JPSC 2015 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

2. During the period of 16 Mahajanpadas, Mathura was the capital of:

(A) Vajji – Capital was Vaishali, not Mathura.

(B) Vatsa – Capital was Kausambi.

(C) Kasi – Capital was Varanasi.

✅ (D) Surasena – Correct Answer. Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Mahajanapada during the 6th century BCE.

🟢 Explanation: The 6th century BCE saw the rise of 16 Mahajanapadas in northern India. Surasena was one of them, with Mathura as its capital. Mathura, an ancient city on the Yamuna river, was a significant cultural and political center and later became important in Krishna-related traditions.

3. Where did Buddha preach his first sermon?

(A) Kasi – Modern-day Varanasi; near, but not the exact location.

✅ (B) Sarnath – Correct Answer. Buddha gave his first sermon (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) in the Deer Park at Sarnath after attaining enlightenment.

(C) Kushinagar – Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (death) here.

(D) Bodh Gaya – Site of Buddha’s enlightenment, not his first sermon.

🟢 Explanation: After attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, Buddha gave his first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath (near Varanasi). This event is known as the “Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta” — the turning of the wheel of Dharma — and marks the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha.

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4. In the Mauryan period, tax evasion was punished with:

(A) Death – Extreme, and generally not recorded for tax evasion.

✅ (B) Confiscation of goods – Correct Answer. Arthashastra and other Mauryan records indicate confiscation of property as the penalty.

(C) Imprisonment – Less common than confiscation.

(D) None of the above – Incorrect, as a specific punishment existed.

🟢 Explanation: According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Mauryan administrative records, revenue collection was strictly monitored. Tax evasion was considered a serious offence, usually punishable by imprisonment. The Mauryan state maintained elaborate records and had spies to monitor financial misconduct.

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5. In which modern-day State was the University of Vikramasila located?

(A) Madhya Pradesh – Incorrect location.

(B) Odisha – Not historically linked to Vikramasila.

✅ (C) Bihar – Correct Answer. Vikramasila University, a great center of Buddhist learning, was founded by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty in present-day Bihar.

(D) Jharkhand – Not the location of Vikramasila.

🟢 Explanation: Vikramashila was one of the two most important Buddhist learning centers in India during the Pala Empire, along with Nalanda. It was established by King Dharmapala (8th–9th century CE) and was located in modern-day Bhagalpur district of Bihar. It attracted students from Tibet, China, and other parts of Asia.

6. The art of Ajanta was mainly patronized by the:

(A) Chalukyas – Known for cave temples at Badami, not Ajanta.

(B) Pallavas – Known for temples in Tamil Nadu.

✅ (C) Vakatakas – Correct Answer. The Ajanta cave paintings and sculptures flourished under the patronage of the Vakataka king Harishena (5th century CE).

(D) Gangas – Less associated with Ajanta.

🟢 Explanation: The Ajanta caves are renowned for their murals and sculptures depicting Jataka tales and scenes from the life of Buddha. These caves were developed during the 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE, but most of the stunning paintings belong to the time of Vakataka king Harishena, a patron of Mahayana Buddhism.

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7. The Sultan who is said to have raised the land revenue to one-half of the produce was:

(A) Balban – Strong ruler, but not known for land revenue reforms.

✅ (B) Ala-ud-din Khilji – Correct Answer. Known for his economic reforms, he increased land revenue to 50% of the agricultural produce in his empire.

(C) Muhammad bin Tughluq – Known for experiments like token currency and shifting the capital.

(D) Firuz Tughluq – Known for public works, not drastic tax increases.

🟢 Explanation: Alauddin Khilji, who ruled from 1296–1316 CE, introduced significant market and revenue reforms. To maintain a large army and suppress rebellions, he imposed a 50% land tax in fertile regions like the Doab. He also abolished the iqta system temporarily and enforced direct revenue collection.

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8. Which form of Buddhism was prominent during the Sultanate period?

(A) Theravada – Mostly followed in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

(B) Hinayana – A school of early Buddhism, but less prominent by the Sultanate period.

✅ (C) Vajrayana – Correct Answer. A form of Tantric Buddhism that survived and was practiced in parts of eastern India, Nepal, and Tibet during this period.

(D) Tantreyana – Incorrect term (a mix-up with Vajrayana, which itself is a tantric form).

🟢 Explanation: During the later medieval period, particularly in eastern India (Bengal, Odisha), Vajrayana Buddhism gained prominence. It involves esoteric rituals, use of mantras and mandalas, and symbolic meditation. Though Buddhism had declined in most parts, Vajrayana persisted among isolated communities.