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Indian HistoryHardAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper I

With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous

  1. A.Jain monks
  2. B.playwrights
  3. C.temple architects
  4. D.philosophers

Correct answer

B. playwrights

Explanation

The correct answer is B, playwrights. All three wrote dramas in Sanskrit, and the question tests the names of classical playwrights after Kalidasa.

Bhavabhuti lived in the 8th century at the court of Yashovarman of Kannauj and wrote three plays: Mahaviracharita and Uttararamacharita on the story of Rama, and Malatimadhava, a love story; Uttararamacharita is often ranked close to Kalidasa's work for its depth of feeling. Hastimalla was a Jain author of the Digambara tradition in South India who wrote plays such as Vikrantakaurava and Maithilikalyana. Kshemeshvara, at the court of Mahipala of the Pratiharas, wrote Chandakaushika, on the story of King Harishchandra.

A is wrong: Hastimalla was a Jain, but Bhavabhuti and Kshemeshvara were not Jain monks.

C is wrong: none of them is known for building temples.

D is wrong: they are remembered for their dramas, not for founding schools of philosophy.

Exam tip: Bhavabhuti = Uttararamacharita; Kshemeshvara = Chandakaushika; Hastimalla = Jain dramatist of Vikrantakaurava.

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Q1.Indian HistoryAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2023, GKEasy

Consider the following statements :

After forming the Indian National Army, Subhas Chandra Bose

1. recruited a large number of soldiers from the Indian Prisoners of War in Japanese camp

2. introduced a women's detachment named after the Rani of Jhansi

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

The INA drew its soldiers largely from Indian prisoners of war held by Japan, and Bose created the Rani of Jhansi Regiment for women.

Q2.Indian HistoryAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2021, GKMedium

François Bernier was physician to

  1. A.Prince Murad
  2. B.Princess Jahanara
  3. C.Emperor Shah Jahan
  4. D.Prince Dara Shikoh
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Prince Dara Shikoh

The French doctor François Bernier served as physician to Dara Shikoh, Shah Jahan's eldest son. Bernier reached India in 1658, in the middle of the war of succession among Shah Jahan's sons.

Q3.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2024, Paper IHard

Consider the following statements about the Rowlatt Act of 1919 :

1. It was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council.

2. Khilafat Committee was formed to oppose the Act.

3. While Gandhiji was arrested, the local leaders were allowed to continue the protest.

How many of the above statements is/are NOT correct ?

  1. A.One
  2. B.Two
  3. C.Three
  4. D.None
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Two

Statement 1 is correct, but statements 2 and 3 are not. The Rowlatt Act of March 1919, based on the Sedition Committee chaired by Justice S. A. T. Rowlatt, was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council even though every elected Indian member opposed it.

Q5.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2024, Paper IHard

Consider the following eras in early India :

1. Shaka era 2. Kalachuri era 3. Vikrama era 4. Harsha era 5. Gupta era

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above eras starting with the earliest ?

  1. A.1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
  2. B.3 - 1 - 5 - 2 - 4
  3. C.2 - 3 - 1 - 4 - 5
  4. D.3 - 1 - 2 - 5 - 4
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 3 - 1 - 2 - 5 - 4

Arranged by the year each era begins, the order is Vikrama, Shaka, Kalachuri, Gupta and Harsha. The Vikrama era (Vikram Samvat) begins in 57 BCE and is still used in much of north and west India.