Question 1

Which ancient Indian dynasty is known for its remarkable urban planning, evidenced by the excavations at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa?

Accepted Answer

The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600–1900 BCE), also called the Harappan Civilization, is renowned for its sophisticated urban planning. Excavations at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa reveal grid-pattern streets, advanced drainage systems, standardized weights and measures, and well-planned residential and commercial areas.

Question 2

The Ajanta Caves, famous for their Buddhist rock-cut architecture and paintings, are located in which Indian state?

Accepted Answer

The Ajanta Caves are located in Maharashtra, India. These 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves date from approximately the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE and are renowned for their exquisite murals, sculptures, and architectural design.

Question 3

The Vijayanagara Empire reached its greatest territorial extent and cultural flourishing under which ruler?

Accepted Answer

Krishna Deva Raya (r. 1509–1529) was the most celebrated ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. Under his reign, the empire achieved its maximum territorial expansion and became a major center of art, literature, and architecture in South India.

Question 4

Which Mughal emperor is known for his policy of religious tolerance and the abolition of the Jizya tax on non-Muslims?

Accepted Answer

Akbar (r. 1556–1605), the third and greatest Mughal emperor, is renowned for his policy of religious tolerance and syncretism. He abolished the Jizya tax (a tax on non-Muslims) in 1564, appointed Hindus to high administrative positions, and promoted a culture of religious pluralism in his court.

Question 5

Which ancient Indian empire is credited with the construction of the Sanchi Stupa, one of the oldest stone structures in India?

Accepted Answer

The Sanchi Stupa was built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE. It was later enlarged and decorated during the Shunga period. The stupa is located in Madhya Pradesh and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Question 6

Which classical dance form originated in Tamil Nadu and was earlier known as 'Sadir'?

Accepted Answer

Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, originated in Tamil Nadu. It was performed in temples and was earlier known as 'Sadir' or 'Dasiattam'. It was revived and renamed Bharatanatyam by Rukmini Devi Arundale in the 20th century.

Question 7

The Khajuraho temples, renowned for their intricate sculptures and architectural design, were built by which medieval Indian dynasty?

Accepted Answer

The Khajuraho temples were built by the Chandela dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries CE. These temples, located in Madhya Pradesh, are famous for their detailed stone carvings and represent a remarkable achievement in medieval Indian architecture.

Question 8

The Vijayanagara Empire is known for the construction of which famous temple complex that still stands as a testament to its architectural grandeur?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646) is renowned for the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, which is one of the most significant examples of Dravidian architecture. The temple complex showcases intricate stone carvings and monumental gopurams (temple towers).

Question 9

The Khajuraho temples, celebrated for their intricate stone sculptures and architectural excellence, were built by which medieval Indian dynasty?

Accepted Answer

The Khajuraho temples were constructed by the Chandela dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries CE. These temples, located in Madhya Pradesh, are renowned for their exquisite architectural design, intricate stone carvings, and sculptures depicting various aspects of life. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents the pinnacle of medieval Indian temple architecture.

Question 10

The Vijayanagara Empire reached its zenith under which ruler, who defeated the Bahmani Sultanate and expanded the empire's territory significantly?

Accepted Answer

Krishna Deva Raya (r. 1509–1529) was the most powerful ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. He defeated the Bahmani Sultanate, expanded territorial control, and patronized art and literature. He is credited with making Vijayanagara one of the wealthiest and most culturally advanced empires of medieval India.

Question 11

The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are primarily known for their rock-cut Buddhist temples and paintings. In which state of India are these caves located?

Accepted Answer

The Ajanta Caves are located in Maharashtra, India, in the Aurangabad district. These 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves date from approximately the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. They are renowned for their exquisite murals, sculptures, and architectural features depicting scenes from Buddhist texts and the life of Buddha.

Question 12

The Ajanta Caves, renowned for their Buddhist art and architecture, were primarily excavated during which period?

Accepted Answer

The Ajanta Caves, located in Maharashtra, were primarily excavated during the Satavahana period (2nd century BCE – 1st century CE) and later expanded during the Vakataka period (5th–6th century CE). The caves contain 30 rock-cut Buddhist monasteries and temples with exquisite murals and sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales.

Question 13

Which ancient Indian text, composed during the Mauryan period, is attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya) and deals with statecraft, economics, and military strategy?

Accepted Answer

The Arthashastra, attributed to Kautilya (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta), is a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy. It was composed during or shortly after the Mauryan period (4th–3rd century BCE) and provides detailed insights into governance, taxation, espionage, and diplomacy.

Question 14

Which ancient Indian art form, originating in Kerala, is characterized by elaborate facial makeup, colorful costumes, and stylized movements, and is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity?

Accepted Answer

Kathakali is a classical Indian art form originating in Kerala during the 16th–17th centuries. It combines dance, drama, and music with distinctive green and red facial makeup (mukhathezhuthu), elaborate costumes, and hand gestures (mudras). UNESCO recognized it as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001.

Question 15

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in which year, and by which two brothers?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by two brothers, Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, in the Deccan region of South India. The empire became one of the most powerful Hindu kingdoms and lasted until 1646. Its capital was initially at Hampi, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Question 16

The Sanchi Stupa, one of the oldest stone structures in India, was commissioned by which Mauryan emperor?

Accepted Answer

The Sanchi Stupa was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE (approximately 260 BCE). Originally built as a brick structure, it was later enlarged and faced with stone during the Shunga period (2nd century BCE). The stupa is located in Madhya Pradesh and is renowned for its four ornate stone gateways (toranas) depicting scenes from Buddhist texts.

Question 17

Which Mughal emperor commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal?

Accepted Answer

Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, built the Taj Mahal in Agra between 1632 and 1653 as a monument to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. It is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles.

Question 18

The Ajanta Caves, renowned for their Buddhist rock-cut architecture and murals, are located in which present-day Indian state?

Accepted Answer

The Ajanta Caves are located in Maharashtra, India. These 30 rock-cut caves date primarily to the 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE and represent a masterpiece of ancient Indian art and architecture. The caves contain intricate sculptures, paintings, and inscriptions depicting Buddhist themes and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Question 19

Which ancient Indian dynasty is credited with the construction of the Sanchi Stupa, one of the oldest stone structures in India?

Accepted Answer

The Sanchi Stupa was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE. However, it was significantly enlarged and embellished with stone railings and gateways during the Satavahana period (1st century BCE to 1st century CE). The stupa is located in Madhya Pradesh and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Question 20

The Vijayanagara Empire is known for its architectural style prominently displayed in which temple complex located in present-day Karnataka?

Accepted Answer

The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, is one of the most significant examples of Vijayanagara architecture. Built during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya (r. 1509–1529), the temple showcases the distinctive features of Vijayanagara style including intricate stone carvings, towering gopurams, and elaborate pillared halls. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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