61. Who among the following is considered the author of the Tamil epic ‘Silappadikaram’?
(a) Thiruvalluvar
(b) Ilango Adigal
(c) Kamban
(d) Periyar
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Answer: (b) Ilango Adigal
📖 Explanation:
- Ilango Adigal is credited with writing ‘Silappadikaram,’ one of the greatest Tamil epics (✔).
- It narrates the tragic love story of Kannagi and Kovalan.
62. Which among the following rulers is credited with the construction of the famous rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram?
(a) Rajaraja Chola
(b) Narasimhavarman I
(c) Krishna I
(d) Harsha
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Answer: (b) Narasimhavarman I
📖 Explanation:
- The rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram, including the Pancha Rathas, were built by Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) (✔).
- These structures reflect the early Dravidian temple architecture.
63. The famous ‘Allahabad Pillar Inscription’ describes the achievements of which ruler?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Harsha
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Answer: (c) Samudragupta
📖 Explanation:
- The Allahabad Pillar Inscription was composed by Harisena and describes the military achievements of Samudragupta (✔).
- It praises him as a warrior and patron of arts.
64. The ‘Gandhara School of Art’ flourished during the reign of which dynasty?
(a) Maurya
(b) Gupta
(c) Kushana
(d) Satavahana
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Answer: (c) Kushana
📖 Explanation:
- The Gandhara School of Art developed under the Kushanas, especially during Kanishka’s rule (✔).
- It blended Greco-Roman and Indian styles in Buddhist sculptures.
65. The famous ‘Mehrauli Iron Pillar’ inscription is associated with which ruler?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta II
(d) Harsha
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✅
Answer: (c) Chandragupta II
📖 Explanation:
- The Mehrauli Iron Pillar, located in Delhi, is attributed to Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) (✔).
- It is known for its rust-resistant quality, showcasing ancient Indian metallurgy.
66. The famous ‘Prayag Prashasti’ was composed by which court poet?
(a) Banabhatta
(b) Kalidasa
(c) Harisena
(d) Varahamihira
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Answer: (c) Harisena
📖 Explanation:
- Harisena composed the Prayag Prashasti, which details Samudragupta’s conquests (✔).
- It is inscribed on the Allahabad Pillar.
67. The ancient site of ‘Dholavira’ is located in which present-day Indian state?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Gujarat
(c) Haryana
(d) Madhya Pradesh
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Answer: (b) Gujarat
📖 Explanation:
- Dholavira, an important Indus Valley site, is located in Gujarat’s Kutch region (✔).
- It is known for its advanced water management system.
68. Who among the following is credited with the invention of zero in ancient India?
(a) Aryabhata
(b) Varahamihira
(c) Brahmagupta
(d) Bhaskara I
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✅
Answer: (c) Brahmagupta
📖 Explanation:
- Brahmagupta, in his book ‘Brahmasphutasiddhanta’ (7th century CE), explained the use of zero in mathematical calculations (✔).
- Aryabhata worked on the decimal system but did not explicitly define zero.
69. The famous ‘Dashavatara Temple’ at Deogarh belongs to which period?
(a) Maurya
(b) Gupta
(c) Chola
(d) Pallava
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Answer: (b) Gupta
📖 Explanation:
- The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh) is a classic example of Gupta-era temple architecture (✔).
- It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and showcases intricate carvings.
70. The ‘Harshacharita’ was written by which ancient Indian scholar?
(a) Kalidasa
(b) Banabhatta
(c) Harisena
(d) Kautilya
Tap here for Answer
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Answer: (b) Banabhatta
📖 Explanation:
- Banabhatta was the court poet of King Harsha and wrote ‘Harshacharita,’ a biography of Harsha (✔).
- It provides insights into Harsha’s rule and administration.
