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Indian History & Culture
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151
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The Allahabad Pillar
inscription is the most authentic record about the reign of a famous Emperor.
Identify that Emperor.
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Samudra Gupta
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152
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The Hindu kingdom of
Champa flourished outside the present boundaries of India. Where would the
kingdom be located in today's context?
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Vietnam. During this
period, the country was considered a great centre of Vedic education.
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153
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What is Theravada in
the context of Buddhism?
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It is a major form
of Buddhism prevalent in Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.
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154
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Where is Angkor Vat
located?
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It is located in the
ancient kingdom of Kambuja (modem Cambodia). It means Temple (Vat) of the
city (Angkor).
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155
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Who constructed
Angkor Vat?
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Suryavarman II.
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156
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To whom is Angkor
Vat dedicated?
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Vishnu.
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157
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Who wrote
Uttara-Rama-Charitam?
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Bhavabhuti.
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158
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What is the Gandhara
art also known as?
|
Indo-Greek. The
Gandhara sculptures drew their inspiration from the Hellenic (Greek) art of
Asia Minor.
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159
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After whom have the
rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu been named?
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The five Pandavas
and Draupadi.
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160
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To which dynasty did
Gautamiputra Shatakarni belong?
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Shatavahanas.
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161
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Who founded the
Shatavahana dynasty?
|
The founder of the
family was Simuka but it was Shatakarni I who raised it to eminence.
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162
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Who wrote the Buddha
Charita?
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Ashvaghosha.
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163
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To which dynasty did
Kanishka belong?
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The Kushana dynasty
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164
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On the banks of
which river did Harappa lie?
|
Ravi. Mohenjodaro
was on the bank of the Sindhu
(Indus.) |
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165
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Name the trading
station of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
|
Lothal.
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166
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The 'Sapta Sindhu'
was the area of the initial Aryan settlement. To what region did it refer?
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The land of the
Sindhu (Indus) and its principal tributaries.
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167
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Which is the crime
that is most often mentioned in the
Rjgveda? |
Cattle-lifting.
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168
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What does the word
'Sangam' refer to in Tamil History?
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It is the literary
assembly of Tamil scholars held at Madurai under the patronage of the Pandyan
Kings.
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169
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Which great Chola
Emperor started the tradition of installing epigraphs with historical
introductions?
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Rajaraja Chola.
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170
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Nalanda and
Vikramshila were very famous in ancient India. What was the reason for their
fame?
|
These were the
centres where the famous Buddhist Universities flourished.
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171
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What were Nalanda,
Vikramshila in reality?
|
Buddhist
monasteries. They later took on the shape of universities.
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172
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What does the term
Bhagavata relate to?
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CC.
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173
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Greek sources refer
to him as Sandrocottus (Androcottus). How do we know him?
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Chandragupta Maurya.
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174
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What does the term
'dwija' mean?
|
'Dwija' describes
those who wear the sacred thread after Upanayanam. Literally 'Dwija' means
twice-born.
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175
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What was the reason
for the importance of Kaveripattanam during the Sangam period?
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It was among the
chief ports of the Tamil countries that carried on trade with the Romans.
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176
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What was the
intoxicating drink that was consumed by the Rig Vedic Aryans during religious
ceremonies?
|
Soma.
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177
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How do we better
know "Sakyamuni" (Shakyamuni)?
|
Buddha.
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178
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Who was the
twenty-fourth and the last Tirthankara of the Jains?
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Vardhamana Mahavira
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179
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On the basis of the
Dhamma that Ashoka propagated, what is "Shusrusha"?
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Shusrusha meant
obedience to father, mother, teacher and men of high caste.
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180
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What is the literal
meaning of Mohenjodaro?
|
Mound of the dead.
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181
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What is a Stupa?
|
It is a kind of tomb
where the relics of Buddha or other Buddhist monks are kept.
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182
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What were the four
sights which Gautam saw, while being driven around the city?
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An old man, a sick
man, a corpse and an ascetic.
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183
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Who was the chief
deity of the Sangam Period?
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Murugan (Karttikeya)
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184
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Which Gupta ruler is
also known as 'Kavi Raja'?
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Samudragupta.
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185
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Samudragupta is
represented on coins as playing a particular musical instrument. Which
musical instrument is that?
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Veena.
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186
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What is common to
the following: Kumarasambhava, Ritusamhara, Raghuvamsham and Meghdootam?
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They are all works
of Kalidasa.
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187
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What was the name of
Harsha's sister?
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Rajyashri
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188
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What was the title
assumed by Harsha when he ascended the throne?
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Shiladitya
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189
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Whom did Harsha
succeed?
|
His elder brother,
Rajyavardhana.
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190
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Mahendra, the son of
Ashoka, was sent as a Buddhist missionary to a particular kingdom. Identify
the kingdom.
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Sri Lanka
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191
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In ancient times,
who were the foreigners who were called Yavanas?
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The Greeks. The word
was derived from the Old Persian form of the word 'Yauna', signifying
originally the Ionian Greeks, but later, all people of Greek nationality. In
the medieval times it came to be used for all foreigners irrespective of
their place of origin.
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192
|
What was Sumatra
called as, in ancient times?
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Suvarnadvipa.
|
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193
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Who systematised the
rules of Sanskrit grammar
(4 Century BC) in the work Ashtadhyayi? |
Panini.
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194
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One of the chief
sources of revenue from villages mentioned in the Ashokan inscriptions is the
"Bhaga". What is it?
|
Bhaga: King's share
of the produce of the soil, usually l/6th. The other source of revenue was
the Bali. The Bali was the land tribute paid to the King.
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195
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In the Mauryan times
if someone were referring to the Karshapana, what would he be talking about?
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The Karshapana was a
copper coin that was in use during the Mauryan times. Dharana was a Silver
coin and the Kakani were smaller copper coins.
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196
|
Where is Gandhara
art found?
|
The ruins of
Taksha-shila, in modern Pakistan and Afghanistan.
|
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197
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What were the Jains
originally called?
|
Nirgrantha.
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198
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In Jainism a small
group of people were called Ganadharas. Who were they?
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The close disciples
of Mahavira were called Ganadharas.
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199
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For a while,
Bhagavatism and Brahmanism were separate sects. How did the two merge into
one?
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When Krishna, the
main deity of Bhagavatism, began to be identified with Vishnu, the main deity
of Brahmanism, the two sects merged into one.
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200
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What is the
importance of the Khyber and Bolan passes in Indian history?
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The land route
between India and West Asia lies through these passes.
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201
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Which city in
ancient India was famous for its textile industry?
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Mathura
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202
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What is Stridhana?
|
It is the exclusive
property of a married lady, something she often inherits from her mother.
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203
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According to the
Arthashastra the Senapati was an important member of the Mantri Parishad.
What was his role?
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Commander-in-Chief
of the army.
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204
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Jyotisha is one of
the Vedangas. What does it deal with?
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Astronomy and
astrology
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205
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Two popular
assemblies used to control the affairs of the Vedic kingdoms. Name them.
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Sabha: - Body of the
elders. Constituted of
Brahmins
and rich patrons.
Samiti: - An assembly of common people. Meant for the discharge of administration. |
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206
|
Who or what are the
'Uttariya' and 'Antariya'?
|
In ancient India,
antariya (dhoti) a lower garment was worn by all common people. Uttariya was
the garment that covered the upper part of the body. In addition to these the
well-to-do people wore Prapata around the waist. Around the prapata, the rich
wore Rasana, usually of gold. Ushneesha was used to cover the head and
Stanapatta was worn to cover the breasts.
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207
|
Who built the
rock-cut temples at Ellora?
|
The Rashtrakuta
king, Krishna I.
|
|
208
|
In the context of
Buddhism, what is Vinaya Pitaka?
|
It is the work that
deals with the governance of the life of Buddhists. It also describes the
gradual development of the Sangha and the life and teachings of Buddha.
|
|
209
|
What is contained in
the Sutta Pitaka?
|
Sutta Pitaka
incorporates the greatest literary works of Buddhism. Of the five
collections, the first four consist of discourses of Buddha.
|
|
210
|
Patanjali's
Mahabhashya refers to some of the stories about Krishna's early life. Who
does Patanjali call Samkarshana?
|
Balarama.
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211
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With which modern
township would you identify the ancient port of Suppara (also known as
Surparaka)?
|
Nala Sopara an
extended suburb of modern Mumbai.
|
|
212
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What was the basis
of barter for common articles during the Vedic period?
|
Paddy.
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213
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In which script were
a majority of the Ashoka inscriptions written?
|
Brahmi. Brahmi
script was used in the whole of the country, except the northwest.
|
|
214
|
What script did
Ashoka use in the inscriptions of the Northwest of India?
|
Kharoshti script.
|
|
215
|
The Jaina texts were
finally compiled in the sixth century A.D. in Vallabhi in Gujarat. In which
language were they written?
|
Prakrit.
|
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216
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Who wrote the
Arthashastra?
|
Kautilya.
|
|
217
|
Which is a very
important source of information for the social, political and economic life
of the people living in the Tamil Naidu area in the early Christian era?
|
Sangam literature.
|
|
218
|
Who is the author of
the Greek work "Indika"?
|
Megasthenes. This
book, however, is not available to us in its entirety and survives only in
quotations by subsequent classical writers.
|
|
219
|
When did the Vikram
Samvat begin in India?
|
It began in 57 B.C.
|
|
220
|
Over which part of
present-day India did the Pala dynasty rule?
|
Bengal.
|
|
221
|
When did the Shaka
era begin in India?
|
78A.D.
|
|
222
|
Who started the
Shaka era?
|
Kanishka of the
Kushana dynasty.
|
|
223
|
When did the Gupta
era begin in India?
|
In 320 A.D., after
Chandragupta of the Gupta dynasty.
|
|
224
|
Over which kingdom
did Kharavela rule?
|
Kalinga.
|
|
225
|
According to
Buddhist sources, a dreaded dacoit had a transformation of heart and took
refuge in Buddha's Dhamma. Who was he?
|
Angulimala.
|
|
226
|
An accomplished and
rich dancer gave away her mango-grove to the Sangha of Buddha and became his
disciple. Name her.
|
Amrapali.
|
|
227
|
Why was the Indus
Valley Civilisation originally called the Harappan Civilisation?
|
It was so called
because the first site of this civilization was discovered (in 1921) at the
modern site of Harappa, in present day Pakistan.
|
|
228
|
What was the basis
of the town planning of the people of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
|
It was the Grid
System. In the format that they used all roads cut across each other almost
at right angles. This led to the city being divided into blocks.
|
|
229
|
What was the most
important public place in Mohenjodaro?
|
It was the Great
Bath. It was probably used for ritual bathing.
|
|
230
|
What religion did
Kharavela patronise?
|
Jainism.
|
|
231
|
The Greeks called
cotton "Sindon". There is a reason behind this name. What is it?
|
The people of the
Indus Valley Civilisation were the first to produce cotton and therefore the
Greeks called it Sindon. This word is derived from the name Sindh.
|
|
232
|
Karikala Chola
founded a famous city. What was it?
|
Puhar. Identified
with Kaveripatnam the Chola capital.
|
|
233
|
To which Age does
the Indus Valley Civilisation belong?
|
The Bronze Age. Iron
was not known to them.
|
|
234
|
What is the
birthplace of Shankaracharya?
|
Kaladi.
Shankaracharya was a famous exponent of the Advaita philosophy. Advaita
literally means not two. Advaita believes in an eternal being and holds that
the plurality is nothing but illusion.
|
|
235
|
How many books or
Mandalas does the Rig Veda contain?
|
Ten.
|
|
236
|
Who introduced
chariots drawn by horses into India?
|
The Aryans
|
|
237
|
Who was born to
Siddhartha and Trishala in the year 540 B.C.?
|
Vardhamana Mahavira
|
|
238
|
According to the
Arthashastra, the Purohita was an important member of the Mantri Parishad.
What was his role?
|
He was the High
Priest.
|
|
239
|
In ancient India
handicraftsmen were organised into economic corporations or guilds. What were
these Guilds called?
|
Shreni.
|
|
240
|
Who wrote Kadambari?
|
Banabhatta.
|
|
241
|
At what age did
Mahavira abandon the world and become an ascetic?
|
At the age of 30
yrs.
|
|
242
|
Where and when did
Mahavira pass away?
|
In 468 B.C at
Pavapuri, in modern Bihar.
|
|
243
|
Jainism was divided
into two sects. Name them.
|
Shvetambara: - Those
clad in white.
Digambara: - Those who are sky-clad (or are naked) |
|
244
|
Where was Buddha
born?
|
Buddha was born in
the royal grove in Lumbini near Kapilavastu.
|
|
245
|
Where did Buddha
deliver his first sermon?
|
At Sarnath.
|
|
246
|
What was the path to
be followed to be free from misery according to Buddha?
|
He recommended
following the eight-fold path, (ashtanga magga)
|
|
247
|
Under whose rule did
Magadha first attain prominence?
|
Bimbisara. According
to Ashwaghosha, Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka dynasty.
|
|
248
|
Who was the Royal
Physician at Bimbisara's court?
|
Jivaka.
|
|
249
|
Which was the
capital of the kingdom of Magadha before Pataliputra?
|
Girivraja. Also
called Rajagriha or Rajgir.
|
|
250
|
Who succeeded
Bimbisara to the throne of Magadha?
|
Ajatashatru.
|
|
251
|
Which dynasty
succeeded the dynasty of Bimbisara?
|
The Shishunagas.
They conquered the kingdom of Avanti, and made it a part of the Magadhan
empire.
|
|
252
|
Where was
Pataliputra situated?
|
It was situated at
the confluence of the Gandak, the Son, and the Ganga. It is present-day
Patna.
|
|
253
|
What were the
reasons behind the refusal of the Greek soldiers to accompany Alexander
beyond the Beas?
|
They were war weary
and home sick. The hot climate of India did not suit them. Having experienced
the fighting abilities of the Indian people they were apprehensive about the
power of the Nandas. All these reasons contributed to their refusal.
|
|
254
|
What theme does
Vishakhadatta's play, Mudrarakshasa, deal with?
|
The strategies
adopted by Chanakya against the enemies of Chandragupta Maurya.
|
|
255
|
Which were the four
divisions of the army in ancient India?
|
Infantry, cavalry,
elephants and chariots.
|
|
256
|
Why did Ashoka
exempt the village of Lumbini from 'Bali' (tribute paid to the king)?
|
Because this was the
birthplace of Gautama Buddha.
|
|
257
|
Menander, also known
as Milinda, was the most famous of the Indo-Greek kings. Where was his
capital city?
|
Sakala, modern
Sialkot.
|
|
258
|
Who was the Buddhist
monk who converted Menander into Buddhism?
|
Nagasena or
Nagarjuna.
|
|
259
|
What is the Milinda
Panha?
|
It is a book, which
records the conversation between Nagarjuna and Menander. Milinda Panha
literally means Questions by Milinda.
|
|
260
|
Who issued the first
long inscription in chaste
Sanskrit? |
Rudradaman, the
famous Shaka ruler.
|
|
261
|
We know of two
successive dynasties of the Kushanas. Who founded them?
|
The first dynasty
was founded by Kadphises I and the second by Kanishka.
|
|
262
|
The Shakas and the
Kushanas completely identified themselves with Indian culture. What factors
helped them in this?
|
They did not have a
script of their own nor did they have any organised religion.
|
|
263
|
What were the
articles of clothing introduced in India by the Shakas and the Kushanas?
|
Trousers, long coat,
tunic and turban. The turban, however, is mentioned as a head dress in
ancient India (Ushneesha)
|
|
264
|
How were the foreign
elements like Shaka, Pahlava and the Kushanas assimilated into Indian
society?
|
Since they came as
conquerors they were classified as Kshatriyas.
|
|
265
|
Buddhism was divided
into two sects. What were they?
|
Mahayana: - The
Great wheel. Hinayana: - The Lesser wheel.
|
|
266
|
Name the two
Buddhist centres located in present day Andhra Pradesh?
|
Nagarjunakonda and
Amaravati.
|
|
267
|
What was the
contribution of the Greeks to Indian theatre techniques?
|
The use of curtain
was borrowed from the Greeks. The curtain was called "Yavanika".
|
|
268
|
Over which areas did
the Shatavahana dynasty rule?
|
The Deccan and
Central India.
|
|
269
|
Over which area of
India did Rashtrakutas rule?
|
Northern
Maharashtra.
|
|
270
|
Who were Gandhikas?
|
Artisans who are
mentioned as giving donations to the Buddhists. Originally Gandhika meant
perfumes but was later used to describe shopkeepers. The name Gandhi is said
to have been derived from it.
|
|
271
|
What was the
Buddhist temple known as?
|
Chaitya.
|
|
272
|
What
was a Buddhist monastery known as?
|
Vihara.
|
|
273
|
What were the main
articles of trade of the Southern Kingdoms of the Cholas, the Cheras and the
Pandyas?
|
Spices especially
pepper, ivory, pearls, muslin and silk.
|
|
274
|
Name two of the epics
of the Sangam Age.
|
Silappadikaram,
Jivakachintamani and Manimekalai.
|
|
275
|
What was the
Uttarapatha?
|
It was the route
that was used for trade. It ran from Taksha-shila to Broach on the Western
coast.
|
|
276
|
Which empire rose on
the remains of the Kushan Empire?
|
The Gupta Empire.
|
|
277
|
Who were
Lichchhavis? What are they known for?
|
Lichchhavis ruled
over a vast area from Magadha to Nepal. They were best known for the
democracy they practised. It would not be correct to compare it with
democracy as understood today. Some preferred to call it oligarchy.
|
|
278
|
Who wrote
'Hitopadesha'?
|
Narayana Bhatta.
Hitopadesha is a collection of stories, most of which were drawn from the
Panchatantram of Vishnu Sharma.
|
|
279
|
Who is regarded as
the first important King of the Gupta dynasty?
|
Chandragupta I.
|
|
280
|
Which Gupta ruler
adopted the title 'Vikramaditya'?
|
Chandragupta II. He
is regarded as the greatest of the Gupta rulers (376 to 414 AD).
|
|
281
|
Who was the Chinese
pilgrim who visited India during the time of Chandragupta II?
|
Fa-Hien.
|
|
282
|
Who was the first
Gupta king to assume the title 'Rajadhiraja"?
|
Chandragupta I. In
addition to 'Rajadhiraja', Samudragupta assumed the titles 'Parambhattaraka'
and 'Paramabhagavata'.
|
|
283
|
What was the image
on the royal seal of the Guptas?
|
Garuda.
|
|
284
|
Who was the author
of the play 'Mrichchhakatikam'?
|
Shudraka.
|
|
285
|
Which empire rose on
the ruins of the empire of the Pallavas of Kanchi?
|
The Chola Empire.
|
|
286
|
A ruling dynasty at
Thanesar, (in modern Haryana), extended its authority over the feudatories of
the Gupta Empire. Who was the ruler who achieved this?
|
Harsha.
|
|
287
|
Which city did
Harsha make his capital?
|
Kanauj.
|
|
288
|
Who was the Chinese
pilgrim who visited India during the time of Harsha?
|
Hiuen Tsang.
|
|
289
|
Who was the ruler of
South India who prevented Harsha from extending his kingdom southwards?
|
The Chalukya King
Pulakesin II.
|
|
290
|
What religion did
Harsha follow during his early
years? |
He was a devotee of
Shiva.
|
|
291
|
Which religious sect
did Harsha patronise in his later
years? |
The Buddhist.
|
|
292
|
What are the
Vedangas?
|
The limbs of the
Vedas. It was necessary to learn the Vedanga to understand the Vedas. The
Vedangas were :
a) Shiksha (phonetics) b) Kalpa (rituals) c) Vyakarana d) Nirukta (etymology) e) Chhanda (metrics) f) Jyotisha (astronomy) |
|
293
|
Who was reputed to
be the author of the following books: Priyadarshika, Ratnavali and Nagananda?
|
Harsha.
|
|
294
|
In which book would
you find the famous Gayatri mantra?
|
Rigveda.
|
|
295
|
In the Rigveda, a
daughter is sometimes referred to as 'duhitr'. What is the literal
translation of the word?
|
One who milks the
cow.
|
|
296
|
Who was the first
person to hold that the earth was a sphere and rotated on its axis?
|
Aryabhata. He also
declared that the eclipses were not the work of Rahu but were caused by the
shadow of the earth falling on the moon. Varahamihira and Brahmagupta later
astronomers did not agree with his view. Aryabhata also gave an accurate
approximation
ofn. |
|
297
|
What is the
'Dharmachakrapravartana'?
|
The preaching of the
first sermon by Buddha.
|
|
298
|
Who was responsible
for establishing the order of nuns in Buddhism?
|
Ananda, the personal
attendant of Buddha, was largely responsible for the admission of Gautami
(the widowed stepmother of Buddha) into the Sangha. This was the beginning of
the order of nuns.
|
|
299
|
Who deciphered the
Asokan inscriptions?
|
James Prinsep.
|
|
300
|
The word 'Aryan'
originates from the Sanskrit word 'Arya'. What was the meaning of the word?
|
Of good family.
|
|
301
|
What was the
complaint of Pliny the elder, against India?
|
He complained that
India drained Roman wealth by selling luxury articles at high prices to
Romans
|
|
302
|
What was the name of
the son of King of Takshashila who offered Alexander help in invading India?
|
Ambhi. This was the
first recorded instance of an Indian King turning traitor.
|
|
303
|
What was the name
the Greeks used to refer to Ambhi?
|
Omphis.
|
|
304
|
By which name do we
know the ancient city of Prayag?
|
Allahabad.
|
|
305
|
Of the five
Siddhantas (Indian astronomical works) two are said to be of Western origin.
Which?
|
Romaka Siddhanta and
Paulisa Siddhanta. This shows that Indian astronomy was considerably
influenced by Western thoughts.
|
|
306
|
What is the modern
name for the ancient city of Purushapura?
|
Peshawar.
|
|
307
|
From which language
is the word 'Sindoora'
(vermilion) derived? |
Chinese. (From the
Chinese word Tsin-sung.)
|
|
308
|
According to Chinese
sources Kaundinya an Indian Prince, formed a kingdom in south East Asia.
Where was this kingdom located?
|
Cambodia.
|
|
309
|
Who was Buddha's
personal physician?
|
Jivaka. Jivaka was
the personal physician of Bimbisara. During his visit to Buddha, Bimbisara
offered the services of Jivaka, who became Buddha's personal physician.
|
|
310
|
Who were the
Ajivikas?
|
They were one of the
prominent religious sects during the time of Mahavira and Buddha.
|
|
311
|
In Vedic times, who
was referred to as a 'Grihapati'?
|
The master of the
house.
|
|
312
|
Which common
seasoning ingredient of today finds no reference in the Rig Veda?
|
Salt.
|
|
313
|
What was the name of
the famous tract of land that lay between the Saraswati and the Drishadvati?
|
Kurukshetra.
|
|
314
|
What was the
Rajasuya sacrifice (yajna)?
|
It was the yajna to
mark the royal consecration. It included offerings to the gods in the houses
of officials and a formal abhisheka by the priest. Other popular rites that
followed were a cow-raid and a game of dice in which the king was made the
Victor.
|
|
315
|
What was the
Vishwajit sacrifice?
|
In the Vishwajit
sacrifice, the (yajamana) performer had to give away all that he possessed.
|
|
316
|
Who succeeded
Chandra Gupta I?
|
Samudragupta.
|
|
317
|
According to legend,
who succeeded Samudragupta?
|
His son Rama Gupta.
He was a weak ruler who surrendered his wife to a Shaka tyrant. Her honour
was saved by the younger brother of Rama Gupta, Chandra Gupta, who killed the
Shaka ruler, replaced his brother on the throne and married Dhruvadevi.
|
|
318
|
Who succeeded
Chandra Gupta II?
|
His son Kumara
Gupta, who ruled from AD 415 to 455.
|
|
319
|
Who or what were the
Huns?
|
They were a race of
fierce, warlike people, whose original home was in the steppes of Central
Asia. They spread terror and destruction both in the West (i.e. the Roman
Empire) and India.
|
|
320
|
Which Gupta ruler
successfully defended his empire against the invading Huns?
|
Skanda Gupta.
|
|
321
|
Which Gupta ruler
performed the Ashwamedha yajna?
|
Samudra Gupta.
|
|
322
|
Into which group of
people were the Huns assimilated by the Indian society?
|
The Rajputs.
|
|
323
|
Which dynasty
claimed its descent from Lakshmana, the brother of Shri Rama?
|
The Pratiharas. By
the ninth century the influence of Pratiharas extended from the Punjab to
central India and from Kathiawar to north Bengal.
|
|
324
|
Who invented the
decimal place value system?
|
Aryabhata invented
the decimal place value system. Scholars hold that it cannot be said with
certainty that the system was invented by Aryabhata. It seems it was known to
astronomers who came before him.
|
|
325
|
The Cholas extended
their territory in South India and also conquered the northern part of Sri
Lanka. Who was the ruler who made northern Sri Lanka a province of his empire?
|
Rajaraja Chola.
|
|
326
|
Which part of India
did the Arabs first conquer?
|
Sindh. Mohammed
Ibn-Kasim, the nephew and son-in-law of the governor of Iraq, defeated Dahir
Sen in 712 A.D.
|
|
327
|
What are the four
sources of Law according to the law giver, Manu?
|
a. Sruti or the
Vedas.
b. Smriti (expanded version of the Dharma shastras). Smriti is also regarded as the only authentic source of Hindu Law and social customs, c. Customs of holy men d. One's own inclination. |
|
328
|
By what name was the
area of western and northwestern Bengal known?
|
Gauda. The name was
applied both to the people and their country.
|
|
329
|
Where in Maharashtra
are frescoes that depict the Jataka Stories?
|
At Ajanta, near
Ellora caves.
|
|
330
|
What was the
language used by the people of the Indus Valley Civilization?
|
Historians have as
yet not been able to determine the language used by the people of the Indus
Valley Civilization. The script used by the people of the Indus Valley
Civilization has also not been deciphered.
|
|
331
|
Which was the animal
that was most engraved on Indus Valley Civilization seals?
|
The Humpless Bull.
|
|
332
|
What was unique
about the ascension to the throne by Gopala, the founder of the Pala dynasty
in Gauda (present day West Bengal)?
|
He was not a
hereditary ruler, but was elected by the people to rule over them.
|
|
333
|
Which was the seat
of power of the Pallava dynasty?
|
Kanchipuram. The
Pallavas founded the first great empire in south India. Under the Pallavas,
Kanchi became a great centre of Brahminical and Buddhist
learning. |
|
334
|
Who was the Chola
ruler who crossed the Ganga and defeated the rulers there?
|
Rajendra Chola.
|
|
335
|
When did the first
invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni take
place? |
1000 A.D.
|
|
336
|
Who was the first
Indian ruler defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni?
|
Jayapala of the
Hindushahi dynasty.
|
|
337
|
Where is Ghazni?
|
In modem
Afghanistan.
|
|
338
|
Why were temples the
main target of Mahmud of Ghazni?
|
They had immense
wealth stockpiled.
|
|
339
|
Who was the Arab
traveller whose work on India is referred to as a mirror of 11"1 century
India?
|
Alberuni.
|
|
340
|
At whose request did
Alberuni travel to India?
|
Mahmudof Ghazni.
|
|
341
|
At which battle did
Prithviraj Chauhan defeat Mohammed of Ghori?
|
In the first Battle
of Tarain in 1190-91.
|
|
342
|
Which medieval ruler
is reputed to be an author of almost 20 books on subjects as diverse as
medicine, architecture and astronomy?
|
Raja Bhoja of the
Paramara dynasty. The Paramara dynasty ruled over the Malwa region.
|
|
343
|
Identify the person
who was in charge of Mohammad of Ghori's possessions in India.
|
Qutbuddin Aibak.
|
|
344
|
To which deity was
the temple of Somnath dedicated?
|
Shiva.
|
|
345
|
Who wrote the
Ramayana in Tamil?
|
Kamban.
|
|
346
|
Who was the founder
of the Slave dynasty?
|
Qutbuddin Aibak.
|
|
347
|
Why is the term
"Slave dynasty" an inaccurate term?
|
Only three sultans
(Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish and Balban) were slaves, and later even they were
released from slavery by their masters. They were slaves, but only in the
early part of their lives.
|
|
348
|
Who was the only
woman to ascend the throne of Delhi?
|
Razia Sultana.
|
|
349
|
Which Persian
historian accompanied Alauddin Khalji on his expedition to Chittor?
|
Amir Khusrau.
|
|
350
|
The Choda Ganga
dynasty of Orissa was responsible for the construction of some famous
temples. Can you identify them?
|
The Jagannath temple
at Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark.
|
|
351
|
Name the king of
Mewar who is said to have built thirty two forts during his reign?
|
RanaKumbha
|
|
352
|
How did Rana Kumbha
celebrate his victory over Mahmud Khalji of Malwa?
|
He built the Tower
of Victory in Chittor. It is called the Vijayastambha.
|
|
353
|
Who helped Humayun
save himself after the Battle of Chausa?
|
A water carrier
helped Humayun cross the Ganga and to safety.
|
|
354
|
Over which kingdom
did Chand Bibi rule?
|
She ruled over
Ahmadnagar as a Regent.
|
|
355
|
What articles of
trade was the kingdom of Golconda known for?
|
Diamonds and
textiles.
|
|
356
|
Who founded the city
of Hyderabad?
|
Mohammad Quli Qutub
Shah.
|
|
357
|
Who was the Qutub
Minar dedicated to?
|
The Sufi saint
Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki and not Qutbuddin Aibak as people mistakenly assume.
|
|
358
|
In which language
did Shankaradeva, a Bhakti Saint, propagate his views?
|
Assamese.
|
|
359
|
In which language
did Surdas sing?
|
Brij.
|
|
360
|
Where is the famous
Kamakhya temple (Kamakshi)?
|
At Guwahati.
|
|
361
|
Which Mughal Emperor
adopted the Zoroastrian
practice of Navroz? |
Akbar.
|
|
362
|
Which were the
provinces added by Aurangzeb to the Mughal Empire?
|
Bijapur and
Golconda.
|
|
363
|
Who took care of
Shah Jahan when he was kept imprisoned by Aurangzeb?
|
Jahanara, Shah
Jahan's daughter.
|
|
364
|
Who installed a
chain of bells outside his palace gate?
|
Jahangir.
|
|
365
|
Why was the chain of
bells installed?
|
This was the
"Chain of Justice" installed to ensure that all citizens of the
country had access to justice.
|
|
366
|
During the reign of
which Mughal Emperor was the peacock throne made?
|
Shah Jahan.
|
|
367
|
Which place did
Vasco da Gama reach when he found a new route to India?
|
Calicut. Now known
as Kozhikode
|
|
368
|
What were the
European Factories that are referred to in Indian history?
|
Factories were
nothing but fortified trading stations established by the European powers in
India.
|
|
369
|
Where did the
English set up their first factory?
|
Surat.
|
|
370
|
Who was the
Englishman who succeeded in getting a farman from the Mughals exempting the
English from paying any inland toll?
|
Sir Thomas Roe.
|
|
371
|
What prompted
Jahangir to allow the English to set up a factory in Surat?
|
The British defeated
the Portuguese naval squadrons. Jahangir wanted to use the English as a
counter against the growing Portuguese power.
|
|
372
|
What were the
reasons why the British wanted to secure Bombay from the Portuguese?
|
Those controlling
Bombay controlled trade on the west coast. And there was no interference from
either the Mughals or the Marathas on this sea.
|
|
373
|
Which city did Job
Charnock establish?
|
Colcutta.
|
|
374
|
Which Saint inspired
the Marathas with ideals of social reform and national regeneration?
|
Saint Samarth
Ramdas.
|
|
375
|
Near which fort,
acquired early in his career, did Shivaji build Raigarh?
|
Torna.
|
|
376
|
Between 1649 and
1655 Shivaji suspended offensive operations against Bijapur. Why did he do
so?
|
His father had been
arrested and was released only on the condition that Shivaji suspend his
military activities.
|
|
377
|
Alauddin Khalji was
the nephew and son-in-law of a Delhi Sultan whom he later murdered. Who was
the sultan?
|
Jalaluddin Firuz
Khalji.
|
|
378
|
One of the more
interesting causes for a battle fought in Indian history has been vividly
described by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in his epic Padmavat. What, according to
Malik Muhammad Jayasi was the cause of the battle?
|
That Allaudin Khalji
invaded Chittor because he was infatuated by Padmini, the queen of Rana Ratan
Singh of Mewar.
|
|
379
|
Why did
Muhammad-bin-Tughluq shift his capital from Delhi?
|
He shifted his
capital to Deogir (Deogiri) because it held a central position in the empire
and therefore, would be safe from Mongol invasions.
|
|
380
|
Who was the first
Afghan to be seated on the throne of Delhi?
|
Buhlul Khan Lodi (in
April 1451).
|
|
381
|
Which kingdom came
into existence during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
|
Bahmani kingdom.
|
|
382
|
Where is Babur
buried?
|
He is buried in
Kabul.
|
|
383
|
Poems of which
Kashmiri poet are the oldest of the ones still available with us?
|
LallaDidi(LalDed)
|
|
384
|
The ruler of Bihar
conferred upon the young Farid a title. What was the title and why was it
conferred upon him?
|
Sher Khan, for
killing a tiger single-handed.
|
|
385
|
What was the name
assumed by Farid when he ascended the throne?
|
Sher Shah.
|
|
386
|
Who were the
opponents in the battle fought at Chausa?
|
Humayun and Sher Shah.
|
|
387
|
How did Sher Shah
die?
|
Sher Shah died due
to an accidental explosion of gunpowder while attempting to capture the fort
Kalinjar in 1545.
|
|
388
|
Which ruler helped
Humayun recover Kandahar and Kabul?
|
The Ruler of Persia.
|
|
389
|
Who proclaimed Akbar
the Emperor?
|
Bairam Khan in 1556.
|
|
390
|
What words did Saint
Ramanuja use to describe the scheduled castes?
|
Tirukulattar
(Belonging to the family of God).
|
|
391
|
At what age did
Akbar ascend the thorne?
|
Thirteen years.
|
|
392
|
How did Humayun die?
|
Humayun tumbled down
the stairs of his library when he was responding to the call of muezzin for
evening prayers.
|
|
393
|
What was the
occupation of Himu (also spelt Hemu) before he rose to prominence in
politics?
|
He was a grocer.
|
|
394
|
Who fought the
second battle of Panipat?
|
Akbar and Himu.
|
|
395
|
Who wrote Lilavati,
a treatise on Algebra?
|
Bhaskaracharya.
|
|
396
|
What title did Himu
adopt after he occupied Agra and Delhi by defeating its Mughal governor?
|
Raja Vikramaditya
|
|
397
|
Who did Iltutmish
nominate as his successor
|
His daughter Razia.
|
|
398
|
Himu, in the battle
of Panipat, gained initial success against the Mughal forces. How did the
tide turn in the favour of the Mughals?
|
A chance arrow
struck Himu in the eye rendering him unconscious. Deprived of his leadership
his soldiers dispersed in confusion.
|
|
399
|
The Mughal forces
defeated a Rajput ruler at the pass of Haldighat. Which ruler are we talking
about?
|
Rana Pratap.
|
|
400
|
Which work describes
the romantic story of the marriage of Sanyogita the daughter of the
Gahadavala king Jaichandra with Prithviraj Chauhan?
|
Prithviraja Raso.
|
|
401
|
Marco Polo was a
traveller (from Venice) who is very well known for his adventures. Which
south Indian dynasty does he mention in his travelogues?
|
The Kakatiya
dynasty.
|
|
402
|
Timur or Tamerlane,
a central Asian Turk (and an ancestor of Babur) invaded India and ransacked
Delhi. Who was the ruler of Delhi at that time?
|
Sultan Mahmud Shah.
|
|
403
|
Name the ruler of
the Tughluq dynasty who was well versed in Astronomy, Mathematics and
Medicine.
|
Muhammad bin Tughluq.
|
|
404
|
A particular dance
form gained prominence during the Vijayanagara period. What was the dance
form?
|
Yakshagana.
|
|
405
|
Who fought the
battle of Talikota?
|
The battle was
fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and the combined forces of the Deccan
Sultans. The Sultan of Berar however did not take part in this battle.
|
|
406
|
Who won the battle
of Talikota?
|
The Vijayanagara
forces were comprehensively defeated and this eventually led to their
downfall.
|
|
407
|
Where was the Battle
of Talikota fought?
|
It was fought in the
area between the villages of Rakassi and Tangadi (Tagdi). Due to the
bloodshed and ruin that this battle brought on the Vijayanagara Empire it was
also called 'Raktakshi Tangadi'.
|
|
408
|
Who were the
opponents at the battle of Khanua?
|
Rana Sanga and
Babur.
|
|
409
|
What was the name of
RanaPratap's horse?
|
Chetak.
|
|
410
|
Who was the Jesuit
missionary who held personal
discussions with Akbar? |
Anthony Monserrate.
|
|
411
|
How do we better
know Mihr-un-nisa in Indian
history? |
NurJahan.
|
|
412
|
What was the title
given to Mihr-un-nisa by Jahangir?
|
Nur Mahal (the light
of the Palace). The title was later changed to Nur Jahan (Light of the
World).
|
|
413
|
Who was the Mughal
queen whose name was written on all the imperial Mughal farmans of her time
and inscribed on coins?
|
Nur Jahan.
|
|
414
|
After Akbar secured
victory in Gujarat he undertook an activity to commemorate this victory. What
was that activity?
|
He founded the city
of Fatehpur Sikri.
|
|
415
|
By which name was
Ramtanu Mishra known?
|
Tansen. He was
earlier in the employment of the Raja of Rewah.
|
|
416
|
Name the Mughal
emperor who was an accomplished veena player.
|
Aurangzeb
|
|
417
|
The Razmnama in
Persian was a compilation by several scholars. Of which Hindu epic was this a
translation?
|
Mahabharata
|
|
418
|
Name Aurangzeb's
daughter who wrote under the pen name Makhi and produced a collection of
poems.
|
Zebunnisa.
|
|
419
|
King Charles II of
England married the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza. How did this
event affect Indian history?
|
The Portuguese
transferred the islands that make up modern Mumbai to the British as the
dowry of Catherine.
|
|
420
|
From whom did the
Portuguese capture Goa?
|
Sultan of Bijapur.
|
|
421
|
Who was the
Portuguese Governor who captured Goa?
|
Alfonso de
Albuquerque.
|
|
422
|
What was Shivaji's
council of ministers known as?
|
The Ashla Pradhan
Mandal.
|
|
423
|
Who were the
opponents in the battle of Takkolam?
|
Cholas and Pandyas.
The Pandyas were completely defeated.
|
|
424
|
How do we better
know the Kingdom of Pragjyotishpur?
|
Assam.
|
|
425
|
Which dynasties rose
on the ruins of the Chola dynasty?
|
The Pandyas and the
Hoysalas.
|
|
426
|
Who wrote the Telugu
version of the Mahabharata?
|
Nanniah. Though he
began the work it was eventually completed by Tikkanna.
|
|
427
|
Who were the
"Nayanars" in Tamil Nadu?
|
They were devotees
of Shiva who flourished between the sixth and ninth centuries.
|
|
428
|
Who were the
"Alvars" in Tamil Nadu?
|
They were the
devotees of Vishnu.
|
|
429
|
Who fought the
second battle of Tarain in 1192 A,D?
|
Prithviraj Chauhan
and Muhammad Ghori.
|
|
430
|
Before the battle of
Tarain, Prithviraj Chauhan appealed for help from the rajas of North India.
One prominent ruler refused any. Who was this ruler?
|
Jaichandra of
Kanauj.
|
|
431
|
What was the capital
of the Bahmani kingdom?
|
Gulbarga.
|
|
432
|
Who was the Turkish
officer who conquered the area of north Bengal?
|
BakhtiyarKhalji.
|
|
433
|
How did Qutbuddin
Aibak die?'
|
He fell off his
horse while playing chaugan (polo) and died due to the resultant injuries.
|
|
434
|
Who succeeded
Qutbuddin Aibak to the throne of Delhi?
|
Iltutmish
(son-in-law of Qutbuddin Aibak).
|
|
435
|
What did Shivaji say
when he got the news of the capture of Kondana?
|
"Gadh aala pun
Sinha gela" - We got the fort but lost the lion (referring to Tanaji
Malsure).
|
|
436
|
What was the
original name of the town Daulatabad?
|
Deogiri (Devgiri).
|
|
437
|
For how long did
Razia rule?
|
About three and a
half years.
|
|
438
|
How do we better
know Ulugh Khan in Indian history?
|
Balban.
|
|
439
|
What were the
ceremonies introduced by Balban, merely to demonstrate his superiority to
other nobles?
|
Sijada-Prostration Paibos
- Kissing the emperor's feet. He introduced these ceremonies to demonstrate
his superiority over the nobles.
|
|
440
|
During whose rule
did the Mongols make the first serious attempt to establish their rule over
Delhi?
|
Alauddin Khalji.
|
|
441
|
What is the region
of Kamrup known in modern India?
|
Assam.
|
|
442
|
Who were the sons of
Shah Jahan?
|
Dara Shikoh (also
Shukoh), Shuja Murad and Aurangzeb.
|
|
443
|
During the reign of
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, where was his son Muhammad Tughlaq posted?
|
Deogir.
|
|
444
|
Who was the first sultan
of Delhi to pay his soldiers in cash?
|
Alauddin Khalji.
|
|
445
|
Which ruler
introduced the concept of token currency in India?
|
Muhammad Bin
Tughlaq.
|
|
446
|
Harihara and Bukka
rebelled against Muhammad Bin Tughlaq and founded a kingdom. What was it?
|
The Vijayanagara
Kingdom.
|
|
447
|
Whom did Shah Jahan
choose, in his last will, as his heir apparent?
|
Dara Shukoh.
|
|
448
|
During whose rule
did jizyah become a separate tax?
|
Firuz Tughlaq. It
was a part of the land revenue in earlier times.
|
|
449
|
During the period of
the Delhi Sultanate who was the most important official?
|
TheWazir.
|
|
450
|
Who was commissioned
by Akbar to write the history of his reign?
|
AbulFazI.
|
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