Ancient Indian History GK Questions
21. Viratnagar, capital of Matsya mahajanpada located in which region ?
[A] Malwa
[B] Peshawar
[C] Jaipur
[D] Bundelkhand
C [Jaipur ]
Notes:
The capital of the Matsya Mahajanapada was Viratnagar, which is located in the northern part of the Jaipur district in Rajasthan. Today, Bairat is a small town in Rajasthan, and its ancient ruins are a popular tourist attraction.
22. In which year, Ashoka invaded Kalinga?
[A] 261 BC
[B] 235 BC
[C] 285 BC
[D] 275 BC
A [ 261 BC ]
Notes:
The Mauryan emperor, Ashoka invaded Kalinga in 261 BC and after a fierce battle Kalinga was conquered. The 13th rock edict of Ashoka elaborates the Kalinga war.
23. Which Ashokan inscription mentions five contemporary Hellenic Kings?
[A] Major Rock Edict XI
[B] Major Rock Edict XII
[C] Major Rock Edict X
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
D [ Major Rock Edict XIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII of Ashokan inscription mentions Asoka’s victory over Kalinga and names of Greek Kings such as Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas and southern Indian rulers such as Cholas, Pandyas. It has also mentioned names of Kamboj, Nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
24. Which of the following ancient Tamil Kingdoms came to be known from Sangam Literature?
[A] Chola
[B] Chera
[C] Pandya
[D] All of the above
D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The history of ancient Tamil kingdoms i.e. Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas came to be known from Sangam Literature.
25. Uraiyur was an ancient Chola city famous for__?
[A] Pearls
[B] Ship Building
[C] Houses
[D] Grammar
A [ Pearls ]
Notes:
Uraiyur was an ancient Chola city that was famous for its pearls and muslin cloths. The city was the capital of the early Chola dynasty and was located near present-day Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu. Uraiyur was an important center of trade and commerce during the Sangam period. The city was known for its pearls, which were obtained from the nearby pearl banks in the Bay of Bengal. Uraiyur’s muslin cloths were valued as perhaps the finest in the world and were the preferred fabric for the upper class. Uraiyur was also a vibrant center of Tamil literature and learning. The Sangam poets, who composed the famous Tamil literary works, were associated with this region.
26. Who overthrew Saka rulers from India?
[A] Gautami putra Satakarni
[B] Kanishka
[C] Rudraraman
[D] Demetrius
A [ Gautami putra Satakarni ]
Notes:
The sakas were finally overthrown by Gautamiputra Satakarni, the ruler of Satavahana dynasty. He killed Saka ruler Nahapana and his governor Rishavadatta and restored his territories.
27. Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following rulers?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Ramagupta
[C] Bhanugupta
[D] Vishnugupta
B [ Ramagupta ]
Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the Maharajadhiraja.
28. Rummindei Pillar Inscription which talks about taxation in Maurya era has been found at which of the following places?
[A] Junagarh in Gujarat
[B] Ranchi in Jharkhand
[C] Bhabru in Rajasthan
[D] Lumbini in Nepal
D [ Lumbini in Nepal ]
Notes:
Lumbini Pillar Edict in Nepal is known as the Rummindei Pillar Inscription .The Lumbini Pillar Edict recorded that sometime after the twentieth year of his reign, Ashoka travelled to the Buddha’s birthplace and personally made offerings. He then had a stone pillar set up and reduced the taxes of the people in that area.
29. Who has written the biography of Harshavardhana?
[A] Banbhatta
[B] Harsha Himself
[C] Kalhana
[D] Kalidasa
A [Banbhatta]
Notes:
Harsha (c. 590–647 CE), also known as Harshavardhana, was an Indian emperor who ruled North India. His biography Harshacharita (“Deeds of Harsha”) written by Sanskrit poet Banabhatta describes his association with Thanesar, besides mentioning the defence wall, a moat and the palace with a two-storied Dhavalagriha.
30. Under which of the following trees, Buddha got enlightment?
[A] Ficus benghalensis
[B] Ficus religiosa
[C] Ficus microcarpa
[D] Ficus elastica
B [Ficus religiosa]
Notes:
Ficus religiosa and it is the botanical name of peepal. Ficus benghalensis is Indian Banyan Tree, Ficus microcarpa is Chinese Fig, Ficus elastica is Indian Rubber Plant.
