Post-Mauryan Period MCQ: The Saka Era, Gandhara Art & Kanishka's Reign

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

1. Q1.In which year was the coronation of Kushan king Kanishka held?

   • A.178 B.C.
   • B.101 A.D.
   • C.58 B.C.
   • D.78 A.D.

   Explanation: The coronation of Kanishka took place in 78 A.D., which marks the beginning of the Saka Era.

2. Q2.When was Saka Samvat initiated?

   • A.58 A.D.
   • B.78 A.D.
   • C.320 A.D.✓ Correct Answer
   • D.606 A.D.

   Explanation: Saka Samvat was initiated in 78 A.D., likely by Kanishka.

3. Q3.How much is the year difference between the Saka Samvat and Vikram Samvat?

   • A.57 years
   • B.78 years
   • C.135 years
   • D.320 years✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Vikram Samvat started in 57 B.C. and Saka Samvat in 78 A.D. The difference is 57 + 78 = 135 years.

4. Q4.Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which date of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year?

   • A.22nd March
   • B.15th May✓ Correct Answer
   • C.31st March
   • D.21st April

   Explanation: Chaitra 1 of the Saka Era corresponds to 22nd March in a normal year and 21st March in a leap year.

5. Q5.Which of the following dynasty's empire was expanded even outside of India?

   • A.Gupta dynasty
   • B.Maurya dynasty
   • C.Kushan dynasty
   • D.None of the above✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The Kushan dynasty empire extended outside India, covering parts of Central Asia, Afghanistan, and China (Turpan).

6. Q6.Which one of the following is NOT correctly matched regarding dynasties and metals of coins?

   • A.Kushanas - Gold and Copper
   • B.Gupta - Gold and Silver
   • C.Satavahanas - Gold
   • D.Kalachuris - Gold, Silver, and Copper✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Satavahanas issued coins in Lead, Copper, Bronze, and Silver, but not in Gold. Thus, the match is incorrect.

7. Q7.Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

   • A.Nasik - Gautami Putra
   • B.Hathigumpha - Kharvela
   • C.Bhitari - Pulkeshin II
   • D.Girnar - Rudradaman I✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The Bhitari pillar inscription is related to Skandagupta, not Pulkeshin II. The Aihole inscription relates to Pulkeshin II.

8. Q8.Bamiyan of Afghanistan was famous for?

   • A.Hindu temple
   • B.Work of elephant teeth
   • C.Gold coin of coinage
   • D.Buddha statue

   Explanation: Bamiyan was famous for huge Buddha statues carved into the hills, which were later destroyed.

9. Q9.Which one of the following sculptures invariably used green schist as the medium?

   • A.Mauryan sculptures
   • B.Mathura sculptures
   • C.Bharhut sculptures
   • D.Gandhara sculptures

   Explanation: Gandhara sculptures invariably used green schist as the medium.

10. Q10.Which among the following was the earliest dynasty?

    • A.Chalukya
    • B.Pallava
    • C.Rashtrakuta
    • D.Satavahana

    Explanation: Among the options, the Satavahana dynasty is the earliest, originating in the 1st century BC, while others are later.

11. Q11.Who amongst the following Mauryan rulers was killed by his Commander-in-Chief?

    • A.Brihadratha
    • B.Kunala✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Dasharatha
    • D.Shalishuka

    Explanation: The last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha was assassinated by his Commander-in-Chief Pushyamitra Shunga in 184 BC, who then established the Shunga dynasty.

12. Q12.Which of the following books is the source of information about the reign of Pushyamitra Shunga?

    • A.Mahabhasya
    • B.Indica✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Arthashastra
    • D.Divyavadana

    Explanation: Mahabhasya, written by Patanjali, provides information about the reign of Pushyamitra Shunga. Patanjali was a contemporary of Pushyamitra.

13. Q13.The capital of the Satavahana dynasty was located at which of the following places?

    • A.Pratisthan
    • B.Nagarjunakonda✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Shravasti
    • D.Pataliputra

    Explanation: The capital of the Satavahanas was located at Paithan or Pratisthan in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.

14. Q14.Who among the following was the founder of the Kanva dynasty?

    • A.Vasudeva
    • B.Devabhuti✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Susharma
    • D.Simuka

    Explanation: Vasudeva founded the Kanva dynasty after killing the last Shunga ruler Devabhuti.

15. Q15.Which inscription mentions the presence of 'Heliodorus' the Greek ambassador?

    • A.Besnagar Pillar Inscription
    • B.Hathigumpha Inscription✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Nasik Inscription
    • D.Junagadh Inscription

    Explanation: The Besnagar (Vidisha) Garuda Pillar Inscription mentions Heliodorus, an ambassador of the Indo-Greek king Antialcidas, who adopted Bhagavatism.

16. Q16.Who was the most famous ruler of the Kushan dynasty?

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

    Explanation: Kanishka was the most famous Kushan ruler, known for starting the Saka Era (78 AD) and patronizing Buddhism.

17. Q17.Which Chinese General defeated the Kushan king Kanishka?

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

    Explanation: According to Chinese sources, Kanishka was defeated by the Chinese General Pan Chao.

18. Q18.Which art style flourished during the Kushan period at Mathura?

    • A.Mathura School of Art
    • B.Gandhara School of Art✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Amravati School of Art
    • D.Mauryan Art

    Explanation: The Mathura School of Art flourished during the Kushan period. It is famous for its red sandstone sculptures.

19. Q19.Who among the following wrote 'Buddhacharita'?

    • A.Ashvaghosha
    • B.Nagarjuna✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Vasumitra
    • D.Charaka

    Explanation: Ashvaghosha, a court poet of Kanishka, wrote 'Buddhacharita', which is a biography of Buddha.

20. Q20.Who was the president of the Fourth Buddhist Council?

    • A.Vasumitra
    • B.Ashvaghosha✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Mahakassapa
    • D.Moggaliputta Tissa

    Explanation: The Fourth Buddhist Council was presided over by Vasumitra, with Ashvaghosha as his deputy, during the reign of Kanishka.