Post-Mauryan Period MCQ: Indo-Greek Coinage, Rudradaman's Junagarh Inscription & Kushan Gold Coins

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.Who among the following rulers is stated as the protector of the 'Varna system'?

   • A.Pushyamitra Sunga
   • B.Kharvela
   • C.Gautamiputra Satkarni
   • D.Vasudev✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Gautamiputra Satakarni is called the protector of the Varna System because he did not permit intercaste marriages.

2. Q2.Which dynasty was the most powerful after the Mauryas in Southern India?

   • A.Satvahana
   • B.Pallava✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Chola
   • D.Chalukya

   Explanation: The Satvahana dynasty was the most powerful after the Mauryas in the South.

3. Q3.Simuka was the founder of which of the following dynasties?

   • A.Chera
   • B.Chola
   • C.Pandya
   • D.Satavahana

   Explanation: Simuka established the Satvahana dynasty.

4. Q4.Which of the following is correctly matched regarding dynasties and their capitals?

   • A.Shunga - Mahoba
   • B.Satavahana - Paithan
   • C.Kadamb - Pataliputra✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Chandel - Banvasi

   Explanation: The correct matches are: Shunga - Pataliputra, Satavahana - Paithan, Kadamb - Banvasi, Chandel - Mahoba.

5. Q5.Which Chinese General defeated Kanishka?

   • A.Pan Chao
   • B.Pan Yang✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Ho Ti
   • D.Shi Huang Ti

   Explanation: Chinese General Pan Chao defeated Kanishka.

6. Q6.Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer: List-I (Rulers) A. Demetrius B. Rudradaman C. Gondophernes D. Vima List-II (Dynasty) 1. Parthian 2. Kushana 3. Indo-Greek 4. Scythian (Saka)

   • A.A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
   • B.A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
   • C.A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
   • D.A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The correct match is: Demetrius - Indo-Greek, Rudradaman - Scythian (Saka), Gondophernes - Parthian, Vima - Kushana.

7. Q7.Both Sankarshana and Vasudeva are depicted on the coins of which of the following rulers?

   • A.Huvishka
   • B.Kanishka
   • C.Samudragupta
   • D.Agathocles

   Explanation: Agathocles was a Greco-Bactrian ruler who introduced silver coins depicting both Sankarshana (Balram) and Vasudeva (Krishna).

8. Q8.Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other three?

   • A.Bimbisara
   • B.Gautama Buddha
   • C.Milinda
   • D.Prasenjit✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Bimbisara, Gautama Buddha, and Prasenjit were contemporaries in the 6th century BC. Milinda (Menander) was an Indo-Greek ruler in the 2nd century BC (165-130 BC).

9. Q9.The earliest specimen of 'Kavya' style is found in the inscription of which ruler?

   • A.Rudradaman of Kathiawar
   • B.Ashoka✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Rajendra I
   • D.None of the above

   Explanation: The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman (130-150 AD) is the earliest specimen of 'Kavya' style written in perfect Sanskrit.

10. Q10.Which inscription tells about the various achievements of Rudradaman-I?

    • A.Junagadh
    • B.Bhitari✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Nasik
    • D.Sanchi

    Explanation: The Junagadh inscription details the achievements of Rudradaman-I, including the reconstruction of the Sudarshana Lake dam.

11. Q11.Who renovated Sudarshan lake without using forced labour?

    • A.Chandragupta Maurya
    • B.Bindusara
    • C.Ashoka
    • D.Rudradaman-I

    Explanation: Rudradaman-I renovated the Sudarshan Lake without imposing forced labour (Vishti) or extra taxes on his subjects.

12. Q12.Sixteen coins of King Menander have been found from which of the following sites?

    • A.Bairat
    • B.Nagari✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Rairh
    • D.Nagar

    Explanation: Sixteen coins of the Indo-Greek King Menander have been found from Bairat.

13. Q13.The largest number of copper coins in northern and northwestern India were issued by?

    • A.Indo-Greeks
    • B.Kushans
    • C.Sakas✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Pratiharas

    Explanation: The Kushans issued the largest number of copper coins in northern and northwestern India.

14. Q14.Who amongst the following issued gold coins regularly in ancient India?

    • A.Satavahana
    • B.Saka
    • C.Kushan
    • D.Parthian✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The Kushan rulers issued gold coins regularly and on a large scale.

15. Q15.Buddha is depicted on the coins of:

    • A.Vima Kadphises
    • B.Kanishka
    • C.Nahapana✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Budhagupta

    Explanation: Buddha is depicted on the coins of the Kushan ruler Kanishka.

16. Q16.Which of the following Kings is credited to have issued gold coins for the first time?

    • A.Kujula Kadphises
    • B.Vima Kadphises
    • C.Kanishka✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Huvishka

    Explanation: Vima Kadphises was the first Kushan ruler who issued gold coins.

17. Q17.Who among the following introduced gold coins for regular use in India?

    • A.Vima Kadphises
    • B.Kujul Kadphises✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Kanishka
    • D.Hermwes

    Explanation: Vima Kadphises introduced gold coins for regular use in India.

18. Q18.Who among the following first issued gold coins on a large scale?

    • A.Pushyamitra Shunga
    • B.Menander
    • C.Vima Kadphises
    • D.Gautamiputra Satakarni✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Vima Kadphises is credited with issuing gold coins on a large scale.

19. Q19.Which God is found depicted on Yaudheya coins?

    • A.Vasudeva
    • B.Shiva
    • C.Indra
    • D.Kartikeya

    Explanation: Yaudheya copper coins depict the figure of six-headed God Kartikeya along with a peacock.

20. Q20.What is the date of the Sarnath Buddhist image inscription of Kanishka?

    • A.78 A.D.
    • B.81 A.D.
    • C.98 A.D.✓ Correct Answer
    • D.121 A.D.

    Explanation: The Sarnath Buddhist image inscription of Kanishka is dated 81 A.D., established 3 years after his coronation.