Ancient Indian History
Which below mentioned pair is incorrect?
  • Magasthenes – Greece
  • Fa-Hien – Malaysia
Explanation: Fa-Hien was a Chinese monk who traveled to India, not Malaysia. The other pairs—Hiuen Tsang (China), Ibn Battuta (Morocco), and Megasthenes (Greece)—are correctly matched with their respective countries.
Which of the following kings is also considered as “the Ashoka of the South”?
  • Amoghvarsha I
  • Dhruva
  • Dantidurga
  • Govind III
Explanation: Amoghvarsha I, the Rashtrakuta ruler, is called "the Ashoka of the South" for promoting Buddhism, supporting cultural advancements, and contributing to the religious and intellectual growth, akin to Ashoka.
Which of the following is identical with the ‘Andhras’ of the Puranas?
  • Satavahanas
  • Shungas
  • Kanvas
  • Kushans
Explanation: The Satavahanas are identified with the Andhras mentioned in the Puranas. They were a prominent dynasty in ancient India, ruling over a large part of the Deccan region.
Which of the following were considered adharmikas?
  • Mauryans
  • Nandas
  • Shishunaga
  • None of the above
Explanation: The Nanda dynasty was often considered adharmikas (unrighteous or immoral) by some ancient Indian sources, particularly in comparison to the Mauryas, who were generally regarded as more righteous.
In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. What was it?
  • occasion to elect the Sanghaparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya
  • confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season
  • ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved an when yellow robes are offered
  • gathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the full moon day of Ashadha when they take up affixed abode for the next four months or rainy season
Explanation: The Pavarana ceremony in Buddhist monasteries involved monks confessing offenses committed during the rainy season retreat (Vassa). It allowed for self-reflection and seeking forgiveness from fellow monks.
Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called chaityas while the others viharas. What is the difference between the two?
  • Chaitya is a place of worship while vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
  • Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave while vihara is the hall axial to it
  • There is no material difference between the two
  • Vihara is a place of worship while chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
Explanation: Chaityas are Buddhist rock-cut caves designed primarily as places of worship, often containing a stupa at the far end. Viharas are dwelling places for monks, providing living quarters, meditation spaces, and communal areas.
In ancient India, the area around which among the following modern areas was known as “Golden Chersonese” ?
  • Kashmir, Hindukush, Afghanistan
  • Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Burma
  • Australia, New Zealand
    • Explanation: The term "Golden Chersonese" referred to the Southeast Asian Peninsula, which includes areas of Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Burma (Myanmar). It was known for its wealth, particularly in spices.