Dive into the fascinating world of literature from ancient and medieval times with this comprehensive guide. Our article, Literature – Ancient & Medieval GK MCQs With Answer & Explanation in English, is designed to test and expand your knowledge of timeless works, influential authors, and literary traditions from these eras.
Perfect for students, educators, and enthusiasts, this resource offers carefully curated multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to enhance your understanding of ancient and medieval literature.
1. Adya Dhara niradhara, niralamba Saraswati, thus lamented a poet at the demise of which among the following Kings?
- Chahmana Visaladeva
- Chandela Kirtivarma
- Mihira Bhoja
- Bhoja Paramara
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Answer: Bhoja Paramara
The poet’s lament refers to Raja Bhoja, a philosopher king and polymath from the Paramara dynasty of Malwa, India. The lament, “Adya Dhara niradhara, niralamba Saraswati Panditah khanditah sarve Bhojraje divam gate,” mourns his passing. Raja Bhoja, who ruled during the 11th century, was known for his patronage of arts, literature, and sciences. His reign is often remembered as a golden era of scholarship and cultural advancement in India.
2. Sayana, an important commentator on Vedas was associated with which among the following empires?
- Chola Empire
- Vijayanagar Empire
- Hoyasala Empire
- Bahmani Empire
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Answer: Vijayanagar Empire
Sayana was an influential commentator on the Vedas. He was associated with the Vijayanagar Empire, flourishing during the rule of Bukka I and Harihara II in the 14th century. Sayana’s commentaries played a significant role in elucidating the Vedic texts, making them more accessible and understandable for scholars and students.
3. Who among the following authors is known for his satires exposing the evils of contemporary society?
- Ksemendra
- Pravarsena
- Sriharsa
- Visakhadutta
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Answer: Ksemendra
Ksemendra, a Kashmirian poet from the 11th century, was known for his satirical works that exposed the social weaknesses and corruption of his contemporary society. His writings, such as ‘Kalavilas’ and ‘Narma Mala,’ provide valuable insights into the societal issues and the intellectual climate of his time.
4. In which century was the Rajatarangini of Kalhana composed?
- 10th
- 11th
- 12th
- 13th
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Answer: 12th
The ‘Rajatarangini’ is a historical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir composed by Kalhana in the 12th century CE. This important work offers a comprehensive account of the history, politics, and culture of northwestern India, particularly the region of Kashmir.
5. Veda which is partly in prose and partly in verses is?
- Rigveda
- Samaveda
- Yajurveda
- Atharvaveda
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Answer: Yajurveda
The Yajurveda is one of the four Vedas in ancient Indian scriptures. It consists of both verses and prose and is primarily focused on prayers, sacrificial formulae, and instructions for conducting various rituals and sacrifices. It plays a fundamental role in the Vedic tradition.
6. Which among the following ancient authors has complained of the drain of gold to India (due to trade hegemony of ancient India)?
- Ptolemy
- Nero
- Strabo
- Pliny
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Answer: Pliny
Pliny the Elder, a Roman writer in the 1st century A.D., lamented the outflow of gold from Rome to India due to the importation of luxury goods from India. This indicates the ancient trade and economic influence of India, with Roman records acknowledging the significant trade relationship between the two regions.
7. Who among the following is the author of Kitab-ur-Rehla?
- Maulana Sharafuddin Ali
- Amir Timur
- Ibn-i-Batuta
- Khwaja Abdullah Malik Isami
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Answer: Ibn-i-Batuta
Ibn-i-Batuta was an Arab traveler from Morocco, known for his extensive travels across Asia, Africa, and Europe during the 14th century. He authored ‘Kitab-ur-Rehla,’ which provides valuable insights into the socio-political conditions, cultures, and societies of the regions he visited during his remarkable journeys.
8. Which among the following was the work of Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq?
- Fautuhat-i-Ferozshahi
- Fatawa-i-Jahandari
- Tarikh-i-Ferozshahi
- Tughlaqnama
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Answer: Fautuhat-i-Ferozshahi
Fautuhat-i-Ferozshahi’ was authored by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq, a Turkic Muslim ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty who reigned over the Sultanate of Delhi from 1351 to 1388 A.D. This historical work is an account of his reign and the socio-political conditions of his time.
9. Who among the following Arab scholars studied Sanskrit and astronomy for a decade at Varanasi?
- Alberuni
- Amir Khusrau
- Al’bidari
- Al’Masher
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Answer: Alberuni
Alberuni was an Arab astronomer and scholar who studied Sanskrit and astronomy during his decade-long stay in Varanasi (Kashi), a significant center of learning and culture in ancient India. His observations and studies contributed to a better understanding of Indian knowledge systems.
10. To which of the following parvas of Mahabharata does the Bhagavad Gita belong?
- Vana Parva
- Bhishma Parva
- Drona Parva
- Shanti Parva
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Answer: Bhishma Parva
The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred text that is part of the Mahabharata, one of the major Indian epics. It is situated within the Bhishma Parva, which is one of the 18 parvas or sections of the Mahabharata, emphasizing its importance in the epic narrative.
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