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 tribe originated from the steppes of north Central Asia?
[A] Kanvas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kushans]
Notes:
The Kushanas were nomadic tribal people who were originally from the steppes of north Central Asia. The Kushanas first displaced the Shakas, gradually seized Gandhara, and set up their authority over the lower Indus basin and the greater part of the Gangetic basin.
32. During which of the following period, Sanskrit was firmly established as the language of royal inscriptions?
[A] Gupta Empire
[B] Maurya empire
[C] Magadha Empire
[D] Kushana Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta Empire]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, the consolidation of Brahmanical ideology took place as temple-based sectarian cults became popular. During this period Sanskrit was firmly established as the language of the royal inscription.
33. Which of the following succeeded the Ikshavakus in the Krishna-Guntur region?
[A] Pallavas
[B] Gangas
[C] Kalabhras
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pallavas]
Notes:
The Pallavas succeeded the Ikshavakus in the Krishna-Guntur region. The Pallavas were a local tribe. They expanded their empire over both the southern Andhra and the northern Tamil Nadu.
34. Which of the following was the founder of Kadamba dynasty?
[A] Vidhyashakti
[B] Mayursharman
[C] Kakusthavarma
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mayursharman]
Notes:
The Kadamba dynasty was founded by Mayurasharman. Mayurasharman defeated the Pallavas with the help of forest tribes. The Pallavas formally presented Mayurasharman with royal insignia to give recognition to his authority.
35. Which of the following kings were worshippers of Siva?
1) Pratihara
2) Vatsaraja
3) Mahendrapala
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
During the Medieval period, Saivism attained a dominant position in India. A large number of royal families adhered to this faith and built richly endowed temples dedicated to shiva. The Pratihara kings, Vatsaraja and Mahendrapala, were worshippers of Siva.
36. Which of the following items were imported from Ceylon?
1) Pearls
2) Dry ginger
3) Tin
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
India had a flourishing trade with South-East Asia during the medieval period. The articles imported from that quarter were silk, porcelain ware, camphor, bees’ wax, cloves, lump camphor, sandalwood, and cardamom. Spices were imported from Java and Sumatra. India imported pearls, dry ginger, and tin from Ceylon.
37. Which of the following wrote Yogavarttika and Yogasarasamgraha?
[A] Vijnanabhikshu
[B] Udayana
[C] Jayanta
[D] Nathamuni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vijnanabhikshu]
Notes:
Vijnanabhikshu was the author of Yogavarttika and Yogasarasamgraha. He was Hindu philosopher from Bihar. He was known for his commentary on various schools of Hindu philosophy.
38. Which of the following kings was also known as Pandita-Chola?
[A] Virarajendra
[B] Rajadhiraja
[C] Athirajendra
[D] Rajendra I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rajendra I]
Notes:
Rajendra I was the Son of Rajaraja I ruled the Chola dynasty from 1014 A.D. to 1044 A.D. He was a great patron of learning and was known as Pandita-Chola.
39. Where was the second Sangam held?
[A] Thenmadurai
[B] Madurai
[C] Kabadapuram
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kabadapuram]
Notes:
The second Sangam was held at Kabadapuram which was another capital of the Pandyas. The important members of this sangam were Agastya, Irundaiyar, Tolkappiyar, Karungoli, Pandurangan, Tiraiyanamaran, Vellurkappiyanar etc.
40. Which of the following was the most important crop of Sangam period?
[A] Wheat
[B] Barley
[C] Maize
[D] Rice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rice]
Notes:
Rice was the most important crop of the Sangam period. It formed the main part of peoples’ diet. It also served as a medium of barter exchange for inland trade during that time.