UPSC IAS / IPS — MCQ Practice Questions & Answers

Question 1

Which of the following statements about the Indus Valley Civilization is correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. It was contemporary with the Egyptian Old Kingdom and Mesopotamian civilizations — The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300-1300 BCE) was contemporary with Egyptian Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2181 BCE) and Mesopotamian civilizations. Its script remains undeciphered, there is limited evidence of temples, and it was primarily urban and sedentary, not nomadic.

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A. It had a written script that has been fully deciphered by scholars

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C. Evidence of large temples and priest-kings has been found at all major sites

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D. It was primarily a nomadic pastoral civilization with seasonal settlements

Question 2

Which Vedic text is considered the oldest and contains hymns primarily dedicated to various deities?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Rigveda — The Rigveda is the oldest Vedic text (c. 1500-1200 BCE) and consists of 1028 hymns dedicated to various Vedic deities like Indra, Agni, and Soma. The Yajur Veda contains sacrificial formulas, Sama Veda contains musical chants, and Atharva Veda contains spells and incantations.

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A. Yajur Veda

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C. Sama Veda

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D. Atharva Veda

Question 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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

UPSC IAS / IPS - MCQ Practice Questions