UPSC IAS / IPS — MCQ Practice Questions & Answers

Question 1

Consider the following statements about early Buddhism: 1. The Buddha rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Brahmanical caste system 2. The Sangha (monastic community) required members to renounce worldly life 3. Bodhi Sattva concept was central to early Buddhism Which of the above s

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Early Buddhism (Theravada) rejected Vedic authority and caste system, and the Sangha required renunciation. Statement 3 is incorrect as Bodhisattva concept is central to Mahayana Buddhism, not early Buddhism. Early Buddhism focused on the individual's path to Nirvana through the Eightfold Path.

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B. 1 and 3 only

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C. 2 and 3 only

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D. 1, 2 and 3

Question 2

Jainism, as propounded by Vardhamana Mahavira, differs from contemporary Buddhism primarily in its concept of:

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Karma and its relationship to the soul — While both Buddhism and Jainism reject Vedic authority and emphasize ahimsa, they differ fundamentally on karma. Jainism believes karma is a material substance that attaches to the soul (Jiva), while Buddhism denies the existence of an eternal soul. Mahavira's emphasis on karma as material binding force distinguishes Jainism from Buddhist philosophy.

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A. Ahimsa (non-violence)

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C. Monastic organization and discipline

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D. Rejection of Vedic authority

Question 3

The Chola dynasty's maritime trade networks during the Sangam Age extended to which of the following regions?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Southeast Asia and possibly Egypt — Archaeological and literary evidence indicates Chola maritime trade extended to Southeast Asian regions (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia) and possibly Egypt. Tamil inscriptions found in Southeast Asia and Roman coins found in South India confirm this extensive network. Trade with China occurred but was not exclusive to China.

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A. Only Indian coastal regions

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C. Greece and the Mediterranean

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D. China exclusively

Question 4

Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, renounced worldly life at what age?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. 30 years — According to Jain texts, Mahavira (599-527 BCE) renounced his family and kingdom at the age of 30 and pursued ascetic practices for 12 years before attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience). He was a contemporary of Buddha.

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A. 25 years

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B. 28 years

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D. 35 years

Question 5

The concept of 'Chakravartin' (universal monarch) in ancient India primarily implied:

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. A monarch whose overlordship was recognized by neighboring rulers and who followed chakravala conquests — Chakravartin (wheel-turner) denoted a paramount sovereign whose suzerainty was acknowledged by other rulers through tributary relationships. It involved ritualistic chakravala (circular) conquests where enemies submitted peacefully. This concept is found in Sanskrit texts and ancient Indian political theory.

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A. A monarch who ruled with absolute and autocratic powers

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C. A merchant prince controlling trade routes

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D. A feudal lord under a stronger king

Question 6

Which of the following Ashoka edicts specifically addresses the relationship between the ruler and his subjects and emphasizes the welfare of all people?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Rock Edict VI — Rock Edict VI emphasizes Ashoka's administrative accessibility to his subjects, stating that he is always available to hear their grievances and concerns regardless of their status. It reflects his commitment to the welfare principle (praja-sukhe) inherent in his Dhamma policy.

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A. Rock Edict I

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C. Pillar Edict I

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D. Kalinga Edict

Question 7

Which early Buddhist council was responsible for the compilation of the Buddhist canon (Tipitaka) in the form recognized today?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Third Buddhist Council under Ashoka — The Third Buddhist Council, convened by Ashoka at Pataliputra (c. 250 BCE), standardized the Buddhist canon and sent missionaries to spread Buddhism. The Tipitaka (Three Baskets) comprising Vinaya, Suttas, and Abhidhamma were formally compiled during this council. This was crucial for establishing canonical orthodoxy.

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A. First Buddhist Council under Ashoka

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B. Second Buddhist Council

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D. Fourth Buddhist Council under Kanishka

Question 8

The rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora contain significant Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments. Which dynasty is primarily credited with the construction of these caves?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Satavahana and Vakatakas — The Ajanta caves (c. 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE) and Ellora caves (c. 5th to 10th century CE) were constructed over a long period. The earlier Ajanta caves are primarily associated with the Satavahana dynasty, while Ellora caves were built by various dynasties including the Vakatakas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas. However, the initial patronage and bulk of construction at Ajanta is credited to the Satavahanas, making them primary contributors to these monumental rock-cut structures.

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B. Maurya and Gupta

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C. Chalukya and Rashtrakuta

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D. Chola and Pandya

UPSC IAS / IPS - MCQ Practice Questions