UPSC IAS / IPS — MCQ Practice Questions & Answers

Question 1

The Mahajanapadas period witnessed the rise of several kingdoms. Which of the following was NOT a major Mahajanapada?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: D. Pandya — The 16 Mahajanapadas (c. 6th-4th century BCE) included Magadha, Kosala, Avanti, Vatsa, and others in North and Central India. Pandya was a Sangam Age kingdom in South India, not a recognized Mahajanapada. Magadha eventually emerged as the dominant power under the Mauryas.

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A. Magadha

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B. Kosala

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C. Avanti

Question 2

Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism and subsequent policy of Dhamma is best evidenced by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Edicts inscribed on rock and pillar across the empire — Ashoka's edicts inscribed on rocks and pillars across the Mauryan Empire (c. 260 BCE onwards) are primary sources of his conversion and Dhamma policy. These Major Rock Edicts and Minor Rock Edicts detail his moral and religious policies. Greek accounts like Megasthenes' Indica provide supplementary information but edicts are direct evidence.

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A. The Vedic texts preserved in the imperial library

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C. Temple structures built exclusively for Buddhist worship

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D. Records maintained by Greek ambassadors at his court

Question 3

Which ruler of the Gupta Empire is known for his military conquests described as 'Chakravartin' and is celebrated in the Allahabad Pillar inscription?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Samudragupta — Samudragupta (c. 335-380 CE) is known as the 'Napoleon of India' for his extensive conquests. The Allahabad Pillar inscription (Eran Inscription) by Harisena describes his military achievements and presents him as a Chakravartin. Chandragupta II is known for cultural achievements and Chandragupta I for foundational work.

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A. Chandragupta II

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C. Chandragupta I

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D. Kumaragupta I

Question 4

The Sangam literature of South India provides valuable information about society during which period?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE — Sangam literature was composed during the Sangam Age (c. 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE) and represents Tamil literature from three literary academies (Sangams). It provides crucial information about Chola, Chera, and Pandya kingdoms, trade networks, and social structures of South India during this period.

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B. 1st century BCE to 5th century CE

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C. 5th century BCE to 1st century CE

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D. 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE

Question 5

Which Vedic text contains the earliest reference to the varna system with four categories?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Rigveda — The Rigveda, particularly the Purusha Sukta hymn (10.90), contains the earliest systematic reference to the four varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras) derived from the cosmic man's body parts.

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B. Yajurveda

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C. Atharvaveda

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D. Samaveda

Question 6

Which of the following Mahajanapadas was ruled by a republican form of government during the 6th century BCE?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Vajji — Vajji (also called Vriji) was a confederacy of republican clans ruled collectively without a monarch. In contrast, Magadha was ruled by kings like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, Avanti by the Avanti kings, and Kosala by various monarchs.

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A. Magadha

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B. Avanti

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D. Kosala

Question 7

Which edict of Ashoka specifically mentions his conversion to Buddhism and renunciation of violence?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Rock Edict XIII — Rock Edict XIII, inscribed after the bloody conquest of Kalinga (260 BCE), explicitly describes Ashoka's remorse, his conversion to Buddhism, and his commitment to Dhamma (moral law) instead of military conquest. This marks his transformation from a warrior to a dharma-based ruler.

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A. Rock Edict I

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B. Rock Edict II

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D. Pillar Edict VII

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of Sangam Age literature?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Extensive references to the Vedic Aryan culture — Sangam literature (c. 300 BCE - 300 CE) predominantly reflects Dravidian and local Tamil culture with minimal Vedic Aryan influence. It comprises Tamil poems depicting local kingdoms and society, not Vedic themes. The Sangam works are distinct from Vedic literature.

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A. Composition in Tamil language

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C. Depiction of ancient Tamil kingdoms like Chola, Pandya, and Chera

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D. Collection of poems known as Akananuru and Purananuru

UPSC IAS / IPS - MCQ Practice Questions