Q1. Who was the Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya and authored the now-lost work Indica?
- Arrian
- Pliny the Elder
- Megasthenes
- Strabo
Correct Option: 3. Megasthenes
Explanation: Megasthenes was a Greek envoy sent by Seleucus Nikator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. His book Indica, though lost, survives in fragments quoted by later Greek and Roman writers. It is one of the earliest foreign accounts of India, describing geography, administration, and social customs. Arrian, Pliny, and Strabo came later and referred to Megasthenes’ work.
Q2. Which Chinese traveller visited India starting in 629 CE and spent over 10 years travelling across the country?
- Faxian
- Xuanzang
- Yijing
- Ibn Battuta
Correct Option: 2. Xuanzang
Explanation: Xuanzang (also known as Hiuen Tsang) was a Chinese Buddhist monk who travelled extensively in India from 629 CE. He studied at Nalanda, interacted with Indian scholars, and documented his experiences in great detail. His accounts provide a rich source of information on Indian religion, politics, and education during the 7th century. Faxian came earlier, Yijing came later, and Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan traveller from the 14th century.
Q3. Al-Biruni’s work Tahqiq-i-Hind is especially valuable because it:
- Was the first Arabic text about India
- Translated Sanskrit texts into Persian
- Focused only on Indian astronomy
- Provided comprehensive insight into 11th-century Indian culture and calculated the Gupta era
Correct Option: 4. Provided comprehensive insight into 11th-century Indian culture and calculated the Gupta era
Explanation:Al-Biruni was a Persian scholar who travelled to India in the 11th century. He learned Sanskrit and studied Indian texts directly. His work Tahqiq-i-Hind covered religion, science, astronomy, customs, and more. He calculated the start of the Gupta era (319–320 CE) by stating it began 241 years after the Shaka era (78 CE). His work was analytical and respectful of Indian culture.
Q4. Who is considered the “Father of Indian Archaeology”?
- James Prinsep
- R.D. Banerji
- Sir Alexander Cunningham
- John Marshall
Correct Option: 3. Sir Alexander Cunningham
Explanation:Sir Alexander Cunningham arrived in India in 1831 and is regarded as the founder of systematic archaeological research in India. He was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India. He identified ancient sites using historical texts and material remains. James Prinsep deciphered the Brahmi script, R.D. Banerji discovered seals at Mohenjodaro, and John Marshall supervised the excavation of Harappa and Mohenjodaro.
Q5. Which of the following statements about ancient Indian coins is correct?
- The earliest Indian coins were made of gold
- Samudragupta’s coins reflect only religious beliefs
- Vima Kadphises issued gold coins featuring Lord Shiva
- Gupta coins were mostly made of copper
Correct Option: 3. Vima Kadphises issued gold coins featuring Lord Shiva
Explanation:Vima Kadphises, a Kushana ruler, issued gold coins depicting Lord Shiva, which reflects the syncretism of Indian and Central Asian traditions. These coins are significant for understanding Kushana religious influence and art. The earliest Indian coins were silver and copper punch-marked coins, not gold. Samudragupta’s coins depicted not just religious themes but also hunting and musical interests. Gupta coins were mostly gold, not copper, and are known for their fine artistry.