Odisha, with its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, has been a center of various historical events and developments. For candidates preparing for OSSSC examinations, understanding the history of Odisha is crucial. Here’s a compilation of 30 multiple-choice questions to aid in your preparation.
Top 30 History of Odisha MCQS For OSSSC RI,ARI, Amin, SFS, ICDS Supervisor
- Who conducted the exploration that exposed the pre-historic sites of Odisha in 1875?
(a) Paramananda Acharya
(b) C. Worman
(c) Valentine Bali
(d) R.P. Chanda
Ans: (c) Valentine Bali
Solution: Valentine Bali’s exploration in 1875 at Angul, Talcher, Dhenkanal, and Bursapalli played a crucial role in exposing the pre-historic sites of Odisha, contributing significantly to the understanding of the region’s ancient history. - The famous paleolithic site at Kulina was discovered by:
(a) B.B. Lal
(b) Paramananda Acharya and C. Worman
(c) R.P. Chanda
(d) K.K. Basa
Ans: (b) Paramananda Acharya and C. Worman
Solution: Paramananda Acharya of Mayurbhanj and C. Worman of Harvard University discovered the famous paleolithic site at Kulina, marking an important discovery in the study of Odisha’s pre-history. - The Asokan rock art and edicts were discovered at:
(a) Ratnagiri
(b) Udayagiri
(c) Dhauli
(d) Lalitgiri
Ans: (c) Dhauli
Solution: The discovery of Asokan rock art at Dhauli, along with his edicts at Dhauli and Jaugada, provided significant insights into the history of Kalinga during the 3rd century B.C. - Which site is identified as the capital city of Kharavela?
(a) Jaugada
(b) Sisupalgarh
(c) Ratnagiri
(d) Lalitgiri
Ans: (b) Sisupalgarh
Solution: The excavation at Sisupalgarh led by B.B. Lal in 1949 revealed a fort with impressive gateways, which historians identified as Kalinganagari, the capital city of Kharavela. - The recent excavations at Harirajpur were led by:
(a) Devala Mitra
(b) R.K. Moanty
(c) Monica L. Smith
(d) K.K. Basa
Ans: (d) K.K. Basa
Solution: K.K. Basa led the recent excavations at Harirajpur, which uncovered many unexplored aspects of the ancient history of Odisha. - Which of the following sites is part of the “Diamond Triangle” of Odisha?
(a) Sisupalgarh
(b) Konarka
(c) Lalitgiri
(d) Harirajpur
Ans: (c) Lalitgiri
Solution: Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri are collectively known as the “Diamond Triangle” of Odisha, significant for their archaeological remains related to Buddhism and Brahmanic religion. - The temples of Odisha developed in which style of architecture?
(a) Dravidian
(b) Nagara
(c) Vesara
(d) Kalingan
Ans: (d) Kalingan
Solution: The temples of Odisha developed in the Kalingan style of architecture, which is characterized by the Sikhara or rekha (curvilinear) form, marking its origin in the 6th-7th century A.D. - Which temple marked the perfection of the Kalingan style of architecture?
(a) Lingaraja Temple
(b) Muktesvara Temple
(c) Jagannath Temple
(d) Konarka Sun Temple
Ans: (d) Konarka Sun Temple
Solution: The Konarka Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, marked the perfection of the Kalingan style of architecture and iconography in Odisha, surpassing the other temples in the region. - The site of Podagarh in Navarangpur district is associated with which ancient dynasty?
(a) Nalas
(b) Sarabhapuriyas
(c) Somavamsis
(d) Gangas
Ans: (a) Nalas
Solution: Podagarh, located in the Navarangpur district, is associated with the Nalas dynasty, with the site serving as their capital town, Puskari. - Which group of temples marked the early phase of temple architecture in Odisha?
(a) Gokarnesvara Temples
(b) Parsuramesvara Group
(c) Laxmanesvara, Bharatesvara, and Satrughnesvara Group
(d) Simhaprastha Mahavihara
Ans: (c) Laxmanesvara, Bharatesvara, and Satrughnesvara Group
Solution: The Laxmanesvara, Bharatesvara, and Satrughnesvara group of temples marked the early phase of temple architecture in Odisha, laying the foundation for later developments in the Kalingan style. - Which literary source provides the earliest reference to Kalinga and Odra?
(a) Ramayana
(b) Mahabharata
(c) Smritis of Manu
(d) Buddhist literature
Ans: (b) Mahabharata
Solution: The Mahabharata makes the earliest reference to Kalinga and Odra, which are key regions in the history of Odisha. This epic provides valuable insights into the ancient history of the area. - Which of the following literary sources contain descriptions of Kalinga and Utkala?
(a) Jaina literature
(b) Buddhist literature
(c) Ramayana
(d) Vedic texts
Ans: (a) Jaina literature
Solution: The Jaina literature is known to contain detailed descriptions of the regions of Kalinga and Utkala, contributing significantly to our understanding of ancient Odisha. - Which foreign pilgrim’s account is considered the most valuable for the history of Odisha?
(a) Fa-Hien
(b) I-Tsing
(c) Hiuen Tsang
(d) Marco Polo
Ans: (c) Hiuen Tsang
Solution: The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang visited Odisha in 638-39 AD, and his accounts provide critical insights into the history and culture of the region during that period. - In which year did Hiuen Tsang visit Odisha?
(a) 620-621 AD
(b) 630-631 AD
(c) 638-639 AD
(d) 648-649 AD
Ans: (c) 638-639 AD
Solution: Hiuen Tsang visited Odisha in 638-639 AD. His observations and records from this visit are invaluable sources for the study of Odisha’s history. - Which of the following inscriptions has contributed significantly to shaping the history of Odisha?
(a) Ashokan Edicts
(b) Hathigumpha Inscription
(c) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
(d) Aihole Inscription
Ans: (b) Hathigumpha Inscription
Solution: The Hathigumpha Inscription, associated with King Kharavela of Kalinga, is one of the most significant inscriptions that provide detailed information about the history of ancient Odisha. - The coins found in Odisha are grouped under which of the following categories?
(a) Roman Coins
(b) Punch-marked Coins
(c) Chola Coins
(d) Mughal Coins
Ans: (b) Punch-marked Coins
Solution: The coins found in Odisha are categorized as punch-marked coins, which are an important source for understanding the economic history, trade, and commerce of ancient Odisha. - Which category of coins from Odisha is associated with the Gupta dynasty?
(a) Naga Coins
(b) Kalachuri Coins
(c) Gupta Gold Coins
(d) Puri-Kushana Coins
Ans: (c) Gupta Gold Coins
Solution: The Gupta Gold Coins discovered in Odisha offer insights into the economic conditions and metallurgical expertise during the Gupta dynasty’s rule. - What is the name of the chronicle that has played an important role in shaping the history of Odisha?
(a) Rajatarangini
(b) Madala Panji
(c) Kalhanas Chronicles
(d) Vikramankadevacharita
Ans: (b) Madala Panji
Solution: The Madala Panji is a significant chronicle that has played an important role in documenting the history and cultural heritage of Odisha, especially concerning the Jagannath Temple. - Which of the following legal texts has influenced the political systems of Odisha?
(a) Arthashastra
(b) Manusmriti
(c) Mahabharata
(d) Bhagavad Gita
Ans: (b) Manusmriti
Solution: The Manusmriti, along with other Smritis, has significantly influenced the political and social systems in ancient Odisha. - Which source among the following is not a material remain that helps in reconstructing the history of Odisha?
(a) Temples
(b) Inscriptions
(c) Coins
(d) Foreign Accounts
Ans: (d) Foreign Accounts
Solution: Foreign accounts are not material remains; they are written records or descriptions by travelers. Material remains include physical artifacts like temples, inscriptions, and coins that help reconstruct the history of Odisha. - Which of the following rivers formed the eastern boundary of Kalinga according to Megasthenes?
(a) Godavari
(b) Vaitarani
(c) Ganges
(d) Narmada
Ans: (c) Ganges
Solution: Megasthenes, an ancient Greek historian, described that the river Ganges formed the eastern boundary of Kalinga. This indicates the geographical extent of Kalinga during his time. - Which of the following inscriptions provides evidence of Ashoka’s division of Kalinga into two broad regions?
(a) Allahabad Inscription
(b) Hatigumpha Inscription
(c) Dhauli Edicts
(d) Sumandala Copper Plates
Ans: (c) Dhauli Edicts
Solution: Ashoka’s Dhauli Edicts, found near Bhubaneswar, reveal that Kalinga was divided into two broad divisions for administrative purposes, with Tosali in the north and Samapa in the south. - What is the name of the early capital of Kalinga that has not been identified archaeologically?
(a) Tosali
(b) Samapa
(c) Kalinganagara
(d) Dantapura
Ans: (d) Dantapura
Solution: Dantapura is mentioned as one of the early capitals of Kalinga, but its exact location remains unidentified due to a lack of archaeological evidence. - During which king’s reign was Kalinga expanded into an empire as mentioned in the Hatigumpha Inscription?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Kharavela
(d) Chodaganga
Ans: (c) Kharavela
Solution: The Hatigumpha Inscription at Udayagiri describes Kharavela as the ruler of Kalinga and indicates that during his reign, Kalinga expanded into a significant empire. - In the Mahabharata, which river is mentioned as flowing through the Kalinga region?
(a) Godavari
(b) Vaitarani
(c) Ganges
(d) Mahanadi
Ans: (b) Vaitarani
Solution: The Mahabharata mentions that the river Vaitarani flows through the Kalinga region, highlighting the geographical features of Kalinga. - According to Pliny, which of the following was NOT a part of Kalinga?
(a) Gangarides Calingae
(b) Maceo Calingae
(c) Calingae
(d) Tosali
Ans: (d) Tosali
Solution: Pliny divided Kalinga into three parts: Gangarides Calingae, Maceo Calingae, and Calingae. Tosali is mentioned as a capital in Ashoka’s inscriptions, not as a division by Pliny. - Which Mauryan emperor’s war led to Kalinga coming under the Magadhan authority in 261 B.C.?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Ashoka
(d) Brihadratha
Ans: (c) Ashoka
Solution: The Kalinga War fought by Ashoka in 261 B.C. resulted in Kalinga coming under the control of the Mauryan Empire. - Which text first mentions Kalinga along with other regions like Anga and Vanga?
(a) Rigveda
(b) Mahabharata
(c) Puranas
(d) Arthashastra
Ans: (c) Puranas
Solution: The Puranas, a genre of ancient Indian literature, first mention Kalinga in association with other regions such as Anga and Vanga. - Which of the following statements is true about the capital of the Early Eastern Gangas?
(a) It was located at Tosali.
(b) It was identified as Dantapura.
(c) It was initially at Mukhalingam and later moved to Cuttack.
(d) It was the same as Kharavela’s Kalinganagara.
Ans: (c) It was initially at Mukhalingam and later moved to Cuttack.
Solution: The Early Eastern Gangas established their capital at Mukhalingam, which was later moved to Cuttack by Chodaganga after he conquered Odisha. - Which of the following Mahajanapadas did Kalinga not appear in during the sixth century B.C.?
(a) Vatsa
(b) Kosala
(c) Magadha
(d) Kalinga
Ans: (d) Kalinga
Solution: Kalinga did not appear as one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas in the Pali literature during the sixth century B.C., though it existed as a significant state.
