Ancient History - Page 3 of 7

The Indo-Laws Kingdom set up in north Afghanistan in the beginning of the second century B.C. was:

(a) Bactria
(b) Scythia
(c) Zedrasia
(d) Aria

Ans: (a) Bactria

Explanation:Bactria was the ancient civilizations of Iranianpeoples. Ancient Bactria was located between theHin du Kush m oun tain ran ge a nd t he A m u Darya river,covering the flat region that straddles modern-dayAfghanistan and Tajikistan.

Which one of the following was initially the most powerful city state of India in the 6th century B.C. ?

(a) Gandhar
(b) Kamboj
(c) Kashi
(d) Magadh

Ans: (d) Magadh

Explanation: Of the 16 Mahajanapadas, Magadha, Kosala,Vatsa and Avanti were more powerful. They foughtamongst themselves for years and ultimatelyMagadha emerged victorious under Bimbisara(Haranyak dynasty) in 6th C BC..

The following persons came to India at one time or another:

1. Fa-Hien
2. I-Tsing
3. Megasthanese
4. Hieun-Tsang

The correct chronological sequence of their visits is:
(a) 3, 1, 2, 4
(b) 3, 1, 4, 2
(c) 1, 3, 2, 4
(d) 1, 3, 4, 2

Ans: (b) 3, 1, 4, 2

Explanation: Fa-Hien–405–411 CE; I-Tsing–671–695 CE;Megasthanese – 302–298 BC; Hieun–Tsang–630–645CE.

From the third century AD when the Hun invasion ended the Roman Empire, the Indian merchants relied more and more on the:

(a) African trade
(b) West-European trade
(c) South-East Asian trade
(d) Middle-Eastern trade

Ans: (c) South-East Asian trade

Explanation:After the 3rd century AD Roman empire came toan end. Indian merchants meanwhile had begun torely more heavily on the south-east Asian Trade.

The given map relates to :

(a) Kanishka at the time of his death.
(b) Samudragupta after the close of his South Indiancampaign.
(c) Ashoka towards close of his reign.
(d) Empire of Thaneswar on the eve of Harsha’s accession.

Ans: (c) Ashoka towards close of his reign.

Explanation:The given map is related to the reign of Ashokatowards end of his rule. Ashoka (304–232 BC),popularly known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indianemperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled over theIndian subcontinent from 269 BC to 232 BC. His empirestretched from present-day Pakistan, Afghanistan inthe west, to the present-day Bangladesh and theIndian state of Assam in the east, and as far south asnorthern Kerala and Andhra.

The concept of Eight fold path forms the theme of:

(a) Dipavamsa
(b) Divyavadana
(c) Mahaparinibban
(d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta

Ans: (d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta

Explanation:The Noble Eight fold Path, is one of the principalteac hings of the Buddha, who desc rib ed it as the wayleading to the cessation of suffering (Dukkha) andattainment of self-awakening. In Buddhist symbolism,the Noble Eight fold Path is often represented bymeans of the Dharma wheel (Dharmachakra), whoseeight spokes represent the eight elements of the path.Eight fold path includes right understanding, right speech, right livelihood; right mindfulness, rightthought, right action, right effort and right concentration.

Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food-grains to be utilised during the crises in the country?

(a) Sohgaura Copper-plate
(b) Rummindei Pillar-edict of Ashoka
(c) Prayaga-prasasti
(d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra

Ans: (a) Sohgaura Copper-plate

Explanation:The earliest known copper-plate called Sohgaurais a Maurya record that mentions famine relief efforts.It is one of the very few pre-Ashoka Brahmiinscriptions in India.

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?

1. Lothal : Ancient dockyard
2. Sarnath : First Sermon of Buddha
3. Rajgir : Lion capital of Ashoka
4. Nalanda : Great seat of Buddhist learning

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 2

Ans: (c) 1, 2 and 4

Explanation:Lion capital of Ashoka is in Saranath (not Rajgir).

Assertion (A) and Reason (R) Question

Assertion (A): According to Ashoka’s edicts social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion.
Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion.

(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Ans: (a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A

Explanation:Ashoka’s edicts put stress on social harmonyamong the people by spreading ideas of equity insteadof promotion of religion.

What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India?

1. Gold coins
2. Punch marked silver coins
3. Iron plough
4. Urban culture

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 3, 4, 1, 2
(b) 3, 4, 2, 1
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2
(d) 4, 3, 2, 1

Ans: (d) 4, 3, 2, 1