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 Rock Edict mentions the Ithijika Mahamatta?
[A] Eleventh Edict
[B] Twelfth Edict
[C] Ninth Edict
[D] Thirteenth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Twelfth Edict]
Notes:
The Twelfth Rock Edict of Ashoka mentions the Ithijika Mahamatta. It appeals for toleration and to honor other sects. It also mentions that the beloved of the Gods does not consider gifts or honor to be important.
32. Which of the following was/were the term/s used for share-croppers working on the state-owned land during the Mauryan period?
1. Ardhasitikas
2. Svaviryopajivins
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:
Kautilya or Chanakya refers to different kinds of share-croppers who worked on the state-owned land such as the Ardhasitikas who kept half of the produce and the Svaviryopajivins who kept one-fourth or one-fifth of the produce.
33. Who were the Sthanikas?
[A] They collected taxes
[B] They sold liqor
[C] They were traders
[D] Head of a village
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [They collected taxes]
Notes:
The districts in the Mauryan empire were divided into groups of 5 or 10 villages which was headed by Sthanikas. The Sthanikas collected taxes and were assisted by Gopas (who maintained proper records and accounts).
34. During which of the following period cotton was exported to different countries?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Satavahanas
[C] Kanvas
[D] Shungas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satavahanas]
Notes:
Under the Satavahanas, agriculture was prominent. They produced and cultivated cotton. As mentioned in different foreign accounts, Andhra was famous for its cotton products also. Cotton was also exported from India to different countries.
35. During which of the following period, social and economic status of the Shudras improved?
[A] Maurya empire
[B] Gupta Empire
[C] Magadha Empire
[D] Kushana Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta Empire]
Notes:
The social and economic status of Shudras improved during the Gupta period. During the Gupta period, Shudras were allowed to listen to the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas. They were also allowed to perform certain rituals.
36. “Kshetra” referred to which of the following during the Gupta period?
[A] Cultivatable land
[B] Waste land
[C] Jungle or forest land
[D] Habitable land
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cultivatable land]
Notes:
During the Gupta period “Kshetra” referred to cultivable land. During the Gupta period vast areas of virgin land were
brought under cultivation. Major improvements were also made in the existing methods of production.
37. Which of the following kings was the successor of Ishanavarmana?
[A] Sarvavarmana
[B] Grahavarmana
[C] Avanti Varmana
[D] Advaita Varmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sarvavarmana]
Notes:
Sarvavarmana who ruled the Maukharies probably from 560 CE to 585 CE was the son of Ishanavarmana, the most famous ruler of the Maukharies. He succeeded the throne after the death of Ishanavarmana.
38. Which of the following actually laid the foundations of the Pushyabhuti dynasty?
[A] Prabhakar Vardhana
[B] Harsha Vardhana
[C] Rajya Vardhana
[D] Grahavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prabhakar Vardhana]
Notes:
Prabhakar Vardhana who ruled around mid-6th century CE was the fourth king of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. He actually laid the foundations of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. Prabhakar Vardhana was considered a great general with many military victories.
39. Which of the following was the founder of the Hoyasala dynasty?
[A] Sala
[B] Vinayaditya
[C] Ereyanga
[D] Ballala I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sala]
Notes:
The founder of the Hoyasala dynasty was Sala who is also known as Nripakama. Vinayaditya who was the son and successor of Sala was a feudatory of the Chalukya, Vikramaditya VI. Vinayaditya was succeeded by his son Ereyanga who in turn was succeeded by Ballala I.
40. The great philosopher and dialectician Santarakshita lived and worked during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Chandrakirti
[B] Gopala
[C] Mahendrapala
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gopala]
Notes:
King Gopala who ruled from 750 A.D. to 770A.D. was the founder of the Pala Dynasty of the Bengal region of the Indian Subcontinent. He was a great patron of Buddhism. The great philosopher and dialectician Santarakshita lived and worked during his reign.
