Uttarakhand PCS (Pre) 2021

Socio-Economic Life in Ancient Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The religious text which explains about the eight different phases of agriculture works:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept While primarily a philosophical dialogue, the Milindapanho provides realistic snapshots of contemporary life, including detailed socio-economic practices like farming.

Explanation The Milindapanho describes eight stages of agriculture, ranging from the initial removal of weeds to the final winnowing and harvesting of crops.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct. The text uses these agricultural metaphors to explain Buddhist philosophical points to King Menander.
Logic 2: It dates between 100 BC and 200 AD, capturing the peak of early Indian agricultural systematization.

Active Recall

Question

Who are the two main characters in the Milindapanho?

Answer

The Indo-Greek King Menander I and the Buddhist sage Nagasena.

Core Insight

The technical accuracy of agricultural descriptions in the Milindapanho proves that ancient religious texts were deeply integrated with secular realities.