Sungas Kanvas Satavahanas MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Sungas Kanvas Satavahanas - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - Setubandh

Key Points

• Nagarjuna
  • Nagarjuna was a renowned Buddhist philosopher and scholar who lived during the period of the later Satavahanas.
  • He is primarily associated with the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes the concept of shunyata (emptiness).
• Compositions attributed to Nagarjuna
  • Yogachar: This text is believed to be one of Nagarjuna's works, dealing with Buddhist philosophy.
  • Ratishastra: Another text attributed to Nagarjuna, although its authorship is debated.
  • Rasa-Ratnakar: A text dealing with alchemy and medicine, often credited to Nagarjuna.
• Setubandh
  • This is a Prakrit epic poem composed by a Jain scholar, not by Nagarjuna.
  • It is also known as the Ravanavaho, and it narrates the story of Rama's battle with Ravana.
  • Since this text is not associated with Nagarjuna, it is the correct answer to this question.

Additional Information

• Nagarjuna's Contributions
  • Nagarjuna's works played a crucial role in shaping Mahayana Buddhist thought and philosophy.
  • His famous text, Mūlamadhyamakakārikā (Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way), explains the concept of shunyata or emptiness.
  • He is also credited with advancing ideas in medicine, chemistry, and alchemy, particularly in texts like Rasa-Ratnakar.
• Later Satavahanas
  • The Satavahana dynasty ruled in the Deccan region of India and supported various religious traditions, including Buddhism and Jainism.
  • Nagarjuna's philosophical contributions flourished during their rule, benefiting from the patronage of the Satavahana kings.
• Setubandh and Jain Literature
  • Setubandh is an important Jain text composed in Prakrit, highlighting the literary contributions of Jain scholars.
  • It is distinct from Nagarjuna's Buddhist works and showcases the diversity of religious and literary traditions during ancient India.

The correct answer is - Building caves

Key Points

• Uparakshita
  • The term Uparakshita referred to an official in the Satavahana administration.
  • His primary duty was overseeing the construction and maintenance of Buddhist caves and other rock-cut monuments, which were common during the Satavahana period.
• Buddhist cave architecture
  • The Satavahana rulers actively supported the development of Buddhist cave architecture, especially in regions like Maharashtra.
  • The caves often served as monasteries (viharas) or prayer halls (chaityas) for Buddhist monks.
• Prominent examples
  • Notable cave sites such as Ajanta, Ellora, and Karle showcase the Satavahana contribution to cave architecture.
  • These caves often featured inscriptions that mentioned the officials and donors who contributed to their construction.

Additional Information

• Satavahana administration
  • The Satavahana dynasty ruled a significant portion of the Deccan region in India between 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE.
  • They had a well-organized administrative structure, with specific officials assigned to oversee various aspects of governance.
• Role of officials
  • Officials like Amatyas handled finance and administration, while Mahamatras were responsible for law and order.
  • Uparakshitas specialized in construction activities, particularly religious and architectural projects.
• Religious patronage
  • The Satavahanas were known for their patronage of Buddhism, contributing to the flourishing of Buddhist art and architecture.
  • They also supported Brahmanical traditions, showcasing their inclusive approach toward religion.

The correct answer is - Nashik

Key Points

• Vasishtiputra Pulumavi Inscription
  • This inscription is attributed to Vasishtiputra Pulumavi, a Satavahana ruler.
  • It mentions Queen Gotami Balasiri, the mother of Gotamiputra Satakarni.
  • The inscription highlights her role in building a cave for the Buddhist Samgha.
• Location - Nashik
  • The inscription is located at the Nashik caves, also known as the Pandav Leni.
  • Nashik caves are a group of ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves in Maharashtra, India.
  • The caves are significant for their association with Buddhist monastic activities during the Satavahana period.

Additional Information

• Satavahana Dynasty
  • The Satavahanas ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE.
  • They were known for their contributions to Buddhism, including patronage of Buddhist monasteries and rock-cut architecture.
  • Prominent rulers include Gotamiputra Satakarni and Vasishtiputra Pulumavi.
• Nashik Caves
  • These caves date back to the 1st century BCE and are significant for their Buddhist art and architecture.
  • They are known for inscriptions that provide insights into the Satavahana period.
  • Several inscriptions in the caves mention donations made by rulers, merchants, and monks to support Buddhist activities.
• Gotamiputra Satakarni
  • He is considered one of the greatest rulers of the Satavahana dynasty.
  • He strengthened the empire and promoted Buddhist ideals and institutions.
  • His mother, Queen Gotami Balasiri, is noted for her involvement in philanthropic activities, as mentioned in the Nashik inscription.

The correct answer is - Army base

Key Points

• Katak and Skandhawar were terms used during the Satavahana era to denote military establishments or army bases.
• The Satavahana rulers maintained a strong military presence to safeguard their territories and ensure administrative stability.
• The term Katak refers to a fortified camp or military headquarters, while Skandhawar denotes a temporary army base or encampment.
• These bases were crucial for maintaining law and order and for conducting military campaigns against rivals.

Additional Information

• Satavahana Empire
  • The Satavahana dynasty ruled parts of modern-day Deccan and South India, spanning over 400 years from the 1st century BCE to the 2nd century CE.
  • They played a crucial role in promoting trade and urbanization in the Indian subcontinent.
• Military Organization
  • The Satavahanas maintained a strong military to protect their kingdom from external invasions and regional conflicts.
  • Army bases like Katak and Skandhawar were strategically placed to manage military operations effectively.
• Administrative System
  • The Satavahana rulers divided their empire into provinces for efficient governance, with military bases playing a key role in controlling these provinces.
  • Military officials were often entrusted with administrative duties, ensuring a seamless integration of governance and defense.

The correct answer is - Nahapana

Key Points

• Nahapana
  • Nahapana was a ruler of the Western Kshatrapas, a dynasty that governed parts of western and central India during the 1st and 2nd centuries CE.
  • He controlled the region of Barigaza (modern Bharuch in Gujarat), which was an important port city for trade with the Roman Empire and other regions.
  • Under Nahapana's reign, trade flourished due to his policies promoting commerce and the strategic location of Barigaza on the trade routes connecting India to the western world.
  • Archaeological evidence, such as coins and inscriptions, supports Nahapana's significant role in fostering trade in this region.

Additional Information

• Western Kshatrapas
  • The Western Kshatrapas were a branch of the Scythians (Sakas) who established their rule in western India, mainly in present-day Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
  • They were known for their contributions to trade, culture, and architecture, as well as their conflicts with the Satavahanas.
• Barigaza (Bharuch)
  • Barigaza was a key port city mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a Greek text that describes trade routes and commercial hubs in the Indian Ocean during antiquity.
  • The city was a hub for importing goods such as wine, glassware, and coral from the Roman Empire and exporting products like spices, textiles, ivory, and gemstones.
• Nahapana’s Legacy
  • Nahapana issued numerous coins that provide evidence of his control over a vast region and his economic prowess.
  • Inscriptions, such as the Nasik inscriptions, mention his charitable deeds and contributions to religious institutions.

The correct answer is Kanishka.

Key Points 

• Ashvaghosha was a poet in the court of King Kanishka.
• Ashvaghosha and other Buddhist scholars from Kanishka's period (around 1900 years ago) began writing in Sanskrit.
• Earlier Buddha's teachings were in the common man's language (Prakrit) but later kings changed the practice gradually to the needs of the time.
• He was a Buddhist writer and was very famous among Buddhist writers.
• He wrote Buddhacharita which is the biography of Buddha.
  • It is written in the Sanskrit language.
• He also wrote Sutralankar.

Additional Information 

• Kanishka was the most famous Kushana ruler.
• He ruled around 1900 years ago.
• The fourth Buddhist council-
  • Held in 72 AD at Kundalvana, Kashmir.
  • It was presided over by Vasumitra.
  • Ashvaghosha was his deputy.
  • The council was held under the patronage of Kanishka.

The Correct Answer is ​Gautamiputra Satakarni.

Key Points

• Satavahana Dynasty (60 BC - 225 AD): 
  • Simukha was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty.
  • Dharanikota near Amaravati in Guntur district was the first capital of Simukha.
  • Later he shifted his capital to Pratishtana.
• Hala:
  • He was the 17th ruler of the Satavahana dynasty. 
  • Hala was the author of Gathasaptasati or Sattasai in Prakrit.
  • The text contains love lures.
• Gautamiputra Satakarni:
  • He was the 23rd ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.
  • His achievements have been mentioned in the Nasik Inscription, by his mother Gautami.
  • He defeated the Saka King Nahapana and revived the Satavahana power. Hence, Option 2 is correct.
• Pulumavi-III:
  • He was the 30th and last ruler of the Satavahana Dynasty.
  • Satavahanas was finally succeeded by the Ikshvakus in the 3rd century AD.

The correct answer is Sunga Dynasty.

Key Points

• "Vidisha" was made its capital by Pushyamitra, the ruler of the Sunga dynasty.
• The Sunga dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Sunga in 185 BC.
• The information about the Satavahana dynasty is found in the "Article of Sanchi".
• The Satavahana dynasty was founded by "Simuk" and coins of Gautamiputra Shatakarni are obtained from "Ujjain".
• Gautamiputra Shatkarni ruled from Malwa to Maheshwar after defeating Saka King 'Nahapan'.
• In the first-century BC 'Ujjain' was the major commercial center of North India.
• Kanishka was the greatest ruler of the Kushan dynasty.

The correct answer is Satavahana.

• Ruler Gautamiputra Satkarni belonged to the Satavahana dynasty.

Key Points

• He is regarded as the best king of this dynasty.
• The fortune of this dynasty was restored under his reign.
• He was the only Brahma who defeated Shaka and other Kshatriya rulers also.
• His kingdom stretched from Krishna in the south to Malwa in the north and from Konkani in the west to Berar in the East.
• He was given the title of Rajaraja and Maharaja.
• He had a very big heart who donated land to the Buddhist monks.

The correct answer is Satavahana.

Key Points

• Gautamiputra Satakarni ruled the Satavahana Empire in what is now India's Deccan region.
• He was referred to as the most powerful and significant ruler of the Satavahana Dynasty. He reigned from 106 AD to 130 AD.
• He was the 23rd Satavahana ruler.
• Gautamiputra Satakarni's information is derived from his coinage, Satavahana inscriptions, and royal genealogies found in several Puranas. The best-known of these is his mother Gautami Balashri's Nashik Prashasti (eulogy) inscription, which praises him for numerous military victories.
• The Satavahana kingdom mainly comprised the present-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. At different times, their rule extended to parts of modern Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. The dynasty had different capital cities at different times, including Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amaravati (Dharanikota).
• Simuka (60 BC - 37 BC) was the founder of the Satavahana Dynasty (60 BC - 225 AD).

Additional Information 

• Chera Dynasty
  • ​The Chera dynasty was one of the most important dynasties in Kerala's early history, as well as areas of Tamil Nadu in southern India.
  • The founder of the Chera dynasty was Uthiyan Cheralathan also called Udiyangeral.
  • The greatest of Chera kings, however, was Senguttuvan or Red Chera. It is said that he invaded the north and even crossed the Ganges.
  • He was also the founder of the Pattini cult related to the worship of the Goddess of chastity - Kannagi. 
  • The capital of Cheras was Vanjji.
• Rashtrakuta Dynasty
  • Between the sixth and tenth centuries, the Rashtrakuta dynasty ruled over extensive parts of the Indian subcontinent. A 7th-century copper plate grant detailing their rule from Manapura, a city in Central or West India, is the first known Rashtrakuta inscription.
  • The Rashtrakutas dynasty was founded by Dantivarman or Dantidurga (735–756).
  • Amoghavarsha I (also known as Amoghavarsha Nrupathunga I) was a Rashtrakuta monarch who reigned from 814 to 878 CE. He was the greatest king of the Rashtrakuta dynasty and one of India's great rulers. His 64-year reign is one of the most precisely dated monarchical reigns ever recorded.
  • Krishna III, also known as Kannara in Kannada, was the last great warrior and able emperor of the Rashtrakuta dynasty of Manyakheta (r. 939 – 967 C.E.). He was a savvy administrator as well as a skilled military campaigner.
  • Taila II, a feudatory of Krisha III who claimed genealogy from the early Chalukyas of Vatapi, overthrew the Rashtrakuta kingdom in 973 CE.
• Chola Dynasty
  • The Chola kingdom known as Cholamandalam was situated to the northeast of the Pandya Kingdom between the Pennar and Vellar rivers.
  • The Chola kingdom corresponded to the modern Tanjore and Tiruchirappalli districts.
  • The earliest known Chola king was Elara who conquered Srilanka and ruled over it for nearly 50 years.Their greatest king was Karikala (man with charred leg) who founded Puhar (Kaveripatnam) and constructed a 160km embankment along the Kaveri river with the help of 12,000 Srilankan slaves.
  • Rajaraja I (reigned 985–1014) was an able administrator, protected Vengi (the Godavari districts) and occupied the Gangavadi territory (in present-day Karnataka state), annihilating the western Gangas.
  • His son Rajendracola Deva I (reigned 1014–44) outdid Rajaraja’s achievements. He placed a son on the throne at Madurai, completed the conquest of Sri Lanka, overran the Deccan (c. 1021), and in 1023 sent an expedition to the north that penetrated to the Ganges (Ganga) River and brought Ganges water to the new capital, Gangaikondacolapuram. 

Pushyamitra-Shunga dynasty.

Key Points

• The Shunga dynasty was established by Pushyamitra Shunga.
• He was the commander-in-chief of the last Maurya emperor, Brihadratha Maurya.

Additional Information

• Vima Kadphises was a Kushan emperor.
• Vasudeva was the founder of the Kanva dynasty.
• Srigupta was the founder of the Gupta dynasty.
• Pulakesin I was the ruler of the Chalukya dynasty.

The correct answer is Malavikagnimitra.

Key Points

• Malavikagnimitra:
  • It is the Sanskrit play written by Kalidasa in the 5th-century CE.
  • It narrates the love story of King Agnimitra, the Shunga Emperor at Vidisha.
  • Agnimitra was the son of Pushyamitra Shunga, founder of the Sunga dynasty.
  • Kalidasa is the most distinguished dramatist and he treated the rasa of love in all its possible manifestations.
• Svapnavasavadattam is a Sanskrit play of six acts written by Bhasa.
• Meghadoota is a Sanskrit poem by Kalidasa.
• Ratnavali is a Sanskrit drama about a princess Ratnavali, and a king Udayana, written by Harshvardhana. 

The correct answer is King Simuka Satavahana​.

Key Points

• Simuka established the Satavahana Dynasty.
• They were the primary local Indian rulers to issue their coins with the representations of the rulers.
• This was begun by Gautamiputra Satakarni who determined the hone from the Western Satraps after vanquishing them.
• Simuka is specified as the primary lord in a list of royals in a Satavahana inscription at Naneghat.
• The different Puranas state that the primary ruler of the line specifies his title differently as Sishuka, Sindhuka, Chhismaka, Shipraka, etc.
• The starting of the Satavahana run the show is dated variously from 271 BCE to 30 BCE. 
• Concurring to the Puranas, the primary Andhra lord  toppled  the Kanva run the show. He is named Balipuccha in a few writings.

Additional Information

• Satakarmi First – Third ruler of Satavahana Dynasty and ruled Deccan India in 1^st century BCE
• Gautamiputra Satakarmi – most powerful ruler of Satavahana who ruled for 25 years in 2^nd century BCE
• Hala – 17^th ruler of Satavahana

Mistake Points

• Satvahanas are described as Andhras in Puranas.

(Map of India showing Satvahana Empire)

The correct answer is Pataliputra.

Key Points:

• The capital of the Kanva Dynasty was Pataliputra.
• Vasudeva Kanva was the founder of the Kanva dynasty.
• The Kanva dynasty was a Brahmin dynasty.
• Vasudeva was succeeded by his son Bhumimitra.
• Susharman was the last king of the Kanva dynasty.
• The Kanva dynasty was succeeded by the Satavahanas.

The correct answer is Vasudeva.

Key Points

• Vasudeva was the founder of the Kanvas dynasty.
• Vasudeva was the minister of the last Sunga ruler, Devabhuti.
• Vasudeva assassinated Devabhuti and established the Kanvas dynasty.
• The capital of the Kanvas dynasty was at Patliputra.
• Rudradaman I belonged to the Saka dynasty and ruled over Ujjain.
• Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty.
• Kharvela belonged to the Chedis dynasty and ruled over Kalinga.