Post-Mauryan Period MCQ: Satavahana Matronymics, Post-Mauryan Trade with Rome & Kanishka's Statue

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

1. Q1.Which dynasty's rulers were known for using matronymics (names derived from mother)?

   • A.Satavahana
   • B.Kushan✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Shunga
   • D.Kanva

   Explanation: The Satavahana rulers were known for using matronymics, such as Gautamiputra Satakarni and Vashishthiputra Pulumavi.

2. Q2.The Junagarh Rock Inscription is associated with which ruler?

   • A.Rudradaman I
   • B.Kanishka✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Ashoka
   • D.Chandragupta Maurya

   Explanation: The Junagarh Rock Inscription is associated with the Saka ruler Rudradaman I. It is the earliest long inscription in Sanskrit.

3. Q3.Who among the following is known as the 'Indian Einstein'?

   • A.Nagarjuna
   • B.Aryabhatta✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Varahamihira
   • D.Brahmagupta

   Explanation: Nagarjuna is often called the 'Indian Einstein' because he propounded the theory of Shunyavada (Voidness) and relativity in his book 'Madhyamika Karika'.

4. Q4.The 'Milindapanho' is a dialogue between King Menander and which Buddhist monk?

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

   Explanation: The 'Milindapanho' (Questions of Milinda) is a dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena.

5. Q5.Which dynasty issued the largest number of copper coins in ancient India?

   • A.Kushan
   • B.Gupta✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Maurya
   • D.Satavahana

   Explanation: The Kushans issued the largest number of copper coins in ancient India, indicating flourishing trade and commerce.

6. Q6.Which of the following places was a major centre of the manufacture of shell objects during the Harappan as well as Post-Mauryan period?

   • A.Nageshwar
   • B.Balakot
   • C.Lothal
   • D.All of the above

   Explanation: Nageshwar and Balakot (both coastal settlements) were specialized centres for making shell objects. Lothal also had evidence of shell working.

7. Q7.The 'Saka Era' commenced in which year?

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

   Explanation: The Saka Era commenced in 78 AD, widely believed to be started by Kanishka to mark his accession.

8. Q8.Who was the author of 'Mahabhasya'?

   • A.Patanjali
   • B.Panini✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Katyayana
   • D.Kalidasa

   Explanation: Patanjali wrote 'Mahabhasya', which is a commentary on Panini's Ashtadhyayi. He was the priest of Pushyamitra Shunga.

9. Q9.The practice of land grants to Brahmins and Buddhists was started by which dynasty?

   • A.Satavahana
   • B.Maurya✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Gupta
   • D.Kushan

   Explanation: The Satavahanas were the first to start the practice of granting tax-free villages and lands to Brahmins and Buddhist monks.

10. Q10.Which ruler is credited with the repair of the Sudarshan Lake in the Post-Mauryan period?

    • A.Rudradaman I
    • B.Kanishka✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Gautamiputra Satakarni
    • D.Kharavela

    Explanation: Rudradaman I repaired the Sudarshan Lake in the Kathiawar region without imposing forced labor (vishti) on his subjects.

11. Q11.The famous Headless Statue of Kanishka was found at which place?

    • A.Mathura
    • B.Taxila✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Peshawar
    • D.Sarnath

    Explanation: The famous Headless Statue of Kanishka was found at Mat near Mathura.

12. Q12.Which of the following items was NOT a major export from India during the Post-Mauryan trade with Rome?

    • A.Horses
    • B.Spices✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Muslin
    • D.Precious stones

    Explanation: Horses were generally imported into India (from Central Asia/Arabia), while spices (pepper), muslin, and precious stones were major exports to the Roman Empire.

13. Q13.Who among the following was the court physician of Kanishka?

    • A.Charaka
    • B.Sushruta✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Dhanvantari
    • D.Jivaka

    Explanation: Charaka was the court physician of Kanishka and is the author of 'Charaka Samhita', a foundational text of Ayurveda.

14. Q14.The 'Hathigumpha Inscription' describes the achievements of which ruler?

    • A.Kharavela
    • B.Satakarni I✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Rudradaman
    • D.Samudragupta

    Explanation: The Hathigumpha Inscription (in Udayagiri hills, Odisha) describes the achievements of the Cheti/Chedi ruler Kharavela.

15. Q15.Which dynasty ruled over Magadha immediately after the Nanda dynasty?

    • A.Maurya
    • B.Shunga✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Gupta
    • D.Kushan

    Explanation: The Mauryan dynasty founded by Chandragupta Maurya ruled over Magadha immediately after the Nanda dynasty.

16. Q16.According to the Puranas, how many rulers belonged to the Satavahana dynasty?

    • A.19
    • B.24
    • C.30
    • D.15✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: There are 30 or 31 Satavahana rulers mentioned in the Puranas, out of which 29 are mentioned in the Matsya Purana.

17. Q17.Which of the following is another name for Simuka, the founder of the Satavahana dynasty?

    • A.Hala
    • B.Sindhuk
    • C.Gautamiputra✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Yagyashri

    Explanation: According to the Puranas, Simuka is also known as Sindhuk or Shiprak.

18. Q18.Who succeeded Simuka as the ruler of the Satavahana dynasty?

    • A.Satakarni I
    • B.Krishna
    • C.Gautamiputra Satakarni✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Hala

    Explanation: Krishna was the brother of Simuka and succeeded him as the ruler.

19. Q19.Important information about the governance of Satakarni is obtained from which inscription?

    • A.Nasik Inscription
    • B.Nanaghat Inscription
    • C.Hathigumpha Inscription✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Junagarh Inscription

    Explanation: We get important information about the governance of Satakarni through the inscriptions of 'Nanaghat'.

20. Q20.Who was the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty?

    • A.Pushyamitra
    • B.Agnimitra
    • C.Devabhuti
    • D.Vasudeva✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The last king of the Shunga dynasty, Devabhuti, was killed by a conspiracy of his Amatya Vasudeva.