Sources of Ancient History MCQ: The Rabatak Inscription, Aryabhatiya & the Heliodorus Pillar

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

1. Q1.Which ancient Indian mathematician wrote 'Aryabhatiya'?

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

   Explanation: Aryabhatta (5th century AD) wrote the Aryabhatiya, a treatise on mathematics and astronomy.

2. Q2.The 'Rabatak Inscription' found in Afghanistan provides information about which dynasty?

   • A.Maurya
   • B.Kushana✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Gupta
   • D.Saka

   Explanation: The Rabatak inscription clarifies the genealogy of the Kushana kings, mentioning Kanishka and his ancestors.

3. Q3.Who was the Greek ambassador in the court of Bindusara?

   • A.Megasthenes
   • B.Deimachos✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Dionysius
   • D.Antiochus

   Explanation: Deimachos was sent by the Syrian king Antiochus I to the court of the Mauryan emperor Bindusara.

4. Q4.Which Puranic text lists the dynasties of the Kali Age?

   • A.Vishnu Purana
   • B.Matsya Purana
   • C.Vayu Purana
   • D.All of the above✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The Vayu, Matsya, and Vishnu Puranas contain dynastic lists (Vamshanucharita) that are crucial sources for ancient political history.

5. Q5.The 'Caves of Udayagiri' in Vidisha are famous for the sculpture of:

   • A.Buddha achieving Nirvana
   • B.Varaha Avatar of Vishnu✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Dancing Shiva
   • D.Jain Tirthankaras

   Explanation: The Udayagiri Caves (Gupta period) feature a colossal relief sculpture of the Varaha Avatar (Boar incarnation) of Vishnu rescuing the Earth.

6. Q6.Who wrote the Tamil epic 'Silappadikaram'?

   • A.Sittalai Sattanar
   • B.Ilango Adigal✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Tiruvalluvar
   • D.Avvaiyar

   Explanation: Silappadikaram (The Tale of an Anklet) was written by Ilango Adigal, a Chera prince.

7. Q7.The 'Dipavamsa' and 'Mahavamsa' differ from other Buddhist texts because they originate from:

   • A.Tibet
   • B.China
   • C.Sri Lanka✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Nepal

   Explanation: Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa are ancient historical chronicles of Sri Lanka written in Pali, providing information about Ashoka and Buddhism.

8. Q8.Which script was written from right to left?

   • A.Brahmi
   • B.Kharosthi✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Devanagari
   • D.Tamil

   Explanation: The Kharosthi script, used in ancient Gandhara (northwest India), was written from right to left.

9. Q9.Who is considered the 'Father of Indian Pre-history' for discovering the first Paleolithic tool in India?

   • A.Alexander Cunningham
   • B.Robert Bruce Foote✓ Correct Answer
   • C.John Marshall
   • D.D.R. Sahni

   Explanation: Robert Bruce Foote, a geologist, discovered the first Paleolithic hand-axe at Pallavaram (Chennai) in 1863.

10. Q10.The 'Heliodorus Pillar' is located in:

    • A.Sanchi
    • B.Vidisha (Besnagar)✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Prayagraj
    • D.Mathura

    Explanation: The Heliodorus Pillar, dedicated to Vasudeva, is located in Besnagar (modern Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh).

11. Q11.Who wrote 'Dasakumaracharita' (Tales of Ten Princes)?

    • A.Dandin✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Bana
    • C.Subandhu
    • D.Kalidasa

    Explanation: Dandin was a famous Sanskrit prose writer who wrote Dasakumaracharita in the 6th-7th century AD.

12. Q12.Which Satavahana ruler is famous for issuing coins with the image of a ship?

    • A.Gautamiputra Satakarni
    • B.Simuka
    • C.Yajnashri Satakarni✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Hala

    Explanation: Yajnashri Satakarni issued coins depicting a ship with two masts, indicating maritime trade and naval power.

13. Q13.The term 'Prashasti' generally refers to:

    • A.A criticism of the king
    • B.A royal charter
    • C.A eulogy or praise✓ Correct Answer
    • D.A land record

    Explanation: Prashastis (meaning 'in praise of') are inscriptions composed by poets in praise of their patron kings (e.g., Prayag Prasasti).

14. Q14.Which Vedanga deals with 'Etymology' (origin of words)?

    • A.Shiksha
    • B.Kalpa
    • C.Nirukta✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Chhanda

    Explanation: Nirukta, written by Yaska, is the Vedanga that deals with etymology and the explanation of Vedic words.

15. Q15.Who founded the 'Vikramashila University'?

    • A.Gopala
    • B.Dharmapala✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Devapala
    • D.Mahipala

    Explanation: Dharmapala, the Pala king, founded Vikramashila University in the late 8th or early 9th century to promote Buddhist learning.

16. Q16.The 'Padmavat', though a medieval text, is often cited for the legend of which ancient queen?

    • A.Rani Durgavati
    • B.Rani Padmini✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Rani Laxmibai
    • D.Rani Rudrama Devi

    Explanation: Padmavat, written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, tells the legend of Rani Padmini of Chittor.

17. Q17.Who is the author of 'Brihat Samhita'?

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

    Explanation: Varahamihira wrote the Brihat Samhita, an encyclopedic work on architecture, temples, planetary motions, and seasons.

18. Q18.Which inscription mentions the name 'Bharatvarsha' for the first time?

    • A.Hathigumpha Inscription✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Junagarh Inscription
    • C.Allahabad Pillar
    • D.Aihole Inscription

    Explanation: The Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela is the first epigraphic record to mention the name 'Bharatvarsha'.

19. Q19.Who wrote the play 'Mattavilasa Prahasana'?

    • A.Mahendravarman I✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Narasimhavarman I
    • C.Pulakeshin II
    • D.Harsha

    Explanation: Mahendravarman I, the Pallava king, wrote this satire (prahasana) on the corrupt practices of Kapalikas and Buddhist monks.

20. Q20.Jain literature (Canonical texts) was finally compiled in the 6th century AD at:

    • A.Rajgir
    • B.Pataliputra
    • C.Valabhi✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Ujjain

    Explanation: The Jain Agamas were finally compiled and written down at the Second Jain Council held at Valabhi (Gujarat).