Odisha, nestled in the eastern coast of India, boasts a rich tapestry of ancient history, spanning millennia of civilization, culture, and heritage. Aspiring candidates preparing for the OSSSC (Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission) examinations for various roles such as RI (Revenue Inspector), ARI (Assistant Revenue Inspector), Amin, SFS (Statistical Field Surveyor), and ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) Supervisor must grasp the intricate details of Odisha’s past to excel in their endeavors. Here, we delve into 30 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) encapsulating the essence of Odisha’s ancient history, offering aspirants a glimpse into the captivating saga of this land.
Top 30 Ancient History of Odisha MCQs For OSSSC RI,ARI, Amin, SFS, ICDS Supervisor
- What was the ancient capital of the Kalinga empire according to historical records?
a) Kalinga
b) Tosali
c) Dantapura
d) Rajapura
Answer: b) Tosali - According to the Mahabharata, which two capitals of Kalinga were mentioned?
a) Puri and Cuttack
b) Bhubaneswar and Konark
c) Dantapura and Rajapura
d) Sisupalgarh and Udayagiri
Answer: c) Dantapura and Rajapura - What is Kalinga famous for in ancient history, according to historical accounts?
a) Its extensive trade routes
b) The Kurukshetra battle
c) Its powerful kings and temples
d) Its contributions to literature and art
Answer: b) The Kurukshetra battle - Who is considered the first king of Kalinga, according to the Mahabharata and some Puranas?
a) Srutayudha
b) Bhanumana
c) Ketumana
d) Kalinga
Answer: d) Kalinga - Which dynasty ruled the Kalinga region during the 8th–10th centuries CE and referred to their kingdom as “Tosala”?
a) Bhauma-Kara dynasty
b) Somavamshi dynasty
c) Keshari dynasty
d) Eastern Ganga dynasty
Answer: a) Bhauma-Kara dynasty - What was the original capital of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty?
a) Kalinganagara
b) Bhubaneswar
c) Kataka
d) Puri
Answer: a) Kalinganagara - During which century was the capital of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty transferred from Kalinganagara to Kataka (modern Cuttack)?
a) 7th century
b) 9th century
c) 12th century
d) 15th century
Answer: c) 12th century - Who was the ruler of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty responsible for transferring the capital to Kataka (Cuttack)?
a) Bhanu Deva I
b) Anantavarman Chodaganga
c) Narasimha Deva I
d) Kapilendra Deva
Answer: b) Anantavarman Chodaganga - Which king of Kalinga joined the Kaurava camp during the Kurukshetra battle and was killed by Bhimasena?
a) Bhanumana
b) Ketumana
c) Srutayudha
d) Kalinga
Answer: c) Srutayudha - According to historical records, during which period did the Somavamshi or Keshari dynasty establish their kingdom in the Kalinga area?
a) 2nd century BCE
b) 7th century CE
c) 11th century CE
d) 14th century CE
Answer: b) 7th century CE - Who is considered the last Hindu king of Odisha?
a) Narasimha Deva I
b) Anantavarman Chodaganga
c) Mukundadeva
d) Kapilendra Deva
Answer: c) Mukundadeva - Who was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty in ancient Odisha (now Odisha)?
a) Narasimha Deva I
b) Anantavarman Chodaganga
c) Mukunda Deva
d) Kapilendra Deva
Answer: c) Mukunda Deva - From which dynasty did Mukunda Deva trace his descent?
a) Gajapati dynasty
b) Eastern Ganga dynasty
c) Chola dynasty
d) Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi
Answer: d) Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi - During which period did Mukunda Deva establish the Chalukya dynasty in Odisha?
a) 10th century AD
b) 12th century AD
c) 15th century AD
d) 16th century AD
Answer: d) 16th century AD - During which period was ancient Odisha, known as Kalinga, considered a great maritime power?
a) 3rd century BCE to 1st century CE
b) 7th century BCE to 13th century CE
c) 5th century CE to 10th century CE
d) 14th century CE to 18th century CE
Answer: b) 7th century BCE to 13th century CE - With which ancient countries did ancient Odisha have overseas trade relations?
a) China, Japan, and Korea
b) Greece, Rome, and Egypt
c) Persia, Arabia, and Mesopotamia
d) India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar
Answer: b) Greece, Rome, and Java, Sumatra, Brahmadesa, Simhala, Bali, Malay - What was one of the major activities of ancient Odisha’s maritime history?
a) Exploration of new lands
b) Establishment of colonies
c) Overseas trade
d) Naval warfare
Answer: c) Overseas trade - Who was the famous ruler of ancient Odisha known for his exploits during the 2nd century BCE?
a) Kharavela
b) Ashoka
c) Chandragupta Maurya
d) Samudragupta
Answer: a) Kharavela - The ancient city of Sisupalgarh, near modern-day Bhubaneswar, is associated with which civilization?
a) Mauryan
b) Chola
c) Kalinga
d) Gupta
Answer: c) Kalinga - Which dynasty did King Kharavela belong to?
a) Maurya dynasty
b) Meghavahana dynasty
c) Eastern Ganga dynasty
d) Chola dynasty
Answer: b) Meghavahana dynasty - The famous rock-cut caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri were built during the reign of which dynasty?
a) Satavahana
b) Maurya
c) Gupta
d) Kharavela
Answer: d) Kharavela - Who was the Odishan ruler known for building the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark?
a) Anantavarman Chodaganga
b) Narasimhadeva I
c) Lalitaditya Muktapida
d) Jayavarman VII
Answer: b) Narasimhadeva I - Which university is recognized as the oldest university in Odisha?
a) Ravenshaw University
b) Sambalpur University
c) Utkal University
d) Odisha University
Answer: c) Utkal University - The Kalinga War, famously known for its bloodshed and subsequent transformation of Emperor Ashoka, took place in:
a) 269 BCE
b) 261 BCE
c) 200 BCE
d) 303 BCE
Answer: b) 261 BCE - Which ancient dynasty ruled over Odisha during the 11th century CE and made significant contributions to art and architecture?
a) Bhaumakara Dynasty
b) Somavamshi Dynasty
c) Ganga Dynasty
d) Chola Dynasty
Answer: c) Ganga Dynasty - Who is credited with establishing the Ganga rule in Odisha and expanding its territories?
a) Anantavarman Chodaganga
b) Ananga Bhima Deva III
c) Narasimhadeva I
d) Kapilendra Deva
Answer: a) Anantavarman Chodaganga - Which ruler of Odisha is renowned for his patronage of arts, literature, and temple construction?
a) Anantavarman Chodaganga
b) Ananga Bhima Deva III
c) Narasimhadeva I
d) Kapilendra Deva
Answer: b) Ananga Bhima Deva III - During which period did Anantavarman Chodaganga rule over Odisha?
a) 8th–9th century CE
b) 10th–11th century CE
c) 11th–12th century CE
d) 13th–14th century CE
Answer: c) 11th–12th century CE - Which ancient ruler of Odisha is credited with the construction of the Mukteshvara Temple in Bhubaneswar?
a) Anantavarman Chodaganga
b) Narasimhadeva I
c) Kharavela
d) Yayati Kesari
Answer: d) Yayati Kesari - The famous ‘Jagannath Temple’ in Puri was built by which ruler of the Ganga Dynasty?
a) Anantavarman Chodaganga
b) Chodaganga Deva
c) Anangabhima Deva III
d) Kapilendra Deva
Answer: b) Chodaganga Deva
