Ancient Literature

1. The title ‘Father of History’ rightly belongs to :

(a) Herodotus
(b) Euripides
(c) Thucydides
(d) Socrates

Ans. (a) Herodotus

Herodotus, a Greek author, is usually called the ‘Father of History’.

His famous book, called ‘Historica’, talks about the relationship between India and Persia
during the 5th century.

2. Who of the following was the writer of Mudrarakshasa?

(a) Aswaghosha
(b) Vishakhadatta
(b) Kalidasa
(d) Bhasa

Ans. (b) Vishakhadatta

Vishakhadatta wrote the play Mudrarakshasa, which is in the Sanskrit language.

This play was written during the Gupta period and tells the story of how Chandragupta and
Kautilya overthrew the Nandas.

3. Which of the following classical works of literature were written during the Gupta Era?
1. Amarakosha
2. Kamasutra
3. Meghaduta
4. Mudrarakshasa
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
Code :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

The Gupta period was the peak of Sanskrit literature.

During this time, writing both prose and poetry was very popular.
Famous works written during this period include Amarakosha by Amar Singh, Kamasutra by
Vatsyayana, Meghaduta by Kalidasa, and Mudrarakshasa by Vishakhadatta.

4. ‘Bible Book’ of North Indian classical music is related to

(a) Natyashastra
(b) Sursagar
(c) Nad-Vinad
(d) Sufi nama

Ans. (a) Natyashastra

The Natyashastra is a Sanskrit book about performing arts, which is considered to be the
main source of North Indian classical music.
It is believed to have been written by Bharata Muni.

5. Daskumar Charitam was composed by –

(a) Surdas
(b) Dandin
(c) Tulsidas
(d) Kalidas

Ans. (b) Dandin

Famous authors and the works they are known for include Surdas, who wrote Sursagar, Sur
Saravali, and Sahitya-Lahiri, Dandin (Dandi) who wrote Dashkumarcharitam.

6. In which of the following books, Yashovarman has been praised?

(a) Gaudavaho
(b) Mattavilasa Prahasana
(c) Amaru Shataka
(d) Kadambari

Ans. (c) Dandin

Yashovarman has been praised in Gaudvaho. The author of this book is Vakpati.

7. ‘Kumarasambhava,’ an epic poem was composed by –

(a) Banabhatta
(b) Chanda Bardai
(c) Harishena
(d) Kalidasa
Ans. (d) Kalidasa

Famous authors and their works include Surdas (Sursagar, Sur Saravali, Sahitya-Lahiri),
Dandin (Dashkumarcharitam), Tulsidas (Ram Charit Manas, Vinaya Patrika, Gitavali).

8. Which of the following drama was not written by Kalidas?

(a) Malavikagnimitram
(b) Abhigyan Shakuntalam
(c) Kumarasambhavam
(d) Janaki haranama

Ans. (d) Janaki haranama

Kalidas wrote all the epics apart from Janaki-haranam, which was written by Kumaradasa.

9. Match the following:-

A. Panini (1) Kamasutra
B. Vatsyayana (2) Rajatarangini
C. Chanakya (3) Ashtadhyayi
D. Kalhana (4) Arthashastra
Code :
ABCD
(a) 3 1 4 2
(b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 1 2 3 4

Ans. (a) 3 1 4 2

Panini wrote the Ashtadhyayi

Vatsyayana wrote the Kamasutra
Chanakya wrote the Arthashastra.
Kalhana wrote the Rajatarangini.

10. What is the name of Kalhana’s book?

(a) Arthashastra
(b) Indica
(c) Purana
(d) Rajatarangini

Ans. (d) Rajatarangini

Famous authors and their works include Surdas’ Sursagar, Sur Saravali and Sahitya-Lahiri,
Dandin’s Dashkumarcharitam, Tulsidas’ Ram Charit Manas, Vinaya Patrika.

11. A historical work “Gaudavaho” like Kalhana’s “Rajatarangini” was written by :

(a) Sandhyakar Nandi

(b) Vakpati
(c) Banabhatta
(d) Bilhan

Ans (b) Vakpati

The Gaudavaho is a poem written in Prakrit by Vakpati, a poet in the court of King
Yasovarman of Kanauj.
The poem talks about the journeys of Yasovarman.

12. ‘Rajatarangini’ written by Kalhan is associated with which of the following?

(a) Chandragupta’s reign

(b) Anthology of lyrics
(c) History of Kashmir
(d) Reign of Krishna Deva Raya

Ans. (c) History of Kashmir

Kalhana, who was from Kashmir, wrote the book Rajatarangini (River of Kings), which tells
the story of the history of Kashmir.

13. ‘Ashtadhyayi’ was written by –

(a) Vedavyas
(b) Panini
(c) Shukadeva
(d) Valmiki

Ans. (b) Panini

Kalhana, someone from Kashmir, wrote a book called Rajatarangini (River of Kings), which
tells about the history of Kashmir.

14. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below
the lists :
List-I (Authors) List-II (Works)
A. Bharavi 1. Karpuramanjari
B. Harsha 2. Kiratarjuniya
C. Kalidasa 3. Malavikagnimitram
D. Rajasekhara 4. Nagananda
Code :
ABCD
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 3 4 2 1
(c) 2 1 4 3
(d) 2 4 3 1

Ans. (d) 2 4 3 1

Bharavi wrote “Kiratarjuniyam”

Harsha wrote “Nagananda”
Kalidas wrote “Malavikagnimitra”
Rajasekhara wrote “Karpuramanjari”

15. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the
list.

List-I List-II
A. Ragamala 1. Somanath
B. Rasa Kaumudi 2. Venkatraman
C. Raga Vibodh 3. Pundrik Vitthal
D. Chaturdandi Prakash 4. Sri Kantha
Codes :
ABCD
(a) 3 4 1 2
(b) 4 2 1 3
(c) 2 3 4 1
(d) 1 2 3 4

Ans (a) 3 4 1 2

Pundrik Vitthal wrote Ragamala

Sri Kantha wrote Rasa Kaumudi
Somanath wrote Raga Vibodh
Venkatraman wrote Chaturdandi Prakash

16. Which of the following Sanskrit works has taken up their theme from the Mahabharata?
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(i) Naishadha Charita
(ii) Kiratarjuniya
(iii) Sisupalavadha
(iv) Dasakumaracharita
Code :
(a) (ii) and (iii)
(b) (ii), (iii) and (iv)
(c) (i) and (iii)
(d) (i), (ii) and (iii)

Ans. (d) (i), (ii) and (iii)

Naishadha Charita, Kiratarjuniya, Sisupalavadha, and Dashkumarcharitam are all stories

from the Mahabharata.
Naishadha Charita is the story of Nala and Damayanti, Kiratarjuniyam is an epic poem about
a battle between Arjuna and Lord Shiva.
Sisupalavadha is about how Lord Krishna beheaded Sisupala after he insulted him.
Dashkumarcharitam is about ten young men, the Kumaras, who are either princes or sons of
kings’ advisors.

17. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer
List- I List- II
A. Vishakhadatta 1. Medicine
B. Varahamihira2. Drama
C. Charaka 3. Astronomy
D. Brahmagupta 4. Mathematics
Code :
ABCD
(a) 1 3 4 2
(b) 2 1 3 4
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 3 4 1 2

Ans. (c) 2 3 1 4

The Mudrarakshasa is a type of Sanskrit play written by Vishakhadatta.

Varahamihira was a well-known Indian astronomer who wrote books like Brihat Jataka,
Brihat Samhita, and Pancha Siddhantika.
Charaka was a celebrated doctor in Kanishka’s court who wrote Charaka Samhita.
Lastly, Brahmagupta was known for his great knowledge about Mathematics.

18. Who accepts only Perception?

(a) Jaina
(b) Charvaka
(c) Bauddha
(d) Samkhya
Ans. (b) Charvaka

Charvaka does not believe in an afterlife or the accepted ways of gaining knowledge.
Charvaka only believes in direct experience.

19. Charvaka philosophical system was also called:

(a) Lokayata system

(b) Astika system
(c) Mimansa system
(d) Vaisesika system

Ans (a) Lokayata system

Charvaka’s philosophical system was called the Lokayata system.

It is an old school of Indian materialism from Vedic times.
This philosophy does not believe in concepts such as god, the afterlife, or moksha
(liberation).

20. Who is the propounder of Nyaya Philosophy?

(a) Gautam
(b) Kapil
(c) Shamkara
(d) Vallabha

Ans. (a) Gautam

Gautam is the person who came up with the Nyaya philosophy.

21. Charaka Samhita is related to which of the following subject?

(a) Arthashastra
(b) Politics
(c) Medicine
(d) Religion

Ans. (c) Medicine

Charaka-Samhita is an in-depth book about the traditional medical practice of Ayurveda in

India.
The book was created by Acharya Charaka, who is often referred to as the father of Indian
medicine
22. The Panchasiddhantika of Varahmihira is based upon –

(a) Persian astronomy

(b) Greek astronomy
(c) Iranian astronomy
(d) Mesopotamian astronomy

Ans. (b) Greek astronomy

Varahamihira’sPanchasiddhantika is based on the astronomy of ancient Greece.

23. Which one of the following is not correctly matched?

(a) Kalidasa – Raghuvansa

(b) Bhasa – Svapna Vasavadattam
(c) Subandhu – Kadambari
(d) Harsha – Ratnavali

Ans. (c) Subandhu – Kadambari

Option (c) is wrong because Banabhatta wrote Kadambari, not Subandhu.

The other options are right.

24. With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla, and
Kshemeshvara were famous

(a) Jain monks

(b) Playwrights
(c) Temple architects
(d) Philosophers

Ans (b) Playwrights

Bhavbhuti was a famous poet from the 8th century in India, who worked for King
Yasovarman of Kannauj.
His works included Mahavira Charita, which tells the story of Rama’s early life, as well as
Malatimadhava and Uttararamacharita.
Hastimalla was another poet from the Hoysalas era in India, and Kshemeshvara was an 11th
century poet from Kashmir.
He wrote a famous work called Dashavatar Charita.

25. ‘Milindapanha’ is a –
(a) Sanskrit drama
(b) Jain chronicle
(c) Pali text
(d) Persian epic

Ans. (c) Pali text

The Milindapanha is a Buddhist book written in the Pali language.

It is said to be a conversation between an Indian monk named Nagasena and an Indo-Greek
king called Milinda (Menander).

26. Buddhist text ‘Milindapanha’ throws light on which Indo-Greek ruler?

(a) Diodorus -II

(b) Demetrius
(c) Menander
(d) Strato- I

Ans. (c) Menander

The Milindapanha is a book written in the Pali language that tells the story of a conversation
between an Indian monk called Nagasena and an Indo-Greek king named Milinda
(Menander).

27. Milindapanha is in the form of a dialogue between king Menander and Buddhist monk :

(a) Nagarjuna
(b) Nagabhatta
(c) Nagasena
(d) Kumarilabhatta

Ans. (c) Nagasena

The Milindapanha is a Buddhist book that is written in the Pali language.

It is a conversation between an Indian monk named Nagasena and an Indo-Greek king called
Milinda (also known as Menander).

28. Name the source that is silent about the trade routes of ancient India

(a) Sangam Sahitya

(b) Milindpanha
(c) Jataka Tales
(d) All of the above
Ans. (a) Sangam Sahitya

Sangama Sahitya does not talk about the trading paths of old India.

29. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer from the code given below the
lists :
List- I List- II
(Court Poet) (King)
A. Amir Khusrau 1. Chandra Gupta II-
B. Kalidasa 2. Samudra Gupta-
C. Harisena 3. Harshavardhana
D. Banabhatta 4. Alauddin Khilji
Code :
ABCD
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 4 3 2 1
(d) 2 4 1 3

Ans. (b) 4 1 2 3

The right combinations are:

Chandra Gupta II and Kalidasa
Samudra Gupta and Harisena
Harshavardhana and Banabhatta
Alauddin Khilji and Amir Khusrau

30. The contemporary ruler of Kalhana, the author of Rajatarangini was –

(a) Jai Singh

(b) Harsha
(c) Govind Chandra
(d) Jayachandra

Ans. (a) Jai Singh

Jai Singh was the leader of Kashmir during the years 1128-1149.
Kalhana wrote the book Rajatarangini during his reign.
It is a book made up of 8 sections and 7826 verses that tell the traditional history of Kashmir.

31. How many Tarangas are in Rajatarangini of Kalhana?

(a) Eight
(b) Nine
(c) Ten
(d) Eleven

Ans. (a) Eight

Jai Singh (1128-1149) was the leader of Kashmir at the same time.
Kalhana wrote the Rajatarangini during Jai Singh’s rule.
Rajatarangini is a book with 8 sections and 7826 verses that tells the traditional history of
Kashmir in the first three sections.

32. Who among the following continued the Rajtarangini of Kalhana:

(a) Bilhana and Merutunga

(b) Bilhana and Mammata
(c) Jonaraja and Merutunga
(d) Jonaraja and Srivara

Ans. (d) Jonaraja and Srivara

Rajatarangini was a poem written in Sanskrit about the rulers of Kashmir by Kalhana, a
Kashmiri Brahmin, in the 12th century.
After his death, his student Jonaraja continued writing the poem, and after Jonaraja’s death,
his student Srivara took over and continued the story.
The poem is called Kalhana, Rajatarangini (Rajavali).

33. Saundarananda was the composition of:

(a) Ashvaghosha
(b) Banabhatta
(c) Bhavbhuti
(d) Bhaas

Ans. (a) Ashvaghosha

Ashvaghosha, a famous poet, was very important in spreading Buddhism.

He also wrote a well-known court poem known as the Saundarananda Kavya.
This poem was found and edited by Pandit Hariprasad Shastri.

34. “Nagananda”, ‘Ratnavali’ and ‘Priyadarshika’ was written by:

(a) Bana Bhatta

(b) Vishakha Datta
(c) Vatsyayan
(d) Harshavardhana

Ans. (d) Harshavardhana

Harshavardhana was an incredible ruler who was very religious and kind.
He also supported education and learning and is thought to have written ‘Ratnavali,’
‘Priyadarshika’ and ‘Nagananda.’

35. Which of the following works were authored by Harsha?

1. Priyadarshika
2. Nagananda
3. Harshacharita
4. Ratnavali
Select your answer using the codes given below:
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) 2 and 3

Ans. (b) 1, 2 and 4

Harshavardhana was not only a great conqueror and a kind and religious ruler, he was also a
great supporter of education and knowledge.
He is believed to have written the works ‘Ratnavali’, ‘Priyadarshika’, and ‘Nagananda’.

36. Among the four works mentioned below which one is encyclopedic in nature?

(a) Amarakosha
(b) Siddhantasiromani
(c) Brihat Samhita
(d) Ashtangahidayam

Ans. (c) Brihat Samhita

Varaha Mihira’s Brihat Samhita is a big book written during the Gupta time period.

37. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?

1. Mricchakatika – Sudraka
2. Buddha Charita – Vasubandhu
3. Mudrarakshasa – Vishakhadatta
4. Harshacharita – Banabhatta
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
Code :
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3

Ans. (b) 1, 3 and 4

Vasubandhu did not write Buddhacharita.

It was actually written by the Sanskrit poet Ashvaghosha and tells the story of Buddha’s life.
The other choices in the pairings are correct, so (b) is the right answer.

38. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the
lists :
List I (Author) List II (Text)
A. Varahamihira 1. Prabandha Chintamani
B. Vishakhadatta2. Mrichchakatikam
C. Sudraka 3. Brihat-Samhita
D. Bilhana 4. Devi-Chandragupta
5. Vikramankadevacharita
Code :
ABCD
(a) 3 4 5 2
(b) 3 4 2 5
(c) 5 3 4 1
(d) 1 3 5 2

Ans. (b) 3 4 2 5

Varahamihira wrote Brihat Samhita

Vishakhadatta wrote Devi-Chandragupta
Sudraka wrote Mrichchakatikam
Bilhana wrote Vikramankadevacharita

39. Which of the following pair is not correctly matched?

(a) Karpuramanjari – Harsha

(b) Malavikagnimitram – Kalidasa
(c) Mudrarakshasa – Vishakhadatta
(d) Saundarananda – Asvaghosa

Ans. (a) Karpuramanjari – Harsha

Harsha did not write Karpuramanjari.

Rajshekhar, a poet from the Gurjar-Pratihara dynasty, wrote it.
40. Who wrote ‘Shakuntalam’?

(a) Bana Bhatt

(b) Veda Vyasa
(c) Kalidasa
(d) Bhavabhuti

Ans. (c) Kalidasa

Kalidasa was an amazing Indian writer of poetry and plays.

Six of his works are considered to be genuine:
Abhijnana Shakuntalam
Vikramorvashi
Malavikagnimitra
Raghuvamsa
Kumarasambhava
Meghaduta

41. Which of the following is not a literary masterpiece of Kalidasa?

(a) Mrichchhakatikam
(b) Meghduta
(c) Ritu Sanghar
(d) Vikramorvasiyam

Ans. (a) Mrichchakatikam

Kalidasa did not write Mrichchakatikam.

It was written by Sudraka.

42. The protagonist of the Play ‘Malavikagnimitra’, written by Kalidasa is –

(a) Pushyamitra Shunga

(b) GautamiputraSatakarni
(c) Agnimitra
(d) Chandragupta- II

Ans. (c) Agnimitra

The famous poet Kalidasa wrote the play called Malavikagnimitram.

People sometimes call it Kalidasa Malavikagnimitra as a way to pay tribute to the author.
This play is divided into five sections and tells a romantic story about King Agnimitra from
the Shunga dynasty and Malavika, the beautiful servant of the chief queen.
43. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the
founder of the Sunga dynasty?

(a) Swapnavasavadatta
(b) Malavikagnimitra
(c) Meghadoota
(d) Ratnavali

Ans. (b) Malavikagnimitra

Kalidasa wrote a play called Malavikagnimitram which is sometimes referred to as Kalidasa

Malavikagnimitram in his honour.
This play is divided into five sections and tells a romantic story about King Agnimitra from
the Shunga dynasty and Malavika, the beautiful servant of the chief queen.

44. The author of ‘Swapnavasavadatta’ is

(a) Kalidasa
(b) Bhasa
(c) Bhavabhuti
(d) Rajshekhara

Ans. (b) Bhasa

Svapnavasavadattam is a play written in the Sanskrit language by the renowned poet Bhasa.

45. Who is the author of ‘Geet Govind’?

(a) Jayadeva
(b) Surdasa
(c) Kesava
(d) Mira

Ans. (a) Jayadeva

Geet Govind is an ancient poem written by Jayadev in Sanskrit language during the 11th or
12th century.
Jayadev was a poet at the court of King Lakshman Sen of Bengal and this poem is divided
into twelve sections.

46. Whose court was embellished by ‘Jaydev,’ composer of Geet Govind?

(a) Dharmapala
(b) Devpala
(c) Vijayasen
(d) Lakshmana Sen

Ans. (d) Lakshmana Sen

Geet Govind is a poem written in Sanskrit by Jayadev in the 1100s or 1200s.

He was the poet for the King Lakshman Sen of Bengal.
The poem is divided into 12 parts.

47. Who is the author of “Mattavilasa Prahasana”?

(a) Magha
(b) Govardhan Acharya
(c) Mahendra Varman I
(d) Someshwar

Ans. (c) Mahendra Varman I

The author of “Mattavilasa Prahasana” is Mahendra Varman I.

48. Match List- I with List – II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the
lists:
List – I (Compositions) List – II (Subject)
A. Ashtanga – Samgraha1. Play
B. Das rupaka 2. Grammar
C. Lilavati 3. Maths
D. Mahabhasya 4. Medical
Code :
ABCD
(a) 3 2 1 4
(b) 4 1 3 2
(c) 2 3 4 1
(d) 1 4 2 3

Ans. (b) 4 1 3 2

Ashtanga Samgraha is a medical book.

Das naupaka is a play.
Lilavati is about maths.
Mahabhasya is about grammar.

49. The right is to work only, but never with its fruits. This is stated in which of the
following book?

(a) Astadhyayi
(b) Mahabhasya
(c) Geeta
(d) Mahabharata
Ans. (c) Geeta

The Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta says that you should only do your work, but not expect any
rewards.

50. In which epic it was told “What is here is also found elsewhere, but if not here is found
nowhere else –

(a) Ramayana
(b) Mahabharata
(c) Geeta
(d) Rajatarangini

Ans. (b) Mahabharata

This is said in the famous story of Mahabharata.

51. Which ancient Indian book has been translated into 15 (fifteen) Indian and 40 (forty)
foreign languages?

(a) Hitopadesha
(b) Panchatantra
(c) Katha Saritsagar
(d) Shakuntala

Ans. (b) Panchatantra

Panchatantra is a famous collection of Indian animal stories.

It is popular both inside India and around the world, and has been translated into 15 Indian
languages and 40 foreign languages.
It was originally written in Sanskrit and Pali, and attributed to Pandit Vishnu Sharma.
During the Mughal period, it was translated by Abul Fazl and was called Ayar-e-danish.

52. ‘Panchatantra’ was originally written by –

(a) Kalidasa
(b) Vishnu Sharma
(c) Tulsidas
(d) Raidas

Ans. (b) Vishnu Sharma

Panchatantra is a set of Indian stories about animals that have been popular in India and all
over the world.
It has been translated into 15 Indian languages and 40 foreign languages.
It was first written in Sanskrit (Hindu) and Pali (Buddhist).
It was put together by a scholar called Pandit Vishnu Sharma.
During the Mughal period, Abul Fazl translated it and called it Ayar-e-danish.

53. The author of ‘Vinaya-Patrika’ is

(a) Tulsidas
(b) Surdas
(c) Kabir
(d) Keshavdasa

Ans. (a) Tulsidas

Goswami Tulsidas wrote a religious poem called the Vinay Patrika.

54. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the
lists:
List-I List-II
A. Sarva varma 1. Mitakshara
B. Sudraka 2. Rajatarangini
C. Vigneshwara 3. Mrichchakatikam
D. Kalhana 4. Katantra
Code :
ABCD
(a) 3 4 2 1
(b) 4 3 1 2
(c) 2 1 4 3
(d) 4 2 1 3

Ans. (b) 4 3 1 2

Sarva Varma wrote the Katantra.

Sudraka wrote the Mrichchakatikam.
Vigneshwara wrote Rajatarangini.
Kalhana wrote Mitakshara.

55. Which of the following is especially known for his contribution to the field of Algebra?

(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Brahmagupta
(c) Bhaskar
(d) Lall

Ans. (c) Bhaskar

Bhaskaracharya, also known as Bhaskara II, was a very important mathematician and
astronomer in the 12th century.

56. ‘Lilavati’ a treatise on Mathematics, was written by –

(a) Ramanuj
(b) Kautilya
(c) Amartya Sen
(d) Bhaskaracharya

Ans.(d) Bhaskaracharya

Bhaskaracharya, often referred to as Bhaskara-II, made a huge impact on mathematical and

astronomical knowledge in the 12th century.

57. Who is the author of “Shukranitisara”?

(a) Mahendra Varman I
(b) Magha
(c) Kamban
(d) Someshwar

Ans. (b) Magha

Magha is the author of “Shukranitisara”.

58. Aryabhatta was –

(a) Indian Politician

(b) Indian Mathematician and Astronomer
(c) Indian Sanskrit Scholar and Poet
(d) None of these

Ans. (b) Indian Mathematician and Astronomer

Aryabhatta was a famous mathematician and astronomer from ancient India.

He wrote the book Aryabhatiya which contained topics such as astronomy, trigonometry,
arithmetic, algebra and trigonometry.
Aryabhatta was the first one to realize that the Earth is round and revolves around the Sun.
He is also known as the father of Trigonometry.

59. Which one of the following Indian Mathematicians invented decimal place value?
(a) Bhaskar
(b) Varahmihira
(c) Brahmagupta
(d) Aryabhatta

Ans. (d) Aryabhatta

Aryabhatta, a person from India, figured out how to use numbers with decimal points.

60. Who among the following is the author of “Tamil Ramayana”?

(a) Kalhan
(b) Kamban
(c) Bhaskaracharya
(d) Jimutavahana
Ans. (b) Kamban

Kamban is the author of “Tamil Ramayana”.

61. The ancient name “Nilotpala” for Mahanadi was stated in

(a) Matsya Puran

(b) Markandey Puran
(c) Brahm Puran
(d) Vayu Puran
(e) None of the above

Ans. (d) Vayu Puran

The Vayu Purana mentioned that the old name of the Mahanadi River was Nilotpala.

62. ‘Manusmriti’ is mainly related to –

(a) Social System

(b) Law
(c) Economics
(d) Working Method of State

Ans. (a) Social System

Manusmriti, also known as Manav Dharam Shastra, is about the social system and has
eighteen chapters.
Hindus believe Manu was the first human being and the first king, and the creator of law in
India.
The name Manu is used to refer to the author of this text.
63. The great lawgiver of ancient times was –

(a) Ashoka
(b) Arya Bhatta
(c) Manu
(d) Vatsyayan

Ans. (c) Manu

Manusmriti, also known as Manav Dharma Shastra, is mainly about the social system and
divided into eighteen chapters.
People think that ‘Manu’, the name of the person who wrote it, was the first human being
and king in Indian tradition.
Manu is also believed to be the creator of law in India.

64. Who among the following is the author of “Abhidharmakosa”?

(a) Jimutavahana
(b) Vasubandhu
(c) Kalhan
(d) Bhaskaracharya

Ans. (b) Vasubandhu

Vasubandhu is the author of “Abhidharmakosa”.

65. “Zero” was discovered by –

(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Varahmihira
(c) Bhaskara-I
(d) An anonymous Indian

Ans. (d) An anonymous Indian

An unknown person from India first discovered the number zero.

After that, the Arabs learned about it from India and then spread it around Europe.
It is believed that the Arabs started using zero in 873 A.D.

66. Zero was invented by –

(a) Romans
(b) Chinese
(c) Indians
(d) Sumerians

Ans. (c) Indians

An anonymous Indian person was the first to discover the concept of ‘zero’.
The Arabians got the idea from India and then spread it around Europe.
It was determined that the Arabs had first used zero in 873 A.D.

67. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

(a) Life of Hiuen Tsang – Hui-li

(b) The Natural History – Ptolemy
(c) HistorialPhilippical – Pompeius Trogus
(d) The Histories – Herodotus

Ans. (b) The Natural History – Ptolemy

Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, wrote the book “The Natural History”.
Therefore, the pair given in option (b) is incorrect.

68. The most ancient musical instrument in the given options is–

(a) Sitar
(b) Veena
(c) Sarod
(d) Tabla

Ans. (b) Veena

Veena is the oldest musical instrument of the ones listed.

It has been part of Indian culture and music since ancient times, whereas the others – Sitar,
Sarod, and Tabla – were introduced during the Middle Ages.

69. Who among the following is the author of “Dayabhaga”?

(A) Vasubandhu
(B) Jimutavahana
(C) Harishena
(D) Rasmal
Answer: (B)
The Dāyabhāga is a Hindu law treatise written by Jīmūtavāhana which primarily
focuses on inheritance procedure.

70. ‘Kumarasambhava' an epic Poem was composed by

(A) Banabhatta
(B) Chand Bardai
(C) Harishena
(D) Kalidasa
Answer: (D)
Kumarasambhava, epic poem by Kalidasa written in the 5th century ce.

71. In which of the following texts, 15 types of slaves have been described by Narada?
(A) Mitakshara
(B) Geetabhashya
(C) Geet Govind
(D) Lilavati
Answer: (A)
In Mitakshara, 15 types of slaves have been described by Narada.

72. Who among the following is the author of “Setubandh”?

(A) Ashwaghosha
(B) Pravarasena II
(C) Kalidasa
(D) Bhas
Answer: (B)
The author of “Setubandh” is Pravarasena II.

73. Who among the following is the author of “Prithvirajaraso”?

(A) Chand Bardai
(B) Someshwar
(C) Pravarasena II
(D) Dharmapala
Answer: (a)
The author of “Prithvirajaraso” is Chand Bardai.

74. Who among the following is the author of “Parishitparvan”?

(A) Chand Bardai
(B) Hemchandra
(C) Pravarasena II
(D) Dharmapala
Answer: (b)
Hemachandra is the author of “Parishishtaparvan”.

75. Who wrote Rasaratnakara?

(A) Sridhara
(B) Madhavakar
(C) Nagarjuna
(D) None of the above
Answer: (C)
In the 8th century A.D, Rasaratnakara was written by Nagarjuna. He was an Indian metallurgist and alchemist. This
book describes the extraction of metals such as gold, silver, tin, and copper.

76. ‘Ashtadhyayi' was written by

(A) Vedavyas
(B) Panini
(C) Shukhadeva
(D) Valmiki
Answer: (B)
Pāṇini was a logician, Sanskrit philologist, grammarian, and revered scholar in ancient India,
variously dated between the 6th and 4th century BCE

77. Which of the following texts was not composed by Banabhatta?

(A) Kadambari
(B) Harshacharita
(C) Parvati Parinayam
(D) Lilavati
Answer: (D)
Banabhatta is the author of the Kadambari, Harshacharita, and Parvati Parinayam
texts.
Whereas the author of Lilavati is Bhaskaracharya.

78. Which of the following texts was not composed by Thomendra?

(A) Ramayana Manjari

(B) Dashavatar Manjari
(C) Brihatkatha Manjari
(D) Bhoj Prabandha
Answer: (B)
The author of Ramayana Manjari, Dashavatar Manjari and Brihatkatha Manjari is
Thomendra, while the author of Bhoj Prabandha is Ballal Sen.

79. Name the Chola King who conquered the Northern part of Sri Lanka?

(A) Rajaraja-I
(B) Rajendra-I
(C) Parantaka-I
(D) Aditya-I
Answer: (A)
The reign of Chola rule in Srilanka started when Rajaraja I first conquered the northern half
of Srilanka and then in 1018, Rajendra invaded the Ceylon in Srilanka and finally annexed
the entire island. Complete answer: Rajaraja I was the father of Rajendra Chola

80. Which one of the Chola Kings conquered Ceylon?

(A) Aditya-I
(B) Rajaraja-I
(C) Rajendra-I
(D) Vijayalaya
Answer: (B)
Rajaraja I, considered the most powerful Chola ruler, became king in 985 AD. Rajaraja
invaded Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 993 AD. The Thiruvalangadu copper-plate inscriptions
mention that Rajaraja's army crossed the ocean by ships and destroyed Anuradhapura, the
1400-year-old capital of Sinhalas.

81. Who was the Chola monarch who gave complete freedom to Sri Lanka and got his
daughter married to the Sinhala Prince?

(A) Kulottunga I
(B) Rajendra
(C) Adhirajendra
(D) Rajadhiraja I
Answer: (A)
King Kulottunga II, completely freed Sri Lanka and married his daughter with the Sinhalese
prince.

82. Which one of the following trade centres of ancient India was on the trade route
connecting Kalyana with Vengi?
(A) Tagara
(B) Sripur
(C) Tripuri
(D) Tamralipti
Answer: (A)
Tagara was the important trade centres of ancient India was on the trade route connecting
Kalyana with Vengi'

83. Who was the greatest king of Chalukya dynasty?

(A) Vikramaditya
(B) Manglesh
(C) Pulakesin-II
(D) Pulakesjn-I
Answer: (C)
Pulakeshin II is the most famous of the Chalukya Kings. It was under his reign that the
Chalukya kingdom expanded to include most of the Deccan region and by extension the
entirety of peninsular India.

84. Which of the following dynasties frequently assigned to the ladies high ranking positions
in administration?

(A) Chola
(B) Chalukya
(C) Pala
(D) Sena
Answer: (B)
The correct answer is Chalukyas. The women of the Chalukya dynasty were very influential
and hugely involved in the functioning of the administration
85. Milindapanha' is a

(A) Sanskrit drama

(B) Jai chronicle
(C) Pali text
(D) Persian epic
Answer: (C)
The Milindapañha is a Buddhist text which dates from sometime between 100 BC and 200
AD. It purports to record a dialogue between the Indian Buddhist sage Nāgasena, and the
2nd century BC Indo-Greek king Menander I of Bactria, in Sāgalā, present-day Sialkot

86. Buddhist text ‘Milindapanha’ throws light on which Indo-Greek ruler?

(A) Diodorus-II
(B) Demetrius
(C) Menander
(D) Strato-I
Answer: (C)
The Milindapañha( lit. 'Questions of Milinda') is a Buddhist text which dates from sometime
between 100 BC and 200 AD. It purports to record a dialogue between the Indian Buddhist
sage Nāgasena, and the 2nd century BC Indo-Greek king Menander I (Pali: Milinda) of
Bactria, in Sāgalā, present-day Sialkot.

87. Between which of the following was the ancient town of Takshashila located?
a) Ravi and Beas
b) Jhelum and Chenab
c) Indus and Jhelum
d) Chenab and Ravi
Answer: (c)
Takshashila was an ancient city in what is now northwestern Pakistan. It is an important
archaeological site.

88. Which dynasty gave India its famous temples of Khajuraho?

a) Holkars
b) Mauryas
c) Paramara
d) Chandelas

Answer: (d)
The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee
between 950 and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups
and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance
between architecture and sculpture.

89. Who of the following is especially known for his contribution in the field of Algebra?
a) Lall
b) Brahmagupta
c) Aryabhatta
d) Bhaskar
Answer: (d)
Aryabhatta
Aryabhatta was the first well-known exponent of Algebra among Indian Mathematicians.
He calculated the value of pi to four decimal digits.
He is also a well-known Indian astronomer.
He is the author of ‘Aryabhatiya’, writing based on astronomy.
He formulated the diameter value of the Earth as 12,742 km.

90. Who was the author of ‘Matta Vilasa Prahasana’?

a) Pulakesin II
b) MahakshatrapRudradaman
c) GautamiputraSatakarni
d) Mahendra Varman
Answer: (d)
Mahendravarman I was a Pallava emperor who ruled the Southern portion of present-day
Andhra region and Northern regions of what forms present-day Tamil Nadu in India in the
early 7th century. He was a scholar, painter, architect, musician

91. Where is the Dilwara Jain Temple is located?

a) Madhya Pradesh
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Assam
d) Rajasthan
Answer: (d)
The Dilwara Temples or Delvada Temples are a group of Śvētāmbara Jain temples located
about 2+1⁄2 kilometres from the Mount Abu settlement in Sirohi District, Rajasthan's only
hill station. The earliest were built by Bhima I and supposedly designed or at least financed
by Vastupala, Jain minister of Dholka.

92. Which among the following is / are works of Kalidasa? 1. Ritusamhara 2. Meghaduta
3. Malavikagnimitra 4. Kumarashambhava 5. Abhijnana Sakuntalam Choose the correct
option from the codes given below:
[A] 1, 2 & 4
[B] 1, 2, 3 & 4
[C] 1, 2, 4 & 5
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
Kalidasa was regarded as the greatest poet and dramatist of ancient India. He wrote the
Ritusamhara, the Meghadutta, the Kumarasambava, the Raghuvansa, the Viramavamsiya, the
Malavikagnimitra and Abhijnana Sakuntalam. He was the court poet of Chandragupta II.

93. Who composed Prayag-Prashasti inscription during the Gupta period?

[A] Harisena
[B] Veerasena
[C] Amarkhaddava
[D] Aswaghosa
Correct Answer: A [ Harisena ]
Notes:
Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta, who mentioned the achievements of
Samudragupta in the Prayag-Prasasti inscription (or Allahabad Pillar inscription).
94. Which of the following is / are the 9 gems of Chandragupta Vikramaditya?
[A] Amarsimha
[B] Harisena
[C] Kahapanaka
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The nine gems or Navratnas adorned in the court of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya are
Amarsimha, Dhanvantri, Harisena, Kalidasa, Kahapanaka, Sanku, Varahamihira,
Vararuchiand .Vetalbhatta

95. Which of the following are two works of Kalidasa?

[A] Raghuvamsha and Kiratarjuniya
[B] Kumara Sambhav and Raghuvamsha
[C] Malti Madhava and Kumara Sambhava
[D] Malti Madhav and Kumara Sambhava
Correct Answer: B [ Kumara Sambhav and Raghuvamsha ]
Notes:
Kalidasa was one of the gems of the court of Gupta king Chandragupta II (375–415 CE). The
poems he wrote were usually of epic proportions and were written in classical Sanskrit. He
wrote two epic poems called Kumara sambhava, which means birth of Kumara and the
Raghuvamsha, which means dynasty of Raghu. There are also two lyric poems written by
Kalidasa known as Meghadutta that stands for cloud messenger and the Ritusamhara that
means description of the seasons. Meghadutta is one of the finest works of Kalidasa in terms
of world literature. The beauty of the continuity in flawless Sanskrit is unmatched till date.
The most famous and beautiful work of Kalidasa is the Shakuntalam. It is the second play of
Kalidasa after he wrote Malavikagnimitra. The Shakuntalam tells the story of king Dushyant
who falls in love with a beautiful girl Shakuntala, who happens to be the daughter of a saint.

96. Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following
rulers?

[A] Sri Gupta

[B] Ramagupta
[C] Bhanugupta
[D] Vishnugupta

Correct Answer: B [ Ramagupta ]

Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was
known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara
images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the
Maharajadhiraja.

97. Who wrote the book Pancha Siddhantika?

[A] Varahamihira
[B] Aryabhatta
[C] Brahmagupta
[D] Kalidas
Correct Answer: A [ Varahamihira ]
Notes:
Varahamihira was one of the only renowned Indian Astronomer, Mathematician and
Astrologer. Varahamihira was born in 499 A.D. into a family of Brahmins settled at Kapittha,
a village near Ujjain. He wrote the book Pancha Siddhantika.

98. Which of the following plays of Kalidasa tells the story of mortal King Pururavas and
celestial nymph Urvashi who fall in love?
[A] Malavikagnimitram
[B] Abhijñānaśākuntalam
[C] Vikramōrvaśīyam
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: C [ Vikramōrvaśīyam ]
Notes:
Vikramōrvaśīyam, a play by Kalidasa, tells the story of mortal King Pururavas and celestial
nymph Urvashi who fall in love. As an immortal, she has to return to the heavens, where an
unfortunate accident causes her to be sent back to the earth as a mortal with the curse that
she will die (and thus return to heaven) the moment her lover lays his eyes on the child
which she will bear him. After a series of mishaps, including Urvashi’s temporary
transformation into a vine, the curse is lifted, and the lovers are allowed to remain together
on the earth.

99. Who among the following was not among the 9 gems (Navratna) of the
Vikramaditya’s court ?
[A] Vetalbhatt
[B] Amar Simha
[C] Kaalidasa
[D] Aryabhatta
Correct Answer: D [Aryabhatta]
Notes:
9 gems of Vikrama ditya :Dhanwanthari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Shankhu, Khatakarpara,
Kalidasa, Vetalbhatt, Vararuchi, and Varahamihira

100. The ancient Indian text Panchasiddhantika deals with the 5 principles of which among
the following?
[A] Vedic Rituals
[B] Philosophy
[C] Astronomy
[D] Medicine
Correct Answer: C [Astronomy]
Notes:
Varahamihira wrote Panchasiddhantika(Five schools of Astronomy) in which he focused on
three different branches of astronomy as studied during the period and they were; astronomy
and mathematics, astrology