Crack Prelims
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Prelims 2016 · Q89 · Vedic age & Mahajanapadas

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

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Answer: D. Magadhas were bards whose profession was to memorise and recite chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales. Sutas played a similar role.

Watch for: The name looks like the Magadha kingdom, so students avoid it.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. Wrong because Shramanas were wandering ascetics.
  • B. Wrong because Parivrajakas were wandering mendicants.
  • C. Wrong because Agraharikas were associated with agrahara land grants.

Source to check: A.L. Basham, The Wonder That Was India; R.S. Sharma, India's Ancient Past

Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.