Ancient Art, Culture, & Literature MCQ Questions

Correct Answer: (C) Ajanta

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Ajanta is famous for Buddhist cave temples while Elephanta is famous for its Shaiva temples, Khajuraho is known for Shaiva, Vaishnava and Jain temples and Nalanda is famous as a Buddhist education centre.

Correct Answer: (C) Kailasa Temple, Ellora

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Kailasa (cave 16 of Ellora) is a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture on account of its striking proportion, elaborate workmanship, architectural content and sculptural ornamentation of rock-cut architecture. The temple was built by Krishna I Rashtrakuta dynasty. It is designed to recall Mount Kailasa, the home of Lord Shiva.

Correct Answer: (B) Jain

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Rashtrakuta kings also patronize followers of the Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakti faiths but they were inclined towards Jainism since many of the scholars who flourished in their courts and wrote in Sanskrit, Kannada and a few in Apabhramsha and Prakrit were Jains. King Amoghavarsha- I was the disciple of the Jain Acharya Jinasena the Author of Adipuran.

Correct Answer: (B) Only two

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The Stupa is one of the most revered parts of Buddhism. Various parts of stupa signify something. The Great Stupa (also called Stupa no. 1) was originally built in the 3rd century BCE by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and is believed to house ashes of the Buddha.
The simple structure was damaged at some point during the 2nd century BCE. It was later repaired and enlarged, and elements were added; it reached its final form in the 1st century BCE. The building is 120 feet (37 metres) wide and 54 feet (17 metres) high.
The central structure consists of a hemispherical dome (anda) on a base, with a relic chamber deep within.
The dome symbolizes, among other things, the dome of heaven enclosing the earth. Hence, pair 1 is correct.
It is surmounted by a squared railing (Harmika) that can be said to represent the world mountain. Hence, pair 2 is incorrect.
A central pillar (Yashti) symbolizes the cosmic axis and supports a triple umbrella structure (Chattra), which is held to represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism—the Buddha, the dharma (doctrine), and the sangha (community). Hence, pair 3 is incorrect and pair 4 is correct.
A circular terrace (Medhi), enclosed by a railing, surrounds the dome, on which the faithful are to circumambulate in a clockwise direction.
The entire structure is enclosed by a low wall (Vedika), which is punctuated at the four cardinal points by toranas (Ceremonial gateways).
The toranas of the Great Stupa are the crowning achievement of Sanchi sculpture. Each gateway is made up of two squared posts topped by capitals of sculptured animals or dwarfs, surmounted by three architraves.
All the elements are covered with relief sculptures depicting the events of the Buddha’s life, Jataka stories (about the Buddha’s previous lives), scenes of early Buddhism, and auspicious symbols.
The names of donors are also inscribed, the most notable one being the ivory workers of Vidisha.

Correct Answer: (A) Datia

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Sonagiri is located 15km away from Datia (MP). Sonagiri is a sacred place popular among Digambar Jain devotees and ascetic saints to practise for self-discipline, austerity and to attain Nirvana. There are 77 beautiful Jain temples with sky-high spires. Temple No. 57 is main among them which is related to Lord Chandraprabhu.

Correct Answer: (B) The social classification of varna was known to sangam poets,

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Sangam literature represents the earliest known works in the Tamil language and is believed to have been composed during three literary gatherings, or sangams, held in Madurai, India, between the 1st and 4th centuries CE.
Statement a is incorrect. Sangam poetry frequently includes incidental references to material aspects of life, often as part of the setting or through similes and imagery. These texts mention activities such as rice and barley cultivation, cattle herding, and fishing. There are also multiple references to iron. For instance, Kuruntokai 16 mentions iron-tipped arrows, while Akananuru 72 compares a bear digging into a termite mound glowing with fireflies to a blacksmith hammering iron, highlighting the use of vivid metaphors rooted in everyday experiences.
Statement b is correct. Sangam poets were familiar with the concept of varna, the social classification system. They mention groups like the Arashar (kings), Vaishiyar (traders), and Velalar (farmers), and also refer to Brahmanas, some of whom were closely linked with royal courts and received patronage. However, the formal four-fold varna system had limited influence in the Tamil region during that time, and the jati system did not yet exist in that society.
Statement c is incorrect. A strong warrior ethos runs through Sangam poetry. The Puram poems, which focus on the external aspects of life, often recount battles and heroic deeds. These poems celebrate public recognition of bravery, including the commemoration of warriors who died in combat.
Statement d is also incorrect. Sangam literature conveys a belief in mystical or sacred forces known as ananku, believed to inhabit certain objects. Specific social groups—such as the pariyans, tutiyans, panas, and velans—were responsible for performing rituals to manage or appease these forces. Their roles included conducting ceremonies, ritual singing and dancing, entering trance states, lighting funeral pyres, and venerating memorial stones.

Correct Answer: (B) Only 2 & 3

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The nine gems or the Navratnas of the court of Chandragupta II are as follows: Kalidasa, Varahamihrira, Dhanvantri, Ghatakarapara, Shanku, Kahapanaka, Vararuchi, Vetala Bhatta.

Correct Answer: (A) Lokayata system

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Charvaka philosophical system was also called Lokayata system. It is a past vedic ancient school of Indian materialism which rejects concepts like God and soul, afterlife and moksha.

Correct Answer: (A) Gautam

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Nyaya Akspada Gautam is the propounder of Nyaya philosophy.

Correct Answer: (D) Jonaraja and Srivara

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Rajatarangini, a metrical historical chronicle of the north- western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, was written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri Brahmin Kalhana in the 12th century. Jonaraja continued the narration down to the reign of Sultan Zainul Abedin and called it, like Kalhana, Rajtarangini (Rajavali). After the death of Jonaraja, his pupil Srivara continued the history of Kashmir.