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21. Who identified “Sandrokottus” of the Greco-Roman literature with Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] D. R. Bhandarkar
[B] Alexander Cunningham
[C] R. P. Chanda
[D] William Jones
Correct Answer: D [William Jones]
Notes:
The Maurya Empire was the first and one of the most significant empires in Indian history, founded by Chandragupta Maurya. In 322 BC, he overthrew the last Nanda king, Dhananand, and took control of Patliputra with the assistance of Kautilya (also known as Chanakya). By 305 BC, he had defeated Seleucus Nicator, a general of Alexander the Great. In Greek writings, he is referred to as Sandro Kottus, Androcottus, and Sandokyptos.
22. Which among the following Bodhisattva holds thunderbolt?
[A] Vajrapani
[B] Manjushri
[C] Maitreya
[D] Amitabha
Correct Answer: A [ Vajrapani ]
Notes:
Vajrapani, the Bodhisattva, wields a thunderbolt similar to the Hindu god Indra and battles against evil and wrongdoing. Avalokitesvara, also known as Padmapani, carries a lotus flower. Manjushri holds a book that outlines the ten spiritual perfections. Maitreya is known as the future Buddha. Ksitigarbha is the protector of those in hell and oversees purgatories. Amitabha is the Buddha of heaven, representing Immeasurable Life and Light.
23. Which among the following Ashokan inscriptions mentions the name Ashoka?
[A] Bhabru Edict
[B] Maski Edict
[C] Puranas
[D] Junagarh Inscription
Correct Answer: B [Maski Edict]
Notes:
The Mauryan Emperor Asoka has been mentioned by name ‘Ashoka’ in his inscriptions at Maski and Gujarra only.
24. Which city is historically believed to be the main site of Hastinapur, the capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas?
[A] Delhi
[B] Ghaziabad
[C] Meerut
[D] Faridabad
Correct Answer: C [Meerut]
Notes:
Meerut, an old city in Uttar Pradesh, India, is thought to be the primary site of Hastinapur, the capital for both the Kauravas and Pandavas during the Vedic era (1500-500 BCE). Rich in mythology and history, this city was the heart of the Kuru Kingdom. The Imperial Gazetteer of India confirms its significance, marking it as a place of great archaeological and cultural value.
25. Agnimitra, who is the hero of Kalidasa’s ‘Malvikagnimitram’ was a king of which of the following dynasties?
[A] Sunga
[B] Kanva
[C] Satavahana
Correct Answer: A [Sunga]
Notes:
Malavikagnimitram is a Sanskrit play featuring Agnimitra as the main character. He falls in love with Malvika, a maid. The chief queen learns of this and has Malvika imprisoned. Eventually, it is revealed that Malvika comes from a royal family, and she is accepted as Agnimitra’s queen. The play also describes the Rajsuya Yajna performed by Pushyamitra Shunga, Agnimitra’s father.
26. Every five years, Harshavardhana used to donate all his possessions at an assembly at which among the following places?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Banaras
[C] Prayag
[D] Kannauj
Correct Answer: C [Prayag]
Notes:
Harsha organised religious assemblies every fifth year of his reign at Prayag (Allahabad). The thing which was left in the state treasury after five years, Harsha used to give it all in charity at that time. He has held six such assemblies during his reign.
27. Vedic mythology refers to an ancient settlement called Pushkalavati after Pushkal, who was the son of King Bharata in the epic Ramayan. What is the modern location of Pushkalavati?
[A] Panipat
[B] Pushkar
[C] Peshawar (in Pakistan)
[D] Punjab
Correct Answer: C [Peshawar (in Pakistan)]
Notes:
Pushkalavati was the capital of the ancient Gandhara Kingdom. Today, its ruins can be found in Charsadda, Pakistan, which is in the Peshawar valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (previously known as NWFP). This city was also where the famous Sanskrit grammarian Panini lived.
28. Which among the following veda has been described as “Braham Veda”?
[A] Rigveda
[B] Samaveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharavaveda
Correct Answer: D [Atharavaveda]
Notes:
Atharava Veda is known as Brahma Veda because it is recited by the Brahma priest in the Yajna and also because there are deliberations about Brahman, which is the ultimate reality according to Vedanta.
29. Who is the author of Devichandraguptam?
[A] Vishakhadatta
[B] Dandin
[C] Bharavi
[D] Kalidas
Correct Answer: A [Vishakhadatta]
Notes:
Devi-Chandraguptam is a Sanskrit drama by Vishakhadeva (Vishakhadatta). It tells the tale of King Ramagupta of the Gupta dynasty, who plans to give up his queen, Dhruvadevi, to a Shaka invader. However, his younger brother, Chandragupta, sneaks into the enemy camp disguised as the queen and defeats the invader. In the end, Chandragupta takes the throne from Ramagupta and marries Dhruvadevi. Additionally, parts of this story are mentioned in an 11th-century Persian text called Majmal-ut-Tawarikh.
30. Battle of the Hydaspes was fought between Alexander and King Porus in 326 BCE. Hydapses means which river________?
[A] Jelum
[B] Indus
[C] Beas
[D] Ravi
Correct Answer: A [Jelum]
Notes :
Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. That year, the Battle of Hydaspes took place between Alexander the Great and King Porus near the Hydaspes River, known today as the Jhelum River, in Punjab. Porus was the ruler of Paurava, which was located between the Hydaspes (modern Jhelum) and Acesines (Chenab) rivers. Although Porus lost the battle, Alexander admired his strength and allowed him to govern his kingdom under Alexander’s authority.
