DAY – 59 : Insta 75 Days Revision Plan-2025 : ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL INDIA

Solution: C

Statement 1 is incorrect. While Magadha eventually gained control over the river Ganga, facilitating trade, and the annexation of Anga (with its port Champa) was important , Magadha itself was landlocked. Its initial rise was not primarily based on exclusive control over eastern sea ports. Its economic strength stemmed more from its riverine control and fertile land.

Statement 2 is correct. Magadha’s location near the rich mineral deposits, particularly iron ore in the Chotanagpur region (accessible to its south/southeast), was a significant advantage. This allowed for the production of superior iron tools for agriculture (clearing forests, ploughing heavy soil) and advanced iron weaponry, giving its army an edge. Copper was also available.

Statement 3 is correct. Situated in the highly fertile middle Gangetic plains, Magadha benefited from rich alluvial soil and ample rainfall, leading to significant agricultural surpluses. This surplus could support a large population, a large standing army, and the growth of urban centers, forming the bedrock of its power.

Statement 4 is correct. The Nanda dynasty, particularly Mahapadma Nanda and Dhana Nanda, is noted for its immense wealth and powerful army. This was sustained by an effective and possibly oppressive taxation system, which, while making the rulers unpopular, filled the state treasury. Kautilya’s Arthashastra, reflecting Mauryan practices likely built upon Nanda foundations, details various taxes.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is correct. Syadvada (Theory of Conditional Predication) is a core epistemological doctrine in Jainism, closely linked to Anekantavada (doctrine of manifold aspects of reality). It asserts that reality is complex and can be viewed from multiple perspectives, and thus any single statement about it is only conditionally true (“syad” meaning “perhaps” or “maybe”). It typically involves seven modes of predication to capture this complexity, avoiding absolute claims.

Statement 2 is correct. Buddhism, especially the Madhyamaka school founded by Nagarjuna, emphasizes Sunyata (emptiness), which denies inherent existence (svabhava) to all phenomena, including the self (anatman or no-soul doctrine). This contrasts fundamentally with the Jain belief in the existence of eternal, individual souls (jivas). While both seek liberation, their metaphysical understanding of reality and the self differs significantly.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While both traditions utilize perception and inference, their frameworks for valid knowledge (Pramanas) differ and are generally more extensive than just these two. Indian philosophical schools debated extensively on the number and nature of Pramanas. For instance, the Nyaya school accepts four (pratyaksha, anumana, upamana, shabda). Buddhism accepts perception and inference, but different schools might vary. Jainism also has its own distinct classification of knowledge types (mati jnana, shruta jnana, avadhi jnana, manahparyaya jnana, kevala jnana), which doesn’t neatly map onto just perception and inference as the sole means. Neither system limits valid knowledge strictly to only perception and inference.

Solution:D

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Dhamma Mahamattas were a new category of officials created by Ashoka, but their role was not to enforce specific Buddhist doctrines or replace existing priests. Their function was to propagate the broader ethical and social code of Dhamma, promote welfare, ensure fair treatment of various sects, and report on the people’s adherence to Dhamma. Ashoka’s policy aimed at tolerance among sects, not replacement.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Ashoka’s Dhamma, while inspired by Buddhist principles, was essentially an ethical and moral code aimed at promoting social harmony, tolerance, non-violence, respect for elders and different sects, and welfare. His edicts focus on these general principles rather than specific Buddhist philosophical doctrines like the Four Noble Truths or the Eightfold Path, making it broadly acceptable across his diverse empire.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While Rajukas were important officials in the Mauryan administration, particularly mentioned by Ashoka, they were primarily district-level officials (not provincial governors, who were often Kumaras or princes). Ashoka did enhance their authority, vesting them with power in judicial matters (rewarding and punishing) and likely revenue administration in rural areas, but they functioned within the provincial structure, likely under officials like the Pradesika. They were not supreme governors of entire provinces.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is correct. The Gandhara school is known for its use of blue-grey schist stone in earlier phases and later employed stucco and mud/lime pilasters. The Mathura school characteristically used the distinctive red spotted sandstone found in the region.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Gandhara school predominantly focused on Buddhist themes (Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Jataka stories depicted differently than other schools) , the Mathura school was unique in its thematic diversity. It produced not only Buddhist images but also significant sculptures related to Jainism (Tirthankaras) and Brahmanism (Hindu deities like Vishnu, Shiva, Surya, Lakshmi), as well as portrait sculptures of Kushana rulers.

Statement 3 is correct. Gandhara art exhibits clear Hellenistic (Greco-Roman) influence, visible in the realistic depiction of Buddha’s anatomical features, wavy hair, and the style of drapery resembling a Roman toga. The Mathura school, while showing some interaction with Gandhara, largely developed along indigenous lines, with early Buddha images showing stylistic continuity from the robust, earthy Yaksha figures of the earlier Mauryan and Sunga periods.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct. The Post-Gupta period saw a proliferation of land grants, not only to Brahmanas (Brahmadeya, Agrahara) but also increasingly to officials and temples. These grants often went beyond just land revenue, transferring administrative control and sometimes even judicial rights over the inhabitants of the granted villages to the recipients, contributing to decentralization.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While provincial governors (Uparikas) continued to exist , the overall trend was towards decentralization, not increased central control at the expense of local powers. The rise of Samantas and the granting of administrative rights to donees actually weakened the direct control of provincial governors and the central authority in many areas. Guilds also often retained significant autonomy.

Statement 3 is correct. The Post-Gupta era is characterized by the rise and consolidation of the Samanta system. Samantas were subordinate rulers or chiefs who acknowledged the overlordship of a major king but enjoyed considerable autonomy within their territories. Their increasing prominence signifies a shift towards a more feudalized and decentralized political structure, where power was distributed hierarchically rather than being solely concentrated at the center.

Solution: A

2. Vaisheshika is correctly matched with 2. Atomic pluralism; reality composed of eternal atoms and categories. Founded by Kanada, the Vaisheshika school posits that reality is composed of multiple categories (padarthas), including eternal atoms (paramanu) of earth, water, fire, and air, which combine to form objects. This is a pluralistic and atomistic view.
3. Advaita Vedanta is correctly matched with 3. Non-dualism; Brahman is the sole reality, the world is Maya. Propounded by Shankaracharya, Advaita Vedanta asserts that the ultimate reality (Brahman) is one and non-dual. The perceived world of multiplicity is considered Maya (illusion or appearance), and liberation comes from realizing the identity of the individual soul (Atman) with Brahman.
4. Sankhya is correctly matched with 1. Dualism of Purusha (Consciousness) and Prakriti (Matter). Attributed to Kapila, Sankhya philosophy is fundamentally dualistic, explaining reality through the interaction of two distinct, eternal principles: Purusha (pure consciousness, multiple) and Prakriti (primordial matter/nature, singular), from which the manifest world evolves.
5. Ajivika is correctly matched with 4. Absolute determinism (Niyati); denial of free will and karma. Founded by Makkhali Gosala, the Ajivika school is known for its doctrine of Niyati (fate or predeterminism), which holds that everything is rigidly predetermined by cosmic principles, leaving no scope for free will or the efficacy of human actions (karma) in altering one’s destiny.

Solution: A

Term 1 is correctly explained. Bhaga consistently refers to the king’s traditional share of the agricultural produce, often mentioned as one-sixth, a primary source of state revenue.

Term 2 is incorrectly explained. Bali, which was initially a voluntary offering or tribute in the Rig Vedic period, evolved into a compulsory tribute or tax by the Later Vedic and subsequent periods. However, it was generally a land-related tribute or general tax, not specifically tied only to trade activities. Shulka was the term more directly associated with trade tolls.

Term 3 is incorrectly explained. Vishti refers to forced labour, not voluntary paid labour. It was an obligation imposed by the state, particularly noted during the Gupta period, where peasants or labourers could be compelled to work for the state without payment.

Term 4 is correctly explained. Shulka generally denotes tolls, customs duties, or taxes levied on merchandise, often collected at ferries, city gates (barrier stations), or markets.

Solution:A

Based on Kautilya’s Arthashastra and other sources describing Mauryan administration:

3. Mantriparishad-adhyakshya: This official, akin to a Prime Minister or head of the Council of Ministers (Mantriparishad), would be at the highest level among the options listed, directly assisting the Emperor. The Mantrins themselves were part of the highest category of officials (Tirthas).
4. Samaharta: The Collector-General of Revenue, responsible for assessment and collection across the empire, was a very high-ranking official, likely overseeing vast resources and holding significant power, probably ranking below the core council but above district officials. Kautilya places the Samaharta among the high functionaries.
5. Rajuka: These were important district-level officials, responsible for land measurement, revenue administration, and judicial functions, especially in rural areas. Ashoka enhanced their powers. They operated below the provincial level and likely below central figures like the Samaharta.
6. Yukta: These were subordinate officials, likely working under Rajukas or Pradeshikas at the district level, primarily involved in secretarial, accounting, and revenue collection support tasks. They represent a lower tier in the administrative hierarchy compared to the others listed. Therefore, the descending order of hierarchy/importance is generally considered Mantriparishad-adhyakshya > Samaharta > Rajuka > Yukta.

Solution: C

Statement 1 is incorrect. While Mesolithic paintings are abundant and often depict dynamic scenes of hunting, fishing, dancing, and community life, Bhimbetka’s art spans a vast period. Evidence suggests paintings date back possibly to the Upper Paleolithic and continue through the Chalcolithic, Early Historic, and even Medieval periods. The subject matter also evolves, including later depictions of warriors, religious symbols, and historical scenes.

Statement 2 is correct. The painters primarily used naturally available minerals. Red and white were common, derived from hematite (ochre) and limestone respectively. Green might have come from chalcedony, and black from manganese or charcoal. These pigments were likely mixed with binders like water, animal fat, or plant extracts to create paint.

Statement 3 is correct. One of the key features of Bhimbetka is the superimposition of paintings – newer paintings drawn over older ones. This layering clearly indicates that the shelters were used and decorated by different groups of people across different time periods, providing a unique chronological sequence of artistic development.

Statement 4 is incorrect. The artistic style at Bhimbetka varies significantly across different periods. Early paintings (Upper Paleolithic/Mesolithic) are often characterized by dynamic naturalism, depicting animals and human figures in motion. Later periods (Chalcolithic/Historic) show more schematic, static, and decorative styles, sometimes with geometric patterns or formalized figures. The style is not uniform.

Solution: B

(a) is incorrect. While Ajivikas were known for their asceticism, their doctrine of Niyati implied that such practices, like any action, could not alter one’s predetermined fate or lead to liberation in the sense understood by other schools. Liberation through knowledge (Jnana) is more associated with schools like Vedanta or Sankhya, while Karma itself (as action) is central to Mimamsa, and its consequences are addressed by most schools.

(b) accurately captures the core difference. Niyati, the central tenet of the Ajivikas, stands for absolute determinism or fatalism – the belief that everything is preordained by an impersonal cosmic principle, rendering human effort and free will ineffective in changing one’s destiny. In contrast, the doctrine of Karma, central to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism (though interpreted differently), posits a moral law of cause and effect, where actions (karma) inevitably lead to consequences, influencing one’s present life and future rebirths (samsara).

(c) is incorrect. The Ajivika concept of Niyati is generally considered an impersonal cosmic force, not the decree of a creator God. While some schools incorporating Karma are theistic (like some Vedanta schools), the law of Karma itself is often viewed as an impersonal, inherent law of the universe, not necessarily dependent on constant divine intervention for its operation.

(d) is incorrect. Niyati governs the entire sequence of existence, not just the afterlife. The doctrine of Karma explicitly links actions in one life to consequences in future lives, forming the basis of the cycle of rebirth (samsara).

Solution: B

• The power of Gana Sanghas was Vested in an aristocratic Council comprising heads of leading kshatriya families and the authority structure of Ganas had greater elements of tribal organisations.
• The corporate aspect of government was major attribute of these mahajanapadas; they were based in smaller geographical areas and had more representative government.

Hence statement 1 is correct

• The discussions of governance of gana sanghas were placed before an assembly who met in a hall called Santhagara.
• The Chief Office of Gana Sanghas was not hereditary and was known as Ganapati.

Hence statement 2 is incorrect

• Out of the sixteen mahajanapadas during the sixth century BC, only the two – Vajji and Malla were gana Sanghas.

Hence statement 3 is correct

Solution: C

• Hungsi is a major archaeological site located in Yadgir district of Karnataka
• Several tools and weapons belonging to the Paleolithic period have been unearthed here; these artefacts, primarily made of reddish brown chert, include blades and multipurpose instruments.

Hence pair 1 is correct

• Brahmagiri is located in Karnataka.
• It provides important insights into the long term cultural developments in South India
• It is considered a Type site as it was the first location where a continuous cultural sequence from Neolithic period to the medieval period was documented presenting evolution of human settlement and cultural development over several thousands of years.
• Major discoveries at Brahmagiri include three Ashokan edicts linked to the Mauryan Empire, several tools, cist-burials and remains of medieval temples.

Hence pair 2 is correct

• Chirand is a prominent archaeological site located in Saran district of Bihar on the northern Bank of Ganga river
• It is a major site from where evidences of wheat has been found
• It has a large prehistoric Mound known for its continuous archaeological record from the Neolithic period to the reign of Pala dynasty who ruled the region in the pre- medieval period.

Hence pair 3 is correct

Solution : C

• Pragjyotisha was the ancient name for Assam and the historical name for the city of Guwahati;
• It has been mentioned as a kingdom in epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• In ancient Sanskrit literature, Pragjyotisha and Kamarupa were terms used for the region.
• Pragjyotisha was the capital of the Kamarupa kingdom as mentioned in the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, often linked to the Varman dynasty and figures like Naraka and Bhagadatta.
• The region was later known as Kamarupa in medieval period.

Hence option C is correct

Solution : C

• Bindusara, the son of Mauryan Empire Chandragupta Maurya has been mentioned as Amitraghat in Mahabhasya by Panini.
• Greek writers address Bindusara as Amitrochates or destroyer of foes.
• Bindusara conquer the land between Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal; Greek resources mention his diplomatic relations with western kings; according to Strabo, Syrian ruler Antiochus Saint an ambassador Deimachus to Bindusara’s court.
• He is also mentioned in Divyavadana, a Buddhist Text.
• He is believed to have joined the Ajivika sect.
• During his rule, almost the entire subcontinent has far has Karnataka was part of the Mauryan Empire.

Hence option C is correct

Solution : D

• Terapanthi and Bisapanthis are sub sects within Jainism.
• Bisapanthis is a sub-sect of Digambara Jainism; they are distinguished by their adherence to traditional Digambara teachings and practices including the belief of Bhattarakas as religious leaders and the practice of worship with offerings.
• Terapanthis are sub sect of Svetambara Jainism. It was founded by Acharya bhikshu in 1760 and is known for its focus on 13 core principles including the five Great vows, five observances and three restraints. It emphasizes a simple lifestyle and reject idol worship.

Hence option D is correct

Solution: B

• The judicial system was quite developed under the Gupta rulers compared to earlier periods.
• For the first time Civil and criminal laws were clearly demarcated ; the supreme judicial power was vested with the king who tried cases with the help of Brahmin priests.
• Mahanadanyaka was the chief justice.
• The Gupta Empire was divided into bhukti or a number of provinces.
• The head of Provinces was called Uparikas
• Uparikas were responsible for performing judicial function in provinces.

Hence statements 1 and 2 are correct

• Dandapashikas were district level police officer under the Gupta rulers.

Hence statement 3 is incorrect

Solution: C

• Idolatry or idol worship was practiced by the Indus valley people, they worshipped Mother goddess and Pashupati Mahadeva or proto Shiva.
• They also worshipped nature animals and various object .
• Various excavations reveal that Pipal Tree, humped bull, birds (like pigeon and dove), and one horned unicorns were objects of worship for the harappans.

Hence statement 1 is correct

• Dead bodies of Harappan Civilization were placed in a north south direction and generally accompanied by objects including food, pottery ornaments, etc.
• Although the items were not as expensive compared to contemporary Egyptian or Mesopotamian cultures.
• Frequent burial of pots with dead bodies has been found at several sites including Kalibangan.

Hence statement 2 is correct

Solution: A

• Jyotisyashastra was written by Kahapanaka.
• He was one of the nine gems or Navratnas in the court of Gupta King Chandragupta II or Vikramaditya.
• He was a celebrated astrologer.

Hence pair 1 is correct

• Nagananda is a Sanskrit play written by Pushyabhuti ruler Harshavardhana.
• It is one of the most acclaimed Sanskrit dramas that through five acts, tells the popular story of a prince of divine magician called Jitmutavahana, and his self sacrifice to save the Nagas.
• The unique feature of this play is the invocation to Buddha in the Nandi verse, which is considered one of the best examples of dramatic compositions.
• Vatsaraja was a ruler of Pratihara dynasty.

Hence pair 2 is incorrect

• Balacharita was written by acclaimed playwright Bhasa.
• It is a play that focuses on the childhood of Lord Krishna and his slaying of Kangsa.

Hence pair 3 is  incorrect

Solution : A

• The earliest evidence of cotton cultivation in India comes from the site of Mehergarh in Balochistan around 7000 years ago suggesting that cotton was cultivated and used in the Indian subcontinent.
• Cotton cultivation was a part of the Chalcolithic period, which spans from about 3000- 500 BCE.
• Several evidences suggest that cotton was grown and used during this period particularly in region with black cotton soil; it should be noted that major parts of the Chalcolithic culture flourished in the zone of black soil, useful mainly for growing cotton.
• Chalcolithic age, or the Copper-stone Age, engaged in agriculture and cultivated crops like wheat, Barley and cotton.

Hence statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 explains statement 1

Solution : B

• The ‘dialogue between Gargi and Yajnavalkya’ is part of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
• It is mention specifically mentioned in Section VIII of the third chapter.
• As mentioned in the book it happened in the court of king Janaka, when Yajnavalkya’ answered questions of all learned sages assemble there; and among them the a female sage, Gargi questioned him on question on the issue of atma or soul.
• Gargi was an ancient sage and philosopher and in Vedic literature, is honoured as a great natural philosopher and a person with the knowledge of Brahma Vidya.

Hence option B is correct

Solution: C

Under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016, the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) is initiated when a corporate debtor defaults on its obligations. The process is managed by a Resolution Professional (RP), who facilitates but does not approve the resolution plan. The Committee of Creditors (CoC), comprising financial creditors, has the authority to evaluate and approve a resolution plan by a vote of at least 66% of voting share.

However, approval by the CoC is not the final step. The Adjudicating Authority, i.e., the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), has the ultimate authority to approve or reject the resolution plan. NCLT ensures the plan conforms with the requirements of Section 30(2) of the IBC, including payment of dues to operational creditors, feasibility, and compliance with applicable laws. If satisfied, the NCLT admits the plan; if not, it can reject it.

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Although adopted by the UN General Assembly, the treaty is open for signature and accession to both UN member and non-member states. Signature alone doesn’t create legal obligations—ratification is required.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Unlike the Budapest Convention, the UN Convention does not explicitly mandate harmonization of domestic laws, though it provides cooperative frameworks and mechanisms.
• Statement 3 is correct: A key purpose of the treaty is to facilitate the exchange of electronic evidence for serious crimes, including cybercrime and cyber-enabled crime.

Thus, only Statement 3 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:
The Stratospheric Airship Platform, developed by DRDO’s ADRDE, is a lighter-than-air high-altitude platform, not a satellite. It operates in the stratosphere (~17 km altitude) and is capable of long-endurance missions that support Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. It offers real-time monitoring for border security, atmospheric research, and disaster management.

Unlike satellites, which orbit Earth at altitudes ranging from 200 km (LEO) to 36,000 km (GEO), this platform hovers in near-stationary positions, enabling persistent coverage of a specific area at a significantly lower cost. Statement I is correct because the platform’s design allows for sustained airborne observation, which is strategically beneficial. Statement II is incorrect as it falsely categorizes the airship as a satellite system and wrongly describes its altitude and operational domain.

Answer: D

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, not under Article 51A.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: NHRC can act suo motu, i.e., on its own, without a written petition.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: NHRC recommendations are not binding on the government, although they carry persuasive authority. This aligns with DD Basu’s emphasis on the non-enforceable nature of advisory statutory bodies.

Solution: D

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U), launched in 2015, aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor. The scheme operates through four key verticals:

1. Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS): Provides interest subsidies on home loans to eligible beneficiaries.
2. In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR): Focuses on rehabilitating slum dwellers by providing them with pucca houses using land as a resource.
3. Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP): Encourages public-private partnerships to provide affordable housing to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
4. Beneficiary-led Individual House Construction or Enhancement (BLC): Assists individuals in constructing or enhancing their own houses.

The option “Technology Innovation Grant for builders” is not a recognized vertical under PMAY-U.

Correct Option : C

Justification :

The passage emphasizes that collaboration is essential to balance development and sustainability during the energy transition.

Correct Option : D

Justification :

The number is greater than one.

So, possible numbers will be: 2, 3……10

Thus, there is no unique solution.

Therefore, S1 alone is not sufficient to answer the question.

From S2:

The number has 3 Factors.

4 and 9 are such numbers, which have only 3 factors.

Thus, there is no unique solution.

Therefore, S2 alone is not sufficient to answer the question.

From S1 and S2:

Even on combining S1 and S2, we are not able to find a unique solution.

Therefore, S1 and S2 together are not sufficient to answer the question

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Correct Option : D

Justification :

When two Buses run in opposite direction, then

Time taken to cross each other = [(Length of first Bus) + (Length of second Bus)] ∕ [(Speed of first Bus) + (Speed of second Bus)]

The question cannot be answered even with statement I and statement II taken together, as both the lengths of Buses and speed of Buses are not known.

Hence, option (d) is the correct answer

Correct Option : A

Justification :

Average of the total debt is 533

Hence, the shareholder’s wealth is above the average total debt for 2 years (2002 and 2003). Hence Option (a) is correct answer.

We feel uncomfortable in hut and humid climate because in hot weather, body sweats more but due to high humidity, this sweat does not evaporate easily.

Correct Option : D

Justification :

Net working capital (NWC) in 1999 = 350

NWC in 2003 = 1000

If NWC in 1999 = 100, then

NWC in 2003 = (1000/350) × 100 = 285.6

Hence Option (d) is correct answer.