Ancient History MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Ancient History - Download Free PDF

Which ancient Indian text is known as the "Science of Ayurveda'?

1. Manusmriti
2. Mahabharat
3. Charaka Samhita
4. Arthashastra

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Ancient History Question 1 Detailed Solution

Key Points

• Charaka Samhita is an ancient Indian text that is considered one of the foundational works of Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India.
• Authored by the sage Charaka, this text is believed to have been written around the 2nd century BCE.
• The Charaka Samhita is divided into eight sections, covering various aspects of medicine, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
• It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) for good health.
• The text also discusses the ethical conduct of physicians and the importance of diet and lifestyle in maintaining health.

Additional Information

• Ayurveda, often referred to as the "Science of Life," is one of the oldest healthcare systems in the world.
• The other foundational text of Ayurveda is the Sushruta Samhita, which focuses more on surgical procedures.
• Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to health, incorporating physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
• The principles of Ayurveda continue to influence modern holistic and integrative medicine practices worldwide.

Ancient History Question 2:

1. Jainism
2. Buddhism
3. Hindusim
4. Christianity

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Ancient History Question 2 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Buddhism

Key Points

• Silappadikaram and Manimekhalai are two of the five great epics of Tamil literature.
• Silappadikaram: Although it is not explicitly religious, it is associated with Jainism through the story of the protagonist, Kovalan, but the work itself is considered a reflection of broader cultural and religious life.
• Manimekhalai: This is explicitly a Buddhist text and is a sequel to Silappadikaram, focusing on the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi who becomes a Buddhist nun.

Reference: NCERT Class 12 History textbook, titled "Themes in Indian History, Part II".

• Chapter: Chapter 3 - "Kinship, Caste, and Class"
• Page Number: Page 100

Ancient History Question 3:

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Ancient History Question 3 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Maurya

Key Points

• Maurya Dynasty (322–185 BCE)
• The Maurya Dynasty is the oldest among the options listed. Founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE, the dynasty is known for unifying most of the Indian subcontinent under one rule, creating one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India. The Maurya Empire reached its zenith under Emperor Ashoka, who ruled from 268 to 232 BCE. Ashoka is particularly remembered for his conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to spread Buddhist principles across Asia.
• Gupta Dynasty (c. 320–550 CE)
• The Gupta Dynasty came much later than the Maurya. It is often referred to as the "Golden Age of India" due to the significant achievements in art, science, mathematics, and culture during this period. The Guptas were known for their patronage of classical Sanskrit literature and their contributions to Hindu culture. The most notable rulers of this dynasty include Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya).
• Kushan Dynasty (c. 30–375 CE)
• The Kushan Dynasty was a prominent Central Asian dynasty that established a vast empire in the Indian subcontinent. The Kushans were originally from the Yuezhi tribe in Central Asia. The empire reached its height under King Kanishka (c. 127–150 CE), who is known for his patronage of Buddhism and the spread of Buddhist art and culture through the Gandhara school of art.
• Kanva Dynasty (c. 75–30 BCE)
• The Kanva Dynasty was a relatively short-lived dynasty that succeeded the Shunga Dynasty. The Kanvas ruled in the later period of ancient Indian history and had a small and limited influence compared to the other dynasties mentioned. The dynasty was established by Vasudeva Kanva, who overthrew the last Shunga ruler. The Kanva Dynasty was eventually overtaken by the Satavahanas.

Ancient History Question 4:

1. Vikramaditya
2. Kumaragupta
3. Harshavardhana
4. Kanishka

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Ancient History Question 4 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Harshavradhana

Key Points

• Court Poet of Harshavardhana : Banabhatta was the court poet of Emperor Harshavardhana, who ruled Northern India in the 7th century CE.
• Authorship of 'Harshacharita': Banabhatta is most renowned for writing the Harshacharita, a biography of Harshavardhana. It is one of the earliest examples of historical biography in Sanskrit literature.
• Literary Style: Banabhatta's writing is known for its elaborate and ornate style, using extensive descriptions and metaphors, characteristic of the kavya (classical Sanskrit poetry) tradition.
• Work on 'Kadambari': Banabhatta also began the romantic novel Kadambari, which was later completed by his son, Bhushanabhatta. This work is considered a significant contribution to classical Sanskrit literature.
• Cultural Context: His works reflect the social, political, and cultural milieu of Harsha's reign, providing insights into the court life, administrative systems, and religious practices of the time.

Additional Information

• Influence on Later Literature: Banabhatta's style and themes influenced subsequent generations of Sanskrit poets and writers, establishing standards for the kavya genre.
• Use of Gadyakāvya (Prose Poetry): Banabhatta was a master of prose poetry, skillfully blending narrative with poetic expressions, a technique that was highly appreciated in classical Sanskrit literature.
• Depiction of Harsha’s Reign: Through Harshacharita, Banabhatta offers valuable historical details about Harsha’s reign, including his early life, ascension to the throne, military campaigns, and patronage of religion and the arts.
• Banabhatta’s Legacy: His works have survived centuries and are studied as classics in Sanskrit literature, offering a window into the literary and cultural achievements of ancient India.
• Personal Background: Harshacharita also includes some autobiographical elements, providing rare insights into Banabhatta’s life, his family, and his personal struggles, which were uncommon in ancient Indian literary works.
• Importance in Historical Studies: Banabhatta’s detailed accounts in Harshacharita serve as crucial historical sources for understanding the early medieval period in Indian history, particularly the socio-political conditions under Harsha's rule.
• Role in the Revival of Sanskrit Literature: Banabhatta played a key role in the resurgence of Sanskrit literature during the 7th century, under the patronage of Harsha, marking a period of literary and cultural flourishing.