2016 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2016 · GS Paper I
Question 89: History and Culture
With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?
aShramana
bParivraajaka
cAgrahaarika
dMaagadha
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
In ancient India the Sutas and Magadhas were bards: the Magadha traditionally memorised and recited genealogies, praise poems, chronicles and heroic tales of kings. Shramanas were ascetics outside the Vedic order, Parivrajakas were wandering mendicants, and Agraharikas were officials connected with agraharas, the land grants to Brahmins.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Shramanas were ascetics, not bards.
- (b) Parivrajakas were wandering mendicants.
- (c) Agraharikas were connected with land grants to Brahmins.
- (d) Right: the Magadha was the bard who recited chronicles and epic tales.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.