Ancient History Important MCQs for Prelims
Q1.
The famous Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien visited India primarily during the reign of which Gupta emperor, and what was his main purpose for travelling?
a) Samudragupta; to study the astronomical advances.
b) Chandragupta II; to collect authentic Buddhist scriptures (Vinaya Pitaka).
c) Skandagupta; to document the rise of the Huna invaders.
d) Kumaragupta I; to establish the Nalanda University.
Correct Answer: b) Chandragupta II; to collect authentic Buddhist scriptures (Vinaya Pitaka).
Explanation: Fa-Hien (or Faxian) visited India between 399 CE and 414 CE, during the peak reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). His primary purpose was to visit the birthplace of Buddhism and collect copies of the Buddhist Vinaya Pitaka (rules for the monastic order). His accounts provide a peaceful and prosperous view of the Gupta Empire's heartland.
Q2.
Which one of the following scientific figures from the Gupta age is credited with formulating the theory that the Earth rotates on its own axis?
a) Varahamihira
b) Susruta
c) Aryabhata
d) Brahmagupta
Correct Answer: c) AryabhataTopic
Explanation: Aryabhata (c. 476 CE), in his famous work the Aryabhatiya, was a pioneer in Indian astronomy and mathematics. He correctly proposed that the Earth rotates on its own axis daily, which explains the apparent movement of the sun and stars. He also provided accurate calculations for the length of a year, the value of Pi ($\pi$), and explained the cause of solar and lunar eclipses.
Q3.
Which one of the following pairs of philosophical systems and their foundational principles is incorrectly matched?
a) Nyaya: Logic and reasoning to attain knowledge.
b) Vaisheshika: Classification of the world into six categories (padarthas).
c) Purva Mimamsa: Inquiry into the nature of the self and liberation (moksha).
d) Yoga: Practical methods (meditation, posture) for control of the mind and body.
Correct Answer: c) Purva Mimamsa: Inquiry into the nature of the self and liberation (moksha).
Explanation:
Purva Mimamsa (or simply Mimamsa) is the school dedicated to the study of the Vedic rituals and sacrifices (dharma) and the correct interpretation of the early parts of the Vedas. It is concerned with performing duties (karma) correctly.
The philosophical school primarily concerned with the nature of the self (Atman) and liberation (Moksha) is Vedanta (also known as Uttara Mimamsa). Hence, option (c) is incorrectly matched.
Q4.
With reference to the Chola administration, the term 'Taniyur' primarily denotes:
a) A large autonomous village administered as a single unit.
b) The personal estate of the Chola monarch.
c) A special court for settling disputes between merchant guilds.
d) Tax collected from temple lands.
Correct Answer: a) A large autonomous village administered as a single unit.
Explanation: The Chola administration is famous for its decentralized village autonomy. A Taniyur was a very large, self-contained village that was granted the status of an independent administrative unit, separate from the surrounding Kurram (district). They often housed major temples and acted as miniature administrative centers.