1.Which of the following term is used for a “school” of learning and teaching the branches of Vedas?
[A] Shakha
[B] Charna
[C] Ratha
[D] Yajna
Correct Answer: B [ Charna ]
Notes:
Charana refers to the Guru-pupil lineage or school for teaching and learning of Vedas in ancient India.
2.Who were the first rulers in India to issue gold coins attributed to the Kings?
[A] Sungas
[B] Kanvas
[C] Indo Greeks
[D] Sakas
Correct Answer: C [ Indo Greeks ]
Notes:
The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can definitely be attributed to the kings. They were the first to issue gold coins in India.
3.Who defeated Harsha Vardhana on the banks of river Narmada in 630 A.D.?
[A] Pulakesin II
[B] Mahendravarman I
[C] Pulakesin I
[D] Kirtivarman I
Correct Answer: A [ Pulakesin II ]
Notes:
As per the Aihole inscription, Harsha Vardhana was defeated by Pulakesin-II, the great Chalukya king, on the banks of river Narmada in 630 A.D.
4.The Bhamala Stupa, a ruined Buddhist Stupa, is located in which one of the following countries?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bhutan
[C] Pakistan
[D] China
Correct Answer: C [ Pakistan ]
Notes:
Bhamala Stupa is an ancient Gandhara stupa located in Pakistan near Haripur and is a part of so called Bhamala Buddhist Complex. It is a national heritage site of Pakistan and dates back to 4th century AD. This stupa is different from other Gandhara stupas as it looks cross shaped like an Aztec Pyramid.
5.Which among the following Ashokan inscriptions mentions the name Ashoka?
[A] Bhabru Edict
[B] Maski Edict
[C] Puranas
[D] Junagarh Inscription
Correct Answer: B [ Maski Edict ]
Notes:
The Mauryan Emperor Asoka has been mentioned by name ‘Ashoka’ in his inscriptions at Maski and Gujarra only.
6.Which among the following was the royal emblem of Chola Kingdom?
[A] Bow
[B] Tiger
[C] Carp
[D] Fish
Correct Answer: B [ Tiger ]
Notes:
The Chola kingdom was known as Cholamandulam, it was situated to the north-east of Pandya kingdom between Pennar and Vellar rivers. Tiger was the royal emblem of Chola Kingdom.
7.Who was the first ruler of Kushana dynasty to issue gold coins in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Kanishka
[C] Vasudeva
[D] Kujula Kadphises
Correct Answer: A [ Vima Kadphises ]
Notes:
The famous ruler of Kushana Empire, Vima Kadphises is best known for issuing large number of Gold Coins. He is known to have maintained the Silk Route and trade with all sides including the China, Alexandria and Roman Empire.
8.Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following rulers?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Ramagupta
[C] Bhanugupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Correct Answer: B [ Ramagupta ]
Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the Maharajadhiraja.
9.Nakoda at Rajasthan, which is famous for miracles at Nakodaji, is a temple of which among the following ?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Krishna
[C] Buddha
[D] Parsvanath
Correct Answer: D [Parsvanath]
Notes:
Parsvanath was the 23rd of 24th Tirthankaras.
10.Which among the following site has yielded the cultural remains from Neolithic to Harappan era?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Mohenjo-Daro
[C] Harappa
[D] Mehrgarh
Correct Answer: D [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is the oldest agricultural settlement in the Indian subcontinent Agriculture-based Neolithic settlements. Despite being the agriculture settlement, it used only stone tools, so is why placed in Neolithic Era. It flourished in the seventh millennium B.C. Mehrgarh is located on the Bolan River, a tributary of the Indus, at the eastern edge of the Balochistan plateau overlooking the Indus plain.
11.Which among the following places has given the earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian Subcontinent?
[A] Brahmagiri
[B] Chirand
[C] Mehrgarh
[D] Burzahom
Correct Answer: C [ Mehrgarh ]
Notes:
The site of Mehrgarh is located near the Bolan Pass, in the region of Baluchistan, to the west of the Indus River valley. In 1974, Mehrgarh excavated by the French Archaeologist Jean Francois Jarrige.
12.The Greek Ambassador Deimachus of Plataea had visited the court of which of the following rulers of Magadha?
[A] Dhanananda
[B] Chandragupta Maurya
[C] Bindusara
[D] Asoka
Correct Answer: C [ Bindusara ]
Notes:
Deimachus of Plataea had come as ambassador to Bindusāra or Amitraghāta, the son and successor of Chandragupta Maurya. He along with Megasthenes provides important information about the contemporary society and polity. He was sent by Antiochus I (the son of Seleucus Nikator).
13.Gandhar art is a combination of ____________ ?
[A] Indian Style + Greek Style
[B] Greek Style + Kushan Style
[C] Indian Style + Kushan Style
[D] Indian Style + Persian Style
Correct Answer: C [Indian Style + Kushan Style]
Notes:
Gandhāra style of Buddhist art, which developed from a merger of Greek, Syrian, Persian, and local artistic influences. It was developed between 1st century BC and 7th century BC.
14.Shatapatha Brahmana belongs to which of the following Vedas?
[A] Krishna Yajurveda
[B] Shukla Yajurveda
[C] Rigveda
[D] Samaveda
Correct Answer: B [Shukla Yajurveda]
Notes:
Shatapatha Brahmana is a commentary on the Sukla Yajurveda.It is described as the most complete, systematic, and important of the Brahmanas. It contains detailed explanations of Vedic sacrificial rituals, symbolism, and mythology.
15.Which among the following work was originally called as Jaya Kavya?
[A] Ramayan
[B] Mahabharata
[C] Aitreya Brahaman
[D] Manu Smriti
Correct Answer: B [Mahabharata]
16.Which among the following was the earliest drama of Kalidasa?
[A] Vikramorvishiyam
[B] Malvikagnimitram
[C] Abhijnanshakuntalam
[D] Kumarasambhava
Correct Answer: B [Malvikagnimitram]
Notes:
The Mālavikāgnimitram is a Sanskrit play written by Kālidāsa. It is his first play. The play tells the story of the love of Agnimitra, the Shunga Emperor at Vidisha, for the beautiful handmaiden of his chief queen. He falls in love with the picture of an exiled servant girl named Malavika.
17.In which year, Nalanda University was destroyed?
[A] 993 AD
[B] 1093 AD
[C] 1193 AD
[D] 1293 AD
Correct Answer: C [1193 AD]
Notes:
The Nalanda University was destroyed when the Muslim army led by the Turkish leader Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193. It is believed that Buddhism as a major religion in India had a setback for hundreds of years due to the loss of the religious texts during the attack.
18.Who among the following succeeded Pushyamitra Shunga?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Sujyestha
[C] Vajramitra
[D] Devbhuti
Correct Answer: A [Agnimitra]
Notes:
Agnimitra succeeded his father, Pushyamitra Shunga, in 149 BC. He was the second king of the Shunga dynasty of northern India. The Vayu Purana and the Brahmanda Purana have described 8 years as the length of his reign.
19.There is only one Rock Edict in which Asoka talks about taxation. Which among the following is that edict?
[A] Bhabru Inscription
[B] Nigalisagar Pillar Inscription
[C] Rummindei Pillar Inscription
[D] Barabar Cave Inscription
Correct Answer: C [Rummindei Pillar Inscription]
Notes:
Lumbini Pillar Edict in Nepal is known as the Rummindei Pillar Inscription .The Lumbini Pillar Edict recorded that sometime after the twentieth year of his reign, Ashoka travelled to the Buddha’s birthplace and personally made offerings. He then had a stone pillar set up and reduced the taxes of the people in that area. It talks about the taxation of ashoka.
20.The harappans used intaglio seals, made mostly of carved and fired steatite :
[A] As an export commodity.
[B] As a medium of exchange in place of coins.
[C] As amulets and charms to ward off evil spirits.
[D] For marking their goods and property.
Correct Answer: D [For marking their goods and property.]
Notes:
The seals of the ancient Harappan’s were probably used in much the same way they are today, to sign letters or for commercial transactions. The Harappan seals were used for marking goods and bales of merchandise. (Hence Option d. is correct)
21.Consider the following statements about the Hathigumpha Inscription:
- The Hathigumpha inscription shows the presence of Jainism in Orissa
- It provides information about the military campaigns of King Kharavela of Kalinga
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
The Hathigumpha Inscription, from Udayagiri, near Bhubaneswar in Odisha, was inscribed by Kharavela, the then Emperor of Kalinga in India. It provides information about the military campaigns of King Kharavela of Kalinga.
22.Which of the following rivers find mention in Rig-Veda?
- Ganga
- Yamuna
- Sarasvati
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 3 Only
[C] 1 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Correct Answer: D [ 1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:
Ganga is mentioned twice in Rig-Veda while the Yamuna has been mentioned thrice. The Sarasvati River is one of the main Rig-Veda Rivers mentioned in the scripture Rig Veda and later Vedic and post-Vedic texts.
23.Which of the following existed in India before invasion of Alexander, the Great?
- Use of punch marked silver coins
- Republic form of polity
- Urban culture
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:
Invasion of Alexander happened in 326 BC and all of these existed in India before that. Use of coins is there in India from before itself. The Urban culture existed in India from Indus valley times.
24.Which of the following age refers to the Old Stone Age?
[A] Paleolithic
[B] Mesolithic
[C] Neolithic
[D] Chalcolithic
Correct Answer: A [ Paleolithic ]
Notes:
The term Palaeolithic is derived from the Greek word ‘palaeo’, which means old and ‘lithic’ meaning stone. Therefore, the term Palaeolithic age refers to the old stone age.
25.Balathal is an archaeological site located in:
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Correct Answer: B [ Rajasthan ]
Notes:
Balathal in southeast Rajasthan shows evidence of protohistoric occupation from the closing centuries of the 4th millennium BC.
26.Who is known as the ‘God of plants’?
[A] Soma
[B] Varuna
[C] Rudra
[D] Indra
Correct Answer: A [Soma]
Notes:
Soma is also known as the God of plants or the king of gods or the special god of the Brahmanas. All the hymns of the eleventh mandal are assigned to him. Aryans considered Himalaya as the source of the soma plant.
27.Vishvamitra, Atri, Gritsamada, Vasishtha, and Bharadvaja are associated with which of the following ages?
[A] Paleolithic age
[B] Neolithic age
[C] Rig Vedic age
[D] Mauryan age
Correct Answer: C [Rig Vedic age]
Notes:
Vishvamitra, Atri, Gritsamada, Vasishtha, and Bharadvaja are associated with Rig Vedic Age. The Rig Vedic texts like Rig Vedic Samhita were composed by families of certain seer poets such as ones mentioned above.
28.The Rig Veda consists of how many hymns?
[A] 1000
[B] 1024
[C] 1028
[D] 1030
Correct Answer: C [1028]
Notes:
The Rig Veda is a consists of 1,028 hymns which are divided into 10 Mandals. They are the earliest compositions which depict the life of the Early Vedic people residing in India.
29.Which of the following is also known as Sakyamuni or Tathagata?
[A] Mahavira
[B] Valmiki
[C] Upali
[D] Buddha
Correct Answer: D [Buddha]
Notes:
Gautama Buddha is also known as Sakyamuni or Tathagata. He was born as Siddhartha in 563 BCE at Lumbini (near Kapilavastu, Nepal) to the King Suddhodana (chief of republican Sakya clan).
30.Under the reign of which of the following kings the third Buddhist council held?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Harshvardhana
[C] Ashoka
[D] Kalasoka
Correct Answer: C [Ashoka]
Notes:
The third Buddhist council was held at patliputra in 250 BCE under the patronage of King Ashoka. The objective of the third council was to purify Buddhism from opportunistic factions.
31.What was the name of Gautama or Siddhartha’s step mother?
[A] Prajapati Gautami
[B] Mahamaya
[C] Yasodhara
[D] Anojja
Correct Answer: A [Prajapati Gautami]
Notes:
Gautama or Siddhartha’s mother was Maya. She was a princess of the neighbouring clan of the Koliyas. The mother of Siddhartha, Maya died in child-birth. Siddhartha was brought up by his aunt and step-mother named Prajapati Gautami.
32.Which of the following is also known as Sakyamuni or Tathagata?
[A] Mahavira
[B] Valmiki
[C] Upali
[D] Buddha
Correct Answer: D [Buddha]
Notes:
Gautama Buddha is also known as Sakyamuni or Tathagata. He was born as Siddhartha in 563 BCE at Lumbini (near Kapilavastu, Nepal) to the King Suddhodana (chief of republican Sakya clan).
33.Where was the capital of the state of Koliya situated?
[A] Sunsamagiri
[B] Kushinara
[C] Ramagrama
[D] Vaisali
Correct Answer: C [Ramagrama]
Notes:
The Republican state of Koliya was situated to the east of the state of Sakyas. The capital of the state of Koliya was situated at Ramagrama. There was a constant fight between two states on the use of water of the river Rohini.
34.Who is also famous as the conqueror of land between the two seas?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Bindusara
[D] Ashoka
Correct Answer: C [Bindusara]
Notes:
Bindusara was the son of Chandragupta Maurya and Durdhara. He was born in 320 BCE. He brought sixteen states under the rule of the Mauryan Empire and thus conquered almost the entire Indian peninsula. That is why he is also called as the conqueror of land between the two seas.
35.Which of the following pillar edict talks about Dhamma Mahamattas?
[A] Second Pillar Edict
[B] Fifth Pillar Edict
[C] Sixth Pillar Edict
[D] Seventh Pillar Edict
Correct Answer: D [Seventh Pillar Edict]
Notes:
The Seventh Ashokan Pillar Edict mentions about Dhamma Mahamattas. Dhamma Mahamattas was a special cadre of
officials who were entrusted with the duty to spread dhamma within the kingdom.
36.Which edict mentions “All men are my children”?
[A] Minor Rock Edict 1
[B] Kalinga Edict
[C] Minor Rock Edict 3:
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: B [Kalinga Edict]
Notes:
The Kalinga Edict mentions “All men are my children”. It is located in Dhauli and Jaugada in the state of Odisha. It also mentions about the system of administration of Kalinga.
37.Which of the following officer was in charge of trade, price fixation, and sale of goods produced by state-run manufacturing units in the Mauryan administration?
[A] Panyadhyaksha
[B] Sansthadhyaksha
[C] Rupadarshaka
[D] Pautavadhyaksha
Correct Answer: A [Panyadhyaksha]
Notes:
Panyadhyaksha was the officer who was in charge of trade, price fixation, and sale of goods produced by state-run manufacturing units in the Mauryan administration.
38.Who were the Sthanikas?
[A] They collected taxes
[B] They sold liqor
[C] They were traders
[D] Head of a village
Correct Answer: A [They collected taxes]
Notes:
The districts in the Mauryan empire were divided into groups of 5 or 10 villages which was headed by Sthanikas. The Sthanikas collected taxes and were assisted by Gopas (who maintained proper records and accounts).
39.Which of the following invaded India around 190 BCE?
[A] Menander
[B] Hermaius
[C] Demetrius
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: C [Demetrius]
Notes:
Demetrius who was the King of Bactria invaded India around 190 BCE. He also came into conflict with Pushyamitra Shunga. He conquered a huge part of the Mauryan empire.
40.Which of the following point towards considerable volume of trade between the Byzantine empire and India during the Gupta period?
1. Byzantine gold coins discovered in southern, eastern and western parts of India.
2. In his law digest, Justinian gave a long list of imports from India.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
There was considerable volume of trade between the Byzantine empire and India during the Gupta period as reeflected by Byzantine gold coins discovered in southern, eastern and western parts of India. Also in his law digest, Justinian gave a long list of imports from India.
41.Rabatak Inscription provides the evidence of which of the following rulers?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Kadphises I
[C] Vasudeva II
[D] Vima Kadphises
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka was the third ruler of the Kushana empire. He was the grandson of Kadphises I, the founder of the Kushana empire. The famous Rabatak Inscription written on a rock in the Bactrian language and the Greek script presents valuable information on Kanishka.
42.Which of the following Gupta kings faced and repulsed the Huns successfully?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samduragupta
[D] Skandagupta
Correct Answer: D [Skandagupta]
Notes:
Skandagupta reigned from c. 455 – 467 CE. he faced and repulsed the Huns successfully. Junagarhor the Girnar inscription of his reign tells that his governor called Parnadatta got the Sudarshan lake repaired.
43.‘Sarthavaha’ refer to which of the following during the Gupta period?
[A] Settled merchants
[B] Caravan Traders
[C] Liquor traders
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: B [Caravan Traders]
Notes:
During the Gupta period the sarthavaha was a caravan trader. He carried his merchandise to different places for profitable sale. Sarthavahas often sold their goods three or four times their original price.
44.Which of the following poets described Harisena as “powerful, truthful and bountiful, glorious, lofty, and a penetrating critic of ethical and economic compendia”?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Dandin
[C] Amarasimha
[D] Sarvasena
Correct Answer: B [Dandin]
Notes:
Dandin described Vakataka ruler Harisena as “powerful, truthful and bountiful, glorious, lofty, and a penetrating critic of ethical and economic compendia”. Dandin was a poet of the 6th century CE.
45.Which of the following was the successor of Durlabhavardhana?
[A] Vinayaditya
[B] Pratapaditya
[C] Lalitaditya
[D] Vajrayudha
Correct Answer: B [Pratapaditya]
Notes:
After the death of Durlabhavardhana, his son Durlabhaka succeeded him. He assumed the name of Pratapaditya after the title of the dynasty of his maternal grandfather. Pratapaditya was the one who built the town of Pratappura.
46.Jejakabhukti was the ancient name of which of the following places?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Mathura
[C] Bundelkhand
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: C [Bundelkhand]
Notes:
Jejakabhukti was the ancient name of Bundelkhand. It was a part of the Pratihara empire of Kanauj. The Chandelas ruled much of the Bundelkhand region between the 9th and the 13th centuries.
47.Which of the following Dramas were written by Harsha?
1) Nagananda
2) Priyadarsika
3) Ratnavali
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana, was the son of Prabhakarvardhana. He was an Indian emperor who ruled North India from 606 to 647 CE. He was a member of the Vardhana dynasty. King Harsha wrote three dramas, the Nagananda, Priyadarsika, and Ratnavali.
48.The later Western Chalukya dynasty came to an end in which of the following years?
[A] 1190 A.D.
[B] 1200 A.D.
[C] 1210 A.D.
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: A [1190 A.D.]
Notes:
The Yadavas of Devagiri and the Hoyasalas under Vira Ballala I attacked the later Western Chalukyas. The later Western Chalukya dynasty came to an end in about 1190 AD.
49.The Dravida style of Temple architecture came into vogue during which of the following period?
[A] Cheras
[B] Cholas
[C] Pandyas
[D] Pallavas
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
During the Chola administration, the temple architecture in the south reached its climax. The Dravida style of Temple architecture came into vogue which laid emphasis on the building of storey upon storey above the chief deity room.
50.Where was the third Sangam held?
[A] Madurai
[B] Thenmadurai
[C] Kabadapuram
[D] Vellore
Correct Answer: A [Madurai]
Notes:
The third Sangam was held at the present Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The third sangam had 449 poets and the important ones among them include Nakkirar, Iraiyanar, Kapilar, Paranar, Sattanar, Auvikyar etc
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