Ancient Indian History MCQs

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The Nitisara of Kamandaka, also known as the Kamandakiya-Nitisara, was composed during the period of Gupta Dynasty. It was based on Kautilya’s Arthashastra

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Susima was the eldest son of Bindusara, making him the rightful heir to the throne. However, after a potential power struggle, Ashoka secured the throne. There are claims in Buddhist texts that Ashoka had 100 brothers, an assertion likely exaggerated as the term “brothers” could include half-brothers and cousins.

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Adi Shankaracharya, also known as Sankara, is most renowned for Advaita Vedanta philosophy which interprets scriptures to assert the fundamental truth of unity of all existence. This philosophy rejects the concepts of dualism and states that individual soul (atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are ultimately identical, hence negating the word “dvaita” which means “dual”.

Notes:
The correct answer is inscriptions. Inscriptions, often found on stone or metal, provide direct evidence of historical events, rulers, and societal norms in ancient India. They date back to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) and include important examples like the Edicts of Ashoka, which offer insights into governance, religion, and culture. Unlike religious literature, which can be biased, inscriptions are primary sources that reflect contemporary realities. Coins also provide valuable information but are less comprehensive than inscriptions.

Notes:
Charak was a contemporary of King Kanishka. Charak was a member of Kanishka’s court and is known as the “Father of Indian Medicine”. Charak was a major contributor to Ayurveda and is famous for writing the Charak Samhita.  Kanishka was the king of the Kushan dynasty, which ruled over the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan, and possibly areas of Central Asia. Other scholars in Kanishka’s court included Parsva, Vasumitra, Asvaghosa, Nagarjuna, and Mathara.

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The triratnas are the three jewels (also referred to as ratnatraya) are understood as samyagdarshana (“right faith”), samyagjnana (“right knowledge”), and samyakcharitra (“right conduct”). One of the three cannot exist exclusive of the others, and all are required for spiritual liberation.

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Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century CE, is a historical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir. It provides a historical narrative of Kashmir from earliest times to the 12th century CE.

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Bagh caves near Gwalior represent the paintings of Gupta era. The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments.

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Taxila was the most famous leaning centre during the Mauryas. Taxila was absorbed into the Mauryan empire founded by Chandragupta, under whom it became a provincial capital.

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Gangaikonda Cholapuram became the capital of the Chola dynasty in c. 1025 during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, and served as the Chola capital for around 250 years. It is a Village located near to Jayankondam, Tamil Nadu.