UPSC Prelims 2006 · General Studies
Question 131: History and Culture
Consider the following statements:
- 1.The Ikshvaku rulers of southern India were antagonistic towards Buddhism.
- 2.The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (b).
The Ikshvakus of southern India (Andhra), who ruled from Nagarjunakonda, were generous patrons of Buddhism; their queens built monasteries and stupas there, even though the kings performed Vedic sacrifices. So statement 1 is false. The Palas of eastern India (Bengal and Bihar) were great patrons of Buddhism: they supported Nalanda and founded Vikramashila, so statement 2 is correct.
- 1. The Ikshvakus patronised Buddhism at Nagarjunakonda.
- 2. The Palas patronised Buddhist centres such as Vikramashila.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: The Ikshvakus patronised Buddhism at Nagarjunakonda.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (d) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: The Palas patronised Buddhist centres such as Vikramashila.
Only (b) is left. This one needs every statement.
This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Statement 1 is false: the Ikshvakus patronised Buddhism.
- (b) Correct: only statement 2 holds.
- (c) Statement 1 is false.
- (d) Statement 2 is true.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2006, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.