States PCS: Goa GK Questions for Goa Public Service Commission Exams
For all Goa Public Service Commission (Goa PSC) exams including Junior Scale Officer, Medical Officer, Assistant Professor, and other administrative services.
1. What was the ancient name of Goa mentioned in early scriptures and inscriptions?
[A] Konkan
[B] Gomantak
[C] Kalyan
[D] Sindhudurg
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gomantak]
Notes:
Gomantak is cited in ancient Sanskrit scriptures as the historical name for the Goa region, denoting it as a fertile land.
2. Which ancient Indian epic mentions Goa as a region conquered by Arjuna during his southern campaigns?
[A] Ramayana
[B] Mahabharata
[C] Bhagavata Purana
[D] Harivamsa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahabharata]
Notes:
Mahabharata cites Goa as part of Arjuna’s southern conquests, indicating its early integration into Indian civilization.
3. Which ancient dynasty ruled the region of Goa around the 3rd century BCE?
[A] Maurya
[B] Satavahana
[C] Chalukya
[D] Rashtrakuta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maurya]
Notes:
The Maurya Empire under Ashoka controlled Goa in the 3rd century BCE, as shown by Buddhist records and archaeological evidence.
4. Which Buddhist sect was prominent in ancient Goa during the Mauryan period?
[A] Vajrayana
[B] Mahayana
[C] Theravada
[D] Hinayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hinayana]
Notes:
Hinayana Buddhism spread to Goa during Ashoka’s reign, evidenced by stupas and Buddhist caves found in the region.
5. Which ancient port of Goa is praised in a hymn in the Sahyadrikhanda of the Skanda Purana, stating that the extent of Govapuri was about seven Yojanas?
[A] Chandor
[B] Panaji
[C] Vasco da Gama
[D] Gopakapattana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gopakapattana]
Notes:
Gopakapattana, near present-day Goa Velha, was an important ancient port of Goa, mentioned in Skanda Purana’s Sahyadrikhanda as Govapuri with an extent of seven Yojanas; archaeological finds include Roman artifacts.
6. Which ancient dynasty ruled Goa before the Chalukyas established their influence?
[A] Satavahana
[B] Silhara
[C] Rashtrakuta
[D] Kadamba
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kadamba]
Notes:
Kadamba dynasty, originating from Karnataka, ruled Goa from the 10th century before Chalukya rule.
7. Who was the founder of the Kadamba dynasty in Goa?
[A] Jayakeshi I
[B] Raja Bhoja
[C] Shivaji Maharaj
[D] Chandradeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jayakeshi I]
Notes:
Jayakeshi I founded the Kadamba dynasty in Goa, noted for strengthening regional identity and temple architecture.
8. Which city served as the capital of the Kadamba dynasty in ancient Goa?
[A] Gopakapattana
[B] Ella
[C] Chandrapura
[D] Vijayadurga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chandrapura]
Notes:
Chandrapura, now known as Chandor, was the capital of the Kadambas and a major political and cultural hub in ancient Goa.
9. Which foreign traveler documented the prosperity of ancient Goa in his writings?
[A] Ptolemy
[B] Fa-Hien
[C] Hiuen Tsang
[D] Marco Polo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ptolemy]
Notes:
Ptolemy, the Greco-Roman geographer, described Goa as a thriving coastal trade center, indicating its early maritime importance.
10. Which deity was predominantly worshipped in ancient Goa during the rule of the Kadamba dynasty?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Durga
[C] Ganesha
[D] Shiva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Shiva]
Notes:
Shiva was the principal deity worshipped in ancient Goa under the Kadambas, with several temples and inscriptions confirming his prominence.
