Ancient Indian History MCQs

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The officers Samaharta and Sanidatta were in charge of tax collection during the Mauryan Empire. They were also responsible for the royal treasury.
The Mauryan Empire had a highly centralized administration. The Emperor was the supreme power and was assisted by a Council of Ministers. To collect taxes, the emperor set up a system of officials who were sent to all parts of the empire. The emperor also appointed governors and family members to control the officials.
The main source of revenue was land tax. Revenue was also collected on irrigation, shops, customs, forests, ferry, mines, and pastures. License fees were collected from artisans and fines were charged in the law courts.
The tax from manual laborers was levied in such a way that they had to work free for one day each month.

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The son of Pulakesin II, Vishnuvardhan established the eastern branch of the chalukyas with it’s capital first at Pistapur and later at Vengi.

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As per the Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamasa, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka was impressed by Nigrodha and was ultimately converted to Buddhism due to his impression only.

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The epic tamil poem, Jivaka Cintamani (also known as Civaka Cintamani) is a Jain religious epic authored by jain saint Tiruttakrdeva. This epic is considered one of the classic epics of Sangam Literature. The poem means “fabulous gem”and is also known as Manannul (Book of Marriages).

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Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta Dynasty and adopted the title ‘Maharaj’.

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Fa-hein, the first Chinese Buddhist traveller and monk, came to India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II and wrote the book “Si- Yu-Ki” that gives the detail account of the political and social condition of that time.

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Ajatasatru was the king of Magadha at the time of Mahaparnirvana of Gautama Buddha which is the death of Buddha. Ajatashatru was a king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha in East India. He was the son of King Bimbisara and was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.

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The correct answer is inscriptions. Inscriptions, often found on stone or metal, provide direct evidence of historical events, rulers, and societal norms in ancient India. They date back to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) and include important examples like the Edicts of Ashoka, which offer insights into governance, religion, and culture. Unlike religious literature, which can be biased, inscriptions are primary sources that reflect contemporary realities. Coins also provide valuable information but are less comprehensive than inscriptions.

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Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander (an Indo-Greek king) asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism.These questions and Nagasena’s answers are recorded in a form of book known as ‘Milindapanho (or The Questions of Milinda).

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The Hemis festival is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Gur Rimpoche) venerated as the representative reincarnate of Buddha. He is believed to have been born on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Monkey year as predicted by the Shakia Muni Buddha