500 MCQ Ancient India Flashcards
1
Q
Which Veda deals with magic spells and witchcraft?
A
Atharvaveda
2
Q
Which texts were compiled in the later Vedic Age
A
- Samhitas
- Brahmanas
- aranyakas
3
Q
What is the name of the Vedic religion?
A
Brahmanism
4
Q
Where did Vedic Aryans first settle?
A
Saptasindhu
5
Q
Where can Gayatri Mantra be found?
A
Rigveda
6
Q
Which God is addressed in Gayatri Mantra
A
Savita
7
Q
Who were the 2 highest gods of Vedic religion
A
Indra and Agni
8
Q
Where is the division of Vedic society clearly mentioned?
A
Purusa-sukta, Rigveda
9
Q
Which Vedic God was “breaker of forts” and “War god”
A
Indra
10
Q
In which age did Harappan Civilisation flourish
A
Chalcolithic
11
Q
Which metal was first extensively used by Indians
A
Copper
12
Q
Which civilizations were associated with Harappans
A
Mesopotamian, Egyptian and Sumerian
13
Q
Which scholar first discovered traces of Harappan Civilisation
A
Daya Ram Sahni
14
Q
In which aspect was the Harappan Civilization more advanced than other contemporary civilizations?
A
Town planning, drainage and sanitation
15
Q
Where was Ropar?
A
Punjab
16
Q
Where was Kalibangan?
A
Rajasthan
17
Q
Where was Alamgirpur
A
Uttar Pradesh
18
Q
Where was Dholavira
A
Gujarat
19
Q
Where was Banawali
A
Haryana
20
Q
Role of Harappan fortification
A
- Safety from robbers
- Protection from cattle raiders
- Protection from floods
21
Q
Which cereals did Harappans grow?
A
- Wheat
- Rice
- Millet
22
Q
Harappan utensils were mainly made of
A
Clay
23
Q
Which metal didn’t Harappans use
A
Iron
24
Q
True or False: Harappans didn’t know the use of gold
A
False
They didn’t know iron
25
True or False: Utensils of the Indus Valley people were made of bronze
False
| They were made of clay
26
True or False: The Indus Valley used brass utensils
False
| They used clay utensils
27
True or False: The Indus Valley didn't use bronze
False
| they used gold, silver, bronze and copper
28
True or False: The Indus Valley didn't worship the mother goddess
False
29
True or False: Pashupati Mahadeva was a god of the Indus Valley civilization
True
30
What metals were used in Indus Valley
1. Gold
2. Silver
3. Copper
4. Bronze
31
True or False: Indus Valley didn't worship trees
False
| They worshipped trees like peepal and acacia
32
What did Indus Valley worship?
1. Mother goddess
2. Trees like peepal and acacia
3. Pashupati Mahadeva
33
Which Harappan site has a dockyard?
Lothal
34
What was the Indus Valley economy based on?
1. Agriculture
2. Trade and Commerce
3. Crafts
35
Why did the Harappan Civilization decline?
Unknown
36
Which animal figure is most commonly found at all Harappan sites?
Unihorn bull
| Possibly a rhino
37
True or False: The tiger is the most commonly found animal figurine in Harappan sites
False
| It's the unihorn bull or rhino
38
The terms "Indo Aryan", "Aryan" or "Indo-European" denote a _____ concept
Linguistic
39
Where did the Aryans originally come from?
Central Asia
40
Which Veda was compiled first
Rigveda
41
What was Vedic Economy based on?
Agriculture and cattle rearing
42
What were the Assemblies of Vedic period called
1. Sabha
2. Samiti
43
Indo-Greek kingdom in N. Afghanistan
| beginning of 2nd c. BC
Scythia
44
True or False: Mauryan art is best represented in caves
False
| Mauryan pillars
45
Historical sources for the Mauryan period:
1. Literature
2. Foreign accounts
3. Epigraphic sources (inscriptions)
46
Which Tamil kingdom sent emissaries to meet Augustin in athens in 20 BC
Pandyas
47
Who founded Nanda Dynasta
Mahapadma Nanda
48
True or False: Coins are an important historical source material for Mauryan Period
False
| A lot of coins were found for Post-Mauryan and Gupta periods
49
Veda comes from "Vid" which means
Knowledge
50
Kushan rule was ended by
Hindu Shahi Dynasty
51
Buddhist monk who influenced Ashoka
Upagupta
52
True or False: The Kushanas were defeated by the British
False
| Defeated by the Shahi dynasty
53
True or False: Ashoka was influenced by Buddhist monk Vasubandhu
False
| It was Upagupta
54
True or False: Kanishka moved capital to Peshawar
True
55
Kanishka ruled from
Peshawar
56
True or False: Kanishka moved capital to Delhi
False
| Peshawar
57
True or False: Sanskrit was the language of the Mauryas
False
| Form of early Prakrit known as Magadhi
58
Guptas' language was ___
Sanskrit
59
Who constructed Konark Sun Temple
Narasimha Deva II
60
Green Schist Sculptures
Bharhut Sculptures
61
Sushruta was during which era?
Gupta
62
Father of Indian Surgery
sushruta
63
Odd One Out:
1. Kula
2. Vamsa
3. Kosa
4. Gotra
3. Kosa
64
Author of Mrichchakatika
Sudraka
65
Largest number of Harappan towns and settlements found in which state
Gujarat
66
Indus Valley Civilization belonged to which age
Bronze Age
| alternatively chalcolithic, because they were the only ones using bronze
67
Who held religious assembly at Prayag every 5 years?
Harshavardhana
68
What are the Jataka tales
Collection of folk tales pertaining to earlier births of the Buddha
69
Architectural developments peaked in which period?
Gupta Era
70
The effect of the Kalinga war on Ashoka are described through
Rock edicts
71
The title Vikramaditya was assumed by which king?
Chandragupta II
72
Where was the first metallic coins used?
Gangetic plain
73
Which metal was first used as tools by humans?
Copper
74
Name of the philosophy of the Upanishads
Vedanta
75
What is Bhagavatism?
Worship of Vasudeva Krishna
76
Predecessor religion of Vaishnavism
Bhagvatism
77
What is Vaishnavism?
Worship of Vishnu
78
Hindu sacraments are performed on the basis of rituals from
Grihyasutras
79
Founder of Jainism
Vardhamana Mahavira
80
What # Tirthankar was Mahavira
24th
81
Birthplace of Mahavira
Kundagrama/ Kshatriyakund, Vaishali
82
Death place of Mahavira
Pava
83
Triratnas of Jainism
1. Right faith/ intentions
2. Right knowledge
3. Right conduct
84
5th Panch Anuvrata of Jainism
Celibacy
85
Aim of life according to Jainism
attain Nirvana/ Moksha
86
Procedure to attain Nirvana/ Moksha in Jainism
1. Follow Triratnas
2. Follow pancha anuvrata
87
2 Sects of Jainism
1. Shwetambar
2. Digambar
88
Jainism was divided into 2 sects in which era
Maurya
89
Buddha means
enlightened
90
Where was the Buddha born?
Lumbini
91
Buddha's place of enlightenment
Bodh-Gaya
92
Place of Buddha's first sermon
Sarnath
93
Place of Buddha's death
Kusinagar
94
Sects of Buddhism
1. Mahayana
2. Hinayana
95
During whose rule did Buddhism divide into 2 sects
Kanishka
96
Great exponent of Mahayana Buddhism
Nagarjuna
| aka Nagasena
97
Where was Buddhism first accepted outside India?
Sri Lanka
98
How many janapadas existed by the 6th c. BC
22
(19 acc to Panini?)
99
How many mahajanapadas existed in the 6th c. BC?
16
100
How many republics in the 6th c. BC?
8
101
Which are the mahajanapadas?
1. Magadha
2. Anga
3. Kashi
4. Kosala
5. Avanti
6. Vatsa
7. Gandhara
8. Kamboja
9. Chedi
10. Vajji
11. Malla
12. Kuru
13. Panchala
14. Matsya
15. Surasena
16. Assaka
102
Most powerful N. Indian state in 6th c. BC?
Magadha
103
Who ruled Magadha during Alexander's invasion?
the Nandas
104
Decline of the Nandas at the hands of Kautilya and Chandragupta Maurya depicted in which play?
Mudrarakshas
105
Author of the play Mudrarakshas
Vishakhadatta
106
Play about events in the life of Chandragupta Vikramaditya
Devichandraguptam
107
author of Devichandraguptam
Vishakhadatta
108
True or False: The play Mricchakatika enumerate royal events in the Gupta era
False
| Set in Ujjain, Pradyota Dynasty
## Footnote
Wikipedia
109
author of Malavikaagnimitram
Kalidasa
110
Which play depicts events from the time of Pushyamitra Shunga
Malavikaagnimitram
111
Name of Megasthenes' work
Indika
112
Who was Megasthenes
Ambassador for Seleucus Nikator
113
How is Ashoka referred to in his inscriptions
Devanampiya piyadassi
114
Most important official post created by Ashoka
Dhamma-mahamatta
115
What were the Mauryan sculptors best at
Pillars
116
What's the most striking feature of Ashokan pillars
Their polish
117
Who succeeded the Maurya Dynasty
Pushyamitra Shunga
118
Last Maurya ruler
Brihadratha
119
Who defeated Brihadratha
Pushyamitra Shunga
120
Who wrote Milinda Panho
Nagasena
| a Buddhist monk also known as Nagarjun
121
Which Indo-Greek ruler engaged in religious dialogue with Nagasena
| aka Nagarjun
Menander
| aka milinda
122
What did Nagasena write
Milinda Panho
123
Who was Nagasena
Mahayana Buddhist Monk
124
Who was Menander
Indo-greek ruler
125
First great empire south of the Vindhyas
Satavahanas
126
Where is Mohenjodaro located?
Larkana District
127
Oldest veda
Rigveda
128
Rigvedic Aryans followed which of the following type of society:
A. Patrilineal
B. Patriarchal
C. Matrilineal
D. Matriarchal
B. Patriarchal
129
Who raised the Buddha
Mahaprajapati Gautami
| aka mahaprajapati or prajapati/ sister of Mayadevi
130
Mother of the Buddha
Maya Devi
131
Father of the Buddha
Suddhodhana
132
How many wives did suddhodhana have
2
| Maya and Gautami
133
First Buddhist Nun
Gautami
134
Who's known as the Light of Asia
The Buddha
135
What did Shwetambar Jains wear
White robes
136
True or False: The Buddha rejected the idea of karma
False. He believed in Karma.
137
Which language where Buddhist Doctrines written in
Pali
138
Where was the first Buddhist Council held ?
Rajgriha
139
During the rule of which king did Megasthenes visit?
Chandragupta Maurya
140
Who founded the Mauryan Dynasty
Chandragupta Maurya
141
How many hymns in the Rig Veda
1028
142
Who drove the Yueh-Chi out of Western China
The Huns
143
Where did the Yueh-Chi come from
Western China
144
Where did the Yueh-Chi/ Yuezhi rule?
Bactria and India between 128 BC to 450 AD
145
Where are the duties of the dhamma-mahamattas described
Minor Rock Edict No V
146
True or False: The Mauryan Empire employed city commissioners and boards to administer the city.
True
147
How many city commissioners were employed per city during the Mauryan rule?
30
148
How many boards were set up to rule a city during Mauryan Era
6 boards of 5 commissioners each
149
Which Minor Rock Edict describes the Conquest of Kalinga by Ashoka
No. XIII
150
Which Veda is rendered musically?
Sama Veda
151
Who was the hero of the play Malavikaagnimitra
Agnimitra, son of Pushyamitra Shunga
152
Subjects the Puranas deal with
1. Primary creation
2. Secondary creation
3. Genealogies of gods
153
True of False: The Puranas don't deal with arithmetic
TRUE
154
What does the Vishnu Purana give an account of
Mauryan Dynasty
155
The first rulers to introduce a well-organized State machinery
Mauryas
156
Bimbisara was of which dynasty
Haranyaka
157
Who succeeded Bimbisara
Ajatashatru
158
Bindusara was of which dynasty
Mauryan
159
Who succeeded Chandragupta Maurya
Bindusara
160
Who succeeded Bindusara
Ashoka
161
The Upanishads are separated from the Brahmanas by treatises called ___
Aranyakas
162
Who led the religious movements of Buddhism and Jainism?
A. Sudras
B. Kshatriya Princes
C. Vaishyas
D. Brahmins
B. Kshatriya Princes
163
Rig Vedic religion most notably featured worship of ___
Nature
164
What do the Brahmanas deal with
Ritualism
165
Which god lost importance as the primary deity during the Later Vedic Period?
Varuna
166
Who was the god of animals during the Later Vedic Age
Rudra
167
Which of the following animals weren't known to the Indus Valley Civilization?
A. Horse
B. Goat
C. Cow
D. Elephant
A. Horse
168
Who ruled Taxila during Alexander's invasion?
Ambhi
169
The Mohenjodara seals are similar to those found at which civilization?
Sumerian
170
True or False: Harappans engaged in trade relations with Mesopotamia
TRUE
171
What were the Harappans known as to the Mesopotamians
Meluha
172
Megasthenes was the ambassador to which court?
Chandragupta Maurya
173
Which language contributed to the spread of Buddhism?
Pali
174
True or False: Buddhism declined in the Indian region due to spread of corruption among monasteries
True
175
True or False: Buddhism declined in the Indian region due to its emphasis on non-violence
False
176
True or False: Faith in the Creator is one of the Triratnas of Jainism
False
177
True or False: Buddhism holds the core precepts of Triratnas and Panch Anuvratas
False
178
Who were Ajivikas
Atheistic monastic sect
179
True or False: Dhammamahamattas were Buddhist monks
False
| They were Mauryan officials
180
True or False: The Shunga Dynasty saw a revival of Jainism
False
| Brahminism
181
Which religion was supported by the Shungas
Brahminism
182
What is Patanjali known for
1. Yoga
2. Sanskrit Grammar
183
Patanjali was also known as
1. Gonardiya
2. Gonikaputra
184
Who wrote the Mahabhaṣya?
Patanjali
185
Name the grammarian:
A. Panini
B. Patanjali
C. Both
D. Neither
C. Both
186
What did Patanjali write?
1. Mahabhasya - a commentary on Panini's grammar
2. Raja Yoga Sutras (Aphorisms on meditation)
3. Patanjalatantra - a medicinal treatise
187
Who established the Kanva Dynasty
Vasudeva
188
Which religion was followed by Kharavela of Kalinga?
Jainism
189
Where was King Kharavela of Kalinga's capital?
Kalinganagra
190
Mahavira's mother was a:
A. Lichchavi princess
B. Shaka princess
C. Mauryan princess
D. Not of royal lineage
A. Licchavi princess
191
Where did the Buddha attain Nirvana
Kusinagara
192
What was the result of the Third Buddhist Council?
The Sarnath Edict
193
Kautilya was also known as
1. Chanakya
2. Vishnugupta
3. Dramindacharya
194
Where was Kautilya from?
Taxila
195
Where has the Buddha been described as "an ocean of wisdom and compassion"?
Amarakosa
196
Who was the most important Pahlava ruler
Gondophemes
197
Where was St. Thomas martyred?
Mylapore
198
Which Kushana king assumed the title "Lord of the Whole World?"
Kadphises II
199
Where was the 4th Buddhist Council held?
Kundalavana, Kashmir
200
Where was the 3rd Buddhist Council held?
Pataliputra
201
Who was the father of Alexander the Great?
Philip II of Macedonia
202
In which battle did Alexander defeat Porus?
Hydaspes
203
Where did Alexander the Great die?
Babylon
204
Where is the Gomteswara statue located?
Sravanabelagola
205
True or False: The Gomteswara statue can't be considered a monolith.
False
206
Which city is known as "Jain Temple City?"
Girnar
207
Father of Mahavira
Siddhartha
208
Mother of Mahavira
Trishala
209
True or False: Ajatashatru ascended peacefully to the throne of Magadha
False
| He killed his father, Bimbisara, for the throne
210
Who authored Swapnavasavadatta?
Bhasa
211
Which monk did Chandragupta Maurya accompany to South India?
Bhadrabahu
212
What is Bhaskaracharya known for?
Astronomy and Arithmetic
213
Who among the following is not associated with medicine:
A. Dhanvantri
B. Susruta
C. Charaka
D. Bhaskaracharya
D. Bhaskaracharya
214
Who is Dhanvantari?
A deity considered physician of the gods
215
Who founded the Shaka Era
Kanishka
216
Who succeeded Megasthenes as ambassador
Deimachos
217
First Saka king
Kanishka
218
Indo Greek king who embraced Buddhism
Menander
219
Which religion did Kanishka follow
Mahayana Buddhism
220
Who erected the monolithic Garuda?
Bhaga/ Bhagabhadra Shunga
221
Where was the Garuda monolith erected?
Besnagar
222
Pataliputra was founded at the conjunction of which rivers?
1. Ganges
2. Son
223
Which philosopher trained Alexander
Aristotle
224
Which ancient Indian was likened to Machiavelli
Kautilya
225
Which was the main port for the Indus people?
Lothal
226
Under which admiral was a portion of Alexander's army sent back?
Nearchos
227
Earliest evidence of silver in India found where
Chalcolithic cultures of W. India
228
Which preceded Magadha as the most powerful city state in 6th c. BC
Kashi
229
Pataliputra was also known as
Kusumapura
230
Whom did the Greeks call Amitraghata
Bindusara
231
Who founded the Achaeminid Empire
Cyrus
232
Characteristic feature of the ancient Tamil religion
Worship of Murugan
233
Most powerful Chera ruler
Senguttuvan
234
Who constructed a temple for Patini Devi
Senguttuvan
235
Satavahana Ports
1. Barukkacha
2. Kalyan
3. Sopra
236
Centre of Satavahana Inland trade
Tagara
237
What was Puhar also known as
Kaveripattanam
238
Last Nanda king
Dhana Nanda
239
Who defeated Dhana Nanda?
Chandragupta Maurya
240
Significance of Puhar
Capital of the Cholas
241
Capital of the Cholas
Kaveripattinam aka Puhar
242
The ruler Karikala features in legends of which literary work
Silappadhikaram
243
Karikala was a king of which dynasty
Chola
244
Who built Kaveripattanam
King Karikala
245
Who conquered Western Satraps in 4th c. AD?
Sassanians
246
Who reconstructed Sudarshana lake?
Rudradaman I
| Saka King - Western Satraps
247
First Satavahana Ruler
Simuka
248
Naganib was a Queen of which dynasty
Andhra
249
Which literary work gives information about the Andhras
Malavikaagnimitram by Kalidasa
250
Who extended Satavahana Rule to the Coromandel Coast
Pulumayi II
251
Who was Chashtana
Satrap of Malwa
252
Achaeminid Empire also known as
Persian Empire
253
Political units of achaeminid empire
Provinces ruled by Satraps
254
Who were the Western Satraps?
Indo-Scythian rulers of the western and central parts of India, between 35 and 415 AD
255
Who had their capital at Srikakulam
Andhras
256
Capital of the Andhras
Srikakulam
257
What was Asvaghosa known for?
Philosophy and drama
258
Who was the patron of Asvaghosa
Kanishka
259
Indo-Scythian rulers were also known as
the Shakas
260
Who was Appolodotus
General of King Demetrius I of Bactria
261
Gandhara school of art was deeply influenced by
Hellenic (Greek) art
262
True or False: Mauryan society supported widow remarriage
False
263
True or false: Mauryan society had slavery
True
264
True or false: Mauryan society did not display rigid caste structure
False
265
In which river's delta did the Chola kingdom exist
Cauvery
266
Features of the Arthashastra:
1. Duties of the king
2. Describes economic life of the country
3. Lays down political principles
267
Original home of the Shungas
Vidisha
268
Milinda panho is:
A. Sanskrit play
B. Prakrit play
C. Neither
C. Neither
| it's a religious conversation between Menander and Nagasena/ Nagarjun
269
Nagasena was a Buddhist monk also known as
Nagarjun
270
Who wrote Astadhyayi?
Panini
271
First Persian ruler to occupy part of Indian territory
Cyrus
272
Alexander the Great had to abandon his Indian conquest because
his forces refused to move further
273
Saka ruler who vowed not to kill men except in battle
Nahapana
274
Who defeated Nahapana
Gautamiputra Satakarni of the Satavanaha Dynasty
275
Kushana ruler who contributed more to Buddhism than even Ashoka
Kanishka I
276
Who convened the 4th Buddhist Council?
Kanishka I
277
How many Buddhist Councils were there?
4
278
Where was the 2nd Buddhist Council held?
Vaishali
279
During whose rule was the first image of Buddha carved?
Kanishka I
280
Which school of art flourished during the Kushana era
Gandhara-Mathura
281
During whose rule did Buddhism first spread to China?
Kanishka I
282
True or False: Buddhism spread from China to Japan and Korea
True
283
In which king's time did Charaka practice?
Kanishka I
284
True or False: Worship of images of the Buddha began during the Mauryan era
False
| Kushana era - Mahayana Buddhism
285
What does Mahayana and Hinayana mean respectively
Greater and Lesser Vehicles (of Buddhism)
286
Which branch of Buddhism did not worship images of Buddha himself
Hinayana Buddhism
287
Earliest era of Tamil history
Sangam Age
288
What does Sangam era represent in the history of S. India?
1. Period when an assembly of Tamil poets was held at Madurai
2. Literary cultural phase of the Thamizhakam during the first 3 centuries AD
289
Trade during Sangam age from Muziris, Kaveripattanam and Arikamedu to which area?
Romans
290
Which were the ruling dynasties of the Sangam age?
1. Cholas
2. Cheras
3. Pandyas
291
Chronological sequence of ruling dynasties of Northern India from Mauryan decline to rise of Guptas
Mauryans, Shungas, Kanvas, Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Parthians, Guptas
292
Last great ruling dynasty of Magadha
Gupta
293
Kanishka is associated with which era
Saka era
294
The greatest Gupta conqueror
Samudragupta
295
Which Gupta king was called indian Napoleon
Samudragupta
296
True or False: Samudragupta was an accomplished Sitar player
False
| Veena
297
Mehrauli Iron Pillar describes conquest of which king?
Chandragupta II
298
Which Gupta king was known as Vikramaditya
Chandragupta II
299
During which Gupta king's rule did Fa-hien visit?
Chandragupta II
300
Aryabhatta was known for?
Astronomy and mathematics
301
Aryabhatta associated with whose rule?
Gupta era
302
What were Gupta artists best at
Sculpture
303
Reasons for Gupta decline
1. Hun invasion
2. Weak later rulers
3. Independence of later Gupta chiefs
304
Which North Indian city gained prominence after the decline of the Guptas?
Kannauj
305
Who wrote Harshacharita
Banabhatta
306
What is Harshacharita by Banabhatta
Biography of King Harshavardhana
307
Who defeated King Harshavardhana
Pulikeshin II
308
Centre of power of the Maukhari ruling dynasty
Kannauj
309
Centre of power of the Pusyabhuti/ Vardhan ruling dynasty
Thaneshwar
310
Centre of power of the Sasanka ruling dynasty
Bengal Gauda
311
Centre of power of the Maitraka ruling dynasty
Valabhi, Gujarat
312
313
Factors pointing to Rig Vedic Aryans as pastoralists
1. Numerous references to cows in the Rig Veda
2. Most wars were fought for cows
3. Priests were gifted cows and not land
314
True or False: The Aryans used chariots driven by horses
True
315
When did metal coins first appear
Age of the Buddha
316
What was the varna system based on in the early vedic age
Occupation
317
Magadhan dynasties in chronological order
1. Haryankas
2. Sisunagas
3. Nandas
4. Mauryas
318
Beliefs of Buddhism
1. World is full of sorrows
2. People suffer due to desire
3. Nirvana is attained when desires are conquered
319
Who drove the Greeks out of India
Chandragupta Maurya
320
Where is the Great Bath found
Mohenjo-Daro
321
Court poet of Harshavardhana
Banabhatta
322
Who was known as Prince of Pilgrims
Hiuen Tsang
323
Which era coins reveal the kings' love for music?
Gupta
324
Kalidasa lived in whose court?
Chandragupta II
325
Which veda contains sacrificial formula
Yajur Veda
326
Best productions of Gandhara sculpture appear in which period
Kushana period
327
Caves of Ajanta and Ellora are attributed to which religion
Buddhism
328
Temple in Indonesia where scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata are depicted
Brihadeshwara
329
Greatest Kushana Ruler
Kanishka I
330
Worship of images in India began in which period
Kushana
331
Where does the concept of the Eight-Fold Path come from?
Dharmachakrapravartana sutta
332
Which ruler is said to have converted to Jainism at the end of his life
Chandragupta Maurya
333
Concept of Anuvrata advocated by
Jainism
334
Who ruled over the largest part of India
Chandragupta Maurya
335
Which temple is known as Black Pagoda
Sun Temple
336
Whose contemporary was Ashvaghosha
Kanishka
337
Which Gupta ruler assumed the title of Maharajadhiraj
Adityasen
338
What is the subject of Mitakshara
Law
339
Who stopped Harshavardhana's southward march
Pulikeshin II
340
Where did Pulikeshin II and Harsha clash
Narmada
341
Aim of Ashoka's Dhamma
Non violence and peace
342
Who built the Sanchi Stupa
Ashoka
343
Who was the second most important functionary after the king during the Rigvedic period
Purohita
344
What do the Brahmanas contain
Rituals
345
Concluding portions of the Brahmanas
Satpathas
346
What does Yajur Veda contain
Hymns and rituals (sacrificial formula)
347
What was an entire village donated to Brahmans called?
Brahmadeya
348
What was Devadana
Village donated to gods
349
Temples marked by erotic sculptures
1. Khajuraho
2. Madurai
3. Konark
350
Form of govt in Rigvedic times
Monarchical govt
351
Capital of the Hoysalas
Dwara Samudra aka Halebid
352
Ajanta cave paintings are of which era
Gupta
353
Founder of Sankhya school of philosophy
Kapila
354
Southern temple that doesn't feature erotica
Halebid
355
Extent of Harsha's empire
Part of northern India
356
Megalithic culture predominantly found in which area
Southern India
357
Prior to Mahayana Buddhism, sculptures depicted the Buddha through what symbols?
1. Footprints
2. The Bodhi Tree
3. Stupas
358
Dynasty that didn't patronize temple architecture
Yadava
359
True or False: Paramar Dynasty didn't patronize temple architecture
False
360
True or False: Chalukyas have temple architecture
True
361
True or False: Chandella dynasty featured temple architecture
True
362
Works of Kalidasa
1. Malavikaagnimitram
2. Meghadoot
3. Shakuntalam
4. Kumarasambhava
363
Scholars patronized by/ Contemporaries of Kanishka
1. Parsva
2. Ashvaghosha
3. Nagarjuna
4. Charaka
364
Industry in Lothal
Shipbuilding
365
True or False: Ashoka's monuments included Viharas
False
366
Who discovered Mohenjo-Daro?
Rakhal Das Banerji (R.D. Banerji)
367
Which was discovered first? Harappa or Mohenjo-Daro?
Harappa
| Mohenjo-daro was discovered two years after major excavations had begun
368
Under whose aegis were the large-scale excavations of Harappan sites undertaken?
Sir John Marshall
369
Indus Valley Sites in Pakistan
1. Harappa
2. Mohenjo-Daro
3. Ganeriwala
4. Chanhudaro
5. Suktagendor
370
Indus Valley Sites in India
1. Kalibangan
2. Dholavira
3. Rupar
4. Rakhigarhi
5. Lothal
6. Alamgirpur
7. Rangpur
371
Which Chola King conquered Ceylon ?
Vijayalaya Chola
372
What concepts are discussed in Atharva Veda?
1. Karma
2. Jnana
3. Upasana
373
When did varna system first appear?
Early Vedic Period / Rig Vedic Period
374
True or False: Aryans had blacksmiths
True
375
True or False: The Atharva Veda discusses the concept of Moksha
False
376
True or False: The Aryans did not know carpentry
False
377
True or False: The Aryan culture shows signs of pottery
True
378
True or False: The Aryans had distinguished jewellers
False
379
What is Buddha's first sermon called?
Dharmachakrapravartan
380
To whom is the introduction of Buddhism in China attributed?
Kashyapa Matanga
381
Which ruler was a contemporary of both Buddha and Mahavira
Bimbisara
382
What are the oldest Jain scriptures?
Twelve Angas
383
True or False: Chandragupta II embraced Jainism
False
| Chandragupta Maurya did
384
True or False: Pulikeshin II was a Jain
False
| Vaishnavite
385
Religion of Chandragupta Maurya
Converted to Jainism
386
Religion of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)
Vaishnavism
387
Where are Mahavira's original teachings contained?
Purvas
388
Religion of Harshavardhana
Buddhism
389
Religion of Samudragupta
Vaishnavism
390
Ashoka's religion
Buddhism
391
Religion of Pulikeshin II
Vaishnavism
392
Religion of Ajatashatru
Claimed by both Jainism and Buddhism
| He visited multiple teachers including Buddha and Mahavira
393
In Sanskrit plays of the Gupta period, what language do women and sudras speak?
Prakrit
394
Who established the 4 mathas/ mattas or monastic seats in the four corners of India
Adi Shankaracharya
395
Term used to denote a group of families in Vedic society
Jana
396
According to the Mimamsa School of Philosophy, liberation is possible through _____ ?
Karma
397
The great Hindu law giver
Manu
398
During whose reign did Buddhism become the state religion of the Mauryan Dynasty
Ashoka
399
Which Chola ruler subdued the Ganges?
Rajendra Chola I
400
Name the locations of the 4 Buddhist Councils in Chronological order
1. Rajgriha
2. Vaishali
3. Pataliputra
4. Kundalavana, Kashmir/ Jullandhar
401
During which Buddhist council was an encyclopaedia of Buddhist philosophy compiled?
Fourth Buddhist Council
402
Name of the encyclopaedia of Buddhist philosophy compiled during the 4th Buddhist council
Mahavibhasha Sutra
403
Who converted Kanishka to Buddhism?
Asvaghosa
404
Where did Buddhism first spread outside the Indian subcontinent?
Ceylon/ Sri Lanka
405
Which language was adopted to preach Mahayana Buddhism
Sanskrit
406
Who is said to have been born and died on Vaishakha Purnima
Buddha
407
Founder of Gupta empire
Sri Gupta
408
Gupta administration was significant at how many levels? Name them.
1. Central
2. Military
3. Provincial
409
True or False: The Gupta rulers were considered divinities on Earth
True
410
What did Gupta titles like Maharajadhiraja, Paramabhattaraka, Chakravarti, Paramesvara signify
That they ruled over lesser kings
411
True or False: Guptas firmly believed in primogeniture
False.
| The throne didn't always go to the eldest son
412
Duties of the Gupta kings
1. to decide the policy of the state during war and peace.
2. to protect his countrymen from any invasion.
3. to lead the army in case of war.
4. to appoint his central and provincial officers.
413
True or False: Gupta kings were brahmins
False
| Vaishyas
414
True or False: The office of minister to the Gupta king was hereditary
True
415
The most important officials in the Gupta bureaucracy
kumaramatyas
| AKA Officers of the Crown Prince
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
416
Who were the Kumaramatyas?
Officers of the Crown Prince - Gupta Era
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
417
What was the Mahapratihara?
chief of the palace guards - Gupta Era
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
418
Who was the Pratihara
Person who regulated ceremonies and granted the necessary permits for admission to the royal presence - Gupta Era
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
419
How was the Gupta empire divided?
1. Kingdom into Bhuktis - under Uparikas
2. Bhuktis into Vishayas - under Vishayapatis
3. Vishayas --> Vithis --> Villages (E. India)
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
420
Largest political unit of territory classification under the Guptas
Bhuktis
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
421
Who administered the Bhuktis
Uparikas
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
422
Bhuktis were divided into?
Vishayas
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
423
Who administered the Vishaya
Vishayapati
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
424
True or False: Across the Gupta empire, the Vishayas were divided into Vithis, which in turn were divided into villages
False
| This only happened in E. India part of Gupta kingdom
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
425
Who was in charge of the village unit in Gupta times?
Ganpati aka Gramadhyaksha aka Village headman
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
426
Who was the Ganpati/ Gramadhyaksha in Gupta times?
Village headman
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
427
True or False: There were no organized or politically strong guilds in the Gupta kindgom
False
| Guilds became strong during this time and played a political role.
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
428
Who was the Nagarsheth in Gupta times?
Guild chief
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
429
Duties of Gupta vassal kingdoms/ feudatories
1. Personally attend the king at court
2. Pay tribute
3. Present daughters to the king in marriage
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
430
The vassals of Gupta rulers received charters to rule their areas marked with ____ seal
Garuda
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
431
Higher Gupta officials were paid in:
1. Gold coins
2. Land Grants
3. Both
4. Neither
3 - Both
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
432
True or False: The Gupta bureaucracy was larger than the Maurya bureaucracy
False
| It was smaller
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
433
Reasons for smaller size of Gupta bureaucracy:
1. Much of the imperial administration was managed by feudatories and beneficiaries.
2. The state did not participate in economic activities on a large scale, as it did in Mauryan times.
3. The participation of leading artisans, merchants, elders, etc., in rural and urban administration also lessened the need to maintain a large entourage of officers.
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
434
Who was at the head of the Gupta military administration?
Sandhi-Vigrahika aka Minister in charge of peace and war
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
435
Who was the Pilupati
| Gupta Era
Master of Elephants
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
436
Who was the Asvapati
| Gupta era
Master of Horses
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
437
Who was the Narapati
| Gupta Era
Head of Foot Soldiers
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
438
Who was the Ranabhandagarika?
| Gupta era
Military officer-in-charge of stores
## Footnote
NEXT IAS
439
What were the primary sources of Gupta state revenue?
1. Fines
2. Land revenue
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
440
True or False: The Gupta era saw an increase in taxes on trade and commerce
False
| Trade taxes reduced and land revenue/ taxes increased
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
441
How much land revenue was collected by the Gupta kings
Between 1/4th to 1/6th of the produce
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
442
Under which king's rule did Gopasramin work?
Samudragupta
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
443
What was Gopasramin's role?
Akshapataladhikrita - keeper of royal records
| Samudragupta's Court
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
444
Who was the Akshapataladhikrita?
| Gupta era
Keeper of Royal Records
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
445
True or False: The Gupta Era had a special department overseeing land revenue
True
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
446
What was Upakarikara
| Gupta era
Tax levied on goods taken from one city to another
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
447
What was Sulka
| Gupta Era
Commercial tax paid by traders' organizations / guilds
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
448
True or False: In the Gupta era, non payment of Sulka tax was punishable by death
False
| Non payment of Sulka was punishable by fine 8x the value of the tax
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
449
What was Visthi?
| Gupta era
Forced labor claimed by the king
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
450
What are 10 types of tax levied by the Guptas
1. Bali - Compulsory offerings
2. Bhaga - 1/6th of the produce
3. Bhoga - Gifts
4. Shulka - Customs tax/ tax on trade organizations
5. Udinanga - Social security tax
6. Upakarikara - Tax levied on goods taken from one city to another
7. Klipta - Tax on selling and purchasing land
8. Halivakara - Ploughshare tax
9. Hiranya - Gold tax
10. Kara - Irregular tax
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
451
In the Gupta era, any treasure troves found beneath the ground were claimed by
A. The finder
B. The Brahmins
C. The Vishyapati
D. The King's Treasury
D. The King's Treasury
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
452
True or False: In the Gupta era, income from royal lands and forests was considered as King’s income.
True
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
453
What is Bali?
| Gupta era
Compulsory offerings
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
454
What was the tax of 1/6th of the produce in Gupta era called?
Bhaga
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
455
What was Bhoga
| Gupta era
Gifts
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
456
What was the tax for selling or purchasing lands in Gupta era called?
Klipta
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
457
What was Udinanga?
| Gupta era
Social security tax
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
458
What was the ploughshare tax in Gupta era called?
Halivakara
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
459
What was irregular tax in the Gupta era called?
Kara
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
460
What was Hiranya?
| Gupta era
Gold tax
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
461
What were Gupta kings' sources of income?
1. Taxes and land revenue
2. Treasure troves found underground
3. Fines from not paying taxes
4. Income from royal lands and forests
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
462
What specific rights did the King's treasury have over the land in the Gupta era?
1. Right to treasure troves found underground
2. Right over income from royal forests and lands
3. Right to dig mines
4. Right to manufacture salt
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
463
Who was the Pustapala?
| Gupta era
The record keeper, who was responsible for enquiring before recording any transaction.
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
464
Who was the Mahanandanayaka?
| Gupta Era
Chief Justice
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
465
In whom did supreme judicial rights vest in the Gupta era?
The King
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
466
Criminal and civil law were clearly demarcated for the first time in the ____ era
Gupta
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
467
True or False: The legal system in Gupta times didn't differentiate based on varna or caste
False
| It did
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
468
True or false: In the Gupta era, guilds of artisans, merchants and others were governed by their own laws.
True
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
469
True or False: Capital Punishment was common during the Gupta era
False
| Fa-Hien states there was no capital punishment
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
470
Who was in charge of judicial matters within villages in the Gupta era?
Village headman assisted by elders
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
471
Who was in charge of judicial matters within provinces in the Gupta era?
| aka Bhuktis
Upakarikas
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
472
Who was in charge of judicial matters within districts in the Gupta era
Vishyapatis
## Footnote
Source: NEXT IAS
473
An important part of the Eastern court during the Gupta period
Tamralipti
474
Most of the Hindu colonies in SE Asia were founded during the reign of the ____
Cholas
475
Gupta ruler famous for playing the Veena
Samudragupta
476
Which inscription chronicles Samudragupta's achievements?
Allahabad pillar inscription
477
Which sage is considered to have Aryanised Southern India?
Agastya
478
Which ruler was known as Gangai Konda Cholan
Rajendra Chola I
479
Which southern dynasty excelled as a naval power?
Cholas
480
Which Chola ruler conquered northern Sri Lanka?
Rajaraja Chola I
481
Who are credited with having built the Ellora caves?
The Rashtrakutas
482
Which religion does the rock cut temples at Ellora belong to:
A. Hinduism
B. Buddhism
C. Jainism
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
483
Which school of art highlights the cult of Krishna?
Rajasthani school of art
484
True or False: The Ajivikas were a Buddhist monastic sect
False
| They were atheistic
485
Who founded the Ajivika sect
Makkhali Gosala
486
What was the primary belief of the Ajivikas?
Niyati or fate - that everything is predetermined
487
Who are the 3 emancipators recognized by the Ajivikas?
1. Nanda Vaccha
2. Kisa Saṅkicca
3. Makkhali Gosāla.
