Ancient Indian history MCQ with Answers । Part 4

76. Who was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty?

a) Gautamiputra Satakarni

b) Simuka

c) Hala

d) Pulumavi

Answer: b) Simuka

Explanation: Simuka is considered the founder of the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled large parts of central and southern India after the decline of the Mauryan Empire. The Satavahanas are known for their contributions to Indian culture and trade.

77. The ancient city of Pataliputra was situated on the banks of which river?

a) Ganges

b) Yamuna

c) Godavari

d) Brahmaputra

Answer: a) Ganges

Explanation: Pataliputra, the capital of several ancient Indian empires including the Maurya and Gupta dynasties, was located on the banks of the Ganges River. Today, it is known as Patna, the capital of Bihar.

78. Which ancient Indian ruler is known for convening the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir?

a) Ashoka

b) Harsha

c) Kanishka

d) Samudragupta

Answer: c) Kanishka

Explanation: The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened by Kanishka in Kashmir around the 1st century CE. It is significant for the codification of Buddhist scriptures and the division of Buddhism into the Mahayana and Hinayana sects.

79. Which ancient Indian port was a major center of trade during the Harappan Civilization?

a) Harappa

b) Kalibangan

c) Lothal

d) Rakhigarhi

Answer: c) Lothal

Explanation: Lothal, located in present-day Gujarat, was a prominent port city during the Harappan Civilization. It had a well-constructed dockyard and was a major center for trade with distant regions, including Mesopotamia.

80. The ancient text ‘Mudrarakshasa’ is a political drama that describes the rise of which Indian dynasty?

a) Gupta Dynasty

b) Maurya Dynasty

c) Satavahana Dynasty

d) Pallava Dynasty

Answer: b) Maurya Dynasty

Explanation: ‘Mudrarakshasa,’ written by Vishakhadatta, is a political drama that depicts the rise of the Maurya dynasty and the role of Chanakya in the establishment of Chandragupta Maurya’s empire. The text highlights the intrigue and diplomacy involved in the formation of the Maurya rule.

81. Which of the following was a key feature of the Gandhara School of Art?

a) Use of bronze in sculptures

b) Fusion of Greek and Indian styles

c) Focus on Jain art

d) Use of wood as the primary material

Answer: b) Fusion of Greek and Indian styles

Explanation: The Gandhara School of Art, which flourished during the Kushan Empire, was known for blending Greek artistic elements with Indian themes. This fusion is evident in the depiction of Buddhist subjects in Greek-style sculptures.

82. The capital of the Mauryan Empire under Emperor Ashoka was located in which city?

a) Ujjain

b) Pataliputra

c) Taxila

d) Rajgir

Answer: b) Pataliputra

Explanation: Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) served as the capital of the Mauryan Empire, especially under Ashoka. It was a major political and administrative center during his reign.

83. The famous "Sanchi Stupa" was built by which emperor?

a) Chandragupta Maurya

b) Ashoka

c) Harshavardhana

d) Samudragupta

Answer: b) Ashoka

Explanation: The Sanchi Stupa, located in Madhya Pradesh, was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India and a major symbol of early Buddhist architecture.

84. The Harappan Civilization is primarily located in which present-day country?

a) India

b) Pakistan

c) Afghanistan

d) Bangladesh

Answer: b) Pakistan

Explanation: The majority of the major sites of the Harappan Civilization, such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, are located in present-day Pakistan. This ancient civilization flourished around 2600–1900 BCE in the Indus Valley region.

85. Which of the following is the earliest text of Indian astrology?

a) Brihat Samhita

b) Surya Siddhanta

c) Panchasiddhantika

d) Aryabhatiya

Answer: b) Surya Siddhanta

Explanation: The ‘Surya Siddhanta’ is one of the earliest known texts on Indian astronomy and astrology. It contains detailed information on planetary motions, eclipses, and cosmology and has been an important text in Indian astronomical traditions.

86. Which ancient Indian text is attributed to the sage Patanjali and focuses on the system of Yoga?

a) Bhagavad Gita

b) Yoga Sutras

c) Arthashastra

d) Mahabharata

Answer: b) Yoga Sutras

Explanation: The ‘Yoga Sutras,’ written by the sage Patanjali, is a foundational text in the philosophy of Yoga. It outlines the eightfold path of yoga practice, which includes ethical guidelines, physical postures, and meditation techniques.

87. Who was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty, defeated by Chandragupta Maurya?

a) Mahapadma Nanda

b) Dhanananda

c) Shishunaga

d) Bindusara

Answer: b) Dhanananda

Explanation: Dhanananda was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty. He was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya with the help of his mentor, Chanakya, which led to the establishment of the Maurya Empire.

88. Which ancient Indian city was renowned for its university that attracted scholars from all over Asia and specialized in Buddhist studies?

a) Nalanda

b) Takshashila

c) Ujjain

d) Varanasi

Answer: a) Nalanda

Explanation: Nalanda University, located in present-day Bihar, was a renowned center of learning that attracted scholars from as far as China, Tibet, Korea, and Central Asia. It was famous for its Buddhist studies but also taught other subjects such as logic, grammar, and medicine.

89. Who was the author of the famous ancient Indian treatise on statecraft and military strategy, the "Arthashastra"?

a) Kalidasa

b) Patanjali

c) Chanakya

d) Manu

Answer: c) Chanakya

Explanation: The ‘Arthashastra’ is attributed to Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta), who was the chief advisor to Chandragupta Maurya. The text provides detailed instructions on governance, economics, military strategy, and statecraft.

90. Which ancient Indian work deals with the theme of ethics and is one of the Smritis?

a) Vedas

b) Upanishads

c) Ramayana

d) Manusmriti

Answer: d) Manusmriti

Explanation: The ‘Manusmriti,’ or Laws of Manu, is one of the most important ancient texts dealing with ethics, law, and social conduct in ancient Indian society. It is classified as a Smriti, which means "that which is remembered" and is part of the Hindu Dharmashastra tradition.

91. The Rigveda is divided into how many Mandalas (books)?

a) 8

b) 10

c) 12

d) 15

Answer: b) 10

Explanation: The Rigveda, the oldest of the Vedic texts, is divided into 10 books or Mandalas. It contains hymns composed in praise of various deities, primarily associated with natural forces.

92. Which of the following is an ancient Indian text on performing arts, including dance, music, and theater?

a) Natya Shastra

b) Arthashastra

c) Sushruta Samhita

d) Brihat Samhita

Answer: a) Natya Shastra

Explanation: The ‘Natya Shastra,’ written by the sage Bharata, is an ancient Indian treatise on performing arts. It covers the theory and practice of classical dance, music, and theater and is considered the foundational text of Indian classical art forms.

93. The term ‘Aryavarta’ in ancient Indian geography referred to which region?

a) Southern India

b) Himalayan region

c) The region between the Himalayas and the Vindhyas

d) Western coast of India

Answer: c) The region between the Himalayas and the Vindhyas

Explanation: In ancient Indian texts, ‘Aryavarta’ referred to the region between the Himalayas to the north and the Vindhya mountains to the south. It was considered the land of the Aryans and was the cultural and political heartland of ancient India.

94. Which Gupta ruler was known as the “Napoleon of India” for his military conquests?

a) Chandragupta I

b) Samudragupta

c) Chandragupta II

d) Skandagupta

Answer: b) Samudragupta

Explanation: Samudragupta, the second ruler of the Gupta Empire, was known for his extensive military campaigns and conquests across India. He is often referred to as the “Napoleon of India” for his brilliant military strategies and territorial expansion.

95. Which of the following is considered the last great work of the classical Sanskrit literature period?

a) Raghuvamsa

b) Mudrarakshasa

c) Shakuntala

d) Kadambari

Answer: d) Kadambari

Explanation: ‘Kadambari,’ written by Banabhatta, is considered one of the last great works of classical Sanskrit literature. It is a prose romance that has influenced many later literary works in Indian tradition.

96. The Buddhist text ‘Tripitaka’ consists of how many sections?

a) 2

b) 3

c) 4

d) 5

Answer: b) 3

Explanation: The ‘Tripitaka,’ or the "Three Baskets," is the traditional term for the Buddhist scriptures. It is divided into three sections: the Vinaya Pitaka (rules for monastic discipline), the Sutta Pitaka (Buddha's teachings), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical and doctrinal analyses).

97. Which ancient Indian dynasty was known for constructing the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora?

a) Maurya

b) Gupta

c) Chalukya

d) Rashtrakuta

Answer: d) Rashtrakuta

Explanation: The Rashtrakuta dynasty, which ruled large parts of India between the 6th and 10th centuries, is known for constructing the rock-cut caves of Ellora, including the famous Kailasa Temple. The Ajanta caves were mainly built under the Satavahana and Vakataka dynasties, but the Rashtrakutas contributed to the development of the site.

98. The Jataka tales are stories about which religious figure?

a) Mahavira

b) Buddha

c) Krishna

d) Rama

Answer: b) Buddha

Explanation: The Jataka tales are stories about the previous lives of Gautama Buddha. They are an important part of Buddhist literature and convey moral lessons through the actions of the Buddha in various animal and human forms before his final birth as Siddhartha Gautama.

99. Which king of Kalinga was known for his naval power and maritime trade?

a) Ashoka

b) Kharavela

c) Samudragupta

d) Rajendra Chola

Answer: b) Kharavela

Explanation: Kharavela, the ruler of Kalinga (modern Odisha), is known for his naval strength and maritime trade relations. He expanded his kingdom and was also known for his patronage of Jainism. His achievements are recorded in the Hathigumpha inscription.

100. Which ancient Indian university was known for its expertise in Buddhist philosophy and attracted scholars from China, Korea, and other parts of Asia?

a) Nalanda

b) Takshashila

c) Vikramashila

d) Valabhi

Answer: a) Nalanda

Explanation: Nalanda University, established in the 5th century CE, was one of the greatest centers of learning in ancient India. It was particularly known for its expertise in Buddhist philosophy and attracted scholars from across Asia, including the famous Chinese traveler Xuanzang.