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 regions was ruled by the Hellenistic Kings during the last two centuries of the BC era?
[A] Taxila
[B] Nalanda
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Ujjain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Taxila]
Notes:
During the last two centuries of the BC era, the Northern and Northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent were governed by around 30 Hellenistic Kings. Significant areas under their rule included Taxila, which is located in present-day Pakistan, along with Peshawar and Sagala. Hellenistic rule greatly impacted the cultural and theological dynamics of these regions, influencing philosophical and scientific progress at that time.
32. The earliest Satavahana inscriptions belong to which of the following centuries?
[A] 1st century BCE
[B] 2nd century BCE
[C] 3rd century BCE
[D] 4th century BCE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1st century BCE]
Notes:
The earliest Satavahana inscriptions belong to the 1st century BCE. In the 1st century BCE the Satavahana defeated the Kanvas and established their rule over parts of central India.
33. Which of the following periods saw the regular use of fire-baked bricks and perforated roof tiles?
[A] Kanvas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satavahanas]
Notes:
The material culture of Satavahanas was a fusion of both northern ingredients as well as local Deccan elements. The people of Deccan learnt the use of coins, burnt bricks, ring wells, the art of writing, etc. from northern people. There was a regular use of fire-baked bricks and the use of flat, perforated roof tiles which resulted in the longevity of the construction.
34. Which of the following kings was the son of Kujula Kadphises?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Vima Kadphises
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vima Kadphises]
Notes:
Vima Kadphises was the son of Kadphises I or Kujula Kadphises. He started as a co-ruler with his father. He conquered Gandhara from the Parthians. He also spread the kingdom to the east of the Indus till the Mathura region.
35. Which of the following ruler served as both Mahadandanayaka as well as a Mahasandhivigrahika?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Skandagupta
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samudragupta]
Notes:
Harisena who was the composer of the Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta describes that Samudra Gupta served as both Mahadandanayaka (chief judicial officer) as well as a Mahasandhivigrahika (minister for war and peace).
36. Which of the following is the writer of the play Mrichchhkatikam?
[A] Kalidas
[B] Shudraka
[C] Vishakhadatta
[D] Dandin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shudraka]
Notes:
Shudraka was the writer of the play Mrichchhkatikam which means a little clay cart. The play deals with the love affair of a poor brahmana with the beautiful daughter of a courtesan.
37. India imported which of the following from Ceylon during the Gupta period?
1. Pearls
2. Silver
3. Textiles
4. Spices
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
India had close commercial relations with Ceylon during the Gupta period. Ceylon imported a variety of commodities from India like textiles, spices, sandalwood, musk, castor oil, horses and elephants. India also imported from Ceylon for example, pearls and silver.
38. Which of the following kings extended the Vakataka empire southwards into Vidarbha?
[A] Vindhyashakti
[B] Prithvisena
[C] Pravarasena
[D] Rudrasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pravarasena]
Notes:
Pravarasena was Vindhayasakti’s son and successor of the Vakataka Empire. He conducted wars with the Naga kings. He extended the Vakataka empire southwards into Vidarbha and adjoining areas of the Deccan.
39. Which of the following areas of modern India were in the direct control of Harsha?
- Rajasthan
- Punjab
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
Harsha’s authority was limited to parts of Northern India excluding Kashmir. Some of the areas like Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha were in the direct control of Harsha.
40. Which of the following Pala ruler was called Uttarapathasvamin or Lord of Northern India?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devapala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Ramapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dharmapala]
Notes:
Dharmapala’s sovereignty was accepted by the rulers of both west and south India including those of Punjab, western hill states, Rajputana, Malwa and Berar. He became the paramount lord in Northern India. That’s why he is also called Uttarapathasvamin or Lord of Northern India.
