Q1. Saka era commenced from
(a) 78 AD
(b) 120 AD
(c) 1000 AD
(d) 1953 AD
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (a) 78 AD
Explanation: The Saka Era began in 78 AD, introduced by King Kanishka, and is used in the Indian national calendar.
Q2. Which of the following was the most important characteristic of Kanishka’s rule ?
(a) Expansion of Buddhism outside India
(b) Re-emergence of Jainism
(c) Fourth Buddhist Council at Srinagar
(d) Gandhara School of Art
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (c) Fourth Buddhist Council at Srinagar
Explanation: During Kanishka’s reign, the Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Srinagar, which played a key role in the spread of Mahayana Buddhism.
Q3. Saka era was introduced by
(a) Ashoka
(b) Kanishka
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Harsha Vardhana
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Saka era was introduced by Kanishka, the Kushan emperor, in 78 AD. It became one of the official calendars in India and is still used in the Indian national calendar.
Q4. The ancient Indian coins were introduced during the
(a) 3rd century AD
(b) 3rd century BC
(c) Kanishka’s period
(d) Ashoka’s reign
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (a) 3rd century AD
Explanation: Ancient Indian coins, especially those with metallic inscriptions and royal symbols, became prominent during the Kushan period, particularly under Kanishka, which falls in the 3rd century AD.