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 was a tax imposed on temporary tenants during the Gupta period?
[A] Uparikara
[B] Mahapratihara
[C] Udranga
[D] Vata-Bhuta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uparikara]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, two new agricultural taxes appear in Gupta inscriptions which are known as Uparikara and Udranga. ‘Uparikara’ was probably a tax imposed on temporary tenants and ‘Udranga’ was probably a water tax or a sort of police tax.
32. Buddhism spread in Kashmir during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Ashvaghosha
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ashoka]
Notes:
The Kashmir valley was politically isolated from the rest of the subcontinent except during the rule of the Mauryas and Kushanas. Buddhism spread in Kashmir during the reign of Asoka the Great.
33. The Kalabhras ruled in which of the following regions?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Adhra
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Kalabhras ruled in Tamil Nadu. They were referred to as evil rulers as they overthrew innumerable kings. They also put an end to Brahmadeya rights. They patronized Buddhist monasteries.
34. Which of the following defeated the Kadambas and captured their kingdom in A.D. 540?
[A] Chalukyas of Badami
[B] Chalukyas of Vengi
[C] Pallavas
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalukyas of Badami]
Notes:
Krishnavarma-I, the ruler from Triparvata, united the Kadamba family which was split into two branches. But around A.D. 540, the Chalukyas of Badami defeated the Kadambas and captured their kingdom.
35. ‘Ganikas’ referred to which of the following during the early medieval period?
[A] Vendors
[B] Slaves
[C] Prostitutes
[D] Dancers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Prostitutes]
Notes:
Ganikas were as class of prostitutes that existed as a distinct social unit during the medieval period. A Ganika was expected to possess high qualifications with respect to both body and mind.
36. Which of the following wrote Sarasvali?
[A] Prithusvami
[B] Bhattotpala
[C] Vijavanandi
[D] Kalyanavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kalyanavarman]
Notes:
The most important author medieval age was Aryabhata II who wrote the Aryasiddhanta. Other impotant writers of the tenth century include Prithusvami, Bhattotpala and Vijavanandi. Kalyanavarman wrote Sarasvali.
37. Which of the following was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga?
[A] Kirtivarman I
[B] Kirtivarman II
[C] Vikramaditya I
[D] Vikramaditya II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kirtivarman II]
Notes:
Kirtivarman II ruled from c.743 to 757 CE. He was the last ruler of Chalukyan dynasty who was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga. After the Chalukayas, the Rashtrakutas came into prominence.
38. The kingdom of Gondwana was ruled by which of the following rulers?
[A] Dalpat Shah
[B] Rani Durgavati
[C] Asaf Khan
[D] Sangram Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rani Durgavati]
Notes:
The kingdom of Gondwana was an independent state in Central India ruled by Rani Durgavati. It included the Narmada valley and the northern portions of Madhya Pradesh and a number of Gond and Rajput principalities.
39. Which of the following temples are a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Great Living Chola Temples?
[A] Brihadisvara Temple
[B] Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram
[C] Airavatesvara Temple
[D] All of the above
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Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Great Living Chola Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes all the three temples, Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram.
40. What is the compilation of teachings of Lord Mahavira is called?
[A] Shruti sutra
[B] Agam sutra
[C] Avesta sutra
[D] Pibi sutra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Agam sutra]
Notes:
Lord Mahavir’s preaching were orally compiled into many texts (scriptures) by his disciples. These scriptures are known as Jain Agam or Agam Sutras. The Agam Sutras teach great reverence for all forms of life, strict codes of vegetarianism, asceticism, compassion, nonviolence, and opposition to war. Ang-agam is known as the oldest religious scriptures and the backbone of Jain Literature.
