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 Kushan rulers introduced a regular imperial gold coinage before Kanishka?
[A] Kadphises I
[B] Vima Kadphises
[C] Kanishka
[D] Vasudeva II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vima Kadphises]
Notes:
Vima Kadphises introduced a substantial regular gold coinage for the Kushan Empire. Kanishka and later rulers continued issuing gold coins.
32. Which of the following is the writer of the play Mrichchhkatikam?
[A] Kalidas
[B] Shudraka
[C] Vishakhadatta
[D] Dandin
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Correct Answer: B [Shudraka]
Notes:
Mrichchhakatika, or The Little Clay Cart, is attributed to Shudraka. It centres on the love of the impoverished Brahmin Charudatta and the courtesan Vasantasena.
33. Which of the following kings is considered as the founder of the Vakataka empire?
[A] Pravarasena I
[B] Pravarasena II
[C] Vindhyasakti
[D] Rudrasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vindhyasakti]
Notes:
Vindhyashakti is regarded as the founder of the Vakataka dynasty. The Ajanta inscription of the later Vakataka period recalls him as an ancestor of the ruling house.
34. Which Vakataka ruler, also known as the author of the Prakrit Harivijaya, bore the title Dharmamaharaja?
[A] Sarvasena
[B] Vindhyashakti II
[C] Harisena
[D] Prithivisena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sarvasena]
Notes:
Sarvasena, founder of the Vatsagulma branch, bore the title Dharmamaharaja and is credited with the Prakrit poem Harivijaya. The title was not exclusive to him.
35. Which of the following inscriptions mentions that Harsha defeated the Vallabhi king, Dhruvasena II?
[A] Sohgaura copper plate inscription
[B] Nausasi copper plate inscription
[C] Kadamba copper plate inscription
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nausasi copper plate inscription]
Notes:
The Nausari or Navsari copperplate record describes a Gurjara ruler giving protection to a king of Valabhi who had been overcome by Harsha. This Valabhi ruler is generally identified as Dhruvasena II.
36. Which of the following is a Shakta Tantra whose composition is generally placed in late eighteenth-century Bengal?
[A] Mahanirvana Tantra
[B] Hevajra Tantra
[C] Vajrapatala Tantra
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahanirvana Tantra]
Notes:
The Mahanirvana Tantra is generally regarded by modern scholars as a late eighteenth-century Bengali text. It should not be used as evidence for the early medieval period.
37. Which of the following temples is considered to be the earliest temple of Bhubaneswar?
[A] Mukteshwara temple
[B] Parasuramesvara temple
[C] Lingraj Temple
[D] Brahmeshwar Temple
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Correct Answer: B [Parasuramesvara temple]
Notes:
From the 7th century AD. to 13th century AD., a large number of temples were erected in Orissa. Bhubaneswar alone has hundreds of temples. The earliest temple of Bhubaneswar is the Parasuramesvara temple which was built around 650 AD.
38. ‘Rajamalla’ title was adopted by which of the following Chalukyan Kings?
[A] Pulkeshin II
[B] Vikramaditya I
[C] Vinayaditya I
[D] Vikramaditya II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vikramaditya I]
Notes:
Vikramaditya I ruled from c. 655 to 680 CE. Vikramaditya I adopted the title ‘Rajamalla’ which means ‘the Sovereign of the Mallas’ or Pallavas. He also defeated the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas.
39. Kamban, the author of the Tamil Ramayana, is commonly placed in the later Chola age and associated in tradition with which ruler?
[A] Rajendra
[B] Athirajendra
[C] Virarajendra
[D] Kulottunga III
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kulottunga III]
Notes:
Kamban is commonly placed in the twelfth-century Chola milieu and associated with Kulottunga III. His precise dates and court connections remain debated; Sadaiyappa Vallal is remembered as his patron.
40. Which type of seals were most common in Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Oval
[B] Cylindrical
[C] Quadrate
[D] Rounded
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Quadrate]
Notes:
Square or rectangular (quadrate) seals with carved motifs were the most popular type of seal used by Indus Valley communities. Made of steatite, thousands of such seals have been found during excavations of Harappan sites. They were probably used as identity markers or tokens of authority. Cylindrical seals have also been found which were probably used to make impressions on goods or containers used in trade to signify official administrative seals.
