Pakistan Studies/Affairs MCQs
Topic Notes: Pakistan Studies/Affairs
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
Which Gupta ruler performed the Ashvamedha (Horse Sacrifice) to proclaim imperial sovereignty?
Answer:
Samudragupta
Samudragupta performed the Ashvamedha Yajna (Horse Sacrifice) to demonstrate his paramount sovereignty after his extensive military conquests. He even issued special gold coins depicting a sacrificial horse to commemorate this event.
2
The Sudarshan Lake in Gujarat was repaired during the reign of Skandagupta by which governor?
Answer:
Parnadatta
The Sudarshan Lake, originally built by the Mauryas, was repaired by Parnadatta (and his son Chakrapalita) who was the governor of Saurashtra under Skandagupta. This event is recorded in the Junagadh inscription, highlighting the state's concern for irrigation.
3
What was 'Vishti' in the context of the Gupta period?
Answer:
Forced labor
'Vishti' referred to forced labor during the Gupta period. It was considered a source of income for the state, a sort of tax paid in labor rather than cash, where people were compelled to serve the royal army or officials without payment.
4
Who authored the 'Panchatantra', a collection of animal fables, during the Gupta age?
Answer:
Vishnu Sharma
The 'Panchatantra', one of the most translated literary works in history, was written by Vishnu Sharma during the Gupta period. It was originally composed to teach the principles of statecraft and practical wisdom to three dull-witted princes through animal fables.
5
Which animal appears on the royal seal (Garuda Dhwaja) of the Gupta Empire?
Answer:
Garuda
The Gupta monarchs were staunch followers of Vaishnavism (worshippers of Vishnu). Consequently, they adopted 'Garuda', the mythical bird and vehicle of Lord Vishnu, as their royal emblem. The Garuda Dhwaja was a standard feature of their imperial power.
6
In the Gupta administration, the largest territorial division 'Bhukti' was administered by an officer called:
Answer:
Uparika
The Gupta Empire was divided into provinces known as 'Bhuktis'. These Bhuktis were administered by governors called 'Uparikas', who were directly appointed by the King. The Bhuktis were further divided into districts called 'Vishayas', managed by Vishayapatis.
7
Which physician, known as the 'God of Medicine', was one of the Navratnas in Chandragupta II's court?
Answer:
Dhanvantari
Dhanvantari was a legendary physician and one of the nine gems (Navratnas) in the court of Chandragupta II. He is considered a great authority on Ayurveda and is traditionally worshipped as the god of medicine in the Hindu tradition.
8
The Ajanta Cave paintings primarily illustrate themes from which religion?
Answer:
Buddhism
The paintings at the Ajanta Caves, many of which date to the Gupta and Vakataka periods, are masterpieces of Buddhist art. They primarily illustrate the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives) and the life of Gautama Buddha, utilizing the fresco technique.
9
What was the term used for the silver coins issued by the Guptas?
Answer:
Rupaka
While gold coins were called 'Dinars', the silver coins issued by the Gupta rulers were known as 'Rupakas'. These were primarily introduced by Chandragupta II after his conquest of the Western Satraps to facilitate local trade in the western territories.
10
Who was the author of the 'Brihat Samhita', an encyclopedic work on astronomy, botany, and geography?
Answer:
Varahamihira
Varahamihira was a distinguished scholar in the court of Chandragupta II (one of the Navratnas). His work 'Brihat Samhita' is an encyclopedia that covers a vast range of subjects including astronomy, planetary movements, eclipses, rainfall, architecture, and botany.