1 Flashcards

Question

The Harappan site “Manda” was situated on the banks of which river? (a) Chenab (b) Sutlej (c) Ravi (d) Indus

Answer 1

Ans. (a) : Indus Valley Civilization site Manda was situated on the right bank of Chenab river in the foothills of Pir Panjal range, northwest of Jammu. It was discovered by J.P. Joshi in 1982 AD.

Answer 2

Ans : (b) Mohenjodaro is the chief city of Indus Valley Civilization. It was discovered by Rakhaldas Banerjee in 1922. Its excavation was carried out under the direction of John Marshall, contemporary Director- General of the Archaeological Survey of India. The Great Granary was the largest building of Mohenjo- Daro. According to the archeologist Wheeler, it was the largest building whose length was 45.71 meters and width was 15.23 meters. It was used for storing grains.

Answer 3

Ans : (c) Lothal is situated at the bank of Bhogwa river (Gujarat). This is an important and largest port city of Harappan Culture or indus valley civilization. This site was excavated by Dr. S.R. Rao in 1955-62 AD. The evidence of Ship dock, Circular and Square Agnivedika, Marking of two-faced monster on rice and millet, Persian seals, Miniature of horse pottery and Couple graveyards have been found from this site. Lothal is thought to have direct sea trade links with Mesopotamia because an Iranian seal has been found from here.

Answer 4

Ans. (c) : See the explanation of above question.

Answer 5

Ans. (b) : See the explanation of above question.

Answer 6

Ans : (d) The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the major civilizations of the ancient river valley civilization of the world. In 1826 Charles Mason first discovered this old civilization and in 1921 Dayaram Sahni excavated Harappa for the first time. In this civilization, the rise of cities and the use of bronze were seen. Due to this very reason it is called the first urbanized and bronze civilization.

Answer 7

Ans : (b) Surkotada is an archaeological site located in Kutch district of Gujarat. Evidence of expansion and decline of Indus Valley Civilization has been found from this site. It was discovered and excavated by Shri J.P. Joshi in 1964. Important remains found from here are horse's bones and a unique tomb. Lothal and Surkotada were the Dockyards of the Indus Valley Civilization. After independence most sites of Harappan Culture have been discovered from the state of Gujarat.

Answer 8

Ans : (c) Mohenjodaro means 'Mounds of the Dead' in Sindhi language. It is located on the bank of the Indus River in Larkana district of Sindh. This site was firstly discovered by Rakhaldas Banerjee in 1922 AD.

Answer 9

Ans. (a) The first astronomical observatory of the Harappan Civilization was found at Dholavira. Dholavira is located in the region of the Gulf of Kutch in the state of Gujarat. In 1967-68 AD J.P. Joshi got excavated the sight of Dholavira.

Answer 10

Ans. (c) : The period of Indus Valley Civilization is believed to be 2500 BC. Evidence of two ancient cities was found after excavation in the Indus Valley are :- 1. Harappa - It was discovered under the leadership of Dayaram Sahni in 1921 AD. 2. Mohenjodaro - It was discovered under the leadership of Rakhaldas Banerjee in 1922 AD. It is located in Larkana of Sindh province (in Pakistan).

Answer 11

Ans. (c) : Ropar, modern Rupnagar, is the historical site of Indus Valley Civilization which is situated on the banks of river Sutlej in Punjab. From here earthen pots, copper rings, bronze celtus terracotta cakes, stamps, burial of dogs with humans and copper axes have been the main evidence. All the remaining sites are situated on the banks of river Indus.

Answer 12

Ans. (d) : Kalibangan is a mature stage Harappan site located in Rajasthan. It was settled 4500 years ago on the banks of Saraswati (Ghaggar) river in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. The earliest evidence of earthquakes has been found from Kalibanga.

Answer 13

Ans. (c) : Evidence of ploughed field has been found in Kalibanga which is the oldest in the world. Indus Valley Civilization was an urban civilization. Out of the sites obtained from the Indus Valley Civilization, only six sites have been named as big cities. These cities are Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Ganeriwala, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, and Kalibangan.

Answer 14

Ans. (a) : The terracotta models of the plough was excavated from Banawali. Other important excavations from Banawali were : high quality Barley, steatite metal, oval shaped settlement, of gold, lapis lazuli and carnelian and fireplace has been found from here.

Answer 15

Ans. (b) : The first mention of 'Bharat Jan' is found in Rigveda, after whom India was named 'Bharat'. Rigveda is considered to be the oldest Veda. It has a total of 10 mandalas and 1028 suktas. The sage who reads this Veda is called 'Hotri'. The first and 10th mandala of Rigveda were added at the end.

Answer 16

Ans. (d) : Iron age is so named because during this time iron mostly replaced bronze in implements and weapons beginning in the Middle East and South Eastern Europe.

Answer 17

Ans. (c) : Dasarajna Yuddha (war of ten kings) is described in seven Manadala of Rigveda. It was fough on the banks of the Parushani River. In this battle, Bharat jann's king Sudas defeated the alliance of ten kings.

Answer 18

Ans. (c): Among the four Vedas, Atharva Veda is a collection of magic spells and tantra-mantras to ward off evil spirits and diseases. This Veda composed by sage Atharvaved has a total of 731 mantras and about 6000 verses.

Answer 19

Ans. (d) : The main (Chief) social unit of the Aryans was jana. The administrative unit of the Aryans was divided into five parts (in ascending order)- Kul, Gram, Vish, Jan, Rashtra. The head of the village was called Gramini, the head of the world was called Vishpati and the ruler of the people was called Rajan

Answer 20

Ans. (b) : In the later Vedic period, the Vaishya caste mainly did work like farming, animal husbandry and trade. It was the job of Shudra to serve Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. During this period the caste system started being determined on the basis of birth.

Answer 21

Ans. (a) : The ancient name of Vyas river is Vipasha. It originates from Vyas Kund in Kullu. Vyas Kund is located at the Rohtang pass in the Pirpanjal mountain range. This river flows in Kullu, Mandi, Hamirpur and Kangra. Following are the ancient names of some rivers- Rivers Ancient name Chenab Askini Sutlej Shatudri Ravi Parushni Jhelum Vitasta Gandak Sadanira Gomati Gomal

Answer 22

Ans. (d) : See the explanation of above question.

Answer 23

Ans. (c) : The Rigveda contains a hymn in the form of a dialogue between the sage Vishwamitra and two rivers worshiped as goddesses. These rivers are Beas and Sutlej.

Answer 24

Ans. (d) : Atharvaveda is a collection of 20 sections. There are 731 Suktas and about 6000 hymns in Atharvaveda. The first mention of silver is found in this.

Answer 25

Ans. (c) : The main collections of Vedic hymns are called Samhita. Rigveda is the oldest and most important veda, which contains the knowledge of chemistry and medical science. Brahmana is the collection of vedic hymns or mantras. Aranayak is the conclusion based on Veda. Upanishad is the moral teaching based on Vedas

Answer 26

Ans. (c) Kshatriya varnas was responsible for protecting people and administering justice in ancient India.

Answer 27

Ans : (c) According to Indian Philosophy Purusharthas literally means 'attainable by man'. In todays terminology it can be called 'Value'. According to Hindu thinkers there are four Purusharthas – Artha (wealth) , Kama (desire), Dharma (righteousness) and Moksha (liberation). Whereas Yash does not come under Purusharthas.

Answer 28

Ans. (c) : See the explanation of above question

Answer 29

Ans : (c) The Rigvedic literature was composed from 1500 B.C. to 1000 B.C. But in some modern research this civilization is being shown near 5000 B.C. Vedas, Brahmins, Aranyakas and Upanishads (Vedanta) respectively come under vedic literature. Vedic literature is considered to be composed between 1500 B.C. to 800 B.C.

Answer 30

Ans. (b) : The veda which deals with the rituals is known as Yajurveda. Yajurveda is an important veda of Hinduism. In this veda the mantras are given in the form of prose and verse for the rituals of Yajna. A total of 1975 mantras are compiled in 40 chapters of the Yajurveda. The Yajurveda is divided into two parts it is known as Krishna Yajurveda and Shukla Yajurveda. Text Special Rigveda Related with hymns and scriptures Samaveda Related to music Atharvaveda Related to medicine

Answer 31

Ans. (d) : The Ravi river was known as Parushni in the Vedic period (Rigvedic period). Many rivers of India are mentioned in the Rigvedic period. Some of the important are Sutlej (Shutudri), Vyas (Vipasha), Jhelum (Vitasta), Saraswati (Ghaghar/the most sacred river), Chenab (Askini), Gandak (Sadanira) etc

Answer 32

Ans. (d) : See the explanation of above question.

Answer 33

Ans. (d) : The river Indus was called Hindos by the Iranians and the Greeks about 2500 years ago.

Answer 34

Ans. (c) : In Satyarth Prakash, Swami Dayananda Saraswati propounded that the original home of the Aryans was Tibet. Other views about the origin of the Aryans are :- Max Müller - The place of origin of the Aryans was Central Asia. Gilles and McDonnell - Origin of Aryans was South-Eastern Europe. Bal Gangadhar Tilak - The origin of Aryans is North Pole (Arctic)

Answer 35

Ans. (b) : Indian Philosophy Their Propounder (I) Sankhya Kapila (II) Yoga Patanjali (III) Nyaya Gautama (IV) Vaisheshik Kanada (V) Purva Mimamsa Sutras Jaimini /Mimamsa Sutras (VI) Uttar Mimamsa Badarayana

Answer 36

ns. (a) See the explanation of above question

Answer 37

Ans. (b) : See the explanation of above question

Answer 38

Ans. (b) : See the explanation of above question

Answer 39

Ans : (b) Vedangas are treatises of Vedic Literature. There are 6 Vedangas :- (I) Shiksha :- It includes the rules of phonetics. (II) Kalpa :- It is called the arms of Veda Purasha, it denotes the term of "Ritual". It is for the proper application of the Vedic text. (III) Vyakarana (Grammer) :- It talks about the formation of words. (IV) Nirukta (Etymology) :- It gives the meaning of the usage of words. (V) Chhandas :- It is designed for the purpose of securing the proper reading and reciting of Vedic texts. (VI) Jyotisha (Astronomy):- It conveys the knowledge of heavenly bodies.

Answer 40

Ans. (c) : See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 41

Ans. (b) : See the explanation of the above question

Answer 42

Ans. (d) : The king was called Gopati (lord of cattle) in the Vedic age. Cows were given an important place in the Vedic period. In the Rigveda, cows have been called Aghanya (forbidden to kill). Cows were considered sacred and were worshipped

Answer 43

Ans. (d) : Vedic Civilization in India was developed on the banks of river Saraswati. In the Rigveda, the river Saraswati was considered to be the most sacred river. It is called Nadetama (mother of rivers). Saraswati river now in Rajasthan has disappeared into the desert.

Answer 44

Ans : (d) Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and Dharmasutras are written in Sanskrit language. The most ancient scripture of India is the Vedas, whose compiler is considered to be Ved Vyas. There are four Vedas – Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda.

Answer 45

Ans. (a) : Rigveda is the oldest Veda. This is the earliest source of Hinduism. Rigveda contains 1028 hymns (Suktas) and 10580 verses. In which the gods are praised. Mantra has been given in it to invoke the deities.

Answer 46

Ans. (c) : The Rigveda is derived from the sanskrit word Rik (praise) which means a mantra consisting of verses sung in the praise of the deities. More than a thousand (1028) hymns have been included in the Rigveda, they are called 'Suktas'. Rigveda consists of 10 mandals, 8 ashtakas, 64 adhyay, 1017 original suktas, 11 balkhilya suktas, 1028 total suktas, 10582 hymns

Answer 47

Ans : (c) The original source of the imagination of the Chaturvarnya society is the Purushasukta described in the 10th mandala of the Rigveda. According to which there are four Varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra)

Answer 48

Ans. : (b) Rigveda is the oldest literature of the world and the basic scriptures of Hindus. It is divided into 10 mandals

Answer 49

Ans. : (d) The collection of vedic hymns or mantras is called samhita. Samhita is a sanskrit word that may be interpreted as "to arrange together in union". The samhitas are the most ancient part of the vedas which are the most ancient hindu and yogic texts. The samhitas contain mantras, prayers, litanies and hymns to god

Answer 50

Ans : (a) Agni, Soma, Indra were the vedic gods, while goddess Durga was related with Shakti religion. The number of vedic deities is said to be 33 in which Agni, Soma, Rudra, Indra, Prajapati, Parjanya, Dyaus, Varuna, Mitra etc. were the chief deities. In Vedic period most important deity was Indra followed by Varun, Agni, Usha, Aditi, Ila, Prithvi, Arayani, Bharti and saraswati were among the major goddesses of vedic period

Answer 51

Ans : (b) The word 'Satyamev Jayate' has been taken from Mundakopnishad, which means 'Truth alone triumphs'. It is inscribed on the royal emblem of India. This very royal insignia of India is derived from the lion pillar installed at Sarnath by the Mauryan ruler Ashoka The Great

Answer 52

Ans. (b) : See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 53

Ans. (c) : The Ninth Mandal of the Rigveda is entirely devoted to the deity Soma, while the Purusha Sukta mentioned in the tenth mandal of the Rigveda describes the origin of the four classes of the Varna. It states that the Brahamanas were born from the mouth, Kshatriyas were born from the arms, Vaishyas were born from the thighs and Shudras were born from the feet of the Brahma (Purusha)

Answer 54

Ans. (c) : Purusha Sukta is the 10th Mandal of Rig veda that explains the origin of four varnas. The Rig Veda is the earliest of the four Vedas and it consists of ten mandalas or 1028 hymns. The hymns were sung in praise of Agni, Indra, Mitra, Varuna and other Gods. Rig Veda contains about 250 hymns in praise of Indra. The universally famous Gayatri mantra (Savitri) is also found in Rig-Veda.

Answer 55

Ans. (d) : Magadha was surrounded on all sides by the rivers Ganga and Son. These rivers were important for water transport, water supply and irrigation. Magadha was situated on the territory of Patna and Gaya districts of modern Bihar. Its ancient capital was Girivraj, later Rajgriha and Pataliputra were built.

Answer 56

Ans. (b) : Vaishali was the capital of Vajji Mahajanapada. Mahajanapada Capital Anga - Champa Magadha - Rajgriha, Pataliputra Vatsa - Kaushambi Kosal - Shravasti(Sahet-Mahet) Malla - Kushinara/Pava Ashmak - Potan Kamboj - Hatak

Answer 57

Ans. (d) : Rajgriha was the first capital of Magadha Mahajanapada. It is a site of historical and religious importance located in Nalanda district in Bihar. According to mythological literature, this is the sacred sacrificial ground of Brahma. The center of culture and splendor and also the place of conception, birth, penance, knowledge of the 20th Tirthankar Munisuvratnath Swami of Jainism and the place of worship of the 24th Tirthankar Lord Mahavir Swami.

Answer 58

Ans. (c) : The ancient Champa City is considered to be the capital of Anga Mahajanapada.

Answer 59

Ans : (d) In the Sixth and Seventh century BCE, 16 Monarchical Kingdoms (Mahajanapadas) existed. Mahajanapadas Capital 1. Anga Champa. 2. Magadh Girivraja/Rajgir 3. Kashi Varanasi 4. Vatsa Kausambi 5. Kosala Shravasti 6. Saurasena Mathura 7. Panchala Ahichchatra and Kampilya 8. Kuru Indraprastha 9. Matsya Viratnagar 10. Chedi Satthowati 11. Avanti Ujjain/Mahismati 12. Gandhara Taxila 13. Kamboja Poonch 14. Malla Kusinara 15. Asmaka Potali/Potana 16. Vajji Vaishal

Answer 60

Ans. (a) : Rulers of Mahajanapadas in ancient India collected a tax called 'Bhaga' from the farmers in their region.

Answer 61

Ans : (b) Vaishali was not among the 16 monarchical states (Mahajanapadas) that existed in India in the sixth and Seventh centuries BC. Vaishali was the capital of Vajji Mahajanapada at that time

Answer 62

Ans. (d) : 16 Mahajanapadas are mentioned in the Buddhist scriptures 'Anguttara Nikaya' and Jain texts 'Bhagwati Sutra'. Gandhara's capital was Taxila.

Answer 63

Ans : (c) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 64

Ans : (d) Rajagriha (Giribraj) the capital of the ancient Magadha empire was located in Bihar. Magadha empire included the modern day area of Patna, Gaya and Sahabad of Bihar. The emergence of Magadha empire as one of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas coincided with the rule of the Haryanka Dynasty. After this the Shishunaga Dynasty and the Nanda Dynasty ruled. Among the powerful rulers of Magadha were Bimbisara, Ajatshatru, Udayin, Kalashoka and Mahapadmananda.

Answer 65

Ans. (a) King Ajatashatru was a ruler of the Haryanka dynasty.

Answer 66

Ans : (a) Bimbisara (544 BCE-492 BCE) also called "Shronika" founded the Haryanka dynasty in Magadha. He expanded his kingdom by conquering the Anga Kingdom and this very expansion also became the base for the expansion of the Mauryan empire. Bimbisara greatly enhanced the fame and honour of Magadha through matrimonial treaties and victories. One of his queen was the sister of Koshal king Prasenjit. Mauryan Dynasty– The Maurya dynasty (322-185 BCE) was a powerful and great dynasty of ancient India and ruled India for 138 years. The credit of its establishment goes to Chandragupta Maurya with the help of his mentor Kautilya/Chanakya. Sunga Dynasty–The Sunga dynasty was a ruling dynasty of ancient India that ruled after the Mauryan dynasty. It ruled in Northern India from 185-149 BCE. Nanda Dynasty was a dynasty of ancient India that ruled over a vast area of Northern India from 345-321 BCE.

Answer 67

ns. (a) : The Magadha Empire encompasses the rule of three dynasties over the passage of time; Haryanka dynasty, Shishunaga dynasty & Nanda dynasty. The first important & powerful dynasty in Magadha was the Haryanka dynasty. Bimbisara was the first ruler & founder of Haryanka dynasty. The capital of the Kingdom was Rajagriha. Nagadasaka was the last ruler of this dynastry.

Answer 68

Ans : (c) Ajatshatru was the son of Bimbisara the royal ruler of Magadha and the great ruler of the Haryanka Dynasty. He gained the kingdom by killing his father. Ajatshatru established a vast empire by conquering the mahajanpadas Anga, Licchavi, Vajji, Kosala and Kashi in his kingdom. Buddha's Mahaparinirvana was the most important event of his reign. He held the title of "Kunika"

Answer 69

Ans. (c) : See the explanation of above question.

Answer 70

Ans. (b) : The Famous Physician Jivaka was a royal Physician of king Bimbisara court. In service of Mahatma Buddha, Bimbisara sent his royal physician "Jivaka". Apart from this, even when king Pradyot of Avanti was suffering from Pandu (Jaundice) disease, Bimbisara sent his royal physician to his service.

Answer 71

Ans. (d) : Dhanananda was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty. The greek writers called him Agrammes or 'Xandrames'. It was during his reign that Alexander invaded. It is known that the Nanda dynasty was founded by Mahapadma Nanda (344 to 323 BCE). In the puranas it has been called Sarvakshatrantaka (Destroyer of Kshatriyas) and Bhargava (incarnation of the second Parashurama). He was the most powerful ruler of the Magadha empire who conquered Kalinga for the first time and also constructed a canal there which is mentioned in Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharvel.

Answer 72

Ans. (c) Nanda dynasty was founded by Mahapadmanand. He held the title of "Ekarat" and "Ekachhatra". It is known that Mahapadma Nanda's son Dhananand was a contemporary of Alexander. Chandragupta Maurya established the Maurya dynasty by killing the last ruler Dhanananda of Nanda dynasty

Answer 73

Ans. (a) : See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 74

Ans. (c) : The Magadha empire originated from the sixth century BCE to the fourth century BCE. Magadha is one of the most powerful and prosperous states in North India. The founders of Magadha empire were Jarasandha and Brihadratha. Its development started during the time of the Mauryan dynasty. It expanded during the 'Shishunaga' and 'Nanda' dynasty and finally reached the highest level of the Magadha empire during the reign of the Maurya. The Magadha empire was never ruled by the Gupta dynasty.

Answer 75

Ans : (c) King Their Empire 1. Bimbisara (544–492 BCE) – Magadh 2. Ajatshatru (492–460 BCE) – Magadh 3. Mahapadam Nanda – Magadh (344 BCE approx) 4. Rajadhiraja (985–1015 AD) – Chola

Answer 76

Ans : (b) While Magadha became a powerful kingdom, Vajji with its capital at Vaishali (Bihar) was under different form of government, known as Gana or Sangha. In a Gana or Sangha there were not one, but many rulers. Sometimes, even when thousands men ruled together, each one was known as Raja.

Answer 77

Ans. (b) : The old name of Patna, the capital of Bihar, was Pataliputra. Emperor Ajatashatru's successor Udayin shifted his capital from Rajagriha to Pataliputra and later Chandragupta Maurya established an empire here and made his capital. Due to which Pataliputra became the center of power. Faxian gave a vivid description of it in his travelogue and Megasthenes gave the first written description of the city of Pataliputra.

Answer 78

Ans. (a) : Most part of the present state of Odisha was known as Kalinga. In the ancient times Kharvel was the ruler of the Mahameghavahana dynasty. It was ruled by Kalinga King Kharavel who was a patron of Jainism as in the Hathigumpha inscription. The name of Kharavel's dynasty is also Chedi, The inscription mentions Mahapadmananda the ruler of the Nanda dynasty has constructed a canal in Kalinga.

Answer 79

Ans. (d) : Magadha Kingdom was the first ancient kingdom to use elephants in the war. King Bimbisara (C. 544–C.492 BCE), who began the expansion of the Magadhan Kingdom, relied heavily on his war elephants. Chandragupta Maurya (321–297 BCE), had about 9000 elephants

Answer 80

Ans. (c) : The 24th and last Tirthankara of the Jains was Mahavira Swami (Vardhaman Mahavira) (540-527BC). Mahavira left his home at the age of 30 and after 12 years of rigorous penance, he was attained Kaivalya under a Sal tree on the banks of Rijupalika river near village Jrimbhik. Parshvanath was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism.

Answer 81

Ans : (a) There are 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism. The first among them was Risabhdeva and the 24th and the last tirthankar was Mahavir Swami. The tirthankara was the tittle of its founder and Jitendriya and enlightened Mahatmas in Jainism. Mahavir is believed to be the real founder of Jainism. The historicity of the preceding Tirthankaras is doubtful except for the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanath. The period of Parshvanath is considered as 250 BCE before Mahavir Swami. His followers are called as Nirgranth. Jainism believes in rebirth and Karmwad (Karmism). According to him Karma is the cause of birth and death. In Jainism 'Sanlekhna' means to sacrifice the body by fasting

Answer 82

Ans. (c) : See the explanation of above question

Answer 83

Ans : (d) Paryushan is the main festival of Jainism. Basic purpose of the festival is to purify the soul and concentrate on the necessary genres. The people of this community follow the qualities of forgiveness, defecation, truth, penance, renunciation and celibacy.

Answer 84

Ans (d) : Mahavira Swami was considered as the 24th & last Tirthankara of Jainism. He was born in 540 BCE at Kundagrama near Vaishali. His father name was Siddhartha and mother name was Trishala. He was married to Yashoda & had a daughter Priyadarshana. He died at Pavapuri in 468 BCE.

Answer 85

Ans : (c) Santhara also known as Samlehna or Sallekhana, is a supplementary vow to the ethical code of conduct of Jainism. It is the religious practice of voluntarily fasting unto death by gradually reducing the intake of food & liquid. Santhara is a religious ritual of Shwetambara Jain. Whereas Digambara Jain call it Sallekhana

Answer 86

Ans : (b) Kaivalya is related to Jainism. In Jainism attaining enlightenment is called Kaivalya. The 24th & last Tirthankara, Mahavira Swami had abandoned the worldly life at the age of 30 & attained 'Kaivalya' at the age of 42. He had attainted the Kaivalya at Jrimbhika village under a Sal tree. There after he was called Mahavira, Jina, Jitendriya, Nigrantha and Kevalin.

Answer 87

Ans : (b) The Jains collectively call their sacred texts 'Anga' which contain the teaching of Mahavira. Jainism texts are written in semi Magadhi-Prakrit language. Some texts have also been composed in apbhransh. The fundamental principles given by Mahavira Swami the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism are compiled in 14 ancient texts. These texts have been called purva/purva Kalpasutra an important scripture of Jainism, which is written in Sanskrit language

Answer 88

Ans : (b) Ranakpur is located in Rajasthan and is one of the major pilgrimage centres of Jainism. This place is famous for beautifully carved ancient Jain temples. This temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The main temple of this place is dedicated to the first Jain tirthankara Rishbhanatha.

Answer 89

Ans. (c) : Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) was the birth place of Rishabhdeva, the first Tirthankara of Jainism and Abhinandannath, the fourth Tirthankara.

Answer 90

Ans. (b) : Jina is a Sanskrit term used in Jainism which means "a liberated great teacher or the conqueror (victor). The term Jina has been adopted to denote those who have conquered their enemies. Jainism believes that our enemies are desires that reside within us.

Answer 91

Ans. (c) : The teachings of Mahavira and his followers were transmitted orally for several centuries. They were written down in the form in which they are presently available at a place called Valabhi, in Gujarat, about 1500 years ago.

Answer 92

Ans. (d) : The Son Bhandar Caves are located in Rajgir, Bihar. Son Bhandar Caves, classically is a set of two artificial cave structures located in the foothills on the Vaibhar Hills, dating back to 3rd or 4th century BC These caves belong to the Jains.

Answer 93

Ans. (a) : Mahaprajapati Gautami was the first woman to become a nun in Buddhism. Mahaprajapati Gautami, the maternal aunt (foster) of Mahatma Buddha, was the first woman to be chosen as a nun at the behest of her beloved disciple Ananda.

Answer 94

Ans. (b) : There are many stupa sites in Vengi areas of Andhra Pradesh like Jaggayyapeta, Amaravati, Bhatti Proluro, Nagarjunakonda, Goli etc. • Amaravati was a center of Buddhist studies in the second century BC, located in Andhra Pradesh. • Jaggayyapeta or Jagaiyapeta is located in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Buddhist stupas dating back to 200 BC have been found here. • Chaukhandi stupa is located in Sarnath, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). It is believed that here Buddha met his five disciples for the first time.

Answer 95

Ans. (c) : The oldest stupa of the Buddhist period is Sanchi Stupa. It is situated in a plateau region to the west of Betwa River in Madhya Pradesh. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.

Answer 96

Ans. (b) : Gautama Buddha attained 'Bodhi' - enlightenment while meditating under a pipal (Bodhivriksha) tree at Uruvela, near the city of Bodh Gaya in present day Bihar. Gautama Buddha was born in the province of Lumbini, located in Southern Nepal, in 623 BC. He was born into a noble family of the Shakya Clan residing in the Himalayan Foothills. The head of the Shakya clan. Suddhodana, was his father, while his mother Maya was a koliyan princess

Answer 97

Ans. (d) : Vinayapitak was the book in which all the rules made for the Buddhist sangha was written down in. Vinayapitaka literally means "basket of discipline". Buddha's teachings are included in Sutta Pitaka and topics related to philosophy are included in Abhidhamma Pitaka.

Answer 98

Ans.(d): Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath near Varansi, which is called Dharmachakrapravartan. He died in Kushinagar of Malla Republic in 483 BC.

Answer 99

Ans. (b) : Kye Gompa, the largest centre of Buddhist learning in the western Himalayas, is situated at Lahaul Spiti district in the state of Himachal Pardesh. Gompa means monastery/temple of Buddhism. It was established in the 11th century.

Answer 100

Ans. (b) : The place of Buddha's birth was Lumbini. It has been also mentioned in the Paderia Inscription of Ashoka. Buddha was also known as Tathagat and Light of Asia. He died at Kushinara. He laid the foundation of Buddhism

Answer 101

Ans. (c) : Lord Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya at the age of 35, on Vaishakha Purnima. The real name of Gautama Buddha was Siddhartha Gautama. He delivered his first sermon at Sarnath (Rishipatana) in Varanasi. The second Buddhist Council took place at Vaishali approximately one hundred years after the Buddha's parinirvana. Rajgir or Rajgriha was associated with the first Buddhist Council. It was also the ancient capital city of Magadha

Answer 102

Ans : (b) Gautama Buddha was a resident of Shakya Republic. The Shakya Republic was located in the North eastern part of Uttar Pradesh and the lowland part of Nepal. In the Buddhist period Kapilvastu was its capital. The father of Gautama Buddha, Shuddhodana was the chief of the Shakya republic.

Answer 103

Ans : (d) First Buddhist Council was held soon after Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha around 483BC under the patronage of king Ajatshatru. It was presided over by Mahakshayapa and was held in Saptparni Cave at Rajgriha

Answer 104

Ans : (c) Buddhist Council Patron Venue Chairman Year First Ajatashatru Rajgriha Mahakashyapa 483 BC Second Kalashoka Vaishali Sabakami 383 BC Third Ashoka Patliputra Moggaliputta- Tissa 250 BC Fourth Kanishka Kundalban (Kashmir) Vasumitra 72 AD

Answer 105

Ans. (a) : See the explanation of above question.

Answer 106

Ans. (d) : Pali literature is primarily a collection of the teachings of Lord Buddha. Most texts of Buddhism were written in Pali language

Answer 107

Ans. (a) : During the reign of Kanishka the ruler of the Kushan dynasty the fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvan in Kashmir. It was headed by Vasumitra and its Vice President was Ashvaghosh. Buddhism, in this committee was divided into two sects Hinayana and Mahayana. It is known that the followers who accepted the original objectives of Buddha without any change were called Hinyani. Those who changed the rigid and traditional rules of Buddism were called Mahayani.

Answer 108

Ans. (a) : The term stupa is associated with the death event of Gautam Buddha. In Stupas the relics related with Gautam Buddha's life is kept such as teeth, ashes, and religious objects. Therefore the Stupa is related to death of Buddha. It is known that Buddha died in Kushinara in 483 BC in 80 year while at the age of 29 he gave up his home and abondoned the world it is called 'Mahabhinishkramana'.

Answer 109

Ans. (d) : The most important sources of Buddhism are Tripitakas. Tripitakas are written in Pali language. They are:– (i) Sutta Pitaka (ii) Vinaya Pitaka & (iii) Abhidhamma Pitaka. The Vinay Pitaka consist of rules of conduct & discipline applicable to the monastic life of monks & nuns. Sutta Pitaka consist of the main teaching or Dhamma of Buddha. It is divided into 5 Nikayas :– Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikayam, Samyutta Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya & Khuddaka Nikaya. The Abhidamma Pitaka is a Philosophical analysis and systematization of the teaching of Monks.

Answer 110

Ans : (d) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 111

Ans. (b) : Gautam Buddha's teachings are found mainly in Sutta Pitaka.

Answer 112

Ans : (b) Mahabodhi temple group or Mahabodhi Vihar is a famous Buddhist Vihara located in Bodh Gaya. Lord Buddha attained enlightenment here and spread his divine knowledge in the world. The Bodhi tree mentioned in the Jataka tales is also present here. This was built by Mauryan ruler Ashoka. It was declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002.

Answer 113

Ans : (c) Lord Buddha gave his sermons in Pali language. It was the official language along with the language of the educated community. This language was originally in Magadhi language

Answer 114

Ans. : (a) Chaukhandi, Dhamek, Rambhar Stupa sites are located in Uttar Pradesh. Whereas Bharhut Stupa site is located in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. It was discovered in 1873-74 by Alexander Cunningham, the father of Indian archaeology. Bharhut Stupa was situated at one end of the central province of Magadha Empire. Historians and archaeologists believe that the place where this stupa is situated was an important center of the major highway of that era.

Answer 115

Ans. : (b) Harmika is related to the architecture of the Buddhist stupa. The balcony-like structure built over the anda (egg like structure) was a symbol of the abode of God. It was called Harmika. In it were kept the relics of Buddhist or other Bodhisattvas. The gopuram or gopura (also known as the aviation) is a monumental attallika, often decorated with sculptures and located mostly at the entrance of the temples of South India.

Answer 116

Ans. (c) : Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism, he was born in 563 BC at a place called Lumbini in Kapilvastu. His childhood name was Siddhartha. After the Fourth Buddhist Council held at Kundalvana, Buddhism was divided into two major sect:- Hinayana and Mahayana.

Answer 117

Ans : (b) Mahavastu is an important Buddhist text, which is an early biography of Lord Buddha. The history of the sixth century BC has been presented. The main objective of the Hinayana school is to teach on the basis of 'Mahavastu'

Answer 118

Ans. (b) : Buddha was born around 563 BCE in a small kingdom just below the Himalayan foothills in Lumbini (present day in Nepal). His father was a chief of Shakya clan. His mother name was Maya Devi and at the age of 16 he was married to Yashodhara. At the age of 80 he died in Kushinagar

Answer 119

Ans. (d) : 'The concept of Four Noble Truths is related to Buddhism. Following are the four noble truths:- there is suffering in life, cause of sorrow, there is relief from sorrow & there is a way to get rid of sorrow

Answer 120

Ans. (b) : The Buddhist Sites Vaishali & Nalanda are situated in Bihar. Vaishali is an important Buddhist pilgrim site as Lord Buddha spent 5 years of his life here before announcing his Mahaparinirvana. He also delivered his last sermon here. Nalanda was an acclaimed Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in ancient kingdom of Magadha. It was a centre of learning from 5th century CE to 1200 CE.

Answer 121

Ans. (c) Ashta Mahasthanas are eight great holy places associated with the life of Gautam Buddha. Lumbini, Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Sankasya, Rajagriha and Vaishali were known as Ashta Mahasthan in Buddhist texts. Hence, out of the given options, Raigarh is not related to Ashta Mahasthana

Answer 122

Ans. (d) : During the reign of Kanishka, Kundalvan in Kashmir was the place choosen as the venue of the fourth Buddhist Council.

Answer 123

Ans. (b) : Gautam Buddha, a Shakya prince delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, near Varanasi. Buddha taught four noble truths: • The world is full of suffering. • The main cause of suffering is desire. • To overcome the suffering one must give desire. • One will attain nirvana if disires are given up. The first sermon is called Dhamm Chakraparvatan. The Buddhist literature includes Jataka tales and Tripitaka that were written in Pali.

Answer 124

Ans. (c) : Andal was not a Nayanar Saint. The Nayanars was the Tamil Poet-Saints who played a key role in propagating the Bhakti Movements in Southern India during the 5th -10th centuries. The Nayanars were a group of 63 Saints devoted to Lord Shiva who lived during the 6th to 8th centuries CE. The name of the Nayanars were first compiled by Sundarar. Sundarar–Sundarar means "the lovely, handsome one". He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Sundarar was born in Tirunavalur. Sambandar–He was a Saiva poet Saint of Tamil Nadu. He was a contemporary of Appar, another Saiva poetsaint.

Answer 125

Ans : (b) Nataraja is the depiction of the Hindu God Shiva as the cosmic dancer who performs his divine dance to destroy a weary universe to make way for the process of creation. In Hindu mythology, Shiva as Nataraja appears at the end of one cosmic cycle and the beginning of the text, and is thus associated with both creation and destruction. In his hands he holds both the destructive fire and the double-sided drum, the sound from which summons up new creation. Nataraja is derived from the Sanskrit words Nartarajan "lord of dance". The sculpture is usually made in bronze.

Answer 126

Ans : (b) The worship of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shankar) began in the Gupta period under trimurti. Vishnu and Shiva worship is particularly prevalent in the society at present time but the worship of Brahma is neglected. The temple of Brahma is located in Pushkar Rajasthan.

Answer 127

Ans : (d) Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala Tirupati of Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to Lord Shri Venkateswara. The temple is the richest temple in the world and most famous incarnation of Lord Vishnu in South India. Lord Vishnu is one of the principal deities of Hindu trinity and the preserver. God Vishnu is also known as Narayana, Jagannath, Venkateswara, Ranganatha, Padmanabhaswamy, Vasudeva, Vithoba, and Hari. There are various Avatars of Lord Vishnu, Dashavatara of Vishnu are Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha and Kalki

Answer 128

Ans. (b) : Chandragupta Maurya successfully unified the Indian subcontinent under an empire. Chandragupta ruled from 324 to 297 BCE before voluntarily giving the throne up to his son, Bindusara, who ruled from 297 BCE until his death in 272 BCE.

Answer 129

Ans. (b) : The last Mauryan emperor was Brihadratha. He was murdered by Pushyamitra Shunga. • Pushyamitra Shunga was the chief commander of Brihadratha. • Pushyamitra Shunga established the Shunga dynasty. • It destroyed many stupas and inscriptions of Ashoka. • The Maurya dynasty was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BC.

Answer 130

Ans. (c) : The Maurya administration was known for maintaining a huge army. Roman author pliny mentions that Chandragupta Maurya had 9,000 elephants, 30 thousand cavalry and 6 lakh infantry. According to Megasthenes, the administrative functions of the mauryan army were entrusted to 30 members who were responsible for the administration of the armed force.

Answer 131

Ans. (a) : The references of Megathenes throw light on the social and political condition of the Mauryan period. According to him, the Indian society was divided 7 castes which were philosopher, farmer, shepherd, trader, warrior, overseer and councilor.

Answer 132

Ans. (c) : According to the inscriptions of Ashoka, Indraprastha was not the provincial center of the Magadha Empire. Ashoka was the king of the Maurya dynasty, he got made 14 inscriptions in which the policies of the administration of the state were explained.

Answer 133

Ans. (c) : Kautilya's Arthashastra gives a detailed description of the administrative and military organization of the period of the Maurya Empire, Kautilya specified seven parts of Saptanga theory of state- king, amatya, district, fort, treasury, army and friends.

Answer 134

Ans. (c) : Saptanga Theory of Kautilya: The seven components of a state are Svami (the king), Amatya (ministers and official), janapada (the territory), Durga (a fortified capital), Kosha (the treasury), Danda (Justice or force), and Mitra (ally).

Answer 135

Ans. (d) : Ashoka was the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty who conquered Kalinga in 261 BCE after eight year of coronation. The Kalinga war was a turning point in Ashoka's life as it made him realize the futility of war and violence and he embraced Buddhism. Ashoka was the last prominent king of the Mauryan kingdom of India. During his reign (c. 265-238 BCE; cited as c. 273-232 BCE), he was a strong supporter of Buddhism, which helped spread to India.

Answer 136

Ans. (a) : See the explanation of above question.

Answer 137

Ans. (a) : Maurya rulers Ashoka gave up fighting after the battle of Kalinga.

Answer 138

Ans. (b) : Maurya emperor Chandragupta Maurya defeated Alexander's General Seleucus Nicator in 305 BC. After the defeat, Nicator married his daughter Cornelia to Chandragupta Maurya and gave Heart and Makran provinces to Chandragupta. • Megasthenes was the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator, who lived in the court of Chandragupta. Its book is Indica.

Answer 139

Ans. (d) : Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Kautilya, overthrew/defeted Dhanananda, the last Nanda ruler, in 322 BC. Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire.

Answer 140

Ans. (d) : During the Maurya period, the highest officer of the revenue department was the Samaharta (Collector) whose main function was to assess taxes. Many employees like Customs Head. Sutra Head, Currency Head etc. worked under him. Study of Kautilya's Arthashastra provides information regarding the central organization of the Maurya Empire. During this period, various departments of governance were called 'Tirtha', whose number was 18.

Answer 141

Ans. (a) : Chandragupta Maurya conquered Magadha with the help of Kautilya overthrew the Nandas Empire and established the glorious Maurya Empire in 322 BC

Answer 142

Ans. (c) : The Seleucid-Mauryan War was fought between 305 and 303 BC. It started when Seleucus I Nicator of the Seleucid Empire sought to retake the Indian satrapies of the Macedonian Empire, which had been occupied and administered by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, of the Mauryan Empire.

Answer 143

Ans. (d) Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the power of the Nandas at Magadha with the aid of Kautilya and founded a glorious Mauryan empire in 322 BC.

Answer 144

Ans. (a) Chandragupta Maurya of Mauryan dynasty defeated Seleucus Nicator in Selecucid-Mauryan war.

Answer 145

Ans. (b) : Chandragupta was the founder of Mauryan empire in Ancient India. Mauryan empire came into existence when Chandragupta Maurya stepped into the vaccum created by Alexander of Macedon's departure from the western borders of India.

Answer 146

Ans. (c) : Kantakasodhana literally means "removal of the thorns", is used with reference to criminal justice. The main objective of Kantakasodhana was to allow people to live in peace and abide by the laws as envisaged in Dhamasastra. In Arthashastra, Kautilya mentions the cases that are subject to Kantakasodhana.

Answer 147

Ans. (a) : Chandragupta led a revolt against the Nandas and overthrew them. Chandragupta Maurya, also known as Sandrocottus and Androcottus in Greek and Latin accounts. He was the founder of the Mauryan Empire. Chandragupta born in 340 BC and died in 297 BC in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka.

Answer 148

Ans. (c) : According to Ashoka's Major Rock Edict 13, he conquered Kalinga 8 years after he ascended the throne. Ashoka invaded Kalinga in 261 B.C. When Ashoka attacked Kalinga, at that time Anantha Padmanabha was the ruler of Kalinga.

Answer 149

Ans. (c) Rupanath is not a find spot of Ashokan Minor Rock Edicts in Karnataka.

Answer 150

Ans. (d) : Sudarshana lake is located in the Girnar region of Gujarat. This lake was built by the governor Pushyagupta Vaishya appointed in Girinar on the orders of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty. Emperor Ashoka's Mahamatya 'Tushasp' has strengthened this lake by getting it reconstructed. In later times Skandagupta spent money generously and got a dam constructed on this lake. The Junagadh inscription mentions the reconstruction of the Sudarshan lake by the Saka ruler Rudradaman.

Answer 151

Ans : (d) After becoming the ruler emperor Ashoka fought the only battle with Kalinga. Kalinga is presently situated on the eastern coast of Mahanadi and Godavari whose maximum area falls under Odisha. This battle is mentioned in the 13th inscription. Kalinga war took place in 261 B.C, eight year after the coronation of Ashoka. Ashoka was moved by the horrific bloodshed and heart rendering scenes. In place of victory policy or Vijay Ghosh, Ashoka adopted the policy of Dhamma Vijay and made a Dhamma Ghosh.

Answer 152

Ans : (b) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 153

Ans. (b) : Alexander Cunningham published a set of Ashokan inscription in the year 1877. Ashoka built 7 major pillar edicts. These were found at Topra (Delhi), Meerut, Kausambhi, Rampurva, Champaran and Mehrauli. The list of these 7 major pillar edicts is as follows- Pillar I - Principles of protection of people. Pillar II - Defines Dhamma. SSC GS Planner YCT 37 Pillar III - Abolishes sins of harshness, anger, cruelty, etc. Pillar IV - Deals with responsibilities and functions of Rajukas. Pillar V - List of animal and birds which should not be killed on certain days. Pillar VI - Dhamma Policy of the state. Pillar VII - Work done by Ashoka for Dhamma Tourance for all sects.

Answer 154

Ans : (a) The establishment of the Mauryan Dynasty (322–185 BC) is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya and his mentor Kautilya, who defeated the emperor Dhanananda of the Nanda dynasty. Chandragupta chose Patliputra (near present day Patna city) as his capital.

Answer 155

Ans. (c) : In 321 BC, Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya/Kautilya (author of Arthashastra) founded the Mauryan dynasty after overthrowing the last ruler of Nanda dynasty, Dhanananda.

Answer 156

Ans (c) : Megasthenes was the first foreign traveller to visit India. Megasthenes was an ambassador of Greek ruler Seleucus Nicator who came to the court of Chandragupta. He has written about Mauryan society and culture in his book 'Indica'.

Answer 157

Ans. (d) : After the Battle of Kalinga fought in 261 BC, Ashoka saw that the whole cities were destroyed & more than a thousand people were killed in the war. The horrors of war disturbed him so much that he decided to shun violence for the rest of his life & adopted Buddhism in about 263 BC, Moggaliputta-Tissa became his mentor. Ashoka had conducted the 3rd Buddhist council at Pataliputra in 250 BC.

Answer 158

Ans (b) : In the context of early Indian history, NBPW stands for Northern Black Polished Ware. During the Mauryan period, pottery was commonly referred to as NBPW. These pots were very bright and black in color and were used in special items. Kaushambi and Pataliputra were the main centres of NBPW during the Mauryan period.

Answer 159

Ans. (c) : Ashoka (the son of Bindusara) the great established the edicts in public places to bring the power of his rule to the general public. Ashoka's inscriptions are described on the stones pillars, stone wheels etc.

Answer 160

Ans. (b) : Bindusara was succeeded by Ashoka the great, who ascended the throne of Magadha in 269 B.C. Ashoka was the first ruler who engraved his message to his subjects and officials on stone surfaces, natural rocks and polished pillars. Ashoka's inscriptions are 14 in number. James Prinsep was the first to read the inscription described on this in 1837.

Answer 161

Ans. (b) : Under the treaty of Appiyanas, Seleucus gave Kabul and Kandhar area and also sent an ambassador Megasthanese to Chandragupta Maurya's court. Written by Megasthenes the information of Chandragupta Maurya administration is found in Megasthenes 'Indica' although it is not available in its original form.

Answer 162

Ans. (c) : Jaugada is located in Ganjam district of Odisha. From here the Chaturdash inscription of Ashoka was found, in which Ashoka has been ordered to behave like a son towards the subjects of Kalinga. It was discovered in 1850 AD by Walter Elliot.

Answer 163

Ans : (a) Chandra Gupta Maurya defeated the ruler of Nanda Dynasty Dhanananda and established the Mauryan Dynasty. Chandra Gupta Maurya ascended the throne of Magadh in 322 BC. Chandragupta Maurya took initiation of Jainism from Jaina Guru Bhadrabahu. His Prime Minister was Chanakya (Kautilya/ Vishnugupta) who wrote the book 'Arthashastra' related to politics. The Ambassador of Selecus Nicator, Megasthenes came to the court of Chandra Gupta Maurya who wrote a book called 'Indica'. Chandragupta Maurya sacrificed his life by Sanlekhna method (fasting until death) in 298 BC in Shravanbelagola (Karnataka).

Answer 164

Ans : (b) Chandragupta Maurya was an ardent follower of Jainism.

Answer 165

Ans : (a) The founder of the Mauryan dynasty and the Indian emperor Chandragupta Maurya was born in 340 BC in Bihar. Chandragupta was successful in bringing the whole of India under one empire. He reigned from 322 BC to 298 BC. In the last days of his life, Chandragupta accepted Jainism under the influence of Jain Saint Bhadrabahu and went to Shravanbelagola with him and started living on the Chandragiri mountain.

Answer 166

Ans : (c) Bindusara was ruler of Mauryan Dynasty. He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya who ascended the throne in 298 BC. He was the follower of Ajivaka community or sect. He is also known as the 'destroyer of enemies'. Deimachus was the ambassador of the Syrian ruler Antiochus who visited the court of Bindusara. Bindusar's successor was Ashoka.

Answer 167

Ans : (c) Emperor Ashoka was the Great emperor of the world's famous and powerful Indian Mauryan dynasty. Ashoka ruled from 273 BC to 232 BC in the ranges of North Hindukush to the South of the Godavari river in the Mysore and in East ruled in Bangladesh and in the west to Afghanistan, Iran and the whole of India was ruled by him. Emperor Ashoka is also known for his skillful administration and the promotion of Buddhism in the vast empire. Emperor Ashoka preached Buddhism throughout Asia and also in other continents. Information about the rule of emperor Ashoka comes from various pillars and inscriptions installed by him.

Answer 168

Ans : (c) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 169

Ans : (d) The Patliputra, where Chandragupta Maurya was born is now-a-days known as Patna. Patna is the capital of modern day Bihar Province. Patliputra (Kusumpur) was founded by the Haryanka king Udayin.

Answer 170

Ans : (b) Sanchi is situated on the banks of Betwa River in Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh state. It is famous for Buddhist monuments. The main stupa of Sanchi was built by Ashoka the Great of the Mauryan dynasty in the 3rd century BC. The remains of the Buddha was placed in its center in a semi circular structure.

Answer 171

Ans : (b) After the Kalinga war Ashoka accepted Buddhism. Ashoka was attracted to Buddhism After war and was initiated to Buddhism by Upagupta.

Answer 172

Ans : (c) Chanakya is also known as Kautilya and Vishnugupta. He was the mentor/advisor and the Prime Minister of Mauryan ruler Chandragupta Maurya. 'Arthashastra' book was composed by Kautilya which is a great book on Politics.

Answer 173

Ans : (b) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 174

Ans : (a) The records of Ashoka were first discovered in 1750 by T. Phanthelor. The first record of Ashoka was read in 1837 by James Prinsep, an officer of the Calcutta mint and Secretary of the Asiatic Society. The Ashoka's inscription are written in Brahmi script. A SSC GS Planner YCT 39 total of four scripts Brahmi, Kharoshthi, Aramaic and Greek have been used in the inscription of Ashoka. Only Brahmi scripts have been used in the pillar inscription and the cave inscription of Ashoka. The language of Ashokas inscriptions was Prakrit. Kharoshthi Script – Sahabajgarhi and Mansehra. Aramaic Script– Laghman and Takshila Bilingual inscription– The Sarekuna inscription of Kandahar uses both Greek and Aramaic scripts in it. Ashoka was the first Indian ruler who addressed his subjects directly with the help of records.

Answer 175

Ans : (a) The Administration of the Mauryan Empire was centralized on the basis of Arthashastra. The idea and order of the king was the highest in all aspects of administration. According to Chanakya the seven components of the state are king, amatya, district, fort, treasure, force and friend. For administrative convenience, the central administrative system was divided into several parts (1) Panyadhyaksha (President of commerce) (2) Sitadhyaksha (President of state Agriculture Department) (3) Sunadhyaksha (Chairman of the abattoir) etc.

Answer 176

Ans : (b) The Dhamekh Stupa located in Sarnath was built by the great Mauryan emperor Ashoka. It is one of the major Buddhist structures located in India. Ashoka built Inscription at many places Shahbajgarhi, Mansehra – Pakistan Kandhar – Afghanistan Yerragudi – Andhra Pradesh Kalsi – Dehradun Maski – Karnataka Gurjara – Madhya Pradesh

Answer 177

Ans. (c) : Mauryan art can be divided into two classes, court art and folk art. Court art was expressed in the pillars and their heads, in which the rockwork shows the pillar. Fahien (399-412 AD) saw the six pillars of Ashoka and Hiuen Tsang (629-645 AD) saw the twelve pillars.

Answer 178

Ans. (a) : Ashoka was the third king of the Mauryan dynasty in ancient India. Ashoka is also known by the names 'Devanam Priya' and 'Priyadarshi' etc. During that time the Mauryan Empire extended from the Hindukush ranges in the north to the Godavari River and Mysore (Karnataka) in the south and from Bengal in the east to Afghanistan in the west. Ashoka's name is found in Maski and Gurjara inscriptions, whereas Ashoka has been called 'Ashokvardhan' in Puranas.

Answer 179

Ans. (a) : Ashoka was the first ruler who inscribed his messages to his subjects and officials on stone surfaces natural rocks as well as polished pillars. He used the inscriptions to proclaim what he understood to be dhamma. Ashoka got his messages inscribed on rocks and pillars in a language called as prakrit which was comprehensible to all.

Answer 180

Ans. (a) : Pushyamitra Shunga was the commander of the last Maurya ruler Brihadratha. He killed Brihadratha and laid the foundation of the Sunga dynasty. He performed two Ashwamedha Yagyas, information about which is available from Ayodhya inscriptions.

Answer 181

Ans. (d) : In total, six councils have been held in Buddhism since antiquity. Here are a few details about each council: • First Buddhist Council - 400 B.C The First Buddhist council convened at the Sattapanni caves in Rajgriha It was held under the patronage of King Ajatashatru. The first Buddhist Council was presided by Monk Mahakashyapa • Second Buddhist Council - 383 BC The second Buddhist council was held at Vaishali It was under the patronage of Kalasoka The Second Buddhist Council was presided over by Sabakami • Third Buddhist Council - 250 BC The third Buddhist council was held at Pataliputra in the Magadha Empire It was under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka The Third Buddhist Council was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa SSC GS Planner YCT 40 • Fourth Buddhist Council - 72 AD The fourth Buddhist council was convened in Kashmir It was under the patronage of emperor Kanishka The Fourth Buddhist Council was presided over by Vasumitra and Asvaghosha • Fifth Buddhist Council - 1871 • Sixth Buddhist Council - 1954

Answer 182

Ans. (a) : The founder of the Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga, who was the commander of Mauryas. The date of attainment of power by Pushyamitra Sunga is believed to be 184 BCE. According to the Puranas, his reign was 36 years that is he ruled till 148 BCE. Pushyamitra Sunga was a Brahmin of Ujjain. His priest and Prime Minister was Maharishi Patanjali who conducted 'Ashwamedha Yagya twice. He defeated the Indo-Greek ruler Meander and also built the Bharhut stupa.

Answer 183

Ans : (a) The Vikrama Era began in 57 BC. It is said that Vikram Era was founded by King Vikramaditya who gained victory over the Sakas. Vikram Samvat is a historical Hindu calendar which is also an official religious calendar of Nepal.

Answer 184

Ans. (d) : Gautami Putra Satakarni was the 23rd and greatest ruler of the Andhra Satavahana dynasty. The During this time the Nashik inscription of his mother Balashree was obtained, in which it has been called the only Brahman or Eka Brahmin. He assumed the title of Venkatak Swami and established a city called 'Venkataka'. It is known that Andhra Pradesh Satavahana dynasty was founded by 'Simuka'. Gautami Putra Satakarni was a contemporary of Shaka Mahakshatrapa Nahapan. This brought an end to the Shaka rule in the adjoining territories. A pile of 13,250 coins was found in 1906 from a village called Jogalthambi in Nasik district. All these coins belong to a Shaka Kshatrap Nahapan. The son of Gautamiputra Sata Karni defeated Nahapan and made his mark on him.

Answer 185

Ans : (b) The Vakataka dynasty was founded by a person named Vindhyashakti in 255 AD. He ruled from 255 AD to 275 AD. His real name was Virudh.

Answer 186

Ans.(b) : Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of Chandragupta II and her mother was Kuberanga of the Naga. She was married to Rudrasena II of the Vakataka Dynasty. After his death is 390, she ruled as regent for her two young sons, Divakarasena and Damodarasena for twenty years with the help of her father Chandragupta II ascended the throne after Ramgupta and assumed the title Vikramaditya. He was the first Gupta ruler to have issued silver coins. He is also known by his title Vikramaditya. He was one of the most powerful emperors of the Gupta empire in northern India.

Answer 187

Ans : (c) Nahapana was not a ruler of the Kushana dynasty. He was an important ruler of the western Kshatrapas.

Answer 188

Ans : (d) There is evidence of use of Surkhi in various structures built during the khusan period. Evidence of the construction of Surkhi is found in the third and fifth levels in the excavation of five levels in Mathura. Surkhi is the powered form of over burnt bricks or the clay balls. Evidence has shown that the use of Surkhi and Surkhi mortar was started before the 2nd century BC. If surkhi is used instead of fine aggregate in the preparation of mortar then it is said to be Surkhi mortar.

Answer 189

Ans. (c) : Seleucus Nicator were handed over his territory to Chandragupta Maurya. Alexander's commander Seleucus became the king of Babylon and conquered bactria. With the desire to conquer India, he moved towards India and fought with Chandragupta Maurya in which he was defeated. In 303 BC a treaty was signed whose terms were as follows. • Seleucus married his daughter Cornelia to Chandragupta Maurya. • He was given 4 provinces to Chandragupta Maurya (Kabul, Kandahar, Herat and Makran) as dowry. • Chandragupta provided 500 elephants to Seleucus.

Answer 190

Ans. (c) : The most famous king of the Shakas in India was Rudradaman I (130-150 AD) whose kingdom included Sindh, Konkan, Narmada Valley, Malwan and a large part of Gujarat. He got repaired the Sudarshan Lake on Mount Girnar. He was the first to issue a long inscription (Junagarh Inscription) in pure Sanskrit language.

Answer 191

Ans. (a) : Buddhist Council Patron Venue Chairman Year First Ajatashatru Rajgriha Mahakashyapa 483 BC Second Kalashoka Vaishali Sabbakami 383 BC Third Ashoka Patliputra Moggaliputta 250 BC Fourth Kanishka Kundalban (Kashmir) Vasumitra 72 AD

Answer 192

Ans : (a) The Battle of the Hydaspes was fought between Alexander the Great and King Porus of the Paurava Kingdom in 326 BCE. It took place on the banks of the Jhelum river (known to the ancient Greeks as Hydaspes) in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent (modern-day Punjab, Pakistan). The Battle resulted in a great victory and the surrender of Porus. Large area of Punjab was absorbed into the Alexandrian empire, and the defeated, dethroned Porus became reinstated by Alexander as a subordinate ruler.

Answer 193

Ans : (b) The Huna were a nomadic tribe of central Asia. This tribe was counted among the most barbaric tribe in its time. The Huns first invaded Northwest India in 458 AD. This attack was led by Toraman and his son Mihirkul. During the Gupta Period, the Huns had captured Punjab and Malwa. Coins of Hunas have also been obtained from Mathura.

Answer 194

Ans. (a) : Kanishka fought a battle with Han-Ho-ti, the king of the Han empire and expanded its empire to Middle Asia (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan to China and Kanshu provines, Afghanistan and Pakistan) and all of North India. The fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kundalvan, Kashmir during the time of Kanishka. During the time of Kanishka, two new art styles originated which are called Gandhar and Mathura art style Gandhar art style was the centred around Gandhara hence it was called Gandhara style; it is also called the Indo-Greek style. Buddhist style, Mathura style of art was born in Mathura, Red sandstone is used in this style. The first statue of Buddha was made of red sandstone in this style.

Answer 195

Ans : (c) According to some scholars, Charaka was the royal doctor of the King Kanishka. Charak Samhita is a famous Ayurveda book composed by Charak. Acharya Charak redesigned it by adding some places and chapters in the Agnivesh system of Acharya Agnivesh which we know, by the name of Charaka samhita.

Answer 196

Ans : (a) Kujul Kadphises was the first ruler of the Kushan Dynasty. And on the main part of its early coins the figure of the greek king Hermius is engraved on the surface itself. He minted copper coins by imitating Roman coins and assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja. It is noteworthy that the first gold coins in India were introduced by the Kushan ruler Vim Kadphises II. He was a Shaiva follower and held the title of Maheshwar. Figures of Shiva, Nandi and Trishul were engraved on its coins.

Answer 197

Ans. (a) : Nalanda University was founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 13th century. This university was setup by Kumargupta I, one of the famous rulers of the Gupta Dynasty. During its peak time, it attracted several scholars and students even from foreign. In ancient times, Nalanda University was the center of learning, established in the ancient kingdom of Magadha present-day Bihar in India. The university of Nalanda was famous and one of the prestigious during the 5th century onwards.

Answer 198

Ans. (b) : Allahabad pillar Inscription it is also known as 'Prayag Prashasti'. There is a pillar of Samudragupta which is in Allahabad and it is written in Sanskrit. It was composed by Harishen. It is one of the important inscriptional sources to know abnout the political history of the Gupta period.

Answer 199

Ans. (b) : Chandragupta I (319-350 AD) was the first great ruler of the Gupta dynasty. He was the first independent ruler of the Gupta Empire, who assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja. He strengthened his position by marrying Licchavi princess Kumaridevi. To commemorate this marriage, Chandragupta Kumaradevi type of gold coins were issued, on which the pictures of Chandragupta and Kumardevi were engraved on one side and the picture of Durga on the other side. Chandragupta I is considered to be the founder of the Gupta Era which started with his accession in 319-320 BC.

Answer 200

Ans. (a): Vakataka dynasty was established by Vindhya Shakti in 255 AD. The most famous ruler of this dynasty was King Pravarasena I. During his reign he assumed the title of Samrata/Emperor and organized four Ashwamedha Yagyas. It is noteworthy that Vakataka king Rudrasen II was married to Prabhavati Gupta, the granddaughter of Gupta dynasty ruler Samudragupta and daughter of Chandragupta II.

Answer 201

Ans. (c) : Tamralipta was an important port city of ancient India. A place named Tamluk situated in Midnapore district of West Bengal was famous by the name of tamralipta in ancient times. During the Gupta period, trade ships for Java, Sumatra etc. South-eastern countries and Sinhala used to come from here. This was a famous education centre. Fa Hien, Hiuen Tsang, Itsing etc. lived and studied here.

Answer 202

Ans. (d) : "Samudragupta" is called as the 'Napolean of India' because of his great conquests. Historian VA Smith called him so. He has also been described as the hero of hundred battles in 'Prayag Prashasti' inscription. Samudragupta was the son of Chandragupta I and the second ruler of the Gupta dynasty. He was also a good poet and musician.

Answer 203

Ans. (c) : In 275 CE the Gupta dynasty was founded by Sri Gupta. The Gupta Period has been designated as the "Golden period of the Indian history". Vayupurana is one of the major sources containing Gupta's period description. Sanskrit was the official language of the Gupta. It is mostly considered that the use of decimal system and temple architecture was started during Gupta period.

Answer 204

Ans. (a) : After the fall of the Kushanas many small states emerged in North India. It was at this time that Gupta dynasty emerged in Magadha. They were the feudatories of the Kushanas. The founder of the Gupta dynasty was Srigupta, he assumed the title of Maharaja, followed by the Ghatotkasha ruler and also assumed the title of 'Maharaja'. The real founder of the dynasty was Chandragupta I, who held the title of 'Maharajadhiraja'.

Answer 205

Ans. (b) : The last ruler of the Gupta Dynasty was Vishnugupta who ruled between 540 AD and 550 AD. Vishnugupta's mention is found in Currency articles obtained from Nalanda. The founder of the Gupta lineage was Shrigupta but Chandragupta I provided prestige to the Gupta Dynasty and is considered to be the actual founder of the Gupta Dynasty.

Answer 206

Ans : (c) The Gupta dynasty was founded by Shrigupta(240-280 AD). Among the rulers of Gupta dynasty Chandra Gupta I, Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, Kumargupta etc. were chief rulers. The Gupta period is called the Golden period of Indian History due to the cultural achievements. The court poet of Samudra Gupta was Harishena who composed the Prayag Prashashti.

Answer 207

Ans : (c) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 208

Ans : (b) Chandragupta II is also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya. Aryabhatta and Kalidasa belonged to the state court of Chandragupta II. In the court of Chandragupta II nine learned scholars used to live which were known as Navratnas (Nine gems) The Navratnas were Kalidasa, Dhanwantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Shanku, Vetala Bhatta, Ghatakarapara, Varahamihira and Vararuchi.

Answer 209

Ans : (a) Samudragupta's Prayag Prasasti describes the Gupta Dynasty. According to this archival evidence the founder of the Gupta empire was Shreegupta. Shreegupta's successor was his son Ghatotkacha.

Answer 210

Ans : (d) Chandragupta II, also called as Vikramaditya, a powerful emperor (reigned 375-415 CE) of Northern India. He was the son of Samudra Gupta and Grandson of Chandragupta - I.

Answer 211

Ans. (b) : The last accepted emperor of the Gupta dynasty was Vishnugupta who ruled between 540 AD. to 550 AD. The founder of the Gupta dynasty is considered to be Srigupta (240 AD - 280 AD). The Gupta period is called the Golden Age of Indian history.

Answer 212

Ans. (b) : The Gupta rulers imposed a fine called Halivkar or Haldand, which was plough tax paid by each cultivator who owned the plough. On the basis of economic utility, the following types of land were in the Gupta period 1. Kshetra - cultivable land 2. Vastu - habitable land 3. Gapatha Sarah, Pasture land - land suitable for cattle fodder 4. Khila land - such land which is not cultivable. 5. Aprahata - The land which used to be wild.

Answer 213

Ans. (b) : The Chinese traveller Sung Yun came to India in 518 (6th Century) and received copies of Buddhist texts in his 3 years of travel. It is known that Fa–hien was also a Chinese traveller, who travelled to India. Fa–hien came to the court of Chandragupta II 'Vikramaditya'. Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) came to India in 629 AD during the reign of Harshavardhana.

Answer 214

Ans : (c) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 215

Ans : (a) Chandragupta-I (319-350 AD) got Pataliputra in dowry from the Lichhavis. He assumed the title of Maharaja Dhiraj and married Princess Kumar Devi of Lichchivi state, with the help of Lichchivi extended his power. Kumar Devi was the daughter of king of Lichchivi Kingdom and heir to that state. Therefore after Kumar Devi got married to Chandra Gupta - I, he received Pataliputra as dowry and later the Lichchivi Republic and Gupta Republic were united.

Answer 216

Ans. (d) : Hiuen Tsang came to India during the reign of Harshavardhan (629-645 AD). He lived in India for 16 years and studied at Nalanda University in Bihar. Hiuen Tsang's travelogue is famous by the name Si-yu ki. Other prominent travelers from China were Fa-hien, during the time of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya), Shungyun and Itsing who came to India in the seventh century.

Answer 217

Ans. (a) : See the explanation of above question.

Answer 218

Ans. (c) : 'Harshacharita' is a biography of Harshavardhana, the ruler of Kannauj, composed in Sanskrit by his court poet Banabhatta. His second book is Kadambari, which is considered to be the first novel in the world. Banabhatta died before Kadambari was completed. And this novel was later completed by his son Bhushanbhatta.

Answer 219

Ans : (b) The Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang came to India during the reign of emperor Harsha. He stayed in India from about 629 AD to 645 AD. He came to India to study at the Buddhist University of Nalanda and to collect Buddhist texts in India. According to Hiuen Tsang, Buddhist people were divided into 18 communities According to him, the Nalanda University was maintained by the revenue of 100 Villages.

Answer 220

Ans. (b) : The Aihole inscription shows that the Chalukya dynasty's Pulakeshin II fought Harshavardhana on the banks of the river Narmada in 618 AD which Harshavardhana defeated after conquering hundreds of kings. He assumed the title of Parmeshwar. It is known that the Aihole inscription is in the form of a commendation and its language is Sanskrit, the script is Dakshin Brahmi. It was composed by Ravikirti. It is known that Pulakeshin I was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami/Vatapi.

Answer 221

Ans. (b) See the explanation of above question.

Answer 222

Ans. (b) : After the death of Harshavardhana's father Prabhakarvardhana (605 AD), Harshavardhana's elder brother Rajyavardhana became the king, but he was killed due to the malice of Malwa king Devgupta and Gond king Shashank. Harshavardhana in 606 A.D. had ascended the throne and rescued his sister Rajyashree from Vindhyatvi and merged Kannauj and Thaneshwar in his kingdom, snatched Malwa from Devgupta and drove Shashank to Gond. Harsha is called the 'Sahityakar Samrat' because he composed three plays Priyadarsika, Ratnavali and Nagananda. He wrote India's description in his book called "Si-yu-ki".

Answer 223

Ans : (a) Harshavardhan (606-647 AD) (Vardhana Dynasty) established a strong empire in Northern India. He was the last Hindu emperor who ruled over the rest of the Northern India except Punjab. His earliest capital was Thaneswar, present day Haryana. After his accession, He united the two Kingdom Thaneshwar & Kannauj and also shifted his capital from Thaneshwar to Kannauj.

Answer 224

Ans. (c) : Pushyabhuti the ruler of Thaneswar later on founded the Verdant dynasty. One of the most prominent ruler of this dynasty was Harshuardhan, who later on shifted the capital to Kannauj. Hiuen Tsang visited the court of Harsh.

Answer 225

Ans. (b) : Initially the Rashtrakutas were subordinate (feudal) to the Chalukyas of Karnataka. The founder of the Rashtrakuta Empire was Dantidurga, who established an independent state by defeating the Chalukya ruler Kirtivarman in the middle of the eighth century (752 AD) and made Manyakhet his capital.

Answer 226

Ans. (c) : Nedunj Chelian II was a famous ruler of the Pandya dynasty of South India. It is also known as 'Pasumpan Pandian'. This extended the Pandya Empire almost to the western coast, earning him the title of 'Vidambalamba Nitra Pandyan'.

Answer 227

Ans. (b) : Chola King Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD) - Parantaka II's son and successor Arimolivarman or Rajaraja I sat on the throne. Following the iron and blood policy of his grandfather Parantaka I, he assumed the title of Rajaraja. Built the Brihadeshwara Temple located in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. This is the first and only temple of its kind in the world. Which is made of granite and designated as UNESCO world heritage site.

Answer 228

Ans. (d) : Initially, Rashtrakutas were the subordinate to the Chalukyas of Karnataka. Dantidurga, in the mid eighth century, overthrew his Chalukyan overlord and performed a ritual known as 'hiranya-garbha'. It was thought to lead to the rebirth of the sacrifice as a Kshatriya, even if he was not one by birth.

Answer 229

Ans. (b) : Sabha was the assembly in the villages which were inhabited predominantly by the Brahmanas in the Chola administration. It was a local self-government institution that functioned as a council of elders who were responsible for the administration and maintenance of the village. Sabha was also responsible for the collection of taxes, maintenance of law and order, and resolving disputes within the village. The members of the Sabha were usually Brahmanas who were elected by the villagers. Sabha was an important institution in the Chola administration as it helped in the smooth functioning of the village administration.

Answer 230

Ans. (a) : The Pandya kingdom was a Tamil Kingdom in South India. Madurai was the capital of the Pandyan dynasty until middle of the 14th century and Madurai was also the capital and port city of Pandya. The third capital was Tenkasi until the end of the 16th century.

Answer 231

Ans. (c) : Sabha and Ur were two types of village assemblies that were referred to during the Chola dynasty. Sabha was an assembly of elders who made decisions for the village, while Ur was an assembly of common people who discussed and debated various issues. Chola dynasty was known for its administrative and political prowess, and the existence of these assemblies is a testament to their commitment to democratic principles. Sabha and Ur were two types of village assemblies that were referred to during the Chola dynasty.

Answer 232

Ans. (c) : Aihole was the capital of the Chalukyas. It was an important trading centre in South India. It was the first capital of Chalukyas where they built numerous temples dating back to the 6th century CE. Later the capital was changed to Badami by Pulkeshin first in 543. It lasted from 543 A.D. to 755 A.D. Pulakesin I was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty. He established a small kingdom with Vatapi or Badami as its capital.

Answer 233

Ans. (c) : Ravikirti was the court poet of Chalukya ruler Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin-II. Pulakeshin-II (610AD-642AD) was the fourth and most powerful ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami. He assumed the title of 'Satyashraya Prithvivallabh Maharaj'. Information about Pulkeshin II comes from his 'Aihole Prashasti' inscription. It was composed by the Jain poet Ravikirti in honor of his patron king Pulakesin Satyasraya (Pulakeshin II) of the Badami Chalukya dynasty.

Answer 234

Ans. (d) : Chala dynesties invaded malaya to free its trade with China. The most important victory of the Chola dynasty ruler Rajendra I (1014-1044 AD) was the successful military campaign against the Sri Vijaya Empire, which extended to the Malaya Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and adjacent islands. The objective of this campaign was to increase the trade activities of the Cholas with the eastern world (China).

Answer 235

Ans. (d) : Chola Empire (Dynasty) was founded by Vijayalaya. He took over the Tanjore kingdom in the 8th century and defeated the Pallavas, leading to the rise of the powerful Cholas. The first information about Cholas comes from Panini's Ashtadhyayi.

Answer 236

Ans. (b) : Rani Rudrama Devi was a 13th century Kakatiya dynasty warrior in the Deccan plateau. She was the first woman ruler to have ascended the throne in South India.

Answer 237

Ans. (c) : The Chalukya dynasty ruled in Vatapi which is in the modern day Indian state of Karnataka. The Chalukya dynasty was established by Pulakeshin I in 543.

Answer 238

Ans. (c) Dantidurga, who set up his capital at Malkhed was a Rashtrakuta ruler.

Answer 239

Ans. (c) Among the following Dhruva is a Rashtrakuta Ruler. He is also considered to be involved in Tripartite struggle alongwith Palas and Pratiharas.

Answer 240

Ans. (a) : Rashtrakuta rulers governed the Deccan and neighbouring areas of India from around 753 to 975 CE. The foundation of Rashtrakuta kingdom was laid by Dantivarman or Dantidurga, after defeating the last Badami Chalukya ruler Keerthivarman II.

Answer 241

Ans. (b) : The reign of the Cholas began in the 9th century AD when they defeated the Pallavas to come into power. This rule stretched over for five long centuries until the 13th century. However, around the 2nd century, the state Andhra has a Chola kingdom that flourished far and wide. The early periods of the Chola rule saw the onset of the Sangam literature. Kantaman was one of the prominent rulers of this era. The medieval period was the era of absolute power and development for the Cholas. This is when kings like Aditya I and Parantaka I. From here Rajaraj Chola and Rajendra Chola further expanded the kingdom into the Tamil region. Later Kulotunga Chola took over Kalinga to establish a strong rule. This magnificence lasted until the arrival of the Pandyas in the early 13th century.

Answer 242

Ans : (a) The founder of the Chalukya dynasty was Pulkeshin - I, he founded this dynasty in 543 A.D. It's capital was Vatapi. Its descendants are called 'Chalukyas' of Badami. The main rulers of this dynasty were Pulkeshin I, Kirti Varman, Pulakesin II, Vikramaditya etc. The most powerful king of this dynasty was Pulakesin II.

Answer 243

Ans. (d) : Before the Badami Chalukyas capital was Aihole. It was a culturally important capital for the Chalukyas on the bank of river Malprabha. The ancient monuments of Aihole include Durga Temple, Ladkhan Temple, and Ravana Hill cave etc. The Inscription of Pulkesin II has also been found from Aihole.

Answer 244

Ans : (b) The first capital of the Chalukya dynasty was Aihole. Jai Singh established the Chalukya dynasty of Vatapi, the chief of this dynasty were Pulakeshin I, Kirtivarmana, Pulakeshin-II and Vikramaditya. The Aihole inscription was written by Ravikirti which is related to Pulakeshin II. Aihole is a famous site for an ancient temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka state.

Answer 245

Ans. (b) : The founder of Chola dynasty was Vijayalaya (around 850 CE). Rajaraja I was the greatest ruler of this dynasty. He constructed Rajarajeshwara or Brihadesvara temple in Tanjore. His son Rajendra-I led an expedition to the north & crossed the river Ganga. He assumed the title of Gangaikondachola (Victor of Ganges).

Answer 246

Ans. (a) : The lands mentioned in the inscriptions during the Chola dynasty are as follows:- Pallichchhandam - land donated to Jain institutions. Brahmadeya - land donated/gifted to Brahmins. Shalabhoga - land granted for maintenance of schools. Vellanvagai - It was a land for non - Brahamana Peasant Proprietors. Devadana : Land gifted to temples.

Answer 247

Ans : (a) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 248

Ans : (a) After Mahendra Varman–I his son Narasimha Varman–I ascended the throne of Kanchi. Narasimha Varman–I was the most powerful king of the Pallava dynasty, he avenged the defeat of his father. He re organized the military power of the Pallavas and started the Vijay Yatra in the north and defeated the Chalukya SSC GS Planner YCT 47 emperor Pulakeshin II in 3 battles (1 – Parimal , 2 Shurmar, 3–Manimangalam). Vatapikond (Winner of Vatapi) and Mahamalla to commemorate the winning of Vatapi. The title of Mahamalla was added to his name.

Answer 249

Ans. (b) : Rajendra I (1014–1044 AD) was the ruler of the Chola dynasty. He conquered the whole of Sri Lanka and captured Mahendra V, the ruler of Sri Lanka and brought him to Chola Kingdom. He defeated the Pal ruler, Mahipal and assumed the title of 'Gangaikondchola'. He established a new capital called 'Gangaikondacholapuram' on the bank of the river Kaveri. The achievements of Rajendra I are described in the inscriptions 'Thiruvalagandu' and 'Karandai'.

Answer 250

Ans : (b) Mahatma Basveshwar / Basavanna / Bhaktibhandari was an Indian 12th century statesman, philosopher, poet, social reformer and Lingayat saint. He focussed Bhakti movement, and Hindu Shaivite social reformer during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukya/Kalachuri dynasty. Mahatma Basveshwar spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanaas. He rejected gender of social discrimination, superstitions and rituals but introduced Ishtalinga necklace, with an image of the Shiva Linga, to every person regardless of his or her birth, to be a constant reminder of one's bhakti (devotion) to Shiva. Mahatma Basveshwar literary works include the Vachana Sahitya in Kannada Language. In fact, Basavanna was the Prime Minsiter of King Bijjala II of the Kalachuri dynasty, a feudatory of the Kalyani Chalukya.

Answer 251

Ans. (a) : The Chalukya dynasty was a major kingdom in the Southern part of India.

Answer 252

Ans : (c) The Ellora caves was built under the patron of Rashtrakutas. It is a World Heritage Site now-a-day. The whole premises consists of 34 monastries and temples. The famous Kailash temple is situated in Ellora caves, which is the largest of rock-cut Hindu temple.

Answer 253

Ans. (c) : In the early medieval period, a famous tripartite war was fought to gain control over Kannauj in which Palas, Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas were involved. This was lasted for about 200 years. Finally thee war ended with the result being in favor of the Gurjara- Pratihara ruler Nagabhatta II.

Answer 254

Ans. (b) : Famous poet and playwright Rajshekhar was the court poet of Pratihara King Mahendra Pal (890-910 AD). Rajashekhar has described Mahendra Pal as 'Nirbhayraj' and 'Nirbhay Narendra' in his works. His famous works are- Karpoormanjari, Kavya Mimamsa, Bal Ramayana etc.

Answer 255

Ans. (b) : Vikramshila University, located in Bhagalpur district of Bihar province, has been an education center of international fame. It was established by the pala ruler Dharmapala (775 800 AD). It was under royal patronage till the 13th century under Dharmapala's successors. As a result, Vikramshila remained a university of international reputation for more than four centuries. There were logic, philosophy, tantra Grammar etc were the special subject of this University. It was destroyed by the Muslim invader Bakhtiyar Khilji around 1193.

Answer 256

Ans. (d) King Lalitaditya Muktapida ruled over Kashmir.

Answer 257

Ans. (a) The Vikramshila University was set up by the Pala Dynasty King, Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th century at Bhagalpur, Bihar. It is significant that, Kumargupta founded Nalanda University in the 5th century AD. Dharmapala revived Nalanda University.

Answer 258

Ans. (c) : The Odantpuri education centre was located in Bihar. Gopala built the famous Buddhist Monastery of Odantpuri (Bihar). It had become an important center of learning during the prosperous period of Odantpuri, 1000 students were educated here. Students from far and wide used to come here to get education. The first student here was Dipankar.

Answer 259

Ans. (c) : Gopala was the founder of the Pala dynasty. This dynasty ruled Bihar and Bengal around 750 AD to 1174 AD. He was the first Buddhist king of Bengal and he built a monastery at Odantapuri in Bihar. His successor Dharmapala expanded the empire during his reign and for some time he also controlled Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh and North India.

Answer 260

Ans. (d) : Vikramashila was a major center of higher education in ancient India. This education center is located in North Magadh (Present day Bhagalpur district of Bihar). This university was founded in the 8th century by the famous emperor Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty. In addition to Buddhism and philosophy, justice, elements, knowledge and grammar were also studied here.

Answer 261

Ans : (a) The founder of the Pala dynasty was Gopala. He made Munger his capital. Gopal was a Buddhist follower. He established Odantpuri University. Dharmapala, the greatest ruler of the Pala dynasty founded the Vikramshila University. The tripartite struggle for Kannauj took place between the Pala dynasty, the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty and the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Dharmapala was the first to be included on behalf of the Pala dynasty. The literary discipline called Gudiriti was developed during the Pala rulers.

Answer 262

Ans. (c) : Vikramshila University was established by the King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty. This university is located in Bhagalpur district of Bihar state. Nalanda University was founded by Gupta ruler Kumargupta-I who held the title of 'Shakraditya'.

Answer 263

Ans. (a) : The earliest known dynasty to rule Assam was the Varman dynasty of Kamarupa, which ruled for over 300 years, from the mid-4th century CE. The founder of the dynasty, King Pushyavarman was a contemporary of the famous Gupta emperor, Samudragupta. A notable event during the rule of Bhaskar Varman was the visit of the reputed Chinese traveller and scholar, Hiuen Tsang, to Kamarupa in 642–643 CE.

Answer 264

Ans. (c) : Vikramshila was founded by Pala king, Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th century. It prospered for about four centuries before it was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji along with the other major centres of Buddhism in India around 1193 AD.

Answer 265

Ans. (b) : The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandela dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions - Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture.

Answer 266

Ans. (b) : Prithviraja III was a Chahamana ruler. He defeated Sultan Muhammad Ghori in 1191. But Prithiviraj was defeated by Ghori in 1192.

Answer 267

Ans. (b) : Being a magnificent patron of learning Raja Bhoja (1010-1055 A.D.) the greatest monarch of the Paramara dynasty, founded a college at Dhar which subsequently came to be known as Bhojshala, where students from far and near flocked to quench their intellectual thirst.

Answer 268

Ans. (d) : Jaimal and Patta were two Rajput warriors who were given the charge of defending the fort of Chittor against the Mughal emperor Akbar's army in 1567.

Answer 269

Ans : (d) Delhi became the capital of a kingdom for the first time under the Tomara Rajputs (8th century-12th century).

Answer 270

Ans. (d) : Shaka or Saka was a ritual associated with Jauhar in which the men would simultaneously march to their deaths at the hand of enemies. This is associated with Rajput Kingdoms.

Answer 271

Ans. : (a) Jodhpur was historically the capital of the kingdom of Marwar which was founded by Rao Jodha Clan. Rao Maldev was also ruler of Marwar and he was succeeded by his son Rao Chanda. Rao Chand followed his father's policy and stayed hostile to the ruling foreign powers in India. He defended his kingdom for nearly two decades against relentless attacks from the Mughal Empire whereas Rana Kumbha was the ruler of Mewar kingdom and he belonged to the Sisodia Clan of Rajputs.

Answer 272

Ans. (b) : Mihira Bhoja was a king belonging to the Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty. He built the city of Lakes. The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty was founded by Nagabhatta I in the region of Malwa in the eighth century. He belonged to Rajput Clan. In this dynasty an important king, Rajyapala, was driven from Kannauj by Mahmud of Ghazni. Vijay Sena was ruler of Bengal region and succeeded him as a Sena dynasty during 11th and 12th centuries.

Answer 273

Ans : (c) Prithviraj III, known as Prithviraj Chauhan (1178-1192 AD) was a Hindu Kshatriya king of the Chahman dynasty, who ruled Ajmer and Delhi in the late 12th century in northern India. Prithviraj III in the year 1191 AD, defeated Muhammad Ghori in the first battle of Tarain and a year later in 1192 AD, in the second battle of Tarain, Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraja Chauhan.

Answer 274

Ans : (c) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 275

Ans. (c) : See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 276

Ans. (b) : See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 277

Ans. (c) : See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 278

Ans. (b) : Chand Bardai was a friend, a state poet and Adi Mahakavi of Hindi of the Hindu emperor Prithviraj Chauhan of Delhi. Chand Bardai has the honor of being the first Hindi poet and his creation Prithviraj Raso to be the first Hindi creation.

Answer 279

Ans. (c) : Mihir Bhoj was the king whose reign was considered as the Golden time of Pratihara dynasty. He was a Vaishnavite. He had the title of Aadivarah and Prabhas. The famous traveller Suleman visited his court.

Answer 280

Ans. (c) : See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 281

Ans : (c) Prithviraja Chauhan was the last Hindu emperor of Delhi and he married Samyukta after revolting against her father for their marriage Samyukta, also known as Sanyogita. Samyukta or Sanyukta is a character in the medieval Indian heroic romance Prithviraj Raso. According to the text, she was the daughter of Jaichand, the King of Kannauj, and one of three wives of Prithviraj Chauhan.

Answer 282

Ans : (c) Someshwar Chauhan was the father of Prithviraj Chauhan. He was the Hindu ruler of the Chauhan Dynasty, who ruled Ajmer and Delhi in the latter half of the 12th century. Prithviraj Chauhan was born in Ajmer state.

Answer 283

Ans : (b) Chand Bardai was an Indian poet, who composed Prithviraj Raso, an epic poem in Brajbhasa about the life of the Chauhan king Prighviraj Chauhan. It also describes the struggle between the Rajputs and Muhammad Ghori, besides providing details on the political, military and socio-economic structure of the Rajputs.

Answer 284

Ans. (a) : Both the cities of Delhi and Ajmer were under the control of Chahamans / Chauhan dynasty. In the middle of the 9th century, Vigraharaj (Visaldev) conquered Delhi from the Tomar dynasty ruler. Due to which both of these cities came under the control of Chahamans. Prithviraj-III was the last powerful ruler of this dynasty.

Answer 285

Ans. (b) : Chandela rulers established their religious capital at Khajuraho. The rulers of the Chandela dynasty have a special contribution to the history of Bundelkhand (erstwhile name-Jejakabhukti) as the Chandels originated in the Bundelkhand region initially, their capital was Kalinjar (Mahoba).

Answer 286

Ans : (c) Pratihara dynastty made Kannauj (Kanyakubja) its capital city.

Answer 287

Ans. (d) : Nalanda University was founded by Kumar Gupta I, one of the famous rulers of the Gupta dynasty. The university was dedicated to Buddhist studies in the ancient Magadha Province of India (present-day Bihar), where students were also trained in the fine arts, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, politics and the art of war.

Answer 288

Ans. (d) : The word ‘Nagara’ is made from Nagar. It is a style of structural temple architecture in north India that was prevalent in areas ranging from the Himalayas to the Vindhya Mountains. It was given adequate patronage by the ruling dynasties present in North India during the 18th century. Its characteristics the prominence of the peak rising from the flat roof is found.

Answer 289

Ans. (c) : ■ The architectural style of Brihaddishvara Temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu is Dravidian architecture. This temple is situated on the banks of river Kaveri. It is the largest temple in the southern part of India. ■ It has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. ■ This temple was built by King Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010 AD. ■ The architecture of this temple is the best example of the rules of science and geometry. ■ The temple houses an idol of Lord Shiva, known as Nataraja.

Answer 290

Ans. (d) : Panchayatan style is a style of temple construction consisting of a central temple surrounded by four other temples (means total 5 temple). It consists of a main temple which is surrounded by four subsidiary temples. Examples of temples of this style are Lakshman Temple in Khajuraho, Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, Dashavatara Temple etc.

Answer 291

Ans. (a) : Nalanda University, famous as a Buddhist university, is located in the state of Bihar, which was established by King Kumar Gupta of the Gupta Empire in the 5th century. • Vallabhi University was a famous ancient university and the main center of Buddhist learning which is presently in the western part of India, located in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. This university was specialized and famous for the study of Hinayana between 600 CE and 1200 CE.

Answer 292

Ans. (b): The brick temple of Bhitargaon is located in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. This Gupta period temple made of bricks is especially famous because of its safe and well molded bricks.

Answer 293

Ans. (c) : Sanchi is a place belonging to the period between the third century BC and the twelfth century AD, which is famous for its excellent examples of Buddhist art and architecture. It is a small village situated on the banks of Betwa River in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh state.

Answer 294

Ans. (b) : The state of Bihar is home to Buddhist cave temples, known as the Barabar Caves. These caves are a group of four main caves, located on the Barabar Hills. These caves are- Lomas Rishi Cave , Sudama Cave, Karan Chaupar and Vishwa Jhopri.

Answer 295

Ans. (d) : Ravan Phadi cave is located in Aihole, in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. This site is renowned for its historic temples and structures from the early Chalukya dynasty, which ruled the region from the 6th to the 12th centuries. This cave temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and Parvati.

Answer 296

Ans. (a) : In North Indian temple architecture, Shikhara refers to the superstructure or tower over the sanctum sanctorum and pillared mandapas. A simple spire whose base is square and the walls turn inward and meet at a point at the top is usually called ‘Rekha Prasad’.

Answer 297

Ans. (d) : Hoysaleshwara Temple is located in Halebid, Karnataka. It was built from black schist stone by the Hoysala king in 1150 AD. UNESCO has included this temple in the World Heritage list in 2023.

Answer 298

Ans. (b) : Nagarjuni caves were constructed by Ashoka by cutting the Nagarjuni rocks located in Gaya district of Bihar in the 1st century AD. These caves were built by Ashoka for the residence of the monks of Ajivaka sect.

Answer 299

Ans. (d) : Mauryan Pillar Capital found at Sarnath is popularly known as Lion capital.

Answer 300

Ans. (c) : Dilwara Temples is a group of five Jain temples located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The temples were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD and are considered to be one of the finest examples of Jain temple architecture.

Answer 301

Ans. (b) : Bagh Caves is a group of 9 Buddhist caves located on the Bagh river in Madhya Pradesh. The caves were developed around the 6th century AD and are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures. The Bagh Caves are considered to be one of the earliest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture. These caves were discovered by Danger Field in 1818.

Answer 302

Ans. (a) : Shri Brahmapurishwar Temple or Thiurkolili is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirukkuvalai in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India.

Answer 303

Ans. (d) : Rambhar Stupa is located in Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh. It is a famous Buddhist site situated on the banks of river Gandak. Lord Buddha gave his last sermon in Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that Gautam Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana here. The Rambhar Stupa at Kushinagar was built with a part of the Buddha’s ashes at the same place where he was cremated.

Answer 304

Ans. (b): Gopuram, in south Indian architecture, the entrance gateway to a Hindu temple enclosure. Relatively small at first, the gopuras grew in size from the mid-12th century until the colossal gateways came to dominate the temple complex, quite surpassing the main sanctum in both size and architectural elaboration.

Answer 305

Ans. (a) : Borra Caves is considered to be one of the oldest limestine caves of the country, located amidst the Ananthagiri Hills in Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh. This cave is made of limestone situated at a height of about 705 m.

Answer 306

Ans. (c) : The ancient Neemrana stepwell is located in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Neemrana Stepwell, which shows the importance of Rajput architecture and water conservation, will now be included among the monuments of national importance. The 9 storey stepwell is one of the important tourist destinations of Rajasthan. It was built by Thakur Janak Singh in the 18th century.

Answer 307

Ans. (c) Uparkot caves are ancient man made caverns. The caves are a part of the Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups situated in the eastern part of Junagardh, Gujarat.

Answer 308

Ans. (b) The Bhaja Caves are the group of rock cut caves located in Pune, Maharashtra.

Answer 309

Ans : (a) Ajanta is a series of rock-cut caves in the Sahyadri ranges (Western Ghats) on Waghora river near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. There a total of 29 caves (all Buddhist) of which 25 were used as Viharas or residential caves while 4 were used as Chaitya or prayer halls. The caves were developed in the period between 200 B.C. to 650 A.D. The Ajanta caves were inscribed by the Buddhist monks, under the patronage of the Vakataka kings–Harishena being a prominent one. These paintings contains of flora and fauna.

Answer 310

Ans. (b) : See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 311

Ans : (d) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 312

Ans : (b) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 313

Ans : (d) Kardang Monastery is a famous place of Buddhism which is located in Lahaul – Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. This Monastery is 3500 meters above sea level on the banks of the Bhaga River. This monastery is known for its attractive architecture murals and collection of Thangas paintings and instruments.

Answer 314

Ans : (c) Sanchi is famous for outstanding specimen of Buddhist art and architecture, belonging to the period between 3rd century BC and 12th century AD. Sanchi is a small village situated on the bank of Betwa River in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Sanchi Stupa was built by Ashoka the Great.

Answer 315

Ans : (b) Dilwara Temple is a group of five temples located in Mount Abu Nagar in Sirohi district of Rajasthan. This temple is dedicated to Jain 'Tirthankaras'. This temple was constructed by two brothers named Vastupala and Tejpala in 1231 AD. The temple is also known as Adilshahi or Viamalvasahi temple.

Answer 316

Ans. (a) : See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 317

Ans. (d) : The city Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu) was established by Pallava ruler Narsingh Varman II who was also known as Mamalla. The temple contains 8 rathas of which the Dharmaraja Rath is the biggest. The city consists of panch rath along with Ekashm temple and remains 7 other temple, and thus is also known as Sapta Pagoda.

Answer 318

Ans : (b) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 319

Ans. (a) : Kandariya Mahadev Temple is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. This temple was built around 1015-1050 AD by the mighty king Vidyadhara of the Chandela dynasty. Kandariya the temple of 'Mahadev' is the biggest, tallest and very important from an artistic point of view. This temple is also known as 'Chaturbhuj Temple'. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Answer 320

Ans : (a) The Khajuraho Group of Monuments are attributed to the Chandela dynasty which under the sovereignity of Gurjar Pratihars reached its glory. The ensemble of monuments that have survived belong to the Hindu and Jain Religious practices with a striking fusion of sculpture and architecture. The best example of this outstanding feature is seen in the Kandariya Mahadev Temple. Of the 85 temples built here, only 22 temples have survived in an area of 20 km, which represents the Chandela period of the 10th century located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, it was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site a cultural property on 1986 for its unique original artistic creation and proof of the Chandela culture that existed prior to the Muslim invasion of India in the early 12th century.

Answer 321

Ans. (d) : See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 322

Ans. (c) : Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen's Stepwell) is a World Heritage Site in Patan (Gujarat) on the banks of Saraswati River. Its construction was started by Rani Udaymati of Solanki dynasty in the memory of Raja Bhimdev Solanki and was completed by king Karan Dev. It was made for water harvesting as rainwater conservation was done in this. It has been listed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Site since 2014.

Answer 323

Ans : (c) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 324

Ans. (a) : The Khajuraho temples of Madhya pradesh are famous for their Nagara style architecture and tremendous sculpture. It was built under the patronage of Chandela Kings.

Answer 325

Ans. (b) : See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 326

Ans. (b) : Ananthapura Lake Temple is a Hindu temple situated in "Kasaragod" district of Kerala. Here the main deity is Lord Vishnu. According to local considerations, the temple is a genesis place of Padmanabhan Swami and is the only lake temple of Kerala

Answer 327

Ans. (d) The Chola rulers were great builders and during their reign, the most magnificent temples were built in South India. They ruled for nearly 1500 years and temples become the centre of importance during their power. The Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram in Tamil Nadu was built by the great Chola king Rajaraja and it is placed third, after the two famous chola temples of Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholpuram temple. Virupakhsha Temple is one of the famous Lord Shiva temples located in Hampi, Karnataka and it was built by Krishnadevraya, the ruler of Vijayanagara empire.

Answer 328

Ans. (b) : The famous rust resistant iron pillar is located in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in the Qutub Minar Complex at New Delhi. This pillar is also called as the Victory Pillar and was made in the reign of Gupta dynasty by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (375 415 AD). He erected the pillar around 402 AD. Iltutmish shifted it in 1233 AD as a booty of war from Udayagiri to its current location in the Quwwat-ul Islam mosque. The pillar have lot of Sanskrit inscription all over it. Scientists say that it is made up of high amount of Phosphorus along with the purity of Iron which has contributed to keep this pillar rust free.

Answer 329

Ans : (a) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 330

Ans. (c) : Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near the village of Verul about 18 km from Daulatabad in Maharashtra. This temple is known as Ghrishneshwar. This temple was renovated in the 18th century by Maharani Punyashloka Devi Ahilyabai of Holkar Indore. While Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh and Vaidynath temple is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand.

Answer 331

Ans. (b) : Mahabalipuram in state of Tamil Nadu is famous for the splendor of its ancient temple and architecture. Here the work of constructing artistic temples and caves by carving stone was done during the kings of the Pallava dynasty. Mahabalipuram's prevalent Tamil name is another form of Mamallapuram. This means the city of wrestlers which has been sent here with the idols of the Ganges. It is believed that the Gangavataran has been demonstrated from the midst of Shiva's Yatra after the severe penance performed by Bhagiratha to the death of his ancestors.

Answer 332

Ans. (c) : Rajarappa is a Shaktipeeth site and pilgrimage place located in the state of Jharkhand India. It is also the confluence of the Damodar and Vera rivers. The temple of Maa Chinnamasta situated at the confluence of the Damodar River is famous as the second largest Shaktipeeth in the world after the Kamakhya Temple in Assam.

Answer 333

Ans. (a) : Gandhara art flourished in India during the rule of the Kushan Empire. Kanishka was the greatest patron Kushan Art and Architecture. He was a famous supporter of the arts. Gandhara art flourished during his reign. The Gandhara school is deeply influenced by the spitting system. with the painting

Answer 334

Ans : (b) Mahabalipuram or Seven Pagodas is a temple of art in Tamil Nadu. It was created by the Pallava rulers during 7th & 8th century A.D. The incredible Ratha cave temple of Mahabalipuram was constructed by the Pallava King, Narsimhavarman (Mahamalla).

Answer 335

Ans : (c) The Brihadeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Raja Rajeswara temple. It was built by Chola ruler Raja Raja I and completed in 1010. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the ''Great living Chola temples".

Answer 336

Ans : (b) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 337

Ans : (b) A pillar containing inscriptions of three different period of Mauryan period, Gupta period and Mughal period is located in Allahabad (Prayagraj). Ashoka Pillar has inscriptions of three rulers. It is an excellent specimen of archaeological inscription. The evidence of the India is found in the inscriptions inscribed on the top of the Ashoks Pillars.

Answer 338

Ans : (d) The Sun Temple of Konark, also known as the Black Pagoda is located in the city of Puri in Odisha. It is a monumental representation of the Sun God Surya's chariot; its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of size horses. This temple is built in the Nagara style and red sandstone and black granite stones have been used in its construction. This temple was built by Ganga Dynasty ruler Narasimha Deva in 1236-1364 AD. This temple has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in1984. Its main feature is the sculptures drawn on its outer walls. ● Meenakshi Temple–It is located in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. ● Brihadisvara Temple– This temple is a classic example of Chola architecture. It was built by Maharaja Raj Raj I. ● Mahabodhi Temple–It is located in Bodhgaya, Bihar. These sites provide an extraordinary record of events related to the life of Mahatma Buddha and facts related to his workship.

Answer 339

Ans : (c) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 340

Ans : (d) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 341

Ans : (d) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 342

Ans : (a) The popular name of Monolithic rock shrines at Mahabalipuram are called Rathas. Mahabalipuram or Seven Pagodas is a temple of art in Tamil Nadu. It was created by the Pallava rulers during 7th & 8th century A.D. The incredible Ratha cave temple of Mahabalipuram was constructed by the Pallava King Narsimhavarman (Mahamalla).

Answer 343

Ans: (c) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 344

Ans : (c) Located near mount Abu in Rajasthan, Dilwara temples comprise of five Jain temples that are known for its religious and architectural significance built between 11th and 13th centuries AD, These temples are one of the finest example of temples during the reign of Chalukya dynasty. The temple was built in 1231AD by two brothers named Vastupala and Tejpal. Among these temples, the 'Lun Vasahi temple' dedicated to Neminath, the twenty second pilgrimage of Jainism, is most popular.

Answer 345

Ans. (c) : Hemis Monastery or Hemis Gompa is about 45 km south-east of Leh in the UT of Ladakh. It is a Buddhist monastery which is attractive and beautiful among all the monasteries in Ladakh. This monastery is about 12000 feet. It is situated on the west bank of the river Indus at high altitude.

Answer 346

Ans : (c) Mehrauli Pillar is famous for excellent quality steel because its high resistance to corrosion and has been called a "testimony to the high level of skill achieved by the ancient Indian iron smiths in the extraction and processing of Iron". This piller of the Gupta period is proving the superiority of the then scientific development. This is a posthumous inscription. It is mentioned that Chandragupta-II defeated the union of kings formed in the Bengal battle field. In the article, Chandragupta-II is said to be a devotee of Vishnu who established the Vishnu flag on a mountain called Vishnupad.

Answer 347

Ans : (d) The Jain temples are associated with Dilwara near Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These Jain temples were built by Vastupal–Tejpal. Khajuraho is famous for its erotic temples and sculpture. The Mahakaal temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is situated in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh). Shringeri Matha is located in the Chikkamangalur district on the banks of the Tunga River, this monastery reflects the tradition of Yajurveda. The monastery is set in the Hoysala and Dravidian installation style. The Sun temple is located in Konark (Odisha), it was established by king Narsimhadeva of Ganga dynasty.

Answer 348

Ans : (c) Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva. The cave of Shiva at Elephanta has at least ten distinct representations of Shiva: two of these Shiva as Ardhanarishvara, in which Shiva and the goddess Parvati is joined as one, and Shiva as Gangadhara, in which Shiva is shown bearing the force of the river goddess Ganga's descends to earth, are referenced below. Shiva's manifestation as Sadashiva where in the manifold aspects of Shiva are depicted on multiple faces.

Answer 349

Ans : (a) The Nalanda Mahavihara site is in the state of Bihar, in north-eastern India. It comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It includes stupas, shrines, Viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal. Nalanda stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian subcontinent.

Answer 350

Ans : (b) Sanchi is also known as Kakanaya, Kakanava, Kakanadabota and Bota Sriparvata in ancient times is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a religious place with historical and archaeological significance. Sanchi is famous in the world for stupas, monolithic Asokan pillar, temples, monasteries and sculptural wealth dating from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD.

Answer 351

Ans. (c) Nalanda Mahavihara site is in the state of Bihar.

Answer 352

Ans : (c) Group of Monuments at Pattadakal is situated in the southern state of Karnataka. It is famous for their harmonious blend of architectural forms of northern and southern India. Pattadakal, was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty of medieval India. This famous world heritage site consists of a group of ten major temples, each displaying interesting architectural features. These Group of Monuments at Pattadakal was built by Chalukya kings.

Answer 353

Ans : (d) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 354

Ans : (b) The oldest rock-cut architecture is found in the Barabar caves, Bihar, which were built around the 3rd century BC. Other early cave temples are found in the western Deccan. These are mostly Buddhist shrines and Monasteries dating between 100 BC and 170 AD. SSC GS Planner YCT 57 Most of them belong to the Mauryan period. On Barabar hills, Ashoka built four caves for the livelihoods, namely Karan Chaupar, Sudama, Lomas Rishi and Vishvakarma. There are a total of seven caves on these hills, three of which have inscriptions of Ashoka.

Answer 355

Ans : (c) Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the largest rock-cut Hindu temple cave complexes in the world, featuring Hinduism in particular and few Buddhist and Jain monuments with artwork dating from the 600-1000 CE period. It was built during the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

Answer 356

Ans : (c) Bhimbetka caves are located in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh. These rock shelters are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains on the Southern edge of the central Indian plateau. Dr. V.S. Wakankar (one of the most renowed archeologists), discovered these caves in 1958. The word 'Bhimbetka', is derived from 'Bhim Baitka'. These caves are named after 'Bhima', one of the five Pandavas of Mahabharata. Bhimbetka simply means "sitting place of Bhima".

Answer 357

Ans : (d) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 358

Ans : (a) Vimana is the structure over the garbhagriha or inner sanctum in the Hindu temples of south India and Odisha in east India is like a stepped pyramid that rises up geometrically rather than the curving Shikhara of North India. The front wall has an entrance geteway in its centre, which is known as a Gopuram.

Answer 359

Ans : (a) Elephanta caves are located in Maharashtra. In other words we can say that it is located in Mumbai Harbour. The caves here are mainly related to Shaivism. It is in the form of, elephant that the famous trinity of Shiva is found which is called 'Mahesh murthy. They were built by the Rashtrakuta rulers.

Answer 360

Ans : (d) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 361

Ans : (c) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 362

Ans : (a) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 363

Ans : (b) The earliest historical evidence of the Sati system is found in an inscription engraved in 510 AD. on a pillar found at Eran near Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, i.e. the Eran posthumous inscription of Goparaja. Ascribed to Bhanugupta, the inscription mentions that his wife followed him on the pyre after his death in the battle against the Hunas.

Answer 364

Ans : (b) The Vishnu Temple at Ankor Wat in Combodia was built by the Khmer king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura (Present-day Angkor), The capital of the Khmer empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. It was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century

Answer 365

Ans. (d) : Gyana Saraswati Temple of South India is a famous pilgrimage site located in Basara Village of Nirmal district of Telangana state. This temple is built on white stones and has a four feet high grand statue of Maa Saraswati installed. This temple is situated on the banks of river Godavari called as Ganga of south India or Dakshni Ganga.

Answer 366

Ans : (d) The first inscription in India was introduced by Ashoka. His inscription were issued as a state order, Ashoka was the first ruler who addressed Public through inscriptions. The Jaugada inscription is in Ganjam, Odisha. It was discovered by Walter Elliot in 1850 A.D.

Answer 367

Ans. : (c) Udayagiri and Khandagiri are the two hills located near Bhubaneshwar in Odisha. There are partially artificial caves in these hills which are of archaeological, historical and religious importance. In the 'Hathigumpha inscription', its description is found as 'Kumari Parvat'. There are 18 caves in Udayagiri and 15 caves in Khandagiri.

Answer 368

Ans. (c) To built the Rajarajeshvara temple at Thanjavur architects built an inclined path to the top of the temple to place a boulder on rollers, which was rolled in all the way to the top of the shikhara. Even today, a village near the Rajarajeshvara temple is called Charupallam, the "Village of the Incline".

Answer 369

Ans. (a) : Kailasha temple was built by the 8th century Rashtrakuta king Krishna-I. It is located in Ellora cave in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. There are 34 caves in Ellora. The Kailashanatha temple (Cave 16) in one of the 34 cave temple & Monasteries known collectively as the Ellora caves.

Answer 370

Ans. (d) : Lord 'Shiva' is worshiped in the Kapaleeswarar temple of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest and famous temples of South India. This temple is located in Mylapore, Chennai city. The Kapaleshwar temple was built by the Pallavas in the 7th century.

Answer 371

Ans. (b) : In the 9th century, the Chola dynasty was established on the ruins of the Pallavas. The founder of this dynasty was Vijayalaya (850 – 871 AD) whose capital was Thanjavur. Vijayalaya assumed the title of 'Parakesari' and built a temple of 'Nishumbhasudini Devi'.

Answer 372

Ans. (d) Ajanta and Ellora caves are located in Maharashtra.

Answer 373

Ans. (d) : The Chaiturgarh Fort in Korba, Chhattisgarh is home to a famous and unique temple Mahishasur Mardini. Another Mahishasur Mardini, Mandapa was built by Pallava dynasty in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu.

Answer 374

Ans. (d) : Akshardham Temple located in New Delhi is also called Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in India which officially opened on 6 November, opened to the public in 2005. This temple has been built in the memory of Jyotirdhar Swami Narayan Bhagwan.

Answer 375

Ans. (c) : Meenakshi Temple is a famous temple located in the city of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu. This temple is also known as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Answer 376

Ans. (d) : Biraja Temple, Rajarani Temple and Samaleshwari Temple, all are located in Odisha. The Jagannath Temple of Puri and the Sun Temple of Konark are world famous among other temples of Odisha.

Answer 377

Ans. (d) : The Pallava dynasty kings built Pancha Rathas in the 7th century on the names of the characters of Mahabharata by King Mahendravarman and his son Narasimhavarman I (630-668 AD). Which are as follows- 1. Dharmaraja Ratha (Yudhisthir Ratha) 2. Bhima Ratha 3. Arjuna Ratha 4. Nakula Sahadeva Ratha and 5. Draupadi Ratha.

Answer 378

Ans. (c) : Author Book Pliny. Natural history Megasthenes Indica Strabo Geographica William Schoff Periplus of the Erythraean Sea

Answer 379

Ans. (c) : The Manusmrti is one of the best-known legal texts of early India, written in Sanskrit and compiled between second century BCE and second century CE. Manusmriti records the words of Lord Brahma. The text states the law of all the social classes.

Answer 380

Ans. (d) : According to historical sources Harsha himself took much interest in writing and composed three different Sanskrit plays namely Nagananda, Ratnavali and Priyadarshika. Harsha, or Harshavardhana, son of Prabhakara Vardhana was an Indian Emperor of the Vardhana Dynasty, He made Kannauj his capital and the end of his reign is marked as the end of ancient period of Indian History. He was successful in creating a strong and vast empire in the north but was defeated by Pulakesin II of the Chalukya Dynasty when he tried to expand his power in the south. His biography, Harshacharita (Deeds of Harsha) was composed by the Sanskrit poet Banabhatta, who was the Court Poet during Harsha’s reign.

Answer 381

Ans. (d) : The history of the state of Kashmir is described in the book ‘Rajatarangini’ written by Kalhan in the 12th century AD. He started writing Rajtarangini (in Sanskrit language) in 1148 AD and completed within three years. It has 8 waves, in which the 8th wave is almost half of the book.

Answer 382

Ans. (b) : The book Indica written by Megasthenes describes India during the rule of the Maurya dynasty. Ptolemy’s Geography, Pliny’s Natural History is a major work of first century. Around the this period Strabo wrote Geographica.

Answer 383

Ans. (b) : Vishnu Sharma is the author of ‘Panchatantra’. Panchatantra refers to the ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables and was originally written in the Sanskrit language. It was written around 200 BCE and is one of the oldest surviving texts. Author Work Jaidev Geet Govind Rumi Masnavi-e-Manavi Amar Singh Amarkosh

Answer 384

Ans. (a) : Vikramarjuna Vijay (Victory of the Mighty Arjuna), also known as Pampa Bharata, is a masterpiece by the 10th century Jain poet Pampa. It is the Kannada version of Vyasa’s epic Mahabharata.

Answer 385

Ans. (a) : Major Indian writers and their works Kalidas Meghdoot, Raghuvansham, Kumarasambhavam Maharishi Vyas Mahabharata Harishen Prayag inscription Ravikirti Aihole inscription

Answer 386

Ans. (a) : The description about the division of society is mentioned in the book written by Megasthenes, who was a Greek ambassador to India. He wrote a book called Indica. The description about seven divisions of Mauryan (Indian) society is mentioned in Indica.

Answer 387

Ans. (b) : Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in South India and is known for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and graceful movements. The theoretical foundations of Bharatanatyam can be traced back to the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts written by the sage Bharata.

Answer 388

Ans. (a) : Banabhatta was the Court Poet of Harshvardhana who wrote Harshacharita. Sanskrit prose writer and 7th Century poet of India, Banabhatta has contributed a lot to Sanskrit literature. He was the court poet until Harshvardhana reigned that is from 606 CE to 647 CE in north India first from Shanishvara (Thanesar), and later Kannauj. The Harshacharita (Deeds of Harsha), and the novel Kadambari are one of the popular works of Banabhatta.

Answer 389

Ans. (d): The Mimamsa Sutra or the Purva Mimamsa Sutras (ca. 300–200 BCE), written by Rishi Jaimini is one of the most important ancient Hindu philosophical texts.

Answer 390

Ans. (d) : See the explanation of question number 333.

Answer 391

Ans. (d) : Two epics, ‘Raghuvansh’ and ‘Kumarasambhavam’ are works written by Kalidasa. He was a great poet and playwright of Sanskrit language, who was born in the 4th century AD. His famous works include Raghuvansh, Kumarasambhavam, Meghdoot, Abhijnanashakuntalam and Vikramorvasiyam. Kumarasambhavam is an epic that narrates the love story of Shiva and Parvati and the birth of Kartikeya.

Answer 392

Ans. (c): Ashtadhyayi, Sanskrit treatise on grammar written in the 6th to 5th century BCE by the Indian grammarian Panini. This work set the linguistic standards for Classical Sanskrit. It sums up in 4,000 sutras the science of phonetics and grammar that had evolved in the Vedic religion. Panini divided his work into eight chapters, each of which is further divided into quarter chapters.

Answer 393

Ans. (d) : “Si-Yu-Ki: Buddhist Record of the Western World” was written by Hiuen Tsang, one of the first Chinese pilgrims to India from 629 to 645 CE.

Answer 394

Ans. (c) : Maharshi Charak, Maharshi Sushrut, and Vagbhatta pioneered Indian medical science and surgery through their intense research. They were known for their works and contributions to the field of medicine in ancient India.

Answer 395

Ans. (d) : In ancient India, Charaka was a famous in the field of medicine. He is the renowned author of the oldest surviving text in Ayurveda Charaka Samhita.

Answer 396

Ans.(d) Book Author Si - yu - ki Hiuen Tsiang The Travels of Marko Polo Marko Polo Matla-us-Sadain wa-Majma-ul-Bahrain Abdul Razzaq Fo-kwo-ki Fa-Hian

Answer 397

Ans. (c) Charaka was one of the principal contributors to Ayurveda, a system of medicine and life style developed in Ancient India.

Answer 398

Ans. (c) Among the following Varahmihira was an ancient Indian mathematician-astronomer who wrote a book Brihat-Samhita.

Answer 399

Ans. (c) : ‘Ashtadhyayi’, a book on grammar is written by Sanskrit scholar Panini. Some important books and their authors are listed below – Author Book Kalidasa – Raghuvamsham, Abhijnanashakuntalam Somdeva – Kathasaritsagara, Lalitvigrahraj Bhrigu – Manu Smriti Nagarjuna – Satasahrika Narayan Bhatt – Hitopadesh

Answer 400

Ans. (d) See the explanation of above question.

Answer 401

Ans. (b) : The tripitaka of Buddhism consists of Vinay Pitaka : consist of the disciplinary rules, acts and duties for mulated by Buddha. Sutta Pitaka : It contains teachings of Buddha, as deciphered by Ananda & Upali. Abhidhammaka Pitaka : consists of summary of Buddhas teaching.

Answer 402

Ans (a) : In South India (the area south of the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers). The period between about 300 BCE to 300 AD is known as 'Sangam Period'. Tamil poets organized gatherings called it 'Sangam' in the eighth century. There is a description of three confluences first Madurai, Second Kapatapuram, third was held in Madurai.

Answer 403

Ans. (a) : Krishnadevaraya of Tuluva dynasty of Vijayanagara composed two literary works: 1. Amuktamalyada → Telugu 2. Jambavati Kalyanum → Sanskrit The 8 excellent poets of Telugu literature were patronized by Krishnadevaraya as "Ashtadiggaj". His reign was termed as the" classical period of Telugu literature." Two great travellers Domingo Paes and Barbosa visited his court.

Answer 404

Ans : (c) Sangama literature is the name given to the earliest available Tamil literature. Sangam, the association of poets and literature, took place under the patronage of the Pandya rulers. The first Sangama (conference of poets) was held in Madurai under the chairmanship of Agastya Rishi.

Answer 405

Ans : (a) Tolkappiyar is a famous ancient grammarian of the Tamil language. He is the author of 'Tolkappiyam, an ancient text of Tamil grammar.

Answer 406

Ans. (c) : Varahmihira was born in Kapith Village near Ujjain in a Brahmin family. Aryabhatta was the teacher of Varahmihira. Varahmihira wrote several books like Brihat Samhita, Panchsiddhantika. Varahmihir was one of the nine jewels (Navratas) of Gupta king Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. Note: Kumarsambhavam, Abhigyan Shakuntalam are literary works of Kalidasa.

Answer 407

Ans. (a) : Judaism is the religion of Israel and Hebrew speakers. In this religion, there is a predominance of monotheism and the messenger of god, that is the Prophet. Judaism texts are Tanakh, Talmud and Midrash. The Jewish prayer place is called Synagogue.

Answer 408

Ans : (d) Panini is considered as the first grammarian of Sanskrit language. He is particularly known for his formulation of the 3,959 rules of Sanskrit morphology, syntax and semantics in the grammar known as Ashtadhyayi, the foundational text of the grammatical branch of the Vedanga, the auxiliary scholarly disciplines of the historical Vedic religion.

Answer 409

Ans : (d) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 410

Ans : (a) The Arthashastra was written by Chanakya, the great scholar behind the establishment of the Magadha empire. Chanakya, also known as Kautilya was the Prime Minister to the King Chandragupta Maurya. The book deals with various aspect of statecraft that must be taken into consideration by a monarch in order to be able to rule his subjects effectively.

Answer 411

Ans : (a) See the explanation of the above question.

Answer 412

Ans : (b) Panchtantra is an ancient Indian collection of animal fables of stories. It was written by Vishnu Sharma Indian scholar and author. It is one of the most famous non-religion books, translated in different languages and is known by different names in different cultures. The book was originally written in Sanskrit language.

Answer 413

Ans. : (c) Kamban composed the Ramayana in Tamil language called 'Kamba Ramayanam'. The original text 'Ramayan', was composed by Maharishi Valmiki in Sanskrit language. Tulsidas composed 'Shri Ramcharitmanas' in Awadhi language.

Answer 414

Ans. (c) : Shanti Parva is related to Mahabharata. There are 365 chapters in Shanti Parva. At the end of the war in Shanti Parva, Yudhishthira is mourned and repented by all the people including Shri Krishna. Preaching of religion etc. is described.

Answer 415

Ans. (c) : “Shudraka” is the creator of social drama called Mrichhakatikam (earthen toy or clay buggy). The great poet Magha composed Shishupalavadh, Kalidasa composed Kumarasambhava, Abhigyan Shakuntalam, Vikramorvasiyam, Malavikagnimitram, Meghadootam, Ritusamhara etc.

Answer 416

Ans. (c) : 'Shilappadikaram' is known as the first epic of Tamil literature. It literally means "the story of Nupur". This epic was composed by 'Ilango Adigal', brother of Shenguttavan, the ruler of Chera dynasty, around 2nd - 3rd century AD. The heroes and heroines of this epic are 'Kovalan' and 'Kannagi'.

Answer 417

Ans. (a) : Kadambari was written by Banabhatt. It’s a Sanskrit novel which revolves around the love story of Kadambar. Mrichakatikam is a romantic novel written by Shudraka during Gupta period. Meghadootam was written by Kalidasa. Geeta govinda was written by Jaydev.

Answer 418

Ans. (b) : Out of the above options, Kamasutra is an ancient Kama Shastra text of India composed by Maharishi Vatsyayana in which detailed explanation and discussion of the psycho-physiological principles and use of sexual love has been done.

Answer 419

Ans. (b) : The style of the sculptures during the period between the ninth and eleventh centuries in Bengal (including Bangladesh) and Bihar is known as the Pal style, named after the ruling dynasty at the time.

Answer 420

Ans : (b) Oil paint was first used for Buddhist paintings by Indian and Chinese painters in western Afghanistan's Bamiyan Valley using oil from walnut and poppy seeds.

Answer 421

Ans. (d) : Jataka stories are related to sculptures. Painting of Ajanta Cave (Aurangabad, Maharashtra) and Jataka tales are the stories of the previous births of Lord Buddha. In these stories, an attempt has been made to explain policy and religion through entertainment. Jataka is the tenth famous text of Khuddak Nikaya. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. There are 30 caves in the Ajanta caves, out of which 24 are used as viharas and 6 as chaityas (prayers). The Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha in cave 26 and the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha in cave 19 and a stupa with three chhatris are described.

Answer 422

Ans. (c) : Arab merchant Suleiman, who visited India in the middle of the 9th century AD. The Pala empire was called Ruhimi or Ruhma Dharma by Suleiman

Answer 423

Ans. (c) : The royal physician, Jivaka, was sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota, who was ailing with Jaundice. • Bimbisara was a supporter of both Buddhism and Jainism. In the 8th year of his reign, Mahatma Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana.

Answer 424

Ans. (d) : Under King Bimbisara (reigned c. 543–C. 491 BCE) of the Haryanka dynasty, the kingdom of Anga (eastern Bihar) was added to Magadha. • The first important and powerful dynasty in Magadha was the Haryanka dynasty.

Answer 425

Ans. (b): Kshatriyas: the protectors, who provide protection and ensure that order is maintained within the society. Vaishya: the producers, who provide the necessities of life and create wealth for society to thrive. Shudra: the servants, who serve as laborers and artisans to serve the other three varnas.

Answer 426

Ans. (c) : Golden land was the name used by ancient travelers like Megasthenes, Fa Hien, Hiuen Tsang, Al Beruni, Ibn Battuta etc. for the active contribution of Indian traders to the Indian subcontinent.

Answer 427

Ans. (d) : The iron materials and furnaces of the iron age are found in Hastinapur and Atranjikheda in Uttar Pradesh. The period between 1200 BC and 600 BC is known as the iron age. The historic age is also known as the iron age. This period was known as the iron age because tools and other artefacts were made from iron for the first time. Hastinapur is an ancient city that was the capital of the Kuru Empire. The origin of Hastinapur can be traced back to Iron Age. Items like slag, tuyeres, furnaces, or crucibles were excavated from Hastinapur

Answer 428

Ans : (b) The Battle of Hydaspes was fought between Alexander and Porus in 326 BCE.

Answer 429

Ans : (c) Arikamedu was an Indo-Roman coastal trading and fishing colony that was used as a port for trading with the Romans and the Greco-Romans in ancient India. It was an archaeological site based in Puducherry.

Answer 430

Ans. (a) The Mesopotamians wrote on tablets made of clay. Damp clay was formed into a flat tablet. The writer used a stylus made from a stick or reed to impress the symbols in the clay, then left the tablet in the air to harden.

Answer 431

Ans : (a) Tamralipti was an important port city in ancient India.

Answer 432

Ans. (c) : In Indian hisotry Forest Kingdom were referred to as the 'Atavika rajya'. Their early reference is found in Mauryan period and major evidence of atavika rajyas are found during the reign of Gupta rulers Samudragupta when he brought it under his control. The forest kingdoms were situated in the present day Madhya Pradesh and south eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, which was called Atavika due to the abundance of forests.

Answer 433

Ans. (c) : Prophet Muhammad was born around 570 AD in Mecca (now in Saudi Arabia) and died in 632 AD in Medina. By the time he died in seventh century, almost all the tribes of Arabian Peninsula had converted to Islam.

Answer 434

Ans : (b) Ellora caves are located at a place called Verul (Ellora) in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. A total of 34 caves temples were built there in which caves from number 1 to 12 are related with Buddhism, cave number 13 to 29 are related with Hinduism and cave from 30-34 are related with Jainism. It is built by the rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. The famous Kailash Temple (Guha temple) of Ellora was built by Rashtra Kuta ruler Krishna I. In the year 1983, it was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Answer 435

Ans : (c) The old Persian word 'Hindu' was used in the 6th - 5th century BCE to refer to the people living in the region east of the Indus, that is, the Indian subcontinent. For the first time the Iranians gave the name 'Hindu' to the people living east of the Indus river.

Answer 436

Ans : (b) Gandhara Art is a combination of Greek and Indian style. It is a unique style of Buddhist visual art. Gandhara art developed in ancient times in the Gandhara region of the Indian subcontinent.

Answer 437

Ans : (c) Bhaskaracharya or Bhaskar II (1114-1185AD) was a famous mathematician and astrologer of ancient India. The main treatise composed by him is Siddhanta Shiromani, which has four parts called Lilavati, Algebra, Planetary Mathematics and Goladhyay. These four parts are related to arithmetic, algebra, mathematics related to the motion of planets and shells respectively. He also discovered the power of gravity. As an astronomer, Bhaskar is famous for his concept of instantaneous motion. This helps astrophysicists to find out the movement of planets accurately.

Answer 438

Ans : (d) The present Assam was referred to as Kamrup in many of the ancient Indian literature. It was also known as Pragjyotishpur due to the astrology (Jyotish Shashtra) practices that prevailed in this part of the country during that time.

Answer 439

Ans : (a) One of the most ancient games that originated in India, was Chess which was initially called 'Ashtapada'. The game that came to be called as 'Chaturanga' during the rule of Gupta empire. Persians who travelled to ancient India had picked up the game and named it as 'Shatranj'. Chess is a recreational and competitive board game played between two players.

Answer 440

Ans. (c) Kolathunadu, Valluvanad and Thekkumkoor were short-lived kingdoms of ancient times in Kerala, India.

Answer 441

Ans. (b) : Muvendavalan' is a vellalar or farmer who renders his services to the three kings. These titles were given by the Chola kings to the wealthy landowners as a mark of respect, while the Vajapeya, Asvamedha and Rajasuya were yagyas, which were performed by the kings.

Answer 442

Ans : (b) The Hathigumpha (Elephant cave) from Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar in Odisha was inscribed by Kharvela the Emperor of Kalinga in India. Inscription Ruler Junagadh Rock Incription Rudradaman Prayag Pillar inscription Samudragupta Gwalior Inscription Pratihara king Raja Bhoj Mandasaur Inscription Yashovarman

Answer 443

Ans. (d) : A kind of inscription which praises about the quality, skill, properity and campaigns of a particular king is called "Prashashti". Harisena's Prayag Prashashti is a perfect example of this which is about Gupta ruler Samudra Gupta.

Answer 444

Ans. (b) : Lingaraja temple is located in Bhubaneswar district of Odisha state. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is built in Deula style.

Answer 445

Ans. (d) : The following are the names of the famous monasteries of India and their respective states and Math– Ghoom Math-West Bengal Gompa Math- Himachal Pradesh Tawang Math- Arunachal Pradesh Rumtek Monastery-Sikkim Therefore it is clear that Ghoom Math is not in Jammu and Kashmir but it is located in West Bengal.

Answer 446

Ans. (b) : Borobudur temple complex is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, and was built during the reign of the Shailendra dynasty in the 8th and 9th centuries AD. It is located in the Kedu Valley. The monument is located in the southern part of Java, Central Java, Indonesia.

Answer 447

Ans. (b) : The Archaeological Survey of India was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham who also became its first Director-General. It was formed by a statute passed into law by Lord Canning with him as the first Archaeological Surveyor. John Marshall served as Director-General of ASI from 1902 to 1928. Mortimer Wheeler was also appointed as Director General of ASI during 1944.

Answer 448

Ans. (a) : In the ancient sanskrit literature both the Pragjyotisha and Kamrupa were used as designation for ancient Assam. 1st antiquity can be established from the fact that it has been mentioned in the two great epics. The Mahabharata and the Ramayana and also in the Puranas.

Answer 449

Ans. (d) : In 2007, 30 manuscripts of the Rigveda's have been included in UNESCO's memory of world Register. Rigveda contains 10 mandalas. 1028 suktas and about 10600 mantras.

Answer 450

Ans. : (d) The Iranshah Atash Behram, also known as the Udwada Atash Behram meaning victorious fire, is the name given to both Zoroastrian worship's highest grade of fire and the temple that houses the fire is a sacred fire housed located in a temple in Udvada, Gujarat on the west coast of India.

1 Flashcards

(474 cards)