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Pankaj Gupta
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Pankaj GuptaScholar
Asked: 3 months agoIn: , , ,
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Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?                                                    ...Read more

Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?                                                                                                                                                                             [2023]

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  1. AVG
    AVG Explorer

    Vattakirutal was a ritual in which a defeated king would take his own life through self-imposed starvation, often alongside his close companions. Sangam literature records an instance of a Chera king engaging in this solemn practice.

    Vattakirutal was a ritual in which a defeated king would take his own life through self-imposed starvation, often alongside his close companions. Sangam literature records an instance of a Chera king engaging in this solemn practice.

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Pankaj Gupta
  • 6
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Pankaj GuptaScholar
Asked: 3 months agoIn: , ,
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With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs:                                      [2023]Literary workAuthorDevichandraguptaBilhanaHammira-MahakavyaNayachandra SuriMilinda-panhaNagarjunaNitivakyamritaSomadeva Suri 

With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs:                                      [2023]

Literary work

Author

Devichandragupta

Bilhana

Hammira-Mahakavya

Nayachandra Suri

Milinda-panha

Nagarjuna

Nitivakyamrita

Somadeva Suri

 

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  1. Pankaj Gupta
    Pankaj Gupta Scholar

    Devichandragupta is a political drama in Sanskrit authored by Vishakhadutta. This play explores themes of power and intrigue in ancient India. The Hammira-Mahakavya, crafted by Nayachandra Suri in the 15th century, is a renowned Sanskrit epic that narrates the legendary life of King Hammira of the CRead more

    Devichandragupta is a political drama in Sanskrit authored by Vishakhadutta. This play explores themes of power and intrigue in ancient India.

    The Hammira-Mahakavya, crafted by Nayachandra Suri in the 15th century, is a renowned Sanskrit epic that narrates the legendary life of King Hammira of the Chahamana dynasty.

    The Milindapanho, attributed to Nagasena (who some historians, like R.S. Sharma in NCERT, refer to as Nagarjuna), features a philosophical dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Menander and the Buddhist monk Nagasena.

    Lastly, the Nitivakyamrita, authored by Somadeva Suri, serves as an esteemed treatise on governance, structured into 32 insightful chapters.

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Pankaj Gupta
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Pankaj GuptaScholar
Asked: 4 months agoIn: , , ,
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In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?                                          ...Read more

In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?                                                                                    [2023]

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buddhist centerdhanyakatakahistorymahasanghikaspollquestionupsc pre 2023
  1. Shefali
    Shefali Explorer

    Dhanyakataka was a significant ancient city that emerged as a prominent Buddhist center, particularly under the Mahasanghikas, an early Buddhist sect. This city is primarily associated with the region of Andhra. Historical Context Location and Significance: Dhanyakataka is believed to have been locaRead more

    Dhanyakataka was a significant ancient city that emerged as a prominent Buddhist center, particularly under the Mahasanghikas, an early Buddhist sect. This city is primarily associated with the region of Andhra.

    Historical Context

    1. Location and Significance:
      • Dhanyakataka is believed to have been located near present-day Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh, India. This region played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism during the early centuries of the Common Era.
      • The city served as a vital hub for Buddhist learning and practice, fostering the growth of monastic communities.
    2. The Mahasanghikas:
      • The Mahasanghikas were one of the earliest sects of Buddhism, known for their more liberal interpretations of Buddhist doctrine compared to other sects. They were instrumental in the dissemination of Buddhist teachings and practices across different regions.
      • Under their influence, Dhanyakataka developed into a key center for Buddhist activities, attracting monks, scholars, and pilgrims.
    3. Nearby Monastic Centers:
      • The famous Amaravati Stupa, located near Dhanyakataka, was one of the largest stupas in the region and served as a major site for Buddhist worship and pilgrimage. It is often referred to in ancient inscriptions as a mahachaitya, signifying its importance.
      • The stupa’s architectural grandeur and the rich sculptural reliefs that adorned it contributed to the cultural and religious significance of Dhanyakataka.
    4. Cultural Exchange:
      • The strategic location of Dhanyakataka along trade routes facilitated cultural exchange between various regions. Merchants, travelers, and scholars contributed to the vibrant intellectual and spiritual life of the city, making it a melting pot of ideas and beliefs.
      • Dhanyakataka’s proximity to other notable cities in the region, such as Nagarjunakonda and Kalinga, further enhanced its prominence as a Buddhist center.

    The correct answer to the question “In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist center under the Mahasanghikas, located?” is Andhra. The city’s historical and cultural significance, combined with its role as a center of Buddhist learning and practice, highlights its importance in the broader context of Indian history and the spread of Buddhism.

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Pankaj Gupta
  • 4
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Pankaj GuptaScholar
Asked: 3 months agoIn: ,
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With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as      [2023]

With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as      [2023]

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  1. Pankaj Gupta
    Pankaj Gupta Scholar

    Puhar, also called Kaveripoompattinam, served as the chief port of the Cholas. Korkai was the principal harbor for the Pandyas, while the Chera kingdom relied on key ports such as Tondi and Muchiri for trade and commerce.

    Puhar, also called Kaveripoompattinam, served as the chief port of the Cholas. Korkai was the principal harbor for the Pandyas, while the Chera kingdom relied on key ports such as Tondi and Muchiri for trade and commerce.

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Pankaj Gupta
  • 4
Poll
Pankaj GuptaScholar
Asked: 3 months agoIn: ,
  • 4

Consider the following dynasties:                                                                          ...Read more

Consider the following dynasties:                                                                                                               [2023]
1. Hoysala
2. Gahadavala
3. Kakatiya
4. Yadava

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  1. Nitin
    Nitin Beginner

    The onset of the 13th century heralded the fragmentation of the once-mighty Chola and Chalukya empires, paving the way for the emergence of four distinct kingdoms within the region. To the south, the Pandyas and Hoysalas rose to prominence, while the northern territories saw the ascendance of the KaRead more

    The onset of the 13th century heralded the fragmentation of the once-mighty Chola and Chalukya empires, paving the way for the emergence of four distinct kingdoms within the region. To the south, the Pandyas and Hoysalas rose to prominence, while the northern territories saw the ascendance of the Kakatiyas and Yadavas as influential powers. Simultaneously, the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty was effectively eradicated from the political arena by the invading Ghaznavids in the early 11th century.

    Following the disintegration of the Gurjara-Pratihara empire, no single state emerged to fill the void. Instead, a tapestry of smaller, independent powers took root, including the Gahadavalas in Kannauj, the Paramaras in Malwa, the Chalukyas in Gujarat, the Chauhans in Ajmer, the Tomars in Delhi, and the Chandellas in Bundelkhand, each vying for control and influence.

    The timelines of these dynasties are noteworthy: the Hoysala dynasty thrived from the 10th to the 14th centuries, the Gahadavala rulers reigned during the 11th to 12th centuries, the Kakatiya rulers held power from the 12th to the 14th centuries, and the Yadava rulers dominated from the 12th to the 14th centuries.

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Arjita
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ArjitaBeginner
Asked: 4 months agoIn: , ,
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The economy of the Mesolithic period was primarily based on which of the following?

The economy of the Mesolithic period was primarily based on which of the following?

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economyhistorymesolithicprehistory
  1. Pankaj Gupta
    Pankaj Gupta Scholar

    The correct answer is: Hunting and gathering. Explanation: The Mesolithic period (Middle Stone Age) is characterized by a transitional phase between the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) and Neolithic (New Stone Age). During this period, human societies primarily relied on hunting, gathering, and fishingRead more

    The correct answer is: Hunting and gathering.

    Explanation:

    The Mesolithic period (Middle Stone Age) is characterized by a transitional phase between the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) and Neolithic (New Stone Age). During this period, human societies primarily relied on hunting, gathering, and fishing as their main economic activities. However, they also began experimenting with early forms of domestication and primitive agriculture.

    Key Features of the Mesolithic Economy:

    1. Hunting and Gathering:
      • The primary source of food was hunting animals and gathering wild plants, nuts, and fruits.
      • Tools like microliths (small, sharp stone tools) were used to make weapons like arrows and harpoons for more efficient hunting.
    2. Fishing:
      • Fishing became an important activity, with the development of tools like fish hooks and nets.
    3. Early Domestication:
      • While the Mesolithic economy was predominantly based on hunting and gathering, some evidence suggests the beginning of animal domestication (e.g., dogs) and rudimentary agriculture.
    4. Seasonal Settlements:
      • People began living in semi-permanent shelters as they exploited resources in specific areas.

    Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

    1. Agriculture:
      • Agriculture became the dominant economic activity in the Neolithic period, not the Mesolithic period.
    2. Pastoralism:
      • While early domestication began in the Mesolithic period, full-fledged pastoralism emerged later during the Neolithic period.
    3. Industry:
      • The concept of industry is associated with much later periods, such as the Industrial Revolution.

    Thus, the economy of the Mesolithic period was primarily based on hunting and gathering.

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Pankaj Gupta
  • 3
Poll
Pankaj GuptaScholar
Asked: 3 months agoIn: , , ,
  • 3

With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:                                                [2023] 1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist ...Read more

With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:                                                [2023]

1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
2. Stupa was, generally, a repository of relics.
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.

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  1. Pankaj Gupta
    Pankaj Gupta Scholar

    Let's review the statements: The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin – This statement is incorrect. The tradition of building funerary mounds existed before Buddhism, though stupas became closely associated with Buddhist architecture and practices. Stupa was, generally, a repository of relics – TRead more

    Let’s review the statements:

    1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin – This statement is incorrect. The tradition of building funerary mounds existed before Buddhism, though stupas became closely associated with Buddhist architecture and practices.
    2. Stupa was, generally, a repository of relics – This statement is correct. Stupas were often built to house relics, especially in the Buddhist tradition, where they served as reliquaries for the Buddha’s remains and other sacred objects.
    3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition – This statement is correct. In Buddhism, stupas were constructed as votive and commemorative structures, serving as places for worship and honoring significant events or individuals.

    Corrected Answer:

    Only two statements are correct.

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Pankaj Gupta
  • 5
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Pankaj GuptaScholar
Asked: 3 months agoIn: , , ,
  • 5

“Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.”                    ...Read more

“Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.”                                  [2023]

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  1. Arjita
    Arjita Beginner

    The statement reflects one of the core beliefs of Jainism. Jainism emphasizes the idea that all living beings, including plants, animals, and even non-living entities like rocks and water, possess souls (jiva) and that all life is interconnected. This belief in the sanctity of all forms of life is fRead more

    The statement reflects one of the core beliefs of Jainism.

    Jainism emphasizes the idea that all living beings, including plants, animals, and even non-living entities like rocks and water, possess souls (jiva) and that all life is interconnected. This belief in the sanctity of all forms of life is fundamental to Jain philosophy and ethics.

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Pankaj Gupta
  • 5
Poll
Pankaj GuptaScholar
Asked: 3 months agoIn: , , , ,
  • 5

Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?       [2023]

Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?       [2023]

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  1. Harpreet
    Harpreet Beginner

    The ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire who constructed a large dam across the Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometers long from the river to the capital city is Devaraya I

    The ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire who constructed a large dam across the Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometers long from the river to the capital city is Devaraya I

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Pankaj Gupta
  • 1
Poll
Pankaj GuptaScholar
Asked: 3 months agoIn: ,
  • 1

Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese?           [2023]

Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese?           [2023]

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  1. AVG
    AVG Explorer

    The correct answer is: Bahadur Shah. Explanation: Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, is the ruler who surrendered Diu to the Portuguese in the early 16th century. In 1535, Bahadur Shah faced a defeat against the Portuguese and, under pressure, surrendered Diu to them in exchange for peace. This evRead more

    The correct answer is: Bahadur Shah.

    Explanation:

    Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, is the ruler who surrendered Diu to the Portuguese in the early 16th century.

    • In 1535, Bahadur Shah faced a defeat against the Portuguese and, under pressure, surrendered Diu to them in exchange for peace. This event significantly strengthened Portuguese influence in the region.

    Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

    1. Ahmad Shah: He was the founder of the Gujarat Sultanate and ruled from 1411 to 1442. He was not involved in the surrender of Diu to the Portuguese.
    2. Mahmud Begarha: He ruled from 1458 to 1511 and was a strong ruler of Gujarat. He resisted the Portuguese, especially when they attempted to establish their dominance in the region, and did not surrender Diu.
    3. Muhammad Shah: He ruled in the 16th century but was not involved in the surrender of Diu to the Portuguese.

    Conclusion:

    It was Bahadur Shah who surrendered Diu to the Portuguese after facing defeat.

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