Ancient Indian history MCQ with Answers । Part 3

51. Which ancient Indian text is a comprehensive guide on performing sacrifices (yajnas) and rituals?

a) Rigveda

b) Yajurveda

c) Samaveda

d) Atharvaveda

Answer: b) Yajurveda

Explanation: The Yajurveda is one of the four Vedas and is primarily concerned with the correct performance of rituals and sacrifices (yajnas). It provides instructions for the priests on how to conduct rituals.

52. The term "Upanishad" refers to what kind of ancient Indian literature?

a) Stories of kings

b) Philosophical texts

c) Medical treatises

d) Astronomical calculations

Answer: b) Philosophical texts

Explanation: The Upanishads are ancient Indian philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality, the self, and the concept of Brahman. They are considered the concluding part of the Vedic literature and focus on spiritual knowledge.

53. Who among the following is regarded as the founder of the Mauryan Empire?

a) Ashoka

b) Bindusara

c) Chandragupta Maurya

d) Brihadratha

Answer: c) Chandragupta Maurya

Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya, with the guidance of his mentor Chanakya, founded the Mauryan Empire in 321 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty. He is credited with unifying much of the Indian subcontinent under his rule.

54. Which Buddhist text is a collection of stories about the previous lives of Gautama Buddha?

a) Vinaya Pitaka

b) Sutta Pitaka

c) Abhidhamma Pitaka

d) Jataka Tales

Answer: d) Jataka Tales

Explanation: The Jataka Tales are a collection of stories about the previous lives of Gautama Buddha, depicting various incarnations in both human and animal forms. These stories illustrate moral lessons and virtues that the Buddha exemplified in his past lives.

55. The "Ashvamedha" sacrifice was performed by ancient Indian kings to symbolize what?

a) The fertility of the land

b) Victory in battle

c) Sovereignty over territory

d) Religious purification

Answer: c) Sovereignty over territory

Explanation: The Ashvamedha was an ancient Vedic ritual performed by kings to demonstrate their sovereignty and authority over vast territories. In this ritual, a horse was set free to wander, and the territories it covered were claimed by the king performing the sacrifice.

56. The Gupta Empire is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of India. This period is known for advancements in which field?

a) Architecture

b) Science and mathematics

c) Literature and art

d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation: The Gupta Empire (320–550 CE) is considered the "Golden Age" of India due to remarkable achievements in various fields, including science, mathematics (with the invention of zero), art, literature, and architecture. Scholars like Kalidasa and Aryabhata flourished during this era.

57. Which ancient Indian king was known for his religious tolerance and the promotion of both Jainism and Buddhism?

a) Ashoka

b) Kharavela

c) Harshavardhana

d) Bindusara

Answer: b) Kharavela

Explanation: Kharavela, the ruler of Kalinga in the 1st century BCE, is known for his patronage of both Jainism and Buddhism. His achievements and religious tolerance are recorded in the Hathigumpha inscription near Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

58. Which ancient Indian mathematician is known for his work in algebra and is credited with introducing the concept of "negative numbers"?

a) Aryabhata

b) Bhaskaracharya

c) Brahmagupta

d) Varahamihira

Answer: c) Brahmagupta

Explanation: Brahmagupta, a 7th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer, is credited with introducing the concept of "negative numbers" and developing rules for arithmetic operations involving them in his work ‘Brahmasphutasiddhanta.’

59. The famous ruler Harshavardhana ruled over which part of India during the 7th century?

a) Northern India

b) Southern India

c) Western India

d) Eastern India

Answer: a) Northern India

Explanation: Harshavardhana ruled over a vast kingdom in northern India during the early 7th century. His empire extended from the Punjab to Bengal, and he is known for his administrative reforms and support for Buddhism.

60. Which ruler built the famous rock-cut caves of Ajanta, which are primarily associated with Buddhist art and culture?

a) Chandragupta II

b) Ashoka

c) Harsha

d) Vakataka rulers

Answer: d) Vakataka rulers

Explanation: The Ajanta caves, famous for their exquisite Buddhist art and murals, were primarily built and sponsored by the Vakataka rulers, particularly under King Harishena. These caves date back to the 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE.

61. The term ‘Matrikas,’ associated with ancient Indian art, refers to what?

a) Weapons used in warfare

b) Temples dedicated to goddesses

c) Group of mother goddesses

d) Ancient scriptures

Answer: c) Group of mother goddesses

Explanation: The Matrikas are a group of mother goddesses in Hinduism, typically depicted in ancient Indian art. They are considered powerful female deities, often associated with warrior gods like Shiva and Skanda.

62. Who among the following was a famous scholar in the court of Vikramaditya (Chandragupta II) and wrote the play ‘Abhijnanashakuntalam’?

a) Bhasa

b) Bhavabhuti

c) Kalidasa

d) Banabhatta

Answer: c) Kalidasa

Explanation: Kalidasa, one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists, wrote the famous play ‘Abhijnanashakuntalam’ during the reign of Chandragupta II (also known as Vikramaditya) of the Gupta Empire.

63. Which early Indian ruler is credited with the spread of Buddhism to Sri Lanka?

a) Chandragupta Maurya

b) Ashoka

c) Kanishka

d) Harshavardhana

Answer: b) Ashoka

Explanation: Emperor Ashoka is credited with spreading Buddhism to various parts of Asia, including Sri Lanka. He sent his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to propagate the teachings of the Buddha.

64. Who among the following was the author of the ancient Indian legal text known as ‘Manusmriti’?

a) Kautilya

b) Manu

c) Yajnavalkya

d) Brihaspati

Answer: b) Manu

Explanation: The ‘Manusmriti,’ also known as the ‘Laws of Manu,’ is an ancient Indian legal text attributed to the sage Manu. It contains guidelines on social behavior, law, and ethics and forms the basis for many legal systems in ancient India.

65. The "Prayaga Prashasti" or Allahabad Pillar Inscription was composed by which court poet?

a) Banabhatta

b) Harisena

c) Kalidasa

d) Vishakhadatta

Answer: b) Harisena

Explanation: The Prayaga Prashasti or Allahabad Pillar Inscription was composed by Harisena, the court poet of Samudragupta. It glorifies the military conquests and achievements of Samudragupta, the second ruler of the Gupta Empire.

66. Which ancient Indian work is considered the earliest example of a legal code?

a) Arthashastra

b) Manusmriti

c) Ramayana

d) Mahabharata

Answer: b) Manusmriti

Explanation: The Manusmriti is considered one of the earliest legal texts in Indian history. It covers various aspects of life, including personal conduct, law, and the duties of the various classes in society.

67. Which dynasty is known for its development of the Dravidian style of temple architecture, particularly seen in the Brihadeeswarar Temple?

a) Maurya

b) Chola

c) Gupta

d) Satavahana

Answer: b) Chola

Explanation: The Chola dynasty is known for its contributions to the Dravidian style of temple architecture, as seen in the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur. This temple is one of the finest examples of South Indian architecture.

68. The famous university of Nalanda, which attracted students from all over Asia, was located in which present-day Indian state?

a) Uttar Pradesh

b) Bihar

c) Madhya Pradesh

d) Rajasthan

Answer: b) Bihar

Explanation: The ancient university of Nalanda, which flourished from the 5th to the 12th century CE, was located in present-day Bihar. It was a major center for learning and attracted students and scholars from across Asia, particularly in Buddhist studies.

69. Who was the founder of the Kanva dynasty, which succeeded the Shunga dynasty?

a) Vasudeva

b) Pushyamitra

c) Simuka

d) Rudradaman I

Answer: a) Vasudeva

Explanation: Vasudeva was the founder of the Kanva dynasty, which succeeded the Shunga dynasty around 73 BCE. The Kanvas ruled parts of central India until the rise of the Satavahanas. 

70. Which ancient Indian ruler sent an embassy to the Roman emperor Augustus, establishing diplomatic relations with the Roman Empire?

a) Ashoka

b) Chandragupta Maurya

c) Chandragupta II

d) Harshavardhana

Answer: c) Chandragupta II

Explanation: Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, sent an embassy to the Roman Emperor Augustus, establishing diplomatic and trade relations between India and the Roman Empire. This exchange facilitated trade through the Silk Road and maritime routes.

71. Which ancient Indian king is known for his promotion of Jainism and renunciation of his kingdom?

a) Chandragupta Maurya

b) Ashoka

c) Harshavardhana

d) Kanishka

Answer: a) Chandragupta Maurya

Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya, after ruling for several years, renounced his throne and adopted Jainism. According to Jain tradition, he migrated to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, where he fasted until death, following the Jain practice of Sallekhana.

72. The Kushan ruler Kanishka is associated with the founding of which era?

a) Vikrama Era

b) Shaka Era

c) Gupta Era

d) Saka-Kushan Era

Answer: b) Shaka Era

Explanation: Kanishka, the most famous ruler of the Kushan dynasty, is associated with the initiation of the Shaka Era, starting from 78 CE. This era is still used as a calendar system in India.

73. Which ancient Indian text is regarded as the earliest text of Indian medicine, outlining treatments, diagnoses, and surgery?

a) Sushruta Samhita

b) Charaka Samhita

c) Ashtanga Hridaya

d) Brihaddeshi

Answer: a) Sushruta Samhita

Explanation: The ‘Sushruta Samhita,’ attributed to the ancient Indian physician Sushruta, is one of the earliest texts on surgery and medicine. It details surgical techniques, medical treatments, and diagnoses.

74. Which dynasty is credited with the construction of the famous Sun Temple at Konark?

a) Gupta

b) Ganga

c) Pallava

d) Chalukya

Answer: b) Ganga

Explanation: The Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 13th century CE. The temple is known for its architectural grandeur and is dedicated to the sun god Surya.

75. The earliest evidence of agriculture in the Indian subcontinent has been found at which site?

a) Harappa

b) Mohenjo-Daro

c) Mehrgarh

d) Lothal

Answer: c) Mehrgarh

Explanation: Mehrgarh, located in present-day Pakistan, provides the earliest evidence of agriculture in the Indian subcontinent, dating back to around 7000 BCE. It is one of the earliest Neolithic sites in South Asia, with evidence of farming and animal domestication.