Ancient Indian History MCQs

Notes:
“Brahma-Kshatriya” refers to someone who claims to be both a Brahmin (priestly class) and a Kshatriya (warrior class). Essentially claiming both spiritual and temporal power. The Sena Dynasty ruled parts of eastern India between the 11th and 12th centuries CE. They were known for being Brahmins (priests) who took on the role of rulers and administrators (traditionally a Kshatriya role). So the Sena rulers called themselves “Brahma-Kshatriya” to indicate they were both spiritual leaders and temporal rulers.

Notes:
Bharshavardhan (606-647 AD) was also known as Siladitya. His kingdom extends from Punjab, West Bengal, Orissa and from Himalayas to the entire Indo-Gangetic plain north of the Narmada river. He gave equal respect to all religions and became the follower of Buddhism in his later life.

Notes:
Bharavi, a distinguished Sanskrit poet from the 6th century, is acknowledged as the author of “Kiratarjuniya”. The title can be translated as “Arjuna and the Mountain Man”. The epic literature centers on the theme of morality and dharma, articulating a Didactic episode from the Mahabharata. It highlights the human values and virtues, establishing itself as a significant part of ancient Indian literature.

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The great grammarian Patanjali is said to be a contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga, who founded Sunga dynasty by assassinating the last ruler of Mauryan Empire.

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The Neolithic Revolution or Neolithic Demographic Transition, sometimes called the Agricultural Revolution, was the world’s first historically verifiable revolution in agriculture. It was the wide-scale transition of many human cultures from a lifestyle of hunting and gathering to one of agriculture and settlement which supported an increasingly large population. Archaeological data indicates that various forms of plants and animal domestication evolved in separate locations worldwide, starting around 12,000 years ago.

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Bihar is the state where most of Tirthankara attained nirvana. Lord Buddha attained nirvana at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.

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Some of the ancient professions and their names are as follows: 

• Karmara – Blacksmith
• Takshan – Carpenter
• Vapta – Barber
• Charmana – Tanner
• Hiranayakara – Goldsmith
• Tantuvaya – weaver

Notes:
Fire is referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in early vedic era. It has a great importance. There are lots of verses in vedas related to fire.

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Kanishka regarded Mahayana as his state religion. The state religion of Kanishka determined preaching the divinity of Gautama Buddha

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The Harshacharita, is the biography of Indian emperor Harsha by Banabhatta,.The Pushyabhuti dynasty, also known as the Pushpabhuti dynasty or Vardhana dynasty, ruled parts of northern India during 6th and 7th centuries. Harshacharita credits ‘Pushyabhuti’ as the founder of the Vardhana dynasty.