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1. Which of the following rulers has been identified as King Milinda and mentioned in the famous Buddhist text Milinda Panha?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Menander
[C] Eucratides
[D] Alexander
Correct Answer: B [Menander]
Notes:
Nagasena is referenced in the Buddhist scripture known as the ‘Milinda Panha.’ This text documents the dialogue between the Buddhist monk Nagasena and Menander I, the Indo-Greek king of Bactria, who is also referred to as King Milinda.
2. Which among the following Pancha-khanda is related to physical factors?
[A] Sanna
[B] Vedana
[C] Rupa
[D] Vinnana
Correct Answer: C [Rupa]
Notes:
The Pancha-khanda, also referred to as the Pancha-skandha in Buddhist teachings, comprises five elements: Rupa, Vedana, Sanna, Sankharas, and Vinnana. Rupa pertains to the physical aspect, while the remaining elements are associated with mental processes.
3. Who amongst the following historical figures brought an image of Jina as a victory trophy?
[A] Shishunaga
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Mahapadma Nanda
[D] Dhanananda
Correct Answer: D [Dhanananda]
Notes:
King Dhanananda of the Nanda Dynasty is recognized for having returned with an image of Jina, which he regarded as a trophy of victory. This event indicates the acknowledgment of Jainism during his rule. Predominantly embraced in India, Jainism advocates for the values of non-violence, truthfulness, and ascetic practices. The depiction of Jina signifies a liberated spirit that has attained enlightenment, embodying the concept of triumph within Jain philosophical thought.
4. The provinces of the Mauryan empire were further divided into divisions and were headed by which of the following?
[A] Pradeshikas
[B] Rajukas
[C] Yuktas
[D] Sthanikas
Correct Answer: A [Pradeshikas]
Notes:
The Mauryan empire’s provinces were divided into smaller sections overseen by Pradeshikas, who operated without an advisory council. These sections were further organized into districts run by officials called Rajukas.
5. Which of the following is an example of rock-cut architecture of the Mauryan period?
[A] Bhimbhetka caves
[B] Dhauli caves
[C] Sanchi Stupa
[D] Elephanta caves
Correct Answer: B [Dhauli caves]
Notes:
The Maurya period began the era of rock-cut architecture. Ashoka shifted from wood and brick to stone materials. Significant examples of this style can be seen in the Lomasha Risi cave in the Barabara hills near Gaya and the Dhauli caves near Bhubaneswar.
6. Which of the following basic features of Indo-Greek coinage?
- Bilingual
- Bi-script
- Precise economic value
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Indo-Greek coins displayed inscriptions in both Greek and Kharosthi, images of Greek deities and leaders, and adhered to Indian weight standards, representing a major change in Indian coinage. Key characteristics of these coins included their bilingual inscriptions and dual scripts. They were small yet artistically impressive and held accurate economic worth. Additionally, they offered valuable insights into the rise of new religious groups and cults.
7. In which year the reign of Chandragupta – I started?
[A] 315 CE
[B] 319 CE
[C] 325 CE
[D] 330 CE
Correct Answer: B [319 CE]
Notes:
Chandragupta – I reign started in 319 CE and lasted till 335/336 CE. He was the first important king of the Gupta Dynasty. He laid the foundations of the Gupta empire. Chandragupta I assumed the title of “Maharajadhiraja” or “King of Kings”, indicating his power and nobility.
8. Which of the following kings is glorified in the Bhitari pillar inscription?
[A] Chandragupta – I
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta II
[D] Skandagupta
Correct Answer: D [Skandagupta]
Notes:
Skandagupta (455-467 CE) was a Gupta Emperor of India. The Bhitari pillar inscription of Skandagupta was discovered in the village of Bhitari near Saidpur in Uttar Pradesh and dates to the reign of Gupta Empire. In Bhitari pillar inscription, Skandagupta is glorified as a person who subdued the earth and became merciful to the conquered people.
9. Which of the following allowed the absorption of Tribal communities into Brahminical society?
[A] Magadha Empire
[B] Maurya empire
[C] Gupta Empire
[D] Kushana Empire
Correct Answer: C [Gupta Empire]
Notes:
In the course of the Gupta Empire, Brahminical culture expanded into remote regions, leading to the integration of numerous tribal communities into the Brahminical social hierarchy. Tribal leaders were recognized as kshatriyas, while the general tribal populace was assigned the status of Shudras.
10.Which of the following Puranas were written in the Gupta period?
- Vishnu Purana
- Vayu Purana
- Matsya Purana
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
The Gupta period marks the beginning of the writing of the Puranas. Some of the major Puranas which were written in this period were the Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana, and the Matsya Purana, along with others like Varaha, Vamana, and Narasimha Purana.
