Mauryan & Gupta — Set 9
Indian History · मौर्य और गुप्त · Questions 81–90 of 100
Who is the author of the 'Arthashastra'?
Correct Answer: A. Kautilya (Chanakya)
Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, is the author of the Arthashastra. It is a foundational ancient treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. He was the prime minister and mentor to Chandragupta Maurya.
Which war caused Ashoka to renounce violence?
Correct Answer: C. Kalinga War
The Kalinga War fought around 261 BCE caused Ashoka to renounce violence. The massive slaughter and suffering he witnessed filled him with remorse. This pivotal event led him to embrace Buddhism and the path of Dhamma.
Who founded the Mauryan Empire?
Correct Answer: A. Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire around 321 BCE. He overthrew the Nanda dynasty with the help of his mentor Chanakya. He established the first large pan-Indian empire.
Who is known as the 'Napoleon of India'?
Correct Answer: D. Samudragupta
Samudragupta is known as the 'Napoleon of India' due to his extensive military conquests. The historian V.A. Smith gave him this title. He never lost a battle and expanded the Gupta empire greatly.
The 'Golden Age' of ancient India refers to which period?
Correct Answer: A. Gupta
The Gupta period is often referred to as the 'Golden Age' of ancient India. This era saw unprecedented achievements in art, science, literature, and architecture. Peace and prosperity allowed culture to flourish.
Who wrote 'Abhijnana Shakuntalam'?
Correct Answer: D. Kalidasa
Kalidasa wrote the world-famous play Abhijnana Shakuntalam. It tells the story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala. It was one of the first Indian works to be translated into European languages.
Which Chinese traveler wrote 'Si-Yu-Ki'?
Correct Answer: C. Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang)
Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) wrote 'Si-Yu-Ki' (Records of the Western World). He visited India during the reign of King Harsha, shortly after the Gupta period. His writings are a primary source for that era's history.
What is the national emblem of India adapted from?
Correct Answer: A. Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath
The National Emblem of India is adapted from Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath. It features four lions standing back to back. The motto 'Satyameva Jayate' is inscribed below it.
Who was the first Gupta ruler to issue silver coins?
Correct Answer: D. Chandragupta II
Chandragupta II was the first Gupta ruler to issue silver coins. He did so after defeating the Western Satraps who used silver currency. These coins were modeled on the Shaka coinage.
Which Mauryan ruler embraced Jainism in his later life?
Correct Answer: D. Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya embraced Jainism in the later part of his life. He renounced his throne and followed the Jain saint Bhadrabahu to the south. He ended his life through the ritual of Sallekhana.