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] Rudraraman
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Rudraraman ]
Notes:
The military achievements, territories and many personal qualities of Rudraraman are highlighted in the famous Junagadh inscription, written in 150 AD. It is the first major inscription to be written in sanskrit.
2. Which rock edict of Ashoka appeals for tolerance among sects?
[A] Major Rock Edict X
[B] Major Rock Edict XI
[C] Major Rock Edict XII
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Major Rock Edict XII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XII of Ashoka directed and determined request for tolerance among different religious sects. This edict reflects the anxiety the king felt because of conflict between sects and carries his plea for harmony.
3. Which of the following was the capital of early Cholas?
[A] Madurai
[B] Karur
[C] Uraiyaur
[D] Kaveripattnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uraiyaur]
Notes:
Uraiyaur, now a locality in Tiruchirappalli, was the capital of the early Cholas. It was famous for its cotton trade.
4. Which among the following sacred books of Hindu religion has Brahma as the priest?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Rig Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atharva Veda]
Notes:
In Hindu scripture, the Atharva Veda is identified as the Veda where Brahma presides as the priest. This book encompasses a vast range of subjects, from healing rituals to royal consecrations. The name “Atharva Veda” comes from the type of priests who were specifically dedicated to its chanting and application. Brahma, in this context, portrays the deity of creation, thus extolling the grandeur of life.
5. Who composed Prayag-Prashasti inscription during the Gupta period?
[A] Harisena
[B] Veerasena
[C] Amarkhaddava
[D] Aswaghosa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Harisena ]
Notes:
Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta, who mentioned the achievements of Samudragupta in the Prayag-Prasasti inscription (or Allahabad Pillar inscription).
6. The Nitisara of Kamandaka, also known as the Kamandakiya-Nitisara, was composed during the period of:
[A] Satavahana dynasty
[B] Gupta dynasty
[C] Kalachuri dynasty
[D] Nanda dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta dynasty]
Notes:
The Nitisara of Kamandaka, also known as the Kamandakiya-Nitisara, was composed during the period of Gupta Dynasty. It was based on Kautilya’s Arthashastra
7. Which among the following was capital of Mitrakas?
[A] Kosambi
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Odantapuri
[D] Vikramsila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vallabhi]
Notes:
After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Maitraka dynasty was founded by Senapati (general) Bhatarka, who was a military governor of Saurashtra under Gupta Empire, established himself as the independent empire around 475 CE. The Maitraka dynasty ruled western India (now Gujarat) from approximately 475 to approximately 776 CE from their capital at Vallabhi.
8. Saka Year is how many years behind the Christian Era?
[A] 50
[B] 75
[C] 78
[D] 100
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [78]
Notes:
The Shaka era is a historical calendar era, the epoch of which corresponds to Julian year 78. Kanishka the Great, was the emperor of the Kushan dynasty in the second century founded the Shaka era.
9. What is the number of Richas in Rigveda?
[A] 1810
[B] 731
[C] 10580
[D] 5839
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [10580]
Notes:
Rigveda has 10 Mandalas, 1,028 Suktas and 10,580 Richas.
10. What was the name of the judges and judicial officers in Satvahana Dynasty?
[A] Amatya
[B] Rajukas
[C] Bhoja
[D] Gamika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajukas]
Notes:
In the Satvahana Dynasty, the judges and judicial officers were known as “Rajukas”. The Satvahana Empire, also known as the Andhra Empire, was an Indian dynasty based in the Deccan region. During its rule, law and order were maintained by appointing officers known as Rajukas, who performed various judicial functions including that of a judge.
