Sources of Ancient History MCQ: Uttiramerur Inscription, the Saka Era & the Panchatantra

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

1. Q1.The rock shelters of Bhimbetka are famous for:

   • A.Buddhist Statues
   • B.Prehistoric Cave Paintings✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Jain Temples
   • D.Ashokan Pillars

   Explanation: Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its prehistoric cave paintings dating back to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.

2. Q2.Which Veda is considered the primary source of Indian music?

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

   Explanation: The Samaveda consists of chants and melodies to be sung during sacrifices and is the root of Indian classical music.

3. Q3.The 'Uttiramerur Inscription' provides details about the administration of which dynasty?

   • A.Chola✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Pallava
   • C.Pandya
   • D.Chera

   Explanation: The Uttiramerur Inscription gives a detailed account of the local self-government (village assembly/Sabha) system of the Chola dynasty.

4. Q4.At which Neolithic site have archaeologists found evidence of 'Pit-dwellings'?

   • A.Mehrgarh
   • B.Burzahom✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Chirand
   • D.Koldihwa

   Explanation: Pit-dwellings (houses dug into the ground) were found at Burzahom in Kashmir, suggesting protection from cold weather.

5. Q5.Who is the author of the famous fable collection 'Panchatantra'?

   • A.Kalidasa
   • B.Vishnu Sharma✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Narayan Pandit
   • D.Somadeva

   Explanation: Vishnu Sharma wrote the Panchatantra to teach the principles of polity and worldly wisdom to princes through animal fables.

6. Q6.Which Upanishad contains the dialogue between Yama and Nachiketa?

   • A.Mundaka Upanishad
   • B.Katha Upanishad✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Chandogya Upanishad
   • D.Kena Upanishad

   Explanation: The Katha Upanishad (Kathopanishad) tells the story of Nachiketa, who learns the secret of life and death from Yama (the Lord of Death).

7. Q7.The 'Saka Era' was started in 78 AD by which ruler?

   • A.Ashoka
   • B.Kanishka✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Vikramaditya
   • D.Rudradaman

   Explanation: The Saka Era was started by the Kushana king Kanishka in 78 AD. It is used as the official civil calendar of India.

8. Q8.'Tolkappiyam' is a classic text on:

   • A.Tamil Grammar✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Tamil Medicine
   • C.Tamil Music
   • D.Tamil Architecture

   Explanation: Tolkappiyam, written by Tolkappiyar, is the oldest extant Tamil work on grammar and poetics.

9. Q9.The Indus Valley site 'Lothal' is primarily known for its:

   • A.Great Bath
   • B.Dockyard✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Dancing Girl Statue
   • D.Rock-cut Architecture

   Explanation: Lothal (Gujarat) is famous for having the world's oldest known artificial dockyard, connecting the city to an ancient trade route.

10. Q10.The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called:

    • A.Dinara
    • B.Rupaka✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Karshapana
    • D.Pana

    Explanation: The Gupta gold coins were called 'Dinara', while their silver coins were known as 'Rupaka'.

11. Q11.The 'Nasik Inscription' describes the achievements of:

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

    Explanation: The Nasik Prasasti (Inscription) was issued by Gautami Balashri and details the victories of her son, Gautamiputra Satakarni.

12. Q12.Which famous ancient play was written by Bhasa?

    • A.Swapnavasavadatta✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Abhigyan Shakuntalam
    • C.Maldavikagnimitra
    • D.Ratnavali

    Explanation: Swapnavasavadatta is a Sanskrit play in six acts written by the ancient Indian poet Bhasa.

13. Q13.The Harappan site 'Dholavira' is unique for its:

    • A.Bronze Statues
    • B.Water Management System✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Seal Making
    • D.Bead Industry

    Explanation: Dholavira (Gujarat) is famous for its sophisticated water conservation and management system, comprising reservoirs and dams.

14. Q14.Who wrote 'Kamasutra'?

    • A.Vatsyayana✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Kalidasa
    • C.Bharavi
    • D.Dandin

    Explanation: The Kamasutra, a text on human sexual behavior and art of living, was written by Vatsyayana.

15. Q15.Which Ashokan inscription is bilingual (Greek and Aramaic)?

    • A.Shahbazgarhi
    • B.Mansehra
    • C.Kandahar✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Girnar

    Explanation: The Kandahar Edict of Ashoka is a bilingual inscription written in Greek and Aramaic.

16. Q16.Who wrote the epic poem 'Kiratarjuniya'?

    • A.Bharavi✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Magha
    • C.Kalidasa
    • D.Bhatti

    Explanation: Kiratarjuniya is a Sanskrit epic by Bharavi, describing the combat between Arjuna and Lord Shiva (in the guise of a Kirata).

17. Q17.The 'Battle of Ten Kings' (Dasarajna) is mentioned in which Veda?

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

    Explanation: The Battle of Ten Kings (Dasarajna War) is described in the 7th Mandala of the Rigveda. It was won by King Sudas.

18. Q18.The 'Banskhera Inscription' contains the signature of which king?

    • A.Harshavardhana✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Rajyavardhana
    • C.Prabhakarvardhana
    • D.Dhruvabhata

    Explanation: The Banskhera Copper Plate inscription contains the signature of Harshavardhana, describing him as a great calligrapher.

19. Q19.Megaliths in ancient India are typically associated with:

    • A.Temple Architecture
    • B.Burial Sites✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Water Tanks
    • D.Palace Ruins

    Explanation: Megaliths are large stones used to construct a structure or monument, in ancient India, they primarily mark burial sites.

20. Q20.Which Chinese traveler studied at Nalanda University for several years?

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

    Explanation: While Hiuen Tsang also studied there, I-Tsing (Yijing) stayed at Nalanda for 10 years and translated many Buddhist texts.