NTA UGC NET/JRF Exam JUNE-2025 ARCHAEOLOGY

Total Questions: 100

91. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

The first period of Indian Archaeology can truly be considered as a first attempt for archaeological research at government level. Mr. Cunningham being in the centre point of all the activities of the first period, it is also known as Cunningham Era. While the second period is known as Marshal Era. During this period, the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act was passed.

In the third period, Sir Mortimer Wheeler served as the Director-General in the Department of Archaeological survey of India for four years on contract basis. This period was the golden period regarding the theoretical and practical aspects in the field of Archaeology. During the fourth phase, the Archaeological Survey of India completed 100 years of its establishment.

Have a hope and belief that Archaeology would play a great role in glorious reconstruction of Indian history. With the establishment of Department of Archaeology in 1861, it was necessitated for British Government to focus on Indian archaeology. Coming of William Jones as Justice of Calcutta High Court in 1783 and establishment of Royal Asiatic Society led to a progress of research in antiquity, artifacts, science and literature. Professor Hansmukh Dheerajlal Sankalia divided history of Indian archaeology into three periods from 1861 to 1960, which was, later on, divided into four periods with a few modifications:

1. First Period (1861 to 1902)
2. Second Period (1902 to 1944)
3. Third Period (1944 to 1960)
4. Fourth Period (1960 to till date)

When was the Royal Asiatic Society established?

Correct Answer: 2. 15th January, 1784
Solution:

The Royal Asiatic Society (originally the Asiatic Society of Bengal) was founded by Sir William Jones on 15th January, 1784 in Calcutta.

92. The publication of 'Asiatic Researches' magazine was started in the year?

Correct Answer: 3. 1788
Solution:

The publication of the Society's journal "Asiatic Researches" began in 1788, containing early scholarly articles on Indian antiquities, literature,
and science.

93. Sir John Marshall took over as Director Archaeological Survey of India on:

Correct Answer: 3. 22 February, 1902
Solution:

Sir John Marshall officially assumed charge as the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India on 22 February, 1902, marking the start
of the Marshall Era in Indian archaeology.

94. On which of the following date, John Faithful Fleet was appointed as Government Palaeographist?

Correct Answer: 2. 17 January, 1883
Solution:

John Faithful Fleet, a noted epigraphist and historian, was appointed as the Government Palaeographist on 17 January, 1883, contributing
significantly to the study of Indian inscriptions.

95. Who succeeded Rai Bahadur K.N. Dixit as Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India?

Correct Answer: 2. Sir Mortimer Wheeler
Solution:

Sir Mortimer Wheeler succeeded Rai Bahadur K.N. Dixit as the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1944, introducing modern excavation methods and scientific approaches to Indian archaeology.

96. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

The Sanskrit word 'Stupa' occurs as early as the Rigveda. In the meaning of Buddhist usage, it is divided from the Pali word 'thup', or heap in a dome like form, erected over the mortal remains of Buddha and Buddhist saints. The practice of erecting mounds over the body remains of the dead was a long established tradition, perhaps going back to prehistoric times.

After demise of the master, Buddhists accepted this age old custom of erecting stupas over the corporeal relics of the Buddha, on the advice given by the master himself. According to Buddhist literature, the relics of the Gautam Buddha were collected after his cremation and given to the eight legitimate claimants of it. In addition to body remains, the stupas used to house the daily belongings of the Buddha and his disciples.

As a result, stupas were of different categories as per their various purpose. As an architectural form, the stupa consists many parts. It is told that Asoka built 84000 stupas throughout his empire on relics, collected from the original Savirika stupas. Besides constructing new stupas, Asoka is said to have enlarged the stupa as a previous Buddha too. Excavation undertakes at Sanchi, Sarnath and Piprahava have revealed traces of nucleus stupa, built during Asoka's period. Thus we can say, Asoka himself was responsible for developing stupa-puja into a popular cult.

To whom Gautama Buddha has adviced to erect stupa over his relics (Buddha's) like the universal emperor.

Correct Answer: 4. Ananda
Solution:

According to the Mahaparinibana Sutta, the Buddha told Ananda, his attendant, that his body should be honored like that of a universal
emperor (Chakravartin), with a stupa erected at a crossroads.

97. Who among the following had built a stupa over the embers of Gautam Buddha's funeral pyre?

Correct Answer: 4. Moriyas of Pippalivana
Solution:

After the relics were divided, the Moriyas of Pippalivana-who arrived late-were given the embers of the Buddha's funeral pyre and built a stupa over them.

98. According to an inscription, Asoka had enlarged the Stupa of a previous Buddha, named:

Correct Answer: 1. Kanaka Muni
Solution:

The Nigali Sagar pillar inscription records that Ashoka enlarged the stupa of Kanaka Muni Buddha in the 14th year of his reign and later
worshipped it.

99. The Stupa of Gautami Prajapati is to be visited at:

Correct Answer: 4. None of the above
Solution:

Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha's foster mother, attained parinirvana near Vaishali. Since none of the listed sites-Bodhgaya, Sarnath, or Sanchicontain her stupa, the correct answer is None
of the above.

100. Which of the following is not the architectural part of a Stupa?

Correct Answer: 4. Urna
Solution:

The Urna (a curl of hair between the Buddha's eyebrows symbolizing wisdom) is not part of a stupa's structure. Architectural parts include the
Anda, Medhi, and Harmika.