Ancient Indian History Multiple Choice Questions
1. ‘Banabhatta’ was the court poet of which emperor?
A. Vikramaditya
B. Kumaragupta
C. Harshavardhana
D. Kanishka
Answer: C.Harshavardhana
Explanation: Banabhatta was a Sanskrit scholar and poet o India. He was the Asthana Kavi in the court of King Harshavardhana, who reigned in the years 606-647CE in north India. Bana’s principal works include a biography of Harsha, the Harshacharita and one of the world’s earliest novels, Kadambari. The other works ttributed to him is the Parvatiparinaya.
2. The first Indian ruler, who established the supremacy of Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea was
A. RajarajaI
B. RajendraI
C. Rajadhiraja I
D. Kulottunga I
Answer: A.RajarajaI
Explanation: Rajaraja Chola I created a powerful standing army and a considerable navy, which achieved even greater success under his son Rajendra Chola I. One of the last conquests of Rajaraja was the naval conquest of the ‘old islands of the sea numbering 12,000’, the Maldives. Chola Navy also had played a major role in the invasion of Lanka.
3. The Saka era commencing from A.D. 78, was founded by
A. Kanishka
B. Asoka
C. Chandragupta
D. Vikramaditya
Answer: A.Kanishka
Explanation: The date of Kanishka’s accession is disputed, ranging from 78 to 248. The generally accepted date of 78 is also the basis for an era presumably started by the akas and used in addition to the Gregorian calenr by thepresent-day Indian government Gandhara School of art is mainly related tona Buddhism which encouraged image wor.
4. Ganhadra school of art came into existence in
A. Hinayana sect
B. Mahayana sect
C. Vaishnava sect
D. Shaiva sect
Answer: B.Mahayana sect
Explanation: Theahaya hip. The Kushan kings, particularly Kanishka, encouraged the Gandhara artists. The Gandhara scul ptures have been found in the ruins of Taxila and in various ancient sites in Afghanistan and in West Pakistan. They consist mostly of the images of the Buda and relief sculptures presenting scenes from Buddhist texts. A number of Bodhisattva figures were carved out. A figure of Gandhara shows the first sermon in the deer park and the death of the Buddha. In all these figures there is a realistic treatment of the body although it is draped. In these sculptures theres a tendency to mould the human body in a realisti manner paying great attention to accuracy and physical details particularly in the presentation of muscles, moustaches, etc. Also the representation of the thick bold fold lines forms a distinct characteristic Thus the Gandhara sculptures offer a striking contrast to what has been discovered elsewhere in India.
5. With whom is ‘Junagarh Rock Inscription’ associated?
A. Rudradaman
B. Bimbisara
C. Chandragupta IIPaladini
D. Gautamiputra Satakarni
Answer: A.Rudradaman
Explanation: The Junagadh rock inscription, found in Junagadh was carved under the orders of King Rudradaman who had obtained the title of Mahakshatrapa. He was the grandson of the famous Mahakshatrapa Chastana and was a Saka ruler from the Western Kshatrapa dynasty. The inscription is a chronicle about the rebuilding of a dam named Urjayat around the lake Sudarshana. The dam lay in the region of Saurashtra and the closest town appears to have been a place called Girinagar. It was fed by the rivers Suvarnasikata and Palasini, along withother smaller streams. The dam was originally built by Vaishya Pushyagupta who was the governor of the region under Chandragupta Maurya. Conduits from the dam were later built under orders of his grandson; Emperor Asoka.
6. Nalanda University was a great center of learning, especially in
A. Buddhism
B. Jainism
C. Vaishnavism
D. Tantra
Answer: A.Buddhism
Explanation: Nalanda was an ancient center of higher learning in Bihar, India. It was a Buddhist center of learning from the fifth or sixth century CE to 1197 CE. Nalanda flourished between the reign of the Sakraditya (whose identity is uncertain and who might have been either Kumara Gupta-I or Kumara Gupta-II) and 1197 CE, supported by patronage from the Hindu Gupta rulers as well as Buddhist emperors like Harsha and later emperors from the Pala Empire.
7. The language used to write source materials in ancient time was
A. Sanskrit
B. Pali
C. Brahmi
D. Kharosthi
Answer: B.Pali
Explanation: Pali is a Middle Indo-Aryan language (of Prakrit group) of the Indian subcontinent. It is best known as the language of many of the earliest extant Buddhist scriptures, as collected in the Pali Canon or Tipitaka, and as the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism. T. W. Rhys Davids in his book Buddhist India and Wilhelm Geiger in his book Pali Literature and Language suggested that Pali may have originated as a form of lingua franca or common language of culture among people who used differing dialects if North India.
8. India’s trade with the Roman Empire came to an end with the invasion of Rome by the
A. Arabs
B. Hungarians
C. Hunas
D. Turks
Answer: C.Hunas
Explanation: Roman trade with India started around the beginning of the Common Era following the reign of Augustus and his conquest of Egypt. Following the RomanPersian Wars Khosrow, I of the Persian Sassanian Dynasty captured the areas under the Roman-Byzan tine empire. The Arabs, led by Amr ibn al-‘As, crossed into Egypt in late 639 or early 640 C.E. That advance marked the beginning of the Islamic conquest of Egypt and the fall of ports such as Alexandria, used to secure trade with India by the Greco Roman world since the Ptolemaic dynasty. The decline in trade saw Southern India turn to Southeast Asia for international trade where it influenced the native culture to a greater degree than the impressions made on Rome. The Hunas invaded the Roman Empire under Attila the Hun in 454 C.E.
9. The people of the Indus Valley Civilization usually built their houses of
A. Pucca bricks
B. Stone
C. Wood
D. All of the above
Answer: A.Pucca bricks
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization, marked by its remarkable level of urbanization despite being a Bronze Age culture, is noted for its cities built of brick, road side drainage system, and multistoried houses. Houses were one or two stories high, made of baked brick, with flat roofs, and were just about identical. Each was built around a courtyard, with windows overlooking the courtyard. The outside walls had no windows. Each home had its own private drinking well and its own private bathroom.
10. Who started the Saka Era and when?
A. Kadphises in 58 BC
B. Rudradaman I in AD 78
C. Vikramaditya in 58 BC
D. Kanishka in AD 78
Answer: D.Kanishka in AD 78
Explanation: Most of what is known about Kanishka derives from Chinese sources, particularly Buddhist writings When Kanishkacame to the throne is uncertain. His accession has been estimated as occurring between his reigns is believed to have lasted 23 years. The year 78 marks the beginning of the Saka era, a system of dating that Kanishka might have initiated.
11. Worship of Mother Goddess was associated with
A. Aryan Civilization
B. Mediterranean Civilization
C. Indus Valley Civilization
D. Later Vedic Civilization
Answer: C.Indus Valley Civilization
Explanation: In view of the large number of figurines found in the Indus valley, some scholars believe that the Harap pan people worshipped a Mother goddess symbolizing fertility, a common practice among rural Hindus even today.
12. Alexander and Porus fought a battle at
A. Hydaspes
B. Jhelum
C. Panipat
D. Tarain
Answer: A.Hydaspes
Explanation: The Battle of the Hydaspes River was fought by Alexander the Great in 326 BC against King Porus of the Hindu Paurava kingdom on the banks of the Hydaspes River (Uhelum River) in the Punjab near Bherain what is now modern-day Pakistan. The battle resulted in a complete Macedonian victory and the annexation of the Punjab, which lay beyond the confines of the defeated Persian Empire, into the Alexandrian Empire. The battle is historically significant foropening up India for Greek political (Seleucid Empire, Indo-Greeks) and cultural influence (Greco-Buddhist art) which was to continue for many centuries.
13. Mahabalipuram is an important city that reveals the interest in arts of
A. Pallavas
B. Cheras
C. Pandyas
D. Chalukyas
Answer: A.Pallavas
Explanation: Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The name Mamallapuram is believed to have been given after the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who took on the epithet Maha-malla (great wrestler), as the favourite sport of the Pallavas was wrestling. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
14. Lord Mahavira died at
A. Saravana Belagola
B. Lumbini Garden
C. Kalugumalai
D. Pavapuri
Answer: D.Pavapuri
Explanation: Pawapuri is a holy site for Jains located in the Nalanda district in Bihar. Around 500 BC, Lord Mahavira, the last of the 24 Tirthankaras achieved Moksha or Nirvana. He was cremated at Pawapuri, also known as Apapuri (the sinless town).
15. The gold coins were introduced first in India by
A. The Kushanas
B. The Greeks
C. The Sakas
D. The Parthians
Answer: B.The Greeks
Explanation: The Indo-Greek kings were the first to issue gold coins in India and their coins were special in the sens that each king had his own distinctive coins by which he could be definitely identified. The names of at least thirty Bactrian kings are known with the help of numerous coins, and they help in the reconstruction the history of the kings. The coins carry legends in Greek and also in Kharosthi and Brahmi.
16. Which of the following dynasties conquered Sri Lanka and South East Asian countries?
A. The Pandyas
B. The Chalukyas
C. The Cholas
D. The Rashtrakutas
Answer: C.The Cholas
Explanation: The Chola navy played a vital role in the expan of the Chola Empire, including the conquest of the Ceylon islands and Sri Vijaya (present day Indonsia), the spread of Hinduism, Dravidian architecture and Dravidian culture to Southeast Asia and in curbing the piracy in Southeast Asia in the 900 CE. Inscriptions and historical sources assert that the Medieval Chola king Rajendra Chola I sent a naval expetion to Indo-China, the Malay peninsula and the Indonesian archipelago in 1025 in order to subdue the Srivijaya Empire.
17. The most distinguished ruler of the Chalukyan dynasty was
A. Jayasimha II
B. Vikramaditya VI
C. Somesvara II
D. Pulakesin II
Answer: D.Pulakesin II
Explanation: Pulakesin-II was the most famous ruler of the Chalukya dynasty. In his reign the Chalukyas of Bad ami saw their kingdom extend over most of the Deccan. Pulikeshi-II routed the Pallava king Mahendra varman-I in the battle of Pullalur. In a decisive battle fought on the banks of the river Narmada, Pulakesin defeated Harshavardhana.
18. “Harsha Charita” was written by
A. Kalidasa
B. Banabhatta
C. Valmiki
D. Vyasa
Answer: B.Banabhatta
Explanation: The Harshacharita is the biography of Indian Emperor Harsha by Banabhatta, also known as Bana, who was a Sanskrit writer of 7th century in India. Hewas the ‘Asthana Kavi’, meaning ‘Court Poet’, of King Harsha.
19. Tripitaka’ is the religious book of
A. Jains
B. Sikhs
C. Buddhists
D. Hindus
Answer: C.Buddhists
Explanation: Tripitaka is the three main categories of texts that make up the Buddhist canon. As the name suggests a Tripitaka traditionally contains three “baskets” of teachings: a Sutra Pitaka, a Vinaya Pitaka and an Abhidharma Pitaka.
20. Which of the following materials was mainly used in the manufacture of Harappan seals?
A. Terracota
B. Bronze
C. Copper
D. Iron
Answer: A.Terracota
Explanation: Seals are an impressive part of surviving art of Harappan culture. Of these the great majority has animals engraved on them and a short inscription They are mainly made of terracotta which is a type of earthenware, or clay-based unglazed or glazed ceramic where the fired body is porous.
21. Who was the Chola king who brought Ganga from North to South?
A. Raja Raja Chola
B. Mahendra
C. Rajendra Chola
D. Parantaka
Answer: C.Rajendra Chola
Explanation: Rajendra Chola I extended the influences of the already vast Chola Empire up to the banks of the river Ganges in the north and across the ocean. Rajendra’s territories extended coastal Burma, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Maldives conquered the kings of Srivijaya (Sumatra, Java and Malay Peninsula in South East Asia) and Pegu islands with his fleet of ships. He defeated Mahipala, the Palaking of Bengal and Bihar, and to commemorate his victory he built a new capital called Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
22. What was Chandragupta II also known as?
A. Samudra Gupta
B. Skanda Gupta
C. Vikramaditya
D. Ranaa Gupta
Answer: C.Vikramaditya
Explanation: Chandragupta II was the third ruler of the Gupta Empire of India who took the epithet of Vikramaditya 4th century CE Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, credits Chandragupta Vikramaditya with having conquered about twenty one kingdoms, both in and outside India. The title Vikramaditya’ was later used by 16th century Hindu king Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya as well.
23. The first grammarian of the Sanskrit language was –
A. Kalhana
B. Maitreyi
C. Kalidasa
D. Panini
Answer: D.Panini
Explanation: Panini was a Sanskrit grammarian from Pushka lavati, Gandhara. He is known for his Sanskrit grammar, particularly for his formulation of the 3,959 rules of Sanskrit morphology, syntax and semantics in the grammar known as Ashtadhyayi (meaning “eight chapters”).
24. The famous poet Kalidasa lived in the court of –
A. Chandra Gupta I
B. Samudra Gupta
C. Kumara Gupta
D. Chandra Gupta II
Answer: D.Chandra Gupta II
Explanation: Kalidas was one of the “nine gems” at the court of a king named Vikramaditya, generally identified with the great Gupta ruler, Chandragupta II.
25. What is Milindapanho’?-
A. A Buddhist place
B. One of the names of Buddha
C. A Buddhist Specimen of Art
D. A Buddhist text
Answer: D.A Buddhist text
Explanation: The Milinda Panha (Questions of Milinda) is a Buddhist text which dates from approximately 100 BC. It purports to record a dialogue in which the Indo-Greek kingMenander I of Bactria, who reigned in the 2nd century BC, poses questions on Buddhism to the sage Nagasena.
26. Well preferred tree fossil supposed to be from Jurasic Age in India is reported from:
A. Pithauragarh
B. Chhattisgarh
C. Ramgarh
D. Bahadurgarh
Answer: B.Chhattisgarh
Explanation: In a discovery that might excite geologists the world over, researchers of the State Forest Research and Training Institute (SFRTI) in Chhattisgarh, in November 2012, announced to have discovered tree fossils that date back about 250 million years – or the Jurassic age. The discovery could be a precursor to more such findings in the Sarguja region, known for its rich fossil reserves.
27. Which of the following does not have a Stupa?
A. Ranchi
B. Sanchi
C. Barhut
D. Dhamek
Answer: A.Ranchi
Explanation: The Great Stupa at Sanchi was built by Mauryan emperor Ashoka. Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath is thought to be the oldest Stupa in existence. The stupa of Bharhut is between Allahabad and Jabalpur situated in the erstwhile Nagod state of Madhya Pradesh.
28. The site of birth [nativityl of Gautam Buddha is marked by oy:
A. a monastery
B. a “Rummindei Pillar” of Ashok Maurya
C. a statue
D. a Peepal Tree
Answer: B.a “Rummindei Pillar” of Ashok Maurya
Explanation: Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is marked by a commemorative pillar erected by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka of India during his pilgrimage to the holy site in 249 BC.The inscription on the Ashoka Pillar indentifies the Sacred Garden spread over 9 sq. km -as the spot where the Enlightened One was born. Lumbini was known as Rummindei in Asoka’s time.
29. The original founder of the Manuscripts and Editor of Kautilya’s Athashastra was
A. Srikanta Shastri
B. Srinivasa lyangar
C. R. Shamashastri
D. William Jones
Answer: C.R. Shamashastri
Explanation: In 1905, R. Ramashashtri discovered and published the Arthashastra, an ancient Indian treatise on state craft. He transcribed, edited and published the Sanskrit edition in 1909. He proceeded to translate it into English, publishing it in 1915.
30. For which among the following rulers has the Government of India borrowed and adopted its symbols?
A. Ashoka
B. Krishnadevaraya
C. Pulakesin
D. Kanishka
Answer: A.Ashoka
Explanation: The National Emblem of India is derived from the time of the Emperor Ashoka. It is a replica of the Lion of Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The Lion Capital was erected in the Emperor Ashoka in 3rd century B.C. to mark the spot where Buddha first proclaimed his gospel of peace and emancipation.
31. Who was the author of Telugu Work Amuktamalyada?
A. Harihara
B. Devaraya
C. Krishnadevaraya
D. Bukka
Answer: C.Krishnadevaraya
Explanation: Krishnadevaraya (1509-1530), the greatest” emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire, composed Amuktamalyada. Considered a masterpiece in Telugu literature, the epic poem is believed to have been written and dedicated toLord Venkateswara. The administration of the empire was carried on along the lines indicated in his Amuktamalyada
32. Who composed the Allahabad Pillar Inscription?
A. Harisena
B. Mahasena
C. Veerasena
D. Vishnusena
Answer: A.Harisena
Explanation: The Allahabad Pillar inscription or Allahabad Prasasti is one of the most important epigraphic evidences of the imperial Guptas. It was composed by Harisena, the court poet and minister of Samudragupta. It delineates a vivid description of the reign and conquests of Samudragupta.
33. Gandhara Art is the combination of –
A. Indo-Roman
B. Indo-Greek
C. Indo-Islamic
D. Indo-China
Answer: B.Indo-Greek
Explanation: Gandhara art was a style of Buddhist visual art that developed from a merger of Greek, Syrian, Persian, and Indian artistic influences during the first few centuries of Christian era. The foreign influence is evident from the sculptures of Buddha in which they bear resemblance to the Greek sculptures. Both Shakas and Kushanas were patrons of Gandhara School.
34. Ajanta Ellora Caves are situated near which of the following cities?
A. Mount Abu
B. Aurangabad
C. Bijapur
D. Madurai
Answer: B.Aurangabad
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves, comprising rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, are located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Ellora caves, one of the largest rock cut monastery- temple caves complexes in the world, are also located near Aurangabad. Ajanta and Elloracaves form one of the major tourist attractions in Mar athwada region of Maharashtra.
35. ‘Mohan-jo-daro’ in Sindhi means –
A. The city of evil spirits
B. The food of Pashupathi
C. The land of Shiva
D. The mound of the dead
Answer: D.The mound of the dead
Explanation: Mohen jodaro is interpreted as “Mound of the Dead Men” in Sindhi, and as “Mound of Mohan” (where Mohan is Krishna). The city’s original name is unknowrn Mohen jodaro is located west of the Indus River in Larkana District, Sindh, Pakistan.
36. The Rathas of Mahabalipuram was built during the reign of the-
A. Palas
B. Cholas
C. Rashtrakutas
D. Pallavas
Answer: D.Pallavas
Explanation: The city of Mahabalipuram was largely developed by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I in the 7th century AD. The mandapa or pavilions and the rathas or shrines shaped as temple chariots are hewn from the granite rock face, while the famed Shore Temple erected half a century later, is built from dressed stone. The Pancha Rathas shrines were carved during the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I. The purpose of their constructions not known, structures are not completed.
37. Buddha gave his first sermon at the Deer Park in –
A. Magadha
B. Sarnath
C. Sanchi
D. Lumbini
Answer: B.Sarnath
Explanation: After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Gautam Buddha went to Sarnath (ancient Isipatana) near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It was at the deer park in Sarnath that he preached his first discourse onthe Four Noble Truthsto a group of five monks and set in motionthe Wheel of Dharma. Sarnath is mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage.
38. Chalukya temples (Jain temples) at Dilwara are situated in –
A. Madhya Pradesh
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Rajasthan
D. Haryana
Answer: C.Rajasthan
Explanation: The Dilwara Jain temples are located near Mount Abu in Rajasthan. These temples were built by Jain laymen between the 11th and 13th centuries AD and are world- famous for their stunning use of marble The Dilwara temples are a sacred pilgrimage place of the jains.
39. Who built the famous Shiva temple at Ellora?
A. Rashtrakuta Ruler Krishna I
B. Mauryan Emperor Ashoka
C. Gupta King Samudra Gupta
D. Chalukyan King Pulikeshi I
Answer: A.Rashtrakuta Ruler Krishna I
Explanation: The Kailasa temple at Ellora, Maharashtra, was built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I as attested in Kannada inscriptions. This is one of the 34 temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves. It is a megalith carved out of one single rock.
40. 6th century B.C. was an age of –
A. Reasoning
B. Intellectual awakening
C. Political unrest
D. Religious ferment
Answer: D.Religious ferment
Explanation: The 6th century B.C was an age of religious ferment in the world. In India, it witnessed the birth of Buddhism and Jainism. It was in the same period that Heraclitus preached his new doctrines in the Greek island of Ionia; Zoroaster launched his protest against the prevailing religious superstitions in Iran and Confucius showed a new way of life in China.
41. Which one of the following tribal assemblies was normally involved in the election of the tribal chief?
A. Samiti
B. Gana
C. Sabha
D. Vidata
Answer: A.Samiti
Explanation: Several tribal assemblies, such as sabha, samiti vidatha, and gana mentioned in the Rig Veda exercised deliberative, military and religious functions. But from the political point of view important were the sabha and Samiti. We have also some traces of the election of tribal chiefs by the tribal assembly called the samiti.
42. Which one of the following is not a sect of Buddhism?
A. Mahayana
B. Hinayana
C. Digambar
D. Theravad
Answer: C.Digambar
Explanation: Digambara “sky-clad” is one of the two main sects of Jainism, the other being Svetambara. Generally Digambara monks wear no clothes whereas Svetam Bara “white-clad” monks usually wear white clothes.
43. Varahamihira is an/a
A. Astronomer
B. Astronaut
C. Space Shuttle
D. Power Station
Answer: A.Astronomer
Explanation: Varahamihira (400 AD) was Indian astronomer mathematician and philosopher. He was one of the nine gems in the court of Gupta ruler Chandragupta Vikramaditya.
44. Out of the following remains excavated in Indus Valley, which one indicates the commercial and economic development?
A. The Pottery
B. Seals
C. The boats
D. The houses
Answer: B.Seals
Explanation: The seals of the Indus Valley Civilization have beern of the major sources for information about the period. Apart from giving plethora of information about the social and religious life of the period, they give insight into the economic activities. The economy of the Indus civilization was based on a highly organized agriculture, supplemented by an active commerce, probably connected to that of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia. Trade amongst the civilizations is suggested by the finding of hundreds of small seals, supposedly produced by the Indus peoples, at the excavation sites of ancient Mesopotamian cities that were existent around the same time. Some of the seals mention the rulers of different countries.
45. The capital of Pallavas was –
A. Arcot
B. Kanchi
C. Malkhed
D. Banavasi
Answer: B.Kanchi
Explanation: Located on the banks of river Vegavathy, Kanchipuram served as the capital city of the Pallava Kingdom during the 4th to 9th century A.D.
46. The capital of Kanishka was:
A. Purushapura
B. Benares
C. Allahabad
D. Sarnath
Answer: A.Purushapura
Explanation: The Kushan king Kanishka, who reigned from at least 127 AD, moved the capital from Pushkalavati (now called Charsadda in the Peshawar valley) to Purushapura (Peshawar) in the 2nd century AD. Following this move by the Kushans, Peshawar became agreat center of Buddhist learning even though Zoro astrianism, Hindusim and animism seem to have survived in the majority population.
47. The art style which combines Indian and Greek features is called
A. Sikhara
B. Verna
C. Nagara
D. Gandhara
Answer: D.Gandhara
Explanation: Gandhara art is the style of Buddhist visual art that developed in what is now northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan between the 1st century B.C and the 7th century A.D. The style, of Greco Roman origin, seems to have flourished largely during the Kushan dynasty and was contemporaneous with an important but dissimilar school of Kushan art at Mathu ra.
48. The Indus people knew the use of Weights and Measures, which is proved by the discovery of the seal at
A. Kalibangan
B. Harappa
C. Chanhudaro
D. Lothal
Answer: B.Harappa
Explanation: The people of the Indus Civilization achieved great accuracy in measuring length, mass, and time. They were among the first to develop a system of uniform weights and measures. Their smallest division, which is marked on an ivory scale found in Lothal, was approximately 1.704 mm, the smallest division ever recorded on a scale of the Bronze Age.
49. Identify the Buddhist Literature from the following
A. Tripitakas
B. Upanishads
C. Angas
D. Aranyakas
Answer: A.Tripitakas
Explanation: Tripitaka is a traditional term used by various Buddhist sects to describe their various canons of scriptures. As the name suggests, a Tripitaka tradi tionally contains three “baskets” of teachings: a Sutra Pitaka, a Vinaya Pitaka and an Abhidharma Pitaka. Tripitaka is the three main categories of texts that make up the Buddhist canon.
50. In which state was the Nalanda University located in India?
A. Bengal
B. Bihar
C. Orissa
D. Uttar Pradesh
Answer: B.Bihar
Explanation: Nalanda was an ancient center of higher learning in Bihar, India. It was a Buddhist center of learning from the fifth or sixth century CE to 1 197 CE. Nalanda flourished between the reign of the Chakraditya (whose identity is uncertain and who might have been either Kumara Gupta I or Kumara Gupta II) and 1197 CE, supported by patronage from the Hindu Gupta rulers as well as Buddhist emperors like Harsha and later emperors from the Pala Empire.
51. The university which became famous in the post-Gupta Era was:
A. Kanchi
B. Taxila
C. Nalanda
D. Vallabhi
Answer: C.Nalanda
Explanation: Nalanda was an ancient centre of higher learning in Bihar, which was a Buddhist centre of learning from the fifth or sixth century A.D. to 1197 CE. Nalanda flourished between the reign of the Sakraditya (whose identity is uncertain and who might have been either Kumara Gupta I or Kumara Gupta II) and 1197 supported by patronage from the Hindu Gupta A.D, HISTORY well as Buddhist emperors like Harsha and later emperors from the Pala Empire
52. The Social System of the Harappans was:
A. Fairly egalitarian
B. Slave-Labour based
C. Colour (Varna) based
D. Caste based
Answer: A.Fairly egalitarian
Explanation: The archaeological record of the Indus civilization provides practically no evidence of armies, kings, slaves, social conflict, prisons, and other oftnegative traits that we traditionally associated with early civili zations. If there were neither slaves nor kings, a more egalitarian system of governance may have been practiced. Besides, compared to other ancient civilizations the houses were of nearly equal size indicating a more egalitarian social structure i.e. The Social System of the Harappans was fairly egalitarian.
53. Which of the following Vedas provides information about the civilization of the Early Vedic Age?
A. Rig-veda
B. Yajur-veda
C. Atharva-veda
D. Sama-veda
Answer: A.Rig-veda
Explanation: The Vedic period (or Vedic age) was a period in history during which the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, were composed. The time span of the period is uncertain. Philological and linguistic evidence indicates that the Rig Veda, the oldest of the Vedas, was composed roughly between 1700 and 1100 BCE s the early Vedic period. It is an important source of information on the Vedic religion and their Gods as well as presents a detailed account of the life of the people at that time.
54. Where is ‘Brihadeshwar Temple’ situated?
A. Kanchi
B. Madurai
C. Shri Shailan
D. Tanjore
Answer: D.Tanjore
Explanation: The Brihadeshwar Temple at Thanjavur (Tanjore) in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and a brilliant example of the major heights achieved by Cholas in Tamil architecture It is a tribute and a reflection of the power of its patron Raja Raja Chola I. It remains India’s largest temple and is one of the greatest glories of Indian architecture. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Great Living Chola Temp.
55. In Tamil literature the glorious books ‘Shilppadikaram and Manimekhalai’ are related to –
A. Jainism
B. Buddhism
C. Hindusim
D. Christianity
Answer: B.Buddhism
Explanation: Shilppadikaram is one of the five Great Epic cording to later Tamil literary tradition, the others being Manimegalai, Civaka Cintamani, Valayapathi and Kundalakesi. The poet prince Ilango Adigal is credited with this work. He is reputed to be the brother of Senguttuvan from Chera dynasty. Ilango Adigal was a Buddhist monk and Silappadhikaram and Manimekalai are Buddhist epics. Manimekalai, a purely Buddhist work of the 3rd Sangam period in Tamil literature is the most supreme and famous among the Buddhistork done in Tamil. It is a work expounding the doctrines and propagating the values of Buddhism. It also talks about the Tamil Buddhists in the island. (Source L. Basam Page No. 475).
56. Who was the author of the Kadambari, a great romantic play?
A. Banabhatta
B. Harshavardhana
C. Baskaravardhana
D. Bindusara
Answer: A.Banabhatta
Explanation: Kadambari is a romantic novel in Sanskrit. It was substantially composed by Banabhatta in the first half of the 7th century, who did not survive to see it through completion. The novel was completed by Banabhatta’s son Bhushanabhatta, according to the plan laid out by his late father. It is conventionally divided into Purvabhaga (earlier part) written by Banabhatta and Uttarabhaga (latter part) by Bhushanabhatta.
57. During which Gupta King’s reign did the Chinese traveler Fa-hien visit India?
A. Chandra Gupta I
B. Samudra Gupta
C. Chandra GuptaI
D. Kumara Gupta
Answer: C.Chandra GuptaI
Explanation: Chandragupta II The Great (was one of the most powerful emperors of the Gupta empire in northern India. His rule spanned c. 380-413/415 CE, during which the Gupta Empire achieved its zenith, art, a chitecture, and sculpture flourished, and the cultural development of ancient India reached its climax. Faxsien was the first of three great Chinese pilgrims who visited India from the fifth to the seventh centuries CE, in search of knowledge, manuscripts and relics. Faxian arrived during the reign of Chand gupta II and gave a general description of North India at that time. Among the other things, he reported about the absence of capital punishment, the lack of a polltax and land tax. Most citizens did not consume noions, garlic, meat, and wine.
58. Hiuen Tsang visited India during the reign of –
A. Chandragupta I
B. Chandragupta I
C. Harshavardhana
D. Rudradaman
Answer: C.Harshavardhana
Explanation: It was during Harsha’s reign that Hiuen Tsang came to India. He has given a vivid description of the social, economic and religious conditions, under the rule of Harsha spoke highly of the king.
59. Which one of the following was the last Buddhist text produced In India?
A. Divya Vandana,
B. Dohakosa
C. Vajrachedika
D. Vamsathapakasini
Answer: D.Vamsathapakasini
Explanation: Vamsathapakasini is among the last Buddhist texts produced in India. It gives us information about the origin of the Mauryas.
60. The famous Kailasanath Temple at Kanchi was built by –
A. Mahendravarman I
B. Narasimhavarman II
C. Nandivarman II
D. Dantivarman
Answer: B.Narasimhavarman II
Explanation: The Kailasanath temple is the oldest temple of Kanchipuram. It was built by the Pallavas in the early 8th century CE. This temple was built by Pallava King Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimhan), and is also called Rajasimha Pallaveswaram.
61. ‘Kalibangan’ is situated in –
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Sindh
C. Rajasthan
D. Gujarat
Answer: C.Rajasthan
Explanation: Kalibangan is a town located on the left or southern banks of the Ghaggar (Ghaggar-Hakra River), identified by some scholars with Sarasvati River in Tehsil Pilibangan, between Suratgarh and Hanumangarh in Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan, near Bikaner. It was a major provincial capital of the Indus Valley Civilization. Kalibangan is distinguished by its unique fire altars and “world’s earliest attested ploughed field.
62. ‘Mahavira’ was born in a Kshatriya clan by the name of
A. Shakya
B. Janatrika
C. Mallas
D. Lichhavis
Answer: B.Janatrika
Explanation: Born into the Kshatriya (warrior) caste Mahavira’s father was chief of the Jnatrika clan, an indigenous oligarchical tribe. Mahavira’s tribal affiliation is reflected in one of his later epithets, Nigantha Nataputta, which means literally the naked ascetic of the Jnatrika clan.
63. The Virupaksha Temple was built by the –
A. Chalukyas
B. Pallavas
C. Vakatakas
D. Satavahanas
Answer: A.Chalukyas
Explanation: The Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi near Bangalore, in the state of Karnataka in southern India. Virupaksha is a form of Shiva and has other temples dedicated to him. The temple’s history is uninterrupted from about the 7th century when it was built by the Chalukyas. Evidence indicates there were additions made to the temple in the late Chalukyan and Hoysala periods, though most of the temple buildings are attributed to the Vijayanagar period.
64. Carving in the famous Ajanta caves was first started during the reign of the –
A. Kadambas
B. Satavahanas
C. Rashtrakutas
D. Marathas
Answer: B.Satavahanas
Explanation: The earlier phase of Ajanta falls between third century BCE to second century BC. In this phase just five caves were excavated: Caves 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15A. The region during this time was ruled by the Satavahana dynasty (230 BC-c. 220 A.D). Therefore, they may be called the Satavahana-period caves. This phase is also widely known as the Hinayana phase.
65. The official court language of the Guptas was –
A. Pali
B. Hindi
C. Prakrit
D. Sanskrit
Answer: D.Sanskrit
Explanation: The Sanskrit language, once ignored under the Buddhist and Jain influence, was patronized during the Gupta period. It was recognized as the court language and was used in their inscriptions. Gradually it became the lingua franca of India. Some of the well- known scholars who flourished during this period were: Kalidasa, Vishakhadutta, Shudraka, Bharavi Dandin, Subandhu, etc.
66. The famous Kailasa temple cut out of the solid rock at Ellora was built under the patronage of the-
A. Cholas
B. Kadambas
C. Pallavas
D. Rashtrakutas
Answer: D.Rashtrakutas
Explanation: Kailashnath Temple is a famous temple, one of the 34 monasteries and temples, known collectively as the Ellora Caves which was built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna-I.
67. ‘Purushapura’ is the other name for –
A. Patna
B. (3) Peshawar
C. (2) Pataliputra
D. (4) Punjab
Answer: B.(3) Peshawar
Explanation: The Kushan king Kanishka, moved the capital from Pushkalavati to Purushapura (Peshawar) in the 2nd century AD. Following this move by the Kushans, Peshawar became a great center of Buddhist learning.
68. Great Stupa at Sanchi is in –
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Arunachal Pradesh
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B.Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Structure in India and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BC. It is located in Raisen District of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Sanchi is the location of several Buddhist monuments dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD.
69. The year of accession of Kanish ka to throne was:
A. 108 AD
B. 78 AD
C. 58 AD
D. 128 AD
Answer: B.78 AD
Explanation: Kanishka was an emperor of the Kushan dynasty (127-151) who ruled an empire extending from Turfan in the Tarim Basin toPataliputra on the Gangetic plain and famous for his military, political, and spiritual achievements. Kanishka’s era is believed by many to have begun in 127 AD on the basis of Harry Falk’s ground-breaking research. Chinese records of Yuehchi show his coronation as 78 AD. He was the founder of the Saka era which starts from 78 A.D.
70. Ajanta Caves were built during period of –
A. Mauryas
B. Nandas
C. Guptas
D. Cholas
Answer: C.Guptas
Explanation: Some coins of the Gupta dynasty throw significant light on the personal events of certain rulers like Samudra Gupta. Some coins depict him playing veena which bears out his love for music.
71. Durin the reign of which Pallava ruler began the long drawn struggle between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas?
A. MahendravarmanI
B. Simhavishnu
C. Narasimhavarman I
D. Mahendravarman II
Answer: A.MahendravarmanI
Explanation: During the reign of Mahendravarman I (590-630) began the long drawn out struggle between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas. He was defeated by Pulakesin II and a part of his kingdom was occupied.
72. How many spokes are there in the Dharma Chakra of the National flag?
A. 22
B. 18
C. 24
D. 14
Answer: C.24
Explanation: The National Flag of India has design of Ashoka Chakra in navy blue colour with 24 equally spaced spokes. The 24 spokes represent the twelve laws of dependentorigination and the twelve laws of dependent termination.
73. The capital of the ‘Ancient Chola kingdom’ was –
A. Uraiyur
B. Kaveripoompattinam
C. Thanjavur
D. Madurai
Answer: A.Uraiyur
Explanation: The Early Cholas of the pre and post Sangam period (300 BCE-200 CE) were one of the three main kingdoms of the ancient Tamil country. Uraiyur, now Tiruchchirappalli was the ancient capital of the Chola Dynasty.
74. The script of the Indus Valley Civilization is –
A. Kharosthi
B. Undeciphered
C. Brahmi
D. Tamil
Answer: B.Undeciphered
Explanation: Although these seals and samples of Indus writing have been floating around the scholastic world close to 70 years, little progress has been made on deciphering this elegant script. The Indus script is an undeciphered script.
75. Who was the contemporary South Indian ruler of Harshavardhana?
A. Krishnadevaraya
B. Pulakeshin II
C. Mayuravarma
D. Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar
Answer: B.Pulakeshin II
Explanation: Harshavardhana (606 to 647 AD) and Pulakesin II (610-642 AD) were contemporaries to each other According to the Aihole inscription, Pulakesin of the Chalukyan dynasty defeated Harshavardhana of Kan nauj on the banks of the Narmada.
76. Who is considered founder of the Gupta Empire?
A. Srigupta
B. Samudra Gupta
C. Chandra Gupta I
D. Chandra Gupta II
Answer: A.Srigupta
Explanation: The history of the Gupta dynasty begins with its founding by Sri-Gupta around 240 CE. He has been described as Maharaja in edicts. The most likely time for the reign of Sri Gupta is c. 240-280 CE. Chinese traveller I- Tsing mentioned about Sri Gupta in his writings
77. Kautilya’s “Arthashastra” mainly deals with:
A. Political state craft
B. Social aspects
C. Economic doctrines
D. Military aspects
Answer: A.Political state craft
Explanation: The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on stecraft, economic policy and military strategy, written by Kautilya. It is essentially a book of state and administrative system and deals with the art of government and politics. It is a comprehensive manual on how a state ought to be ruled and administered by a king and his administration.
78. With which religion is Kaivalya associated?
A. Buddhism
B. Jainism
C. Hinduism
D. Sikhism
Answer: B.Jainism
Explanation: Kaivalya is the Jain concept of salvation. According to Jainism, all things in existence are divided int two parts Jiva (i.e. living beings having a soul) and Ajiva (non- living things having no soul). The entangle ment of living beings (Jiva) with things not having souls (Ajiva) is a source of all misery. Kaivalya result of a living beings becoming free of this entanglement.
79. The first Buddhist Council was held at
A. Kashmir
B. Rajagriha
C. Pataliputra
D. Vaishali
Answer: B.Rajagriha
Explanation: According to the scriptures of all Buddhist schoos the first Buddhist Council was held soon after the death of the Buddha at Rajagriha in Bihar around 400 B.C. It was held under the patronage of king Ajatashatru with the monk Mahakasyapa presiding. Its objective was to preserve the Buddha’s sayings suttas) and the monastic discipline or rules (Vinaya).
80. Aryabhatta and Kalidasa were in the court of which Gupta Emperor?
A. Kumara GuptaI
B. Chandra Gupta II
C. Samudra Gupta
D. Skanda Gupta
Answer: B.Chandra Gupta II
Explanation: Aryabhata and Kalidasa adorned the court of Gupta ruler Chandragupta II who was also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya. Kalidasa was a classical Sanskrit writer, who was one of the nine gems of Chandragupta’s court. Aryabhata was a mathematician and astronomer whose works include the Aryabhaiya and the Arya-siddhanta.
81. The language in which Buddha preached?
A. Hindi
B. Urdu
C. Pali
D. Hebrew
Answer: C.Pali
Explanation: Buddha preached his messages in Pali, the vernacular language spoken then in north India.The language of the ancient Buddhist scriptures was Pali Tripitaka is the collection of the teachings of the Bud dha in the Pali language. It consists of three sections of the Buddha’s Teachings: Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pita ka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
82. Ashoka was a king of which dynasty?
A. Pradyota
B. Haryanka
C. Maurya
D. Nanda
Answer: C.Maurya
Explanation: Ashokawas an ancient Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruledalmost all of the Indian sub continent from c.268 to 232 BC. One of India’s greatest emperors, Ashoka reigned overthe entire Indian subcontinent except parts of present-day Tamil Nadu Karnataka and Kerala.
83. Who was the founder of the Sat vahana Empire?
A. Kanha
B. Simuka
C. Hala
D. Gautamiputra
Answer: B.Simuka
Explanation: Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana Dynasty. He is mentioned as the first king in a list of Roy in a Satavahana inscription at Nanaghat. He lieved to have destroyed the Shunga Power in eccan with the aid of the Rathikas and Bhojaka He reigned for around 23 years and was beheade by his brother Kanha, who succeeded him.
84. One of the following Indus Valley sites is in Pakistan –
A. Lothal
B. Kalibangan
C. Alamgirpur
D. Harappa
Answer: D.Harappa
Explanation: Harappa is an archaeological site in Punjab, Pakistan. The site takes its name from a modern village located near the former course of the Ravi River. Harappa contains the ruins of a Bronze Age fortified city, which was part of the Cemetery H culture and the Indus Valley Civilization, centered in Sindh and the Punjab.
85. Ravikirti, a Jain, who composed the Aihole Prashasti, was patronized by –
A. Pulakeshin I
B. Harsha
C. Pulakeshin II
D. Kharavela
Answer: C.Pulakeshin II
Explanation: Ravikirti was the court poet of Chalukya King, pulakesin II who reigned from 610 to 642 A.D. He authored the Aihole inscription at Meguti Temple which describes the defeat of Harshavardhana by Pulakes in IIand the shifting of the capital from Aihole to Badami.
86. Name the famous King of Kushan dynasty.
A. Kanishka
B. Pulakeshin
C. Harsha
D. Vikramaditya
Answer: A.Kanishka
Explanation: Kanishka was the most famous emperor of the Kushan dynasty (127-151) who ruled an empire ex tending from Turfan in the Tarim Basin to Pataliputra on the Gangetic plain and famous for his military political, and spiritual achievements. He convened the 4th Buddhist Council in Kashmir and provided en couragement to both the Gandhara school of Greco Buddhist Art and the Mathura school of Hindu art.
87. From which modern State did the Alwar saints originate?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Maharashtra
Answer: A.Tamil Nadu
Explanation: In South India, the Bhakti movement originated in Tamil Nadu sometime afterthe 7th century AD with the Alwars (Vaishnava saints) and the Adiyars (Shaiva saints).
88. Kalinga war took place in the year –
A. 261 BC
B. 263 BC
C. 232 BC
D. 240 BC
Answer: A.261 BC
Explanation: On the basis of Ashokan inscriptions, it cans beestablished that it was fought in 262-261 BC. The Kalinga war, the only major war Ashoka fought after his accession to throne, is one of the major and blood iest battles in the history of India.
89. Harappa is situated on the bank of the river –
A. Ganga
B. Ravi
C. Yamuna
D. Sindhu
Answer: B.Ravi
Explanation: Harappa, is an archaeological site in Punjab, north-east Pakistan, which takes its name from a modern village located near the former course of the Ravi Rier. The two greatest cities, Mohenjodaro and Harappa, emerged circa 2600 BC along the Indus River valley in Punjab and Sindh.
90. Which of the following was the capital of the Chola Kings?
A. Kanchi
B. Tanjore
C. Madurai
D. Trichirapally
Answer: B.Tanjore
Explanation: Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore, first rose to promi nence during the reign of the Medieval Cholas when it served as the capital of the Chola empire. After the fall of the Cholas, the city was ruled by various dynasties like Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai ayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks, Thanjavur Marathas and the British.
91. Which of the following option is match?
A. Pallavas – Dravidian
B. Mahabalipuram- Rashtrakuta
C. Meenakshi Temple-Pallavas
D. Khjuraho – Rajput
Answer: D.Khjuraho – Rajput
Explanation: Khajuraho was the cultural capital of Chandel Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled this part of India from the 10-12th centuries. The political capital of the Chandelas was Kalinjar. The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. The Chandela capital was moved to Mahoba after this time, but Khajuraho continued to flourish for some time. Khajuraho has no forts because the Chandel Kings never lived in their cultural capital.
92. Taxila was a famous site of –
A. Early Vedic art
B. Mauryan art
C. Gandhara art
D. Gupta art
Answer: A.Early Vedic art
Explanation: Taxila dates back to the Gandhara period when it was an important Hindu and Buddhist centre, and is still considered a place of religious and historical sanctity in those traditions. Gandhara art was a style of Buddhist visual art that developed in what is now northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan between the 1st century B.C and the 7th century A.D The style, of Greco-Roman origin, seems to have flourished largely during the Kushana dynasty.
93. Bindusara sent Asoka to quell the rebellion in –
A. Swarnagiri
B. Taxila
C. Ujjain
D. Tosali
Answer: C.Ujjain
Explanation: Because of his reputation as a frightening warrior and a heartless general, Ashoka was sent by Bin dusara to curb the riots in the Avanti province (Uijain) of the Mauryan empire. The Buddhist text Divyavadana talks of Ashoka putting down a revolt due to activities of wicked ministers. He was twice to paci the Taxilans.
94. Arthasastra was written by –
A. Dhanananda
B. Kautilya
C. Bimbisara
D. Pushyamitra
Answer: B.Kautilya
Explanation: The Arthasastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy which identifies its author by the names ‘Kautilya’ and ‘Vishnaugupta’, both names that are traditionally identified with Chanakya (c. 350-283 BC), who was a scholar at Takshashila and the teacher and guardian of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of Mauyan Empire. Because of its harsh politicalpragmatism, the Arthasastra has often been compared to Machiavelli’s The Prince.
95. St. Thomas is said to have come to India to propagate Christianity during the reign of the –
A. Cheras
B. Parthians
C. Pandyas
D. Cholas
Answer: B.Parthians
Explanation: St. Thomas is traditionally believed to have sailed to India in 52AD to spread the Christian faith among the Jews, the Jewish diaspora present in Kerala at the time. He is supposed to have landed at the ancient port of Muziris near Kodungalloor. He then went to Palayoor (near present-day Guruvayoor), which was a Hindu priestly community at that time. He left Palayoor in AD 52 for the southern part of what is now Kerala State, where he established the Ezharappall ikal, or “Seven and Half Churches”. Thomas landed in Cranganoor (Kodungallur, Muziris) and took part in the wedding of Cheraman Perumal and proceeded to the courts of Gondophorus in North India. Gundaphorus was indeed a historical figure and he belonged to the Parthian Dynasty from Takshasila (Taxila).
96. The organic relationship between the ancient culture of the Indus Valley and Hinduism of today is proved by the worship of –
A. Pashupati, Indra and the Mother Goddess
B. Stones, trees and animals
C. Vishnu and Lakshmi
D. Siva and Sakti
Answer: B.Stones, trees and animals
Explanation: There has been evidence that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization believed in animal and nature worship. The figure of deities on the seals indicates that they worshipped gods and goddesses in the human form. No major sculpture survives but for a bust thought to be of a major priest and the stunning bronze dancing girl. The Divine Mother appears to have been an important goddess due to the countless terra-cotta statues of her that re-found follows a school of thought that would become prevalent later as well, of the female energybeing regarded as the source of all creation. What is most interesting is the existence of a male god which has been identified as a prototype of an important God of the religion of Hinduism, Lord Shiva. The fact that the same God is still worshipped today, and has been for the last five thousand years is one of t remarkable features of Indian culture. Even evidence of the Bhakti cult (loving devotion to a personal God as been found at Indus Valley Civilization sites, and the Bhakti cult also has a large following even today It can , therefore, be concluded that there is a close relationship between the beliefs of the Indus Valley Civilization and that of modern Hinduism.
97. The number system “Zero’ was invented by –
A. Ramanujam
B. Aryabhatta
C. Patanjali
D. An unknown person
Answer: B.Aryabhatta
Explanation: The concept of zero as a number and not merely a symbol for separation is attributed to India, where, by the 9th century AD, practical calculations were carried out using zero, which was treated like any other number, even in case of division. The credit for inventing ‘zero (O)’ goes to Indian mathematicians and the number zero first appears in a book about ‘arithmetic written by an Indian mathematician Braha-Dasgupta’. Zero signifies ‘nothing and the current definition call it an ‘additive identity’. The Indian math and Bhaskara, Mahavira and Brahamagupta worked on this new number and they tried to explain its properties. It wasn’t that somebody suddenly came up with the idea of the zero and the mathematicians throughout the world accepted it. Around 500 AD Aryabhatta, an Indian mathematician devised a number system and the symbol he used for the number zero was also the number used to represent an unknown element (x).
98. ‘Charak’ was the famous court physician of –
A. Harsha
B. Chandra Gupta Maurya
C. Ashoka
D. Kanishka
Answer: D.Kanishka
Explanation: Charaka was one of the principal contributors to the system of medicine and lifestyle developed in Ancient India. He is referred to as the Father of Medicine. The life and times of Charaka are not known with certainty. Some Indian scholars have stated that Charaka of Charaka Samhita existed before Panini, the grammarian, who B. C the ancient art and science of Ayurveda, a is said to have lived before the sixth century her school argues that Patanjali wrote a commentary on the medical work of Charaka. They say that If Patanjali lived around 175 B.C., Charaka must have live sometime before him. Another source about the identity of Charaka and his times is provided by French orientalist Sylvan Levi. He discovered Chinese translation of the Buddhist Tripitaka, a person named Charaka who was a court physician to the Indo-Scythian king Kanishka, who in all probability reigned in the second century A.D. From the above discussion, it would seem that Charaka may have lived between the second century B.C. to the second century A.D.
99. Buddhism made an important impact by allowing two sections of society into its fold. They were
A. Merchants and Priests
B. Moneylenders and Slaves
C. Warriors and Traders
D. Women and Sudras
Answer: D.Women and Sudras
Explanation: Buddha was against caste. His religion was open to all, to Shudras, women and even repentant criminals. The Buddhist scriptures were available to all men and women. Buddhism encouraged the abolition of distinctions in society and strengthened the principle of social equality.
100. How was Burma (now Myanmar) known to ancient Indians?
A. Malayamandalam
B. Yavadwipa
C. Suvarnabhumi
D. Suvarnadwipa
Answer: C.Suvarnabhumi
101. Vikram Shila University was founded by
A. Chandra Gupta Maurya
B. Kanishka
C. Dharampala
D. Pulakesin II
Answer: C.Dharampala
Explanation: Vikramashila University was established by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty in the 8h century A.D. Located at Bhagalpur in modern day Bihar, it was one of the two most important centres of Buddhist learning in India during the Pala empire, along with Nalanda. It developed into the intellectual center for Tantric Buddhism.
102. Who were the patrons of Sangama Literature?
A. Nayakas
B. Chandellas
C. Pandyas
D. Solankis
Answer: C.Pandyas
Explanation: Sangam was the ancient academy, which enabled Tamil poets and authors to gather periodically to publish their work. The Sangam met periodically in the city of Madurai in South India under the patronage of the Pandya kings. Sangam literature comprises some of the oldest extant Tamil literature, and deals with love, war, governance, trade and bereavement.
103. Which among the following chronology is correct regarding four samvatas’?
A. Gupta-Gregorian-Hizri-Saka
B. Gregorian-Saka-Hizri-Gupta
C. Saka-Gregorian-Hizri-Gupta
D. Hizri-Gupta-Gregorian-Saka
Answer: A.Gupta-Gregorian-Hizri-Saka
Explanation: Samvat is any of the various Hindu calendars. In India, there are several calendars in use. The Saka Samvat is associated with 78 A.D; Gupta Samvat with 320 A.D; and Hijri Samvat with 622 A.D. The first ear of Hijri era was the Islamic year beginning in AL 622 during which the emigration of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra,
104. The home of Gargi, Maitrey, and Kapila was at –
A. Vidisha
B. Ujjain
C. Pataliputra
D. Mithila
Answer: D.Mithila
Explanation: The name Mithila’ goes back to Puranic times. It occurs in the Mahabharata and in Pali literature cording to the Puranic tradition the name has been derived from that of Mithi (son of Nimi) King of Aodhya and grandson of Manu who founded a kingdom which was called Mithila after him. It is associated with Valmiki, Ashtavakra, Yajnavalkya, Udayana, Mahavira, Kanada, Jaimini and Kapila as well as the women philosophers, such as, Gargi, Maitreyi, Bharati and Katyayani. After the era of the Ramayana it is said that the three seats of culture in Vedic perio Kosala, Kasi and Videha – merged to form the Vajíans confederacy and the centre of political gravity shift from Mithila to Vaishali.
105. Who, according to the Buddhists is believed to be the next incarnation of Gautam Buddha?
A. Atreya
B. Maitreya
C. Nagarjuna
D. Kalki
Answer: B.Maitreya
Explanation: Maitreya is foretold as a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology. In some Buddhist lit erature, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, he or she is referred to as Ajita Bodhisattva Maitreya is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradi tion is to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlight enment, and teach the pure dharma. According to scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor of the historic Sakyamuni Buddha.
106. Who is hailed as the “God of Medicine” by the practitioners of Ayurveda?
A. Susruta
B. Chyavana
C. Dhanwantari
D. Charaka
Answer: C.Dhanwantari
Explanation: Dhanvantri is an Avatar of Vishnu from the Hindu tradition. He appears in the Vedas and Puranas as the physician of the gods (devas), and the god of Ayurvedic medicine. It is common practice in Hinduism for worshipers to pray to Dhanvantri seeking his blessings for sound health for themselves and/or oth ers. Dhanvantri is depicted as Vishnu with four hands, holding medical herbs in one hand and containing rejuvenating nectar called amrita in another. T pot he Puranas state that Dhanvantri emerged from the Ocean of Milk’ and appeared with the pot of nectar during the story of the Samudra or Sagar manan whilst the ocean was being churned by the devas and asuras, using the Mandara mountain and the serpent Vasuki.
107. Which was the only Indus site with an artificial brick dockyard?
A. Lothal
B. Kalibangan
C. Harappa
D. Mohenjo Daro
Answer: A.Lothal
Explanation: Lothal ancient Indus valley civilization. Located in Bhal region of the modern state of Gujarat and dating from was one of the most prominent cities of the 2400 BCE, it was discovered in 1954. Lothal was excavated from February 13, 1955, to May 19, 1960, by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Lothal’s dock-the world’s earliest known, connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati river on the trade route between Harappan cities in Sindh and the peninsula of Saurashtra when the surrounding Kutch desert of today was a part of the Arabian Sea. It was a vital and thriving trade center in ancient times, with its trade of beads, gems and valuable ornaments reaching the far corners of West Asia and Africa.
108. ‘Bull’ in Buddhism is associated with which event of Buddha’s life?
A. Birth
B. Great departure
C. Enlightenment
D. Mahaparinirvan
Answer: A.Birth
Explanation: The five great events in Buddha’s life are represented by symbols as under: (1) Birth by Lotus and Bull, (2) Great Renunciation by Horse, (3) Nirvana by Bodhi Tree, (4) First Sermon by Dharmachakra or Wheel and (e) Parinirvana or death by the stupa.
109. Which of the following would be the most accurate description of the Mauryan Monarchy under Ashoka?
A. Enlightened despotism
B. Centralised autocracy
C. Oriental despotism
D. Guided democracy
Answer: A.Enlightened despotism
Explanation: Despotism is a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. However, in enlightened absolutism (also known as benevolent despotism), absolute monarchs used their authority to institute a number of reforms in the political systems and societies of their countries. During Ashoka’s reign, the Mauryan Empire was indeed the first attempt in India to secure administrative centralization on an extended scale. Within its framework it united a number of people and tribes. Tha nature of the Mauryan government was enlightened despotism. The centralized monarchy became a paternal despotism under the able guidance of Ashoka.
110. Which event brought about a profound change in Ashoka’s administrative policy?
A. The third Buddhist Council
B. The Kalinga War
C. His embracing of Buddhism
D. His sending of missionary to Ceylon
Answer: B.The Kalinga War
Explanation: Kalinga War was the only major war Ashoka fought after his accession to throne. It is one of the major and bloodiest battles in the history of India. Kalinga put up a stiff resistance, but they were no match for Ashoka brutal strength. The bloodshed of this war is said to have prompted Ashoka to adopt Buddhism.
111. The monk who influenced Ashoka to embrace Buddhism was –
A. Vishnu Gupta
B. Upagupta
C. Brahma Gupta
D. Brihadratha
Answer: B.Upagupta
Explanation: Upagupta was a Buddhist monk. According to some stories in the Sanskrit Avadana he was the spiritual teacher of Asoka the great Mauryan emperor. Upagupteacher was Sanavasi who was a disciple of Ananda, the Buddha’s attendant. Due to the absence of his name in Theravada literature it is assumed that Upagupta was a Sarvadin monk.
112. Seleucus Nicator was defeated –
A. Asoka
B. Chandragupta Maurya
C. Bindu Sara
D. Brihadratha
Answer: B.Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Seleucus I Nicator was a leading officer of Alexander the Great’s League of Corinth and one of the Diadochi. In the Wars of the Diadochi that took plaafter Alexander’s death, Seleucus established the Seleucid dynasty and the Seleucid Empire. He was defeated by the emperor of India, Chandragupta Maurya and accepted a matrimony alliance for 500 elphants after ceding the territories considered as part of India.
113. The striking feature of the Indus Valley Civilization was –
A. Urban Civilization
B. Agrarian Civilization
C. Mesolithic Civilization
D. (4) Paleolithic Civilization
Answer: A.Urban Civilization
Explanation: The most characteristic feature of the Harappan Civilization was its urbanization. The cities show evidence of an advanced sense of planning and organization. The town was extremely well planned. The street ran straight and at right angles to each other following the grid system. The rectangular town planning was unique to the Harappans and was not known in Mesopotamia or Egypt. The streets were very wide and the houses built of burnt bricks lined both sides of the street. In Egypt and Mesopotamia dried or baked bricks were used.
114. Which language was mostly used for the propagation of Buddhism?
A. Sanskrit
B. Prakrit
C. Pali
D. Sauraseni
Answer: C.Pali
Explanation: Pali is a Middle Indo-Aryan language (of Prakrit group) of the Indian subcontinent. It is best known as the language of many of the earliest extant Buddhist scriptures, as collected in the Pali Canon or Tipitaka, and as the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism. Pali is a literary language of the Prakrit language family and was first written down in Sri Lankain the first century BCE.
115. The Hoyasala’s capital was –
A. Warangal
B. Devagiri
C. Dwarasamudra
D. Krishnagiri
Answer: C.Dwarasamudra
Explanation: Halebidu (literally ‘ruined city”), also known as Dwarasamudra, was the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. It is home to one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture in the ornate Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples. This name is given because this city was ruined two times by Bahmani Sultanate.
116. The Harappans were the earliest people to produce –
A. Seals
B. Bronze implements
C. Cotton
D. Barely
Answer: C.Cotton
Explanation: The Harappans were the earliest known people to grow cotton. They produced cotton cloth hundreds of years before anyone else. In fact, the Greek word for cotton is sindon, a word derived from Sind which is a part of the Indus Valley Civilization region.
117. In which language were the Buddhist- texts ‘Pitakas’ composed?
A. Sanskrit
B. Ardhamagadhi
C. Pali
D. Prakrit
Answer: C.Pali
Explanation: Tripitaka is the collection of the teachings of the Buddha over 45 years in the Pali language, and it consists of Sutta – conventional teaching, Vinaya disciplinary code, and Abhidhamma – moral psychology. Tripitaka is the main categories of texts that make up the Buddhist canon.
118. Who was called India’s Napoleon because of his victories?
A. Skandagupta
B. Chandragupta
C. Brahmagupta
D. Samudragupta
Answer: D.Samudragupta
Explanation: Samudragupta, ruler of the Gupta Empire, and successor to Chandragupta-I, is considered to be one of the greatest military geniuses in Indian history according to Historian
119. Who defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of Narmada?
A. Pulakesin I
B. Pulakesin II
C. Vikramaditya
D. Nandivarman
Answer: B.Pulakesin II
Explanation: Harsha’s ambition of extending his power to the Deccan and Southern India were stopped by the great Chalukya Emperor of South India Pulakeshini-II, the Chalukya king of Vatapi in Northern Karnataka along the banks of river Narmada. Pulakeshi defeated Harsha’s army on the banks of the river Narmada in 620 A truces was agreed upon and the river Narmada was marked as the southern boundary of Harsha’s kingdom.
120. During whose reign did the Gandhara School of Art blossom?
A. Harsha
B. Ashok
C. Kanishka
D. Chandragupta II
Answer: C.Kanishka
Explanation: The Kushan period is considered the Golden Period of Gandhara. Peshawar Valley and Taxila are lit tered with ruins of stupas and monasteries of this period. Gandharan art flourished and produced some of the best pieces of Indian sculpture. Many monuments were created to commemorate the Jataka tales.The Gandhara civilization peaked during the reign of the great Kushan king Kanishka (128-151). The cities of Taxila (Takshasila) at Sirsukh and Peshawar were built.
121. The Chola kings were ruling over –
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Andhra
C. Kerala
D. Bengal
Answer: A.Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Chola dynasty was a Tamil dynasty which was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in southern India. The arliest datable references to this Tamil dynasty are in inscriptions from the 3rd century BC left by Asoka, the dynasty continued to govern over varying territory until the 13th century AD. The heartland of the Cholas was the fertile valley of the Kaveri River, butthey ruled a significantly larger area at the height of their power from the later half of the 9th century tillthe beginning of the 13th century.
122. Which one of the following Vedas contains sacrificial formulae?
A. Sama Veda
B. Rig Veda
C. YajurVeda
D. Atharva Veda
Answer: C.YajurVeda
Explanation: Yajur Veda deals with sacrificial formulae. It is divided into Black Yajur Veda and White Yajur Veda.
123. When did the best productions of Gandhara sculpture appear?
A. Mauryan period
B. Kushan period
C. Gupta period
D. Harsha period
Answer: B.Kushan period
Explanation: The best productions of Gandhara Sculpture appreared during Kushana period. Gandhara sculpture shows Greek influence, therefore, it is known as IndoGreek art.
124. What is the first sermon of Buddha called as?
A. Brahmajalasutta
B. Dhammachakkapabattanasutta
C. Kachchayanagottasutta
D. Mahaparinirvansutta
Answer: B.Dhammachakkapabattanasutta
Explanation: The first sermon Buddha gave to the five monks was called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. It is also called the Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma.
125. Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha together are known as –
A. Triratna
B. Trivarga
C. Trisarga
D. Trimurti
Answer: A.Triratna
Explanation: The Three Jewels (triratna) are the three things that Buddhists take refuge in, and look toward for guidance, in the process known as taking refuge. The Three Jewels are: Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.
126. During which of the following periods of Indian History did the Kshatriyas have distinct identity?
A. Age of the Buddha
B. Maurya period
C. Post-Maurya age
D. Gupta period
Answer: A.Age of the Buddha
Explanation: The Kshatriyas as the ‘khattiyas’ of Buddhist liter ature had a distinct identity at the time of the Buddha, but later their actual identity becomes vague. The same is also true of the Vaishyas. Of the three dvija castes, theBrahmin is the most easily identifiable as a concrete social group.
127. Which of the following countries has asked India to return the famous ‘Dancing Girl’ statue from Mohenjodaro?
A. Bangladesh
B. Bhutan
C. China
D. Pakistan
Answer: D.Pakistan
Explanation: The Sindh government of Pakistan, in February 2014, requested Islamabad for asking India to return the famous statue of the Dancing Girl, which is in possession of the Indian authorities since 1946. The 10.8cm bronze statue, made in 2500 BC, is on display at the National Museum in New Delhi.
128. Who is the founder of Jainism in India?
A. Gautama
B. Mahavira
C. Chandragupta
D. Ashoka
Answer: B.Mahavira
Explanation: According to Jain scriptures, Vardhaman Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara founded Jainism as a faith in the 5th or 6th century B.C. The religion derives its name from the jinas (“conquerors”), a title given to twenty-four great teachers (Tirthankara through whom their faith was revealed.
129. Who compiled the tales of The Panchatantra”?
A. Valmiki
B. VedaVyasa
C. Vishnu Sharma
D. Tulsidas
Answer: C.Vishnu Sharma
Explanation: The Panchatantra is attributed to Vishnu Sharma. It an ancient Indian collection of inter-related animal fables in verse and prose arranged within a frame story. The original Sanskrit work, some scholars believe was composed around the 3rd century BC.
130. Which of the Kushana ruler patronised Buddhism?
A. Ashoka
B. Vikramaditya
C. Kanishka
D. Kautlya
Answer: C.Kanishka
Explanation: Kushana, the most famous Kushana ruler, patronized Buddhism. The Fourth Buddhist Council, in which Buddhism got split into two different schools Hi nayana and Mahayana-, was held during his reign in Kashmir. He also patronized the Buddhist scholars Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna.
131. Which of the following was the early capital of the Rashtrakutas?
A. Sopara
B. Ellora
C. Vatapi
D. Ajanta
Answer: B.Ellora
Explanation: There is uncertainty about the location of the early capital of the Rashtrakutas. However, since most of the Rashtrakuta monuments are found at Ellora (Ilapura), with nothing correspondence at Malkhed (Manakhet), it has been suggested that the early Rashtrakuta capital was located in the vicinity of the Ellora caves in the time of Dantidurga who was the founder and first ruler of the dynasty. Later, Amoghavarsha I made Manyakhet his capital that remained the Rashtrakutas’ regal capital until the end of the empire.
132. Whose army did Alexander, the Greek ruler confront on the banks of the river Jhelum?
A. Chandragupta Maurya
B. Ambi
C. Dhanananda
D. Porus
Answer: D.Porus
Explanation: The Battle of the Hydaspes was fought by Alexander the Great in 326 BC against King Porus of the Paurava kingdom on the banks of the river Hydaspes (Jhelum) in the Punjab near Bhera. The battle resulted in a complete Macedonian victory and the annexation of thePunjab.dragupta gave away his throne to his son, Bindusara, and spent his life as an ascetic. He accepted Jainism and spent his last days at Sravanabelagola in Karnataka along with Bhadrabahu He gave up his life by the strict Jain ritual of sallakhena.
133. Ajanta Caves were built during period of –
A. Gupta
B. Maurya
C. Chalukya
D. Kushana
Answer: A.Gupta
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, are about 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 or 650 A.D, Most of them were constructed during Gupta Period.
134. The term ‘Upanishad’ literally implies –
A. Knowledge
B. Wisdom
C. Sitting near
D. Recitation
Answer: C.Sitting near
Explanation: Upanishad means sitting down near”, refers to the student sitting down near the teacher while receiving esoteric knowledge. Monier-Williams’ Sanskrit Dictionary adds that, “Upanishad means ‘setting to rest ignorance by revealing the knowledge of the supreme spirit.”.
135. Who was called Lichchavi Dau2 hitra?
A. Chandragupta I
B. Skandagupta
C. Kumaragupta
D. Samudragupta
Answer: A.Chandragupta I
Explanation: Chandragupta I was known as Lichchavidauhl tra. His marriage with the Lichchavi Princess Kuma radevi was one of the significant events in the Gupta rule. The importance o this marriage can be known further from Samudragupta’s Allahabad inscription in which he has described himself as “Lichchhavisdau hitra or daughter’s son of the Lichchavis.
136. The seashore temple at Mahaba lipuram was built by –
A. Mahendra Varman I
B. Narasimha Varman I
C. Nandi Varman II
D. Dandi Varman
Answer: B.Narasimha Varman I
Explanation: The seashore temple at Mahabalipuram was built by Narasimha Varman I.
137. Coins made of metal first a peared in –
A. Harappan Civilisation
B. Later Vedic Age
C. Age of the Buddha
D. Age of the Mauryas
Answer: C.Age of the Buddha
Explanation: Metal currency was minted in India well before the Mauryan empire (322-185 BC). The first Indian coins were minted around the 6th century BC by the Ma hajanapadas of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The coins of this period were punch marked coins called Puranas, Karshapanas or Pana. Early coins of India (400 BC 100 A.D.) were made of silver and copper, and bore animal and plant symbols on them.
138. Both Jainism and Buddhism has no faith in –
A. yajnas
B. salvation
C. caste system
D. rituals
Answer: C.caste system
Explanation: Jainism and Buddhism arose us a protest against the ritualism of the Hindu religion. Gautam Buddha and Vardhaman Mahavir both belonged to ruling families of Kshatriyas. Buddhism, as well as, Jainism had no faith in Vedic religion. Besides, both these heterodox sects had no faith in caste distinctions and opposed the caste-system vehemently.
139. Buddhism in Nepal was introduced during the reign of –
A. Samudragupta
B. Ashoka
C. Chandragupta
D. Harshavardhana
Answer: B.Ashoka
Explanation: As a Buddhist emperor, Ashoka sent many prominent Buddhist monks (bhikshus) Sthavira like Madhyamik Sthavira to modern Kashmir and Afistan; Maharaskshit Sthavira to Syria, Persia/ Egypt, Greece, Italy and Turkey; and Massim Sthavra to Nepal. He built a number of stupas, Sangharama, viharas, chaitya, and residences for Buddhist monks all over South Asia and Central Asia. The Asokan pillar at Lumbini, Nepal speaks about Asoka an his works.
140. Chinese pilgrim who visited India during Harsha Vardhan’s period was –
A. Fa-hien
B. I’tsing
C. Nishka
D. Hiuen Tsang
Answer: D.Hiuen Tsang
Explanation: Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese pilgrim who came to India in the first half of the seventh century A.D during the time of Harshavardhan in order to visit the places of pilgrimage associated with Buddha. His object was to secure authentic Buddhist scriptures and visit places of Buddhist interest. On returning to China, he put down all his impressions in a book called Si-yu-ki or The Records of the Western World’ which proved to be an invaluable source of information to historians about Harsha and the political, social, economic and religious conditions in India during his reign.
141. Who, among the following, was not a part of the Mauryan dynasty?
A. Ajatsatru
B. Bindusara
C. Chandragupta Maurya
D. None of these
Answer: A.Ajatsatru
Explanation: Ajatasatru (491 BC c. 461 BC) was a king of the Magadha empire in north India. He was the son of King Bimbisara, the great monarch of Magadha. He was contemporary to Mahavira and Buddha.
142. After Alexander’s death the Eastern part of his empire came under –
A. Seleucus Nicator
B. Menander
C. Rudradaman
D. Kanishka
Answer: A.Seleucus Nicator
Explanation: Seleucus I was a leading officer of Alexander the Great’s League of Corinth and one of the Diadochi. In the wars of the Diadochi that took place after Alexander’s death, Seleucus established the Seleuciddy nasty and the Seleucid Empire. His kingdom would be one of the last holdouts of Alexander’s former empire to Roman rule. They were only outlived by the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt by roughly 34 years.
143. Harshvardhana was defeated by –
A. Prabhakaravardhana
B. Pulakesin II
C. Narasimhasvarma Pallava
D. Sasanka
Answer: B.Pulakesin II
Explanation: In 630 BC, Harshavardhana faced defeat at the hands of Pulakesin II, the Chalukya King of Vatapi, in Northern Karnataka. The defeat resulted in a truce between the two kings, with Harsha accepting River armada as the southern boundary for his kingdom.
144. The illustrious names of Aryab hatta and Varahamihir are associated with the age of the –
A. Guptas
B. Kushanas
C. Mauryas
D. Palas
Answer: A.Guptas
Explanation: The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire which existed from approximately 320 to 550 CE and covered much of the Indian Subcontinent. Scholars of this period include Varahamihira and Aryabhatta who is believed to be the first to come up with the concept of zero, postulated the theory that the Earth moves round the Sun, and studied solar and lunar eclipses. The most famous works of Aryabhatta are the Aryabhatiya and the Arya- siddhanta. Varahamihira was an Indian astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer who lived in Ujjain. He is considered to be one of thenine jewels (Navaratnas) of the court of legendary ruler Vikramaditya (thought to be the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II Vikramaditya).
145. Which dynasty succeeded the Chalukyas in Western India?
A. Cholas
B. Kakatiyas
C. Pallavas
D. Rashtrakutas
Answer: D.Rashtrakutas
Explanation: The Chalukya dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries. The earliest dynasty, known as the “Badami Chalukyas”, ruled from Vatapi (modern Badami) from the middle of the 6th century. The Badami Chalukyas began to assert their independence at the decline of the Kadamba kingdom of Banavasi and rapidly rose to prominence during the reign of Pulakesin II. After the death of Pulakesin II, the Eastern Chalukyas became an independent kingdom in the eastern Deccan. They ruled from Vengi until about the 11th century.
146. Which rulers built the Ellora Tem?
A. Chalukya
B. Sunga
C. Rashtrakuta
D. Pallava
Answer: C.Rashtrakuta
Explanation: These religious establishments could have received royal patronage from various dynasties, even though inscriptional evidences are lacking for most of them. The only definite inscriptional evidence is that of Rash trakuta Dantidurga (c.753-57 A. D.) The majority o the Brahmanical establishments and the remaining Buddhist ones can be attributed to the Rashtrakuta times which indicate the religious tolerance of the ntemporary period. The Jaina caves definitely post date the Rashtrakutas as indicated by the style of execution and fragmentary inscriptions. This region was under the control of Kalyani Chalukyas and Yada vas of Deogiri (Daulatabad) during this period.
147. Which area of India was known as Avantika in ancient times?
A. Avadh
B. Ruhelkhand
C. Bundelkhand
D. Malwa
Answer: D.Malwa
Explanation: Ujain (Avanti, Avantikapuri), is an ancient city of Malwa region in central India, on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River, today part of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Avanti with its capital at Ujaini, is men tioned in Buddhist literature as one of the four great powers along with Vatsa, Kosala and Magadha.
148. Who among the following were contemporaries of Kanishka?
A. Kamban, Banabhatta, Asvagosha
B. Nagarjuna, Asvagosha, Vasumitra
C. Asvagosha, Kalidasa, Banabhatta
D. Kalidasa, Kamban, Vasumitra
Answer: B.Nagarjuna, Asvagosha, Vasumitra
Explanation: The eminent Buddhist writers Nagarjuna, Asva hosha, Parsva and Vasumitra flourished at the court of Kanishka. Nagarjuna was the great exponent o Mahayana doctrine and Asvaghosha, a multifaceted personality, was known as a poet, musician, scholar and zealous Buddhist monk. Charaka, the most celebrated authority on Ayurveda was the court physician of Kanishka and Mathara, a politician of raremerit, was his minister. Vasumitra presided over the fourth Buddhist Council.
149. Who were the first kings to issue gold coins in India?
A. Mauryas
B. Indo-Greeks
C. Guptas
D. Kushans
Answer: B.Indo-Greeks
Explanation: The Indo-Greek kings were the first to issue gold coins in India and their coins were special in the sense that each king had his own distinctive coins by which he could be definitely identified. The names of at least thirty Bactrian kings are known with the help of numerous coins, and they help in the reconstruction of the history of the kings. The coins carry legends in Greek and also in Kharosthi and Brahmi.
150. Who established Mahabalipuram?
A. Pallava
B. Pandya
C. Chola
D. Chalukya
Answer: A.Pallava
Explanation: Mahabalipuram, derived from ‘Mamallapuram the prior and colloquial name of a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, now officially called Mamallapuram. Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of the South In an dynasty of the Pallavas near the city of Chennaiin Tamil Nadu. The name Mamallapuram is beli have been given after the Pallava king Narasimhavar man I, who took on the epithet Maha-malla (grea wrestler), as the favourite sport of the Pallavas wrestling.
151. The First Tirthankara of the Jains was –
A. Arishtanemi
B. Parshvanath
C. Ajitanath
D. Rishabha
Answer: D.Rishabha
Explanation: In Jainism, Rishabh was the first of the 24 Tirthankaras who founded the Ikshavaku dynasty and was the first Tirthankara of the present age. Because of this, he was called Adinath. He is mentioned in the Hindu text of the Bhagavata Purana as an avataro Vishnu. In Jainism, a Tirthankara is a human being who helps in achieving liberation and enlightenment as an “Arihant” by destroying all of their soul constraining (ghati) karmas, became a role- model and leader for those seeking spiritual guidance.
152. The great silk-route to the Indians was opened by:
A. Kanishka
B. Ashoka
C. Harsha
D. Fa-Hien
Answer: A.Kanishka
Explanation: The Silk Road or Silk Route is a modern term referring to a historical network of interlinking trade routes across the Afro- Eurasian landmass that connected East, South, and Western Asia with the Med iterranean and European world, as well as parts of North and East Africa. Extending 6,500 km, the Silk Road gets its name from the lucrative Chinese silk trade along it, which began during the Han Dynas (206 BC – 220 AD). The Kushan Empire incorporated Samarkand, Bokhara and Fergana, bordering on the Silk Road towns of Kashgar, Yarkand and Khotan The main route from Central Asia into India, connecting India with the Silk Roads and the Mediterraneanran through Gandhara. Kanishka sought to promote the thriving trade with the Silk Road centres like Kashgar and beyond, sending an envoy to Ttajan in Rome.
153. The subject-matter of Ajanta Paintings pertains to –
A. Jainism
B. Buddhism
C. Vaishnavism
D. Shaivism
Answer: B.Buddhism
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves are the treasure house of delicate paintings that portray scenes from Jataka tales and from the life of Lord Buddha. Celebrated for its archaic wonder and laced with the series of carved artistry, Ajanta Cave paintings echo the quality of Indian creativity in perhaps the subtlest way. In the Ajanta wall-paintings, there is a profound modification from the art of early Buddhism. The Ajanta paintings stress on religious romanticism with lyric quality a reflection of the view that every aspect of life has anequal value in the spiritual sense and as an aspect of the divine.
154. Up to where did Chandragupta Maurya’s empire extend in the north-west?
A. Ravi river
B. Indus river
C. Satluj river
D. Hindukush range
Answer: B.Indus river
Explanation: Prior to Chandragupta’s consolidation of power, small regional kingdoms dominated the northwestern subcontinent, while the Nanda Dynasty dominated the middle and lower basin of the Ganges. After Chan dragupta’s conquests, the Maurya Empire extended from Bengal and Assam in the east, to Afghanistan and Balochistan, some part of the eastern and south- eastern in the west, to Kashmir and Nepal in the north, and to the Deccan Plateau in the south. The vast empire extended from the Bay of Bengal in the east to the Indus River in the west
155. Prince Ellara conquered Sri Lanka in the second century BC With which of the following dynasties of Dravida ruler was he associated?
A. Chera
B. Chola
C. Pandya
D. Pallava
Answer: B.Chola
Explanation: Elara (235 BC-161 BC), also known as Manu Needhi Cholan was a Chola king from the Chola Kingdom, in present day South India, who ruled Sri Lanka from 205 BC to 161 BC from the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. Often referred to as ‘the Just King.’ The Tamil name Elalan means, ‘the one presentdayho rules the Ellai (boundary). Elara is a peculiar figure in the history of Sri Lanka and one with particular resonance given the ongoing ethnic strife in the country. Although he was an invader, he is often regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s wisest and most just monarchs, as highlighted in the ancient Sinhalese chronicle Mahavamsary.
156. Lothal is a site where dockyards of which of the following civilization were found?
A. Indus Valley
B. Mesoptamian
C. Egyptian
D. Persian
Answer: A.Indus Valley
Explanation: Lothal is one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization. Lothal’s dock-the world’s earliest known, connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati river on the trade route between
157. Buddha’ means
A. The Enlightened one
B. The Religious Preacher
C. The Genius
D. The Powerful
Answer: A.The Enlightened one
Explanation: The word Buddha is a title for the first awakened being in an era. “Buddha” is also sometimes translated as “The Enlightened One”. As Gautam fully comprehended the Four Noble Truths and as he arose from the slumbers of ignorance he is called a Buddha. Before His Enlightenment he was a bodhisattva eans one who is aspiring to attain Buddha hood. He was not born a Buddha, but became a Bucddha by his own efforts. Every aspirant to Buddhahood passes through the bodhisattva period- a period comprising many lives over a vast period of time.
158. Which of the following was NOTcomposed by Harshavadhana?
A. Harshacharita
B. Ratnavali
C. Priyadarshika
D. Nagananda
Answer: A.Harshacharita
Explanation: The Harshacharita, is the biography of Indian Emperor Harsha by Banabhatta, also known as Bana who was a Sanskrit writer of 7th century in India. He was the ‘Asthana Kavi’, meaning Court Poet’, of King Harsha.
159. The early Buddhist scriptures were composed in:
A. Prakrit texts
B. Pali texts
C. Sanskrit texts
D. Pictographical texts
Answer: B.Pali texts
Explanation: Pali is the language in which the texts of the Theravada school of Buddhism arepreserved. The Pali texts are the oldest collection of Buddhist scriptures preserved in the language in which they were writter down.
160. In Mohanjadaro, the largest building is:
A. the great bath
B. a granary
C. the Pillared Hall
D. a two storeyed house
Answer: B.a granary
Explanation: The Great Granary of Harappa was the largest building of the Indus Valley Civilization. It was about 45 meters long and 15 meters wide. It was meant to store food grains. It had lines of circular brick plat forms for pounding grain. There were barrack like quarters for workmen. The granary also had smaller halls and corridors. It was used to store surplus food grains. There were two rows of granaries. Each row had six granaries. A similar granary has been found in Mohanjodaro. All the granaries were built close to the river bank so that grains could be easily transported with the help of boats.
161. Sangam Age is associated with the history of –
A. Benaras
B. Allahabad
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Khajuraho
Answer: C.Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Sangam period is the period in the history of ancient southern India (known as the Tamilakam) spanning from c. 30th century BC to c. 4th century CE. It is named after the famous Sangam academies of poets and scholars centered in the city of Madurai. In old Tamil language, the term Tamilakam referred to the whole of the ancient Tamil-speaking area, corresponding roughly to the present-day Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, parts of Andhra Pradesh, parts of Karnataka and northern Sri Lanka.
162. Who was the court poet of Harsha?
A. Bhani
B. Ravi Kirti
C. Banabhatta
D. VishnuSharma
Answer: C.Banabhatta
Explanation: Banabhatta was a Sanskrit prose writer and poet of India. He was the Asthana Kavi in the court of King Harshavardhana, who reigned in the years century 606-647 CE in north India.
163. Chalukya king Pulakesin-Il was defeated by –
A. Mahendra Varman-I
B. Narasimha Varman-I
C. Parameswara Varman-I
D. Jatila Parantaka
Answer: A.Mahendra Varman-I
Explanation: Narasimhavarman-I, son of Mahendravarman-I, was a Tamil king of the Pallava dynasty who ruled South India from 630-668 A.D. He avenged his father’s defeat at the hands of the Chalukya king, Pulakesin II in the year 642 CE. Narasimhavarman was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler) and Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) was named after him. It was during his reign that the Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang visited Kanchipuram.
164. Greek- Roman Art has found a place in
A. Ellora
B. Gandhara
C. Kalinga
D. Buddhist Art.
Answer: D.Buddhist Art.
Explanation: Greco-Buddhist art is the artistic manifestation of Greco-Buddhism, a cultural syncretism between the Classical Greek culture and Buddhism, which developed over a period of close to 1000 years in Central Asia, between the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE, and the Islamic conquests of the 7th century CE. Under the Indo-Greeks and then the Kushans, the interaction of Greek and Buddhist culture flourished in the area of Gandhara, in today’s northern Pakistan, before spreading further into India, influencing the art of Mathura, and then the Hindu art of the Gupta empire, which was to extend to the rest of South- East Asia.
165. The Pallavas ruled from –
A. Kanchipuram
B. Madurai
C. Tanjore
D. Tiruchendur
Answer: A.Kanchipuram
Explanation: The Pallavas ruled regions of northern Tamil Nad and southern Andhra Pradesh between the second the ninth century A.D. Their capital was Kanchipuram Located on the banks of river Vegavathy, it served as the capital city of the Pallava Kingdom during the 4th to 9th century A.D.
166. The Gandhara style of sculpture, during the Kushan period is a combination of
A. Indo-Islamic style
B. Indo-Persian style
C. Indo-China style
D. Indo-Greek style
Answer: D.Indo-Greek style
Explanation: Gandhara sculpture was an amalgamation of IndoGreek styles. The distinguishing Gandhara sculpture is the standing or seated Buddha. The western classical factor rests in the style, in the handling of the robe, and in the physiognomy of Buddha. The cloak, which covers all but the appendages, is dealt like in Greek and Roman sculptures.
167. The Gupta Saka was founded by –
A. Chandra Gupta, the First
B. Chandra Gupta, the Second
C. Samudra Gupta
D. Kumara Gupta
Answer: A.Chandra Gupta, the First
Explanation: Chandra Gupta was a major king in the Gupta Empire around 320 C.E. and is generally considered as the founder of the Gupta dynasty. As the ruler of the Gupta Empire, he is known for forging alliance with many powerful families in the Ganges region. The well known Gupta era which commenced on February 26, 320 AD is generally attributed to Chandragupta I. Hence it is surmised that the Gupta era began on the occasion of the coronation of Chandragupta I.
168. The language from which the term ‘India’ is derived is –
A. English
B. Greek
C. Persian
D. Arabic
Answer: C.Persian
Explanation: The name India is derived from Indus, which originates from the Old Persian word Hindu. The latter term stems from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, which was the historical local appellation for the Indus River. The ancient Greeks referred to the Indians as In the doi which translates as “the people of the Indus”.
169. Which of the following is not the “Tri Ratna” of Jainism?
A. Right faith
B. Right knowledge
C. Right view
D. Right conduct
Answer: C.Right view
Explanation: In Jainism the three jewels (also referred to as ratnatraya) are understood as samyagdarshana (right faith”), samyagjnana (“right knowledge”), and samy akcharitra (right conduct”). One of the three cannot exist exclusive of the others, and all are required for spiritual liberation.
170. The caves of Ajanta and Ellora belonged to –
A. Jains
B. Buddhists
C. Hindus
D. Sikhs
Answer: B.Buddhists
Explanation: The famous caves of Ajanta and Ellora belonged to Buddhists.
171. Subject matter which Manu Smriti deals with is related to –
A. Economics
B. Politics
C. Law
D. Artx
Answer: C.Law
Explanation: Manu Smriti deals with law.
172. Mahavira’s first disciple was –
A. Bhadrabahu
B. Sthulabhadra
C. Charvaka
D. Jamali
Answer: D.Jamali
Explanation: Jamali, who was husband of Anonja Priyadarshini, was the first disciple of Mahavira. He was Mahavira’s son-in-law.
173. Vardhman Mahavir is also known as –
A. Jena
B. Great teacher
C. Great preacher
D. Jain
Answer: A.Jena
Explanation: Vardhamana Mahavira was also known as Jina which literally means the ‘conqueror’. Jina refers to the one who has conquered love and hate, pleasure and pain, attachment and aversion, and has thereby freed his’ soul from the karmas obscuring knowledge, perception, truth, and ability. It was from this rd that Jainism was derived.
174. The Sage who is said to have Ary anised South India, was –
A. Yagnavalkya
B. Vashistha
C. Agastya
D. Vishwamitra
Answer: C.Agastya
Explanation: Sage Agastya, often considered the father of tradi tional Indian Medicine, is also associated with the Aryanization of South India. The Yadavas of South India were the first to be aryanized. Agastya compiled the first Tamil grammar called Agathiyam.
175. The origin of Indian music can be traced to which of the following Vedic Samhitas?
A. Rigveda
B. Samaveda
C. Yajurveda
D. Atharvaveda
Answer: B.Samaveda
Explanation: Organized Indian music owes its origin to the Sama Veda which was a collection (samhita) of hymns and detached verses from other Vedas, meant for recital these hymns were sung by Udgatar priests at sacrifices in which the Soma ritual drink was offered in libation to various deities.
176. Who amongst the following also had the name ‘Devanama Piyadassi’?
A. Mauryan King Ashoka
B. Mauryan King Chandra-gupta Maurya
C. Gautam Buddha
D. Bhagwan Mahavira
Answer: A.Mauryan King Ashoka
Explanation: The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of 33 i scriptions on the Pillars of Ashoka, as well as boul ders and cave walls, made by the Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty during his reign from 269 BCE to 231 BCE. These inscriptions are dispersed throughout the areas of modern-day Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan and represent the first tangible evidence of Buddhism. In these inscriptions, Ashoka refers to himself as “Beloved of the Gods” and “King Priya-darshi.” The identification of King Priya-darshi with Ashoka was confirmed by an inscription discovered in 1915 by C. Beadon at Maski, the village in Raichur district of Karnataka. Another minor rock edict is found at the village Gujarra in Datia district Madhya Pradesh. This also shows the Name “Asoka”in addition to usual “Devanam Piyadasi”.
177. Which was the backbone of Indus Economy?
A. Agriculture
B. Trade
C. Wheel Made Pottery
D. Carpentry
Answer: A.Agriculture
Explanation: As in most other contemporary civilizations, agniculture was the backbone of the Indus economy. I people made extensive use of the wooden plows. Barley and wheat were the main food crops. Agriculture sustained the rudimentary urban centers that emerged (Studies in World History Volume 1. by James P. Sto baugh).
178. The author of ‘Arthashastra’ was a contemporary of –
A. Ashoka
B. Chandragupta Maurya
C. Samudragupta
D. Chandragupta Vikramaditya
Answer: B.Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: The Arthashastra was authored by Kautilya, also known as Vishnugupta, who was a contemporary and mentor of Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Maruryan Empire. It is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy, written in Sanskrit.
179. Which one of the following was the book written by Amoghvarsha the Rashtrakuta King?
A. Adipurana
B. Ganitasara Samgraha
C. Saktayana
D. Kavirajamarga
Answer: D.Kavirajamarga
Explanation: ‘Kairajamarga'(meaning Royal Path for Poets”) was written by the famous Rashtrakuta King “Nrupatunga Amoghavarsha I. it is the earliest available writing on rhetoric, poetics and grammar in the Kannada language. It was written around 850 A.D.
180. Find the odd one:
A. Samveda
B. Yajurveda
C. Vishnu Purana
D. Rigveda
Answer: C.Vishnu Purana
Explanation: There are four Vedas: the Rig- Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda and the Atharva Veda. On the other hand, Vishnu Purana is a religious Hindu text and ne of the eighteen Mahapuranas. It has been given the name Puranaratna.
181. Which Indian rular fought the Kalinga War?
A. Samudragupta
B. Chandragupta
C. Shivaji
D. Ashoka
Answer: D.Ashoka
Explanation: The Kalinga War was fought between the Mauryan peror Ashoka and Raja Anantha Padmanabhan of Kalinga in 262-261 B.C. It was the only major war Ashoka fought after his accession to throne. Ho ever, it is one of the major and bloodiest battle world history. The bloodshed of this war is said to have prompted Ashoka to adopt Buddhism.
182. What is the Mehrauli Pillar in the complex of Qutub Minar primarily famous for?
A. Proverbial height
B. Skilful stone cutting
C. Excellent quality steel
D. Statue of Buddha on top
Answer: C.Excellent quality steel
Explanation: The Iron Pillar located in Delhi, is a 7 m (23 ft) column in the Qutb complex, notable for the rust resistant composition of the metals used in its con struction. The pillar has attracted the attention of archaeologists and materials scientists because of its high resistance to corrosion. The corrosion resistance results from an even layer of crystalline iron hydrogen phosphate hydrate forming on the high phosphorus content iron, which serves to protect it from climate.
183. Which script was used in Ashoka’s inscriptions?
A. Brahmi
B. Devanagiri
C. Gurmukhi
D. Sanskrit
Answer: A.Brahmi
Explanation: Most of Asokan inscriptions in the eastern parts of the Mauryan empire were written in Magadhi language using the Brahmi script. Kharosthi script was used in the north- western parts of his empire. The Brahmi script was deciphered in 1837 by James Princep, an archaeologist, philologist, and official of the East India Company.
184. Who among the following was the court physician of Kanishka?
A. Vasumitra
B. Nagarjuna
C. Charaka
D. Patanjali
Answer: C.Charaka
Explanation: Charaka was the court physician of Kanishka I. He was one of the principal contributors to the ancient art and science of Ayurveda, a system of medicine and lifestyle developed in ancient India. He is sometimes referred to as the Father of Indian Medicine.
185. Name the Republic which was a confederacy of tribes in the 6th century B.C.
A. Gandhara
B. Vatji
C. Kosala
D. Avanti
Answer: B.Vatji
Explanation: Vajiji or Vrilji was a confederacy in the 6th century B.C. The rulers of Vajji were a confederacy of the eight clans (atthakula) of whom the Vajjis, the Licchavis the Jnatrikas and the Videhas were the most impor tant. It was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
186. Who built the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora?
A. Rajendra I
B. Mahendra Varman I
C. Krishna I
D. Govinda I
Answer: C.Krishna I
Explanation: The Kailasa temple was built by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I in the 8th century A.D. It is a megalith carved out of one single rock, one of the 34 monasteries and temples known collectively as the Ellora Caves. It is a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture.
187. Ashok spread Buddhism all over India and Ceylon by –
A. Teaching the Triratnas
B. Sending the Dharma Mahamatras
C. Waging wars
D. Becoming a Buddhist Monk
Answer: B.Sending the Dharma Mahamatras
Explanation: For the spread of Buddhism, Asoka sent missionaries (dharma mahamatras) all over India and beyond the missionaries sent by Ashoka to the other countries were well received by them and the conversions took place easily because of the influence and the personal power Ashoka exercised.
188. Which one of the following is not included in the ‘Eight Fold Path of Buddhism?
A. Right Speech
B. Right Contemplation
C. Right Desire
D. Right Conduct
Answer: C.Right Desire
Explanation: The Noble Eightfold Path is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and the achievement of self-awakening. The path comprises right view, right aspiration, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.
189. Name the temple in Indonesia where scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharatha are depicted.
A. Borobudur
B. Kailashnath
C. Angkor Wat
D. Brihadeshwara
Answer: A.Borobudur
Explanation: Borobudur Temple is located in Indonesia. Angkor Wat Temple is located in Cambodia.
190. Who among the following was the pioneer of Yoga?
A. Patanjali
B. Vagbhata
C. Atreya
D. Vrudukanta
Answer: A.Patanjali
Explanation: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are 196 Indian sutras (aphorisms) that constitute the foundational text of Raja yoga. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali prescribes adherence to eight
191. Vaishakha Poornima has a great significance because it was on this day –
A. Buddha was born
B. Buddha got enlightened
C. Buddha died
D. All of the above
Answer: D.All of the above
Explanation: The day of Vaisakh Purnima, which usually falls in the month of May, is considered most sacred by Buddhists all over the world. Buddha attained Supreme Enlighten or Buddha hood, beneath the Bodhitree at Boddha Gaya. Forty-five years later at the age of eighty, he finally passed away in Parinivana on the same day of the year at Kushinagar. Vaisaka Purnima is celebrated especially in Boddha Gaya, Lumbini and in Kushinara as they are the holy places that were con nected with the blessed ones birth, enlighten and the Parinirvana.
192. The greatest Kushan leader who got converted to Buddhism was –
A. Kujala
B. Vima
C. Kanishka
D. (4) Kadphises
Answer: C.Kanishka
Explanation: Kanishka’s reputation in Buddhist tradition is based mainly that he convened the 4th Buddhist Council in Kashmir. Images of the Buddha based on 32 physical signs were made during his time. He provided encouragement to both the Gandhara school of GrecoBuddhist Art and the Mathura school of Hindu art.Kanishka personally seems to have embraced both Buddhism and the Persian cult of Mithra.
193. The Ajanta pantings belong to the –
A. Harappan period
B. Mauryan period
C. Buddhist period
D. Gupta period
Answer: D.Gupta period
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad
194. Where is the Lingaraja Temple located?
A. Madurai
B. Tiruchendur
C. Bhubaneswar
D. Ujjain
Answer: C.Bhubaneswar
Explanation: Lingaraj Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Harihara, another name for Shiva and is one of the oldest temples of Bhubaneswar, a revered pilgrimage center and the capital of Odisha. Shiva is here worshipped as Tribhuvaneshwara (Master of three worlds
195. The caste system of India was created for –
A. immobility of labour
B. recognition of the dignity of labour
C. economic uplift
D. occupational division of labour
Answer: D.occupational division of labour
Explanation: The caste system is a system of division of labour and power in human society. It is a system of social stratification, and a basis for affirmative action. His torically, it defined communities into thousands of endogamous hereditary groups called Jatis. The Jatis were grouped by the Brahmanical texts under the four well-known caste categories (the varnas): viz Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
196. Which of the following is not one of the animals carved on the Sarnath Pillar?
A. Humped Bull
B. Deer
C. Elephant
D. Horse
Answer: B.Deer
Explanation: Ashoka built the Sarnath pillar to commemorate the site of the first preaching of Lord Buddha, where he taught the Dharma to five monks. The Lion Capital of Ashoka comprises four lions, standing back to back, mounted on a cylindrical abacus. The abacus features the sculptures of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion, separated by intervening 24-spoked Dharma wheels over a bell-shaped lotus. The four animals in the Sarnath capital are believed to symbolize different phases in Lord Buddha’s life. The Elephant is a representation of Queen Maya’s conception of Buddha when she saw a white elephant entering her womb in dream. The Bull represents desire during the life of the Buddha as a prince. The Horse symbolizes Buddha’s departure from palatial life whilen represents the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Buddha.
197. Where do you find the temple of Angkor Wat?
A. In Thailand
B. In Malaysia
C. In Cambodia
D. In Myanmar
Answer: C.In Cambodia
Explanation: The temple of Angor Vat is located in Angkor, Siem Reap Province, in Cambodia. It is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world. The temple was built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura, the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaivism tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the bestpre served temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foun dation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country’s prime attraction for visitors.
198. Harshavardhana organized his religious assembly at –
A. Mathura
B. Prayag
C. Varanasi
D. Tamralipt
Answer: B.Prayag
Explanation: After the Kannauj Assembly was concluded, Hiuen-Tsang was making preparations to go to his home but Harsha invited him to attend another Assembly at Prayag which he used to hold after ever five year the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna. Five such assemblies had already taken place and this was the sixth Assembly in which Hiuen-Tsang was invited. This ceremony was attended by the kings of eighteen kingdoms and about 5, 00,000 people including Sra manas. Heretics, Nigranthas, the poor, the orphans, etc, attended this assembly. The Prayag Assembly is a glorious example of the generosity of Harshavard Hana as he gave all his personal wealth and belongings charity during the assembly.
199. Which of the following Craftsmanship was not practiced by the Aryans?
A. Pottery
B. Jewellery
C. Carpentry
D. Blacksmith
Answer: D.Blacksmith
Explanation: Iron was a metal unknown to the Aryans during the early Vedic age. The advent of iron is generally associated with the late or post-Vedic ages. So black smith did not exist during this period.
200. The rulers of which dynasty started the practice of granting tax-free villages to Brahmanas and Buddhist Monks?
A. Satavahanas
B. Mauryas
C. Guptas
D. Cholas
Answer: A.Satavahanas
Explanation: Land grants formed an important feature of the Satavahana rural administration. Inscriptions show that the Satavahanas started the practice of granting fiscal and administrative immunities to Brahmins and Buddhist monks. Earlier, the grants to individuals were temporary but later grants to religious beneficiaries were permanent. Perhaps the earliest epigraphic grant of land is found in the Nanaghat CaveInscription of naganika, who bestowed villages (grama) on priests for officiating at Vedic sacrifices, but it does not speak of any concessions in this context. These an in grants made by Gautamiputra Satakarni in the first quarter of the second century A.D appear first.
201. The most important text of Vedic mathematics is –
A. Satapatha Brahman
B. Atharva Veda
C. Sulva Sutras
D. Chhandogya Upanishad
Answer: C.Sulva Sutras
Explanation: The Shulba Sutras are sutra texts belonging to the Strauta ritual and containing geometry related to fire altar construction. They are part of the larger corpus of texts called the Shrauta Sutras, considered to be appendices to the Vedas. They are the only sources of knowledge of Indian mathematics from the Veperiod. The four major Shulba Sutras, which are math ematically the most significant, are those composed by Baudhayana, Manava, Apastamba and Katyayana.
202. Yavanika or curtain was introduced in Indian theatre by which of the following?
A. Shakas
B. Parthians
C. Greeks
D. Kushans
Answer: C.Greeks
Explanation: The most interesting term in Indian drama with Greek connotation is yavanika, which means a stage curtain. For the first time in Panini’s grammar, there is a reference to Yavana and Yavanani writing. However, the theory is not only erroneous but diculous because there is no curtain in the Greek drama and also there is no word “yavanika” in Sanskrit language. There is Yavani meaning Greek woman.
203. Mohammed-bin-qasim conquered Sind in the year
A. 712 A.D.
B. 812 A.D
C. 912 A.D.
D. 1012 A.D.
Answer: A.712 A.D.
Explanation: The Arab conquest of Sindh by Muhammad Bin Qasim in 712 AD gave the Muslims a firm foothold on the sub-continent. Qasim’s conquest of Sindh and Punjab laid the foundations of Islamic rule in the Indian subcontinent. The description of Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese historian, leaves no doubt that the social and economic restrictions inherent in the caste differentiations of Hindu society had however, gradually sapped the inner vitality of the social system and Sindh fell without much resistance before the Muslim armies.
204. The words “Satyameva Jayate” in the State Emblem of India were taken from –
A. Upanishads
B. Sama Veda
C. Rig Veda
D. Ramayana
Answer: A.Upanishads
Explanation: “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs) is a mantra from the ancient Indian scripture Mundaka Upanishad. Upon independence of India, it was adopted as the national motto of India. It is inscribe Devanagari script at the base of the national emblem. The emblem and words Satyameva Jayate’ are in scribed on one side of all Indian currency. The emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Asoka which was erected around 250 BC at Sarnath, near Varanasi in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
205. Which of the following domesticated animals was absent in the terracottas of the Indus civilisation?
A. Buffalo
B. Sheep
C. Cow
D. Pig
Answer: C.Cow
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization made sculptures mainly in stone, metal and terra-cotta. Ranging in size from slightly larger than a human thumb to almost 30 cm (one foot) in height, the anthropomorphic and animal terracotta figurines from Harappa and other Indus Civilization sites offer a rich reflection of some of the Harappan ideas about representing life in the Bronze Age. From the terracotta figurines, we come to know what the people of Harappa domesticated animals like oxen, buffaloes, pigs, goats and sheep. Camels and asses were used as means of transport. Dogs and cats were kept as pets. The humped bull was considered a great asset in the farming community.
206. Which among the following is the sacred book of the Buddhists?
A. Upanishad
B. Vedas
C. Tripitaka
D. Jatakas
Answer: C.Tripitaka
Explanation: Tripitaka is a traditional term used by various Buddhist sects to describe their various canons of scriptures. As the name suggests, a Tripitaka traditionally contains three “baskets” of teachings: a Sutra Pitaka (Sanskrit; Pali: Sutta Pitaka), a Vinaya Pitaka (Sanskrit & Pali) and an Abhidharma Pitaka (Sanskrit; Pali: Abhidhamma Pitaka).
207. Whose achievements are recorded in the Allahabad Pillar inscription?
A. Chandra Gupta Maurya
B. Samudra Gupta
C. Vikramaditya
D. Skand Gupta
Answer: B.Samudra Gupta
Explanation: Allahabad Stone Pillar Inscription of Samudra Gupta is writings in stone pillar during the term of King Sam udra Gupta located in Allahabad which mentioned events during his tenure in and around his empire. It is one of the most important epigraphic evidences of the Imperial Guptas. Composed by Harisena, it delineates the reign of the Guptas in ancient India. Achievements of different rulers of the Gupta lineage are also mentioned in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription. Harisena was the court poet and minister of Samudragupta.
208. The essential feature of the Indus Valley Civilization was –
A. worship of forces of nature
B. organised city life
C. pastoral farming
D. caste society
Answer: B.organised city life
Explanation: Among all the Bronze Age cultures, the Indus Valley civilization was the most urbanized. A sophisticated and technologically advanced urban culture is evident in the Indus Valley Civilization making them the first urban centres in the region. The quality of municipal town planning suggests the knowledge of urban planning and efficient municipal governments By 2600 BCE, the Early Harappan communities had been turned into large urban centres. Such urban centres include Harappa, Ganeriwala, MohenjoDaroin modernday Pakistan, and Dholavira, Kalibangan Rakhigarhi, Rupar, and Lothal in modern day India.
209. Name the capital of the Pallavas –
A. Kanchi
B. Vatapi
C. Trichnapalli
D. Mahabalipuram
Answer: A.Kanchi
Explanation: Pallavas ruled regions of northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh between the second to the ninth century CE. Kanchipuram served as the capital city of the Pallava Kingdom from the 4th to the 9th century. It is also known by its former names Kanchiampathi, Conjeevaram, and the nickname The City of Thousand Temples Kanchipuram was mentioned in the Mahabhasya, written by Patanjali in the 2nd century BC.
210. The ‘Kannauj assembly organised by Harsha was held in honour of –
A. Fa-Hiern
B. Itsing
C. Hieun-Tsang
D. Megasthenes
Answer: C.Hieun-Tsang
Explanation: The convocation of an assembly at Kannauj was one of the most significant events of the reign of Harsha. The purpose of this assembly was to simplify the doctrines of Mahayanism. This assembly was con vened in 643 A.D. It was attended by kings of eighteen countries, 3000 Brahmanas and Jains, 3000 Buddhist monks of Mahayana and Hinayana sects and 1000 Buddhist monks of Nalanda Vihara. The famous Chinese traveler, Hiuen Tsang was also present and presided the assembly.
211. Gautama Buddha was born at –
A. Kusinagar
B. Sarnath
C. Bodh Gaya
D. Lumbini
Answer: D.Lumbini
Explanation: Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. It is theplace where Queer layadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who as the Buddha Gautama founded the Buddhist tradition. The Buddha lived between roughly 563 and 483 BC.
212. Who was the mother of Mahavira?
A. Yasoda
B. Anojia
C. Chetaka
D. Trishala
Answer: D.Trishala
Explanation: Trishala was the Mother of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, and wife of the Jain monarch, Siddartha of Kundgraam. She finds mention in the classical Jain Agamas, the Kalpa sutra, written by Acharya Bhadrabahu (433- 357 BC), which is primarily a biography of the Tirthankaras.
213. Who wrote the grammatical work Ashtadhyayi?
A. Charvaka
B. Kautilya
C. Panini
D. Kapila
Answer: C.Panini
Explanation: Panini is known for his Sanskrit grammar, particularly for his formulation of the 3,959 rules of Sanskrit morphology, syntax and semantics in the grammar known as Ashtadhyayi (‘eight chapters”), the foundational text of the grammatical branch of the Vedanga, the auxiliary scholarly disciplines of Vedic religion.
214. Beetapala and Dhiman, the two great artists that India had pro duced, belonged to the –
A. Pala Age
B. Gupta Age
C. Maurya Age
D. Pathan Age
Answer: A.Pala Age
Explanation: Both Beetapala and Dhiman were the artists during the Pala rule in Bengal who flourished in the 9th century A.D. The artistic centre of gravity was displaced after the decline of the Buddhist kings of Bengal when decadence in the style of Dhiman became apparent.
215. The Harappans were –
A. rural
B. urbarn
C. nomadic
D. tribal
Answer: B.urbarn
Explanation: The Harappan cities were planned to serve these functional, social and economic requirements of their inhabitants. The urbanism of the Harappan civilization is associated with its mature phase. Many scholars have called the Harappan urbanization as The Urban Revolution’, which could not have been possible without the strong central authority, specialized economic organization and socio-cultural unity.
216. The crop which was not known to Vedic people is –
A. barley
B. wheat
C. rice
D. tobacco
Answer: A.barley
Explanation: Dantidurga (735-756 CE), also known as Dantivarman or Dantidurga II was the founder of the Rashtrakuta Empire of Manyakheta. His capital was based in Gulbarga region of Karnataka. He was succeeded by his uncle Krishna I who extended his kingdom to all of Karnataka.
217. The Gupta king who assumed the title of ‘Vikramaditya’ was –
A. Skandagupta
B. Samudragupta
C. Chandragupta-II
D. Kumaragupta
Answer: C.Chandragupta-II
Explanation: Chandragupta-II was one of the most powerful emperors of the Gupta Empire in northern India. His rule spanned c. 380-413/415 A.D, during which the Gupta Empire achieved its zenith, art, architecture, and sculpture flourished, and the cultural development of ancient India reached its climax. He adopted the title of Vikramaditya which holds a semi- mythical status in India.
218. Which ruler murdered his father, Bimbisara to ascend the throne?
A. Ashoka
B. Ajatasatruu
C. Kanishka
D. Simukha
Answer: B.Ajatasatruu
Explanation: Ajatasatru was a king of the Magadha empire in north India. He was the son of King Bimbisara, the great monarch of Magadha. He was contemporary toMahavira and Buddha. According to the Jain tradition Bimbisara committed suicide while according to Buddhist tradition he was brutally murdered by his own son.
219. The staple food of the Vedic Ary ans was –
A. barley and rice
B. milk and its products
C. rice and pulses
D. vegetables and fruits
Answer: B.milk and its products
Explanation: The Vedic economy revolved around cow and dairy products which are clear from the references found in the Rig Veda. The economy was primarily pastoral. The staple diet of the people was milk, ghee (clarified butter), vegetables, fruit and barley. On special occas like a religious feast or the arrival of a guest, a more elaborate meal was organized.
220. With whch of the following centres of learning, Chanakya the fa mous teacher of Chandragupta Maurya, was associated?
A. Takshashila
B. Nalanda
C. Vikramashila
D. Vaishali
Answer: A.Takshashila
Explanation: Takshashila, (later corrupted as Taxila), was Chanakya’s breeding ground of acquiring knowledge in the practical and theoretical aspect. He served thereas a teacher also before becoming the chief advisor and mentor of Chandragupta Maurya. During the reign of Chandragupta’s grandson Asoka, Taxila became a great Buddhist centre of learning
221. The Greeks were driven out of India by
A. Chandragupta Murya
B. Chandragupta Vikramditya
C. Ashoka
D. Bindusara
Answer: A.Chandragupta Murya
Explanation: In the year 305 BC, Seleucus-I Nicator went to India and apparently occupied territory as far as the Indus, and eventually waged war with the Mauryarn Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. His Indian campaign was, however, a failure. Seleucus ceded a consider able amount of territory to Chandragupta in exchange for 500 war elephants, which were to play a key role in the forthcoming battles.
222. Who was the mother of Mahavira?
A. Yashoda
B. Trishala
C. Jameli
D. Mahamaya
Answer: B.Trishala
Explanation: Trishala was the Mother of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, and wife of the Jain monarch, Siddartha of Kundgraam, of present day Bihar She finds mention in the classical Jain Agamas, the Kalpa sutra, written by Acharya Bhadrabahu (433 which is primarily a biography of the Tirthankaras.
223. The Nalanda University was founded by –
A. Harsha Vardhana
B. Kumara Gupta
C. Samudra Gupta
D. Chandra Gupta
Answer: B.Kumara Gupta
Explanation: 0
224. The religion, which preached “Desire is the cause for all sufferings” is –
A. Buddhism
B. Jainism
C. Sikhism
D. Hinduism
Answer: A.Buddhism
Explanation: Siddhartha or Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BC at Lumbini near Kapilvastu (Nepal). According to Buddhism the cause of suffering leading to endless rebirth is desire.
225. Which of the following dynasty succeeded the Mauryas?
A. Satavahanas
B. Sungas
C. Yavanas
D. Pandya
Answer: B.Sungas
Explanation: The Sunga Empire was an ancient Indian dynasty from Magadha that controlled vast areas of the Indian Subcontinent from around 187 to 78 BCE. The dynasty was established by Pusyamitra Sunga, after the fall of the Maurya Empire.
226. The Buddhist monk who spread Buddhism in Tibet was –
A. Nagarjuna
B. Ananda
C. Asanga
D. Padmasambhava
Answer: D.Padmasambhava
Explanation: The most important event in the history of Tibetan Buddhism was the arrival of sage Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Padmasambhava translated numerous Buddhist texts into Tibetan language and combined tantric Buddhism with the local Bon religion to create what is today widely known as the Tibetan Buddhism.
227. In which Rock Edict Ashoka mentions about the casualities of Kalinga War and declares the renunciation of war?
A. Maski Edict
B. Rock Edict XIII
C. Rock Edict XI
D. Rock Edict X
Answer: B.Rock Edict XIII
Explanation: Rock Edict XIII and Minor Rock Edict I states that the human sufferings and mass killings due to the Kalinga War prompted Ashoka to take Buddhist religion and to adopt the path of Dhamma Vijaya’ (winthrough religion) and Ahimsa’ (non-violence).
228. The Earliest Settlements of Aryan tribes were at –
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Bengal
C. Sapta Sindhu
D. Delhi
Answer: C.Sapta Sindhu
Explanation: The region where the Aryans settled in India around 1500 B.C. was called Sapta Sindhu (Seven Rivers), also referred to as the Brahmavarta. They spread to Indo-Gangetic plains in the later Vedic Period and this region came to be known as Aryavarta (1000 BC to 600 BC).
229. The land measures of the Second Pandyan Empire was mentioned in –
A. Thalavaipuram Copper Platces
B. Uttirameru Inscription
C. Kudumiyammalai Inscription
D. Kasadudi Copper Plates
Answer: A.Thalavaipuram Copper Platces
Explanation: The Thalavaipuram copper plate brought out during 1018 and 1054 A.D by the Pandyan kings, describes land system, giant waves, etc. For example, it mentions six qualifications for a Brahmin to get land as a gift from the king. Kasakudi plates and Uthiramerur inscription are related to the Pallava and Chola dynasties respectively.
230. Who was the greatest ruler of the Satavahanas?
A. Satkami I
B. Gautamiputra Satkarni
C. Simuka
D. Hala
Answer: B.Gautamiputra Satkarni
Explanation: Gautamiputra Satakarni (78-102 A.D) is often acknowledged by historians as the greatest of the Satavahana rulers. He defeated the Yavanas, Sakas and Pallavas and re- established the ancient glory of the Satavahanas. He performed two Ashwamedha sacrifices.
231. A collective term used by the Jains for their sacred books is –
A. Prabandhas
B. Angas
C. Nibandhas
D. Charits
Answer: B.Angas
Explanation: The sacred books of the Jains are collectively called agama. Comprising fifty separate works which differ in small matters, the texts are written mainly in Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit and Sauraseni. The canon also in cludes 14 Purva’ or ‘earlier works attributed in part to Mahavira and number of anga sections composed by Mahavira’s disciples, besides various other books of rules.
232. In which of the following mudra did Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath?
A. Abhaya Mudra
B. Dhyana Mudra
C. Dharmachakra Mudra
D. Bhumisparsa Mudra
Answer: C.Dharmachakra Mudra
Explanation: Dharmachakra in Sanskrit means ‘Wheel of Dharma’. This mudra symbolizes one of the most important moments in the life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to his companions the first sermon after his Enlightenment in the Deer Park at Sarnath. This event is often referred to as the setting into motion of the Wheel of the teaching of the Dharma.
233. The Veda which deals with the rituals is known as –
A. Rigveda
B. Yajurveda
C. Samaveda
D. Atharvaveda
Answer: B.Yajurveda
Explanation: Yajur Veda is a step-by-step guide about the right way of performing religious ceremonies and sacred rituals. Derived from “yajus” meaning “prose mantra and veda meaning “knowledge”), the Yajur veda is the Veda of prose mantras. An ancient Vedic Sanskrit text it is a compilation of ritual offering formulas that were said by a priest at the time of ritual actions.
234. The capital of the Mauryan Kingdom was located at –
A. Pataliputra
B. Vaishali
C. Lumbini
D. Gaya
Answer: A.Pataliputra
Explanation: Pataliputra, the ancient city of Patna in Bihar, served as the capital city of the Mauryan Empire. It reached the pinnacle of prosperity under Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka. Greek ambassador, Megasthenes, has left a detailed account of its splendor. Pataliputra was originally built by Magadha ruler Ajatsatru in 490 BC.
235. Where is the Brihadeshwar temple, built during the Chola period, located?
A. Mysore
B. Mahabalipuram
C. Thanjavur
D. Kanyakumari
Answer: C.Thanjavur
Explanation: The Brihadeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. Also known as Raja Rajeswara Temple, it was built by Chola ruler Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples.”
236. Kamarup is an ancient name of which region of India?
A. Bihar
B. Rajasthan
C. Karnataka
D. Assam
Answer: D.Assam
Explanation: Ancient Assam was known as Pragjyotisha in early times and as Kamarupa in later times. It came to be known as Kamarupa during the Puranic times, based on the legend that Kamadeva, the god of love, the Indian Cupid, who was destroyed by the fiery glance ofSiva returned to life there. The first historic reference to the kingdom of Kamarupa is made in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudragupta.
237. The word ‘Buddha’ means
A. A Conqueror
B. A Liberator
C. A Enlibhtened one
D. A Wanderer
Answer: C.A Enlibhtened one
Explanation: The word Buddha means “awakened one or “the enlightened one”. ”Buddha” is also used as a title for the first awakened being in an era. Gautam Buddha was born as Siddhartha in a royal family; he began to be called the Buddha after attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Gaya.
238. Pancha siddhantham of Varaha mihira deals with –
A. Astrology
B. Astronomy
C. Medicine
D. Anatomy
Answer: B.Astronomy
Explanation: The most famous work by Varahamihira is the treatise on mathematical astronomy called the Pancha iddhantika (“Five Astronomical Treatises”). It is dated 575 AD. It is a summary of five earlier astronom ical systems, namely the Surya, Romaka, Paulisa Vasistha and Paitamaha.
239. King Kharvela was the greatest ruler of the Chedi Dynasty of –
A. Cholamandalam
B. Kalinga
C. Kannauj
D. Purushpur
Answer: B.Kalinga
Explanation: Kharvela was the third and greatest emperor of the Chedi dynasty of Kalinga (present-day Odisha). The main source of information about Kharavela is his famous Hanthigumpha inscription. During his reign, the Chedi dynasty ascended to eminence, which had been subdued since the devastating war with Ashoka
240. The Jaina literature is known as –
A. Tripitakas
B. Epics
C. Aryasutras
D. Angas
Answer: D.Angas
Explanation: The Jaina literature is known as Angas. The first attempts to systematise the preachings of Lord Mahavira, were made in the Pataliputra Council in the century BC, but they were finally rearranged redacted and committed to writing in the Valabhi Council in 512 AD under the presidentship of Devardhi Kshamasramana.
241. The Great Bath of Indus Valley Civilization is found at;
A. Harappa
B. Mohenjodaro
C. Ropar
D. Kalibangan
Answer: B.Mohenjodaro
Explanation: The Great Bath is one of the best known structures among the ruins of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization at Mohenjo-daro in Sindh, Pakistan. It called as “earliest public water tank of the ancient world”. Archaeological evidence indicates that it was built in the 3rd Millenium BC.
242. Rath temples at Mahabalipuram were built in the reign of which Pallava ruler?
A. Mahendravarman I
B. Narasinghavarman I
C. Parameshwarvarman I
D. Nandivarman I
Answer: B.Narasinghavarman I
Explanation: Pancha Rathas is an example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late 7th century, located at Mahabalipuram. The Pancha Rathas shrines were carved during the reign of King Mahen dravarman-I and his son Narasimhavarman-I. The purpose of their construction is not known, structures are not completed.
243. Which ruler founded the famous Vikramshila University for the Buddhists?
A. Mahipala
B. Devapala
C. Gopala
D. Dharampala
Answer: D.Dharampala
Explanation: The Vikramasila University was one of the two most important centers of Buddhist learning in India during the Pala dynasty, along with Nalanda University. It was established by King Dharmapala (783 to 20) in response to a supposed decline in the quality of scholarship at Nalanda. Atisha, the renowned pandita, is sometimes listed as a notable abbot.
244. The Rashtrakuta kingdom was founded by –
A. Dandi Durga (Danti Durga)
B. Amoghavarsha
C. Govinda III
D. Indra II
Answer: A.Dandi Durga (Danti Durga)
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization was noted for its cities built of brick, roadside drainage system, and multistoried houses. The buildings were made of burnt bricks, which have been preserved even to this day Sun-dried bricks were used for the foundation of the buildings and the roofs were flat and made of wood.
245. Buddha gave his first religious message at –
A. Rajagriha
B. Gaya
C. Pataliputra
D. Sarnath
Answer: D.Sarnath
Explanation: Sarnath is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. It is located to the north-east of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh.
246. Off the following scholars, who was the first to discover the traces of the Harappan Civilisation?
A. Sir John Marshall
B. R. D. Baneji
C. A. Cunningham
D. Daya Ram Sahani
Answer: C.A. Cunningham
Explanation: The ruins of Harrappa were first described in 1842 by Charles Masson in his Narrative of Various Journeys in Balochistan, Afghanistan. In 1856, General Alexander Cunningham, later director general of the archeological survey of northern India, visited Harappa. In 1872-75 Alexander Cunningham published the first Harappan seal.
247. The first metal used by man was –
A. Aluminium
B. (2) Copper
C. (4) Silver
D. (3) Iron
Answer: B.(2) Copper
Explanation: The first two metals to be used widely were gold and copper. The use of copper in antiquity is of more significance than gold as the first tools, implements and weapons were made from copper. From 4,000 to 6,000 BC was the Chalcolithic period which was when copper came into common use. By 3600 BC the first copper smelted artifacts were found in the Nile valley and copper rings, bracelets, chisels were found. By 3000 BC weapons, tools etc. were widely found. Tools and weapons of utilitarian value were now within so ciety, however, only kings and royalty had such tools; it would take another 500 years before they reached the peasants.
248. The word Veda’ means –
A. knowledge
B. wisdom
C. skill
D. power
Answer: A.knowledge
Explanation: The Vedas (“knowledge”) are a large body of texts originating in ancient India. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. The Vedas are apauruveya (“not of human agency”). They are supposed to have been directly revealed, and thus are called sruti (“what is heard”) distinguishing them from other religious texts, which are called smriti (“what is remembered”).
249. The greatest development in the Kushana period was in the field of
A. religion
B. art
C. literature
D. architecture
Answer: B.art
Explanation: The Kushanas were great patrons of art. It was under the rule of the Kushans that principles were formed for making sculptural images, which continued to influence making of sculptures ever after , During this time, Buddha was first shown in human form (earlier he was represented by symbols like lotus footsteps). Other Hindu and Jain deities also began to be shown in human form. Mathura and Gandhara were the two main centers of art during the time of the Kushanas.
250. The earliest city discovered in India was –
A. Harappa
B. Punjab
C. Mohenjo Daro
D. Sindh
Answer: A.Harappa
Explanation: The ruins of Harrappa were first described in 1842 by Charles Masson in his Narrative of Various Journeys in Balochistan, Afghanistan, and the Punjab d in INDIAN HI where locals talked of an ancient city extending teen cosses” (about 25 miles), but no archacological interest would attach to this for nearly a century.Ancient Indian History (Set: 06)
251. Who among the following was the first to invade India?
A. Xerxes
B. Darius-I
C. Alexander
D. Seleucus
Answer: B.Darius-I
Explanation: In about 518 BCE, the Persians invaded India. They were led by King Darius I, who conquered the Indus Valley and the area that is now the state of Punjab. Darius-I was successful in maintaining power, and his descendants continued to rule the area when he died. Darius-I also began to collect a tribute tax, and spread news of India’s many natural resources to Europe.
252. The famous rock-cut temple of Kailasa is at –
A. Ajanta
B. Badami
C. Mahabalipuram
D. Ellora
Answer: D.Ellora
Explanation: Kailashnath Temple is a famous temple, one of the 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, which were dug side by side in the wall of high basalt cliff in the complex located at Ellora, Maa harashtra, India. Of these 34 monasteries and tem ples, the Kailasa (cave 16) is a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture on account of its striking pro portion; elaborate workmanship architectural content and sculptural ornamentation of rock-cut architecture. It is designed to recall Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. It is a megalith carved out of onesingle rock. It was built in the 8th century by the Rashtra kuta king Krishna I.
253. Epigraphy means –
A. The study of coins
B. The study of inscriptions
C. The study of epics
D. The study of geography
Answer: B.The study of inscriptions
Explanation: Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions on rocks, pillars, temple walls, copper plates and other writing material. It is the study of inscriptions or epigraphs as writing; it is the science of identifying grapheme clarifying their meanings, classifying their uses according to dates and cultural contexts, and drawing conclusions about the writing and the writers. It serves as primary documentary evidence to establish legal ocio-cultural, literary, archaeological, and historical antiquity on the basis of engravings.
254. Which among the following has not been found in the excavation of Harappan sites?
A. Drains and wel
B. Fort
C. Reservoirs
D. Temple with Shikhar
Answer: D.Temple with Shikhar
Explanation: Sikhara, a Sanskrit word translating literally to mountain peak”, refers to the rising tower in the Hindu temple architecture of North India. Sikhara over the sanctum sanctorum where the presiding deity is enshrined is the most prominent and visible part of a Hindu temple of North India. Sikhara was a majo feature of the medieval times.
255. What inspired the paintings of Ajanta?
A. Compassionate Buddha
B. Radha-Krishan Leela
C. Jain Thirthankaras
D. Mahabharata encounters
Answer: A.Compassionate Buddha
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India are 30 rock-cut cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to the 600 CE. The caves includepaintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art (which depict the Jataka tales) as well as frescos which are reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings in Sri Lanka. The Ajanta cave paintings depict the life of Gautam Bud.
256. Who was the first known Gupta ruler?
A. Sri Gupta
B. Chandragupta I
C. Ghatotkacha
D. Kumaragupta I
Answer: A.Sri Gupta
Explanation: Sri Gupta (240-280) was a pre- imperial Gupta kingin northern India and start of the Gupta dynasty. The first evidence of Sri Gupta comes from the writings of I-tsing around 690 CE who describes that the Poona copper inscription of Prabhavati Gupta, a daughter of Chandra Gupta, describes “Maharaja SriGupta” as the founder of the Gupta dynast.
257. Which was the only Indus city without a citadel?
A. Kalibangan
B. Harappa
C. Mohenjodaro
D. Chanhudaro
Answer: D.Chanhudaro
Explanation: Excavations at Chanhudaro have revealed three different cultural layers from lowest to the top being Indus culture, the Jhukar culture, and the Jhangar culture. The site is especially important for providing evidences about different Harappan factories. These factories produced seals, toys, and bone implements. It was the only Harappan city without a citadel.
258. Which metal was first used by the Vedic people?
A. Silver
B. Gold
C. Iron
D. Copper
Answer: D.Copper
Explanation: The Rig Veda mentions such artisans as the carpenter, the chariot-maker, the weaver, the leather worker, the potter, etc. Thisindicates that they practiced all these crafts. The term, ayas used for copperor bronze shows that metal working was known. Gold was known as ‘hiranya.
259. Arabs were defeated in 738 A.D.
A. Pratiharas
B. Rashtrakutas
C. Palas
D. Chalukyas
Answer: D.Chalukyas
Explanation: The Battle of Rajasthan is a battle (or series of battles) where the Hindu alliance defeated the Arab invaders in 738 CE and removed the Arab invaders and pillagers from the area east of the Indus River and protected whole India. The main Indian kings who contributed to the victory over the Arabs were the north Indian ruler Nagabhata of the Pratihara Dynasty and the south Indian Emperor Vikramaditya- II of the Chalukya dynasty in the 8th century.
260. Satvahanas minted their coins predominantly in –
A. Lead
B. Silver
C. Gold
D. Copper
Answer: A.Lead
Explanation: The Satavahana kings mostly used lead as the material for their coins. Most of their coins are in that metal. Silver coins are very rare. Next to lead they used an alloy of silver and copper, called “potin”. Many copper coins are also available. Although the Satava hana coins are devoid of any beauty or artistic merit they constitute a valuable source-material for the dynastic history of the Satavahana.
261. The headquarters of the Ghadar Party was at –
A. Karachi
B. Moscow
C. Berlin
D. San Francisco
Answer: D.San Francisco
Explanation: The Ghadar Party, initially the Pacific Coast Hindustan Association, wasformed in 1913 in the United States under the leadership of Har Dayal, with Sohan Singh Bhakna as its president. The members of the party were Indian immigrants, largely from Punjab. Many of its members were students at University of California at Berkeley including Dayal, Tarak Nath Das, Maulavi Barkatullah, Kartar Singh Sarabha and V.G. Pingle. The party quickly gained support from Indian expatriates, especially in the United States, Canada and Asia. The party was built around the weekly paper The Chadar, which carried the caption on the masthead: Angrezi Raj Ka Dushman (anenemy of the British rule). The first issue of The Ghadar was published from San Francisco on November.
262. “Monolithic Rathas of the Pallavas are found at –
A. Kanchipuram
B. Puri
C. Mahabalipuram
D. Agra
Answer: C.Mahabalipuram
Explanation: Mahabalipuram, derived from Mamallapuram’ is the prior and colloquial name of a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, now officially called Mamallapuram. The monuments here are constituted by cave temples, monolithic rathas (chariots), sculpted reliefs and structural temples which are excellent examples of Pallava art.
263. The paintings of Ajanta depict the stories of –
A. Ramayana
B. Mahabharta
C. Jataka
D. Panchatantra
Answer: C.Jataka
Explanation: The scenes depicted in the Ajanta paintings are mostly didactic, devotional, and ornamental, with scenes from the Jataka stories of the Buddha’s former existences as a bodhisattva), the life of the Gautama Buddha, and those of his veneration. The two most famous individual painted images at Ajanta are the two over -life size figures of the protective bodhisattvas Padmapani and Vajrapani on either side of the entrance to the Buddha shrine on the wall of the rear.
264. The origins of Indian music could be traced to –
A. Rigvedic Samhita
B. Yajurvedic Samhita
C. Samavedic Samhita
D. Atharvavedic Samhita
Answer: C.Samavedic Samhita
Explanation: The Sama Veda is the third of the four Vedas, the ancient core Hindu scriptures, along with the Rig Veda Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda which consists of a collection (samhita) of hymns, portions of hymns, and detached verses, all but 75 taken from the Sakala Sakha of the Rigveda, to be sung, using specifically indicated melodies called Samagana, by Udgatar priests at sacrifices. The origins of Indian music are traced from this Veda. Samaveda’s Upaveda (technical manual) is Gandharva-veda that deals not only with the topics of music but also of dance and theatre.
265. Who amongst the following is associated with the study of the Harappan Civilisation?
A. Charles Mason
B. Cunningham
C. M. Wheeler
D. M.S. Vats
Answer: D.M.S. Vats
Explanation: M.S. Vats’ ‘Excavations at Harappa,’ gives an account of archaeological excavations at Harappa carried out between the years 1920-1921 and 1933-34. M.S. Vats first excavated the “Granary,” and published the results of his and Sahni’s excavations in 1940.
266. The paintings in the Ajanta and Ellora caves are indicative of development of art under the
A. Rashtrakutas
B. Pallavas
C. Pandyas
D. Chalukyas
Answer: A.Rashtrakutas
Explanation: The Ellora caves were patronized mainly by the Chalukya and the Rashtrakuta Dynasty rulers between the middle of sixth century and the eleventh century A.D. Aianta Caves in Maharashtra are 28-30 rockcut cavemonuments created during the first century BC and 5th century AD, containing paint ings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of both Buddhist religious art and universal pictorial art.
267. Gupta Dynasty was famous for –
A. art and architecture
B. imperialism
C. revenue and land reform
D. None of these
Answer: A.art and architecture
Explanation: The peace and prosperity created under the leadership of the Guptas enabled the pursuit of scientific and artistic endeavors. This period is called the Golden Age of India and was marked by extensive inventions and discoveries in science, technology, engineering, art, dialectic, literature, logic, mathematics, as tronomy, religion and philosophy that crystallized the elements of what is generally known as Hindu culture.
268. A great astronomer and mathe matician during the Gupta period was –
A. Bhanugupta
B. Vagabhatta
C. Aryabhatta
D. Varahamihira
Answer: C.Aryabhatta
Explanation: Aryabhatta was the first in the line of great mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and Indian astronomy who belonged to the Gupta era. His period was 476-550 A.D. His most famous works are the Aryabhatiya (499 A.D and the Arya-Siddhanta.
269. Which of the following Gupta kings stopped the Huns from in vading India?
A. Kumaragupta
B. Samudragupta
C. Skandagupta
D. Chandragupta
Answer: C.Skandagupta
Explanation: Skandagupta was a Gupta Emperor of northern India. He is generally considered the last of the great Gupta Emperors who faced some of the greatest challenges in the annals of the empire having to contend with thePushyamitras and the Hunas (a name by which the “White Huns” were known in India). He crushed the Hun invasion in 455, and managed to keep them at bay; however, the expense of the wars drained the empire’s resources and contributed to its.
270. Which one of the following Chola Kings conquered Ceylon (Singhal) first?
A. Aditya-I
B. Rajaraja-I
C. Rajendra
D. Vijayalya
Answer: B.Rajaraja-I
Explanation: Rajaraja began his conquests by attacking the confederation between the rulers of the Pandya and Krala kingdoms and of Ceylon. Rajendra Chola I, the son of Rajaraja, invaded the island in 1018 A.D. As a result of the campaign, Rajendra captured the crown of the Sinhala king, his Queen and daughter. The Sinhala king Mahinda-V was taken prisoner and transported to the Chola country”. The naval supremacy of the Colas continued under the immediate successors of Rajendra. Rajadhiraja, not only defeated and destroyed the Chera fleet at Kandalur but sent out his squa rons on an expedition against Ceylon.
271. Most of the Chola temples were dedicated to –
A. Vishnu
B. Shiva
C. Brahma
D. Durga
Answer: B.Shiva
Explanation: The Great Living Chola Temples are important Hindu Kovils that were built during the 10th through 12th centuries CE in the south of India, and together have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The kovils are the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, Brihadeeswarar kovil at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvarar Kovil at Darasuram. In all these temples, the chief deity who has been depicted and worshipped is Lord Shiva. The Cholas were followers of Saiva pantheon.
272. Who was the court poet of Harsha Vardhana?
A. Bhani
B. Ravi Kirti
C. Bana
D. Vishnu Sharma
Answer: C.Bana
Explanation: Banabhatta was the Asthana Kavi in the court of King Harshavardhana, who reigned in the year’s c 606647 AD in north India. His principal works in clude a biography of Harsha, the Harshacharita and one of the world’s earliest novels, Kadambari.
273. Varahamihira is –
A. An astronaut
B. A space shuttle
C. A power station
D. An ancient astronomer
Answer: D.An ancient astronomer
Explanation: Varahamihira was an Indian astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer who lived in Ujjain. He is considered to be one of the nine jewels of the court of legendary ruler Vikramaditya (thought to be the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II Vikramadity.
274. Mention the centre of the Roman trade during the Sangam Age –
A. Madurai
B. Arikamedu
C. Poompuhar
D. Musiri
Answer: D.Musiri
Explanation: The important towns of Chera dynasty were Musiri, Tondi, Bandar and Vanji. Roman built a temple of Augustus at Musiri.
275. Which inscription mentions about the village administration under the Cholas?
A. Junagarh
B. Aihole
C. Uttaramerur
D. Nasik
Answer: B.Aihole
Explanation: A tenth century inscription on a temple wall of the Brahman village of Uttaramerur gives the details of village administration under Cholas.
276. Pulakesin II was the greatest ruler of the –
A. Cholas of Tamil Nadu
B. Chalukyas of Badami
C. Chalukyas of Kalyani
D. Pallavas of Kanchi
Answer: B.Chalukyas of Badami
Explanation: Pulakesin II (610-642 AD) was the most famous ruler of the Chalukya dynasty. In his reign the Chalukyas of Badami saw their kingdom extend over most of the Deccan.
277. The Uttaramerur inscription provides information on the admin istration of the –
A. Chalukyas
B. Satavahanas
C. Pallavas
D. Cholas
Answer: D.Cholas
Explanation: An inscription of the 8th century AD at Uttaramerur temple describes the constitution of the local council eligibility and disqualifications for the candidates, the method selection, their duties and delimits their power in Chola dynasty.
278. Which one of the following coins was issued in silver during the Gupta period?
A. Kakini
B. Nishka
C. Rupyaka
D. Dinar
Answer: C.Rupyaka
Explanation: The silver coins issued during the Gupta period were called ‘Rupaka.’ These coins were based on Sakas of Ujjaini weighing 32-36 grains. However, according to Fa-Hsien, cowries were the common means of exchange.
279. Lothal, the dockyard site of the Indus Valley Civilization, is situated in –
A. Gujarat
B. Punjab
C. Pakistan
D. Haryana
Answer: A.Gujarat
Explanation: Lothal is located in the Bhal region of Gujarat. It is situated near the village of Saragwala in the Dholka Taluka of Ahmedabad district. The nearest cities are Dholka and Bagodar.
280. Who built the famous Vaikunta Perumal temple at Kanchipuram?
A. Narasimna Varman II
B. Parmeshvara Varman II
C. Nandi Varman II
D. Aparajita Varman
Answer: C.Nandi Varman II
Explanation: Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram or Vaikunta Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram is believed to have been built by the Pallava king Nandivarman II, with later contributions from Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagara kings. It is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture.
281. The first to invade India were the –
A. Aryans
B. Greeks
C. Persians
D. Arabs
Answer: A.Aryans
Explanation: A majority of historians believe that the Aryans were the first to invade India in the later stages of the Indus Valley Civilization around 1700 B.C. The Aryans came to India in bands and over several centuries in the 2nd millennium B.C. Historians are divided on the issue of their original homeland.
282. Who among the following was ruler from The Kushan dynasty?
A. Vikramaditya
B. Danti Durga
C. Khadphises I
D. Pushyamitra
Answer: C.Khadphises I
Explanation: Kujula Kadphises (also known as Kadphises I) is believed to be the founder of Kushana dynasty in dia in 78 A.D. According to the Rabatak inscription he was the grandfather of the great Kushan king Kanishka I.
283. What is the popular name of Monolithic rock shrines at Maha balipuram?(1)
A. Rathas
B. Mathika
C. Gandhakuti
D. (2) Prasad
Answer: A.Rathas
Explanation: The Monolithic rock shrines at Mahabalipura Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu are also kno as Rathas. Each of the five monuments in the complex resembles a chariot (ratha), and each is carved over a single, long stone or monolith, of granite which slopes in north-south direction with a slight incline. Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasim havarman I of the Pallava Kingdom.
284. Who among the following was the first grammarian of the Sanskrit language?
A. Kalhana
B. Maitreyi
C. Kalidasa
D. Panini
Answer: D.Panini
Explanation: Panini is considered as the first grammarian of Sanskrit language. He is particularly known for his formulation of the 3,959 rules of Sanskrit morphology, syntax and semantics in the grammar known as Ashtadhyayi, the foundational text of the grammatical branch of the Vedanga, the auxiliary scholarly disciplines of the historical Vedic religion.
285. To which ganarajya Gautam Buddha belonged?
A. Shibi
B. Shakya
C. Saurasena
D. Shabara
Answer: B.Shakya
Explanation: Gautam Buddha was born as a Kshatriya, the son of Suddhodana, “an elected chief of the Shakya clan”, whose capital wasKapilvastu. The Shakyas formed an independent republican state known as he Shakya Ganarajya.His mother, Maya, Sud dhodana’s wife, was a Koliyan princess.
286. The school of Indian art which is also known as the Greco-Roman-Buddhist art is the school –
A. Mauryan
B. Shunga
C. Gandhara
D. Gupta
Answer: C.Gandhara
Explanation: The Gandhara School of Art is also known as the Graeco-Buddhist School of Art since Greek techniques of art were applied to Buddhist subjects. The most important contribution of the Gandhara School of Art was the evolution of beautiful images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, which were modelled on identical characters of Graeco-Roman pantheon. The Gandhara School of art developed in first century AD during the reign of Kanishka.
287. The people of the Indus valley civilisation worshipped –
A. Vishnu
B. Pashupati
C. Indra
D. Brahma
Answer: B.Pashupati
Explanation: On the basis of discovery of the Pashupati Seal at the Mohenjo-Daro, historians and archaeologists have pined that the Indus people worshipped Lord Shiva who is the Lord of the Beast (Pashupati). The Pashupati seal depicts a three faced male god seated in a yogic posture, surrounded by a rhino and a buffalo on the right, and an elephant and a tiger on the left.
288. Name the oldest Indian civilization.
A. Indus Valley civilization
B. Mesopotamian civization
C. Egyptian civilization
D. None of these
Answer: A.Indus Valley civilization
Explanation: Indus Valley civilization was the oldest civilization to have flourished in the Indian subcontinent. Gener ally dated between3000 B.C to 1800 B.C, it was one of three early civilizations of the Old World along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. It was a Bronze Age civilization.
289. Buddha means –
A. Great Conqueror
B. Great Saint
C. Wise one
D. Enlightened one
Answer: D.Enlightened one
Explanation: The word ‘Buddha’ in Pali and Sanskrit means “Enlightened one”. The word has become synonym with Buddha Shakyamuni (Siddhartha Gautama) who is also known as Gautam Buddha.
290. Which one of the following is the principal source of information on Asoka’s campaign against Kalin –
A. Pillar Edict VII
B. Mahavamsa
C. Divyavadana
D. Rock Edict XII
Answer: D.Rock Edict XII
Explanation: The vivid description of Kalinga war is given in 13th Rock Edict of Asoka. The edict gives description of the devastation caused to Kalinga due to war and how the Mauryan emperor felt remorse for it.
291. Who among the following, pro pounded the theory of zero?
A. Charak
B. Chanakya
C. Aryabhatta
D. Varahamihira
Answer: C.Aryabhatta
Explanation: Aryabhatta was an Indian astronomer and mathematician. He is credited with the invention of Algebra and the theory of zero. India’s first satellite, Aryab hatta was named after him.
292. ‘Prince of Pilgrims’ was the name attributed to –
A. Fa-Hien
B. I-tsing
C. Hiuen Tsang
D. Megasthenes
Answer: C.Hiuen Tsang
Explanation: ‘Prince of pilgrims’ Hieun Tsang, the well-known Chinese traveller was a Buddhist scholar who visited India in the 7th century A.D., (630-644 A.D). He came to India to visit all the places connected with the life of the Buddha, to further his knowledge of Buddhist philosophy and to collect Buddhist manuscripts. The writings of this prince of pilgrims give historians much authentic information about the political, social, economic and religious conditions of those days and in particular about the status of Buddhism in various kingdoms.
293. In the Gupta period, the largest number of coins was issued in-
A. gold
B. copper
C. silver
D. iron
Answer: A.gold
Explanation: Coins minted in the Gupta Age were mostly made in gold. These coins consisted of the depiction of Indian deities and legends in Brahmi. Events like the Asvamedha Yagya and the accomplishments of the kings were also depicted on the coins.
294. Alexander and the army of Porus camped on the opposite banks of this river –
A. Ravi
B. Jhelum
C. Sutlej
D. Chenab
Answer: B.Jhelum
Explanation: The Battle of the Hydaspes River was fought by Alexander the Great in 326 BC against King Porus of the Hindu Paurava kingdom on the banks of the Hydaspes River (Uhelum River) in the Punjab. The battle resulted in a complete Macedonian victory and the annexation of the Punjab. The battle ishistorically significant for opening up India for Greek political (Seleucid Empire, Indo-Greeks) and cultural influence (Greco-Buddhist art) which was to continue for many centuries.
295. The last Buddhist king who was a great Sanskrit scholar and a writer was –
A. Kanishka
B. Ashoka
C. Bimbisara
D. Harshavardhana
Answer: D.Harshavardhana
Explanation: Harshavardhana was a good scholar and a noted author. He wrote three plays in Sanskrit namely Ratnavali, Priyadarsika and Nagananda. We can find wellumented record of his reign in the work of his court poet Banabhatta.
296. The Gupta era was started by whom?
A. Ghatotkacha
B. Srigupta
C. Chandragupta – 1
D. Samudragupta
Answer: B.Srigupta
Explanation: The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire which existed from approximately 320 to 550 CE and covered much of the Indian Subcontinent. It was founded by Maharaja Sri Gupta. The first evidence of Sri Gupta comes from the writings ofI-tsing around 690 CE who describes that the Poona copper inscription of Prabhavati Gupta, a daughter of Chandra Gupta, describes “Maharaja Sri-Gupta as the founde of the Gupta dynasty.
297. Which is the port-town of Indus valley civilization?
A. Kalibangan
B. Lothal
C. Ropar
D. Mohenjodaro
Answer: B.Lothal
Explanation: Lothal is one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization. It was the most important port of this civilization and was one of the most important centers of export of beads, unguent vessels chank shells, ladles and inlays. Lothalengineers accorded high priority to the creation of a dockyard and a warehouse to serve the purposes of naval trade.
298. Where did Lord Budha breathe his last?
A. Bodh Gaye
B. Sarnath
C. Kushinagar
D. Varanasi
Answer: C.Kushinagar
Explanation: At the time of the Buddha, Kushinagar was the capital of the Mallas, and the scene of the Buddha’s death. The Buddha died of old age, when he was eighty years old. The death was triggered by his body reaction to a dish of wild mushroom.
299. In Mauryan dynasty Kalinga war took place in the year =
A. 260 BC
B. 261 BC
C. 126 BC
D. 232 BC
Answer: B.261 BC
Explanation: In the Mauryan dynasty, Kalinga war took place in the year 261 BC. The Kalinga war fought between the Mourya Empire under Ashoka the Great and the state of Kalinga (Odisha). It was fought in 262-261 BC. The Kalinga war is one of the major and bloodiest battles in the history of India.
300. Ashoka called the Third Buddhist Council at –
A. Pataliputra
B. Magadha
C. Kalinga
D. Sarmath
Answer: A.Pataliputra
Explanation: The Third Buddhist council was convened in about 250 BCE at Asokarama in Pataliputra, supposedly under the patronage of Emperor Asoka. The traditional reason for convening the Third Buddhist Council is reported to have been to rid the Sangha of corruption and bogus monks who held heretical views It was presided over by the ElderMoggaliputta Tissa and one thousand monks participated in the Council.
301. Which among the following is the oldest dynasty?
A. Maurya
B. Gupta
C. Kushan
D. Kanva
Answer: A.Maurya
Explanation: The Maurya Empire was a geographically extensive Iron Age historical power in ancient India, ruled by the Mauryan dynasty from 321 to 185 BC. Originating from the kingdom of Magadha in the IndoGangetic plains (modern Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bengal) in the eastern side of the Indiansubcontinent, the empire had its capital city at Pataliputra (modern Patna). The Empire was founded in 322 BC by Chandragupta Maurya. The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire which existed from approxi mately 320 to 550 CE and covered much of the Indian Subcontinent. The Kushan Empire was originally formed in the early 1st century AD under Kujula Kad phises in the territories of ancient Bactria around the Oxus River (Amu Darya), and later based near Kabul Afghanistan. The Kanva dynasty was a Brahman dynasty founded by Vasudeva Kanva, the minister Devabhuti, the last Sunga king in 75 BCE.
302. With which of the following is the classic “Jivaka Chintamani” in Tamil associated?
A. Jainism
B. Buddhism
C. Hinduism
D. Christianity
Answer: A.Jainism
Explanation: Jivaka Chintamani (fabulous gem) is a classical epic poem, considered one of the five great Tamil epics according to later Tamil literary tradition, the others being Manimegalai, Silappadikaram, Valathi and Kundalakesi. It was composed during 10th century CE by Thiruthakka Thevar monk. It narrates the romantic exploits of Jeevaka and throws light on arts of music and dance of the It is reputed to have been the model for Kambaanam. The epic is based on Sanskrit original and contains the exposition of Jain doctrines and beliefs a Jain era.
303. Where did Lord Buddha breathe his last?
A. Rajgir
B. Bodh Gaya
C. Sarnath
D. Kushinagar
Answer: D.Kushinagar
Explanation: Kushinagar is a town and a nagar panchayat i Kushinagar district in the Indian state of Utta Pradesh. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Gautama Buddha is thought to have attained Parinirvana after his death. It is one of the most important four holy sites for Buddhists. At this lotion, near the Hiranyavati River, Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana (or ‘Final Nirvana) after fallin illfrom eating a meal of a species of mushroom, o possibly pork.
304. Most of the chola temples were dedicated to –
A. Ganesh
B. Shiva
C. Durga
D. Vishnu
Answer: B.Shiva
Explanation: Most of the Chola temples were dedicated to Shiva. The great living Chola temples are important Hindu kovils that were built during the 10th-12th centuries in the South India. In all these temples, the chief deity who has been depicted and worshipped is Lord Shiva.
305. Which among the following MATH’ is related with Buddhism?
A. Dakhma
B. Chaitya
C. Khangah
D. Angeri
Answer: B.Chaitya
Explanation: A chaitya is a Buddhist or Jain shrine including aupa. In modern texts on Indian architecture, the term chaitya-griha is often used to denote assembly or prayer hall that houses a stupa. Chaityas were probably constructed to hold large numbers of devotees and to provide shelter for them.
306. Who started the Saka Era which is still used by the Government of India?
A. Kanishka
B. Vikramaditya
C. Samudra Gupta
D. Asoka
Answer: A.Kanishka
Explanation: The mightiest of the Kushan rulers in India was Kanishka. He was in power from 78 AD to 120 AD. It was Kanishka who initiated the Saka Era in 78 AD Through inheritance and conquest, Kanishka’s kingdom covered an area extending from Bukhara (now in Uzbekistan) in the west to Patna in the Ganges alley in the east, and from the Pamirs (now in Tajikistan) in the north to central India in the south His capital was Purushpura (Peshawar).
307. Where has the world’s largest monolithic statue of Buddha been installed?
A. Bamiyan
B. Hyderabad
C. Kandy
D. Lhasa
Answer: A.Bamiyan
Explanation: The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two 6th century monumental statues of standing buddha carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamyan valley in the Hazarajat region of central Afghanistan. They were dynamited and destroyed in March 2001 by the Taliban, on orders from leader Mullah Mohammed Omar, after the Taliban government declared that they were idols On 8 September 2008 archeologists searching for a legendary 300-meter statue at the site of the are dynamited Buddhas announced the discovery of unknown 19-meter (62-foot) reclining Buddha, a representing Buddha’s passage into nirvana.
308. The Harappan Civilisation was discovered in the year –
A. 1935
B. 1942
C. 1901
D. 1922
Answer: D.1922
Explanation: In 1872-75 Alexander Cunningham published the first Harappan seal (with an erroneous identifications Brahmi letters). It was half a century later, in 1912 that more Harappan seals were discovered by J. Fleet prompting an excavation campaign under Sir John Hubert Marshall in 1921-22 and resulting in the recovery of the civilization at Harappa by Sir John Marshall, Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni and Madho Saru Vats, and at Mohenjo-Daro by Rakhal Das Banerie E. J. H. MacKay, and Sir John Marshall.
309. The tutor of Alexander, the Great was –
A. Darius
B. Cyrus
C. Socrates
D. Aristotle
Answer: D.Aristotle
Explanation: Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great Together with Plato and Socrates (Plato’s teacher) Aristotle is one of the most important founding f SGAEISTORY ures in Western philosophy. Aristotle’s writing the first to create a comprehensive system of we earn philosophy, encompassing morality, aesthetic logic, science, politics, and metaphysics. Aristo cited by Philip II of Macedon to become the tutor to inv his son Alexander in 343 BC. Aristotle was appointed as the head of the royal academy of Macedon. Dung that time he gave lessons not only to Alexander also to two other future kings: Ptolemy and Casser. Aristotle encouraged Alexander toward eastern conquest.
310. The caves and rock-cut temples at Ellora are –
A. Hindu and Buddhist
B. Buddhist and Jain
C. Hindu and Jain
D. Hindu, Buddhist and Jain
Answer: D.Hindu, Buddhist and Jain
Explanation: Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 “caves” actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples and viharas and mathas were built between the 5th century and 10th century. The 12 Buddhist (caves 1 – 12), 17 Hindu (caves 13-29) and 5 Jain (caves 30-34) caves, built in proximity, demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian.
311. The Seven Pagodas of Mahaba-lipuram are a witness to the art patronized by the –
A. Pallavas
B. Pandyas
C. Cholas
D. Cheras
Answer: A.Pallavas
Explanation: “Seven Pagodas” has served as a nickname for the south Indian city of Mahabalipuram, also called Ma mallapuram, since the first European explorers reached it. The phrase “Seven Pagodas” refers to a myth that has circulated in India, Europe, and other parts of the world for over eleven centuries. Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple, built in the 8th century CE under the reign of Pallava king Narasimhavarman II stands at the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Legend has it that six other temples once stood with it.
312. Fa-hien visited India during the reign of –
A. Chandragupta II
B. Samudragupta
C. Ramagupta
D. Kumaragupta
Answer: A.Chandragupta II
Explanation: Chandra Gupta II was the third, and most significant of the Gupta kings. During his reign the famous Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hsien visited India and wrote a detailed account of his kingdom. The celebrated Chinese pilgrim was struck with admiration by the famous royal palace and the houses for dispensing charity and medicine at Pataliputra. He speaks highly of the system of government in the Madhya-desa and the benevolence of the people, especially the moneyed classes.
313. Mention the place where Buddha attained enlightenment.
A. Sarmath
B. Bodh Gaya
C. Kapilavastu
D. Rajgriha
Answer: B.Bodh Gaya
Explanation: Bodh Gaya is a religious site and place of pilgrim age associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is famous for being the place where Gautama Buddha is aid to have obtained Enlightenment (Bodhimandala). According to Buddhist traditions, circa 500 BC Prince Gautama Siddhartha, wandering as an ascetic, reached the sylvan banks of Falgu River, near the city of Gaya. There he sat in meditation under a bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa). After three days and three nights of meditation, Siddharta claimed to have attained enlightenment and insight, and the answers that he had sought.
314. Poet Kalidasa lived in the court of –
A. Chandragupta Maurya
B. Samudragupta
C. Chandragupta Vikramaditya
D. Harsha
Answer: C.Chandragupta Vikramaditya
Explanation: Kalidasa is generally associated with Chandragupta II who was one of the most powerful emperors of the Gupta Empire in northern India. It was during his reign that the Gupta Empire achieved its zenith, art architecture, and sculpture flourished, and the cultural development of ancient India reached its climax culturally, the reign of Chandragupta II marked a golden Age. This is evidenced by later reports of the presence of a circle of poets known as the Nine Gems in his court. The greatest among them was Kalidasa.
315. Which was the oldest Untversity?
A. Gandhara
B. Kanauj
C. Nalanda
D. Vaishali
Answer: C.Nalanda
Explanation: Nalanda was an ancient center of higher learning in Bihar which was a religious center of learning from the fifth or sixth century CE to 1197 CE. At its peak the university attracted scholars and students from as far away as Tibet, China, Greece, and Persia. Nalanda was ransacked and destroyed by an army under Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193.
316. Which Chola king founded the city of Puhar?
A. Rajendra Chola
B. Ellara
C. Senguttavan
D. Karikala
Answer: D.Karikala
Explanation: Karikala was a very popular Chola ruler who founded the city of ‘Puhar (Kaveripatnam) in 1st century B.C Today is a town in the Nagapattinam district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu which for a while served as the capital of the early Chola kings in Tam ilakkam.
317. Which Rashtrakuta ruler built the famous Kailash temple of Sivaat 1 Ellora?
A. Dantidurga
B. Amoghvarsha -I
C. Krishan-I
D. Vatsraja
Answer: C.Krishan-I
Explanation: Kailashnath Temple is a famous temple, one of the 34 monasteries and temples, known collectively the Ellora Caves located at Ellora, Maharashtra. It is designed to recall Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. It is a megalith carved out of one single rock. It was built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna-I.
318. Who built Brihadeshwara Temple at Tanjore?
A. Aditya Chola
B. Raja Raja Chola
C. Rajendra Chola
D. Karikala Chola
Answer: B.Raja Raja Chola
Explanation: The famous Chola temple built at Tanjavur (Tanjore) is known as the Brihadeshvara temple. It is also called the Rajarajeshwara temple after the name of king Rajaraja who built it in honor of Lord Shiva in about 1009 A.D. It is a tribute and a reflection of the power of its patron Raja Raja Chola I. It remains India’s largest temple.
319. Who among the following foreigners was the first to visit India?
A. Hiuen Tsang
B. Magasthenese
C. I-Tsing
D. Fahien
Answer: B.Magasthenese
Explanation: Megasthenes was a Greek ethnographer and explorer in the Hellenistic period, author of the work Indica. He became an ambassador of Seleucus I of the Seleucid dynasty possibly to Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra, India. Scholars place it before 298 BC, the date of Chandragupta’s death. Hiuen Tsang came during the reign of Harshavardhana; while I Tsing and Fa Hien came during the Gupta times.
320. Who were the first to issue gold coins in India?
A. Kushans
B. Tatars
C. Mughals
D. Aryans
Answer: A.Kushans
Explanation: The Indo-Greek kings were the first to issue gold coins in India and their coins were special in the sense that each king had his own distinctive coins by which he could be definitely identified. However, some schol ars contend that this credit should go to the Khushan kings. Vima Kadphises is said to be the first to introduce gold coinage in India, in addition to the exist copper and silver coinage.
321. Who among the following were the first to invade India?
A. Afghans
B. Mongols
C. Arabs
D. Turks
Answer: C.Arabs
Explanation: The advent of Muslims in India was marked by the Arab conquest of Sind, though long before that the Arabs already had settlements on the western coast of India. Muhammad Bin Gasim, under the order of Hajjaj, advanced in 710 A.D., at the head of a considerable army, subdued Mukran, pushed on through Baluchistan and in 711-12 reduced Sind, the lower valley and delta of the Indus.
322. The tax which the kings used to collect from the people in the Vedic period was called
A. Bali
B. Vidatha
C. Varman
D. Kara
Answer: A.Bali
Explanation: The Vedic state derived its revenue from people’s contribution, technically known as ‘Bali’. Of all the terms used in connection with the items of revenue to the state, it is ‘bali’ which is mentioned most in the Vedic texts. Its use is, however, not restricted exclusively to the fiscal sense but also to “offerings to a god” and to tributes paid by hostile tribes to the king A man is depicted in the Rig Veda as presenting oblation (bali) to Agni.
323. Buddha preached his first sermon at-
A. Gaya
B. Sarnath
C. Pataliputra
D. Vaishali
Answer: B.Sarnath
Explanation: Sarnath is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh.
324. Who among the following was not a physician?
A. Sushruta
B. Charaka
C. Charvaka
D. Dhanvantari
Answer: C.Charvaka
Explanation: Charvaka is a system of Indian philosophy that assumes various forms of philosophical skepticism and religious indifference. It is characterized as a materialistic and atheistic school of thought. While this branch of Indian philosophy is today not considered to be part of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, some describe it as an atheistic or materialistic philosophical movement within Hinduism. It emergedas an alternative to the orthodox Hindu schools as well as a philosophical predecessor to subsequent or ontemporaneous nastika philosophies such as Ajivika, Jainism and Buddhism.
325. Kalinga war took place in the year –
A. 261 BC
B. 263 BC
C. 232 BC
D. 240 BC
Answer: A.261 BC
Explanation: The Kalinga war was fought between the Maurya Empire under Ashoka the Great and the state of Kalinga, a feudal republic located on the coast of the present-day Indian state of Odisha and nothern parts of Andhra Pradesh. On the basis of Ashokan inscriptions, it can be established that it was fought in 262-261 BC. The Kalinga war, the only major war Ashoka fought after his accession to throne, isone of the major and bloodiest battles in the history of India.
326. he school of arts developed during the Kushan Period with the mixture of Indian and Greek style is known as –
A. Kushan art
B. Persian art
C. Gandhara art
D. Mughal art
Answer: C.Gandhara art
Explanation: Gandhara School of art shows Greek influence, therefore, it is known as Indo- Greek art. The important features of this school are Buddha is shown as Roman and Greek gods Moustache and beard are added to Buddha’s face The figures of this school follow a given ratio tween the size of the face and rest of the bod During first and second century blue grey schist sto was used to make idols.
327. Where was the first Buddhist Council held?
A. Vaishali
B. Kashmir
C. Rajagriha
D. Pataliputra
Answer: C.Rajagriha
Explanation: The first Buddhist Council was held at Raigir 483 BC during the reign of Ajatasatru. It was presied by Mahakassapa.
328. The Gandhara art flourished under:
A. the Kushanas
B. the Satavahanas
C. the Guptas
D. the Mauryas
Answer: A.the Kushanas
Explanation: Gandhara style flourished and achieved its peak during the Kushan period, from the 1st to the 5th centuries. It declined and suffered destruction afte invasion of the White Huns in the 5th century.
329. Which one of the following inscriptions relate to the Chalukya king, Pulakesin II?
A. Maski
B. Hathigumpha
C. Aihole
D. Nasik
Answer: C.Aihole
Explanation: The Aihole inscription was written by the Ravikirti, court poet of Chalukya King, Pulakesin II who reigned from 610 to 642 CE. This inscription gives information about the conquests of Pulakesin, espe cially how he defeated Harshavardhana.
330. Varahamihira was –
A. An Astronaut
B. A Space Shuttle
C. A Power Station
D. An Ancient Astronomer
Answer: D.An Ancient Astronomer
Explanation: Varahamihira was an Indian astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer who lived in Ujjain in the 6th century A.D. He is considered to be one of the nine jewels (Navratnas) of the court of legendary ruler Yashodharman Vikramaditya of Malwa.
331. During the reign of Bindusara there was unrest at –
A. Ujjayani
B. Pushkalavati
C. Takshsila
D. Rajagriha
Answer: C.Takshsila
Explanation: During the reign of Bindusara, Chandragupta Maurya’s son and successor, there was unrest at Taxila in the north-western province of Sindh. He sent Asoka (his son) to quell the uprising. Taxila was a highly volatile place because of the Indo-Greek presence and mismanagement of Governor Susima.
332. Who among the following Mughal rulers has been called the ‘Prince of Builders’?
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Babur
Answer: C.Shah Jahan
Explanation: Shah Jahan was a great builder and he built many splendid buildings. That is why many scholars called him the ‘Engineer King or ‘Prince of Builders,’ etc apart from building the Taj Mahal which is justly regarded as a jewel of the builder’s art; he also built he Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, etc.
333. The Upanishads are the –
A. Great Epics
B. Story Books
C. Source of Hindu Philosophy
D. Law Books
Answer: C.Source of Hindu Philosophy
Explanation: The Upanishadsare a collection of texts that contain some of the central philosophical concepts of Hinduism. They are commonly referred to as Vedanta, variously interpreted to mean either the “last chapters, parts of the Veda” or “the object, the highest purpose of the Veda”. The concepts of Brahman (Ultimate Reality) and Atman (Soul) are central ideas in the Upanishads.
334. The word Satyameva Jayate’ have been derived from which Upanishad?
A. Akshi Upanishad
B. Mundaka Upanishad
C. Garuda Upanishad
D. Mahavakya Upanishad
Answer: B.Mundaka Upanishad
Explanation: Satyameva Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs) is a mantra from the ancient Indian scripture Mundaka Upanishad. Upon independence of India, it was adopted as the national motto. It is inscribed in Devanagari script at the base of the national emblem.
335. Which of the following Pallava Kings assumed the title of Vatapikonda” after defeating and slaying the great Chalukyan King Pulakesin II?
A. Narsimha Varman I
B. Mahendra Varman I
C. Parameshwar Varman I
D. Nandi Varman
Answer: A.Narsimha Varman I
Explanation: The Pallava king Narsimhavarman I assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi), when he defeated and killed Pulakesin II (Chalukya King) and ptured the Chalukyan capital, Badami in 642 AD The Pallava victory resulted in the commencement of Pallava occupation of Vatapi which lasted until 654.
336. Harsha moved his capital from to –
A. Thanesar, Kannauj
B. Delhi, Deogiri
C. Kamboj, Kannauj
D. Valabhi, Delhi
Answer: A.Thanesar, Kannauj
Explanation: During the 7th century A.D, Harshavardhana united the kingdoms of Punjab, Bengal, Orissa along with a large portion of Indo-Gangetic Plain. He defeated the ruler of Kannauj and shifted his capital from Thanesar to Kannau.
337. Which of the following Harappan sites had a dockyard?
A. Harappa
B. Mohenjodaro
C. Lothal
D. Alamgirpur
Answer: C.Lothal
Explanation: Lothal, located along the Bhogava river, a tributary of Sabarmati, in the Gulf of Khambat in Gujarat, was the only port- town of the Indus Valley Civilisation. It had a basin with vertical wall, inlet and outlet channels which has been identified as a tidal doc Lothal’s dock was the earliest known dock found in the world, equipped to berth and service ships.
338. Tripitakas’ are sacred books of –
A. Hindus
B. Jains
C. Parsis
D. Buddhists
Answer: D.Buddhists
Explanation: The Tripitaka or Three Baskets is the oldest collection of Buddhist scriptures and includes many texts believed to be the words of the historical Buddha.The three Pitakas are Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.These are canonical texts revered as exclusively authoritative in Theravada Buddhism.
339. Name the kingdom which first used elephants in wars?
A. Kosala
B. Magadha
C. Champa
D. Avanti
Answer: B.Magadha
Explanation: Elephants were always part of warfare in India However, it were the rulers of Magadha who first employed elephants as a weapon of large-scale destruction. According to Plutarch, at the time of Alexander’s invasion of India, the Nanda army comprised 6,000 war elephants which discouraged Alexander’s men from further advancement. According to Megasthenes Chandragupta Maurya’s army consisted of 9,000 war elephants.
340. The greatest king of the Pratihara dynasty was –
A. Vatsaraj
B. Bhoj (Mihir-Bhoj)
C. Dantidurga
D. Nagbhatta II
Answer: B.Bhoj (Mihir-Bhoj)
Explanation: Mihira Bhoja I (836-885 CE) or Bhoja I is considered as the greatest and most powerful ruler of the Pratihara dynasty. At its height, Bhoja’s empire extended to Narmada River in the South, Sutlej River in the northwest, and up to Bengal in the east. He was a scholar as well.
341. Name the Greek Ambassador at the Mauryan Court.
A. Alexander
B. Megasthanese
C. Plato
D. Aristotle
Answer: B.Megasthanese
Explanation: Megasthenes was a Greek ethnographer and explorer who served as an ambassador of Seleucus I of the Seleucid dynasty to Chandragupta Maurya. His Indika,’ throws light on the contemporary society religious beliefs and social stratificati.
342. Which dynasty immediately succeeded the Maurya dynasty and ruled Magadha Kingdom?
A. Satavahana
B. Sunga
C. Nanda
D. Kanva
Answer: B.Sunga
Explanation: The Sunga Dynasty, established by Pusyamitra Sunga, after the fall of the Maurya Empire. The last Mauryan emperor Brihadratha was assassinated by the then commander-in-chief of the Mauryan armed forces, Pusyamitra Sunga in 185 B.C.
343. Which of the following ruler was a contemporary of Buddha?
A. Udayin
B. Bimbisara
C. Ajatshatru
D. Mahapadma Nanda
Answer: B.Bimbisara
Explanation: King of Magadha Bimbisara was contempor of Lord Buddha. He was a great friend and protector of the Buddha. Bimbisara was born in 558 B.C. He was the emperor of the Magadha empire from 543 BC to his death in 491 B.C. Budhha was born in 563 B.C and died in 483 B.C. 102.
344. The coins of which of the following reveal their love for music?
A. Mauryas
B. Nandas
C. Guptas
D. Cholas
Answer: C.Guptas
Explanation: Some coins throw significant light on the personal events of certain Gupta rulers like Samudra Gupta. Vehicle of Vishnu inscribed on some coin indicate that Samudra Gupta was a devotee of that deity. Veena bears out his love for music. His coins show him playing veena.
345. ‘Charak was the famous court physician of –
A. Harsha
B. Chandra Gupta Maurya
C. Ashoka
D. Kanishka
Answer: D.Kanishka
Explanation: Galaxies of great scholars like Asvaghosa (the Buddhist Writer), Nagarjuna (the philosopher), Samghar aksha (the chaplain), Mathara (the politician), Vasumitra (the Buddhist scholar), Charaka (the physician) and Agisala (the engineer) adorned the court of Kanishka. There were two important physicians in Kanishka’s time namely Charaka and Susruta. Charakawas one of the principal contributors to the ancient art and science of Ayurveda, who is referred to as thw Father of Medicine.
346. Who amidst the following wasa wife of emperor Ashoka who in fluenced him?
A. Chandalika
B. Charulata
C. Gautami
D. Karuwaki
Answer: D.Karuwaki
Explanation: Maharani Kaurwaki was Empress Consort of the Maurya Empire as the first wife of Emperor Ashoka. Legends say that Kaurwaki was the daughter of a fisher man. It is said that she led an army of females against Ashoka in Kalinga after Kalinga had no males left to defend it.
347. The Third Buddhist Council was patronized by –
A. Kanishka
B. Ashoka
C. Mahakashyap Upali
D. Sabakarni
Answer: B.Ashoka
Explanation: The Third Buddhist council was convened in about 250 BCE at Asokarama in Pataliputra, supposedly under the patronage of Emperor Asoka. It was pre sided over by the Elder Moggaliputta Tissa and one thousand monks participated in the Council. The council is recognized and known to both the Theravada and Mahayana schools, though its importance is central only to the Theravada school.
348. Which museum houses the largest collection of Kushan sculptures?
A. Mathura Museum
B. Bombay Museum
C. Madras Museum
D. Delhi Museum
Answer: A.Mathura Museum
Explanation: The Mathura Museum is famous for ancient sculptures of the Mathura school dating from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD which attained the pinnacle of glory during the reign of Great Kushan and Gupta Emperors. Mathura school represents cultural syncretism between the Classical Greek culture and Buddhism, which developed over a period of close to 1000 years in Central Asia, between the conquests of Alexnder the Great in the 4th century BCE, and the Islamic conquests of the 7th century CE.
349. Who is called as the Second Ashoka’?
A. Samudra Gupta
B. Chandra Gupta Maurya
C. Kanishka
D. Harshavardhana
Answer: C.Kanishka
Explanation: Kanishka worked for preaching of Buddhism. He spread Buddhism to China, Japan, Central Asia and Tibet; and convened the 4th Buddhist Council at Kundalvana in Kashmir, Due to his works he is often called Second Asoka.
350. The Greek ambassador sent to Chandragupta Maurya’s Court was:
A. Kautilya
B. Seleucus Nicator
C. Megasthenes
D. Justin
Answer: C.Megasthenes
Explanation: Megasthenes was a Greek ethnographer and plorer in the Hellenistic period, author of the work Indica. He was born in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) and became an ambassador of Seleucus I of the Seleucid dynasty possibly to Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra. Megasthenes’ Indica is the first well known Western account of Indía and he is regarded as one of the founders of the study ofIndian history in the West. He is also the first foreigner Ambassador to be mentioned in the Indian history.
351. Name the clan Buddha belonged to –
A. Gnathrika
B. Maurya
C. Sakya
D. Kuru
Answer: C.Sakya
Explanation: Shakya was an ancient tribe (janapada) of the Indian Subcontinent in the 1st millennium BCE. In Bud dhist texts the Shakyas, the inhabitants of Shakya janapada, are mentioned as a Kshatriya clan of Gotamagotra. The most famous Shakya was Gautama Buddha, a member of the ruling Gautama clan of Lumbini, who is also known as Shakyamuni Buddha sage of the Shakyas”, due to his association with this ancient kingdom. The Puranas mention Shakya as a king of Ikshvaku dynasty.
352. Which of the following literary works belongs to classical Sanskrit literature?
A. Dhammapada
B. Vedas
C. Meghadutam
D. Dighanikaya
Answer: C.Meghadutam
Explanation: Meghadutam (cloud messenger) is a lyric poem written by Kalidasa, considered to be one of theest Sanskrit poets. In Sanskrit literature, the poconceit used in the Meghadutam spawned the genre of sandesha kavya or messenger poems, most of which are modeled on the Meghaduta (and are often written in the Meghaduta’s mandakranta metre)
353. Who propounded the Eight-Fold Path’ for the end of misery of mankind?
A. Mahavir
B. Gautam Buddha
C. Adi Shankaracharya
D. Kabir
Answer: B.Gautam Buddha
Explanation: The Noble Eightfold Path is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessationof suffering (dukkha) and the achievement of self-awakening. It is used to develop insight into the true nature of phenomena (or reality) and to eradicate greed, hatred, and delusion. The Noble Eightfold Path is the fourth of the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths; the first element of the Noble Eightfold Path is, in turn, an understanding of the Four Noble Truths. It is also known as the Middle Path or Middle Way
354. The title ‘Indian Napolean’ has been attached to –
A. Chandra Gupta Maurya
B. Samudragupta
C. Chandragupta-I
D. Harshavardhana
Answer: B.Samudragupta
Explanation: Samudragupta (335-375 AD) of the Gupta dynasty known as the Napoleon of India. Historian A V Smith called him so because of his great military conquest known from the Prayag Prashati written by his courtier and poet Harisena, who also describes him as the hero of a hundred battles. But some leading Indian historians criticize Smith and feel that Samudragupta was a far greater warrior than Napoleon, as the former never lost any battle.
355. Which one of the following is the most lasting contribution of the Rastrakutas?
A. Kailasha Temple
B. Pampa, Ponna, Ranna, the three writers of Kannada poetry and Kailasha Temple
C. Patronage of Jainism
D. Conquests
Answer: B.Pampa, Ponna, Ranna, the three writers of Kannada poetry and Kailasha Temple
Explanation: The Kannada literature reached great heights under the Western Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas who succeeded them. King Amoghavarsha I was hinself one of the gems of Kannada. Adikavi Pampa, Sri ponna and Ranna, called the “three gems of Kannada literature, found enthusiastic patronage from Rash.trakuta rulers. Similarly, the Kailasa temple is a con tribution of the Rashtrakutas.
356. Which one of the following stages of the life of man in Aryan Society, in ascending order of age, is correct?
A. Brahmacharya – Grihastha- Vanaprastha – Sanyasa
B. Grihastha – Brahmacharya Vanaprastha – Sanyasa
C. Brahmacharya-Vanaprastha Sanyasa – Grihastha
D. Grihastha Sanyasa Vanaprastha – Brahmacharya
Answer: A.Brahmacharya – Grihastha- Vanaprastha – Sanyasa
Explanation: Age-based social system as laid out in the Manu Smriti and later Classical Sanskrit texts. Those stagesare: Brahmachari (student), Grihasta (Householder). Vanaprastha (forest dweller or Hermit in semi retirement) and Sannyasi (the renounced one in full retirement). The Ashram system is believed by the Hindus to lead to a fulfillment of the four aims of life namely Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (liberation).
357. The ‘Ajivikas’ was a –
A. sect contemporary to the Buddha
B. breakaway branch of the Buddhists
C. sect founded by Charvaka
D. sect founded by Shankaracharya
Answer: A.sect contemporary to the Buddha
Explanation: Ajivika (“living” in Sanskrit) was a system of ancient Indian philosophy and an ascetic movement of the Mahajanapada period in the Indian subcontinent. Ajivika was primarily a heterodox Hindu (Nastika) or atheistic system. The Ajivikas may simply have been a more loosely-organized group of wandering ascetics (shamans or sannyasins). One of their prominent leaders was Makkhali Gosal. Ajivikas are is thought to be contemporaneous to other early Hindu nastika philosophical schools of thought, such as Charvaka Jainism and Buddhism, and may have preceded the latter two systems.
358. Which statement on the Harappan Civilization is correct?
A. Horse sacrifice was known to them
B. Cow was sacred to them.
C. ‘Pashupati’ was venerated by them.
D. The culture was not generally static.
Answer: D.The culture was not generally static.
Explanation: Potteries of the Harappan Civilization bring out the gradual evolutionary trend in the culture. It is on the basis of different types of potteries and ceramic art from found over the different stages of the civilization, it can be said that Harappan culture was not static and did not disappear suddenly. While showing signs of decay, in course of time it rejuvenated itself by reviving some of the earlier ceramic traditions and evolving new ones in the transitional phase.
359. That the Rig-Vedic aryans were a pastoral people is borne out by the fact that –
A. There are many references to the cow in the Rig Veda
B. Most of the wars were fought for the sake of cows.
C. Gifts made to priests were usually cows and not land
D. All of the above
Answer: D.All of the above
Explanation: Economy in the Rig Vedic period was sustained by ombination of pastoralism and agriculture. There are references, in the Rig Veda, to leveling of field seed, implements, yet the maximum references are made to ‘cow.’ Such terms as gotra, godhuli, goghana, gavya, gavyuti, etc shows the overwhelming place cow had in the period. The Vedic socio-economic- politico system revolved around cow.
360. What was Hampi known for?
A. It was the capital of Golconda
B. It had the largest stable in medieval India
C. It had the translation of the Indian epics to Persian
D. It was the capital of Vijayanagara
Answer: D.It was the capital of Vijayanagara
Explanation: Hampi in Karnataka served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1343 to 1565, when it was besieged by the Deccan Muslim confederacy. Hampi was chosen because of its strategic location, bounded by theTungabhadra river on one side and surrounded by defensible hills on the other three sides.
361. Which of the following is not true about Ajanta Caves?
A. They are in Maharashtra
B. They are decorated with Buddhist Art
C. They depict the techniques used in Ancient India
D. They do not contain paintings of flora and fauna
Answer: C.They depict the techniques used in Ancient India
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra are about 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BC to about 480 or 650 CE. The caves include paintings and rock cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive painting that present emotion through gesture, pose and form. Flora and fauna are depicted on the ceilings of the caves.
362. Chinese travellers visited India primarily because –
A. they were interested in Buddhism
B. they were invited by the Indian kings
C. they were interested to study Indian culture
D. they were interested to stay in India
Answer: A.they were interested in Buddhism
Explanation: After the spread of the Buddhist religion, Chinese travelers came to India in big numbers to collect religious books and to visit holy places of Buddhism Notable among those travellers included I-tsing, HaHsien and Hiuen Tsang.
363. The Aryans successded in their conflicts with the pre-Aryans because –
A. they used elephants on a large scale
B. they were taller and stronger 2
C. they were from an advanced urban culture
D. they used chariots driven by horses
Answer: D.they used chariots driven by horses
Explanation: The Aryans success can partly be attributed to the superiority of their technology,particularly weapon technology, over the people they conquered, namely the Dravidian people in South Asia. The Aryans had advanced bronze weapons, later iron weapons and horse drawn chariots with light spoked wheels. The native people the conquered at best had oxcarts a often only stone-age weapons.
364. The Megalithic culture (500 B.C. A.D. 100) brings us to the historical period in South India. The Megaliths used –
A. weapons made of stone
B. tools & implements made of stone
C. graves encircled by big pieces of stones.
D. articles of daily use made of stone
Answer: C.graves encircled by big pieces of stones.
Explanation: A megalith is a large stone that has been used to construct a structure or monument, either alone or together with other stones. Many of these, though byno means all, contain human remains, but it is debatable whether use as burial sites was their primary function. Though generally known as dolmens, the correct term accepted by archaeologists is portal tomb.
365. Which of the following state ments about the Guptas is NOT true?
A. They ruled mainly over parts of north and central India
B. Kingship was hereditary and the throne always went to the eldest son
C. The judicial system was far more developed than in earlier times
D. Land taxes increased and taxes on trade and commerce decreased
Answer: B.Kingship was hereditary and the throne always went to the eldest son
Explanation: Kingship was hereditary. Though succession to the throne was generally decided by law of primogeniture, that is, the eldest son succeeding his father there were many exceptions to this rule. Sometimes kings were even elected by nobles and councilors As head of the government, the King was overseer of all administrative activities of his realm. He was thesupreme judge, and he usually led his army to the battlefields.