UPSC Prelims 2025 Analysis

Explanation

The correct answer is (B) Chandragupta II

Here's why:

• A. Samudragupta: Samudragupta was a significant ruler of the Gupta dynasty, known for his military conquests. However, Fa-Hien did not visit India during his reign.
• B. Chandragupta II: Fa-Hien's visit to India is well-documented to have occurred during the reign of Chandragupta II (also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya). He travelled extensively throughout North India, seeking Buddhist scriptures and learning about Buddhist practices. He arrived in India around 399 AD and stayed for about 10 years.
• C. Kumaragupta I: Kumaragupta I succeeded Chandragupta II. Fa-Hien's travels predate his rule.
• D. Skandagupta: Skandagupta came after Kumaragupta I. Thus, Fa-Hien did not travel during his reign.

Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Explanation

I. Asmaka : Godavari — Correct Asmaka (or Assaka) was a Mahajanapada located in the Deccan region, on the banks of the Godavari river. This pair is correctly matched.

II. Kamboja : Vipas — Incorrect Kamboja was located in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent, around present-day Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The river Vipas (Beas) flows in the Punjab region, not in Kamboja. Thus, this pair is not correctly matched.

III. Avanti : Mahanadi — Incorrect Avanti was a Mahajanapada located in western Madhya Pradesh, with its capital at Ujjain. The main river flowing through Avanti was the Narmada, not the Mahanadi (which flows in Chhattisgarh and Odisha). So, this pair is not correctly matched.

IV. Kosala : Sarayu — Correct Kosala was a Mahajanapada in the region of present-day eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Sarayu river (modern Ghaghara) flowed through it. This pair is correctly matched.

Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Explanation

The correct answer is (B) district-level administration.

• A. village-level administration: The Ashokan inscriptions do not mention 'Pradesika', 'Rajuka', and 'Yukta' as village-level officers. Village administration was generally managed by local headmen or village elders.

• B. district-level administration: This is correct. According to Ashokan edicts and inscriptions, 'Pradesika', 'Rajuka', and 'Yukta' were important officers at the district level. The 'Pradesika' was in charge of a district (Pradesa), the 'Rajuka' was responsible for revenue and judicial functions, and the 'Yukta' was a subordinate official, often involved in record-keeping and administration. These officers played a crucial role in the Mauryan administrative system at the district level.

• C. provincial administration: While there were provincial governors (Kumara or Aryaputra), the specific titles of 'Pradesika', 'Rajuka', and 'Yukta' are not associated with provincial administration in Ashokan inscriptions.

• D. level of the central administration: Central administration was managed by higher officials and ministers, not by these district-level officers.

Therefore, option B is correct as the Ashokan inscriptions clearly indicate that 'Pradesika', 'Rajuka', and 'Yukta' were important officers at the district level.

Explanation

The correct answer is (C) Rajendra I (Chola).

Here's why:

• A. Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta): Amoghavarsha was a famous Rashtrakuta ruler, but he did not lead any known military campaign against the Srivijaya kingdom. His reign was more noted for cultural achievements and internal administration.

• B. Prataparudra (Kakatiya): Prataparudra was a ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty in the Deccan region. There is no historical record of him leading any campaign against Srivijaya.

• C. Rajendra I (Chola): Rajendra Chola I, the son of Rajaraja Chola I, led a successful naval expedition against the Srivijaya kingdom in 1025 CE. This campaign is well-documented in Chola inscriptions and is considered one of the most significant overseas military expeditions in Indian history. The Cholas attacked several ports and cities of Srivijaya, asserting their dominance over the maritime trade routes of Southeast Asia.

• D. Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala): Vishnuvardhana was a prominent Hoysala king, but his military campaigns were mostly confined to South India and did not extend to Southeast Asia or Srivijaya.

Therefore, option C is the correct answer as Rajendra I (Chola) is historically credited with the successful military campaign against Srivijaya.

Explanation

The correct answer is (A) Mahendravarman I.

Let's analyze each option:

• A. Mahendravarman I: TRUE. Mahendravarman I was a Pallava king who ruled in the 7th century CE. He was a noted patron of art and literature and is well known for assuming the titles 'Mattavilasa' (the lover of drunken sport), 'Vichitrachitta' (the curious-minded or the one with a creative mind), and 'Gunabharata' (full of virtues). He authored the Sanskrit play 'Mattavilasa Prahasana'.

• B. Simhavishnu: FALSE. Simhavishnu was the father of Mahendravarman I and an earlier Pallava ruler, but there is no historical record of him assuming these titles.

• C. Narasimhavarman I: FALSE. Narasimhavarman I, also known as Mamalla, was the son of Mahendravarman I and famous for his military exploits and the construction of Mahabalipuram, but he did not assume these titles.

• D. Simhavarman: FALSE. Simhavarman was an earlier Pallava king, but he is not associated with these titles.

Therefore, the correct answer is A. Mahendravarman I, who was renowned for his literary and artistic contributions and assumed the titles 'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta', and 'Gunabharata'.

Explanation

The correct answer is (B) a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes.

Let's analyze each option:

• A. a water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley: This describes the 'moat' or 'mote', a Persian wheel or leather bag system, not the 'Araghatta'.

• B. a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes: This is correct. The 'Araghatta' was an ancient Indian irrigation device, essentially a water-lifting wheel. It consisted of a large wheel with several earthen pots attached to its rim. As the wheel rotated (often by animal or human power), the pots would dip into the water source and lift water to the fields. This device is well-documented in ancient Indian texts and archaeological findings.

• C. a larger earthen pot driven by bullocks: This describes a different device, sometimes called 'charas' or 'rehat', but not the 'Araghatta'.

• D. a large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand: This is a simple manual method, not the 'Araghatta', which was a more sophisticated mechanical device.

Therefore, option B is correct as it accurately describes the 'Araghatta' irrigation device.