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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2016
South Indian Kingdoms
Question No. 66Interactive Test Mode
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+2-0.66

Q66. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of which of the following?

With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of which of the following?

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 2016 • Ancient History

Correct Answer: Option (D) — Magadha

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified
  • Option (d) is correct: In ancient Indian society, Sutas and Magadhas were professional court bards, chroniclers, and genealogists tasked with preserving, memorizing, and reciting royal genealogies, dynastic histories, and epic poems.
  • Option (a) is incorrect: Shramana refers to an ascetic or monk in non-Vedic renouncer traditions such as Buddhism and Jainism.
  • Option (b) is incorrect: Parivrajaka refers to a wandering religious mendicant/renouncer.
  • Option (c) is incorrect: Agraharika refers to an officer or resident associated with Agraharas (royal land grants given to Brahmins).
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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016 (Q66)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicAncient History → South Indian Kingdoms
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — Magadha

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2016 Q66

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2016 GS Paper I Question 66 (Ancient History)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2016 Ancient History (South Indian Kingdoms) question is Option (D): "Magadha". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2016 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Ancient History" and micro-topic "South Indian Kingdoms". You can explore all repeated questions from South Indian Kingdoms 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 South Indian Kingdoms UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

To solve South Indian Kingdoms questions in UPSC Prelims, identify extreme modifiers, verify core NCERT conceptual definitions, and eliminate mutually contradictory statement pairs before locking your final option.

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