Literary Sources MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Literary Sources - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is a - iii, b - i, c - ii, d - iv.

• Indica is an account of India under the reign of the Maurya Dynasty. 
  • Greek writer Megasthenes was the author of Indica. 
  • Unfortunately, the original book is now lost, but its fragments survived in the works of Greek and Latin writers. These earliest works are by Diodorus Siculus, Strabo, Arrian, and Pliny.
• 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 of seventh-century CE.
  • He was the Asthana Kavi, i.e. Court Poet, of Harshavardhana.
  • Harshacharita was the first composition of Banabhatta and marks the beginning of the writing of historical poetic works in the Sanskrit language.
  • It narrates the biography of the emperor Harsha in eight chapters.
• The " Prithviraj Raso" is a Braj Bhasha poem.
  • The poem is about the 12th-century Indian Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan.
  • The poem is written by Chand Bardai.
  • Chand Bardai immortalized Prithviraj Chauhan's life in the poem Prithviraj Raso.
  • The poem describes the love and abduction of Raja Jai Chandra's daughter of Kannauj by Prithviraj Chauhan.
  • The earlier manuscripts of the poem were discovered at Dharanojwali village of Gujarat.
  • The oldest manuscripts are from the 16th century. It is written in the Lata Apabhramsha language.
• The Rajtarangani composed by Kalhana in the twelfth century is the main source of the History of Medieval Kashmir.
  • It was written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri historian Kalhana in the 12th century CE.
  • Rajtaringini comprises 7826 verses and is divided into eight books called Tarangas. 

There are several ways of finding out about the past. Historic sources can be divided into archaeological sources and literary sources.

• Archaeological sources include artifacts, monuments, coins, and inscriptions.
• Literary sources include written records of the past, also known as manuscripts. 

Important Points

One is to search for and read books that were written long ago. These are called manuscripts because they were written by hand (this comes from the Latin word ‘manu’, meaning hand).

• These were usually written on palm leaf, or on the specially prepared bark of a tree known as the birch, which grows in the Himalayas.
• Over the years, many manuscripts were eaten away by insects, some were destroyed, but many have survived, often preserved in temples and monasteries.
• These books dealt with all kinds of subjects: religious beliefs and practices, the lives of kings, medicine, and science.
• Besides, there were epics, poems, plays.
• Many of these were written in Sanskrit, others were in Prakrit (languages used by ordinary people) and Tamil.

Thus, we can conclude that manuscripts were written on palm leaf.

Additional Information A palm leaf manuscript:

The correct answer is - Thucydides

Key Points

• Thucydides
  • Thucydides was an ancient Greek historian known for his detailed and critical approach to historical writing.
  • He authored the History of the Peloponnesian War, which provides an in-depth account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BCE.
  • Unlike many other historians of his time, Thucydides focused on cause-and-effect relationships and avoided reliance on myths or divine intervention in his analysis.
  • His work is considered one of the first examples of scientific history, as it emphasizes accuracy, impartiality, and a systematic approach.

Additional Information

• Other prominent Greek historians
  • Herodotus
    • Often referred to as the "Father of History," Herodotus wrote The Histories, which primarily focused on the Greco-Persian Wars.
    • His writing style is more narrative and includes mythical and anecdotal elements.
  • Xenophon
    • Xenophon was a student of Socrates and wrote works such as Anabasis and Hellenica.
    • His writings serve as a continuation of Thucydides’ account, covering the later years of Greek history.
  • Aristophanes
    • Aristophanes was not a historian but a famous playwright known for his comic plays, such as "The Birds" and "Lysistrata."
    • While his works provide cultural insights, they are not historical accounts.
• The Peloponnesian War
  • The war occurred between Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies, lasting from 431 BCE to 404 BCE.
  • It is often divided into three phases: the Archidamian War, the Peace of Nicias, and the Ionian War.
  • The conflict was characterized by political, economic, and military struggles, ultimately leading to Athens' defeat and the decline of its empire.

The correct answer is - Option 1: (a)(iv); (b)(iii); (c)(ii); (d)(i)

Key Points

• Match each historian with their respective work:
  • G. H. Khare - Associated with Murtividnyan (Option iv).
  • Sadashiv Athavale - Known for Itihasache Tatvadnyan (Option iii).
  • Vi. Ka. Rajwade - Contributed to Marathyanchya Itihasachi Sadhne (Option ii).
  • Setu Madharao Pagadi - Authored Marathe Va Aurangzeb (Option i).
• Correct Mapping:
  • (a) G. H. Khare - (iv) Murtividnyan
  • (b) Sadashiv Athavale - (iii) Itihasache Tatvadnyan
  • (c) Vi. Ka. Rajwade - (ii) Marathyanchya Itihasachi Sadhne
  • (d) Setu Madharao Pagadi - (i) Marathe Va Aurangzeb
• The correct answer aligns with Option 1.

Additional Information

• About G. H. Khare:
  • His work Murtividnyan deals with understanding the significance of historical artifacts and their interpretations.
• About Sadashiv Athavale:
  • His book Itihasache Tatvadnyan explores the philosophy of history and its methodologies.
• About Vi. Ka. Rajwade:
  • He is renowned for his work Marathyanchya Itihasachi Sadhne, which compiles sources and materials for the history of the Marathas.
• About Setu Madharao Pagadi:
  • His book Marathe Va Aurangzeb examines the historical relationship and conflicts between the Marathas and Aurangzeb.

The correct answer is - Arabic

Key Points

• Chachnama
  • The Chachnama is a historical text that narrates the history of Sindh during the early Islamic period.
  • It is considered the oldest chronicle of Sindh and provides valuable insights into the region's political and cultural history.
• Language of the Original Text
  • The original text of Chachnama was written in Arabic.
  • It was later translated into Persian by Ali Kufi in the 13th century during the reign of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Importance of the Chachnama
  • The Chachnama is a vital source for understanding the Islamic conquest of Sindh, led by Muhammad bin Qasim in the 8th century.
  • It also documents the governance and administrative practices of the region before and after the Islamic conquest.

Additional Information

• Historical Background
  • The Chachnama was written to record the events and administration of Chach of Alor, a Hindu ruler of Sindh before the Islamic conquest.
  • It includes detailed accounts of the resistance offered by local rulers and the strategies employed by Muhammad bin Qasim to establish Islamic rule.
• Translation into Persian
  • The Persian translation by Ali Kufi made the Chachnama accessible to a wider audience in the Islamic world.
  • This translation played a crucial role in preserving the history and culture of Sindh during the medieval period.
• Relevance in Modern Times
  • The Chachnama is studied by historians and scholars to understand the early Islamic expansion into South Asia.
  • It serves as an important source of information about the political, religious, and cultural dynamics of medieval Sindh.

‘Prayaga Prashasti’ is a pillar inscription of Samudragupta found at Allahabad and written in Sanskrit.

• It was composed by Harisena.
• It is one of the important epigraphic sources to know about the political history of the Guptas.
• It is a primary source to understand Ancient Indian period.

Additional InformationSurat Hundi

• Hundis are notes recording deposits made by a person. The amount deposited can be claimed in another place by presenting the record of the deposit in medieval times.
• The Kathiawad seths or mahajans (moneychangers) had huge banking houses at Surat.
• It is noteworthy that the Surat hundis were honoured in the far-off markets of Cairo in Egypt, Basra in Iraq and Antwerp in Belgium. 

Kandariya Mahadeva temple

• It is considered one of India's best examples of temples preserved from the medieval period.
• The Kandariya Mahadeva temple dedicated to Shiva was constructed in 999 by king Dhangadeva of the Chandela dynasty.

Nagabhata's Prashsasti

• One prashasti, written in Sanskrit and found in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, describes the exploits of Nagabhata, a Pratihara king.

The correct answer is a - iii, b - i, c - ii, d - iv.

• Indica is an account of India under the reign of the Maurya Dynasty. 
  • Greek writer Megasthenes was the author of Indica. 
  • Unfortunately, the original book is now lost, but its fragments survived in the works of Greek and Latin writers. These earliest works are by Diodorus Siculus, Strabo, Arrian, and Pliny.
• 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 of seventh-century CE.
  • He was the Asthana Kavi, i.e. Court Poet, of Harshavardhana.
  • Harshacharita was the first composition of Banabhatta and marks the beginning of the writing of historical poetic works in the Sanskrit language.
  • It narrates the biography of the emperor Harsha in eight chapters.
• The " Prithviraj Raso" is a Braj Bhasha poem.
  • The poem is about the 12th-century Indian Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan.
  • The poem is written by Chand Bardai.
  • Chand Bardai immortalized Prithviraj Chauhan's life in the poem Prithviraj Raso.
  • The poem describes the love and abduction of Raja Jai Chandra's daughter of Kannauj by Prithviraj Chauhan.
  • The earlier manuscripts of the poem were discovered at Dharanojwali village of Gujarat.
  • The oldest manuscripts are from the 16th century. It is written in the Lata Apabhramsha language.
• The Rajtarangani composed by Kalhana in the twelfth century is the main source of the History of Medieval Kashmir.
  • It was written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri historian Kalhana in the 12th century CE.
  • Rajtaringini comprises 7826 verses and is divided into eight books called Tarangas. 

Ain-i-Akbari is a literary source that gives an insight into the Mughal Empire.

Important Points

• The Ain-i Akbari is a 16th century document written by the Mughal Emperor Akbar's court historian and biographer, Abul Fazl.
  • It provides detailed information about the administration, society, and culture of the Mughal Empire during Akbar's reign.
  • The Ain-i Akbari covers topics such as the imperial household, land revenue, the military, the caste system, and the various religions of the empire.
  • It is considered an important historical source for understanding the Mughal Empire and its administration.

Hence, we can conclude that Ain-i-Akbari provides economic conditions of the reign of Akbar.

The incorrect statement about Mill's History of British India is It was not informed by the English utilitarian philosophy.

Key Points

• James Mill (1773–1836) was a Scottish-born writer and political philosopher, also known as the father of the philosopher.
• He studied at the University of Edinburgh, in 1802 Mill moved to London, where he began a career as a writer of pamphlets, articles, and eventually books.
• In 1806 he began his monumental The History of British India, which he published in 1817.
• Mill had never travelled to India and knew none of the Indian languages.
• The statement "It was not informed by the English utilitarian philosophy" is incorrect.
• James Mill was a prominent utilitarian philosopher, and his History of British India is heavily influenced by utilitarian ideas.
• For example, Mill argues that the British should rule India to promote the greatest happiness of the greatest number of Indians.
• He also argues that Indian society is backward and needs to be reformed according to utilitarian principles.

Additional Information

The three-volume work is organized into six books.

• Book one deals with the earliest British interactions with India, from the voyage to India by the merchant Robert Thorne in 1527 to the state of the East India Company in the early 1700s.
• Book two deals with the history, religion, literature, and culture of ancient India and the Hindu civilization in particular.
• Book three covers Islamic conquest and rule, beginning with incursions in the ninth century and concluding with the Mughal Empire.
• This book ends with a chapter entitled “A Comparison of the State of Civilization among the Mohamedan Conquerors of India with the State of Civilization among the Hindus.”
• Books four, five, and six cover the expansion and consolidation of British power in India and the rule of the East India Company.
• Utilitarianism:

• Utilitarianism is a theory in ethics holding action is the one that maximizes utility.
• Utility is defined in various ways, including pleasure, economic well-being and the lack of suffering.
• John Stuart Mill was the most influential Utilitarianism of the 19th century.
• He applied his utilitarianism and theory of progress to justify the British rule in India.
• Hence, the 4th statement -It was not informed by the English utilitarian philosophy is incorrect.

The author of Ain-I-Akbari was Abul Fazl.

• Ain-i-Akbari is a 16th century document.
• It was written in Persian language.
• It deals with the administration of Mughal Emperor Akbar.
• He worked on the "Akbar Nama" for 13 years.
• The Akbar Nama is divided into three books:
  • The first book dealt with Akbar's ancestors.
  • The second recorded the events of Akbar's reign.
  • The third book is the Ain-i Akbari.
• Ain-i-Akbari deals with Akbar's administration, household, army, the revenues, and geography of his empire.

The correct matching is (a) - (iv), (b) - (iii), (c) - (ii), (d) - (i).Key Points

Irfan Habib opined that "Once the Ahar Iron is disposed of, all 14 C dates for the earliest iron levels in India appear to cluster around 1000 BC or a little earlier"Key Points

• Irfan Habib was a renowned Indian historian who specialized in the economic history of India.
• He made this statement in his book, "The Vedic Age and the Coming of Iron," which was published in 1999.
• In the book, Habib argues that the earliest evidence of iron use in India comes from the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture, which flourished in the Gangetic plains from around 1000 BC to 600 BC.
• He points out that the 14C dates for the earliest iron levels in India all cluster around this period, and that there is no evidence of iron use in India before this time.
• Habib's opinion has been influential in shaping the prevailing view of the chronology of the Iron Age in India.
• However, it is important to note that there is still some debate on this issue, and some scholars have argued for an earlier date for the introduction of iron into India.
• Ultimately, the question of when iron was first used in India is a complex one, and there is no single answer that is universally accepted.

• However, Habib's opinion is based on a careful analysis of the available evidence, and it is a view that is widely respected by historians.

​Therefore we can say that the correct answer is Irfan Habib.

The correct answer is Al-Biruni.

Important Points

• Abu Rayhan al-Biruni was an Iranian scholar.
• He has been variously called as the:-
  • Founder of Indology
  • Father of Comparative Religion
  • Father of modern geodesy
  • The first anthropologist
• He wrote the book Kitab-ul-Hind.
• Alberuni (Abu Raynham Beruni) was a Persian scholar who came to India with Mahmud of Ghazni in 1017.
• He commented on Indian sciences, Hindu religious beliefs, customs, and social organization.

Additional Information 

• Firdausi's famous book is Shahnameh.
• Ibn Battuta had written Rihlah.
• Francois Bernier wrote Travels in the Mughal Empire, which is mainly about the reigns of Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb. It is based on his own extensive journeys and observations, and on information from eminent Mughal courtiers who had witnessed the events at first hand.

The correct answer is Ramacharita.

Key Points The Ramacharitam is a Sanskrit epic poem written in Arya meter by Sandhyakar Nandi during Pala Empire.

• This work simultaneously narrates the story of the Ramayana and the Pala king Ramapala. 
• Sandhyakar Nandi was patronaged by Madanapala and his biographical details are retrieved from the Kaviprashasti (of 20 couplets) appended at the end.
• Nandi hailed from Brihadbatu, a village close to Pundravardhana, and was the son of Prajapati Nandi, who was the Sandhi-Vigrahika (minister of peace and war) of Ramapala.

Additional Information

• Kumarapalacharita was written by Hemchandra.
  • He was an Indian Jain scholar, poet, mathematician, and polymath who wrote on grammar, philosophy, prosody, mathematics, and contemporary history.
  • The book was about Chalukya King Kumarapala.
  • Kumarapala was an Indian king from the Chaulukya (Solanki) dynasty of Gujarat. He ruled present-day Gujarat and surrounding areas, from his capital Anahilapataka (modern Patan).
• Jain Literature in the form of manuscripts and publications during the 8th century A.D. is very rich.
  • For the social and cultural history of Rajasthan, the Jain sources literary as well as Archeology are important and immensely valuable.
  • Uddyotana Suri’s work on Kuvalayamala Kaha is very exhaustive work on the social and cultural history of the people during the period under study.
  • The Kuvalayamala mentioned the social, cultural, political and economic condition of the people. 
• The Gaudavaho ( 'slaying of the king of Gauda' ) is known to be a Prakrit Epic composed by Vākpatirāja, a poet living in the court of Yasovarman, king of Kanauj.

The answer is Surdas's Sahitya Lahiri.

• Primary sources help students relate in a personal way to events of the past and promote a deeper understanding of history as a series of human events.
• Because primary sources are incomplete snippets of history, each one represents a mystery that students can only explore further by finding new pieces of evidence.​

Key Points

1. Surdas was a 16th-century blind Hindu devotional poet and singer, who was known for his works written in praise of Krishna, the supreme lord.
2. Surdas's Sahitya Lahri is one of the main primary sources to know about the medieval period of history.​

Mistake Points

1. Ashoka's Inscription, Kalidasa's Abhijana Shakuntala, and Ravikirti's Prashasti are the Ancient historical sources.

Hence, Surdas's Sahitya Lahari is a primary source to understand the medieval History of India.