Ancient Indian History MCQs

Notes:
Gufkral, in Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir, is a Neolithic-Chalcolithic site known for pit dwellings and early human settlements dating back to around 3000 BCE. 

Notes:
In April 2006, Nature journal announced that the earliest evidence of drilling holes in human teeth while the person was still alive was found at the Mehrgarh neolithic site in Balochistan, Pakistan dating around 7,500 BCE to 9,000 BCE. Eleven drilled molar crowns were discovered here revealing the first known instance of proto-dentistry practiced anywhere in the world. This indicates advanced medical knowledge and skills amongst the early farming communities of Mehrgarh.

Notes:
The two major rock edicts of Ashoka viz. Mansehra and Sahbazgarhi are in Kharosthi script. These both the rock edicts are in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Notes:
Arasar is a Tamil word used to refer to the rulers or kings of the Sangam period in ancient South India. The Sangam period spanned from the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The Sangam period refers to the history of ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Sri Lanka.

The term “arasar” can also refer to the ruling class. The other castes in the Sangam period were:

• Anthanar, who played a significant role in the Sangam polity and religion
• Vanigar, who carried on trade and commerce
• Vellalar, who were agriculturists

The Sangam period dynasties were the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. Important rulers included Cheran Senguttuvan, Karikala, and Neduncheliyan.

Notes:
The Kushana emperor Kanishka is often recognized for the initiation of the Saka era. This significant event took place when he acceded to the throne in 78 A.D. The Saka era, also known as the Indian national calendar, is used alongside the Gregorian calendar by the Government of India.

Notes:
In the Indus Valley Civilization, the remains of Horse bones have been found from Surkotada site. The site at Surkotada is located 160 km north- east of Bhuj, in the district of Kutch, Gujarat.

Notes:
Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Ashoka’s Inscriptions, Megasthenes Indica and Vishakhadatta`s Mudrarakshasa are the main sources of Mauryan History.

Notes:
Emperor Asoka, who ruled most of India after the Maurya Dynasty, was born to his mother, Subhadrangi. He was married to Mahadevi and they had a daughter named Sanghmitra. Asoka is known for his significant contributions to Buddhism.

Notes:
The correct answer is “All are correct.” – Chandra Gupta Maurya was indeed associated with Megasthenes, who was a Greek ambassador to his court. – Bindusara, Chandra Gupta’s son, was linked to Deimakos, another Greek ambassador. – Harshavardhana, a later ruler, was visited by Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang), a Chinese monk and traveler. Thus, all pairs are accurately matched with their respective historical figures.

Notes:
Varaha Cave Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu was built during the reign of Narasimhavarman I Mahamalla (630–668 AD). The temple was commissioned by King Narsimhavarman II in the mid 7th century. The temple is one of the oldest stone temples in South India and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The temple is a rock-cut Hindu temple and is known for its four carvings of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Gajalakshmi, and Lord Trivikama. The temple’s architecture is a transitional style that evolved during the rule of the Pallava kings. The temple’s columns are mounted on seated lions and the walls are carved with frescoes.