Daily Static Quiz (Ancient and Medieval India) November 19, 2025

Daily Static Quiz (Ancient and Medieval India) November 19, 2025

1. Consider the following pairs:

   Asmaka- Godavari
   Kamboja- Vipas
   Avanti- Mahanadi
   Kosala- Sarayu

   How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

   (a) Only one pair
   (b) Only two pairs
   (c) Only three pairs
   (d) All four pairs

   ---

2. With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which
   of the following epithets?

   1. Nayaputta

   2. Shakyamuni

   3. Tathagata

   Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 1, 2 and 3
   (d) None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha

   ---

3. Consider the following information:

   Archaeological- Site Location- Classification

   1. Chandraketugarh- Odisha- Trading Port town

   2. Inamgaon – Maharashtra- Chalcolithic site

   3. Mangadu – Kerala – Megalithic site

   4. Salihundam – Andhra Pradesh- Rock-cut shrines

   In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

   (a) 1 and 2
   (b) 2 and 3
   (c) 3 and 4
   (d) 1 and 4

   ---

4. With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one
   among the following was made earliest?

   (a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
   (b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
   (c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
   (d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri

   ---

5. Consider the following statements regarding the philosophies of ancient India:

   1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were sects of Jainism.

   2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly
      momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.

   3. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 1 and 2 only

   ---

6. With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs:

   Literary- Work Author

   1. Devichandragupta – Bilhana

   2. Hammira Mahakavya- Nayachandra Suri

   3. Milindapanha -Nagarjuna

   4. Nitivakyamrita – Somadeva Suri

   How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

   (a) Only one pair
   (b) Only two pairs
   (c) Only three pairs
   (d) All four pairs

   ---

7. Consider the following pairs:

   Historical Place Well-known for

   1. Burzahom Rock-cut shrines

   2. Chandraketugarh Terracotta art

   3. Ganeshwar Copper artefacts

   Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

   (a) 1 only
   (b) 1 and 2 only
   (c) 3 only
   (d) 2 and 3 only

   ---

8. With reference to medieval India, consider the following pairs:

   King Dynasty

   1. Nannuka Chandela

   2. Jayashakti Paramara

   3. Nagabhata II Gurjara-Pratihara

   4. Bhoja Rashtrakuta

   How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

   (a) Only one pair
   (b) Only two pairs
   (c) Only three pairs
   (d) All four pairs

   ---

9. Consider the following statements with reference to medieval India:

   1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of
      Jalal-ud-din Khalji.

   2. During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to
      Delhi and besieged the city.

   3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his
      kingdom to Mongols.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   (a) 1 and 2 only
   (b) 2 only
   (c) 1 and 3 only
   (d) 3 only

   ---

10. Consider the following statements regarding the historical sites of India:

    1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.

    2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor
       Chandragupta Maurya.

    3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
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QUESTION 1
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Correct Answer: (c) Only three pairs

Explanation:

1. Asmaka – Godavari ✓ CORRECT

   • Asmaka was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas located in the Deccan region

   • It was indeed situated on the banks of the Godavari River

   • This region is present-day Karnataka and Maharashtra

2. Kamboja – Vipas ✓ CORRECT

   • Kamboja was located in the northwest region of ancient India

   • It was situated between the Vipas (Beas) and Sutlej rivers

   • This region corresponds to present-day Punjab and parts of Himachal Pradesh

3. Avanti – Mahanadi ✗ INCORRECT

   • Avanti was indeed one of the powerful Mahajanapadas of central India

   • However, it was situated on the banks of the Shipra River (not Mahanadi)

   • Mahanadi is associated with Odisha, which had different kingdoms

   • Avanti’s capital was Ujjain, located in present-day Madhya Pradesh

4. Kosala – Sarayu ✓ CORRECT

   • Kosala was a major Mahajanapada in northern India

   • It was located on the banks of the Sarayu River

   • Present-day Uttar Pradesh corresponds to ancient Kosala

   • This was one of the most powerful kingdoms of its time

Historical Significance:
The Mahajanapadas were crucial political entities that eventually consolidated
into the Maurya Empire. Understanding their geographical locations helps trace
the development of Indian political geography.

QUESTION 2
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Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

1. Nayaputta ✗ INCORRECT

   • This epithet means “one born to the clan” but was NOT commonly used for Buddha

   • This is a historical inaccuracy in the question design

   • Buddha is never referred to as Nayaputta in classical texts

2. Shakyamuni ✓ CORRECT

   • Shakyamuni literally means “the Sage of the Shakyas”

   • This epithet refers to Buddha’s clan (Shakya) and his role as a sage/ascetic

   • This is one of the most famous and respected titles of Gautama Buddha

   • It emphasizes his origin from the Shakya clan and his spiritual wisdom

3. Tathagata ✓ CORRECT

   • Tathagata means “one who has thus gone” or “one who has thus come”

   • It signifies Buddha’s achievement of enlightenment and transcendence

   • This is a supremely important epithet indicating Buddha’s spiritual realization

   • Used frequently in Buddhist scriptures and texts

   • Represents Buddha’s passage through the cycle of existence

Religious Significance:
These epithets showcase Buddha’s dual identity—as a historical person from the
Shakya clan and as an enlightened being who transcended worldly existence.

QUESTION 3
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Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3

Explanation:

1. Chandraketugarh – Odisha – Trading Port town ✗ INCORRECT

   • Chandraketugarh is actually located in WEST BENGAL, not Odisha

   • It is indeed a trading port town, but the location is wrong

   • It was a significant port during the Maurya and post-Maurya periods

   • This site is famous for terracotta art and trading activities

2. Inamgaon – Maharashtra – Chalcolithic site ✓ CORRECT

   • Located in Maharashtra (Ahmednagar district)

   • It is indeed a Chalcolithic (Copper Stone Age) settlement

   • Dating to around 3600-1400 BCE approximately

   • Shows evidence of agricultural settlements and copper tools

   • Important for understanding pre-Harappan cultures

3. Mangadu – Kerala – Megalithic site ✓ CORRECT

   • Located in Kerala’s backwaters region

   • It is indeed a megalithic site

   • Represents the megalithic culture of southern India

   • Shows evidence of ancient settlements and stone monuments

4. Salihundam – Andhra Pradesh – Rock-cut shrines ✗ INCORRECT

   • Salihundam is located in Andhra Pradesh – this is CORRECT

   • However, it is famous for Buddhist STUPAS and votive stupas

   • NOT primarily known for rock-cut shrines

   • It contains important archaeological remains from the Buddhist period

Archaeological Significance:
These sites represent different periods and cultures—from pre-Harappan to
megalithic to Buddhist periods, showing India’s continuous cultural development.

QUESTION 4
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Correct Answer: (b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli

Explanation:

(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
– Built in the 11th century CE (approximately 1000-1100 CE)
– Constructed by Somvanshi King Yayati I
– Represents Kalinga style of temple architecture
– One of the largest temples in Odisha

(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli ✓ EARLIEST
– Created during Ashoka’s reign (272-231 BCE)
– The oldest among all the options listed
– Rock-cut elephant shows animal’s foreparts with fine form and movement
– One of the few remains of Mauryan art
– Located at Dhauli in Odisha, site of Ashoka’s Rock Edicts
– Pre-dates most other monuments by over 1000 years

(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
– Built in the 7th-8th centuries CE
– Constructed by Pallava king Narasimha Varman I
– Famous for rock-cut temples and monolithic rathas
– Represents Pallava architectural achievement

(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri
– Created in the 5th century CE
– Represents Gupta period sculpture
– Depicts Varaha Avatar rescuing Earth from cosmic waters
– Excellent example of classical Gupta art

Historical Context:
The chronological order is: Dhauli (272 BCE) → Udayagiri (5th century CE) →
Mahabalipuram (7th-8th century CE) → Lingaraja Temple (11th century CE)

This demonstrates how Indian art evolved from Mauryan to Gupta to medieval periods.

QUESTION 5
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Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were sects of Jainism ✗ INCORRECT

   • Sautrantika was actually a school of BUDDHISM, NOT Jainism

   • Sammitiya (also called Sammatiya) was ALSO a Buddhist school

   • Both were schools within Hinayana Buddhism

   • They split from the Theravada tradition

   • There is confusion in the question since both were Buddhist, not Jain

2. Sarvastivadin held that constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary ✓ CORRECT

   • Sarvastivadin was a Buddhist philosophical school

   • “Sarva-asti-vada” literally means “everything exists”

   • This school believed that all dharmas (elements) existed eternally

   • Unlike Theravada which accepted momentariness, Sarvastivadin believed
     in the permanent existence of dharmas in past, present, and future

   • This is the philosophical position this school was known for

3. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika ✓ CORRECT

   • Lokottaravadin literally means “transcending the world”

   • This sect indeed emerged from the Mahasanghika school of Buddhism

   • Lokottaravadins believed in a transcendent Buddha (not purely historical)

   • They supported the Bodhisattva concept more explicitly

   • This was an important development in the evolution toward Mahayana Buddhism

Buddhist Sectarian Development:
The early Buddhist community split into multiple schools with different
philosophical positions on the nature of Buddha, Dharmas, and the path to
enlightenment.

QUESTION 6
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Correct Answer: (c) Only three pairs

Explanation:

1. Devichandragupta – Bilhana ✓ CORRECT

   • Bilhana was a 12th century Sanskrit poet

   • He authored “Devichandragupta” – a romantic drama

   • Also wrote “Vikramankadevacharita” (biography of King Vikrama)

   • One of the most celebrated poets of medieval India

2. Hammira-Mahakavya – Nayachandra Suri ✓ CORRECT

   • Written in the 13th century

   • A Jain poet’s composition celebrating Hammira (Hammir) Deo of Ranthambhore

   • Describes the famous siege of Ranthambhore by Alauddin Khalji

   • Important historical source for medieval Indian history

3. Milinda-panha – Nagarjuna ✗ INCORRECT

   • “Milinda-panha” (Questions of Milinda) is actually attributed to Nagasena

   • NOT Nagarjuna (the Buddhist philosopher)

   • Nagarjuna (c. 150-250 CE) was a renowned Buddhist philosopher

   • He authored “Madhyamaka Karika” and other philosophical texts

   • Nagasena was a Buddhist monk who engaged in philosophical dialogue
     with Greek King Menander (Milinda)

   • This is a crucial distinction in Buddhist philosophical history

4. Nitivakyamrita – Somadeva Suri ✓ CORRECT

   • Written by Somadeva Suri, a 10th century Jain scholar

   • A didactic work on ethics, morality, and governance

   • Collection of wise sayings and moral aphorisms

   • Represents Jain intellectual traditions

Scholarly Significance:
These literary works provide invaluable insights into the philosophical, ethical,
and historical concerns of ancient and medieval Indian societies.

QUESTION 7
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Correct Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

1. Burzahom – Rock-cut shrines ✗ INCORRECT

   • Burzahom is located in Kashmir

   • It is NOT primarily known for rock-cut shrines

   • Burzahom is famous for Neolithic settlements

   • Shows evidence of early human settlements, pottery, and tools

   • Represents pre-Bronze Age culture

   • The name means “place of birch trees” in Kashmiri

2. Chandraketugarh – Terracotta art ✓ CORRECT

   • Located in West Bengal (near Kolkata)

   • Indeed famous for exceptional terracotta art

   • Produces beautiful terracotta sculptures and figurines

   • Important trading port of the ancient period

   • Shows influence from Maurya and post-Maurya periods

3. Ganeshwar – Copper artefacts ✓ CORRECT

   • Located in Rajasthan (in Sikar district)

   • Specifically known for copper artefacts and copper tools

   • Represents Chalcolithic period culture

   • Contains extensive evidence of copper working

   • Shows advanced metallurgical knowledge of ancient times

Archaeological Implications:
Different sites represent different aspects of ancient Indian development—
terracotta art at Chandraketugarh, copper metallurgy at Ganeshwar, and
Neolithic culture at Burzahom.

QUESTION 8
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Correct Answer: (b) Only two pairs

Explanation:

1. Nannuka – Chandela ✓ CORRECT

   • Nannuka (also called Nannaraja) was indeed a Chandela ruler

   • Chandela dynasty was prominent in central India (Khajuraho region)

   • The Chandellas built the famous Khajuraho temples

   • Nannuka was among the early Chandela rulers

2. Jayashakti – Paramara ✓ CORRECT

   • Jayashakti (also called Jayavarman) was a Paramara ruler

   • Paramara dynasty ruled Malwa region (present-day Madhya Pradesh)

   • Based in Ujjain and Dhar

   • Jayashakti was an important early ruler

   • The Paramaras were known for their military prowess and architecture

3. Nagabhata II – Gurjara-Pratihara ✗ INCORRECT

   • Nagabhata II was indeed a Gurjara-Pratihara ruler – this is CORRECT

   • BUT the pairing might have issues in how options are constructed

   • Nagabhata II was a powerful Pratihara ruler (8th-9th century)

   • He expanded Pratihara power significantly

   • Note: The historical accuracy here depends on exact question construction

4. Bhoja – Rashtrakuta ✗ INCORRECT

   • Bhoja was NOT a Rashtrakuta ruler

   • Bhoja was actually a PARAMARA king (not in correct dynasty)

   • Bhoja was one of the greatest medieval Indian rulers (11th century)

   • He ruled from Dhar and Ujjain

   • He was famous for his patronage of arts and learning

   • His court was known for scholars like Bhoja’s own writings and patronage

Historical Context:
The early medieval period saw the rise of multiple regional powers after Gupta
decline, each establishing their own dynastic lineages and cultural achievements.

QUESTION 9
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Correct Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

1. The first Mongol invasion during Jalal-ud-din Khalji’s reign ✗ INCORRECT

   • Jalal-ud-din Khalji did face Mongol invasions

   • However, this was NOT the FIRST Mongol invasion of India

   • Earlier Mongol incursions had occurred in the Sindh region

   • The Mongols under various leaders had raided Indian territories before

   • So this statement is PARTIALLY true but not the first invasion

2. Ala-ud-din Khalji faced Mongol assault marching to Delhi ✓ CORRECT

   • During Ala-ud-din Khalji’s reign (1296-1316 CE), Mongol invasions occurred

   • The most famous was around 1303 CE

   • A Mongol force indeed marched up to Delhi and besieged the city

   • Ala-ud-din’s military preparations successfully repelled the Mongols

   • His market reforms and military organization were responses to Mongol threats

3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq lost territories to Mongols ✗ INCORRECT

   • Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq ruled later (1325-1351 CE)

   • By this period, Mongol invasions had significantly declined

   • He did face various internal and external challenges

   • But NOT significant Mongol invasions that caused territorial loss

   • Mongol pressure had shifted more to Central Asia by then

Historical Significance:
The Mongol invasions profoundly affected Delhi Sultanate politics, leading to
military reorganization and architectural fortification of Delhi.

QUESTION 10
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Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves ✗ INCORRECT

   • While Badami has important rock-cut caves, they are NOT the oldest

   • Badami cave temples date to the 6th century CE (Chalukya period)

   • They are primarily Hindu and Jain cave temples

   • However, earlier rock-cut caves existed in India

   • The Barabar caves predate Badami significantly

2. Barabar rock-cut caves made for Ajivikas by Chandragupta Maurya ✓ CORRECT

   • Located in Bihar

   • Made during Mauryan period (around 3rd century BCE)

   • Specifically commissioned for Ajivika sect (not Buddhist or Hindu)

   • Chandragupta Maurya (founder of Maurya Empire) made grants to Ajivikas

   • Contains inscriptions in Brahmi script

   • Are among the OLDEST surviving rock-cut caves in India

   • Represent earliest phase of rock-cut architecture

3. At Ellora, caves made for different faiths ✓ CORRECT

   • Ellora caves are remarkable for their religious pluralism

   • Contains Buddhist caves (Viharas and Chaityas)

   • Contains Hindu caves and Shiva temples

   • Contains Jain caves and temples

   • Represents synthesis of different religious traditions

   • Dating from 5th to 12th century CE approximately

   • Shows the coexistence and mutual influence of religions

Architectural Evolution:
Rock-cut cave architecture in India evolved from simple chambers (Barabar) to
elaborate religious complexes (Ajanta, Ellora, Badami), showing increasing
sophistication in engineering and decoration.

Daily Static Quiz

also read: Early Medieval India