Ancient Indian History – General Knowledge Questions and Answers – Set – 1 | GK Infopedia

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[1] The university which became famous in the post-Gupta Era was:
A. Kanchi
B. Taxila
C. Nalanda
D. Vallabhi
Ans: 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

[2] The Social System of the Harappans was:
A. Fairly egalitarian
B. Slave-Labour based
C. Colour (Varna) based
D. Caste based
Ans: 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.

[3] 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
Ans: 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.

[4] Where is 'Brihadeshwar Temple' situated?
A. Kanchi
B. Madurai
C. Shri Shailan
D. Tanjore
Ans: 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.

[5] In Tamil literature the glorious books 'Shilppadikaram and Manimekhalai' are related to -
A. Jainism
B. Buddhism
C. Hindusim
D. Christianity
Ans: 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).

[6] Who was the author of the Kadambari, a great romantic play?
A. Banabhatta
B. Harshavardhana
C. Baskaravardhana
D. Bindusara
Ans: 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.

[7] 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
Ans: 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.

[8] Hiuen Tsang visited India during the reign of -
A. Chandragupta I
B. Chandragupta I
C. Harshavardhana
D. Rudradaman
Ans: 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.

[9] Which one of the following was the last Buddhist text produced In India?
A. Divya Vandana,
B. Dohakosa
C. Vajrachedika
D. Vamsathapakasini
Ans: Vamsathapakasini
Explanation : Vamsathapakasini is among the last Buddhist texts produced in India. It gives us information about the origin of the Mauryas.

[10] The famous Kailasanath Temple at Kanchi was built by -
A. Mahendravarman I
B. Narasimhavarman II
C. Nandivarman II
D. Dantivarman
Ans: 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.

[11] 'Kalibangan' is situated in -
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Sindh
C. Rajasthan
D. Gujarat
Ans: 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.

[12] 'Mahavira' was born in a Kshatriya clan by the name of
A. Shakya
B. Janatrika
C. Mallas
D. Lichhavis
Ans: 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.

[13] The Virupaksha Temple was built by the -
A. Chalukyas
B. Pallavas
C. Vakatakas
D. Satavahanas
Ans: 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.

[14] Carving in the famous Ajanta caves was first started during the reign of the -
A. Kadambas
B. Satavahanas
C. Rashtrakutas
D. Marathas
Ans: 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.

[15] 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
Ans: 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.

[16] Great Stupa at Sanchi is in -
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Arunachal Pradesh
D. Andhra Pradesh
Ans: 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.

[17] The year of accession of Kanish ka to throne was:
A. 108 AD
B. 78 AD
C. 58 AD
D. 128 AD
Ans: 78 AD
Explanation : Kanishka was an emperor of the Kushan dynasty (127-151) who ruled an empire extending from Turfan in the Tarim Basin to Pataliputra 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.

[18] The coins of which of the following reveal their love for music?
A. Mauryas
B. Nandas
C. Guptas
D. Cholas
Ans: 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.

[19] During 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
Ans: 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.

[20] How many spokes are there in the Dharma Chakra of the National flag?
A. 22
B. 18
C. 24
D. 14
Ans: 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 dependent origination and the twelve laws of dependent termination.

[21] The capital of the 'Ancient Chola kingdom' was -
A. Uraiyur
B. Kaveripoompattinam
C. Thanjavur
D. Madurai
Ans: 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.

[22] The script of the Indus Valley Civilization is -
A. Kharosthi
B. Undeciphered
C. Brahmi
D. Tamil
Ans: 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 un- deciphered script.

[23] Who was the contemporary South Indian ruler of Harshavardhana?
A. Krishnadevaraya
B. Pulakeshin II
C. Mayuravarma
D. Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar
Ans: 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.

[24] Who is considered founder of the Gupta Empire?
A. Srigupta
B. Samudra Gupta
C. Chandra Gupta I
D. Chandra Gupta II
Ans: 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

[25] Kautilya's "Arthashastra" mainly deals with:
A. Political state craft
B. Social aspects
C. Economic doctrines
D. Military aspects
Ans: 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.



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