Sources of Ancient History MCQ: Epigraphy, Megasthenes' Indica & Kalhana's Rajatarangini

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

1. Q1.Which is the oldest Veda among the four Vedas?

   • A.Samaveda
   • B.Yajurveda
   • C.Rigveda✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Atharvaveda

   Explanation: The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas, composed around 1500-1000 BCE. It contains hymns dedicated to various deities.

2. Q2.The study of inscriptions is known as:

   • A.Numismatics
   • B.Epigraphy✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Archaeology
   • D.Palaeography

   Explanation: Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions or epigraphs as writing.

3. Q3.Who was the first to decipher the inscriptions of Ashoka?

   • A.Alexander Cunningham
   • B.Max Muller
   • C.James Prinsep✓ Correct Answer
   • D.William Jones

   Explanation: James Prinsep, an official of the East India Company, deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts used in Ashoka's inscriptions in 1837.

4. Q4.The 'Indika' was written by which Greek ambassador?

   • A.Megasthenes✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Seleucus Nicator
   • C.Pliny
   • D.Ptolemy

   Explanation: Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya who wrote 'Indika', describing Mauryan administration and society.

5. Q5.Which of the following is related to the 'Hathigumpha Inscription'?

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

   Explanation: The Hathigumpha Inscription in Udayagiri caves (Odisha) describes the achievements of King Kharavela of Kalinga.

6. Q6.The study of coins is called:

   • A.Epigraphy
   • B.Numismatics✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Ethnography
   • D.Chronology

   Explanation: Numismatics is the scientific study of currency and coins, which helps in understanding the economic history.

7. Q7.Which Chinese traveler visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II?

   • A.Hiuen Tsang
   • B.Fa-Hien✓ Correct Answer
   • C.I-Tsing
   • D.Megasthenes

   Explanation: Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Gupta Empire) to secure Buddhist texts.

8. Q8.'Rajatarangini', written by Kalhana, is a history of which region?

   • A.Bengal
   • B.Magadha
   • C.Kashmir✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Gujarat

   Explanation: Rajatarangini (River of Kings), written by Kalhana in the 12th century, is a historical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir.

9. Q9.The 'Junagarh Inscription' gives information about which ruler?

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

   Explanation: The Junagarh Rock Inscription is associated with the Saka ruler Rudradaman I and mentions the repair of Sudarshana Lake.

10. Q10.Which text is known as the 'Fifth Veda'?

    • A.Mahabharata✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Ramayana
    • C.Manusmriti
    • D.Arthashastra

    Explanation: The Mahabharata and the Puranas are sometimes traditionally referred to as the Fifth Veda.

11. Q11.Who composed the 'Prayag Prasasti' (Allahabad Pillar Inscription)?

    • A.Kalidasa
    • B.Harisena✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Banabhatta
    • D.Ravikirti

    Explanation: Harisena, the court poet of Samudragupta, composed the Prayag Prasasti praising the military achievements of the king.

12. Q12.The Boghaz-Koi inscription found in Asia Minor mentions which Vedic gods?

    • A.Indra, Varuna, Mitra, Nasatya✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Agni, Soma, Indra, Surya
    • C.Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh
    • D.Indra, Agni, Vayu, Varuna

    Explanation: The Boghaz-Koi inscription (1400 BCE) mentions four Vedic gods: Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Nasatya (Ashvins).

13. Q13.Which of the following is a grammatical text composed by Panini?

    • A.Mahabhasya
    • B.Ashtadhyayi✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Nirukta
    • D.Vartika

    Explanation: Ashtadhyayi is a Sanskrit treatise on grammar written in the 6th to 5th century BCE by Panini.

14. Q14.The 'Tripitakas' are the sacred texts of which religion?

    • A.Jainism
    • B.Buddhism✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Hinduism
    • D.Ajivika

    Explanation: The Tripitakas (Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma) are the traditional scriptures of Buddhism written in Pali.

15. Q15.Who wrote 'Harshacharita', the biography of King Harsha?

    • A.Kalidasa
    • B.Banabhatta✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Harsha
    • D.Bhavabhuti

    Explanation: Banabhatta was the court poet of King Harsha and wrote his biography, the Harshacharita.

16. Q16.Which inscription provides the first archaeological evidence of Sati?

    • A.Eran Inscription✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Junagarh Inscription
    • C.Aihole Inscription
    • D.Mehrauli Pillar Inscription

    Explanation: The Eran Inscription (510 AD) of Bhanugupta provides the first written evidence of the practice of Sati.

17. Q17.The 'Aihole Inscription' is associated with which Chalukya king?

    • A.Pulakeshin I
    • B.Pulakeshin II✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Vikramaditya I
    • D.Kirtivarman

    Explanation: The Aihole Inscription was composed by Ravikirti and details the achievements of Pulakeshin II, including his victory over Harsha.

18. Q18.Who is the author of the book 'Natural Historia'?

    • A.Ptolemy
    • B.Pliny the Elder✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Herodotus
    • D.Strabo

    Explanation: Pliny the Elder wrote 'Natural Historia' in the 1st century AD, giving details about the trade between Rome and India.

19. Q19.Panchmark coins (Punch-marked coins) were mostly made of:

    • A.Gold
    • B.Silver✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Copper
    • D.Lead

    Explanation: The earliest coins were punch-marked coins, mostly made of silver, though some copper coins were also found.

20. Q20.Which Upanishad contains the famous mantra 'Satyameva Jayate'?

    • A.Kathopanishad
    • B.Mundaka Upanishad✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Chandogya Upanishad
    • D.Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

    Explanation: 'Satyameva Jayate' (Truth alone triumphs) is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.