Basic Quiz – 21 October 2026 | Ancient History

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: The Great Bath is an important public structure discovered at Mohenjo-daro, located in present-day Pakistan.
• Statement 2 – Correct: Dholavira is a major Harappan site located on Khadir Bet in the Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat.
• Statement 3 – Incorrect: The Harappan script remains undeciphered. Consequently, our understanding of Harappan society depends largely on archaeological evidence.
• Statement 4 – Correct: The Harappans used standardised weights, commonly made of chert, which facilitated trade and exchange.

Remember:

• Mohenjo-daro – Great Bath
• Lothal – Dockyard-like basin
• Dholavira – Sophisticated water management system
• Kalibangan – Evidence of a ploughed field
• Harappa – Located on the Ravi River in present-day Pakistan

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: The Rigveda is the oldest Veda and contains hymns dedicated to various deities, including Indra, Agni and Varuna.
• Statement 2 – Correct: Sabha and Samiti were important assemblies mentioned in Rigvedic literature, although their precise composition and functions remain debated.
• Statement 3 – Incorrect: Agriculture was practised during the Early Vedic Period, although pastoralism and cattle rearing occupied a prominent position in the economy.
• Statement 4 – Correct: During the Later Vedic Period, settlements expanded eastward into the western Ganga plains, accompanied by the growing importance of agriculture.

Remember:

• Rigveda – Collection of hymns
• Samaveda – Melodies and chants
• Yajurveda – Sacrificial formulas
• Atharvaveda – Hymns, spells and rituals
• The Rigvedic economy was predominantly pastoral, whereas agriculture became increasingly important during the Later Vedic Period.

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, near Varanasi. This event is known as Dharmachakra Pravartana, or the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.
• Statement 2 – Correct: Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Rishabhanatha is traditionally regarded as the first Tirthankara.
• Statement 3 – Correct: Buddhism teaches the Middle Path, which avoids both excessive sensual indulgence and extreme asceticism.
• Statement 4 – Incorrect: Ahimsa is one of the most fundamental principles of Jainism. It emphasises non-violence towards living beings.

Remember:

• Buddha’s birthplace – Lumbini
• Enlightenment – Bodh Gaya
• First sermon – Sarnath
• Mahaparinirvana – Kushinagar
• Mahavira’s birthplace – Kundagrama, traditionally associated with the Vaishali region
• Mahavira’s Nirvana – Pavapuri, Bihar

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan Empire around 322 BCE, overthrowing the Nanda dynasty in Magadha.
• Statement 2 – Correct: Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador associated with the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote Indica, which provides information about Mauryan India.
• Statement 3 – Correct: The Kalinga War, generally dated to around 261 BCE, profoundly influenced Ashoka’s emphasis on Dhamma, non-violence and moral governance.
• Statement 4 – Incorrect: The Arthashastra is traditionally attributed to Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, rather than Kalidasa.

Remember:

• Chandragupta Maurya – Founder of the Mauryan Empire
• Bindusara – Successor of Chandragupta Maurya
• Ashoka – Associated with Dhamma and rock and pillar edicts
• Megasthenes – Indica
• Kautilya – Arthashastra
• Ashoka’s Major Rock Edict XIII – Discusses the Kalinga War and its consequences

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: The Prayaga Prashasti provides important information about Samudragupta’s military campaigns, political achievements and relations with other rulers.
• Statement 2 – Correct: Harisena, a court poet and official of Samudragupta, composed the Prayaga Prashasti in Sanskrit.
• Statement 3 – Correct: Aryabhata, the mathematician and astronomer, composed the Aryabhatiya in 499 CE. His work made important contributions to mathematics and astronomy.
• Statement 4 – Incorrect: Gold coins were issued in India before the Gupta period, notably by the Kushanas. The Guptas are particularly known for their extensive and artistically refined gold coinage.

Remember:

• Samudragupta – Prayaga Prashasti
• Harisena – Composer of Prayaga Prashasti
• Chandragupta II – Associated with the title Vikramaditya
• Aryabhata – Aryabhatiya
• Kalidasa – Abhijnanashakuntalam, Meghaduta and Raghuvamsha
• Fa-Hien (Faxian) – Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II