McqMate
| 1. |
'Banabhatta' was the court poet of which emperor? |
| A. | Vikramaditya |
| B. | Kumaragupta |
| C. | Harshavardhana |
| D. | Kanishka |
| Answer» C. Harshavardhana | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 3. |
The Saka era commencing from A.D. 78, was founded by - |
| A. | Kanishka |
| B. | Asoka |
| C. | Chandragupta |
| D. | Vikramaditya |
| Answer» A. Kanishka | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 5. |
With whom is 'Junagarh Rock Inscription' associated? |
| A. | Rudradaman |
| B. | Bimbisara |
| C. | Chandragupta IIPaladini |
| D. | Gautamiputra Satakarni |
| Answer» A. Rudradaman | |
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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. |
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| 6. |
Nalanda University was a great center of learning, especially in - |
| A. | Buddhism |
| B. | Jainism |
| C. | Vaishnavism |
| D. | Tantra |
| Answer» A. Buddhism | |
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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. |
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| 7. |
The language used to write source materials in ancient time was - |
| A. | Sanskrit |
| B. | Pali |
| C. | Brahmi |
| D. | Kharosthi |
| Answer» B. Pali | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 12. |
Alexander and Porus fought a battle at |
| A. | Hydaspes |
| B. | Jhelum |
| C. | Panipat |
| D. | Tarain |
| Answer» A. Hydaspes | |
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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. |
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| 13. |
Mahabalipuram is an important city that reveals the interest in arts of - |
| A. | Pallavas |
| B. | Cheras |
| C. | Pandyas |
| D. | Chalukyas |
| Answer» A. Pallavas | |
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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. |
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| 14. |
Lord Mahavira died at - |
| A. | Saravana Belagola |
| B. | Lumbini Garden |
| C. | Kalugumalai |
| D. | Pavapuri |
| Answer» D. Pavapuri | |
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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). |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 18. |
"Harsha Charita" was written by - |
| A. | Kalidasa |
| B. | Banabhatta |
| C. | Valmiki |
| D. | Vyasa |
| Answer» B. Banabhatta | |
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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. |
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| 19. |
Tripitaka' is the religious book of - |
| A. | Jains |
| B. | Sikhs |
| C. | Buddhists |
| D. | Hindus |
| Answer» C. Buddhists | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 22. |
What was Chandragupta II also known as? |
| A. | Samudra Gupta |
| B. | Skanda Gupta |
| C. | Vikramaditya |
| D. | Ranaa Gupta |
| Answer» C. Vikramaditya | |
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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. |
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| 23. |
The first grammarian of the Sanskrit language was - |
| A. | Kalhana |
| B. | Maitreyi |
| C. | Kalidasa |
| D. | Panini |
| Answer» D. Panini | |
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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"). |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 27. |
Which of the following does not have a Stupa? |
| A. | Ranchi |
| B. | Sanchi |
| C. | Barhut |
| D. | Dhamek |
| Answer» A. Ranchi | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 30. |
Fro 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 | |
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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. |
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| 31. |
Who was the author of Telugu Work Amuktamalyada? |
| A. | Harihara |
| B. | Devaraya |
| C. | Krishnadevaraya |
| D. | Bukka |
| Answer» C. Krishnadevaraya | |
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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 |
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| 32. |
Who composed the Allahabad Pillar Inscription? |
| A. | Harisena |
| B. | Mahasena |
| C. | Veerasena |
| D. | Vishnusena |
| Answer» A. Harisena | |
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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. |
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| 33. |
Gandhara Art is the combination of - |
| A. | Indo-Roman |
| B. | Indo-Greek |
| C. | Indo-Islamic |
| D. | Indo-China |
| Answer» B. Indo-Greek | |
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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. |
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| 34. |
Ajanta Ellora Caves are situated near which of the following cities? |
| A. | Mount Abu |
| B. | Aurangabad |
| C. | Bijapur |
| D. | Madurai |
| Answer» B. Aurangabad | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 36. |
The Rathas of Mahabalipuram was built during the reign of the- |
| A. | Palas |
| B. | Cholas |
| C. | Rashtrakutas |
| D. | Pallavas |
| Answer» D. Pallavas | |
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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. |
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| 37. |
Buddha gave his first sermon at the Deer Park in - |
| A. | Magadha |
| B. | Sarnath |
| C. | Sanchi |
| D. | Lumbini |
| Answer» B. Sarnath | |
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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. |
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| 38. |
Chalukya temples (Jain temples) at Dilwara are situated in - |
| A. | Madhya Pradesh |
| B. | Uttar Pradesh |
| C. | Rajasthan |
| D. | Haryana |
| Answer» C. Rajasthan | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 40. |
6th century B.C. was an age of - |
| A. | Reasoning |
| B. | Intellectual awakening |
| C. | Political unrest |
| D. | Religious ferment |
| Answer» D. Religious ferment | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 42. |
Which one of the following is not a sect of Buddhism? |
| A. | Mahayana |
| B. | Hinayana |
| C. | Digambar |
| D. | Theravad |
| Answer» C. Digambar | |
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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. |
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| 43. |
Varahamihira is an/a - |
| A. | Astronomer |
| B. | Astronaut |
| C. | Space Shuttle |
| D. | Power Station |
| Answer» A. Astronomer | |
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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. |
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| 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 | |
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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. |
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| 45. |
The capital of Pallavas was - |
| A. | Arcot |
| B. | Kanchi |
| C. | Malkhed |
| D. | Banavasi |
| Answer» B. Kanchi | |
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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. |
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| 46. |
The capital of Kanishka was: |
| A. | Purushapura |
| B. | Benares |
| C. | Allahabad |
| D. | Sarnath |
| Answer» A. Purushapura | |
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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. |
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. |
|
| 89. |
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. |
|
| 90. |
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. |
|
| 91. |
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. |
|
| 92. |
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. |
|
| 93. |
Arthasastra was written by - |
| A. | Dhanananda |
| B. | Kautilya |
| C. | Bimbisara |
| D. | Pushyamitra |
| Answer» B. Kautilya | |
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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. |
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| 94. |
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 | |
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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). |
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| 95. |
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 | |
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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. |
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| 96. |
The number system "Zero' was invented by - |
| A. | Ramanujam |
| B. | Aryabhatta |
| C. | Patanjali |
| D. | An unknown person |
| Answer» B. Aryabhatta | |
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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). |
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| 97. |
'Charak' was the famous court physician of - |
| A. | Harsha |
| B. | Chandra Gupta Maurya |
| C. | Ashoka |
| D. | Kanishka |
| Answer» D. Kanishka | |
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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. |
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| 98. |
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 | |
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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. |
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| 99. |
How was Burma (now Myanmar) known to ancient Indians? |
| A. | Malayamandalam |
| B. | Yavadwipa |
| C. | Suvarnabhumi |
| D. | Suvarnadwipa |
| Answer» C. Suvarnabhumi | |
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Explanation: 0 |
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| 100. |
Vikram Shila University was founded by |
| A. | Chandra Gupta Maurya |
| B. | Kanishka |
| C. | Dharampala |
| D. | Pulakesin II |
| Answer» C. Dharampala | |
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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. |
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