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Hindi (she wrote in three languages), Avvayyar, in Tamil, and Akkamahadevi in Kannada, are well known for their sheer lyrical intensity and concentrated emotional appeal. | Atukuri Molla – Atukuri Molla or Mollamamba(1440 A.D. -1530 A.D.) was a Telugu poet who authored the Telugu language Ramayana. |
Note:
With reference to the Mahajanapadas in ancient Indian history, consider the following statements:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct |
| While most Mahajanapadas were ruled by the kings, some, known as Ganas or Sanghas, were oligarchies, where power was shared by a number of men, often collectively called the Rajas. | From sixth century BCE onwards, the Brahmanas began composing Sanskrit texts, known as the Dharmasutras. | Avanti was one of the largest Mahajanapadas.
|
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct |
| While most Mahajanapadas were ruled by the kings, some, known as Ganas or Sanghas, were oligarchies, where power was shared by a number of men, often collectively called the Rajas. | From sixth century BCE onwards, the Brahmanas began composing Sanskrit texts, known as the Dharmasutras. | Avanti was one of the largest Mahajanapadas.
|
Consider the following statements about literature of Vedic age:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (b)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Incorrect |
| Nirukta (Etymology): ‘Nirukta’ (Yask) based on ‘Nighantu’ (Kashyap) is a collection of difficult vedic words (‘Nighantu’: oldest word-collection of the world; ‘Nirukta’: oldest dictionary of the world)
|
Shiksha (Phonetics): ‘Pratishakhya’ is the oldest text on phonetics.
|
Vyakarana (Grammar): ‘Ashtadhyayi’ (Panini) is the oldest grammar of the world.
Panini was a Sanskrit philologist, grammarian, and revered scholar in ancient India, variously dated between the 6th and 4th century BCE |
Note:
Literature of Vedic Tradition comprises of 6 literary works –
Vedangas, Smriti Dharmashastras, Mahakavyas, Puranas, Upvedas, Shad-Darshanas.
There are 6 Vedangas –
Solution (b)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Incorrect |
| Nirukta (Etymology): ‘Nirukta’ (Yask) based on ‘Nighantu’ (Kashyap) is a collection of difficult vedic words (‘Nighantu’: oldest word-collection of the world; ‘Nirukta’: oldest dictionary of the world)
|
Shiksha (Phonetics): ‘Pratishakhya’ is the oldest text on phonetics.
|
Vyakarana (Grammar): ‘Ashtadhyayi’ (Panini) is the oldest grammar of the world.
Panini was a Sanskrit philologist, grammarian, and revered scholar in ancient India, variously dated between the 6th and 4th century BCE |
Note:
Literature of Vedic Tradition comprises of 6 literary works –
Vedangas, Smriti Dharmashastras, Mahakavyas, Puranas, Upvedas, Shad-Darshanas.
There are 6 Vedangas –
Consider the following statements about philosophies in Ancient India:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (b)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Incorrect | Correct |
| Sankhya school was founded by Kapila. Sankhya sutra was the principal text of this school. Sankhya School believes that the universe consists of two components: Prakriti (matter, creative agency, energy) and Purush (self, soul or mind).
|
Nyaya School was founded by Gautama Muni. Nyaya Philosophy states that nothing is acceptable unless it is in accordance with reason and experience (scientific approach). Nyaya is considered as a technique of logical thinking.
Nyaya Sutras say that there are four means of attaining valid knowledge: perception, inference, comparison, and verbal testimony.
|
Vaishesika School was founded by Uluka Kanada. Vaishesika Sutra was the principal text of this school. Vaishesika School believes that universe is composed of elementary paramanu (atoms). Hence, this school is also called atomic theory.
|
Solution (b)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Incorrect | Correct |
| Sankhya school was founded by Kapila. Sankhya sutra was the principal text of this school. Sankhya School believes that the universe consists of two components: Prakriti (matter, creative agency, energy) and Purush (self, soul or mind).
|
Nyaya School was founded by Gautama Muni. Nyaya Philosophy states that nothing is acceptable unless it is in accordance with reason and experience (scientific approach). Nyaya is considered as a technique of logical thinking.
Nyaya Sutras say that there are four means of attaining valid knowledge: perception, inference, comparison, and verbal testimony.
|
Vaishesika School was founded by Uluka Kanada. Vaishesika Sutra was the principal text of this school. Vaishesika School believes that universe is composed of elementary paramanu (atoms). Hence, this school is also called atomic theory.
|
Consider the following statements
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 |
| Correct | Correct |
| Fahien, a Chinese pilgrim, visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. The main purpose of his visit was to see the land of the Buddha and to collect Buddhist manuscripts from India. He stayed in Pataliputra for three years studying Sanskrit and copying Buddhist texts. He came to India by land route and returned by sea route. | According to Fahien, Buddhism was in a flourishing condition in northwestern India but in the Gangetic valley, it was in a state of neglect. He refers to the Gangetic valley as the ‘land of Brahmanism’.
He provides valuable information on the religious, social, and economic conditions of the Gupta empire. |
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 |
| Correct | Correct |
| Fahien, a Chinese pilgrim, visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. The main purpose of his visit was to see the land of the Buddha and to collect Buddhist manuscripts from India. He stayed in Pataliputra for three years studying Sanskrit and copying Buddhist texts. He came to India by land route and returned by sea route. | According to Fahien, Buddhism was in a flourishing condition in northwestern India but in the Gangetic valley, it was in a state of neglect. He refers to the Gangetic valley as the ‘land of Brahmanism’.
He provides valuable information on the religious, social, and economic conditions of the Gupta empire. |
Which of the following features characterize the Pre-Mauryan (6th century B.C to 4th century B.C) period in north India?
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct |
| Although terms like Nishka and Sathamana found in Vedic texts are taken to be names of coins, coins actually found are not earlier than the 6th century B.C.
Coins made of metal first appear in the age of Buddha (Buddha was born in the 6th century B.C., or possibly as early as 624 B.C., according to some scholars. They are called Punch-marked because pieces of these metals were punched with certain marks such as hills, trees, fish etc., The Pali texts indicate plentiful use of these coins that wages , prices and taxes were paid in it. The discovery of many hoards of punch-marked coins suggest that the payment of taxes was made both in cash and kind. |
Although no rural settlements of pre-Mauryan times were excavated, it is obvious that without a strong rural base, one cannot think of the beginning of crafts, commerce and urbanization in the middle Gangetic basin. Specialized craftsmen tended to form guilds because it facilitated carriage of raw materials and the distribution of finished articles. At least 18 Guilds or Sirenis of artisans were known and functional.
However, the guild was not the highly developed mercantile system that it was to become later. Each guild inhabited a particular section of the town
|
The use of the term for transplantation is found in Pali and Sanskrit texts of the period indicating large-scale use of this technique during the times of Buddha. It enormously added to the yield. |
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct |
| Although terms like Nishka and Sathamana found in Vedic texts are taken to be names of coins, coins actually found are not earlier than the 6th century B.C.
Coins made of metal first appear in the age of Buddha (Buddha was born in the 6th century B.C., or possibly as early as 624 B.C., according to some scholars. They are called Punch-marked because pieces of these metals were punched with certain marks such as hills, trees, fish etc., The Pali texts indicate plentiful use of these coins that wages , prices and taxes were paid in it. The discovery of many hoards of punch-marked coins suggest that the payment of taxes was made both in cash and kind. |
Although no rural settlements of pre-Mauryan times were excavated, it is obvious that without a strong rural base, one cannot think of the beginning of crafts, commerce and urbanization in the middle Gangetic basin. Specialized craftsmen tended to form guilds because it facilitated carriage of raw materials and the distribution of finished articles. At least 18 Guilds or Sirenis of artisans were known and functional.
However, the guild was not the highly developed mercantile system that it was to become later. Each guild inhabited a particular section of the town
|
The use of the term for transplantation is found in Pali and Sanskrit texts of the period indicating large-scale use of this technique during the times of Buddha. It enormously added to the yield. |
Regarding the teachings of Buddha, consider the following statements
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Solution (b)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 |
| Incorrect | Correct |
| By following his eightfold path, one can get rid of suffering. The Eightfold Path consists of the right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
The Four Noble Truths of Buddha are: • The world is full of suffering. • The cause of suffering is desire. • If desires are get rid off, suffering can be removed. • This can be done by following the Eightfold Path
|
Buddha laid great emphasis on the law of karma. He argued that the condition of man in this life depends upon his deeds. He taught that the soul does not exist and emphasized Ahimsa.
|
Solution (b)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 |
| Incorrect | Correct |
| By following his eightfold path, one can get rid of suffering. The Eightfold Path consists of the right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
The Four Noble Truths of Buddha are: • The world is full of suffering. • The cause of suffering is desire. • If desires are get rid off, suffering can be removed. • This can be done by following the Eightfold Path
|
Buddha laid great emphasis on the law of karma. He argued that the condition of man in this life depends upon his deeds. He taught that the soul does not exist and emphasized Ahimsa.
|
The Karmaprabhrita and the Kashayaprabhrita are the canonical works recognized by:
Solution (d)
Solution (d)
Consider the following statements about the source of income during the period of Mahajanapadas?
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct |
| Taxes on crops were the most important. This was because most people were farmers.
Usually, the tax was fixed at 1/6th of what was produced. This was known as bhaga or a share. |
There were taxes on crafts persons as well. These could have been in the form of labour. For example, a weaver or a smith may have had to work for a day every month for the king. | Herders were also expected to pay taxes in the form of animals and animal produce. |
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct |
| Taxes on crops were the most important. This was because most people were farmers.
Usually, the tax was fixed at 1/6th of what was produced. This was known as bhaga or a share. |
There were taxes on crafts persons as well. These could have been in the form of labour. For example, a weaver or a smith may have had to work for a day every month for the king. | Herders were also expected to pay taxes in the form of animals and animal produce. |
Consider the following statements about Second Buddhist council:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Solution (a)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 |
| Correct | Incorrect |
| The second Buddhist council was held under the patronage of King Kalasoka of the Sisunaga dynasty. It took place in 383 BC, a hundred years after the Buddha’s death. | It took place at Vaishali. The council was chaired by Sabakami. |
Note:
Second Buddhist council:
| Buddhist Councils | Venue | Chairman | Outcome |
| First | Rajagraha | Mahakasapa | ● It was held soon after the Mahaparinirvan of the Buddha.
● With the purpose of preserving Buddha’s teachings (Sutta) and rules for disciples. During this council, the teachings of Buddha were divided into 3 Pitakas. ● Compilation of Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka by Upali. |
| Second | Vaisali | Sabbakami | ● Divide in Sthaviradins & Mahasangikas |
| Third | Mogaliputta Tissa | Kalashoka | ● Compilation of Abhidama Pitaka (final version) |
| Fourth | Vasumitra & Ashvagos | Ashoka | ● Compilation of Mahavibhasha shastra. Division of Bhuddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana |
Solution (a)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 |
| Correct | Incorrect |
| The second Buddhist council was held under the patronage of King Kalasoka of the Sisunaga dynasty. It took place in 383 BC, a hundred years after the Buddha’s death. | It took place at Vaishali. The council was chaired by Sabakami. |
Note:
Second Buddhist council:
| Buddhist Councils | Venue | Chairman | Outcome |
| First | Rajagraha | Mahakasapa | ● It was held soon after the Mahaparinirvan of the Buddha.
● With the purpose of preserving Buddha’s teachings (Sutta) and rules for disciples. During this council, the teachings of Buddha were divided into 3 Pitakas. ● Compilation of Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka by Upali. |
| Second | Vaisali | Sabbakami | ● Divide in Sthaviradins & Mahasangikas |
| Third | Mogaliputta Tissa | Kalashoka | ● Compilation of Abhidama Pitaka (final version) |
| Fourth | Vasumitra & Ashvagos | Ashoka | ● Compilation of Mahavibhasha shastra. Division of Bhuddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana |
With reference to the Buddhists texts Dipvamsa and Mahavamsa, consider the following statements:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct |
| Buddhist teachers traveled to faraway places, carrying texts to disseminate the teachings of the Buddha. As Buddhism traveled to new regions such as Sri Lanka, texts such as the Dipavamsa (literally, the chronicle of the island) and Mahavamsa (the great chronicle) were written, containing regional histories of Buddhism. | Many of these works also contained biographies of the Buddha. Some of the oldest texts are in Pali, while later compositions are in Sanskrit. | Buddhist texts were preserved in manuscripts for several centuries in monasteries in different parts of Asia. Modern translations have been prepared from Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan texts. Its importance resides not only as a source of history and legend but also as an important early work in Buddhist and Pali literature. |
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct |
| Buddhist teachers traveled to faraway places, carrying texts to disseminate the teachings of the Buddha. As Buddhism traveled to new regions such as Sri Lanka, texts such as the Dipavamsa (literally, the chronicle of the island) and Mahavamsa (the great chronicle) were written, containing regional histories of Buddhism. | Many of these works also contained biographies of the Buddha. Some of the oldest texts are in Pali, while later compositions are in Sanskrit. | Buddhist texts were preserved in manuscripts for several centuries in monasteries in different parts of Asia. Modern translations have been prepared from Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan texts. Its importance resides not only as a source of history and legend but also as an important early work in Buddhist and Pali literature. |
Consider the following statements regarding Svetambara School:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (a)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Incorrect | Incorrect |
| Svetambaras follow the preachings of Prasvanatha, i.e., they believe in only four restraints (except Brahmacharya) to be followed to attain Kevalya.
Svetambara believes that the 23rd and 24th tirthankara did marry, unlike thought by Digambara. |
Sthulabhadra was a great exponent of this school and stayed in Magadha unlike Bhadrabahu who went to Karnataka. The monks of Svetambara School can have simple white clothing, a begging bowl, a brush to remove insects from their path, books and writing materials with them. | They believe tirthankaras can be men or women, and say that Malli began her life as
a princess. |
Note:
Svetambara School:
Digambara School:
Solution (a)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Incorrect | Incorrect |
| Svetambaras follow the preachings of Prasvanatha, i.e., they believe in only four restraints (except Brahmacharya) to be followed to attain Kevalya.
Svetambara believes that the 23rd and 24th tirthankara did marry, unlike thought by Digambara. |
Sthulabhadra was a great exponent of this school and stayed in Magadha unlike Bhadrabahu who went to Karnataka. The monks of Svetambara School can have simple white clothing, a begging bowl, a brush to remove insects from their path, books and writing materials with them. | They believe tirthankaras can be men or women, and say that Malli began her life as
a princess. |
Note:
Svetambara School:
Digambara School:
Consider the following statements:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (a)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Incorrect | Incorrect | Correct |
| The Buddha’s teachings were included in the Sutta Pitaka; | The Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the Sangha or the monastic order.
|
The Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters. |
Note:
Solution (a)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Incorrect | Incorrect | Correct |
| The Buddha’s teachings were included in the Sutta Pitaka; | The Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the Sangha or the monastic order.
|
The Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters. |
Note:
Which of the following dynasties was the first to rule over Magadha?
Solution (a)
| Haryanka Dynasty | Shishunaga Dynasty | Nanda Dynasty | Maurya Dynasty |
| Correct | Incorrect | Incorrect | Incorrect |
| Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Udayin were the most powerful rulers of the Haryanka Dynasty. From 544 B.C. to 492 B.C, Bimbisara ruled the empire and continued to rule for 52 years.
The three main dynasties that ruled the region of Magadha were the Shishunaga Dynasty, the Haryanka Dynasty, and the Nanda Dynasty. The Magadha Empire was founded by Jarasandha. Bimbisara was one of the earliest rulers of the Magadha Empire. Bimbisara was a powerful ruler of the Magadha kingdom, and he belonged to the Haryanka dynasty, who ruled until 326 BCE. |
The Magadha Kingdom was ruled by the Shishunaga Dynasty in ancient India between 413 BCE to 345 BCE. The Shishunaga Dynasty is the third imperial dynasty of Magadha, followed by Brihadratha and the Haryanka.
This Dynasty was founded by Shishunaga, who was an amatya or “minister” of the last Haryanka emperor. |
During the 4th and probably 5th centuries BCE, the Nanda Dynasty ruled over the Northern Part of India. In eastern India (the Magadha region), the Nandas removed the Shishunaga dynasty and later extended their areas of control to cover a larger section of northern India.
The capital state of the Nanda kingdom was situated near the Magadha area of eastern India, Pataliputra (present-day Patna). The Sanskrit drama- Mudrarakshasa along with Buddhist and Jain traditions, are some of the achievements of the Nandas that have stretched over the pages of history from the time of Haryanka and Shishunaga forefathers. The Ancient texts depict that the main cause behind the prosperity of the Nandas was the adoption of a new currency and taxation system. |
Chandragupta, with the help of an intelligent and politically astute Brahmin, Kautilya usurped the throne by defeating Dhana Nanda in 321 BC.
The Mauryan Empire was the first largest empire that was ever established on Indian soil till 324 B.C. The Mauryan Empire was spread from the valley of the Oxus (present Amu River) to the delta of Kaveri Megasthenese has given detailed accounts of India and Indian people in his book ‘Indica.’ |
Solution (a)
| Haryanka Dynasty | Shishunaga Dynasty | Nanda Dynasty | Maurya Dynasty |
| Correct | Incorrect | Incorrect | Incorrect |
| Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Udayin were the most powerful rulers of the Haryanka Dynasty. From 544 B.C. to 492 B.C, Bimbisara ruled the empire and continued to rule for 52 years.
The three main dynasties that ruled the region of Magadha were the Shishunaga Dynasty, the Haryanka Dynasty, and the Nanda Dynasty. The Magadha Empire was founded by Jarasandha. Bimbisara was one of the earliest rulers of the Magadha Empire. Bimbisara was a powerful ruler of the Magadha kingdom, and he belonged to the Haryanka dynasty, who ruled until 326 BCE. |
The Magadha Kingdom was ruled by the Shishunaga Dynasty in ancient India between 413 BCE to 345 BCE. The Shishunaga Dynasty is the third imperial dynasty of Magadha, followed by Brihadratha and the Haryanka.
This Dynasty was founded by Shishunaga, who was an amatya or “minister” of the last Haryanka emperor. |
During the 4th and probably 5th centuries BCE, the Nanda Dynasty ruled over the Northern Part of India. In eastern India (the Magadha region), the Nandas removed the Shishunaga dynasty and later extended their areas of control to cover a larger section of northern India.
The capital state of the Nanda kingdom was situated near the Magadha area of eastern India, Pataliputra (present-day Patna). The Sanskrit drama- Mudrarakshasa along with Buddhist and Jain traditions, are some of the achievements of the Nandas that have stretched over the pages of history from the time of Haryanka and Shishunaga forefathers. The Ancient texts depict that the main cause behind the prosperity of the Nandas was the adoption of a new currency and taxation system. |
Chandragupta, with the help of an intelligent and politically astute Brahmin, Kautilya usurped the throne by defeating Dhana Nanda in 321 BC.
The Mauryan Empire was the first largest empire that was ever established on Indian soil till 324 B.C. The Mauryan Empire was spread from the valley of the Oxus (present Amu River) to the delta of Kaveri Megasthenese has given detailed accounts of India and Indian people in his book ‘Indica.’ |
Consider the following statements about Buddhism?
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct |
| The Harmika was a small platform with a railing located at the very top of a Stupa. Sometimes umbrellas were mounted in the Harmika as a symbol of honor and respect.
A piece of stone railing was found near the ruins of the Amaravati Stupa. Archaeologists believe that it may have been a part of the Harmika.
|
A central pillar (Yashti) symbolizes the cosmic axis and supports a triple umbrella structure (Chattra), which is held to represent the ‘Three Jewels of Buddhism— the Buddha, the Dharma (doctrine) and the Sangha (community)’. | Some sculptures at Sanchi were perhaps not directly inspired by Buddhist ideas. These include beautiful women swinging from the edge of the gateway, holding onto a tree.
Initially, scholars were a bit intrigued about this image, which seemed to have little to do with renunciation. However, after examining other literary traditions, they realized that it could be a representation of what is described in Sanskrit as a Shalabhanjika. This was a woman whose touch caused trees to flower and bear fruit. It is likely that this was regarded as an auspicious symbol and integrated into the decoration of the Stupa. |
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Correct | Correct |
| The Harmika was a small platform with a railing located at the very top of a Stupa. Sometimes umbrellas were mounted in the Harmika as a symbol of honor and respect.
A piece of stone railing was found near the ruins of the Amaravati Stupa. Archaeologists believe that it may have been a part of the Harmika.
|
A central pillar (Yashti) symbolizes the cosmic axis and supports a triple umbrella structure (Chattra), which is held to represent the ‘Three Jewels of Buddhism— the Buddha, the Dharma (doctrine) and the Sangha (community)’. | Some sculptures at Sanchi were perhaps not directly inspired by Buddhist ideas. These include beautiful women swinging from the edge of the gateway, holding onto a tree.
Initially, scholars were a bit intrigued about this image, which seemed to have little to do with renunciation. However, after examining other literary traditions, they realized that it could be a representation of what is described in Sanskrit as a Shalabhanjika. This was a woman whose touch caused trees to flower and bear fruit. It is likely that this was regarded as an auspicious symbol and integrated into the decoration of the Stupa. |
Which of the following Mahajanapada was situated on the bank of river Yamuna?
Solution (c)
Vatsa:
Solution (c)
Vatsa:
Consider the following statements with respect to Ajivikas:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (a)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Incorrect | Incorrect |
| Ajivika is one of the nastika or “heterodox” schools of Indian philosophy. Purportedly founded in the 5th century BCE by Makkhali Gosala, it was a sramaṇa movement and a major rival of Vedic religion, early Buddhism and Jainism. Ajivikas were organized renunciates who formed discrete communities.
|
They have often been described as fatalists: those who believed that everything is predetermined. | It rejected the doctrine of Karma and believed that pleasure and pain cannot be altered in the course of samsara (transmigration). It can neither be lessened or increased, each person will take their own course and make an end of sorrow in a predetermined manner.
|
Solution (a)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 |
| Correct | Incorrect | Incorrect |
| Ajivika is one of the nastika or “heterodox” schools of Indian philosophy. Purportedly founded in the 5th century BCE by Makkhali Gosala, it was a sramaṇa movement and a major rival of Vedic religion, early Buddhism and Jainism. Ajivikas were organized renunciates who formed discrete communities.
|
They have often been described as fatalists: those who believed that everything is predetermined. | It rejected the doctrine of Karma and believed that pleasure and pain cannot be altered in the course of samsara (transmigration). It can neither be lessened or increased, each person will take their own course and make an end of sorrow in a predetermined manner.
|
Consider the following statements regarding Makkhali Gosala:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 |
| Correct | Correct |
| Around the 6th century BC, at the time of the Buddha, there was an explosion all across India of different schools of thought and philosophy. Makkhali Gosala, was the greatest proponent of the Ajivikas.
|
Gosala met Mahavira for the first time in Nalanda and their friendship lasted for six years. They separated due to doctrinal differences. Gosala then went to Sravasti, where he was patronized by a rich potter woman called Halahala. He believed in the doctrine of reanimation, and criticized and ridiculed the severe austerities of the Vedic ascetics. |
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 |
| Correct | Correct |
| Around the 6th century BC, at the time of the Buddha, there was an explosion all across India of different schools of thought and philosophy. Makkhali Gosala, was the greatest proponent of the Ajivikas.
|
Gosala met Mahavira for the first time in Nalanda and their friendship lasted for six years. They separated due to doctrinal differences. Gosala then went to Sravasti, where he was patronized by a rich potter woman called Halahala. He believed in the doctrine of reanimation, and criticized and ridiculed the severe austerities of the Vedic ascetics. |
Consider the following pairs:
Mahajanapadas Capital
How many of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 | Statement 4 |
| Correct | Correct | Incorrect | Correct |
| Anga – Champa | Vajji – Vaishali | Avanti – Ujjain | Magadha – Girivraja / Rajagriha |
Note:
The ownership of large tracts of land came to be regarded as the prized possession for chieftains, as increased land brought more agricultural surplus and higher tribute collection to a chieftain’s Janapada or territory. It was this search for individual ownership of more and more land that finally culminated into the emergence of a large kingdom or Mahajanapadas around 6th century BC.
| Mahajanapada | Capital |
|
|
Solution (c)
| Statement 1 | Statement 2 | Statement 3 | Statement 4 |
| Correct | Correct | Incorrect | Correct |
| Anga – Champa | Vajji – Vaishali | Avanti – Ujjain | Magadha – Girivraja / Rajagriha |
Note:
The ownership of large tracts of land came to be regarded as the prized possession for chieftains, as increased land brought more agricultural surplus and higher tribute collection to a chieftain’s Janapada or territory. It was this search for individual ownership of more and more land that finally culminated into the emergence of a large kingdom or Mahajanapadas around 6th century BC.
| Mahajanapada | Capital |
|
|
Consider the following statements about the Kawah Ijen Crater Lake:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (b)
Solution (b)
Consider the following statements about ‘India Stack’:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (c)
India Stack is the moniker for a set of open APIs and digital public goods that aim to unlock the economic primitives of identity, data, and payments at population scale. Although the name of this project bears the word India, the vision of India Stack is not limited to one country; it can be applied to any nation, be it a developed one or an emerging one. Having said that, this project was conceptualized and first implemented in India, where its rapid adoption by billions of individuals and businesses has helped promote financial and social inclusion and positioned the country for the Internet Age.
Solution (c)
India Stack is the moniker for a set of open APIs and digital public goods that aim to unlock the economic primitives of identity, data, and payments at population scale. Although the name of this project bears the word India, the vision of India Stack is not limited to one country; it can be applied to any nation, be it a developed one or an emerging one. Having said that, this project was conceptualized and first implemented in India, where its rapid adoption by billions of individuals and businesses has helped promote financial and social inclusion and positioned the country for the Internet Age.
Consider the following statements about the key findings of the State of Climate Services Report for 2023:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Solution (b)
The key findings of the State of Climate Services Report for 2023 released by the World Meteorological Organisation. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Solution (b)
The key findings of the State of Climate Services Report for 2023 released by the World Meteorological Organisation. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Consider the following statements about the ‘Ogasawara Island Chain’:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (b)
Solution (b)
Consider the following statements about the Subansiri River:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (b)
Solution (b)
Consider the following statements regarding types of Geoglyphs:
Choose the correct code:
Solution (c)
Types of Geoglyphs:
Solution (c)
Types of Geoglyphs:
Consider the following statements about the Ao community:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (b)
Solution (b)
Consider the following statements regarding the NDMA Cell Broadcast Alert System:
Choose the correct code:
Solution (c)
Solution (c)
Recently discovered ‘Paintbrush Swift’ is a:
Solution (b)
Solution (b)
Let N = 1421 * 1423 * 1425. What is the remainder when N is divided by 12?
Solution (c)
Remainder R = (1421*1423*1425)/12
R = (5*7*9)/12
[Here, we have taken individual remainder such as 1421 divided by 12 gives remainder 5, 1423 and 1425 gives the remainder as 7 and 9 on dividing by 12.]
Now, the sum is reduced to,
(5*7*9)/12 = (35*9)/12
R = -1*-3
= 3
[Here, we have taken negative remainder.] So, required remainder will be 3.
Solution (c)
Remainder R = (1421*1423*1425)/12
R = (5*7*9)/12
[Here, we have taken individual remainder such as 1421 divided by 12 gives remainder 5, 1423 and 1425 gives the remainder as 7 and 9 on dividing by 12.]
Now, the sum is reduced to,
(5*7*9)/12 = (35*9)/12
R = -1*-3
= 3
[Here, we have taken negative remainder.] So, required remainder will be 3.
X is five digit number. The digit in ten thousands place is 1. The number formed by its digits in units and ten places is divisible by 4. The sum of all the digits is divisible by 3. If 5 and 7 also divide X, then X will be?
Solution (d)
Let the digits of x be
x = abcde
According to the question,
x = 1bcde [Given ten thousands place is 1.]
Now we can check the options as given that the sum of the all digit is divisible by 3.
10080 is the only number given in the option which satisfies all the given conditions.
Solution (d)
Let the digits of x be
x = abcde
According to the question,
x = 1bcde [Given ten thousands place is 1.]
Now we can check the options as given that the sum of the all digit is divisible by 3.
10080 is the only number given in the option which satisfies all the given conditions.
David gets on the elevator at the 11th floor of a building and rides up at the rate of 57 floors per minute. At the same time, Albert gets on an elevator at the 51st floor of the same building and rides down at the rate of 63 floors per minute. If they continue travelling at these rates, then at which floor will their paths cross?
Solution (a)
Suppose their paths cross after x minutes
Then,
11 + 57x = 51 – 63x
⇒ 57x + 63x = 51 – 11
⇒ 120x = 40
x = (1/3)
Number of floors covered by David in (1/3) min
= (1/3)*57
= 19
So, their paths cross at (11 + 19) i.e., 30th floor.
Solution (a)
Suppose their paths cross after x minutes
Then,
11 + 57x = 51 – 63x
⇒ 57x + 63x = 51 – 11
⇒ 120x = 40
x = (1/3)
Number of floors covered by David in (1/3) min
= (1/3)*57
= 19
So, their paths cross at (11 + 19) i.e., 30th floor.
In a school, there are 100 students. 60% of the students are boys, 40% of whom play hockey and the girls don’t play hockey, 75% of girls play badminton. There are only two games to be played. The number of student who don’t play any game is
Solution (c)
Total student = 100
Boys = 60
Girls = 40
Boys who plays hockey = 40% = 24
There is no information about boys who play badminton.
Girls who plays Badminton = 75% = 30
No girls plays hockey.
Since, we do not have information that whether the rest of the boys are playing badminton or not. So, we cannot determine the total no. of student who don’t play any game.
Solution (c)
Total student = 100
Boys = 60
Girls = 40
Boys who plays hockey = 40% = 24
There is no information about boys who play badminton.
Girls who plays Badminton = 75% = 30
No girls plays hockey.
Since, we do not have information that whether the rest of the boys are playing badminton or not. So, we cannot determine the total no. of student who don’t play any game.
The angle of elevation of a ladder leaning against a wall is 60 degrees and the foot of the ladder is 4.6m away from the wall. The length of the ladder is
Solution (d)

In the above picture AB is the ladder and AC is the wall.
Foot of the ladder is at B and it is 4.6 meter away from the wall. That means, it is 4.6 meter away from the point C. Therefore, BC = 4.6 meter.
It is given in the question that the angle of elevation of the ladder leaning against the wall is 60 degree. The angle of elevation is an angle that is formed between the horizontal line and the line of sight.
Here the horizontal line is BC and the line of sight is AB. Therefore, the angle between the lines BC and AB is 60 degrees. So angle B is 60 degrees.
Now we need to find out the length of the ladder. That is, the length of BC.
We know that, cosθ=base/hypotenuse Here base is BC and hypotenuse is AB and θ=60∘. Therefore, cos(60∘)=BCAB ⇒12=4.6AB ⇒AB=4.6×2 ⇒AB=9.2
Therefore, the length of the ladder is 9.2 meter. Hence, option (d) is correct
Solution (d)

In the above picture AB is the ladder and AC is the wall.
Foot of the ladder is at B and it is 4.6 meter away from the wall. That means, it is 4.6 meter away from the point C. Therefore, BC = 4.6 meter.
It is given in the question that the angle of elevation of the ladder leaning against the wall is 60 degree. The angle of elevation is an angle that is formed between the horizontal line and the line of sight.
Here the horizontal line is BC and the line of sight is AB. Therefore, the angle between the lines BC and AB is 60 degrees. So angle B is 60 degrees.
Now we need to find out the length of the ladder. That is, the length of BC.
We know that, cosθ=base/hypotenuse Here base is BC and hypotenuse is AB and θ=60∘. Therefore, cos(60∘)=BCAB ⇒12=4.6AB ⇒AB=4.6×2 ⇒AB=9.2
Therefore, the length of the ladder is 9.2 meter. Hence, option (d) is correct
Consider the following statements regarding the Kondaveedu Fort:
How many of the above statements are correct?
Solution (b)
Solution (b)
All the Best
IASbaba