HISTORY PYQs NOTES Sample

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UPSC Prelims 2024 Ancient History & Art and Culture notes compiled as Q&A. Covers Buddhist stupa origins, functions as repositories of relics and as votive/commemorative structures, Jain core belief in jiva across living and non-living entities, Sangam literature practice of ritual suicide by a defeated king, Dhanyakataka as a Buddhist center in the Andhra region, and Buddhist sects like the Mahasanghikas. Includes Sangam literature overview and references to Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, and Pattuppattu.

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UPSC PRELIMS 2024 ANCIENT HISTORY& ART AND CULTURE NOTES Contact->>> @Yogesh1908 Follow US->>>[https://t.me/Dnyanias](https://t.me/Dnyanias) Year 2023 Answer: C The concept of the Stupa is Buddhist in origin 􀂃 In NCERT's "Introduction to Indian Art" (Class XI), Chapter 2 titled "Early Buddhist Art," it discusses how stupas were originally constructed as burial mounds or tumuli. Later, during the time of Buddha, stupas evolved into structures that enshrined relics associated with him. This evolution highlights the Buddhist origin of the stupa concept. Stupa was generally a repository of relics 􀂃 NCERT's "An Introduction to Indian Art" (Class XI), Chapter 2, provides detailed explanations about stupas and their significance in Buddhism. It mentions that stupas were built to enshrine relics of the Buddha and his disciples. The relics were often placed in a casket, which was then enshrined within the stupa. This makes it clear that stupas were indeed repositories of relics. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in the Buddhist tradition 􀂃 Again, in NCERT's "An Introduction to Indian Art" (Class XI), Chapter 2, it explains that stupas were often built by devotees, rulers, or communities as acts of devotion or commemoration. They were constructed to honor the Buddha, his teachings, or important events in Buddhist history. This indicates that stupas served as votive and commemorative structures within the Buddhist tradition. A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death 􀂃 In Sangam literature, particularly in the context of ancient Tamil society,"Vattakirutal" refers to the practice where a defeated king commits ritual suicide by fasting until death. 􀂃 This act of self-immolation was considered an honorable way for a king to avoid capture or humiliation after being defeated in battle. It was seen as an act of bravery and loyalty to one's kingdom and people. 􀂃 This practice is mentioned in various Sangam poems and literary works, reflecting the cultural norms and values prevalent in ancient Tamil society, where notions of honor and valor were highly esteemed. Answer: B The statement reflects one of the core beliefs of Jainism. 􀂃 Jainism teaches the concept of "Jiva" or soul, which is believed to exist not only in living beings like animals and plants but also in non-living entities such as rocks, water, and other natural objects. 􀂃 This belief underscores the interconnectedness and sanctity of all life forms, emphasizing the Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings, regardless of their form. 􀂃 In contrast, while Buddhism also emphasizes compassion towards all living beings, it does not traditionally attribute souls to inanimate objects. 􀂃 Shaivism and Vaishnavism, which are sects within Hinduism, focus more on the worship of deities and the attainment of liberation through devotion and rituals rather than on the concept of souls inhabi

Jul 14, 2026

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