Ancient Indian History MCQs
Multiple Choice Quiz Questions (MCQs) on Ancient Indian History for General Studies and GK preparation of SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
1. In the Junagarh inscription, which among the following Saka ruler achievements are highlighted?
[A] Moga
[B] Azes
[C] Rudradaman
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Rudradaman ]
Notes:
The military achievements, territories and many personal qualities of Rudradaman are highlighted in the famous Junagadh inscription, written in 150 AD. It is the first major inscription to be written in sanskrit.
2. Which of the following Chola kings was the first to capture Maldives?
[A] Rajaraja
[B] Rajendra I
[C] Rajadhiraja
[D] Rajendra II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rajaraja ]
Notes:
Rajaraja I conquered the Maldives and northern Sri Lanka. The naval expedition against Srivijaya in Southeast Asia was undertaken later by his son Rajendra I in 1025 CE.
3. Which among the following Kushana king adopted the epithet Dharma-thida?
[A] Vima Kadaphises
[B] Kuzul Kadaphises
[C] Kanishka the Great
[D] Huvishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kuzul Kadaphises ]
Notes:
Kujula Kadphises used coin legends such as Dharma-thida and Sacha-dharma-thita, expressing adherence to dharma or the true law. These titles alone do not establish adherence to two specific religions.
4. In the revenue department of Mauryas, who among the following was in-charge of the collection of all revenues in the empire?
[A] Sannidhatri
[B] Pradeshta
[C] Yukta
[D] Samaharta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Samaharta ]
Notes:
Samaharta supervised revenue collection. Sannidhata was responsible for the treasury and stores. These were distinct offices in the administrative system described in the Arthashastra.
5. Who wrote Mahabhashya?
[A] Panini
[B] Patanjali
[C] Kalidas
[D] Tulsidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
Mahabhashya was written by Patanjali. It is a commentary on selected rules of Sanskrit grammar from Paini’s treatise, the Ashtadhyayi and Katyayana’s Varttika.
6. Which of the following was not a deity of the Harappans?
[A] Shiva
[B] Mother Goddess
[C] Peepal Tree
[D] Vishnu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vishnu]
Notes:
Harappan religion is associated with several symbols and figures such as the Mother Goddess, a proto-Shiva or Pashupati figure, and sacred trees like the Peepal. These are supported by seals, figurines and other archaeological evidence. Vishnu, however, is not identified among the commonly accepted Harappan deities. Hence, Vishnu is the correct answer.
7. Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following rulers?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Ramagupta
[C] Bhanugupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Ramagupta ]
Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the Maharajadhiraja.
8. In which state of India is located the ancient trading depot of Bharukaccha?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharastra
[D] Karnataka
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Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Bharuch derives its name from the great sage Bhrigu and the original name of Bharuch was ‘Bhrigukachchha’
9. Ashvaghosha, who has written the marvelous work “Buddhacharita” was a court poet of which among the following kings?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Samudra gupta
[D] Ajatshatru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Asvaghosa wrote “Buddhacharitra” and lived in the court of King Kanishka. He was a Buddhist philosopher, poet, orator and dramatist from India. He is considered to be the greatest Indian poet before Kalidasa.
10. During the period of Harshavardhana the fields were watered by the pots which were called Ghati yantra. The writing of which among the following authors records this?
[A] Hiuen-tsang
[B] Subhandhu
[C] Dandin
[D] Banabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Banabhatta]
Notes:
Banabhatta’s Harshacharita describes fields irrigated with a ghati-yantra. This device lifted water using pots and supplied it to fields through channels.
