Mauryan & Gupta — Set 10
Indian History · मौर्य और गुप्त · Questions 91–100 of 100
The famous university of Nalanda was a center of which learning?
Correct Answer: B. Mahayana Buddhism
Nalanda University was a premier center for Mahayana Buddhism learning. However, it also taught Vedas, logic, grammar, and medicine. It was supported by revenue from 100 villages.
Megasthenes was the ambassador of which king?
Correct Answer: C. Seleucus Nicator
Megasthenes was the ambassador of the Greek king Seleucus Nicator. He lived in Pataliputra at the court of Chandragupta Maurya. His observations were compiled in the book 'Indica'.
Who is called the 'Indian Machiavelli'?
Correct Answer: B. Kautilya (Chanakya)
Kautilya (Chanakya) is often called the 'Indian Machiavelli'. This comparison is due to his pragmatic and sometimes ruthless political advice in the Arthashastra. Both scholars wrote seminal texts on how to acquire and hold power.
Which script were Ashoka's inscriptions in the North-West written in?
Correct Answer: B. Kharosthi
Ashoka's inscriptions in the North-West (Mansehra and Shahbazgarhi) were written in the Kharosthi script. This script was derived from Aramaic and written right to left. The majority of his other edicts used the Brahmi script.
Who was the famous astronomer who stated that the earth rotates on its axis?
Correct Answer: D. Aryabhatta
Aryabhatta was the astronomer who stated that the earth rotates on its axis. He proposed this in his book Aryabhatiya. He also gave a scientific explanation for solar and lunar eclipses.
The 'Sanchi Stupa' was originally built by:
Correct Answer: D. Ashoka
The Great Stupa at Sanchi was originally commissioned by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It was a simple brick structure initially. Later rulers expanded it and added stone railings and gateways.
Which Gupta ruler is known as 'Kaviraja' (King of Poets)?
Correct Answer: D. Samudragupta
Samudragupta is known as 'Kaviraja' on some of his coins. This reflects his love for poetry and music. The Prayag Prasasti also praises his poetic skills.
Who defeated the Huns and saved the Gupta Empire?
Correct Answer: C. Skandagupta
Skandagupta defeated the invading Huns and saved the Gupta Empire. His victory is recorded in the Bhitari Pillar Inscription. However, the constant wars with Huns drained the empire's resources.
The coin 'Dinara' was made of which metal?
Correct Answer: A. Gold
The 'Dinara' was a gold coin issued by the Gupta rulers. It was the standard gold currency of the empire, used for high-value transactions. The Guptas issued the largest number of gold coins in ancient Indian history.
What was the capital of the Mauryan Empire?
Correct Answer: B. Pataliputra
Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) was the capital of the Mauryan Empire. It was a massive, fortified city located at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers. Megasthenes described its grandeur and wooden palisades.