Q200. Ancient Pali texts contain definite references to coins such as Kahapana, Nikkha, Kamsa and Kakanika. The emergence of such coinage was closely associated with which developments?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, 2026]
A. Emergence of urban life only
B. Transition towards a money economy only
C. Both emergence of urban life and transition towards a money economy
D. Neither of the above
Answer: C. Both emergence of urban life and transition towards a money economy
Explanation: Pali literature and punch-marked coin evidence reflect expanding trade, urban centres and increasing monetisation during the second phase of urbanisation in northern India.
Q199. Consider the following ruler–dynasty pairs of early Tamilakam: 1. Senguttuvan–Chera 2. Udiyanjeral–Chola 3. Nedunjeliyan–Pandya. Which pair is NOT correctly matched?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, 2026]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 3 only
D. 1 and 3
Answer: B. 2 only
Explanation: Senguttuvan and Udiyanjeral were celebrated Chera rulers, whereas Nedunjeliyan belonged to the Pandya dynasty. Sangam literature remains an important source for these rulers.
Q198. Who wrote the historical chronicle Rajatarangini?
[RRB NTPC Graduate, 2026]
A. Banabhatta
B. Kalhana
C. Bilhana
D. Dandin
Answer: B. Kalhana
Explanation: Kalhana composed Rajatarangini in Sanskrit during the twelfth century. Its eight Tarangas narrate the history and traditions of Kashmir’s ruling dynasties.
Q197. Which ancient Indian text gives a detailed account of Mauryan administration, economy and principles of statecraft?
[RRB NTPC Graduate, 2026]
A. Manusmriti
B. Arthashastra
C. Natyashastra
D. Buddhacharita
Answer: B. Arthashastra
Explanation: Traditionally attributed to Kautilya or Chanakya, the Arthashastra discusses kingship, taxation, administration, diplomacy, espionage, economic management, warfare and judicial institutions.
Q196. According to the Arthashastra, what were the two principal types of courts dealing with disputes and offences?
[RRB NTPC Undergraduate, 2026]
A. Sabha and Samiti
B. Dharmasthiya and Kantakashodhana
C. Parishad and Gana
D. Dharma and Nyaya
Answer: B. Dharmasthiya and Kantakashodhana
Explanation: Dharmasthiya courts largely handled civil disputes, while Kantakashodhana courts dealt with criminal matters, public order and offences affecting the security of the state.
Q195. Who is traditionally credited with composing the Tamil ethical classic Tirukkural?
[RRB NTPC Undergraduate, 2026]
A. Ilango Adigal
B. Sattanar
C. Thiruvalluvar
D. Kamban
Answer: C. Thiruvalluvar
Explanation: Thiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural contains 1,330 couplets dealing with virtue, wealth and love. It is among the most influential works of classical Tamil literature.
Q194. Who wrote the astronomical treatise Panchasiddhantika?
[RRB NTPC Undergraduate, 2026]
A. Aryabhata
B. Brahmagupta
C. Varahamihira
D. Bhaskaracharya
Answer: C. Varahamihira
Explanation: Varahamihira’s Panchasiddhantika summarises five astronomical traditions. It is an important source for understanding the development of mathematical astronomy in classical India.
Q193. Which section of the Buddhist Tripitaka principally contains discourses and dialogues attributed to the Buddha?
[RRB NTPC Graduate, 2026]
A. Vinaya Pitaka
B. Sutta Pitaka
C. Abhidhamma Pitaka
D. Jataka Pitaka
Answer: B. Sutta Pitaka
Explanation: The Sutta Pitaka preserves sermons, dialogues and teachings attributed to the Buddha and his disciples and forms one of the three baskets of the Pali Canon.
Q192. The stories describing the previous births of Gautama Buddha are known as:
[RRB NTPC Graduate, 2026]
A. Jatakas
B. Nikayas
C. Agamas
D. Sutras
Answer: A. Jatakas
Explanation: Jataka stories narrate the Buddha’s previous births in human and animal forms, illustrating virtues such as generosity, compassion, wisdom and moral conduct.
Q191. Which Buddhist Pitaka lays down disciplinary rules for monks and nuns?
[RRB NTPC Undergraduate, 2026]
A. Sutta Pitaka
B. Vinaya Pitaka
C. Abhidhamma Pitaka
D. Dhammapada
Answer: B. Vinaya Pitaka
Explanation: The Vinaya Pitaka contains rules governing Buddhist monastic discipline, procedures, offences and communal life and is fundamental to the organisation of the Sangha.