UPSC Static Quiz – Ancient & Medieval India : 17 February 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Ancient & Medieval India : 17 February 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more.We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements about the Five Epics of Sangam literature: Silappadikaram was authored by Ilango Adigal and is a narrative about Kannagi’s quest for justice. Jivakachintamani is a Jain work, emphasizing the virtues of renunciation and asceticism. Valayapathi and Kundalakesi are focused on Hindu religious teachings. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is correct: Silappadikaram was written by Ilango Adigal, a Jain monk. It narrates the story of Kannagi, a chaste wife who seeks justice for her wrongly executed husband. The epic highlights themes of virtue, fate, and justice. Statement 2 is correct: Jivakachintamani is a Jain epic authored by Tirutakkatevar. It focuses on renunciation, morality, and spiritual discipline, which are central tenets of Jain philosophy. Statement 3 is incorrect: Valayapathi and Kundalakesi do not primarily focus on Hindu religious teachings. Instead, Valayapathi is a Jain work, while Kundalakesi is a Buddhist work, reflecting their respective religious traditions. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct: Silappadikaram was written by Ilango Adigal, a Jain monk. It narrates the story of Kannagi, a chaste wife who seeks justice for her wrongly executed husband. The epic highlights themes of virtue, fate, and justice. Statement 2 is correct: Jivakachintamani is a Jain epic authored by Tirutakkatevar. It focuses on renunciation, morality, and spiritual discipline, which are central tenets of Jain philosophy. Statement 3 is incorrect: Valayapathi and Kundalakesi do not primarily focus on Hindu religious teachings. Instead, Valayapathi is a Jain work, while Kundalakesi is a Buddhist work, reflecting their respective religious traditions.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements about the Five Epics of Sangam literature:

• Silappadikaram was authored by Ilango Adigal and is a narrative about Kannagi’s quest for justice.

• Jivakachintamani is a Jain work, emphasizing the virtues of renunciation and asceticism.

• Valayapathi and Kundalakesi are focused on Hindu religious teachings.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is correct: Silappadikaram was written by Ilango Adigal, a Jain monk. It narrates the story of Kannagi, a chaste wife who seeks justice for her wrongly executed husband. The epic highlights themes of virtue, fate, and justice.

• Statement 2 is correct: Jivakachintamani is a Jain epic authored by Tirutakkatevar. It focuses on renunciation, morality, and spiritual discipline, which are central tenets of Jain philosophy.

• Statement 3 is incorrect: Valayapathi and Kundalakesi do not primarily focus on Hindu religious teachings. Instead, Valayapathi is a Jain work, while Kundalakesi is a Buddhist work, reflecting their respective religious traditions.

Solution: A

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the administration during the Sangam period: The Cholas controlled the fully irrigated fertile Kaveri basin with their capital at Madurai. The Pandya kingdom was known for its pastoral and littoral regions, with Madurai as its capital. The Cheras ruled over the hilly country with Vanji (Karur) as their capital. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: C The Sangam period was characterized by the rule of three major Tamil dynasties: Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras, each with distinct territorial and administrative characteristics. Statement 1 is incorrect: The Cholas controlled the fertile Kaveri basin, which was well-known for its extensive irrigation and agricultural prosperity. However, their capital was Uraiyur (early period) and later Puhar (Kaveripattinam), not Madurai, which was the capital of the Pandyas. Statement 2 is correct: The Pandyas ruled over the pastoral and littoral (coastal) regions, with Madurai as their capital. They were known for their pearl fisheries, trade, and literature. Statement 3 is correct: The Cheras ruled over the hilly regions, particularly the western part of Tamilakam, covering present-day Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu. Their capital was Vanji (Karur), and they controlled key trade routes with the West. Incorrect Solution: C The Sangam period was characterized by the rule of three major Tamil dynasties: Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras, each with distinct territorial and administrative characteristics. Statement 1 is incorrect: The Cholas controlled the fertile Kaveri basin, which was well-known for its extensive irrigation and agricultural prosperity. However, their capital was Uraiyur (early period) and later Puhar (Kaveripattinam), not Madurai, which was the capital of the Pandyas. Statement 2 is correct: The Pandyas ruled over the pastoral and littoral (coastal) regions, with Madurai as their capital. They were known for their pearl fisheries, trade, and literature. Statement 3 is correct: The Cheras ruled over the hilly regions, particularly the western part of Tamilakam, covering present-day Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu. Their capital was Vanji (Karur), and they controlled key trade routes with the West.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the administration during the Sangam period:

• The Cholas controlled the fully irrigated fertile Kaveri basin with their capital at Madurai.

• The Pandya kingdom was known for its pastoral and littoral regions, with Madurai as its capital.

• The Cheras ruled over the hilly country with Vanji (Karur) as their capital.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 2 only

• (b) 1 and 3 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: C

The Sangam period was characterized by the rule of three major Tamil dynasties: Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras, each with distinct territorial and administrative characteristics.

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Cholas controlled the fertile Kaveri basin, which was well-known for its extensive irrigation and agricultural prosperity. However, their capital was Uraiyur (early period) and later Puhar (Kaveripattinam), not Madurai, which was the capital of the Pandyas.

• Statement 2 is correct: The Pandyas ruled over the pastoral and littoral (coastal) regions, with Madurai as their capital. They were known for their pearl fisheries, trade, and literature.

• Statement 3 is correct: The Cheras ruled over the hilly regions, particularly the western part of Tamilakam, covering present-day Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu. Their capital was Vanji (Karur), and they controlled key trade routes with the West.

Solution: C

The Sangam period was characterized by the rule of three major Tamil dynasties: Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras, each with distinct territorial and administrative characteristics.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding Cholas The temples remained centres of economic activity during this period. Education saw a rapid decline due to foreign invasions. Caste system was brittle and jobs were assigned based on the merit. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: A Caste system was widely prevalent during the Chola period. Brahmins and Kshatriyas enjoyed special privileges. The inscriptions of the later period of the Chola rule mention about two major divisions among the castes – Valangai and Idangai castes. Education was also given importance. Besides the temples and mathas as educational centres, several educational institutions also flourished. A number of temples were built with the patronage of Chola kings and queens. The temples remained centres of economic activity during this period. The mathas had great influence during this period. Both agriculture and industry flourished. Reclamation of forest lands and the construction and maintenance of irrigation tanks led to agricultural prosperity. Incorrect Solution: A Caste system was widely prevalent during the Chola period. Brahmins and Kshatriyas enjoyed special privileges. The inscriptions of the later period of the Chola rule mention about two major divisions among the castes – Valangai and Idangai castes. Education was also given importance. Besides the temples and mathas as educational centres, several educational institutions also flourished. A number of temples were built with the patronage of Chola kings and queens. The temples remained centres of economic activity during this period. The mathas had great influence during this period. Both agriculture and industry flourished. Reclamation of forest lands and the construction and maintenance of irrigation tanks led to agricultural prosperity.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Cholas

• The temples remained centres of economic activity during this period.

• Education saw a rapid decline due to foreign invasions.

• Caste system was brittle and jobs were assigned based on the merit.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 1 and 3 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: A

Caste system was widely prevalent during the Chola period. Brahmins and Kshatriyas enjoyed special privileges. The inscriptions of the later period of the Chola rule mention about two major divisions among the castes – Valangai and Idangai castes.

Education was also given importance. Besides the temples and mathas as educational centres, several educational institutions also flourished.

A number of temples were built with the patronage of Chola kings and queens. The temples remained centres of economic activity during this period.

The mathas had great influence during this period. Both agriculture and industry flourished. Reclamation of forest lands and the construction and maintenance of irrigation tanks led to agricultural prosperity.

Solution: A

Education was also given importance. Besides the temples and mathas as educational centres, several educational institutions also flourished.

A number of temples were built with the patronage of Chola kings and queens. The temples remained centres of economic activity during this period.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding the bhakti saint Tukaram: He believed in a formless God. He was a contemporary of saints Eknath and Ramdas. He wrote his abhangas in Marathi. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: D Sant Tukaramwas a seventeenth century Marathi poet Saint, related to the Bhakti movement of Maharashtra. He was a contemporary of saints like Eknath and Ramdas. Tukaram was a devotee of Vitthal (a form of Lord Krishna), the supreme God in Vaishnavism. Tukaram believed in a formless God. According to him, it was not possible to enjoin spiritual joy with worldly activities. He stressed the all-pervasiveness of God. He rejected Vedic sacrifices, ceremonies, pilgrimages, idol worship, etc. He also preached the virtue of piety, forgiveness and peace of mind. He spread the message of equality and brotherhood. He tried to foster Hindu-Muslim Unity. Some of his verses are devoted to this theme. He wrote his abhangas in Marathi Incorrect Solution: D Sant Tukaramwas a seventeenth century Marathi poet Saint, related to the Bhakti movement of Maharashtra. He was a contemporary of saints like Eknath and Ramdas. Tukaram was a devotee of Vitthal (a form of Lord Krishna), the supreme God in Vaishnavism. Tukaram believed in a formless God. According to him, it was not possible to enjoin spiritual joy with worldly activities. He stressed the all-pervasiveness of God. He rejected Vedic sacrifices, ceremonies, pilgrimages, idol worship, etc. He also preached the virtue of piety, forgiveness and peace of mind. He spread the message of equality and brotherhood. He tried to foster Hindu-Muslim Unity. Some of his verses are devoted to this theme. He wrote his abhangas in Marathi

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the bhakti saint Tukaram:

• He believed in a formless God.

• He was a contemporary of saints Eknath and Ramdas.

• He wrote his abhangas in Marathi.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

• Sant Tukaramwas a seventeenth century Marathi poet Saint, related to the Bhakti movement of Maharashtra. He was a contemporary of saints like Eknath and Ramdas.

• Tukaram was a devotee of Vitthal (a form of Lord Krishna), the supreme God in Vaishnavism.

• Tukaram believed in a formless God. According to him, it was not possible to enjoin spiritual joy with worldly activities. He stressed the all-pervasiveness of God. He rejected Vedic sacrifices, ceremonies, pilgrimages, idol worship, etc. He also preached the virtue of piety, forgiveness and peace of mind. He spread the message of equality and brotherhood. He tried to foster Hindu-Muslim Unity. Some of his verses are devoted to this theme. He wrote his abhangas in Marathi

Solution: D

• Sant Tukaramwas a seventeenth century Marathi poet Saint, related to the Bhakti movement of Maharashtra. He was a contemporary of saints like Eknath and Ramdas.

• Tukaram was a devotee of Vitthal (a form of Lord Krishna), the supreme God in Vaishnavism.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The royal title of “Devaputra” and “Hindu Suratrana” are often associated with which of these ruler/kingdoms respectively? (a) Vakatakas and Cheras (b) Kushanas and Vijayanagara (c) Shakas and Cholas (d) Magadha and Samudragupta Correct Solution: B One means of claiming high status was to identify with a variety of deities. This strategy is best exemplified by the Kushanas (c. first century BCE-first century CE), who ruled over a vast kingdom extending from Central Asia to northwest India. Colossal statues of Kushana rulers have been found installed in a shrine at Mat near Mathura (Uttar Pradesh). Similar statues have been found in a shrine in Afghanistan as well. Some historians feel this indicates that the Kushanas considered themselves godlike. Many Kushana rulers also adopted the title devaputra, or “son of god”, possibly inspired by Chinese rulers who called themselves sons of heaven. The Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on behalf of the god Virupaksha. Rulers also indicated their close links with the gods by using the title “Hindu Suratrana” this meant Hindu Sultan. Incorrect Solution: B One means of claiming high status was to identify with a variety of deities. This strategy is best exemplified by the Kushanas (c. first century BCE-first century CE), who ruled over a vast kingdom extending from Central Asia to northwest India. Colossal statues of Kushana rulers have been found installed in a shrine at Mat near Mathura (Uttar Pradesh). Similar statues have been found in a shrine in Afghanistan as well. Some historians feel this indicates that the Kushanas considered themselves godlike. Many Kushana rulers also adopted the title devaputra, or “son of god”, possibly inspired by Chinese rulers who called themselves sons of heaven. The Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on behalf of the god Virupaksha. Rulers also indicated their close links with the gods by using the title “Hindu Suratrana” this meant Hindu Sultan.

#### 5. Question

The royal title of “Devaputra” and “Hindu Suratrana” are often associated with which of these ruler/kingdoms respectively?

• (a) Vakatakas and Cheras

• (b) Kushanas and Vijayanagara

• (c) Shakas and Cholas

• (d) Magadha and Samudragupta

Solution: B

One means of claiming high status was to identify with a variety of deities. This strategy is best exemplified by the Kushanas (c. first century BCE-first century CE), who ruled over a vast kingdom extending from Central Asia to northwest India.

• Colossal statues of Kushana rulers have been found installed in a shrine at Mat near Mathura (Uttar Pradesh). Similar statues have been found in a shrine in Afghanistan as well. Some historians feel this indicates that the Kushanas considered themselves godlike. Many Kushana rulers also adopted the title devaputra, or “son of god”, possibly inspired by Chinese rulers who called themselves sons of heaven.

• The Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on behalf of the god Virupaksha. Rulers also indicated their close links with the gods by using the title “Hindu Suratrana” this meant Hindu Sultan.

Solution: B

• The Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on behalf of the god Virupaksha. Rulers also indicated their close links with the gods by using the title “Hindu Suratrana” this meant Hindu Sultan.

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