Books and Authors MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Books and Authors - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Arthasastra of Kautilya.

Key Points

• Kautilya, popularly known as Chanakya was an ancient Indian teacher, economist, jurist, philosopher, and royal advisor who assisted the first Mauryan emperor Chandragupta in his rise to power.
• The Saptanga theory of the state was given by Kautilya.
• Kautilya wrote the Arthashastra and in this, he wrote about the Saptanga theory of the state.
• According to it, the seven limbs of a state are the following:-
  • King
  • Amatya (Bureaucrats)
  • Janapada (territory)
  • Durga (Fort)
  • Kosa (Treasure)
  • Danda (coercive authority)

  • Mitra (ally).

Therefore, we can say that the Theory of 'Saptanga' is first discussed in Arthasastra of Kautilya.

Additional Information

• Rig Veda
  • ​Rig Veda is one of the four Vedas and is the oldest and most important Veda.
  • The Rigveda is divided into 10 mandalas (books).
  • The first and tenth Mandalas are the youngest and the longest.
  • The Gayatri mantra in Rig Veda is taken from Mandala 3.
  • Mandala 9 is completely devoted to Soma.
  • The 10th mandala contains the Purusha Sukta which explains the 4 Varnas that were born from the Mouth, arms, thighs, and feet of the Brahma or Purusha.
  • Nasadiya Sukta which talks about the origin of the Universe is in the 10th Mandala.
• Shukranitisara is associated with the sage Shukracharya and is a part of Dharmasastra dealing with a system of morals.
• Mau stone inscription of Madanvarman tells about the achievements of the Chandela ruler Dhangadeva who ruled in the Bundelkhand region of North India between 950 and 999 AD.

The correct answer is Hiuen-Tsang.

Key Points

• Hiuen-Tsang wrote the book ‘Shi-Yu-Ki’ after visiting the Harshavardhana court.
• Si-yu-ki means "Record of the Western Countries".
• Hiuen Tsang visited India during the period of emperor Harsha.
• Hiuen Tsang remained at the University of Nalanda for five years.
• Hiuen Tsang had been a guest to Bhaskara Varman, ruler of Kamarupa.
• Hiuen Tsang described Kannauj as a beautiful city.
• Pu Songling was a Qing dynasty Chinese writer.
• Pu Songling was the author of Strange Stories.

Additional Information

• Banabhatta:
  • Banabhatta was the Asthana Kavi in the court of King Harsha Vardhana.
  • Kadambari is the work of Banabhatta.
  • The "Harshacharita" was also written by Banabhatta.

The correct answer is Shishupalvadh .

Key Points Bhasa: 

• The Svapnavasavadattam is the most famous composition of Bhasa.
• His other famous works are Pratijna-Yaugandharayan, Charu Duttam, Pancharatral, `Karnabhara', Urubhanga `Dootvakya', and Bat Charit, Abibharaki.
• Prupuk was written in the Prakrit language and staged by common people during social ceremonies Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.

Additional Information

• ​ The Shishupala Vadha is a work of classical Sanskrit poetry composed by Māgha in the 7th or 8th century.
• It is an epic poem in 20 sargas of about 1800 highly ornate stanzas, and is considered one of the five Sanskrit mahakavyas, or "great epics". 

The correct answer is Skanda Purana.

Key Points

• Badarika Khand is a prominent section of the Skanda Purana, which is one of the largest Mahapuranas in Hindu literature.
• The Skanda Purana is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and contains various stories and teachings.
• It is divided into multiple Khandas (sections), with Badarika Khand primarily focusing on the sacred Badarikashrama (Badrinath) region and its significance in Hinduism.
• This Purana extensively details the spiritual importance of pilgrimages and sacred sites, including the Badarikashrama, which is associated with Lord Vishnu and Adi Shankaracharya.
• As per Hindu tradition, the Skanda Purana is revered for its detailed explanation of dharma (righteousness), devotion, and the significance of holy places.

Additional Information

• Skanda Purana:
  • It is considered one of the 18 Mahapuranas in Hindu literature.
  • The text is attributed to Sage Vyasa and consists of over 81,000 verses, making it one of the largest Puranas.
  • It is divided into seven Khandas, including Maheshwara Khanda, Vishnu Khanda, and Brahma Khanda.
  • The Purana promotes devotion (Bhakti) towards Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and highlights the significance of rituals and pilgrimages.
• Badarikashrama (Badrinath):
  • Badarikashrama, also known as Badrinath, is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Himalayas.
  • It is one of the Char Dham and Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage sites, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  • According to Hindu mythology, the site is associated with the penance of Lord Narayana under a Badari tree (Indian Jujube tree).
  • Adi Shankaracharya revived the temple and propagated the significance of the Char Dham yatra.
• Puranas:
  • The Puranas are ancient Hindu texts that discuss cosmology, mythology, genealogy, and sacred traditions.
  • There are 18 Mahapuranas and an equal number of Upa-Puranas, each focusing on specific deities, philosophies, or sacred places.
  • The Puranas are written in Sanskrit and are often attributed to Sage Vyasa.
  • They serve as a source of religious knowledge, cultural history, and spiritual teachings.
• Lord Skanda (Kartikeya):
  • Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya, is the commander of the divine army and the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
  • He is worshiped as the god of war and victory, particularly in South India, where he is known as Murugan.
  • The Skanda Purana celebrates his achievements and his role in defeating the demon Tarakasura.
  • He is depicted riding a peacock and holding a spear, symbolizing valor and strength.

The correct answer is - Bilhana

Key Points

• Bilhana
  • Bilhana was an 11th-century Sanskrit poet and scholar from Kashmir.
  • His most renowned work is the Chaurapanchasika, also known as "The Love Thief."
  • The poem narrates the intense love between the poet and a king's daughter, showcasing themes of passion and separation.
  • The Chaurapanchasika is written in the classical Sanskrit style and consists of 50 verses.
  • This work is often studied as a masterpiece of medieval Indian literature, illustrating emotional depth and poetic beauty.

Additional Information

• Kalhana
  • Kalhana was a 12th-century historian and poet, best known for writing the Rajatarangini, a historical chronicle of Kashmir.
  • Unlike Bilhana, Kalhana's work focuses on historical narratives rather than romantic poetry.
• Hemadri
  • Hemadri was an Indian scholar and minister in the court of the Yadava kings of Devagiri.
  • He is credited with compiling religious texts and works such as the "Chaturvarga Chintamani."
• Someshwara
  • Someshwara was a Chalukya ruler and author of the Manasollasa, an encyclopedic work covering various subjects like politics, art, and culture.
  • His contributions are significant in the field of administrative and cultural studies, rather than romantic poetry.

The correct answer is Uttararamacharitam.

Key Points

• Kalidasa is known to be the greatest repository of our national heritage. The serenity of his artistic accomplishment has earned him a high place in the galaxy of world poets.
• Works of Kalidasa:
  • Ritusanharam
  • Meghadutam
  • Kumarasambhavam
  • Raghuvansham
  • Malavikagnimitram
  • Vikramorvashiyam
  • Abhijnanashakuntalam

Additional Information

• Uttararamacharitam is a Sanskrit play in 7 acts in the Nataka style.
• It is written by Bhavabhuti.
• It covers the events of the Uttara Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana i.e. the final years of Rama up to his ascension. 

The correct answer is Kannada.

Key Points

• Kavirajamarga 
  • Kavirajamarga is the earliest available work on rhetoric, poetics, and grammar in the Kannada language.
  • It was inspired by or written in part by the famous Rashtrakuta King Amoghavarsha I, and some historians claim it is based partly on the Sanskrit text Kavyadarsha.
  • Some historians believe Kavirajamarga may have been co-authored by a poet in the king's court, the Kannada language theorist Sri Vijaya.
  • The name literally means "Royal Path for Poets" and was written as a guide book for poets and scholars (Kavishiksha).
  • From references made in this writing to earlier Kannada poetry and literature, it is clear that a considerable body of work in prose and poetry must have existed in the preceding centuries.

Additional Information

• Amoghvarsha (814-878):
  • ​He was one of the greatest Rashtrakuta rulers and the successor of Govind III.
  • He set up a new capital at Manyakheta (now Malkhed in Karnataka state).
  • He preferred literature and religion over war.
  • Kavirajamarga in Kannada and Prashnottara Ratnamalika in Sanskrit are famous literary works by him.
  • Amoghavarsha patronized Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
  • He was converted to Jainism by Jinasena, a Jain monk.

The correct answer is Hiuen-Tsang.

Key Points

• Hiuen-Tsang wrote the book ‘Shi-Yu-Ki’ after visiting the Harshavardhana court.
• Si-yu-ki means "Record of the Western Countries".
• Hiuen Tsang visited India during the period of emperor Harsha.
• Hiuen Tsang remained at the University of Nalanda for five years.
• Hiuen Tsang had been a guest to Bhaskara Varman, ruler of Kamarupa.
• Hiuen Tsang described Kannauj as a beautiful city.
• Pu Songling was a Qing dynasty Chinese writer.
• Pu Songling was the author of Strange Stories.

Additional Information

• Banabhatta:
  • Banabhatta was the Asthana Kavi in the court of King Harsha Vardhana.
  • Kadambari is the work of Banabhatta.
  • The "Harshacharita" was also written by Banabhatta.

The correct answer is Somdeva.    

Key Points

• The Kathasaritsagara is also known as Ocean of the Streams of Stories is a famous 11th-century collection of Indian legends, fairy tales and folk tales as retold in Sanskrit by Somadeva. 
• While the Kathasaritsagara itself is a compilation of many stories and legends, there is a great emphasis on the story of Udayana and his son.

 Important Points

• Somadeva was an 11th century CE writer from Kashmir.
• He was believed to be the court poet to King Ananta of Kashmir.

 Additional Information

• Kalidasa one of the “nine gems” at the court of the king Vikramaditya of Ujjain. 
• Few works of Kalidasa are
  • Abhjnanashakuntala (“The Recognition of Shakuntala”)
  • Vikramorvashi (“Urvashi Won by Valour”),
  • Malavikagnimitra (“Malavika and Agnimitra”)
  • The epic poems Raghuvamsha (“Dynasty of Raghu”) and Kumarasambhava (“Birth of the War God”); and the lyric “Meghaduta” (“Cloud Messenger”).
• Bhasa is one of the earliest known Sanskrit dramatists of ancient India.
• Jayadeva has written the Sanskrit poem Gita Govinda (“Song of the Cowherd [Krishna]”). 

The correct answer is grammar.

• Ashtadhyayi was written by Indian grammarian Panini during the 6th to 5th century BCE. 

Key Points 

• Ashtadhyayi sets the work standard for the Sanskrit language. 
• It sums up in 4,000 sutras that had evolved in the Vedic religion.
• Panini divided his work into eight chapters, each of which is further divided into quarter chapters.
• Beyond defining the morphology and syntax of Sanskrit language, Ashtadhyayi distinguishes between usage in the spoken language and usage that is proper to the language of the sacred texts.

Additional Information 

• Vedavyasa: He is the author of Mahabharata.
• Shukadeva: He is the main narrator of Bhagavata Purana.
• Valmiki: He is the author of the epic Ramayana.

The correct answer is Jaimini.

 Key Points

• Mimamsa-sutra was written by Jaimini encompasses the Nyaya-vaisheshika systems and emphasises the concept of valid knowledge.
• According to Purva Mimamsa, Vedas are eternal and possess all knowledge.​
• According to Mimamsa's philosophy, Vedas are eternal and possess all knowledge, and religion means the fulfilment of duties prescribed by the Vedas.
• It says that the essence of the Vedas is dharma. By the execution of dharma, one earns merit which leads one to heaven after death.

Additional Information Schools of Indian Philosophy

The correct answer is Sanskrit.

Key Points

• The Harshacharita is the biography of Indian emperor Harshavardhana, who ruled North India from 606 to 647 CE and was a ruler of the Vardhana dynasty.
• It was written by Banabhatta, who was a Sanskrit writer in the seventh century CE and was the Court Poet (Asthana Kavi) of Harshavardhana.
• It was the first composition of Banabhatta and marks the beginning of the writing of historical poetic works in the Sanskrit language.
• It was written in poetic prose which narrates the biography of the emperor Harsha in eight chapters.
• It was translated into English by Edward Byles Cowell and Frederic William Thomas in 1897.​

Additional Information

• Banabhatta also wrote the drama 'Kadambri’.
• Emperor Harshavardhana wrote the book Nagananda, Ratnavali, and Priyadarsika.
• Pushyabhuti was the founder of the Vardhana dynasty or Pushyabhuti dynasty.​

The correct answer is Kanishka.

Key Points

• Ashvaghosha and other Buddhist scholars from Kanishka's period (around 1900years) began writing in Sanskrit.
• Earlier Buddha's teachings were in 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 the 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:
• He 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 by Vasumitra.
  • Ashvaghosha was his deputy.
  • The council was held under the patronage of Kanishka.

The correct answer is option 3, i.e., Kalidas.

• 'Raghuvansham' is compiled by Kalidas.
• 'Raghuvansham' known as 'Raghuvamsa' is a Sanskrit epic poem compiled by Kalidas.
• The poem speaks in 19 sargas, about the Raghu dynasty, which included Raghu, Dasaratha, Rama, etc.
• Kalidas is assumed to be a 5th-century poet and writer. His famous works include Abhijanasakuntalam, Meghaduta, etc.
• Surdas was a 16th-century blind poet whose works were dedicated to the devotion towards Lord Krishna. He used to write in Braj Basha and 'Sur Sagar' is his most famous composition.
• Kabirdas was a 15th-century saint and poet, whose writings were influential in the Bhakti movement. He also wrote in Braj and his works were concerned with devotion, mysticism, and discipline. 'Kabir ke dohe' is still very popular.
• Tulsidas a devotee of Lord Rama was a saint and a renowned poet. He is best known for 'Ramcharitmanas'.

The correct answer is Banabhatt.

• The creator of 'Kadambari' Banabhatta was a great scholar.
• He composed Harshavardhana's biography Harshacharita.
• It is the world's first biography, written as a novel.
• Banabhatta has the same position in Sanskrit prose as Kalidasa in Sanskrit poetry.