Q1. The worship of idols started in India in
(a) Pre-Aryan period
(b) Gupta period
(c) Mauryan period
(d) Kushan period
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (b) Gupta period
Explanation: Idol worship became prominent during the Gupta period, which saw the flourishing of Hindu art and temple architecture. This era marked the transition from Vedic rituals to devotional practices, including sculptures of deities.
Q2. Idol worship was started in
(a) Gupta period
(b) Vedic period
(c) Epic period
(d) Maurya period
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (c) Epic period
Explanation: Idol worship began during the Epic period, especially in the Ramayana and Mahabharata era, marking a shift from abstract rituals to personal deities.
Q2. The earnings of the kings in the Medieval age were mostly derived from
(a) Offerings made at the temples
(b) Land revenue
(c) Trade
(d) Industrial production
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (b) Land revenue
Explanation: In medieval India, land revenue was the primary source of income for kings. Agriculture was the economic backbone, and taxes on land and produce funded administration, military, and infrastructure.
Q3. Bhagvad Gita was originally written in which language ?
(a) Pali
(b) Sanskrit
(c) Hindi
(d) Prakrit
(UPSC Prelims 1981)
Answer: (b) Sanskrit
Explanation: The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, was originally composed in Sanskrit. It forms part of the Mahabharata, specifically the Bhishma Parva, and presents a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on dharma and duty.
Q4. Ancient Indian art and architecture reached its zenith during the period of
(a) Rajputs
(b) Mauryas
(c) Guptas
(d) None of these
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (c) Guptas
Explanation: The Gupta period is considered the golden age of Indian art and architecture, marked by refined sculpture, temple design, and cultural achievements. Iconic works like the Ajanta murals flourished during this era.
Q5. Which of the following statements is incorrect ?
(a) Chandragupta Vikramaditya killed the Saka
(b) Samudragupta is known as Indian Napolean
(c) Skandagupta defeated Huns
(d) Kumaragupta restored the embankment of Sundarsana Lake
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (d) Kumaragupta restored the embankment of Sundarsana Lake
Explanation: The restoration of the embankment of Sundarsana Lake is attributed to Skandagupta, not Kumaragupta. The other statements are historically accurate, making option (d) incorrect. (Licchavi Lyceum)