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. 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.
32. Consider the following statements:
- The Gupta rulers implemented fixed prices on commodities
- During the Gupta period, prices of commodities were influenced by market supply and demand
- Units of measurements varied from region to region in the Gupta era
Which of the above statements are accurate?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 2 & 3]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, the prices of goods were not fixed by the rulers but fluctuated according to supply and demand in the market. Additionally, not only prices, but also the units of measurements for various commodities differed from one place to another.
33. Which of the following kings composed a Prakrit kavya glorifying Rama?
[A] Prithvisena I
[B] Narendrasena
[C] Rudrasena II
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pravarasena II]
Notes:
Pravarasena II is credited with the founding of a new capital at Pravarapura. Even though he was a devotee of Shiva like his grandfather, he composed a Prakrit kavya glorifying Rama, the Setubandha/Ravanavaha, in which he described about Rama’s journey to Lanka and his victory over Ravana.
34. Which of the following was the capital of Maitrakas?
[A] Vallabhi
[B] Avanti
[C] Patliputra
[D] Ujjain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vallabhi]
Notes:
Vallabhi was the capital of Maitrakas. It was also an important centre of learning. It was also a port town having flourishing trade and commerce situated along the Arabian sea.
35. Which of the following kings was the successor of the king Sarvavarmana?
[A] Avanti Varmana
[B] Sarvavarmana
[C] Advaita Varmana
[D] Grahavarmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Avanti Varmana]
Notes:
Avanti Varmana who was the son of Sarvavarmana ruled the Maukhari dynasty from 585 CE to 600 CE. Avanti Varmana also adopted the title of Maharajadhiraja and extended the boundaries of his kingdom by transferring the capital to Kannauj.
36. Which of the following kings exercised control over Malwa, Rajputana, and Gujarat?
[A] Harichandra
[B] Vatsaraja
[C] Nagabhatta I
[D] Nagabhatta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nagabhatta I]
Notes:
Nagabhatta I who is also considered as the real founder of Gurjara Pratiharas. He also defeated the Arab army under Tamin and Junaid during the Caliphate campaigns in India. He exercised control over the areas of Malwa, Rajputana, and Gujarat.
37. Jejakabhukti was the ancient name of which of the following places?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Mathura
[C] Bundelkhand
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bundelkhand]
Notes:
Jejakabhukti was the ancient name of Bundelkhand. It was a part of the Pratihara empire of Kanauj. The Chandelas ruled much of the Bundelkhand region between the 9th and the 13th centuries.
38. Which of the following Jain leader and author inaugurated a new era in Yoga literature?
[A] Chandabai
[B] Haribhadra
[C] Somadeva Suri
[D] Kundakunda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Haribhadra]
Notes:
Haribhadra, originally a Brahamana, was the outstanding personality among the Jain writers of this period. With his writings, he established that Sanskrit, rather than Prakrit, would be the language of Jain study. He inaugurated a new era in Yoga literature.
39. Which of the following sects are some of the important sects of Shaivism?
1) Pasupata Lakulisa
2) Kapalikas
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
There are many sects of Saivism. Pasupata Lakulisa and Kapalikas are two major sects of Shaivism. Pasupata Lakulisa was the founder of the Pasupata sect of Saivism. According to Kapalikas, Siva was the Lord of Sakti. The Kapalikas wore a garland of human bones.
40. Which of the following was the author of Yogasutra?
[A] Patanjali
[B] Bhaskaracharya
[C] Kasyapa
[D] Vrinda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Patanjali]
Notes:
The author of Yogasutra was Patanjali. It is a collection of 196 Sanskrit sutras on the theory and practice of yoga. It is a synthesized and organised knowledge about yoga and much older traditions.
