Q110. Who authored Harshacharita?
[RRB NTPC, 2021]
A. Banabhatta
B. Harisena
C. Kalhana
D. Dandin
Answer: A. Banabhatta
Explanation: Banabhatta was a court writer of Harsha. His Harshacharita blends biography and ornate prose while providing significant information about seventh-century India.
Q109. The Panchatantra is traditionally attributed to:
[RRB NTPC, 2021]
A. Vishnu Sharma
B. Narayana Pandit
C. Gunadhya
D. Somadeva
Answer: A. Vishnu Sharma
Explanation: Vishnu Sharma is traditionally credited with the Panchatantra, a collection of interconnected animal fables designed to teach political wisdom and practical conduct.
Q108. Who is traditionally regarded as the author of the Natyashastra?
[RRB NTPC, 2021]
A. Bharata Muni
B. Kalidasa
C. Bhasa
D. Patanjali
Answer: A. Bharata Muni
Explanation: Bharata’s Natyashastra is the foundational Indian treatise on dramaturgy, acting, music, dance, stagecraft and aesthetic theory, including the influential concept of rasa.
Q107. Who composed Brihat Samhita?
[RRB NTPC, 2021]
A. Varahamihira
B. Aryabhata
C. Brahmagupta
D. Bhaskara I
Answer: A. Varahamihira
Explanation: Varahamihira’s encyclopaedic Brihat Samhita discusses astronomy, astrology, architecture, weather, omens, gems, water sources and numerous aspects of contemporary knowledge.
Q106. Who was Harshavardhana’s famous court poet?
[RRB NTPC, 2021]
A. Banabhatta
B. Kalidasa
C. Ravikirti
D. Harisena
Answer: A. Banabhatta
Explanation: Banabhatta flourished at Harsha’s court and wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari, two landmark works of ornate Sanskrit prose literature.
Q105. Who was the author of the Greek account Indica?
[RRB NTPC, 2021]
A. Megasthenes
B. Arrian
C. Pliny
D. Strabo
Answer: A. Megasthenes
Explanation: Megasthenes wrote Indica from observations and reports concerning Mauryan India. The original is lost but fragments survive in later Greco-Roman authors.
Q104. The Mauryan officials called Adhyakshas are described in detail by which author?
[RRB NTPC, 2021]
A. Kautilya
B. Kalidasa
C. Banabhatta
D. Patanjali
Answer: A. Kautilya
Explanation: The Arthashastra describes numerous superintendents or Adhyakshas responsible for mines, commerce, agriculture, weights, customs and other branches of state administration.
Q103. Which ancient Indian mathematician wrote the Aryabhatiya?
[RRB NTPC, 2021]
A. Aryabhata
B. Brahmagupta
C. Varahamihira
D. Bhaskaracharya
Answer: A. Aryabhata
Explanation: Aryabhata composed Aryabhatiya in 499 CE, presenting mathematical rules and astronomical ideas including methods for calculation and an explanation of apparent stellar motion.
Q102. Which astronomer is traditionally listed among the Navaratnas of Chandragupta II?
[RRB NTPC, 2021]
A. Varahamihira
B. Aryabhata
C. Brahmagupta
D. Bhaskara II
Answer: A. Varahamihira
Explanation: Later tradition counts Varahamihira among Vikramaditya’s nine gems. He became celebrated for astronomical and encyclopaedic works including Panchasiddhantika and Brihat Samhita.
Q101. Who composed the Prakrit historical poem Gaudavaho?
[Jharkhand PCS, 2021]
A. Vakpati
B. Bana
C. Bhavabhuti
D. Dandin
Answer: A. Vakpati
Explanation: Vakpati’s Gaudavaho celebrates the exploits of Yashovarman of Kannauj and is an important example of historical court poetry composed in Prakrit.
