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'Banabhatta' was the court poet of which emperor?
  • a)
    Vikramaditya
  • b)
    Kumaragupta
  • c)
    Harshavardhana
  • d)
    Kanishka
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
Banabhatta was a Sanskrit scholar and poet of India. He was the Asthana Kavi in the court of King Harshavardhana, who reigned in the years 606-647CE in north India. Bana's principal works include a biography of Harsha, the Harshacharita and one of the world's earliest novels, Kadambari. The other works ttributed to him is the Parvatiparinaya.

Hiuen Tsang visited India during the reign of -
  • a)
    Chandragupta II
  • b)
    Chandragupta I
  • c)
    Harshavardhana
  • d)
    Rudradaman
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
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.

Buddha gave his first sermon at the Deer Park in -
  • a)
    Magadha
  • b)
    Sarnath
  • c)
    Sanchi
  • d)
    Lumbini
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Gautam Buddha went to Sarnath (ancient Isipatana) near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It was at the deer park in Sarnath that he preached his first discourse onthe Four Noble Truthsto a group of five monks and set in motion the Wheel of Dharma. Sarnath is mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage.

The Saka era commencing from A.D. 78, was founded by -
  • a)
    Kanishka
  • b)
    Asoka
  • c)
    Chandragupta
  • d)
    Vikramaditya
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
The date of Kanishka's accession is disputed, ranging from 78 to 248. The generally accepted date of 78 is also the basis for an era presumably started by the akas and used in addition to the Gregorian calenr by the present-day Indian government Gandhara School of art is mainly related tona Buddhism which encouraged image wor.

Alexander and Porus fought a battle at
  • a)
    Hydaspes
  • b)
    Ravi
  • c)
    Panipat
  • d)
    Tarain
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Faizan Khan answered
The Correct Answer is A: Hydaspes
Background of the Battle
  • Alexander the Great was a Macedonian king who embarked on a conquest to expand his empire across Asia.
  • King Porus was a powerful Indian ruler who governed the region between the rivers Hydaspes (modern-day Jhelum) and Acesines (modern-day Chenab) in present-day Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Alexander, as part of his conquest, reached the Indian subcontinent and wanted to expand his empire further east.
  • Porus, determined to defend his kingdom, prepared to face the invading army of Alexander.
The Battle of Hydaspes
  • The battle between Alexander and Porus took place in 326 BCE at the river Hydaspes (modern-day Jhelum).
  • This battle is considered one of the most significant and hard-fought battles in Alexander's military campaigns.
  • Alexander's army was technologically and strategically superior, while Porus' forces were known for their bravery and war elephants.
  • Despite facing a fierce resistance from Porus' army, Alexander managed to emerge victorious in the battle.
Significance and Aftermath
  • After the battle, Alexander was highly impressed by Porus' courage and decided to let him retain his kingdom as a satrap under Alexander's rule.
  • The victory at the Battle of Hydaspes marked the easternmost extent of Alexander's conquests.
  • The battle also showcased the tactical brilliance of Alexander and the valor of Indian soldiers and their war elephants, which later influenced warfare in the region.
  • However, the exhausted and homesick Macedonian army refused to march further east, forcing Alexander to abandon his plans of conquering the entire Indian subcontinent.

Mahabalipuram is an important city that reveals the interest in arts of -
  • a)
    Pallavas
  • b)
    Cheras
  • c)
    Pandyas
  • d)
    Chalukyas
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Faizan Khan answered
Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The name Mamallapuram is believed to have been given after the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who took on the epithet Maha-malla (great wrestler), as the favourite sport of the Pallavas was
wrestling. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Which of the following materials was mainly used in the manufacture of Harappan seals?
  • a)
    Terracota
  • b)
    Bronze
  • c)
    Copper
  • d)
    Iron
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
Seals are an impressive part of surviving art of Harappan culture. Of these the great majority has animals engraved on them and a short inscription They are mainly made of terracotta which is a type of earthenware, or clay-based unglazed or glazed ceramic where the fired body is porous.

The gold coins were introduced first in India by -
  • a)
    The Kushanas
  • b)
    The Greeks
  • c)
    The Sakas
  • d)
    The Parthians
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
The Indo-Greek kings were the first to issue gold coins in India and their coins were special in the sens that each king had his own distinctive coins by which he could be definitely identified. The names of at least thirty Bactrian kings are known with the help of numerous coins, and they help in the reconstruction the history of the kings. The coins carry legends in Greek and also in Kharosthi and Brahmi.

Who built the famous Shiva temple at Ellora?
  • a)
    Rashtrakuta Ruler Krishna I
  • b)
    Mauryan Emperor Ashoka
  • c)
    Gupta King Samudra Gupta
  • d)
    Chalukyan King Pulikeshi I
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
The Kailasa temple at Ellora, Maharashtra, was built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I as attested in Kannada inscriptions. This is one of the 34 temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves. It is a megalith carved out of one single rock.

The first Indian ruler, who established the supremacy of Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea was
  • a)
    Rajaraja I
  • b)
    Rajendra I
  • c)
    Rajadhiraja I
  • d)
    Kulottunga I
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
Answer: A - Rajaraja I

Rajaraja I and the Supremacy of Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea:
- Rajaraja I was a great Chola emperor who ruled from 985 CE to 1014 CE.
- He is credited with establishing the supremacy of the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea.
- During his reign, Rajaraja I built a strong naval force and expanded the Chola Empire to include many territories in South India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

Key factors contributing to Rajaraja I's naval supremacy:
1. Strategic location: The Chola Empire was located on the southeastern coast of India, which provided an advantageous position for controlling maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
2. Naval advancements: Rajaraja I invested in the development of advanced naval technologies, including warships and navigational equipment, to ensure the dominance of the Chola Navy.
3. Trade and diplomacy: Rajaraja I recognized the importance of maritime trade and established diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms and empires, allowing the Chola Navy to have access to strategic ports and resources.
4. Conquests and annexations: Rajaraja I expanded the Chola Empire through a series of conquests and annexations. He captured the island of Sri Lanka and established control over the Maldives, effectively securing control over crucial maritime trade routes in the Arabian Sea.
5. Effective administration: Rajaraja I maintained a strong and efficient administration system, which facilitated the smooth functioning of the navy and allowed it to remain a dominant force in the Arabian Sea.
In conclusion, Rajaraja I's strategic vision, investment in naval advancements, focus on trade and diplomacy, and effective administration allowed him to establish the supremacy of the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea during his reign.Rajaraja Chola I created a powerful standing army and a considerable navy, which achieved even greater success under his son Rajendra Chola I. One of the last conquests of Rajaraja was the naval conquest of the 'old islands of the sea numbering 12,000', the Maldives. Chola Navy also had played a major role in the invasion of Lanka.

Nalanda University was a great center of learning, especially in -
  • a)
    Buddhism
  • b)
    Jainism
  • c)
    Vaishnavism
  • d)
    Tantra
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
Nalanda was an ancient center of higher learning in Bihar, India. It was a Buddhist center of learning from the fifth or sixth century CE to 1197 CE. Nalanda flourished between the reign of the Sakraditya (whose identity is uncertain and who might have been either Kumara Gupta-I or Kumara Gupta-II) and 1197 CE, supported by patronage from the Hindu Gupta rulers as well as Buddhist emperors like Harsha and later emperors from the Pala Empire.

Ganhadra school of art came into existence in -
  • a)
    Hinayana sect
  • b)
    Mahayana sect
  • c)
    Vaishnava sect
  • d)
    Shaiva sect
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Trisha menon answered
The correct answer is option 'B', i.e., Mahayana sect.

Explanation:
Gandhara School of Art is a style of Buddhist visual art that developed in what is now northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, between the 1st century BCE and the 7th century CE, under the Kushan Empire and Greco-Buddhist kingdoms. The Gandhara School of Art was the first style of Buddhist art to develop in the Indian subcontinent and was heavily influenced by the Hellenistic art of the Greek kingdoms in Central Asia.

The Gandhara School of Art developed in the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, which was prevalent in the region during that time. The Mahayana sect is one of the two major traditions of Buddhism, the other being Theravada. Mahayana Buddhism developed in the first century BCE, and its followers sought to create a more accessible form of Buddhism that could appeal to a broader audience.

The Gandhara School of Art was characterized by a fusion of Indian and Hellenistic styles, with a focus on naturalism and realism. The artists of the Gandhara School used a variety of materials, including stone, stucco, and bronze, to create images of the Buddha and other Buddhist figures. They also created narrative scenes from the life of the Buddha and other important events in Buddhist history.

In conclusion, the Gandhara School of Art developed in the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, which was prevalent in the region during that time. It was characterized by a fusion of Indian and Hellenistic styles and was the first style of Buddhist art to develop in the Indian subcontinent.

Well preferred tree fossil supposed to be from Jurasic Age in India is reported from:
  • a)
    Pithauragarh
  • b)
    Chhattisgarh
  • c)
    Ramgarh
  • d)
    Bahadurgarh
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
In a discovery that might excite geologists the world over, researchers of the State Forest Research andTraining Institute (SFRTI) in Chhattisgarh, in November 2012, announced to have discovered tree fossils that date back about 250 million years - or the Jurassic age. The discovery couldbe a precursor to more such findings in the Sarguja region, known for its rich fossil reserves.

The Rathas of Mahabalipuram was built during the reign of the-
  • a)
    Palas
  • b)
    Cholas
  • c)
    Rashtrakutas
  • d)
    Pallavas
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
The city of Mahabalipuram was largely developed by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I in the 7th century AD. The mandapa or pavilions and the rathas or shrines shaped as temple chariots are hewn from the granite rock face, while the famed Shore Temple erected half a century later, is built from dressed stone. The Pancha Rathas shrines were carved during the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I. The purpose of their constructions not known, structures are not completed.

The famous poet Kalidasa lived in the court of -
  • a)
    Chandra Gupta I
  • b)
    Samudra Gupta
  • c)
    Kumara Gupta
  • d)
    Chandra Gupta II
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Dia Mehta answered
Kalidas was one of the "ninegems" at the court of a king named Vikramaditya, generally identified with the great Gupta ruler, Chandragupta II.

The famous Kailasanath Temple at Kanchi was built by -
  • a)
    Mahendravarman I
  • b)
    Narasimhavarman II
  • c)
    Nandivarman II
  • d)
    Dantivarman
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
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.

"Harsha Charita" was written by -
  • a)
    Kalidasa
  • b)
    Banabhatta
  • c)
    Valmiki
  • d)
    Vyasa
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Nandini iyer answered
Overview of "Harsha Charita"
"Harsha Charita" was written by the famous Indian Sanskrit poet Banabhatta. It is a biography of Emperor Harsha Vardhana, who ruled over North India from 606 to 647 AD. The epic poem is considered one of the greatest literary works of ancient India and provides valuable insights into the life and times of Emperor Harsha.

Author of "Harsha Charita"
- Banabhatta is the author of "Harsha Charita."
- He was a renowned Sanskrit writer and poet who lived during the 7th century AD.
- Banabhatta was a prominent figure in the court of Emperor Harsha and served as his court poet.

Significance of "Harsha Charita"
- "Harsha Charita" is an important literary work that provides a detailed account of Emperor Harsha's reign.
- The epic poem offers a glimpse into the political, social, and cultural aspects of ancient India during the rule of Emperor Harsha.
- It is also a valuable source of information about the Gupta Empire and the post-Gupta period in Indian history.

Themes in "Harsha Charita"
- The epic poem explores themes such as power, kingship, love, and loss.
- It depicts the life of Emperor Harsha, his achievements, struggles, and personal relationships.
- Banabhatta's poetic narrative weaves together historical events and mythological elements to create a compelling story.
In conclusion, "Harsha Charita" by Banabhatta is a significant work of literature that sheds light on the life and reign of Emperor Harsha Vardhana. It remains a timeless classic in Indian literature and continues to be studied and appreciated for its rich storytelling and historical insights.

Identify the Buddhist Literature from the following -
  • a)
    Tripitakas
  • b)
    Upanishads
  • c)
    Angas
  • d)
    Aranyakas
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
Tripitaka is a traditional term used by various Buddhist sects to describe their various canons of scriptures. As the name suggests, a Tripitaka traditionally contains three "baskets" of teachings: a Sutra Pitaka, a Vinaya Pitaka and an Abhidharma Pitaka. Tripitaka is the three main categories of texts that make up the Buddhist canon.

Lord Mahavira died at -
  • a)
    Saravana Belagola
  • b)
    Lumbini Garden
  • c)
    Kalugumalai
  • d)
    Pavapuri
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
Pawapuri is a holy site for Jains located in the Nalanda district in Bihar. Around 500 BC, Lord Mahavira, the last of the 24 Tirthankaras achieved Moksha or Nirvana. He was cremated at Pawapuri, also known as Apapuri (the sinless town).

The language used to write source materials in ancient time was -
  • a)
    Sanskrit
  • b)
    Pali
  • c)
    Brahmi
  • d)
    Kharosthi
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
Pali is a Middle Indo-Aryan language (of Prakrit group) of the Indian subcontinent. It is best known as the language of many of the earliest extant Buddhist scriptures, as collected in the Pali Canon or Tipitaka, and as the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism. T. W. Rhys Davids in his book Buddhist India and Wilhelm Geiger in his book Pali Literature and Language suggested that Pali may have originated as a form of lingua franca or common language of culture among people who used differing dialects if North India.

The original founder of the Manuscripts and Editor of Kautilya's Athashastra was -
  • a)
    Srikanta Shastri
  • b)
    Srinivasa lyangar
  • c)
    R. Shamashastry
  • d)
    William Jones
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Snehal joshi answered
The original founder of the Manuscripts and Editor of Kautilya's Arthashastra was R. Shamashastry.

R. Shamashastry:
R. Shamashastry was an Indian scholar and a renowned expert in Sanskrit. He was born in 1868 in the Mysore district of Karnataka. He was a student of the Maharaja's College in Mysore and later studied at the University of Madras. He was a prolific writer and editor of Sanskrit texts.

Editor of Kautilya's Arthashastra:
Kautilya's Arthashastra is an ancient Indian text on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. It was written by Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, who was a prime minister in the Maurya Empire. The text consists of 15 books and over 6,000 verses.

R. Shamashastry was the editor of the Kautilya Arthashastra. He discovered the manuscript of the Arthashastra in 1904 in a library in Mysore. He edited and translated the text into English, which was published in 1915. His edition of the Arthashastra is considered to be the most authoritative and widely used edition of the text.

Conclusion:
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option 'C', R. Shamashastry.

Who was the author of the Kadambari, a great romantic play?
  • a)
    Banabhatta
  • b)
    Harshavardhana
  • c)
    Baskaravardhana
  • d)
    Bindusara
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Dia Mehta answered
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.

The first grammarian of the Sanskrit language was -
  • a)
    Kalhana
  • b)
    Maitreyi
  • c)
    Kalidasa
  • d)
    Panini
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
Panini was a Sanskrit grammarian from Pushka lavati, Gandhara. He is known for his Sanskrit grammar, particularly for his formulation of the 3,959 rules of Sanskrit morphology, syntax and semantics in the grammar known as Ashtadhyayi (meaning"eight chapters").

What was Chandragupta II also known as?
  • a)
    Samudra Gupta
  • b)
    Skanda Gupta
  • c)
    Vikramaditya
  • d)
    Ranaa Gupta​
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
Chandragupta II was the third ruler of the Gupta Empire of India who took the epithet of Vikramaditya 4th century CE Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, credits Chandragupta Vikramaditya with having conquered about twenty one kingdoms, both in and outside India.The title Vikramaditya' was later used by 16thcentury Hindu king Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya as well.

The people of the Indus Valley Civilization usually built their houses of -
  • a)
    Pucca bricks
  • b)
    Stone
  • c)
    Wood
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Dia Mehta answered
The Indus Valley Civilization, marked by its remarkable level of urbanization despite being a Bronze Age culture, is noted for its cities built of brick, road side drainage system, and multistoried houses. Houses were one or two stories high, made of baked brick, with flat roofs, and were just about identical. Each was built around a courtyard, with
windows overlooking the courtyard. The outside walls had no windows. Each home had its own private drinking well and its own private bathroom.

Who was the Chola king who brought Ganga from North to South?
  • a)
    Raja Raja Chola
  • b)
    Mahendra
  • c)
    Rajendra Chola
  • d)
    Parantaka
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
Rajendra Chola I extended the influences of the already vast Chola Empire upto the banks of the river Ganges in the north and across the ocean. Rajendra's territories extended coastal Burma, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Maldives conquered the kings of Srivijaya (Sumatra, Java and Malay Peninsula in South East Asia) and Pegu islands with his fleet of ships. He defeated Mahipala, thePalaking of Bengal and Bihar, and to commemorate his victory he built a new capital called Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

What is Milindapanho'?-
  • a)
    A Buddhist place
  • b)
    One of the names of Buddha
  • c)
    A Buddhist Specimen of Art
  • d)
    A Buddhist text
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
The Milinda Panha (Questions of Milinda) is a Buddhist text which dates from approximately 100 BC. It purports to record a dialogue in which the Indo-Greek king Menander I of Bactria, who reigned in the 2nd century BC, poses questions on Buddhism to thesage Nagasena.

In Tamil literature the glorious books 'Shilppadikaram and Manimekhalai' are related to -
  • a)
    Jainism
  • b)
    Buddhism
  • c)
    Hindusim
  • d)
    Christianity
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Dia Mehta answered
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).

Who started the Saka Era and when?
  • a)
    Kadphises in 58 BC
  • b)
    Rudradaman I in AD 78
  • c)
    Vikramaditya in 58 BC
  • d)
    Kanishka in AD 78
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
Most of what is known about Kanishka derives from Chinese sources, particularly Buddhist writings When Kanishka came to the throne is uncertain. His accession has been estimated as occurring between his reigns is believed to have lasted 23 years. The year 78 marks the beginning of the Saka era, a system of dating that Kanishka might have initiated.

Worship of Mother Goddess was associated with -
  • a)
    Aryan Civilization
  • b)
    Mediterranean Civilization
  • c)
    Indus Valley Civilization
  • d)
    Later Vedic Civilization
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Dia Mehta answered
In view of the large number of figurines found in the Indus valley, some scholars believe that the Harappan people worshipped a Mother goddess symbolizing fertility, a common practice among rural Hindus even today.

The site of birth [nativityl of Gautam Buddha is marked by oy:
  • a)
    a monastery
  • b)
    a "Rummindei Pillar" of Ashok Maurya
  • c)
    a statue
  • d)
    a Peepal Tree
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is marked by a commemorative pillar erected by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka of India during his pilgrimage to the holy site in 249 BC. The inscription on the Ashoka Pillar indentifies the Sacred Garden spread over 9 sq. km -as the spot where the Enlightened One was born. Lumbini was known as Rummindei in Asoka's time.

During which Gupta King's reign did the Chinese traveler Fa-hien visit India?
  • a)
    Chandra Gupta I
  • b)
    Samudra Gupta
  • c)
    Chandra Gupta II
  • d)
    Kumara Gupta
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
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.

The capital of Kanishka was:
  • a)
    Purushapura
  • b)
    Benares
  • c)
    Allahabad
  • d)
    Sarnath
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Dia Mehta answered
The Kushan king Kanishka, who reigned from at least 127 AD, moved the capital from Pushkalavati (now called Charsadda in the Peshawar valley) to Purushapura (Peshawar) in the 2nd century AD. Following this move by the Kushans, Peshawar became agreat center of Buddhist learning even though Zoro astrianism, Hindusim and animism seem to have survived in the majority population.

With whom is 'Junagarh Rock Inscription' associated?
  • a)
    Rudradaman
  • b)
    Bimbisara
  • c)
    Chandragupta IIPaladini
  • d)
    Gautamiputra Satakarni
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Dia Mehta answered
The Junagadh rock inscription, found in Junagadh was carved under the orders of King Rudradaman who had obtained the title of Mahakshatrapa. He was the grandson of the famous Mahakshatrapa Chastana and was a Saka ruler from the Western Kshatrapa dynasty. The inscription is a chronicle about the rebuilding of a dam named Urjayat around the lake Sudarshana. The dam lay in the region of Saurashtra and the closest town appears to have been a place called Girinagar. It was fed by the rivers Suvarnasikata and Palasini, along with other smaller streams. The dam was originally built by Vaishya Pushyagupta who was the governor of the region under Chandragupta Maurya. Conduits from the dam were later built under orders of his grandson; Emperor Asoka.

Out of the following remains excavated in Indus Valley, which one indicates the commercial and economic development?
  • a)
    The Pottery
  • b)
    Seals
  • c)
    The boats
  • d)
    The houses
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
The seals of the Indus Valley Civilization have beern of the major sources for information about the period. Apart from giving plethora of information about the social and religious life of the period, they give insight into the economic activities. The economy of the Indus civilization was based on a highly organized agriculture, supplemented by an active commerce, probably connected to that of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia. Trade amongst the civilizations is suggested by the finding of hundreds of small seals, supposedly produced by the Indus peoples, at the excavation sites of ancient Mesopotamian cities that were existent around the same time. Some of the seals mention the rulers of different countries.

The capital of Pallavas was -
  • a)
    Arcot
  • b)
    Kanchi
  • c)
    Malkhed
  • d)
    Banavasi
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Dia Mehta answered
Located on the banks of river Vegavathy, Kanchipuram served as the capital city of the Pallava Kingdom during the 4th to 9th century A.D.

Which one of the following is not a sect of Buddhism?
  • a)
    Mahayana
  • b)
    Hinayana
  • c)
    Digambar
  • d)
    Theravad
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
Digambara "sky-clad" is one of the two main sects of Jainism, the other being Svetambara. Generally Digambara monks wear no clothes whereas Svetam Bara "white-clad" monks usually wear white clothes.

Who composed the Allahabad Pillar Inscription?
  • a)
    Harisena
  • b)
    Mahasena
  • c)
    Veerasena
  • d)
    Vishnusena
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
The Allahabad Pillar inscription or Allahabad Prasasti is one of the most important epigraphic evidences of the imperialGuptas. It was composed by Harisena, the courtpoet and minister of Samudragupta. It delineatesa vivid description of the reign and conquests of Samudragupta.

The Indus people knew the use of Weights and Measures, which is proved by the discovery of the seal at -
  • a)
    Kalibangan
  • b)
    Harappa
  • c)
    Chanhudaro
  • d)
    Lothal
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
The people of the Indus Civilization achieved great accuracy in measuring length, mass, and time. They were among the first to develop a system of uniform weights and measures. Their smallest division, which is marked on an ivory scale found in Lothal, was approximately 1.704 mm, the smallest division ever recorded on a scale of the Bronze Age.

Tripitaka' is the religious book of -
  • a)
    Jains
  • b)
    Sikhs
  • c)
    Buddhists
  • d)
    Hindus
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
Tripitaka is the three main categories of texts that make up the Buddhist canon. As the name suggests a Tripitaka traditionally contains three "baskets" of teachings: a Sutra Pitaka, a Vinaya Pitaka and an Abhidharma Pitaka.

The Social System of the Harappans was:
  • a)
    Fairly egalitarian
  • b)
    Slave-Labour based
  • c)
    Colour (Varna) based
  • d)
    Caste based
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
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.

Varahamihira is an/a -
  • a)
    Astronomer
  • b)
    Astronaut
  • c)
    Space Shuttle
  • d)
    Power Station
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Anaya Patel answered
Varahamihira (400 AD) was Indian astronomer mathematician and philosopher. He was one of the nine gems in the court of Gupta ruler Chandragupta Vikramaditya.

Which one of the following tribal assemblies was normally involved in the election of the tribal chief?
  • a)
    Samiti
  • b)
    Gana
  • c)
    Sabha
  • d)
    Vidata
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
Several tribal assemblies, such as sabha, samiti vidatha, and gana mentioned in the Rig Veda exercised deliberative, military and religious functions. But from the political point of view important were the sabha and Samiti. We have also some traces of the election of tribal chiefs by the tribal assembly called the samiti.

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
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

The Early Vedic Age refers to the period of ancient India from around 1500 BCE to 1000 BCE. During this time, the Vedas were composed and the civilization of the Vedic people flourished. The Vedas are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism and provide a wealth of information about the culture, religion, and society of ancient India.

Rig-veda:

The Rig-veda is the oldest and most important of the Vedas. It consists of hymns and prayers addressed to various gods and goddesses, and provides information about the religious beliefs and practices of the Vedic people. The Rig-veda also contains descriptions of the geography of ancient India, as well as references to social and political institutions.

Yajur-veda:

The Yajur-veda is a collection of hymns and ritual formulas used in Vedic ceremonies. It provides information about the rituals and sacrifices performed by the Vedic people, as well as their beliefs about the afterlife.

Atharva-veda:

The Atharva-veda is a collection of hymns and spells used for healing, protection, and other practical purposes. It provides information about the medical practices and beliefs of the Vedic people.

Sama-veda:

The Sama-veda is a collection of chants and songs used in Vedic ceremonies. It provides information about the musical traditions of the Vedic people.

Conclusion:

While all of the Vedas provide information about the culture and society of ancient India, the Rig-veda is particularly important for understanding the civilization of the Early Vedic Age. It contains the oldest and most comprehensive descriptions of Vedic religion, society, and geography, and is therefore the most valuable source of information about this period of history.

The university which became famous in the post-Gupta Era was:
  • a)
    Kanchi
  • b)
    Taxila
  • c)
    Nalanda
  • d)
    Vallabhi
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Nalanda University in Post-Gupta Era

Nalanda University is one of the oldest universities in the world and was established in the 5th century CE in Bihar, India. It became famous during the post-Gupta Era, which was a period of great intellectual and cultural development in India.

Reasons for its Fame

There were several reasons for Nalanda University's fame during the post-Gupta Era, some of which are mentioned below:

1. Curriculum: The university had a comprehensive curriculum that covered a wide range of subjects such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, logic, philosophy, grammar, and literature. The curriculum was designed to provide students with a well-rounded education and prepare them for a range of professions.

2. Teachers: The university had some of the most renowned teachers of the time, who were experts in their respective fields. These teachers attracted students from all over India and even from other countries such as China, Tibet, and Korea.

3. Infrastructure: The university had a sprawling campus that housed several buildings, including lecture halls, libraries, dormitories, and meditation halls. The campus was spread over an area of 14 hectares and had several gardens, ponds, and parks.

4. International Reputation: The university had a reputation for excellence that extended beyond India's borders. It was regarded as one of the premier centers of learning in the world and attracted students and scholars from several countries.

Conclusion

Nalanda University's fame in the post-Gupta Era was due to its comprehensive curriculum, renowned teachers, excellent infrastructure, and international reputation. The university played an important role in the intellectual and cultural development of India and the world.

Which of the following dynasties conquered Sri Lanka and South East Asian countries?
  • a)
    The Pandyas
  • b)
    The Chalukyas
  • c)
    The Cholas
  • d)
    The Rashtrakutas
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
The Chola navy played a vital role in the expan of the Chola Empire, including the conquest of the Ceylon islands and Sri Vijaya (present day Indonsia), the spread of Hinduism, Dravidian architecture and Dravidian culture to Southeast Asia and in curbing the piracy in Southeast Asia in the 900 CE. Inscriptions and historical sources assert that the Medieval Chola king Rajendra Chola I sent a naval expetion to Indo-China, the Malay peninsula and the Indonesian archipelago in 1025 in order to subdue the Srivijaya Empire.

Which of the following does not have a Stupa?
  • a)
    Ranchi
  • b)
    Sanchi
  • c)
    Barhut
  • d)
    Dhamek
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

Stupa is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the ashes or bones of Buddhist monks, used as a place of meditation. It is a symbol of the Buddhist religion and is found in various parts of India.

The correct answer is option 'A' which is Ranchi. Ranchi does not have a Stupa.

Let's understand why the other options have a Stupa:

a) Sanchi: Sanchi is a small village located in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for the Great Stupa which is the oldest stone structure in India. The Stupa was built in the 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka and is considered to be one of the most important Buddhist monuments in India.

b) Barhut: Barhut is a small village located in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for the Barhut Stupa which is one of the oldest surviving Buddhist stupas in India. It was built in the 2nd century BCE and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Buddhist art in India.

c) Dhamek: Dhamek is a small village located in Uttar Pradesh. It is famous for the Dhamek Stupa which is a massive stupa built in the 6th century CE. The Stupa is located near the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Ranchi does not have a Stupa, while Sanchi, Barhut, and Dhamek are famous for their stupas.

Where is 'Brihadeshwar Temple' situated?
  • a)
    Kanchi
  • b)
    Madurai
  • c)
    Shri Shailan
  • d)
    Tanjore
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Nikhila desai answered
Introduction:
Brihadeshwar Temple, also known as the Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated in the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India.

History:
The temple was built by King Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century AD. It was completed in 1010 AD and is considered as one of the greatest architectural marvels of that time. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is known for its grandeur and intricate carvings.

Architecture:
The temple is built on a massive granite base and has a height of 66 meters. The main sanctum of the temple houses a huge lingam, which is 3.7 meters tall. The inner walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful paintings and carvings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple also has a huge statue of Nandi, the bull, which is carved out of a single stone and is 6 meters tall.

UNESCO World Heritage Site:
In 1987, Brihadeshwar Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered as one of the finest examples of South Indian temple architecture and is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Conclusion:
Brihadeshwar Temple is a magnificent example of the rich cultural heritage of India. Its intricate carvings, beautiful paintings, and grand architecture are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans of that time. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian culture and history.

'Mohan-jo-daro' in Sindhi means -
  • a)
    The city of evil spirits
  • b)
    The food of Pashupathi
  • c)
    The land of Shiva
  • d)
    The mound of the dead
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Khanna answered
Mohen jodaro is interpreted as "Mound of the Dead Men" in Sindhi, and as"Mound of Mohan" (where Mohan is Krishna).The city's original name is unknowrn Mohenjodaro is located west of the Indus River inLarkana District, Sindh, Pakistan.

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