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.
31. Who among the following scholars mentioned Chandragupta Maurya as Sandrocottos?
[A] Kautilya
[B] William Jones
[C] Panini
[D] Seleucus Nicator
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [William Jones]
Notes:
Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler who tried to consolidate small fragmented kingdoms and combined them to form the first empire of the Indian subcontinent. He was also Called Sandrocottus by the Greek scholar William Jones.
32. How many inscriptions are attributed to Emperor Ashoka?
[A] 33
[B] 50
[C] 23
[D] 45
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [33]
Notes:
Emperor Ashoka, one of India’s greatest monarchs, is credited with engraving a series of inscriptions and edicts throughout his empire. These are collectively referred to as “Ashoka’s Edicts.” There are a total of 33 inscriptions attributed to Ashoka. The inscriptions are written on pillars, rocks, and caves, and they serve as a record of the moral and administrative regulations of Ashoka’s reign.
33. The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of which of the following Indo-Greek ruler?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Hermaius
[C] Darius
[D] Milinda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Milinda]
Notes:
The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of Menander /Milinda/Minedra. The empire of Menander extended over parts of both Bactria and northwestern India.
34. Where were the capital of Satavahanas situated?
[A] Pratishthana
[B] Rajgir
[C] Patliputra
[D] Ujjain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pratishthana]
Notes:
As per some Puranas, the Andhras ruled for 300 years with their capital at Pratishthana which is modern Paithan on the Godavari in Aurangabad district. This is the same period which is also designated to the Satavahana Dynasty.
35. The Prayag Prashasti divides Samudragupta’s opponents into which of the following categories?
1. Rulers slain
2. Frontier kings
3. Rulers defeated
4. Distant kings
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The Prayag Prashasti divides Samudragupta’s opponents into the following four categories:
1. Rulers slain- Those rulers whose dominions Samudragupta annexed outright.
2. Frontier kings- These were forced to pay homage.
3. Rulers defeated- Their territories were reinstated as tributes.
4. Distant kings- Those who acknowledged Samudragupta as an emperor by sending him embassies.
36. Ramagupta was the son of which of the following kings?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Kumargupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Samudragupta]
Notes:
Ramgupta was the elder son of Samudragupta. Samudragupta was succeeded by Ramagupta according to some legends, but Chandragupta II killed him. It is also believed that during the tenure of Ramagupta, the Gupta empire was invaded by a powerful Shaka kin.
37. Which of the following Dharmashastra is a book on statecraft?
[A] Katyayana
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Nitisara
[D] Narada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nitisara]
Notes:
Many Puranas and law books also called Smritis were compiled during the Gupta period such as Katyayana, Yajnavalkya, and Narada. Kamandaka’s Nitisara which is a book on statecraft was also compiled during this period.
38. Which of the following is the author of the Panchatantra?
[A] Bhasa
[B] Vishnusharman
[C] Kalidasa
[D] Vishakhadatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vishnusharman]
Notes:
Vishnusharman is the author of the Panchatantra. Panchatantra is a fine illustration of nidarshana which tells what should and should not be done. It is written in elegant prose style and is interspersed witty verses.
39. Which of the following Chinese traveller was sent to the Harsha’s court 646 AD?
[A] Fa-Hein
[B] Hsuan Tsang
[C] I-tsing
[D] Wang-hiuen-tse
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Wang-hiuen-tse]
Notes:
There are records of a battle between Chinese and Indian forces in the later half of the 7th century AD. The Chinese Emperor had sent Wang-hiuen-tse as an envoy to Harsha’s court in the year 646 AD. King Bhaskara-varman of Kamrupa also helped Wang-hiuen-tse in defeating Arjuna.
40. Which of the following was the ruler of Kamarupa in the time of Harsha?
[A] Vijayaditya
[B] Bhaskar-varman
[C] Manorathavarman
[D] Vinayaditya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhaskar-varman]
Notes:
Kamrup is the modern region situated between the rivers the Manas and the Barnady in Western Assam. Bhaskar-varman was the ruler of Kamarupa in the time of Harsha. The kingdoms of Kamarupa acknowledged the overlordship of the Gupta kings but retained its autonomy in internal affairs.
