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 kings proclaimed themselves as Bhagavatas?
[A] Gupta Kings
[B] Kushana Kings
[C] Mauryan Kings
[D] Vakataka Kings
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta Kings]
Notes:
Hinduism acquired its present shape in the Gupta period. The Gupta rulers were centred around the worship of Bhagvat or Vishnu. The Gupta kings proclaimed themselves as Bhagavatas. Garuda was the emblem of Bhagavata.
32. Which of the following Dharmashastra were composed during the Gupta period?
1) Yajnavalkya
2) Katyayana
3) Narada
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
The Gupta period is considered as the Golden Age of art and literature in ancient India. During the Gupta period, Several Dharam Shastras such as Yajnavalkya, Narada, Katyayana, and Brihaspati Smritis were composed.
33. “Gapata Sarah” refers to which of the following?
[A] Waste land
[B] Jungle or forest land
[C] Habitable land
[D] Pasture land
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pasture land]
Notes:
The land during the Gupta period can be classified into the following groups:
Kshetra: Cultivable land
Khila: Waste land
Aprahata: Jungle or forest land
Vasti: Habitable land
Gapata Sarah: Pasture land
34. Which of the following refers to the royal share of merchandise brought into a town or harbour by merchants?
[A] Shulka
[B] Bhaga
[C] Bhoga
[D] Kara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shulka]
Notes:
Shulka during the Gupta period was a royal share of merchandise which was brought into a town or harbour by merchants. Therefore it can also be equated with the customs and tolls.
35. Which of the following rock-cut caves at Ajanta are Chaitya Grihas?
1) Cave number 9
2) Cave number 12
3) Cave number 19
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2
[D] Only 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 3]
Notes:
The finest examples of the art during the Gupta period are Ajanta caves. Out of the 31 rock-cut cave monuments at Ajanta, five are Chaitya Grihas. The five chaitya grihas are cave numbers 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29.
36. Which of the following characteristics were present in the temples constructed in Kashmir during the medieval period?
1) These temples had big Sikhara.
2) These temples had no columned hall but only the main cella.
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: B [Only 2]
Notes:
The earliest monuments which were constructed during the medieval period were Buddhists. A little later came the temples of Hinduism. These temples had constructed during the medieval period had no Sikhara and no columned hall but only the main cella.
37. The Pallavas established their capital at which of the following places?
[A] Vengi
[B] Kanchi
[C] Nalanda
[D] Sanchi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanchi]
Notes:
The area under the control of Pallavas comprised of southern Andhra Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu. They established their capital at Kanchi. Kanchi (modern Kanchipuram) became an important temple town and a centre of trade and commerce.
38. ‘Kani rights’ refers to which of the following in the Chola period?
[A] Right to cultivate
[B] Right of possession over land
[C] Superior possessive right
[D] Right to live a particular village
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Right of possession over land]
Notes:
The different inscriptions related to Chola empire point out to several instances of land transfers by the process of sale or
gif which involved the transfer of kani rights, that is, the right of possession over land associated with certain other rights and obligations.
39. The whole Tamilakam in the Sangam period was divided into which of the following tinais, or ecozones?
1. Kurinji (hilly region)
2. Palai (arid zone)
3. Mullai (pastoral tracts)
4. Marudam (wet lands)
5. Neital (seacoast)
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 2, 4 & 5
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3, 4 & 5]
Notes:
The whole Tamilakam in the Sangam period was divided into five tinais also called the ecozones, based on their economic resources. These were:
1. Kurinji (hilly region)
2. Palai (arid zone)
3. Mullai (pastoral tracts)
4. Marudam (wet lands)
5. Neital (seacoast)
40. Who was the ambassador sent to the court of Chandragupta Maurya by Seleucus Nicator?
[A] Hiuen Tsang
[B] Fa-Hien
[C] Al-Biruni
[D] Megasthenes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Megasthenes]
Notes:
Megasthenes was the ambassador of Seleucus I of the Seleucid dynasty to Chandragupta Maurya. He lived in the court of Chandragupta Maurya for about five years (302-298 B.C). He has written an account of India and Chandragupta’s reign in his book entitled “Indica.” He gave the most complete account of India that was then known to the Greek world and became the source for work by the later historians Diodorus, Strabo, Pliny, and Arrian.
