Proscience

1. Which of the following collections contains stories told by ordinary people?
   a) The Vedas
   b) The Jataka Tales
   c) The Upanishads
   d) The MahabharataAnswer: b) The Jataka Tales
   Explanation: The Jataka Tales contain stories about the previous lives of the Buddha and were narrated by common people​.
2. Which collection of stories is known for its fables and moral lessons?
   a) Ramayana
   b) Panchatantra
   c) Manusmriti
   d) RigvedaAnswer: b) Panchatantra
   Explanation: The Panchatantra is a collection of fables with moral lessons, meant to teach wisdom and practical knowledge​.
3. Where were Jataka stories commonly depicted in ancient India?
   a) On temple roofs
   b) On the railings of stupas
   c) In manuscripts stored in libraries
   d) In royal palacesAnswer: b) On the railings of stupas
   Explanation: Jataka stories were often carved on stupas, such as those found in Ajanta, to depict Buddhist teachings​.
4. What is the main theme of the Jataka stories?
   a) Political history of ancient India
   b) Military strategies of kings
   c) Past lives of the Buddha
   d) Lives of Hindu godsAnswer: c) Past lives of the Buddha
   Explanation: The Jataka stories narrate the different previous lives of the Buddha, emphasizing moral teachings​.
5. Which of the following is a famous Jataka tale?
   a) The Story of Krishna and Sudama
   b) The Story of the Monkey King
   c) The Story of Arjuna’s Dilemma
   d) The Story of the Churning of the OceanAnswer: b) The Story of the Monkey King
   Explanation: The story of the Monkey King describes how a wise monkey sacrificed himself to save his followers, showing values of leadership and compassion​.
6. How were ordinary people’s stories preserved in ancient times?
   a) Through oral tradition before being written down
   b) Through royal decrees
   c) Through inscriptions on coins
   d) Through temple architectureAnswer: a) Through oral tradition before being written down
   Explanation: Many of these stories were passed down orally before they were compiled into written collections like the Jataka Tales and Panchatantra​.
7. What role did stories play in ancient Indian society?
   a) They were used as religious texts only
   b) They helped kings in governance
   c) They taught moral lessons and entertained people
   d) They were used to record financial transactionsAnswer: c) They taught moral lessons and entertained people
   Explanation: Stories like the Jataka Tales and Panchatantra were used for both moral education and entertainment​.
8. Why were Jataka stories displayed on stupas?
   a) To narrate the lives of kings
   b) To educate people about Buddhist values
   c) To show the power of the ruling class
   d) To record tax paymentsAnswer: b) To educate people about Buddhist values
   Explanation: These stories illustrated the virtues of compassion, kindness, and wisdom, important in Buddhist teachings​.
9. Which type of literature includes moral lessons through animal characters?
   a) Ramayana
   b) Arthashastra
   c) Panchatantra
   d) Bhagavad GitaAnswer: c) Panchatantra
   Explanation: Panchatantra stories use animals to convey moral lessons and practical wisdom​.
10. Who is the main audience of the Jataka and Panchatantra stories?
    a) Only the kings and scholars
    b) Only Buddhist monks
    c) Common people, including children and traders
    d) Only warriors and soldiers

Answer: c) Common people, including children and traders
Explanation: These stories were intended for ordinary people, teaching them moral and practical lessons through engaging narratives​.