UPSC Static Quiz – History : 8 January 2026

UPSC Static Quiz – History : 8 January 2026 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.

Why Participate in the UPSC Static Quiz?

Participating in daily quizzes helps reinforce your knowledge and identify areas that need improvement. Regular practice will enhance your recall abilities and boost your confidence for the examination. By covering various topics throughout the week, you ensure a comprehensive revision of the syllabus.

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of Luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Rayagajakesari and Dayagajakesari are titles associated with which of the following dynasties? a) Gajapati b) Rashtrakuta c) Kakatiya d) Vijayanagara Correct Solution: C Rayagajakesari and Dayagajakesari are titles of the Kakatiya dynasty. The title Daya Gaja Kesari was given to the first Kakatiya king Prataparudra. In the Kakatiya dynasty coins were inscribed with this title. Raya-gaja-kesari title belongs to Rudrama Devi, she inherited this title from her father. This title was also inscribed on the coins. Incorrect Solution: C Rayagajakesari and Dayagajakesari are titles of the Kakatiya dynasty. The title Daya Gaja Kesari was given to the first Kakatiya king Prataparudra. In the Kakatiya dynasty coins were inscribed with this title. Raya-gaja-kesari title belongs to Rudrama Devi, she inherited this title from her father. This title was also inscribed on the coins.

#### 1. Question

Rayagajakesari and Dayagajakesari are titles associated with which of the following dynasties?

• a) Gajapati

• b) Rashtrakuta

• c) Kakatiya

• d) Vijayanagara

Solution: C

• Rayagajakesari and Dayagajakesari are titles of the Kakatiya dynasty.

• The title Daya Gaja Kesari was given to the first Kakatiya king Prataparudra.

• In the Kakatiya dynasty coins were inscribed with this title.

• Raya-gaja-kesari title belongs to Rudrama Devi, she inherited this title from her father. This title was also inscribed on the coins.

Solution: C

• Rayagajakesari and Dayagajakesari are titles of the Kakatiya dynasty.

• The title Daya Gaja Kesari was given to the first Kakatiya king Prataparudra.

• In the Kakatiya dynasty coins were inscribed with this title.

• Raya-gaja-kesari title belongs to Rudrama Devi, she inherited this title from her father. This title was also inscribed on the coins.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Name the location of the musical inscription containing groups of musical notes arranged for the benefit of his pupils by a king in the 7th or 8th century CE. a) Siyyamangalam b) Ennayiram c) Uttaramerur d) Kudumiyanmalai Correct Solution: D Much before modern musical notations took roots in the West, classical ragas were inscripted in Kudumiyanmalai temple in Pudukottai. The inscriptions from the 7th century AD carved on hard rocks of the cave temple contain classical ragas. Built during the Pallava era, the temple stands testimony for king Mahendravarman’s expertise in music composition. He is said to have coined a new composition of Sangeernasadhi raga and carved it in Devanagari script. It is said that Mahendravarman, also called Pallava I, ruled over the place between 630 and 660 AD. The music inscriptions are etched on rocks measuring 13 feet width and 14 feet length. According to the researchers, Kudumiyanmalai inscriptions have seven sub sections which have the words like Madhyama grame, Sadja grame, Panchmi and Kaisiki Madyama, connected with music. The notations on the inscription have been coined for the veena instrument with seven strings but it can also be used for eight stringed veena. The inscription carries information on how they could be played with both. Kudumiyanmalai was the major place for Pandiya, Chola, Vanadhirayar, Mutharaiyyar and Thondaiman kings. Though the place is under the control of ASI, the Tamil Nadu HR and CE department takes care of the temple and the devotees, cultural enthusiasts are allowed during morning and evening hours. Incorrect Solution: D Much before modern musical notations took roots in the West, classical ragas were inscripted in Kudumiyanmalai temple in Pudukottai. The inscriptions from the 7th century AD carved on hard rocks of the cave temple contain classical ragas. Built during the Pallava era, the temple stands testimony for king Mahendravarman’s expertise in music composition. He is said to have coined a new composition of Sangeernasadhi raga and carved it in Devanagari script. It is said that Mahendravarman, also called Pallava I, ruled over the place between 630 and 660 AD. The music inscriptions are etched on rocks measuring 13 feet width and 14 feet length. According to the researchers, Kudumiyanmalai inscriptions have seven sub sections which have the words like Madhyama grame, Sadja grame, Panchmi and Kaisiki Madyama, connected with music. The notations on the inscription have been coined for the veena instrument with seven strings but it can also be used for eight stringed veena. The inscription carries information on how they could be played with both. Kudumiyanmalai was the major place for Pandiya, Chola, Vanadhirayar, Mutharaiyyar and Thondaiman kings. Though the place is under the control of ASI, the Tamil Nadu HR and CE department takes care of the temple and the devotees, cultural enthusiasts are allowed during morning and evening hours.

#### 2. Question

Name the location of the musical inscription containing groups of musical notes arranged for the benefit of his pupils by a king in the 7th or 8th century CE.

• a) Siyyamangalam

• b) Ennayiram

• c) Uttaramerur

• d) Kudumiyanmalai

Solution: D

• Much before modern musical notations took roots in the West, classical ragas were inscripted in Kudumiyanmalai temple in Pudukottai. The inscriptions from the 7th century AD carved on hard rocks of the cave temple contain classical ragas.

• Built during the Pallava era, the temple stands testimony for king Mahendravarman’s expertise in music composition. He is said to have coined a new composition of Sangeernasadhi raga and carved it in Devanagari script.

• It is said that Mahendravarman, also called Pallava I, ruled over the place between 630 and 660 AD. The music inscriptions are etched on rocks measuring 13 feet width and 14 feet length.

• According to the researchers, Kudumiyanmalai inscriptions have seven sub sections which have the words like Madhyama grame, Sadja grame, Panchmi and Kaisiki Madyama, connected with music. The notations on the inscription have been coined for the veena instrument with seven strings but it can also be used for eight stringed veena. The inscription carries information on how they could be played with both.

• Kudumiyanmalai was the major place for Pandiya, Chola, Vanadhirayar, Mutharaiyyar and Thondaiman kings. Though the place is under the control of ASI, the Tamil Nadu HR and CE department takes care of the temple and the devotees, cultural enthusiasts are allowed during morning and evening hours.

Solution: D

• It is said that Mahendravarman, also called Pallava I, ruled over the place between 630 and 660 AD. The music inscriptions are etched on rocks measuring 13 feet width and 14 feet length.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question In the context of 18th century India, what was ‘Dastak’? a) Signature b) Land document c) Trade Permit d) Tax on textiles Correct Solution: C Dastak, in 18th-century Bengal, a permit exempting European traders, mostly of the British East India Company, from paying customs or transit duties on their private trade. The name came from the Persian word for “pass.” The practice was introduced by Robert Clive, one of the creators of British power in India, when he had Mīr Jaʿfar installed as nawab of Bengal in 1757. The attempt of Mīr Jaʿfar’s successor, Mīr Qāsim, to annul the use of dastaks led to his overthrow in 1763–64 and the exercise of overt control of Bengal by the British. Free dastaks for private trade were finally abolished by Warren Hastings, governor of Bengal (1775). The system put the Indian trader at a grave disadvantage in competing with the European and was an important factor in the impoverishment of Bengal under early British rule. Incorrect Solution: C Dastak, in 18th-century Bengal, a permit exempting European traders, mostly of the British East India Company, from paying customs or transit duties on their private trade. The name came from the Persian word for “pass.” The practice was introduced by Robert Clive, one of the creators of British power in India, when he had Mīr Jaʿfar installed as nawab of Bengal in 1757. The attempt of Mīr Jaʿfar’s successor, Mīr Qāsim, to annul the use of dastaks led to his overthrow in 1763–64 and the exercise of overt control of Bengal by the British. Free dastaks for private trade were finally abolished by Warren Hastings, governor of Bengal (1775). The system put the Indian trader at a grave disadvantage in competing with the European and was an important factor in the impoverishment of Bengal under early British rule.

#### 3. Question

In the context of 18th century India, what was ‘Dastak’?

• a) Signature

• b) Land document

• c) Trade Permit

• d) Tax on textiles

Solution: C

Dastak, in 18th-century Bengal, a permit exempting European traders, mostly of the British East India Company, from paying customs or transit duties on their private trade. The name came from the Persian word for “pass.” The practice was introduced by Robert Clive, one of the creators of British power in India, when he had Mīr Jaʿfar installed as nawab of Bengal in 1757. The attempt of Mīr Jaʿfar’s successor, Mīr Qāsim, to annul the use of dastaks led to his overthrow in 1763–64 and the exercise of overt control of Bengal by the British.

Free dastaks for private trade were finally abolished by Warren Hastings, governor of Bengal (1775). The system put the Indian trader at a grave disadvantage in competing with the European and was an important factor in the impoverishment of Bengal under early British rule.

Solution: C

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Match List-I with List-II List-I (Authors) List-II (Books) A. Ashvaghosha 1. Kamasutra B. Vatsyayana 2. Gathasaptashati C. Hala 3. Milinda Panho D. Nagasena 4. Buddha Charita Select the correct answer code: A B C D a) 4 1 2 3 b) 4 1 3 2 c) 1 4 2 3 d) 1 4 3 2 Correct Solution: A Ashvaghosha is the author of Buddha Charita, a Sanskrit epic that presents a poetic biography of Gautama Buddha and is among the earliest classical literary compositions linked to Buddhist philosophy. Vatsyayana is universally known for composing the Kamasutra, a systematic and philosophical treatise on human relationships, social life, and ethics, rather than merely a manual on pleasure. Hala, a Satavahana ruler, is traditionally credited with compiling the Gathasaptashati, an anthology of Prakrit verses that offers rich insights into early Deccan society, emotions, and rural life. Nagasena, the Buddhist monk-philosopher, is associated with the Milinda Panho, a dialogical text recording profound philosophical exchanges between him and Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda). Incorrect Solution: A Ashvaghosha is the author of Buddha Charita, a Sanskrit epic that presents a poetic biography of Gautama Buddha and is among the earliest classical literary compositions linked to Buddhist philosophy. Vatsyayana is universally known for composing the Kamasutra, a systematic and philosophical treatise on human relationships, social life, and ethics, rather than merely a manual on pleasure. Hala, a Satavahana ruler, is traditionally credited with compiling the Gathasaptashati, an anthology of Prakrit verses that offers rich insights into early Deccan society, emotions, and rural life. Nagasena, the Buddhist monk-philosopher, is associated with the Milinda Panho, a dialogical text recording profound philosophical exchanges between him and Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda).

#### 4. Question

Match List-I with List-II

List-I (Authors) | List-II (Books)

A. Ashvaghosha | 1. Kamasutra

B. Vatsyayana | 2. Gathasaptashati

C. Hala | 3. Milinda Panho

D. Nagasena | 4. Buddha Charita

Select the correct answer code:

• a) 4 1 2 3

• b) 4 1 3 2

• c) 1 4 2 3

• d) 1 4 3 2

Solution: A

• Ashvaghosha is the author of Buddha Charita, a Sanskrit epic that presents a poetic biography of Gautama Buddha and is among the earliest classical literary compositions linked to Buddhist philosophy.

• Vatsyayana is universally known for composing the Kamasutra, a systematic and philosophical treatise on human relationships, social life, and ethics, rather than merely a manual on pleasure.

• Hala, a Satavahana ruler, is traditionally credited with compiling the Gathasaptashati, an anthology of Prakrit verses that offers rich insights into early Deccan society, emotions, and rural life.

• Nagasena, the Buddhist monk-philosopher, is associated with the Milinda Panho, a dialogical text recording profound philosophical exchanges between him and Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda).

Solution: A

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding Raja Rammohan Roy and Brahmo Samaj. Raja Rammohan Roy, the founder of Brahmo Samaj was called the father of Indian Renaissance. Rammohan Roy translated into Bengali the Vedas and the five Upanishads. Brahmo Samaj aimed to purify Hinduism, preach monotheism and establish a new religion. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 3 is incorrect. Raja Rammohan Roy (1772-1833), often called the father of Indian Renaissance and the maker of Modern India. Rammohan Roy believed in the modern scientific approach and principles of human dignity and social equality. He put his faith in monotheism. He wrote Gift to Monotheists (1809) and translated into Bengali the Vedas and the five Upanishads to prove his conviction that ancient Hindu texts support monotheism. Raja Rammohan Roy founded the Brahmo Sabha in August 1828; it was later renamed Brahmo Samaj. Rammohan Roy did not want to establish a new religion. He only wanted to purify Hinduism of the evil practices which had crept into it. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 3 is incorrect. Raja Rammohan Roy (1772-1833), often called the father of Indian Renaissance and the maker of Modern India. Rammohan Roy believed in the modern scientific approach and principles of human dignity and social equality. He put his faith in monotheism. He wrote Gift to Monotheists (1809) and translated into Bengali the Vedas and the five Upanishads to prove his conviction that ancient Hindu texts support monotheism. Raja Rammohan Roy founded the Brahmo Sabha in August 1828; it was later renamed Brahmo Samaj. Rammohan Roy did not want to establish a new religion. He only wanted to purify Hinduism of the evil practices which had crept into it.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Raja Rammohan Roy and Brahmo Samaj.

• Raja Rammohan Roy, the founder of Brahmo Samaj was called the father of Indian Renaissance.

• Rammohan Roy translated into Bengali the Vedas and the five Upanishads.

• Brahmo Samaj aimed to purify Hinduism, preach monotheism and establish a new religion.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Raja Rammohan Roy (1772-1833), often called the father of Indian Renaissance and the maker of Modern India. Rammohan Roy believed in the modern scientific approach and principles of human dignity and social equality. He put his faith in monotheism. He wrote Gift to Monotheists (1809) and translated into Bengali the Vedas and the five Upanishads to prove his conviction that ancient Hindu texts support monotheism.

Raja Rammohan Roy founded the Brahmo Sabha in August 1828; it was later renamed Brahmo Samaj. Rammohan Roy did not want to establish a new religion. He only wanted to purify Hinduism of the evil practices which had crept into it.

Solution: B

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE

Stay Consistent

Consistency is key in UPSC preparation. By making the UPSC Static Quiz a part of your daily routine, you will steadily improve your knowledge base and exam readiness. Join us every day to tackle new questions and make your journey towards UPSC success more structured and effective.