Major Dynasties (Maurya to Chola) is a Indian History (Ancient & Medieval) topic in the RAS/RPSC syllabus. This page gathers exam-style Major Dynasties (Maurya to Chola) multiple-choice questions with correct answers and explanations, so aspirants can test recall and revise frequently examined concepts.
Practice 458 Major Dynasties (Maurya to Chola) multiple-choice questions with detailed answers and explanations. Ideal for RAS/RPSC exam preparation.
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Q1. The Pallava king who defeated and killed Pulakeshin II was:
Explanation
Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla, r. 630–668 CE) attacked Vatapi (Badami), the Chalukya capital, in 642 CE, defeated and killed Pulakeshin II. He assumed the title 'Vatapikonda' (conqueror of Vatapi). Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is named after him.
Q2. Consider the following statements: 1. Megasthenes was sent by Seleucus Nicator to Chandragupta Maurya's court at Pataliputra. 2. Indica was written by Fa-Hien during the reign of Chandragupta II. 3. Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct because Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador of Seleucus Nicator at Chandragupta Maurya's court in Pataliputra. Statement 2 is incorrect because Indica was written by Megasthenes, not Fa-Hien. Statement 3 is correct because Fa-Hien visited India during Chandragupta II's reign.
Q3. The Mauryan administration, as described in Kautilya's Arthashastra, was:
Explanation
Kautilya's Arthashastra describes a highly organized state: the king aided by a council of ministers (mantriparishad), elaborate bureaucracy (18 tirthas/high officials), intelligence network (spies/gudhapurushas), provincial administration (governors), district and village levels. The state controlled mines, forests, and trade. Revenue came from agriculture (1/6th), trade taxes, and state enterprises. Military had infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants. It is one of the most detailed ancient treatises on statecraft.
Q4. The Mauryan provincial capital of Taxila was governed by:
Explanation
The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces such as Taxila, Ujjain, Tosali, and Suvarnagiri. Provincial administration was generally headed by a Kumara (royal prince), who acted as the king's representative and was assisted by officials such as mahamatyas.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a work by Kalidasa?
Explanation
Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart) was written by Shudraka, not Kalidasa. Kalidasa's works include Shakuntala, Vikramorvasiyam, Malavikagnimitram (dramas), Raghuvamsha, Kumarasambhava (epics), and Meghaduta, Ritusamhara (lyrics).
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