GK Quiz On Ancient Indian History With Answers: Set 2

1. Which one of the following is the oldest Veda among the following?

Samaveda

Yajurveda

Rigveda

Atharvaveda

Rigveda is considered the oldest Veda among the given options. It is the oldest known religious text in the world, dating back to approximately 1500 BCE. Rigveda consists of a collection of hymns and verses that were composed by ancient Indian sages. It is a significant source of information about the early Vedic civilization, its rituals, and beliefs. The other Vedas, namely Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, were composed at later periods.

Explanation

Rigveda is considered the oldest Veda among the given options. It is the oldest known religious text in the world, dating back to approximately 1500 BCE. Rigveda consists of a collection of hymns and verses that were composed by ancient Indian sages. It is a significant source of information about the early Vedic civilization, its rituals, and beliefs. The other Vedas, namely Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, were composed at later periods.

2. Who was the founder of Maurya Empire?

Chandragupta Maurya

Ashoka

Bindusara

Ajatshatru

Chandragupta Maurya is the correct answer as he was indeed the founder of the Maurya Empire. He established the empire in 322 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty. Chandragupta Maurya's reign marked the beginning of a powerful and influential empire in ancient India. He was succeeded by his son Bindusara, and later his grandson Ashoka, who is also a significant figure in Indian history.

Explanation

Chandragupta Maurya is the correct answer as he was indeed the founder of the Maurya Empire. He established the empire in 322 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty. Chandragupta Maurya's reign marked the beginning of a powerful and influential empire in ancient India. He was succeeded by his son Bindusara, and later his grandson Ashoka, who is also a significant figure in Indian history.

3. Who among the following was the author of Arthashastra?

Chanakya

Ashoka

Panini

Vishwamitra

Chanakya was the author of Arthashastra. Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. It was written by Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, who was a renowned scholar, teacher, and advisor to the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta. The Arthashastra provides detailed guidance on governance, administration, diplomacy, and warfare, making it an important text in the field of political science and ancient Indian history.

Explanation

Chanakya was the author of Arthashastra. Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. It was written by Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, who was a renowned scholar, teacher, and advisor to the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta. The Arthashastra provides detailed guidance on governance, administration, diplomacy, and warfare, making it an important text in the field of political science and ancient Indian history.

4. Megasthenes served as an ambassador in the court of whom among the following?

Chandragupta Maurya

Ashoka

Samudragupta

Harshvardhan

Megasthenes served as an ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.

Explanation

Megasthenes served as an ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.

5. Consider the following statements: i) Upanishads literally meant approaching and sitting near. ii) The texts contained conversations between teachers and students. Choose the right option:

Both i and ii are correct.

Only i is correct.

Only ii is correct.

Neither i nor ii is correct.

The statement "Upanishads literally meant approaching and sitting near" is correct because the word "Upanishad" is derived from the Sanskrit words "upa" (approaching) and "nishad" (sitting near). This indicates the close and intimate relationship between the teacher and student in the Upanishadic tradition. The statement "The texts contained conversations between teachers and students" is also correct because the Upanishads are a collection of ancient Indian texts that record the philosophical and spiritual teachings of various gurus (teachers) and their disciples (students). These conversations explore profound concepts such as the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate truth.

Explanation

The statement "Upanishads literally meant approaching and sitting near" is correct because the word "Upanishad" is derived from the Sanskrit words "upa" (approaching) and "nishad" (sitting near). This indicates the close and intimate relationship between the teacher and student in the Upanishadic tradition. The statement "The texts contained conversations between teachers and students" is also correct because the Upanishads are a collection of ancient Indian texts that record the philosophical and spiritual teachings of various gurus (teachers) and their disciples (students). These conversations explore profound concepts such as the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate truth.