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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1998
Mauryan Empire
Question No. 37Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q37. Many of the Greeks, Kushanas, and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because:

Many of the Greeks, Kushanas, and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because:

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 1998 • Ancient History

Correct Answer: Option (C) — Caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Orthodox Brahmanical Hinduism had a rigid, birth-based caste (Varna) system that treated foreign invaders as impure outsiders (Mlechchhas). Buddhism, with its egalitarian and universal ethos, offered them immediate religious legitimacy and easy integration into Indian society.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Buddhism did not enforce hereditary caste boundaries, making it far more welcoming to foreign rulers seeking social legitimacy.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1998 (Q37)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicAncient History → Mauryan Empire
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — Caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them

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With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order?

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1998 Q37

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1998 GS Paper I Question 37 (Ancient History)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1998 Ancient History (Mauryan Empire) question is Option (C): "Caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1998 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Ancient History" and micro-topic "Mauryan Empire". You can explore all repeated questions from Mauryan Empire in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Mauryan Empire UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Buddhism did not enforce hereditary caste boundaries, making it far more welcoming to foreign rulers seeking social legitimacy.

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