Q160. In which language did Kalhana compose Rajatarangini?
[SSC MTS, 2024]
A. Pali
B. Sanskrit
C. Prakrit
D. Kashmiri
Answer: B. Sanskrit
Explanation: Kalhana wrote Rajatarangini in Sanskrit verse. The work traces Kashmir’s kings through eight Tarangas and combines traditions, inscriptions, records and historical recollections.
Q159. Who authored the Jain work Brihatkathakosha?
[SSC MTS, 2024]
A. Harisena
B. Hemachandra
C. Bhadrabahu
D. Gunadhya
Answer: A. Harisena
Explanation: Brihatkathakosha is a collection of Jain narrative stories composed by Harisena, distinct from Gunadhya’s earlier and largely lost Brihatkatha.
Q158. Which ancient/early-medieval scholar is renowned for giving a systematic historical account of Kashmir?
[SSC MTS, 2024]
A. Bilhana
B. Kalhana
C. Banabhatta
D. Dandin
Answer: B. Kalhana
Explanation: Kalhana’s Rajatarangini stands apart for its chronological approach, critical comments on earlier traditions and sustained narrative of Kashmir’s dynastic history.
Q157. Sangam poets principally composed their literature in which language?
[SSC MTS, 2024]
A. Sanskrit
B. Pali
C. Tamil
D. Ardhamagadhi
Answer: C. Tamil
Explanation: Sangam literature represents the earliest extensive corpus of Tamil poetry, covering love, warfare, kingship, social groups, economic activities and the landscapes of Tamilakam.
Q156. Who was the author of Brihatkathakosha?
[SSC CHSL, 2024]
A. Harisena
B. Kalhana
C. Amarasimha
D. Bharavi
Answer: A. Harisena
Explanation: Harisena’s Brihatkathakosha preserves Jain didactic narratives and should not be confused with the Brihatkatha, traditionally attributed to Gunadhya.
Q155. Which of the following dramas was NOT written by Harshavardhana?
[SSC CGL, 2024]
A. Ratnavali
B. Priyadarshika
C. Nagananda
D. Vikramorvashiyam
Answer: D. Vikramorvashiyam
Explanation: Harsha is traditionally credited with Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda. Vikramorvashiyam, narrating Pururavas and Urvashi, is a drama by Kalidasa.
Q154. In the Tamil epic tradition, Manimekalai was the daughter of:
[SSC CGL, 2024]
A. Kovalan and Kannagi
B. Kovalan and Madhavi
C. Nedunjeliyan and Madhavi
D. Senguttuvan and Kannagi
Answer: B. Kovalan and Madhavi
Explanation: Manimekalai, the Buddhist Tamil epic attributed to Sattanar, centres on the daughter of Kovalan and the courtesan Madhavi introduced in Silappadikaram.
Q153. Ravikirti, composer of the famous Aihole inscription, was the court poet of:
[SSC CGL, 2024]
A. Pulakeshin II
B. Harshavardhana
C. Narasimhavarman I
D. Vikramaditya II
Answer: A. Pulakeshin II
Explanation: Ravikirti composed the Sanskrit Aihole Prashasti celebrating Chalukya king Pulakeshin II. It is also notable for mentioning famous poets Kalidasa and Bharavi.
Q152. Who traditionally presided over the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha?
[WBCS Prelims, 2024]
A. Ananda
B. Mahakassapa
C. Upali
D. Moggaliputta Tissa
Answer: B. Mahakassapa
Explanation: Buddhist tradition states that Mahakassapa presided over the First Council after Buddha’s death, where Ananda recited teachings and Upali recited monastic discipline.
Q151. In Sangam literature, the term ‘Muvendar’ refers to:
[SSC CGL, 2024]
A. Three assemblies of poets
B. Chera, Chola and Pandya rulers
C. Three Tamil epics
D. Three categories of merchants
Answer: B. Chera, Chola and Pandya rulers
Explanation: Muvendar, meaning the three crowned kings, collectively denotes the Chera, Chola and Pandya dynasties repeatedly celebrated in classical Tamil Sangam poetry.
