Naan Mudhalvan & AICSCC UPSC Prelims Test Series 2024-25

General Studies (P)- TEST BOOKLET

Test 12 - History

Time Allowed: Two Hours Maximum Marks: 200

INSTRUCTIONS

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item comprises four responses (answers). You will select the response which you want
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response with you consider the best. In any case, choose ONLY ONE response for each
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incorrect response 1/3rd of the allotted marks will be deducted.

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1. Consider the following animals: 4. Consider the following sculptures in Indus
1. Lion Valley Civilization (IVC):

2. Elephant 1. Dancing Girl

3. Horse 2. Buffalo with its uplifted head

4. Deer 3. Mother Goddess

5. Rhinoceros 4. Bearded Priest

6. Tiger How many of the above was/were made using

lost-wax technique?
How many of the animals given above were
known to Harappan people ? (a) Only one

(a) Only three (b) Only two

(b) Only four (c) Only three

(c) Only five (d) All four

(d) All six

5. Consider the following statements about
Mohenjo Daro:
2. With reference to the ancient Indian History,
consider the following pairs: 1. Its ruins were designated as the first
UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.
Sites Discovered by
2. The Great bath, assembly hall and the
1. Banawali RS Bist
great granary were excavated in this
2. Chanhudaro NG Majumdar site.
3. Harappa Daya Ram Sahni Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
correct?
In how many of the above pair(s) is/are the
(a) 1 only
given information correctly matched?
(b) 2 only
(a) Only one
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) Only two
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) All three
(d) None
6. Consider the following:

List-I List-II
3. Consider the following Sites:
(Harappan sites) (Rivers)
1. Lothal
1. Lothal Bhogava
2. Dholavira
2. Kalibangan Sutlej
3. Surkotada
4. Kalibangan 3. Kot Diji Indus

5. Amri 4. Ropar Ghaggar

How many of the above are port towns of How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
Indus Valley Civilization? correctly matched?
(a) Only two (a) One pair only
(b) Only three (b) Two pairs only
(c) Only four (c) Three pairs only
(d) All five (d) All Four pairs

2
7. ‘This archaeological site is in Rajasthan and 3. The Early Vedic period was primarily
has discovered the evidence of the world’s pastoral, whereas agriculture became
oldest ploughed agricultural field. It provides the dominant occupation during the
evidence of the first recorded earthquake. A Later Vedic period.
wooden furrow and seven fire altars in a row
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
have been discovered, implying the practice
correct?
of sacrifice.’
Which of the following sites does it refer to? (a) 1 and 3 only

(a) Karanpura (b) 3 only

(b) Rangpur (c) 1 and 2 only
(c) Kalibangan (d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Banawali

10. With reference to the Vedic period, the

8. With reference to the Indus Valley Civilization personalities Lopamudra, Vishvavara, Gargi,
(IVC) and the Vedic Age, consider the following Sikta and Ghosa are commonly associated
statements:
with:
1. IVC exhibited extensive use of copper
(a) Religious rituals and sacrificial practices
and bronze, whereas the Vedic Age
marked the advent of iron metallurgy. (b) Composition of hymns and intellectual

2. Religious praxis in IVC involved fertility discourse

cults and animistic worship, contrasted (c) Musical traditions

by intricate sacrificial rituals in Vedic (d) Development of medical knowledge
Age.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
11. Consider the following statements regarding
correct?
Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism:
(a) 1 only
1. Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes
(b) 2 only
helping others attain salvation, while
(c) Both 1 and 2
Theravada Buddhism focuses on
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
individual enlightenment through self-
discipline and meditation.
9. Consider the following statements regarding
2. Theravada Buddhism envisions Buddha
the differences between the Early Vedic and
as a human being, while Mahayana
Later Vedic periods:
Buddhism regards Buddha as a savior
1. The Early Vedic polity was centered and divine figure.
around small tribal chiefdoms, while
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
the Later Vedic period saw the rise of
correct?
Mahajanapadas.
(a) 1 only
2. The Early Vedic society was
(b) 2 only
predominantly matrilineal, while the
Later Vedic period shifted towards (c) Both 1 and 2

patrilineal traditions. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

3
12. Consider the following statements regarding (a) Khuddaka Nikaya
early Buddhist schools: (b) Sutta Nipata
1. While Sautrantika belongs to Mahayana (c) Anguttara Nikaya
Buddhism, Madhyamika belongs to (d) Digha Nikaya
Hinayana Buddhism.
2. Lokottaravadins focused on strict 15. With reference to various Mudras associated
adherence to monastic discipline, with Buddha, consider the following pairs:
while Sthaviravadins followed modified Mudras Meanings
disciplinary rules.
1. Bhumisparsha Buddha calling Earth
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
Mudra to witness the truth
correct?
(a) 1 only 2. Vitarka Mudra Discussion or
intellectual debate
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 3. Uttarabodhi First Sermon of
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Mudra Buddha

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are

13. The Bodhisattvas in Buddhism express correctly matched?
certain qualities and attributes. In this (a) One pair only
context consider the following pairs:
(b) Two pairs only
Bodhisattvas Attributes (c) All three pairs
(d) None
1. Kshitigarbha Overlord of hell

2. Avalokiteshvara Embodiment of
16. Consider the following information:
wisdom and intellect
Buddhist Themes
3. Manjushri Embodiment of Doctrines
compassion
1. Vinaya Pitaka Teachings and
4. Maitreya The future Buddha discourses of the
Buddha
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
correctly matched? 2. Sutta Pitaka Rules and discipline for
(a) One pair only monastic life

(b) Two pairs only 3. Abhidhamma Philosophical and

(c) Three pairs only Pitaka doctrinal analysis
(d) All Four pairs
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
correctly matched?
14. Which of the following texts mentions (a) One pair only
the sixteen Mahajanapadas and includes (b) Two pairs only
Buddha’s advice to young men and women
(c) All three pairs
about their way of life, particularly focusing
(d) None
on respect and harmony within families?

4
17. Consider the following information: How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
correctly matched?
Buddhist During the Place
Council Reign of (a) One pair only
(b) Two pairs only
1. First Council King Ashoka Rajgriha
(c) Three pairs only
2. Second King Vaishali
(d) All Four pairs
Council Kalasoka

3. Third King Kashmir 20. With reference to the architectural history of

Council Kanishka India, consider the following stupas:

In how many of the above rows is/are the 1. Sanchi Stupa

given information correctly matched? 2. Dhamek Stupa

3. Bharhut Stupa
(a) Only one
4. Amaravati Stupa
(b) Only two
How many of the above stupas was/were
(c) All three built during the times of ‘Mauryan dynasty’?
(d) None (a) Only one
(b) Only two
18. With reference to the history of India, the (c) Only three
terms Samatha, Sila, Anicca and Anatta are (d) All four
related to:

(a) Ritual practices of Indus valley people. 21. A Grain ATM called ‘Annapurti’ was launched
in Odisha recently. It was launched by which
(b) Meditative and philosophical concepts
one of the following organisations?
in Buddhism.
(a) World Bank
(c) Principles of governance in the Mauryan
(b) World Food Programme
Empire.
(c) Food Corporation of India
(d) Narratives of Jainism.
(d) Food and Agriculture Organization

19. The great events of the life of the Buddha 22. Consider the following pairs:
were symbolically represented by different
Gulf Adjoining Sea
symbols on the Sarnath Pillar. In this context,
consider the following pairs: 1. Gulf of Aden Arabian Sea

2. Gulf of Aqaba Red Sea

Symbols Represents
3. Gulf of Bothnia Baltic Sea
1. Stupa Parinirvana
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
2. Lotus Birth of Buddha correctly matched?

3. Lion Enlightenment (a) One pair only

(b) Two pairs only
4. Horse Great Renunciation
(c) All three pairs
(d) None

5
23. Consider the following statements regarding (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II
the phenomenon of ‘Aquatic Deoxygenation’: is incorrect.
Statement-I: (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II
It impacts marine ecosystems through is correct.
Habitat Compression and the creation of
Dead Zones.
25. Consider the following statements in the
Statement-II:
context of Bio-fortification:
It is the overall decline in the oxygen
Statement-I:
content of oceanic and coastal waters.
It is a nutrient-sensitive intervention
Statement-III:
that can reduce vitamin and mineral
Rise in temperature increases the deficiency.
solubility of oxygen in water.
Statement-II:
Which one of the following is correct in
It is a technique through which nutrients
respect of the above statements?
are added to the foods when they are
(a) Both Statement-II and Statement-III processed.
are correct and both of them explain
Which one of the following is correct in respect
Statement-I.
of the above statements?
(b) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are
correct, but only one of them explains
correct and Statement-II is the correct
Statement-I.
explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II
correct and that explains Statement-I.
are correct and Statement-II is not the
(d) Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III
correct explanation for Statement-I.
is correct.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II
is incorrect.
24. Consider the following statements regarding
‘Solar Paraboloid Technology’: (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II
Statement-I: is correct.

This technology is widely used in

concentrated solar power (CSP) systems 26. With reference to ancient Indian history,
with applications in renewable energy which one of the following was the earliest
generation. event?
Statement-II: (a) King Harsha was defeated by the
This technology uses convex mirrors to Chalukya king Pulakeshin II in the
concentrate sunlight onto a focal point, Narmada region and adopted the title of
which is used to generate heat and Parameshvara.
electricity. (b) Shashanka of Gauda cut off the Bodhi
Which one of the following is correct in respect tree at Bodh Gaya.
of the above statements? (c) Narasimhavarman I defeated Pulakeshin
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are II in the Battle of Vatapi and adopted the
correct and Statement-II is the correct title Vatapikonda.
explanation for Statement-I. (d) Sri Lankan King Meghavarman sent
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II a missionary to Samudragupta for
are correct and Statement-II is not the permission to build a Buddhist temple
correct explanation for Statement-I. at Gaya.

6
27. Consider the following statements: 30. Consider the following pairs:
1. Harsha convened a grand assembly at School Philosophy
Kanauj to widely publicize the doctrines
1. Nyaya logical thinking to achieve
of theravada sect of Buddhism. salvation.
2. At the assembly of Prayag, King Harsha
2. Samkhya develops metaphysics and
gave away all his belongings in charity. ontology.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
3. Vaisesika dualistic realism philosophy.
correct?
4. Vedanta believed in the theory of
(a) 1 only
punarjanma.
(b) 2 only
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
(c) Both 1 and 2 correctly matched?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) One pair only
(b) Two pairs only
28. Select the correct chronological order of the (c) Three pairs only
foreign travellers who visited India:
(d) All Four pairs
(a) Hsuan Tsang - Fa Hsien - I Tsing - Sung
Yun
31. Consider the following information:
(b) Hsuan Tsang - Sung Yun - Fa Hsien - I
Text King Author
Tsing
(c) Fa Hsien- Sung Yun - Hsuan Tsang - I 1. Namalinganu- Chandragupta II Amarsimha
shasana
Tsing
(d) Fa Hsien - I Tsing - Hsuan Tsang - Sung 2. Prayag Prashasti Samudragupta Banabhatta
Yun 3. Kadambari Harshvardhana Harisena

In how many of the above rows is the given

29. The Chinese traveller ‘Hsuan Tsang’ who information correctly matched?
visited India recorded the general conditions (a) Only one
and Politico-culture of India at that time. (b) Only two
In this context, consider the following
(c) All three
statements:
(d) None
1. The roads and river-routes were
completely immune from robbery.
32. Consider the following:
2. As regards punishment for offences,
1. Meghadūta
ordeals by fire, water and poison were
2. Shyamala Dandakam
the instruments for determining the
3. Abhijñānaśākuntalam
innocence or guilt of a person.
4. Mālavikāgnimitram
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
5. Vikramōrvaśīyam
correct?
How many of the above given work(s) belongs
(a) 1 only
to Kalidasa?
(b) 2 only
(a) Only two
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) Only three
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Only four
(d) All five

7
33. Consider the following: 36. Consider the following statements about
1. Dandin is the author of technology advancements in ancient India:
Dasakumaracharita, who lived in the 1. In the Surya Siddhanta, Aryabhatta
court of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. explains the true cause of the solar and
2. Panini is the author of both Astadhyayi lunar eclipses.
and Mahabhasya. 2. The Mehrauli Iron Pillar reflects the
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are Mauryas’ advanced metallurgical
correct? skills, which bears an inscription
(a) 1 only referring to King Chandra, identified as
Chandragupta Maurya.
(b) 2 only
3. In Brihatsamhita, Varahamihira stated
(c) Both 1 and 2
that the sun is stationary and the earth
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 rotates.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
34. Consider the following: correct?
Buddhist Monasteries State (a) 1 only

1. Tsuglagkhang Himachal (b) 2 only

Monastery Pradesh (c) 1 and 3 only

2. Tawang Monastery Ladakh (d) 1, 2 and 3

3. Bylakuppe Monastery Karnataka

37. Which of the following port enjoyed a unique
4. Rumtek Monastery Sikkim
position throughout the ancient period for
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are access to the East Indies, Malay peninsula,
correctly matched? Indo-China and Ceylon?
(a) One pair only
(a) Arikamedu
(b) Two pairs only
(b) Tamralipti
(c) Three pairs only
(c) Motupalli
(d) All Four pairs
(d) Koddura

35. Consider the following:

38. Consider the following statements about
1. Purva Mimamsa focuses on
revenue system during Gupta Period:
understanding the nature of reality and
1. Nivartana, Kulyavapa and Dronavapa
the self by exploring the Upanishads
were land grants offered for religious
2. Uttara Mimamsa school of thought purposes.
was of the view that salvation could be
2. Halivakara and Udranga were
achieved through performing rituals.
introduced as plough tax and water tax
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are respectively.
correct? Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
(a) 1 only correct?
(b) 2 only (a) 1 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

8
39. Consider the following statements: 41. Consider the following information:

1. In ancient India, Guptas issued the River Linking Project Beneficiary

State
purest and the largest number of gold
1. Kosi-Mechi Bihar
coins.
2. Ken-Betwa Madhya Pradesh
2. The Sohagaura copper plate inscription
3. Damanganga-Pinjal Uttar Pradesh
is the earliest royal order to preserve
food grains to be utilised during the 4. Netravathi-Hemavathi Karnataka

crises. In how many of the above pair(s) is the given

3. The Paharpur copper plate inscription information correctly matched?

gives the right of subinfeudation to the (a) Only one

grantee. (b) Only two

4. As per the Poona copper plate inscription, (c) Only three

Prabhavati Gupta, daughter of Chandra (d) All four

Gupta II, was married to the Vakataka

prince Rudrasena II. 42. Consider the following statements about the
Global Development Compact:
How many of the above statement(s) is/are
1. India proposed the Compact during the
correct?
third ‘Voice of Global South Summit’.
(a) Only two 2. The Compact aims to address the rising
(b) Only three debt of the developing countries and the
(c) All four Global South.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
(d) None
correct?
(a) 1 only
40. With reference to ancient history, consider
(b) 2 only
the following pairs:
(c) Both 1 and 2
Buddhist University Patronage by (d) Neither 1 nor 2

1. Vikramashila Dharmapala
43. Consider the following pairs:
2. Odantapuri Gopala
Places in News Country
3. Nalanda Kumaragupta I
1. My Son World Heritage Site Thailand
4. Vallabhi Maitrakas 2. Good Maharaja Square Malaysia

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are 3. Saint Martin Island Bangladesh
correctly matched? 4. Kursk Ukraine
(a) One pair only
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
(b) Two pairs only correctly matched?
(c) Three pairs only (a) One pair only
(b) Two pairs only
(d) All Four pairs
(c) Three pairs only
(d) All Four pairs

9
44. Consider the following statements in How many of the above statement(s) is/are
the context of ‘The Status of the World’s correct?
Mangroves 2024 Report’: (a) 1
1. Southeast Asia has about one-half of (b) 2
all mangroves globally followed by West
(c) 3
and Central Africa.
(d) None
2. Mangroves in Lakshadweep archipelago
and on coast of Tamilnadu are critically
47. Consider the following information:
endangered.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are Archaeological Region Description
Site
correct?
(a) 1 only 1. Koldihwa Uttar Neolithic Site
(b) 2 only Pradesh

(c) Both 1 and 2 2. Mehrgarh Balochistan Megalithic Site

(d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Paiyampalli Andhra Mesolithic Site
Pradesh
45. Consider the following statements with
respect to Mpox: 4. Hallur Karnataka Neolithic Site

1. It is a zoonotic disease caused by the In which of the above rows is the given
Varicella-zoster virus. information correctly matched?
2. It causes flu-like symptoms and is (a) 1 and 2
characterized by human-human
(b) 2 and 3
transmission including sexual contact.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are (c) 1 and 4
correct? (d) 3 and 4
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only 48. Consider the following pairs:
(c) Both 1 and 2 Archaeological Associated River
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Site

1. Inamgaon Tapi
46. Consider the following statements:
2. Brahmagiri Godavari
1. Paleolithic people lived in semi-
permanent settlements as well as open 3. Burzahom Jhelum

grounds and caves. How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
2. The earliest evidence of domestication of correctly matched?
animals in India has been found during (a) One pair only
the Mesolithic period. (b) Two pairs only
3. The earliest evidence for drilling human (c) All three pairs
tooth has been found during the
(d) None
Neolithic period.

10
49. Consider the following description: Which personality is described in the above
1. It is found in the parts of Maharashtra passage?

and into the Malwa region of Madhya (a) A. H. Longhurst

Pradesh. (b) James Burgess
2. Inamgaon and Daimabad belong to this (c) John Marshall
culture.
(d) Robert Sewell
3. Dry farming was the mainstay of this
culture, with stock raising, hunting and
52. Consider the following statements:
fishing serving as ancillary pursuits.
1. Some houses had toilets with evidence
Which among the following Chalcolithic
of flushing systems.
culture is described above?
2. There were dustbins placed along the
(a) Kayatha Culture
streets in Mohenjo-Daro.
(b) Jorwe Culture
3. There was evidence of lamp posts at
(c) Salvada Culture intervals.
(d) Ahar Culture How many of the above statement(s)
is/are correct with respect to Indus Valley
50. Consider the following pairs: Civilization?
Personality Contributions (a) 1

1. James Princep First deciphered (b) 2

inscriptions of Ashoka (c) 3
2. Max Muller Translation of the (d) None
Rigveda

3. William Jones Founded the Calcutta 53. Consider the following statements:
madrasa
1. Unlike Mesopotamia and Egypt, the
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are Indus Valley Civilization lacked evidence
correctly matched?
of temples and large palaces.
(a) One pair only
2. Unlike other civilizations, there was no
(b) Two pairs only
social hierarchy existent in the Indus
(c) All three pairs
valley Civilisation.
(d) None
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are

51. He served as the head of the Archaeological correct?

Survey of India and documented numerous (a) 1 only
architectural sites including the Ajanta,
(b) 2 only
Ellora and Elephanta caves. He was the
founder of the journal ‘The Indian Antiquary’. (c) Both 1 and 2
He is considered to be one of the founders of
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Indian archaeology. He became the Secretary
of the Bombay Geographical Society in 1868.

11
54. Consider the following statements about 57. Consider the following statements:
‘Rakhigarhi’: 1. The Brahmanas provide explanations
1. It is situated in the Indus river plain in and interpretations of hymns from the

India. Vedas, while the Upanishads are entirely

independent texts not connected to the
2. It is the largest site in India and has
Vedas.
evidence of animal sacrificial pits and
2. The Brahmanas were primarily
fire altars.
composed by sages meditating in
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are forests, whereas the Upanishads were
correct? created by priests to formalize sacrificial
(a) 1 only practices.

(b) 2 only Which of the statement(s) given above is/are

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

55. Consider the following pairs: (c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2
IVC Boundaries Places

1. North Sutkagendor
58. Consider the following information:
2. South Daimabad
Upanishad Associated Important
3. West Shortugai Veda Theme

4. East Alamgirpur 1. Chandogya Samaveda Meditation and

Upanishad the concept of
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are Om (Aum)
correctly matched?
2. Mundaka Atharvaveda The distinction
(a) One pair only Upanishad between higher
(b) Two pairs only and lower
(c) Three pairs only knowledge

(d) All Four pairs 3. Katha Yajurveda Dialogue on

Upanishad death and
immortality
56. With reference to vedic texts, which of the
following emphasises the symbolic aspects 4. Aitareya Rigveda Creation of the
Upanishad universe and the
of rituals, promoting spiritual reflection and
origin of humans
internalization, often suited for hermits who
withdrew to forest retreats ? In how many of the above rows is the given
information correctly matched?
(a) Atharva veda
(a) Only one
(b) Brahmanas
(b) Only two
(c) Samhita (c) Only three
(d) Aranyakas (d) All four

12
59. With reference to the Vedic society, the term 3. India has joined only three pillars of the
‘Visayapati’ refers to: framework.
(a) The head of a family or household. How many of the statement(s) given above
(b) The leader of a tribal assembly (Samiti). is/are correct?

(c) The head of a group of villages or a (a) Only one

region. (b) Only two
(d) A priest conducting major sacrifices. (c) All three
(d) None
60. The terms ‘Krishna Ayas’ and ‘Shyama Ayas’
mentioned in the Vedic texts are associated 63. With reference to the ‘Clean Plant Programme
with: (CPP)’, consider the following statements:
(a) Precious gemstones used in trade 1. It will provide virus-free high quality
(b) Different types of iron planting material to farmers to boost
(c) Ritualistic materials used in sacrifices crop yields.

(d) Varieties of crops cultivated during the 2. The beneficiaries of CPP includes all
Vedic period farmers regardless of their landholding
size and socio economic status.

61. Consider the following statements with regard 3. It is implemented by the National
to the ‘SDG Stimulus Leaders Group’: Horticulture Board.

1. It is convened by the UN Secretary- Which of the statement(s) given above is/are

General for equipping developing correct?
countries with the financial resources to (a) 1 only
invest in the SDGs. (b) 2 and 3 only
2. India is one of the members of this (c) 1 and 2 only
group. (d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
correct?
64. With reference to ‘PM-PRANAM’, consider the
(a) 1 only following statements:
(b) 2 only 1. It aims to promote the adoption of
(c) Both 1 and 2 biofertilizers and natural alternatives by
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 eliminating chemical fertilizers.
2. The funds for grants to states under this
62. With reference to the Indo-Pacific Economic scheme will come only from the fertiliser
Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), consider the subsidies saved in a particular financial
following statements: year.

1. IPEF was jointly launched by USA along Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
with other partner countries of the Indo- correct?
Pacific region in 2022. (a) 1 only
2. It is structured around four pillars (b) 2 only
related to trade, supply chains, clean (c) Both 1 and 2
economy and fair economy. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

13
65. Consider the following countries: 68. Consider the following pairs:
1. Latvia
Ashoka’s Themes
2. Poland
Major rock
3. Belarus
edicts (MRE)
4. Hungary
5. Romania 1. MRE II Mention of Sangam
Kingdoms
6. Lithuania
How many of the above-given countries share 2. MRE VI Advocates welfare of the
land border with Ukraine? people.
(a) Only three
3. MRE VIII Influence of Kaliga War on
(b) Only four
Ashoka.
(c) Only Five
4. MRE XIII Ashoka’s first dhamma
(d) All Six
yatra to Bodh Gaya.

66. Consider the following pairs: How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
Mauryan Major States correctly matched?
rock edicts
(a) One pair only
1. Sannati Karnataka
(b) Two pairs only
2. Sopara Maharashtra
(c) Three pairs only
3. Mansehra Gujarat
(d) All Four pairs
4. Yerragudi Andhra Pradesh

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are 69. Consider the following pairs:
correctly matched?
Ashokan capital Animals
(a) One pair only
figures
(b) Two pairs only
1. Lauriya- Single seated lion
(c) Three pairs only
Nandangarh
(d) All Four pairs
2. Vaishali Pillar Elephant
67. Which of the following Rock/Pillar edicts/
3. Sankisa Pillar Horse
inscriptions mentions the explicit name of
Ashoka? 4. Allahabad pillar Lion, elephant
1. Maski rock edicts and zebu bull
2. Brahmagiri rock edicts
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
3. Gurjara rock edicts correctly matched?
4. Nettur rock edicts
(a) One pair only
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below: (b) Two pairs only

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) Three pairs only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) All Four pairs
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

14
70. With reference to ‘Ashokan pillar inscriptions’, 2. The district administration was looked
consider the following statements: over by ‘Rajukas’ whereas village
1. Nigalisagar Pillar Inscription describes administration was in the hands of
Asokha’s visit to Lumbini and exemption ‘Yuktas’.
of Lumbini from tax. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
correct?
2. Rummindei Pillar Inscription mentions
(a) 1 only
that Asoka increased the height of stupa
of Buddha Konakamana to its double (b) 2 only
size. (c) Both 1 and 2
3. Rummindei inscription is a record of (d) Neither 1 nor 2
King Aśoka’s pilgrimage to the birthplace
of Buddha. 73. With reference to women in Mauryan
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are administration, consider the following
correct? statements:
(a) 1 only 1. Many women worked in weaving and
(b) 3 only spinning industries during Mauryan
times.
(c) 1 and 3 only
2. No women accompany the king to hunt
(d) 2 and 3 only
in chariots or on horseback.
3. There were no women ascetics in the
71. With reference to Ashokan and Achaemenian
Mauryan empire.
pillars, consider the following statements:
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
1. Ashokan pillars are associated with
correct?
Buddhism whereas Achaemenian pillars (a) 1 only
are associated with Zoroastrianism and
(b) 2 and 3 only
Persian culture.
(c) 1 and 3 only
2. Both Ashokan and Achaemenian pillars (d) 3 only
have capitals of lions and elephants,
which are made of sandstone.
74. Consider the following statements with
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are reference to Mahapadma Nanda:
correct? 1. Mahapadma Nanda brought an image
(a) 1 only of Jina from Kalinga after the battle
(b) 2 only against King Karavela.

(c) Both 1 and 2 2. He was India’s first historical emperor

whose subjects enjoyed the benefits of
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
life without fear of outside intruders
during his reign.
72. Consider the following statements with
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
reference to Mauryan administration:
correct?
1. The ‘Sannidhata’ was the collector
(a) 1 only
general of revenue whereas ‘Samaharta’
(b) 2 only
was the officer-in-charge of the treasury
and store in the Mauryan empire. (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

15
75. Consider the following pairs: 2. Guilds had their laws based on customs
and usage regarding production and
Pottery Periods
fixation of prices of commodities.
1. Ochre colored pottery Harappan
3. The paid outsiders who worked in the
civilisation
guilds were known as dasa and unpaid
2. Red ware Vedic age workers as karmakara.

3. Northern Black Polished Mauryas Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
Ware correct?

4. Painted Grey Ware Guptas (a) 2 only

(b) 3 only
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
correctly matched? (c) 1 and 2 only

(a) One pair only (d) 2 and 3 only

(b) Two pairs only

78. With reference to the Magadha kingdom,
(c) Three pairs only
which of the following is the correct
(d) All Four pairs
chronological sequence?
(a) Ajatasatru-Bimbisara-Udayin-
76. Consider the following:
Mahapadma Nanda
Vedanga Description (b) Mahapadma Nanda-Bimbisara-
1. Vykarna Deals with Grammar Ajatasatru-Udayin

(c) Bimbisara-Ajatasatru-Mahapadma
2. Kalpa Focuses on astronomy and
calculation of time Nanda-Udayin

(d) Bimbisara-Ajatasatru-Udayin-
3. Nirukta Explains the etymology and
Mahapadma Nanda
meaning of Vedic words

4. Chanda Deals with rituals and

79. With reference to ‘Megasthenes Indica’,
sacrificial procedures
consider the following statements:
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
1. During Mauryan period, the main
correctly matched?
source of revenue was the land tax.
(a) One pair only
2. The slavery system was not known in
(b) Two pairs only India during the Mauryas.
(c) Three pairs only Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
(d) All Four pairs correct?
(a) 1 only
77. With reference to the Mahajanapadas, (b) 2 only
consider the following statements
(c) Both 1 and 2
1. Taxes were paid in kind and not in cash
during Mahajanapadas period. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

16
80. Consider the following statements with How many of the statement(s) given above
reference to Kautilya’s Arthashastra: is/are correct?
1. The taxation rates should not exceed (a) Only one
one-sixth of economic activity. (b) Only two
2. It laid down the concept of welfare state (c) All three
to India.
(d) None
3. It did not favour foreign trade and laid
emphasis on indigenous production.
83. With reference to ‘Climate Finance Action Fund
How many of the statement(s) given above
(CFAF)’, consider the following statements:
is/are correct?
1. The fund will be sourced through annual
(a) Only one
contributions from fossil fuel producing
(b) Only two
countries and companies across oil, gas
(c) All three
and coal.
(d) None
2. 50 percent of the CFAF’s capital will fund
climate projects in developing countries.
81. Consider the following statements with
respect to INS Arighaat: 3. The fund will be headquartered with its
secretariat in Bonn, Germany.
1. It is India’s first indigenously developed
nuclear submarine commissioned into How many of the statement(s) given above
the Navy. is/are correct?
2. It is powered by pressurised light-water (a) Only one
reactors allowing it to remain submerged
(b) Only two
for longer periods when compared to
conventional submarines. (c) All three

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are (d) None

correct?
(a) 1 only 84. Consider the following statements:

(b) 2 only 1. A surfactant can be used to clean oil

(c) Both 1 and 2 spills and treat wastewater by reducing

the surface tension of liquid.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Biosurfactants are natural compounds

82. With reference to ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’, produced by microorganisms

consider the following statements: extracellularly.

1. It is awarded in three distinct categories Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
such as Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri and correct?
Vigyan Team awards. (a) 1 only
2. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar awards will (b) 2 only
be given once in three years.
(c) Both 1 and 2
3. The awards can also be given to Persons
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
of Indian Origin (PIOs).

17
85. Consider the following statements regarding 87. Consider the following Statements:
Vaccine-derived illness: 1. As per Junagadh Rock Inscription,
Statement-I: Saka King Rudradaman I repaired
Sudarshana lake through a water tax on
It is a condition that occurs when a
his subjects.
weakened strain of a vaccine mutates and
regains the ability to cause disease. 2. Rudradaman I issued the first ever long
inscription in pure Sanskrit.
Statement-II:
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
It occurs in the case of an inactivated
correct?
vaccine.
(a) 1 only
Statement-III:
(b) 2 only
Oral Polio Vaccine is an inactivated
(c) Both 1 and 2
vaccine.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which one of the following is correct in in
respect of the above statements?
88. With reference to ancient history, consider
(a) Both Statement-II and Statement-III the following pairs:
are correct and both of them explain
Literary work Author
Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are 1. Karpuramanjari Rajasekara

correct, but only one of them explains 2. Saundaranandakavya Ashavagosha

Statement-I. 3. Mricchakatika Vishakadatta
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is 4. Lilavati Varahamihira
correct and that explains Statement-I.
How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
(d) Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III
correctly matched?
is correct.
(a) One pair only
(b) Two pairs only
86. Consider the following Statements:
(c) Three pairs only
1. In Indian numismatics, Indo-Greeks
(d) All Four pairs
introduced die-striking, use of legends,
portraits of rulers, monograms and the 89. Consider the following statements:
representation of deities. 1. Gandhara school of art produced
2. The Indo-Greeks were the first to issue sculptures of themes predominantly
gold coins in India. related to Buddhism.

3. The book ‘Milindapanho’ is in the form of 2. White Marble was largely used in
Amaravati School of art.
a dialogue between the King Menander
3. Kushana King Kanishka’s headless
and the Buddhist monk Nagarjuna.
statue was produced at Mathura School
How many of the above statement(s) is/are
of art.
correct?
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
(a) Only one correct?
(b) Only two (a) 1 only
(c) All three (b) 1 and 3
(d) None (c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

18
90. Consider the following statements: 93. With reference to the history of India, the
1. The Satavahanas were matriarchal as terms ‘Upasampada’ and ‘Uposatha’ are
they were named after their mother. related to:
2. The Satavahanas did not promote (a) Fire sacrifices in Later Vedic culture.
Buddhism as they were brahmanas. (b) Practices in Buddhism involving
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are monastic ordination and observance
correct? days.
(a) 1 only (c) Ritual practices followed by Kings to
(b) 2 only assert their dominance.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Disciplinary practices of Jain monastic
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 communities.

91. Consider the following statements regarding 94. Consider the following statements regarding
ancient Indian cave architecture: the religious history of India:

1. While the Ajanta Caves represent the 1. While Buddhism rejected the existence
themes of Buddhism, the Ellora Caves of god, Jainism neither rejected nor
are associated solely with Hinduism. accepted the existence of god.
2. While the Khandagiri caves were 2. While avatars of deity are the main
developed under the patronage of feature of Vaishnavism, Shaivism
Mauryan kings, the Karle caves were rejected the concept of avatars.
developed during the patronage of Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
Satavahana kings. correct?
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are (a) 1 only
correct?
(b) 2 only
(a) 1 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
95. Consider the following pairs:

92. Consider the following statements regarding Scholars Associated religion/

sect
the Barabar Caves:
1. They are located on the banks of the 1. Vasubandhu Buddhism
river waghora. 2. Dipankara Jainism
2. They were donated to the Ajivika sect by
3. Hemachandra Vaishnavism
Emperor Ashoka.
3. They feature a significant number of 4. Nathamuni Shaivism
Hindu and Jain sculpture. How many of the pair(s) given above is/are
How many of the statement(s) given above correctly matched?
is/are correct? (a) One pair only
(a) Only one (b) Two pairs only
(b) Only two (c) Three pairs only
(c) All three (d) All Four pairs
(d) None

19
96. With reference to the cultural history of India, (c) All three
consider the following literary works: (d) None
1. Visuddhimagga
2. Lalitavistara Sutra 99. With reference to the doctrines of Buddhism
3. Samayasara and Jainism, consider the following
4. Vamakatantra statements:
5. Yogasastra 1. Buddhism rejected the varna system,
How many of the above are primarily whereas Jainism did not explicitly
associated with Buddhism? reject it but focused more on individual
asceticism.
(a) Only two
2. Jainism practices non-violence more
(b) Only three
strictly compared to Buddhism.
(c) Only four
3. Buddhism held that women can achieve
(d) All five
salvation, whereas Jainism held that
women must be reborn as men to attain
97. With reference to cultural history of India, salvation.
consider the following religious sects: How many of the statement(s) given above
1. Totapantha is/are correct?
2. Terapantha (a) Only one
3. Sunyavada (b) Only two
4. Vijnanavada (c) All three
How many of the above belong to the religious (d) None
sects of Jainism?
(a) Only one 100. Consider the following statements regarding
(b) Only two Ajivika sect:
(c) Only three 1. It was founded by Ajita Kesakambali.
(d) All four 2. Ajivikas believed that nothing in this
world could be changed as everything
98. Consider the following statements regarding was predetermined.
Jain Tirthankaras: 3. The Ajivika sect was confined to northern
1. Tirthankaras are those who delay their India and did not spread to the Tamil
liberation from the endless cycle of birth Nadu region.
and death to help others. How many of the statement(s) given above
2. Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha is/are correct?
introduced the concept of non-violence
(a) Only one
and not to own property .
(b) Only two
3. The last Tirthankara Mahavira is a
(c) All three
contemporary of King Ajatashatru.
(d) None
How many of the above statement(s) is/are
correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two

20