Shungas, Kanvas, and Mahameghavahana represent significant periods in ancient Indian history, shaping the cultural and political landscape. The Shunga dynasty emerged post-Mauryan rule, contributing to art and architecture. The Kanvas followed, marking an era of literary excellence and philosophical developments. Mahameghavahana, associated with ancient Kalinga, played a crucial role in the maritime trade network.
MCQs with Answers and Explanations
1. Who among the following was a contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga?
- Patanjali
- Kalidas
- Heliodorus
- Vasudeva
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Correct Answer: Patanjali
Patanjali, the great grammarian, is believed to have been a contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga. Patanjali is known for his significant contributions to the field of Sanskrit grammar and is often associated with the compilation of the “Mahabhashya,” a commentary on selected rules of Sanskrit grammar, including those from Panini’s “Ashtadhyayi” and Katyayana’s “Varttika.”
2. Who wrote the Mahabhashya?
- Panini
- Patanjali
- Kalidas
- Tulsidas
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Correct Answer: Patanjali
Patanjali’s “Mahabhashya” is indeed a renowned work in the realm of Sanskrit grammar. It serves as a commentary that elaborates on specific rules of grammar found in Panini’s “Ashtadhyayi” and Katyayana’s “Varttika.” Patanjali’s work has played a pivotal role in the understanding and study of Sanskrit grammar.
3. Who was the last Mauryan ruler who was killed by his Commander-in-Chief?
- Dasaratha
- Kun-ala
- Samprati
- Brihadratha
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Correct Answer: Brihadratha
Pushyamitra Sunga assassinated Brihadratha, the last Mauryan ruler, and subsequently established the Sunga Dynasty. This transition marked a significant shift in Indian dynastic history.
4. Who was the founder of the Sunga Dynasty?
- Pushyamitra
- Agnimitra
- Vasumitra
- Vajramitra
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Correct Answer: Pushyamitra
Pushyamitra laid the foundation of the Sunga Dynasty by assassinating Brihadratha, the last ruler of the Mauryan Empire.
5. Who wrote Malvikagnimitra?
- Kalidas
- Tulsidas
- Agnimitra
- Chanakya
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Correct Answer: Kalidas
“Malvikagnimitra” is a five-act Sanskrit drama written by the renowned poet Kalidas. It revolves around the love story of King Agnimitra of the Sunga dynasty and Vidharbha princess Malvika, featuring elements of romance, intrigue, and royal drama.
6. Who was the last ruler of the Mauryan Dynasty, assassinated by Pushyamitra Sunga, his commander-in-chief?
- Bindusara
- Chandragupta
- Brihadrata
- Ashokavardhan
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Correct Answer: Brihadrata
Brihadratha, the last Mauryan king, met his end at the hands of Pushyamitra Shunga, who subsequently founded the Shunga dynasty. This act marked the demise of the Mauryan dynasty and the rise of the Shunga rule.
7. Agnimitra, the hero of Kalidasa’s “Malvikagnimitram,” was a king of which of the following dynasties?
- Sunga
- Kanva
- Satavahana
- Maurya
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Correct Answer: Sunga
Agnimitra, the hero of Kalidasa’s play “Malvikagnimitram,” was a king of the Sunga dynasty. The play portrays Agnimitra’s love for Malvika, a maid servant who is later revealed to be of royal birth.
8. Which king assassinated Brihadratha, the last Mauryan king?
- Pushyamitra Shunga
- Agnimitra
- Vasumitra
- Vasujyeshtha
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Correct Answer: Pushyamitra Shunga
Brihadratha, the last Mauryan king, was assassinated by Pushyamitra Shunga, who then established the Shunga dynasty.
9. During the reign of which dynasty were some Greeks converted to the Vaishnava cult?
- Shungas
- Nandas
- Shakas
- Satavahanas
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Correct Answer: Shungas
ome Greeks were converted to the Vaishnava cult during the rule of the Shunga dynasty. This reflects the period’s cultural and religious exchanges, as Buddhism and Hinduism coexisted and interacted with other beliefs.
10. Who was the first Indo-Greek king to embrace Buddhism?
- Antiochus II
- Apollodotus I
- Apollodotus II
- Menander II
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Correct Answer: Menander II
Menander II, an Indo-Greek king, was the first to embrace Buddhism and became a patron of the religion. His conversion had a notable impact on the spread and promotion of Buddhism in the region.
11. How many Ashvamedha sacrifices did Pushyamitra, the founder of the Sunga Dynasty, perform?
- None
- 1
- 2
- 3
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Correct Answer: 2
Pushyamitra Sunga, who established the Sunga Dynasty by assassinating the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha, performed two Ashvamedha sacrifices during his rule. These sacrifices were conducted to promote orthodox Brahmanical faith and establish his rule as a patron of the Hindu tradition.
12. How was the hero of Kalidasa’s “Malvikagnimitra” related to Pushyamitra Sunga?
- His grandson
- His son
- His father
- His brother
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Correct Answer: His son
Agnimitra, the hero of “Malvikagnimitram,” was the son of Pushyamitra Sunga. His rule followed his father’s reign and was central to the play’s narrative.
13. Which ancient Indian play refers to the defeat of Yavanas (Greeks) on the bank of the River Sindhu by Vasumitra?
- Malvikagnimitram
- Dasakumarcharita
- Raghuvamsa
- Vikramorvashiyam
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Correct Answer: Malvikagnimitram
The play “Malvikagnimitram” includes references to Vasumitra, the son of Agnimitra, who is depicted as achieving victory over a group of Yavanas (Greeks) on the right bank of the River Sindhu.
14. Who became the ruler of the Shunga dynasty after the death of Agnimitra?
- Bhagabhadra
- Devabhuti
- Pulindaka
- Vasumitra
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Correct Answer: Vasumitra
Vasumitra succeeded Agnimitra as the ruler of the Shunga dynasty, reflecting the dynastic lineage and transitions during this period.
15. Who was the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty?
- Agnimitra
- Devabhuti
- Brihadratha
- Pushyamitra Shunga
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Correct Answer: Devabhuti
Devabhuti, also known as Devbhomi, was the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty. He met his end through assassination by his minister Vasudeva Kanva, leading to the rise of the Kanva dynasty.
16. Against which kingdoms did Kharvela lead successful campaigns?
- Chola
- Satavahana
- Cheras
- Pandyas
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Correct Answer: Satavahana
King Kharvela was the ruler of the Chedi dynasty and is famous for leading successful campaigns against various kingdoms, including the Satavahanas, Anga, and Magadha. His military campaigns showcased the power and expansion of the Chedi dynasty.
17. Who was the second ruler of the Shunga dynasty?
- Agnimitra
- Pushyamitra Shunga
- Devabhuti
- Brihadratha
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Correct Answer: Agnimitra
Agnimitra was the second ruler of the Shunga dynasty after the death of Pushyamitra Shunga.
18. Who is the hero of Kalidasa’s “Malvikagnimitram”?
- Kanishka
- Pushyamitra Sunga
- Devabhuti
- Agnimitra
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Correct Answer: Agnimitra
Agnimitra is the hero of Kalidasa’s play “Malvikagnimitram.”
19. Who killed Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty?
- Brihadratha
- Vasudeva Kanva
- Narayana Kanva
- Bhumimitra Kanva
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Correct Answer: Vasudeva Kanva
Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty, was killed by his own minister Vasudeva Kanva, who then founded the Kanva dynasty.
20. During which period did the emergence of various mixed castes occur?
- Mauryan period
- Shunga period
- Kanva period
- Gupta period
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Correct Answer: Shunga period
The emergence of various mixed castes occurred during the Shunga period. This period also witnessed the integration of foreigners into Indian society.
21. Which of the following kings succeeded Vasudev Kanva?
- Bhumimitra Kanva
- Narayana Kanva
- Susharman
- Brihadratha
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Correct Answer: Bhumimitra Kanva
Bhumimitra Kanva succeeded Vasudev Kanva as the second king of the Kanva dynasty. He fought wars against the Satavahanas and ruled for fourteen years. Bhumimitra was later succeeded by his son Narayana.
22. In which century did Kalinga rise to power after the decline of the Mauryan empire?
- 1st century B.C.
- 2nd century B.C.
- 1st century A.D.
- 2nd century A.D.
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Correct Answer: 1st century B.C.
After the decline of the Mauryan empire, Kalinga rose to power in the 1st century B.C. in the area of modern Odisha. The ruling dynasty during this period, known as the Chedi dynasty, gained prominence.
23. From which place were the Hathigumpha inscriptions found?
- Amarkanthak
- Barabar caves
- Udayagiri Hills
- Ajanta caves
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Correct Answer: Udayagiri Hills
The Hathigumpha inscriptions are a significant historical source that provides essential information about Kharavela, the ruler of the Chedi dynasty. These inscriptions were discovered in a cave in Udayagiri, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
24. To which sect did King Kharvela belong?
- Buddhism
- Jainism
- Brahmanism
- Shaivism
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Correct Answer: Jainism
King Kharvela, as revealed by historical records, was a follower of Jainism. This faith played a vital role in shaping his reign and the history of the Chedi dynasty, known for its military conquests and inscriptional achievements.
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