McqMate
These multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding in the following areas: General Knowledge (GK) .
| 101. |
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. |
|
| 102. |
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, |
|
| 103. |
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. |
|
| 104. |
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. |
|
| 105. |
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. |
|
| 106. |
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. |
|
| 107. |
'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. |
|
| 108. |
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. |
|
| 109. |
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. |
|
| 110. |
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. |
|
| 111. |
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. |
|
| 112. |
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. |
|
| 113. |
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. |
|
| 114. |
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. |
|
| 115. |
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. |
|
| 116. |
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. |
|
| 117. |
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 |
|
| 118. |
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. |
|
| 119. |
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. |
|
| 120. |
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. |
|
| 121. |
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. |
|
| 122. |
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. |
|
| 123. |
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. |
|
| 124. |
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. |
|
| 125. |
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. |
|
| 126. |
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. |
|
| 127. |
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. |
|
| 128. |
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. |
|
| 129. |
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. |
|
| 130. |
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. |
|
| 131. |
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. |
|
| 132. |
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. |
|
| 133. |
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.". |
|
| 134. |
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. |
|
| 135. |
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. |
|
| 136. |
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. |
|
| 137. |
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. |
|
| 138. |
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. |
|
| 139. |
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. |
|
| 140. |
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. |
|
| 141. |
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. |
|
| 142. |
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. |
|
| 143. |
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). |
|
| 144. |
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. |
|
| 145. |
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. |
|
| 146. |
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. |
|
| 147. |
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. |
|
| 148. |
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. |
|
| 149. |
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. |
|
| 150. |
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. |
|
Done Studing? Take A Test.
Great job completing your study session! Now it's time to put your knowledge to the test. Challenge yourself, see how much you've learned, and identify areas for improvement. Don’t worry, this is all part of the journey to mastery. Ready for the next step? Take a quiz to solidify what you've just studied.