Post Mauryan Age MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Post Mauryan Age - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Kanishka.

Key Points

• Ashvaghosha was a philosopher and poet who is considered India’s greatest poet before Kalidasa (5th century) and the father of Sanskrit drama.
• He popularized the style of Sanskrit poetry known as kavya.
• Ashvaghosha adorned the court of Kanishka.
• He was born in Saketa in northern India.
• Though Pali language literature was popular in Buddhism, Ashvaghosha wrote in Classical Sanskrit.
• Ashvaghosha spoke at length on Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) Buddhist doctrine at the fourth Buddhist council, which he helped organize.

• Buddhacharita wrote by Ashvaghosha is an epic on the life of the Buddha.
• He also wrote Saundarananda, with the theme of conversion of Nanda, Buddha's half-brother, so that he might reach salvation.
• He is also thought to be the author of the Sutralankara.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Kanishka.

Key Points

• Ashvaghosha was a philosopher and poet who is considered India’s greatest poet before Kalidasa (5th century) and the father of Sanskrit drama.
• He popularized the style of Sanskrit poetry known as kavya.
• Ashvaghosha adorned the court of Kanishka.
• He was born in Saketa in northern India.
• Though Pali language literature was popular in Buddhism, Ashvaghosha wrote in Classical Sanskrit.
• Ashvaghosha spoke at length on Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) Buddhist doctrine at the fourth Buddhist council, which he helped organize.

• Buddhacharita wrote by Ashvaghosha is an epic on the life of the Buddha.
• He also wrote Saundarananda, with the theme of conversion of Nanda, Buddha's half-brother, so that he might reach salvation.
• He is also thought to be the author of the Sutralankara.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 22nd March (or 21st March).

• National Calendar of India – Saka Calendar 
  • ​The Saka Era marked the beginning of the Saka Samvat, a historic Hindu calendar which was later introduced as ‘Indian National Calendar’ in 1957.
  • The Saka calendar consists of 365 days and 12 months which is similar to the structure of the Gregorian Calendar.
  • The first month of the Saka Samvat is Chaitra which begins on March 22 which corresponds with March 21 during the leap year. Hence, option 1 is correct.​

The correct answer is Almora.

Key Points

• Coins named after the kings Shivadutt, Shivapalit, and Haridutt have been obtained from Almora, a historical town in Uttarakhand, India.
• These coins are considered to date back to the early medieval period, providing important insights into the regional dynasties of the time.
• The coins reflect the influence of Hindu rulers in the Kumaon region, which encompasses Almora.
• Almora has been a significant center of trade and culture, facilitating the minting and circulation of such coins.
• These discoveries contribute to the understanding of ancient Indian numismatics and the political history of the Kumaon region.

Additional Information

• Numismatics:
  • The study of coins, currency, and related objects, which helps in understanding historical, economic, and cultural aspects of ancient civilizations.
  • Coins often depict rulers, religious symbols, and inscriptions, serving as primary sources of historical data.
• Kumaon Region:
  • Located in the state of Uttarakhand, the Kumaon region has a rich history and cultural heritage.
  • It was ruled by various dynasties such as the Katyuris and the Chand rulers, who left behind significant archaeological and numismatic evidence.
• Historical Importance of Almora:
  • Founded in the 16th century by the Chand dynasty, Almora has been a cultural and administrative hub in the Kumaon region.
  • The town is known for its temples, historical artifacts, and contributions to regional trade and politics.
• Significance of Coin Discoveries:
  • Ancient coins provide valuable information on trade, economy, and governance of a region.
  • The coins from Almora highlight the prominence of local rulers and their administrative systems during the early medieval period.

The correct answer is - Lord of Dakshinapatha

Key Points

• Junagadh Rock Inscription
  • The Junagadh Rock Inscription is a significant historical record created during the reign of the Western Kshatrapa ruler Rudradamana I.
  • It is written in Sanskrit and is considered one of the earliest long inscriptions in classical Sanskrit.
• Rudradamana I
  • The inscription refers to Rudradamana as the "Lord of Dakshinapatha", which translates to the "Lord of the Southern Region."
  • This title highlights his control over significant territories in southern India during his rule.
• Importance of the Title
  • The title signifies Rudradamana's political and military dominance in the Deccan region.
  • It reflects the extent of his empire, which included parts of modern-day Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other southern areas.

Additional Information

• Historical Context
  • Rudradamana I belonged to the Western Kshatrapas, a dynasty that ruled parts of western and central India.
  • The Junagadh Rock Inscription was engraved in the Girnar Hills of Gujarat and commemorates Rudradamana's achievements.
• Key Achievements of Rudradamana
  • He is credited with repairing the Sudarshana Lake, an important reservoir in the region, demonstrating his administrative and engineering capabilities.
  • The inscription also highlights his military conquests, including victories over the Satavahanas and other regional rulers.
• Western Kshatrapas' Role in Indian History
  • The Western Kshatrapas played a crucial role in the political and cultural history of India during the 1st to 4th centuries CE.
  • They were known for their patronage of art, architecture, and literature, as evidenced by inscriptions like the Junagadh Rock Inscription.

The correct answer is Kanishka.

Key Points 

• Ashvaghosha was a poet in the court of King Kanishka.
• Ashvaghosha and other Buddhist scholars from Kanishka's period (around 1900 years ago) began writing in Sanskrit.
• Earlier Buddha's teachings were in the common man's language (Prakrit) but later kings changed the practice gradually to the needs of the time.
• He was a Buddhist writer and was very famous among Buddhist writers.
• He wrote Buddhacharita which is the biography of Buddha.
  • It is written in the Sanskrit language.
• He also wrote Sutralankar.

Additional Information 

• Kanishka was the most famous Kushana ruler.
• He ruled around 1900 years ago.
• The fourth Buddhist council-
  • Held in 72 AD at Kundalvana, Kashmir.
  • It was presided over by Vasumitra.
  • Ashvaghosha was his deputy.
  • The council was held under the patronage of Kanishka.

The correct answer is Kushans.

• Kushans were the first kings to issue the largest hoards of gold coins in India.

Key Points

• Kushanas Coins:
  • Kushanas issued mostly gold coins and numerous copper coins which have been found in most parts of North India up to Bihar.
  • The Gold Dinara's or Suvarnas were based on the Roman denarius and were of 124 grains (8.04 grams).
    • Double and quarter Dinaras were also issued. The copper coins were large, from 26 to 28 Masas or 240 to 260 grains (15.55 to 16.85) grams.
  • The coins of Vima Kadphises bear the figure of Siva standing beside a bull.
  • In the legend on these coins, the king calls himself Maheshwara, i.e. devotee of Siva.
    • Kanishka, Huvishka and Vasudeva etc. all have this depiction on their coins.
  • Many Indian gods and goddesses are depicted on Kushana coins besides many Persian and Greek deities.

Additional Information

• Indo-Greek Coins:
  • The Indo-Greek coins show beautiful artistic features them.
  • The portrait or bust of the king on the obverse side appears to be a real portrait.
  • On the reverse, some deity is depicted.
  • We know that more than forty Indo-Greek rulers ruled in a small north-western region of India from these coins.
• Pre-Guptan and Guptan Coins:
  • Gupta kings issued the most Gold coins.
  • The Satavahanas issued coins of lead and potin (base silver).
  • Satavahanas’ copper coins with the Ujjain symbol bearing a ship were abundant in Avanti.
  • The gold coins of the Guptas (Dinara) originally approximated to the Kushana standard, but in the middle of the 5th century rose in weight to 144 grains, thus returning to the Indian standard of the copper Karsapana.

Mistake Points

• Gupta kings issued the most number of Gold coins whereas Kushans were the first kings to issue the largest hoards of gold coins in India.
• Solution Source:-  https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/lehs102.pdf  (Pg No. 44)

The correct answer is option 4 i.e., Mathura.

• The Kushan dynasty was administered from two capitals - Purushapura (Peshawar), and Mathura in northern India.
• In the 1st century CE, Kujula Kadphises (Kadphises - 1) founded the Kushan dynasty.
• The Kushans are considered to be one of the five branches of the Yuezhi tribe who lived in the Chinese frontier of Central Asia.
• Kanishka is considered as the greatest ruler of the Kushan dynasty. He was the son of Vima Kadphises.
  • He captured Patliputra and took away the Buddhist monk Asvaghosha with him to Peshawar.
  • Kanishka convened the fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalavana in Kashmir.
  • The Gandhara School of Art flourished under him.
  • The fourth Buddhist council was held in 72 AD at Kundalvana, Kashmir. It was presided over by Vasumitra, while Asvaghosa was his deputy. The council was held under the patronage of Kushan King Kanishka.

The correct answer is Charaka.

Key Points

• Charaka was a contributor to the subject of medicine in ancient India.
• He was the court physician of Kaniska.
• Charaka was one of the principal contributors to Ayurveda medicine in ancient India.
• He is best known for his work Charaka Samhita.
• Charaka Samhita:
  • It is also called Caraka-Samhita.
  • It is a detailed text on ancient Indian medicine attributed to Charaka, a practitioner of Ayurveda, India's traditional medical system.
  • Charaka-Samhita, also spelt Caraka-Samhita or Caraka- samhita, comprehensive text on ancient Indian medicine credited to Charaka.
  • He was a practitioner of the traditional system of Indian medicine known as Ayurveda.
  • Charaka is thought to have flourished sometime between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE. 
  • The Charaka-Samhita, in its current form, is believed to have originated in the first century CE.
  • According to ancient Indian medicine studies, the original text was written by Agnivesha.
  • One of six disciples of Ayurvedic scholar Punarvasu Atreya, many centuries ago,
    • (The other five disciples were Bhela, Jatukarna, Parashara, Harita, and Ksharapani).
  • Each of the disciples went on to write their own Samhitas, combining both Atreya's ideas and their own understanding of the subject.
  • The Agnivesha-Samhita, written by Agnivesha, was unlike any other in terms of depth and quality.
  • It came to be known as the Charaka-Samhita after Charaka refined and annotated it.
  • The treatise was divided into eight parts, or ashtanga sthanas, by Charaka:
    • sutra, nidana, vimana, sarira, endriya, chikitsa, Kalpa, and Siddha; each section had multiple chapters.

Additional Information

• Panini:
  • He was born in Shalatula on the Indus River in present-day Pakistan.
  • He was a Sanskrit grammarian and gave a comprehensive and scientific theory of phonetics, phonology, and morphology.
  • He is considered the founder of the language and literature of Sanskrit.
  • His major work involves a treatise called Astadhyayi (or Astaka). It consists of eight chapters, each subdivided into quarter chapters.
  • Under Astadhyayi, he distinguished between the language of sacred texts and the usual language of communication.
  • He gave formal production rules and definitions to describe Sanskrit grammar.
  • He gave about 1700 basic elements like nouns, verbs, vowels, and consonants he put them into classes.
  • Pushyamitra Shunga is a post-Mauryan king whereas the birth year of Panini is not known. Experts give dates of Panini in the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th centuries which are all Pre-Mauryan.
  • Astadhyayi (or Astaka) is Panini's major work related to Sanskrit grammar.
• Harsha:
  • Harshavardhana ruled from 606-647 CE.
  • He lived from 590 to 647 CE and was the last ruler of the Vardhana Empire.
  • He was the king of the Vardhana dynasty and was the son of Prabhakarvardhana.
  • He took the title of sakal uttara patha natha (lord of northern India).His biography Harshacharita ("Deeds of Harsha") was written by Sanskrit poet Banabhatta.
  • He authored Nagananda, Ratnavali, Priyadarshika all written in the Sanskrit language.

The correct answer is Kanishka.

Key Points

• Ashvaghosha was a philosopher and poet who is considered India’s greatest poet before Kalidasa (5th century) and the father of Sanskrit drama.
• He popularized the style of Sanskrit poetry known as kavya.
• Ashvaghosha adorned the court of Kanishka.
• He was born in Saketa in northern India.
• Though Pali language literature was popular in Buddhism, Ashvaghosha wrote in Classical Sanskrit.
• Ashvaghosha spoke at length on Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) Buddhist doctrine at the fourth Buddhist council, which he helped organize.

• Buddhacharita wrote by Ashvaghosha is an epic on the life of the Buddha.
• He also wrote Saundarananda, with the theme of conversion of Nanda, Buddha's half-brother, so that he might reach salvation.
• He is also thought to be the author of the Sutralankara.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Bimbisara.

Key Points

• King Bimbisara is regarded as the Founder of the Haryanka Dynasty- the first major dynasty to rule Magadha region.
• He was the son of Bhattiya.
• He ruled approximately from 558 BC to 491 BC.
• He was the contemporary of Gautam Buddha and also considered as the admirer of the Mahavira.
• He made his capital at Rajgriha/Girivraja (Bihar) as it was surrounded by 5 hills during that time. This made Rajgriha practically impregnable.
• He was the first king who expanded his empire by the use of matrimonial alliances by marrying Kosaladevi(princess of Kosala and sister of Presanjit), Chellana (daughter of Licchavi prince of Vaishali), and Khema (princess of Madra, Punjab).
• He was the first king to have a Standing Army.
• He was initially, a rival of Avanti king Pradyota, but later did friendship with him and also, he sent his royal physician Jivaka to Ujjain, when Pradyota got infected with jaundice.
• He was imprisoned and eventually killed by his son Ajatshatru. 

Additional Information

•  The Mauryan Dynasty was founded by Chandragupta Maurya who defeated Dhana Nanda-last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty with the help of Chanakya.
• The chronological of the kings of the Mauryan Dynasty is shown in the table below:

  Name of the Ruler	Tenure of the Ruler
  Chandragupta Maurya	322-297 BC
  Bindusara	297-272/268 BC
  Ashoka	268/272-232 BC
  Dasharatha	232-224 BC
  Samprati	224-215 BC
  Shalisuka	215-202 BC
  Devvarman	202-195 BC
  Shatadhanvana	195-187 BC
  Brihadratha	187-180 BC

• The most famous kings of this dynasty were Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka, and Bindusara respectively.
• ​The first and the famous Greek Ambassador Megasthenes, who wrote the book "Indica" visited the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
• Chandragupta Maurya later became a follower of Jainism, with the help of saint Bhadrabahu and went to South India where he performed Sanllekhana or starvation to death.
• Ashoka was the most significant ruler of this dynasty who fought the famous Kalinga War and after the mass massacre, converted himself into Buddhism and adopted different measures for the promotion of Buddhism by building Stupas or sending Ambassadors to different countries.
• Ashoka was also the first Indian King to directly converse with his people through the use of Inscriptions.
• The scripts used in the Mauryan inscriptions were mainly Brahmi, Kharosthi (North-West India), and Aramaic & Greek( in Afghanistan) and the major language was Prakrit.
• The Mauryan rulers were one of the first and the most prominent rulers who conquered major parts of North India.
• The last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha was killed in 185 BC by his chief commander Pushyamitra Shunga.

The Correct Answer is ​Gautamiputra Satakarni.

Key Points

• Satavahana Dynasty (60 BC - 225 AD): 
  • Simukha was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty.
  • Dharanikota near Amaravati in Guntur district was the first capital of Simukha.
  • Later he shifted his capital to Pratishtana.
• Hala:
  • He was the 17th ruler of the Satavahana dynasty. 
  • Hala was the author of Gathasaptasati or Sattasai in Prakrit.
  • The text contains love lures.
• Gautamiputra Satakarni:
  • He was the 23rd ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.
  • His achievements have been mentioned in the Nasik Inscription, by his mother Gautami.
  • He defeated the Saka King Nahapana and revived the Satavahana power. Hence, Option 2 is correct.
• Pulumavi-III:
  • He was the 30th and last ruler of the Satavahana Dynasty.
  • Satavahanas was finally succeeded by the Ikshvakus in the 3rd century AD.

The correct answer is Sunga Dynasty.

Key Points

• "Vidisha" was made its capital by Pushyamitra, the ruler of the Sunga dynasty.
• The Sunga dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Sunga in 185 BC.
• The information about the Satavahana dynasty is found in the "Article of Sanchi".
• The Satavahana dynasty was founded by "Simuk" and coins of Gautamiputra Shatakarni are obtained from "Ujjain".
• Gautamiputra Shatkarni ruled from Malwa to Maheshwar after defeating Saka King 'Nahapan'.
• In the first-century BC 'Ujjain' was the major commercial center of North India.
• Kanishka was the greatest ruler of the Kushan dynasty.

The correct answer is Satavahana.

• Ruler Gautamiputra Satkarni belonged to the Satavahana dynasty.

Key Points

• He is regarded as the best king of this dynasty.
• The fortune of this dynasty was restored under his reign.
• He was the only Brahma who defeated Shaka and other Kshatriya rulers also.
• His kingdom stretched from Krishna in the south to Malwa in the north and from Konkani in the west to Berar in the East.
• He was given the title of Rajaraja and Maharaja.
• He had a very big heart who donated land to the Buddhist monks.

The correct answer is Satavahana.

Key Points

• Gautamiputra Satakarni ruled the Satavahana Empire in what is now India's Deccan region.
• He was referred to as the most powerful and significant ruler of the Satavahana Dynasty. He reigned from 106 AD to 130 AD.
• He was the 23rd Satavahana ruler.
• Gautamiputra Satakarni's information is derived from his coinage, Satavahana inscriptions, and royal genealogies found in several Puranas. The best-known of these is his mother Gautami Balashri's Nashik Prashasti (eulogy) inscription, which praises him for numerous military victories.
• The Satavahana kingdom mainly comprised the present-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. At different times, their rule extended to parts of modern Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. The dynasty had different capital cities at different times, including Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amaravati (Dharanikota).
• Simuka (60 BC - 37 BC) was the founder of the Satavahana Dynasty (60 BC - 225 AD).

Additional Information 

• Chera Dynasty
  • ​The Chera dynasty was one of the most important dynasties in Kerala's early history, as well as areas of Tamil Nadu in southern India.
  • The founder of the Chera dynasty was Uthiyan Cheralathan also called Udiyangeral.
  • The greatest of Chera kings, however, was Senguttuvan or Red Chera. It is said that he invaded the north and even crossed the Ganges.
  • He was also the founder of the Pattini cult related to the worship of the Goddess of chastity - Kannagi. 
  • The capital of Cheras was Vanjji.
• Rashtrakuta Dynasty
  • Between the sixth and tenth centuries, the Rashtrakuta dynasty ruled over extensive parts of the Indian subcontinent. A 7th-century copper plate grant detailing their rule from Manapura, a city in Central or West India, is the first known Rashtrakuta inscription.
  • The Rashtrakutas dynasty was founded by Dantivarman or Dantidurga (735–756).
  • Amoghavarsha I (also known as Amoghavarsha Nrupathunga I) was a Rashtrakuta monarch who reigned from 814 to 878 CE. He was the greatest king of the Rashtrakuta dynasty and one of India's great rulers. His 64-year reign is one of the most precisely dated monarchical reigns ever recorded.
  • Krishna III, also known as Kannara in Kannada, was the last great warrior and able emperor of the Rashtrakuta dynasty of Manyakheta (r. 939 – 967 C.E.). He was a savvy administrator as well as a skilled military campaigner.
  • Taila II, a feudatory of Krisha III who claimed genealogy from the early Chalukyas of Vatapi, overthrew the Rashtrakuta kingdom in 973 CE.
• Chola Dynasty
  • The Chola kingdom known as Cholamandalam was situated to the northeast of the Pandya Kingdom between the Pennar and Vellar rivers.
  • The Chola kingdom corresponded to the modern Tanjore and Tiruchirappalli districts.
  • The earliest known Chola king was Elara who conquered Srilanka and ruled over it for nearly 50 years.Their greatest king was Karikala (man with charred leg) who founded Puhar (Kaveripatnam) and constructed a 160km embankment along the Kaveri river with the help of 12,000 Srilankan slaves.
  • Rajaraja I (reigned 985–1014) was an able administrator, protected Vengi (the Godavari districts) and occupied the Gangavadi territory (in present-day Karnataka state), annihilating the western Gangas.
  • His son Rajendracola Deva I (reigned 1014–44) outdid Rajaraja’s achievements. He placed a son on the throne at Madurai, completed the conquest of Sri Lanka, overran the Deccan (c. 1021), and in 1023 sent an expedition to the north that penetrated to the Ganges (Ganga) River and brought Ganges water to the new capital, Gangaikondacolapuram.