Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - History (26 June 2023)

Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Subject : History

1. Consider the following statements regarding Nalanda Mahavihara:

1. It was originally built by Emperor Kumaragupta I of Gupta Dynasty.
2. Post the Gupta period Nalanda was destroyed by several kings, particularly during the 7th century under the reign of emperor Harsha of Kannauj.
3. Both Chinese Pilgrims Huien Tsang and Fa-hien studied at Nalanda.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Nalanda was a Mahavihara, a large and revered Buddhist monastery, in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar) in India. Originally built by Emperor Kumaragupta I of Gupta Dynasty; Expansion works continued during and after Gupta period. Post the Gupta period Nalanda continued to develop under the auspices of several kings, particularly during the 7th century under the reign of emperor Harsha of Kannauj. The Chinese Pilgrims Huien Tsang and Fa-hien studied at Nalanda and have left account of the settlement and its life. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

2. Consider the following:

1. Chirand
2. Brahmagiri
3. Tekkalkota
4. Burzahom

How many of the above are Neolithic sites in India?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (D)

Explanation: One of the most important Neolithic agricultural settlements in Indian subcontinent is Mehrgarh. It is located on the Bolan River, a tributary of the Indus, at the eastern edge of the Baluchistan plateau. Other important Neolithic sites include Gufkral and Burzahom in Kashmir; Mahgara, Chopani Mando, and Koldihwa in Belan valley in Uttar Pradesh; Chirand in Bihar etc. In South India, the important Neolithic sites include Kodekal, Utnur, Nagatjunikonda, Palavoy in Andhra Pradesh; Tekkalkolta, Maski, Narsipur, Sangankallu, Hallur, and Brahmagiri in Karnataka; Pariamlpalli in Tamil Nadu etc. Hence, all are correct.

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

(a) Vijayanagara
(b) Rashtrakuta
(c) Kakatiya
(d) Gajapati

Answer: (C)

Explanation: 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. Hence, option (c) is correct.

4. Consider the following statements regarding the proposals in the August Offer:

1. Making of the Constitution will be solely in Indian hands.
2. Future Constitution to be adopted with the consent of minorities.
3. Expansion of viceroy’s executive council which would have a majority of Indians.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

August Offer (August 1940) which proposed:

  • dominion status as the objective for India;
  • expansion of viceroy’s executive council which would have a majority of Indians (who would be drawn from major political parties);
  • setting up of a constituent assembly after the war where mainly Indians would decide the constitution according to their social, economic and political conceptions, subject to fulfilment of the obligation of the government regarding defence, minority rights, treaties with States, all India services; and
  • no future constitution to be adopted without the consent of minorities.

Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

5. Chola inscriptions mention several categories of land. Among them vellanvagai was a land:

(a) left for fallow cultivation
(b) donated to Jaina institutions
(c) belonging to non-Brahmana peasant proprietors
(d) given for the maintenance of a school

Answer: (C)

Explanation:

These were the major categories:

  1. Vellanvagai: land of non-Brahmana peasant proprietors
  2. Brahmadeya: land gifted to Brahmanas
  3. Shalabhoga: land for the maintenance of a school
  4. Devadana, tirunamattukkani: land gifted to temples
  5. Pallichchhandam: land donated to Jaina institutions

Hence, option (c) is correct.