16. Which of the following queens of Ashoka tried to get the Bodhi tree cut?
[A] Mahadevi
[B] Asandhimitta
[C] Padmavati
[D] Tissarakhita
Answer: [C]
Notes:
Tissarakhita, one of the queens of Ashoka tried to get the Bodhi tree cut. Ashoka is believed to have had a love marriage with his wife Mahadevi who was the daughter of a merchant of Vidisha.
17. Dhamma Mahamattas were mentioned in which of the following rock edicts?
[A] Third Edict
[B] Fifth Edict
[C] Sixth Edict
[D] Seventh Edict
Answer: B [Fifth Edict]
Notes:
The Fifth Major Rock Edict of Ashoka mentions the appointment of Dhamma Mahamattas. Dhamma Mahamattas was a special cadre of officials entrusted to spread dhamma within the kingdom.
18. Which of the following pillar edicts defines the term ‘Dhamma’?
[A] First Pillar Edict
[B] Second Pillar Edict
[C] Third Pillar Edict
[D] Fifth Pillar Edict
Answer: B [Second Pillar Edict]
Notes:
The second Pillar Edict of Ashoka defines the term ‘Dhamma’. It describes Dhamma as the policy of doing the least amount of sin, performing virtuous deeds, having compassion, purity, and truthfulness.
19. According to Kautilya which of the following was referred to as the Dharmapravakta?
[A] King
[B] Viceroy
[C] Priest
[D] Pativedakas
Answer: A [King]
Notes:
According to Chanakya also known as Kautilya, the king was referred to as the Dharmapravakta in Mauryan administration. He was the promulgator of social orders as he issued Rajasasana which are royal rescripts and maintained porana pakiti, i.e., ancient rules and customs.
20. Which of the following invaded India around 190 BCE?
[A] Menander
[B] Hermaius
[C] Demetrius
[D] None of the above
Answer: C [Demetrius]
Notes:
Demetrius who was the King of Bactria invaded India around 190 BCE. He also came into conflict with Pushyamitra Shunga. He conquered a huge part of the Mauryan empire.
21. Which of the following articles formed an important item of export to the Roman Empire in post-Mauryan times?
[A] Iron
[B] Gold
[C] Wine
[D] Pottery
Answer: A [Iron]
Notes:
Trade flourished between India and the Romans in the post-Mauryan period. The trade consisted of import as well as export of items through the sea. Item like pearls, jewels, and precious stones were some of the items of trade. Iron articles formed an important item of export to the Roman Empire.
22. Which of the following is identical with the ‘Andhras’ of the Puranas?
[A] Satavahanas
[B] Shungas
[C] Kanvas
[D] Kushans
Answer: A [Satavahanas]
Notes:
The Satavahanas were considered identical with the ‘Andhras’ which are mentioned in Puranas. However, the name Andhra does not appear in Satavahana inscriptions. Also the Puranas do not speak of the Satavahanas. They only refer to Andhras.
23. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to currency during Gupta period?
1. The gold coins of each successive Gupta ruler, after Chandragupta II, contain less gold and more alloy.
2. They issued a large number of silver coins called rupyakas.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
The gold coins of each successive Gupta ruler, after Chandragupta II, contain less gold and more alloy. The Guptas issued a large number of silver coins called rupyakas.
24. Which of the following is correct with respect to gold coins issued by Gupta empire?
1. They were useful only for big transactions.
2. Chandragupta-Kumaradevi type of gold coins were the earliest gold coins of the dynasty.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
The gold coins issued by Gupta Empire were useful only for big transactions such as the sale and purchase of land. Chandragupta-Kumaradevi type of gold coins was the earliest gold coins of the dynasty.
25. At which of the following places a lifesized bronze image of the Buddha has been discovered?
[A] Gwalior
[B] Ujjain
[C] Sultanganj
[D] Topra
Answer: C [Sultanganj]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, Buddhism had a great impact on art and architecture. A life-sized bronze image of Buddha belonging to the Mathura school of art has been found from Sultanganj in Bihar.
26. Which of the following was the son and successor of Vakataka ruler Vindhyashakti II/ Vindhyasena?
[A] Sarvasena
[B] Harisena
[C] Devasena
[D] Pravarasena II
Answer: D [Pravarasena II]
Notes:
Pravarasena II was the son and successor of Vakataka ruler Vindhyashakti II/ Vindhyasena. Pravarsena II ruled for a period of fifteen years. He was followed by Devasena, who was a pleasure-seeking ruler.
27. Which of the following rulers used the title of Samanta?
[A] Maitrakas
[B] Guptas
[C] Maukharies
[D] Vakatakas
Answer: C [Maukharies]
Notes:
The term ‘Maukhari’ is a very ancient term. It is mentioned in Ashtadhyayi composed by Panini. The Maukharies were also subordinate rulers of the Guptas and used the title of Samanta.
28. Which of the following Kings assumed the title ‘Maharajadhiraja’ according to Asirgarh copper plate inscription?
[A] Sarvavarmana
[B] Ishanavarmana
[C] Grahavarmana
[D] Avanti Varmana
Answer: B [Ishanavarmana]
Notes:
Ishanavarmana who is considered as the founder of Maukhari rule in India ruled around the mid 6th century in the Ganges River valley. According to the Asirgarh copper plate inscription, he assumed the title of ‘Maharajadhiraja’.
29. Pushyabhutis were originally feudatories of which of the following?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Satvahnas
[C] Guptas
[D] None of the above
Answer: C [Guptas]
Notes:
Pushyabhutis were originally feudatories of the Guptas. The decline of the Gupta Empire resulted in the splitting of northern India into several kingdoms. Pushyabhutis came to prominence after the fall of Gupta Empire.
30. Which of the following Chalukya king fought with the Yasovarman?
[A] Vijayaditya
[B] Vakpatiraja
[C] Manorathavarman
[D] Vinayaditya
Answer: A [Vijayaditya]
Notes:
According to some inscriptions, during the reign of Chalukya king Vinayaditya who ruled from 681 A.D. to 696 A.D. of Badami, his son Vijayaditya fought with the “lord of the whole of northern regions” Yasovarman.