Ancient Indian History MCQs

Notes:
The Somapuri University is situated at North Bengal and was founded by Dharmapala, the Pala ruler.

Notes:
Lahuradewa is widely cited for the earliest reported evidence of rice use or possible cultivation in India. Archaeobotanical finds from the site place this evidence in the 7th millennium BCE, though the exact interpretation of domestication is still debated. Koldihwa is also an important early rice site, but Lahuradewa (in Belan Valley) is generally treated as the earlier reference in standard text books and archaeology discussions. Hence, Lahuradewa is the correct answer if its given as an option. If not given then Koldihwa or Belan Valley is correct answer. 

Notes:
At the age of 72 in 468 BC, Tirthankar Mahavira passed away at Pavapuri, Bihar.

Notes:
The author of Manimekalai is Seethalai Saathanaar (also spelled as Chithalai Chathanar), a Buddhist poet. The book is a poem in 30 cantos. It is a sequel to the epic Silappadikaram and tells the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi who converted to Buddhism. The book compares Buddhism with other religions in South India. Manimekalai is one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature. The other four are: Silappatikāram, Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, Valayapathi, Kuṇṭalakēci. Manimekalai has been dated between the 2nd-century and early 9th century.

Notes:
Thiruvalluvar was the author of the book ‘Tirukkural (also known as the Kural). It is a classic Tamil sangam literature consisting of 1330 couplets or Kurals. The book is also called as the fifth Veda or ‘Bible of the Tamil Land’.

Notes:
Manu Smriti (Pre-Gupta period) is the oldest Smriti.

Notes:
The ancient city of Begram was identified as the capital under the reign of King Kanishka. He was a prominent ruler of the Kushan Empire in Central Asia around 2nd century CE. Kanishka is known for his military, political, and spiritual achievements, and his reign marked a significant era in Buddhism and arts.

Notes:
The great grammarian Patanjali is said to be a contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga, who founded Sunga dynasty by assassinating the last ruler of Mauryan Empire.

Notes:
The sakas were finally overthrown by Gautamiputra Satakarni, the ruler of Satavahana dynasty. He killed Saka ruler Nahapana and his governor Rishavadatta and restored his territories.

Notes:
Some archaeological sources identify a monarch called Shakraditya as founder of Nalanda university. The scholars identify Shakraditya as 5th-century CE Gupta emperor, Kumaragupta-I, whose coin has been discovered at Nalanda.