Post-Mauryan India: 46 MCQs with answers

D · Pushyamitra Shunga

Pushyamitra Shunga, the commander-in-chief of the last Maurya emperor, assassinated him around 185 BCE and founded the Shunga dynasty.

C · Satavahanas

The Satavahanas ruled large parts of the Deccan from the 2nd century BCE and were sometimes referred to as 'Andhras'.

D · Association or coming together

Sangam is derived from Sanskrit 'sangha', meaning 'association' or 'coming together', referring to an assembly of poets.

D · Indo-Greeks

The Indo-Greeks, Shakas, and Kushanas were dynasties from outside the subcontinent, while Shungas, Satavahanas, and Chedis were from within.

B · False

The Shunga empire did not last long after Pushyamitra; it declined about a century later.

B · Satavahana

The Satavahana dynasty is known for issuing coins depicting ships, indicating the importance of maritime trade.

C · To establish royal authority

The Ashvamedha yajna was primarily conducted by rulers to establish and legitimize their royal authority.

B · Hathigumpha

The Hathigumpha inscription records the accomplishments of King Kharavela year after year.

B · Gautami Balashri

Gautami Balashri, a Satavahana queen, is noted for performing the Ashvamedha yajna as recorded in inscriptions.

C · Kaveripattinam

Kaveripattinam was a major port city of the Cheras, facilitating trade and commerce.

C · Brahmi

The Hathigumpha inscription is written in the Brahmi script, which was widely used during that period.

C · Buddha

The Bharhut Stupa is renowned for its beautifully carved reliefs depicting stories from the life of Buddha.

B · Satavahana

The Satavahana dynasty is also known as the 'Andhras', ruling large parts of the Deccan.

B · Pushyamitra

Pushyamitra is credited with founding the Shunga dynasty after the fall of the Maurya empire.

D · Tamil

The term 'Sangam' refers to the Tamil literary tradition, particularly the oldest literature in South India.

B · Shungas

The Shungas patronised art and architecture, and the Bharhut Stupa's railings and reliefs are considered some of the earliest examples of Buddhist art, added during the Shunga period.

B · Gautamiputra Satakarni

Gautamiputra Satakarni was named after his mother, Gautami Balashri, following the Satavahana tradition of naming princes after their mothers.

D · Brahmi

The Hathigumpha inscription is written in Brahmi script and records King Kharavela's military campaigns and welfare works.

A · Vanji (Karur)

Vanji (Karur) was the capital of the Cheras, while Madurai was the Pandya capital and Uraiyur was the Chola capital.

C · Collections of poems

Sangam literature consists of several collections or anthologies of poems composed by poets, and it is much consulted by historians.

A · Declare their position as the king

The Ashvamedha yajna was conducted by rulers to declare their supremacy as king; a horse was left to wander, and any territory it crossed unchallenged became part of the king's empire.

D · Collection of tolls and taxes and as resting places for traders

The Naneghat caves, located near a major trade route, were used for collection of tolls and taxes and as resting places for traders.

B · Weak central control and economic decline

The Satavahana Empire fragmented due to weak central control and gradual economic decline, paving the way for regional powers.

C · Satavahanas

The Pitalkhora caves in Maharashtra, featuring a yaksha sculpture, were carved during the Satavahana period.

A · True

Satavahana coins bearing the image of a seafaring ship with two masts indicate the significance of maritime trade in their economy.

A · Shunga

The Shunga dynasty is recognized for its significant contributions to arts and literature, fostering a rich cultural environment after the Mauryan period.

D · Regional kingdoms emerged with local rulers.

After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, India saw the emergence of regional kingdoms, each ruled by local dynasties, leading to a decentralized political structure.

A · They established extensive trade networks, including maritime routes.

The Satavahana dynasty is known for establishing extensive trade networks, including maritime routes, which facilitated commerce with foreign lands.

D · It was a means to assert royal authority and legitimacy.

The Ashvamedha yajna was a ritual conducted by rulers to assert their authority and legitimacy over their kingdoms, reinforcing their status as sovereigns.

A · Hathigumpha inscription

The Hathigumpha inscription is significant as it records the accomplishments of King Kharavela, providing insights into his reign and achievements.

B · The flourishing of Sangam literature.

The Sangam literature represents a major cultural achievement of the post-Mauryan period in South India, showcasing its rich literary tradition.

A · It features carvings depicting the life of Buddha.

The Bharhut Stupa is known for its intricate carvings that depict various stories from the life of Buddha, showcasing the artistic achievements of the time.

A · Satavahana

The Satavahana dynasty is particularly noted for its contributions to rock-cut architecture, exemplified by the caves at Ajanta and Ellora.

D · The coastal regions of South India

The coastal regions of South India were significantly influenced by maritime trade, which facilitated cultural and economic exchanges with other regions.

A · Fragmentation into smaller states.

The political structure in post-Mauryan kingdoms was characterized by fragmentation into smaller states, each governed by local rulers, leading to a diverse political landscape.

A · A widow queen of the Satavahana dynasty

The Naneghat caves inscriptions mention a Satavahana widow queen who remarkably performed several Vedic rituals, including the Ashvamedha yajna.

A · Increased agricultural productivity

Increased agricultural productivity allowed post-Mauryan kingdoms to support larger populations and trade, leading to economic prosperity.

D · It fostered cooperation among coastal kingdoms

Maritime trade fostered cooperation among coastal kingdoms, enhancing their political alliances and economic interactions.

D · It reflected the religious and cultural aspirations of the time

Rock-cut architecture reflected the religious and cultural aspirations of the time, showcasing the artistic achievements of the period.

A · They provided detailed accounts of rulers' achievements and policies

Inscriptions provided detailed accounts of rulers' achievements and policies, helping historians understand the socio-political dynamics of the time.

C · They promoted literature, art, and trade

The Satavahana dynasty promoted literature, art, and trade, significantly contributing to the cultural landscape of the post-Mauryan period.

B · Internal strife and succession issues

Internal strife and succession issues were significant factors that contributed to the decline of the Satavahana Empire in the 3rd century CE.

A · It served as a tool for legitimizing authority and expanding territory

The Ashvamedha yajna served as a tool for legitimizing authority and expanding territory, highlighting its political significance.

A · It set a precedent for narrative reliefs in Buddhist art

The Bharhut Stupa set a precedent for narrative reliefs in Buddhist art, significantly influencing the development of artistic styles in the post-Mauryan period.

B · They facilitated trade and economic specialization

Trade guilds facilitated trade and economic specialization, playing a crucial role in shaping the economy of post-Mauryan kingdoms.

B · It led to a rich exchange of ideas and artistic styles

Foreign trade led to a rich exchange of ideas and artistic styles, significantly influencing the cultural landscape during the post-Mauryan period.