Hyderabad - Ashok Nagar – 9133237733; 9502318332;

www.kpias.com- mail us on: kptrainer@gmail.com

ANDHRA PRADESH PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
GROUP-1 MAINS - DAY - 01 (6-2-2023)
Time: 1 Hour Max Marks: 50

Q1) Indus valley civilization or Harappan civilization is known for its splendid
elements on urban civilisation and organized cities in Indian continents.
Analyse?
Approach:

Introduction Brief information about Indus valley civilization.

Body Prominent urban features of Indus valley civilisation such street
planning, drainage system, multi-storey buildings, town
planning, water supply etc.,
Conclusion Urban features replication in modern context.

Answer

The Indus Valley Civilization or Harappan Civilisation (part of Proto-history) was

the first urban civilization in South Asia. Indus Valley Civilisation, Mesopotamian (also
called Sumerian (4500-1900 BCE), and Egyptian (3200-1000 BCE) along with Chinese
civilization were the earliest of settlement showing complex societal life. They were
called ‘Cradles of Civilization’.
The Indus Valley Civilization was the Bronze Age civilization (2500-1600 BCE) extending
from what today is northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan and northwest India.
• Since IVC preceded Iron Age, the Harappans were unaware of the use of iron but
used copper, bronze, silver, and gold.
• Along with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, it was one of three early civilizations of
the world.

1
Its town planning features are as follows:
 Cities and towns were located around a particular water body such as rivers or lakes
or had linkages with oceans.
• Indus Valley Civilization was the first urban centre in the region.
• The Harappans were excellent city planners. The quality of municipal town
planning suggests the knowledge of urban planning and efficient municipal
governments, which placed a high priority on drainage.
• The Harappan city was divided into the upper town called the Citadel (in citadel rich
people lived) and the lower town. Lower Town was the residential area where the
common people lived.
• The city streets were based on a grid system and oriented east to west. The roads
and streets intersected at right angles.
• The streetlight system, Watch and ward arrangement during the night to oust the
lawbreakers.
• Public wells in every street, well in every house, Main streets varying from 9 feet to
as wide as 30-34 feet.
• There were covered drains along the road. Houses were built on either side of the
roads and streets. Each street had a well-organized drain system.
• No stone-built house in the Indus cities, and the staircases of big buildings were
solid; the roofs were flat and were made of wood.
• We find remarkable use of baked bricks and sundried bricks.
The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the world's oldest and most advanced
civilizations. The cities were well-planned and developed. Waste collection and disposal
were also done in a lovely way, as a wooden screen was put at the end of the main sewer,
demonstrating that they were also concerned about water contamination. Streets were
also built in an engineering manner, using burnt bricks and a well-drained system.
Town planning of the Harappan Civilization talks about the urban settlements and
construction of Harappan sites which not only explains the cultural history and
development of ancient civilizations but also a directing path to the present urban
planning.

2
Q2) Dhamma as taught by Buddha is about overcoming the dissatisfaction or
suffering, what is the relevance of Ashoka’s Dhamma in today’s world?
Approach:

Introduction Define Buddhist idea of Dhamma.

Body Dhamma doctrine, Ashoka idea of dhamma, Relevance of
Ashoka dhamma in present context such as principles of
humanity, sarvadharma sambhav, truthfulness etc.,
Conclusion Dhamma as guiding light in present modern world.
Answer

Dhamma refers to Buddhist doctrine and is often interpreted to mean the ‘teachings
of the Buddha.’
• This doctrine was originally passed through word of mouth from Buddha to his
followers. They first appeared in written form in Pali canon, known as the Tipitaka.
Other teachings followed, including the Mahayana Sutras.
• Dhamma reveals truths as taught by Buddha. It also gives people a way to live life
that can lead them towards achieving enlightenment. It encourages Buddhists to
follow the Noble Eightfold Path and to practise meditation. Buddhists believe that
following the Dhamma in their daily practice, can help them to overcome suffering.
• Dhamma is one of 'Three Refuges' of Buddhism, which are Buddha, Dhamma and
Sangha. Buddhists see these refuges as ways through which they can be protected
from suffering they encounter in the world.
AS PER ASHOKA The word Dhamma is the Prakrit form of Sanskrit word Dharma, which
was used by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in a specific context. It was neither a particular
religious faith nor was an arbitrarily formulated royal policy. It was a generalised norm
of social behaviour and activities, based on following fundamental principles:
1) Samyam: Mastery of senses
2) Satya: Truthfulness
3) Saucha: Purity
4) Sushrusa: Service
5) Sampritipati: Support
6) Daan: Charity
7) Daya: Kindness
8) Dridh-bhakti: Steadfastness of devotion
9) Kritajnata: Gratitude
10) Apichiti: Reverence

3
 11) Bhav-Suddhi: Purity of thoughts
• Taking these principles as foundation, Asoka expounded his policy of Dhamma
through his edicts.
A few references from his inscriptions give us a clear idea of the policy propagated by
Ashoka and its relevance in the today's world.
RELEVANCE IN TODAY'S WORLD
Ashoka Dhamma’s relevance in the present time is far greater than ever because:
1. Humanity is currently facing extreme violence in various forms all over the world.
This bloodshed can be stopped by following the principle of Ahimsa enunciated in
Ashoka's Dhamma, which stands for non-violence indeed, words and thoughts.
2. Cruelty against Animals: We humans are well known for our inhuman acts against
other living creatures. Such acts can be countered by following the principles of
“Daya” and “Karuna,” which sees life even in the smallest of living creatures.
3. Principle of Sarvadharma Sambhav and Brahashruti can be productively used to
promote peace and prosperity among different sects and religions.
4. Bilateral relations between two hostile nations can be improved by following the
‘principles of Dhamma Vijay,’ with greater cultural engagements and people to
people interactions.
5. Principle of Truthfulness is necessary to promote transparency and accountability.
It is the foundation stone for honest conduct and probity in public life.
6. Ashokan principles of Paternal kingship can become the bedrock of good
governance in our country. It can help fight challenges like corruption, scam,
misappropriation of public resources, nepotism and favouritism in Governance.
7. Ideals of Sanyam (Mastery of senses) and Bhavashuddhi (Purity of thoughts) are
key to strengthening of character and building a league of morally and ethically
enlightened citizens.
8. Ideals of Kritgyata (Gratitude) and Apichiti (Reverence) are key to strengthen the
institution of family. These principles will guide us to take care of our elders
throughout life.
Adhering to the ideas of the Ashoka Dhamma can help us to sail through the troubled
waters of modern life.

4
Q3) Upper Palaeolithic period witnessed a proliferation of artistic activities,
Explain with emphasis on Bhimbetka paintings?
Approach:

Introduction Define Palaeolithic period.

Body Artistic activities during palaeolithic period and location,
characteristic features, Bhimbetka paintings.
Conclusion How paintings help in decoding those times.
Answer

The term ‘Palaeolithic’ is derived from the Greek word ‘palaeo’ which means old and
‘lithic’ meaning stone. Therefore, the term Palaeolithic age refers to the old stone age. The
old stone age or palaeolithic culture of India developed in the Pleistocene period or the
Ice Age.
 Around the world the walls of many caves of upper palaeolithic time are full of
finely carved and painted pictures of animals which the cave-dwellers hunted.
 Paintings and drawings were the oldest art forms practiced by human beings to
express themselves using the cave wall as their canvas, Subjects were confined to
simple human figures, human activities, geometric designs, and symbols.
 The paintings of the Upper Palaeolithic phase are linear representations, in green
and dark red, of huge animal figures, such as bison’s, elephants, tigers, rhinos and
boars besides stick-like human figures.
 Most paintings consist of geometrical patterns. The green paintings are of dancers
and the red ones of hunters.
The richest paintings from this time period are reported from the Vindhya ranges of
Madhya Pradesh and their Kaimurean extensions into Uttar Pradesh. These hill ranges
are full of Palaeolithic and Mesolithic remains. Among these the largest and most
spectacular rock-shelter is located in the Vindhya hills at Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh.
• In India, remnants of rock paintings have been found on the walls of caves situated
in several districts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Karnataka, Kerala, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.
• Some of the examples of early rock paintings sites are Lakhudiyar in Uttarakhand,
Kupgallu in Telangana, Piklihal, and Tekkalkotta in Karnataka, Bhimbetka and
Jogimara in Madhya Pradesh, Karikiyoor rock art in Tamil Nadu, etc.
• Paintings discovered can be divided into three categories: Man, Animal, and
Geometric symbols.
• Bhimbetka Caves represent excellent prehistoric paintings in India: They consist of
nearly 400 painted rock shelters in five clusters.
FEATURES OF PREHISTORIC BHIMBETKA PAINTINGS:

5
• They employed colours, including various shades of white, yellow, orange, red
ochre, purple, brown, green, and black.
ο The paints used by these people were made by grinding various coloured
rocks.
ο They got red from hematite (Geru in India).
ο Green was prepared from a green-coloured rock called Chalcedony.
ο White was from Limestone.
ο Some sticky substances such as animal fat or gum or resin from trees may have
been used while mixing rock powder with water.
• Brushes were made of plant fibre.
• It is believed that these colours remained thousands of years because of the
chemical reaction of the oxide present on the surface of rocks.
• Many rock art sites of the new painting are painted on top of an older painting. In
Bhimbetka, we can see nearly 20 layers of paintings, one on top of another.
• The use of many geometrical patterns is seen.
• Scenes were mainly hunting and the economic and social life of people.
The primitive artists seem to possess an intrinsic passion for storytelling. These pictures
depict, in a dramatic way, both men and animals engaged in the struggle for survival. The
paintings of individual animals show the mastery of skill of the primitive artist in drawing
these forms. Both, proportion and tonal effect have been realistically maintained in them.

Q4) Though Buddhism emerged as response to prevailing social conditions, it

could not survive for long, analyse the reasons for the fall of Buddhism?
Approach:

Introduction Give brief introduction about Buddhism.

Body Prevailing conditions of the caste system, inequality, animal
sacrifice, Brahminical supremacy etc.,
Decline of Buddhism:
 Corruption, Lack of patronage, Multiple sects in
Buddhism, Reform in Hinduism etc.,
Conclusion Buddhism’s contribution to society.

6
Answer

Buddhism started in India over 2,600 years ago as a way life that had a potential of
transforming a person. It is one of the important religions of South and South-Eastern
Asian countries.
The Philosophy of Buddhism as a religion is based upon the teachings, life
experiences of its founder Siddhartha Gautam and Buddhism is based upon triratnas i.e.,
Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. It propagated Ashtanga marga, also called Madhya marga.
Reasons for rise of Buddhism:
 Social cause: Caste system became rigid and it created inequality in the society.
The Kshatriyas had resented the domination of the priestly class, and both Buddha
and Mahavira belonged to Kshatriya origin.
 Religious unrest: Religious life in ancient India was originally very simple. But in
the Later Vedic period complex rituals and ceremonies began to dominate the
practice of worship. The complex rituals and sacrifices were not acceptable to the
common people. It became expensive and elaborate. Blind faith and superstitious
beliefs confused the people.
 Economic cause: The growth of trade led to the improvement in the economic
conditions of the Vaisyas. Now, they wanted to enhance their social status but the
orthodox Varna system did not allow this. Similarly, money-lending was
imperative for traders, which was prohibited in Vedas. Thus, merchant class
extended the chief support to these new religions.
Moreover, rise of agriculture raised demand for drought animals which were
being sacrificed for religious ceremonies. The principle of nonviolence, suited
settled agrarian community better which was brought by Buddhism.
 Brahminic supremacy: Priests considered themselves superior and others as
inferiors. They took advantage of knowing Sanskrit, and interpreted religion
according to their convenience. Whereas these new religions were open for all and
preached in local language like Prakrit and Pali, which found appeal to common
masses.
Buddhism could not survive for long due to following reasons:
1. Decline of Buddhist Sanghas: Sanghas became centres of corruption. Discipline of
Vinay Pitaka was violated.
2. Revival of Brahmanical Hinduism and appropriation of Buddhism by
Hinduism: Rites and rituals of Hinduism were simplified. Hinduism also
incorporated Buddhist principle of non-violence and accepted Buddha as a Hindu
incarnation.
3. Loss of patronage: Buddhism lost royal patronage, which it received during the
period of Ashoka, Kanishka, and Harshvardhan. Gupta rulers were great patrons of
the Brahmanical religion.

7
4. Fragmentation of Buddhism: It was divided into several groups like Hinayana,
Mahayana, Vajrayana, Tantra Yana and Sahaj Ayana and lost its originality.
5. Buddhist monks gave up Pali and started using Sanskrit, language of intellectuals,
which was rarely understood by the common people. So, people rejected it.
6. Mahayana Buddhists started worshipping Buddha as a God. This image worship
was a clear violation of the Buddhist doctrines, which opposed the critical rites and
rituals of Brahmanical Hinduism.
7. Northern India was mostly ruled by Rajput’s from 8th to 12th century who found
great pleasure in fighting. They discarded Buddhist principle of non-violence.
Despite the minimal presence in present modern India, Buddhism has wide acceptance
around the World. The ideas of equality and non-violence can be found in the constitution.
All these show the undeniable mark left by Buddhism in Indian history.

Q5) Foreign literary sources of ancient India reflect the spirit of the age,
comment?
Approach:

Introduction Define literary sources- start with definition such literary

sources are legends, manuscripts etc.,
Body Significance of literary sources such as they provide glimpse of
society, position of women, religious practices, economic life,
wars, administration etc.,
Famous Greek, Chinese travellers such as megasthenese and
fahein and their mentions of existing conditions of the time and
the books written by them.
Conclusion Foreign literary sources and their importance in reconstruction
of ancient history of India.
Answer
The written evidences such as legends, manuscripts, edicts, epics, etc., through
which history of any era can be understood can be termed as literary sources. Literary
sources provide the glimpse of the existing and prevailing social conditions for instance
megasthenes ‘Indica’ says that there exist seven classes during the Mauryan times.
The Literary Source can also be divided into three groups Religious Literature, Secular
Literature, and Accounts of Foreigners.
 From very ancient times, foreigners used to visit India quite frequently. Some of
them left valuable accounts of their travels or visits which helps us to understand
the society and royal kingdom of those eras.

8
  Ancient Greek and Roman historians, Chinese, Arabs also wrote many accounts for
India from their knowledge and information. All these foreign accounts proved to
be useful for writing Indian history
Famous Greeks and roman mentions about India:
Herodotus
 He is considered as first historian of the world. He mentioned Indian soldiers,
fighting along the side of Persians during the war between Persian and Greece.
Megasthenes
 He was the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
He in his book ‘Indica’ describe the layout of Pataliputra during Mauryan Empire.
He talked about social structure, caste-system, caste-relations etc. The original
Indica is lost but its description can be found in the accounts of travellers who
came into India after Megasthenes.
Ptolemy
 He was a Roman geographer which provides information on geographical treatise
on India.
Pliny
 He in his book ‘Natural Historia’ described the trade relation between Rome and
India, Indian animal and plants.
Peryplus of the Erythraean Sea
 This travelogue is an anonymous work which gives us impartial and objective
information on the Indo-Roman trade during Early Historic period. It informs us
about the ports on India’s coast-line, trade-centres in India, the trade-routes-
connecting trade centres and ports, distance between centres, the list of items-of-
trade, the annual volume of trade, the rates, types of ships etc.
Chinese account on India:
 Fa-Hien: He visited India in 5th century AD during Gupta period. He was a Buddhist
monk, visited India to seek knowledge and visit Buddhist pilgrimage centres. During
his three years of travel, he has written ‘Records of Buddhist Countries’ describing
society and culture of North India during Gupta administration. Fa-Hien gives
extensive account of society he is the first to talk about the caste system and
shudras. Shudras were kept outside the town and entered the town by making a
noise with a stick. Fahien had also mentioned about Shaiva and Vaishnava religion.
 Hiuen-Tsang: He is Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India during
Harshvardhan’s reign. He started his journey in 629 AD and reached in 630 AD. He
visited Buddhist pilgrimage centres, stayed at Nalanda University and studied
Buddhism. He read original Buddhist works, collected original manuscripts and

9
 mementos, made copies, attended Harsha’s assembly during his 15 years of travel
throughout India, returned to China in 645 AD. He describes the political, religious
and cultural life.
 I-tsing: He is also a Buddhist monk who gives useful information about the social,
religious, and cultural life of the people of India.
Arabs account on India:
 Sulaiman: He visited India in 9th century A.D. He had written about Pal and
Pratihar rulers of his time.
 Al-Masudi: He stayed in India for two years from 941 to 943 A.D. He had written
about Rashtrakutas.
 Albiruni: He is an Iranian scholar Muhammad ibn Ahmad Al Biruni arrived with
conqueror Mahmud Ghazni who invaded India. He visited most parts of India during
thirteen years in India and learned Sanskrit and Indian literature. He mentioned the
conditions and culture in his book ‘Taqeeq-e-Hind’.
Many travellers visited India and wrote about it based on their experiences and expertise.
Based on their knowledge and facts, ancient Greek and Roman historians wrote about
India. Because they were foreigners, their writings were valuable because they
emphasised aspects of Indian life that Indians had previously overlooked. Historians used
all of this information to write ancient history.

10