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 appointed Dharma Mahamattas to propagate dharma among various social groups including women?
[A] Chandragupta
[B] Bindusara
[C] Ashoka
[D] Brihadratha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ashoka]
Notes:
In the fourteenth year of his reign emperor Ashoka appointed Dharma Mahamattas to propagate dharma among various social groups including women. He also propagated Dharma in distant lands.
32. Soul and sin are featured in which of the following pillar edicts?
[A] Second Pillar Edict
[B] Third Pillar Edict
[C] Fourth Pillar Edict
[D] Fifth Pillar Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Third Pillar Edict]
Notes:
Second Pillar Edict of Ashoka describes dhamma as consisting of least amount of sin, performing virtuous deeds, having compassion, purity, and truthfulness. Whereas the Third Pillar Edict talks about soul and sin.
33. Mauryan art is believed to have influenced from which of the following regions?
[A] Vedic
[B] Persian
[C] Mongolian
[D] African
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Correct Answer: B [Persian]
Notes:
The Mauryan art is believed to be inspired from Achaemenid or Persian influence. We can find a lot of similarities in terms of form and style in the inscriptions of Ashoka and the Persian king Darius.
34. 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
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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.
35. Which of the following kings started the Shaka era?
[A] Kadphises I
[B] Kanishka
[C] Vima Kadphises
[D] Vasudeva II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka, who was the third ruler of the Kushana empire believed to have started the shaka era. He ascended the throne in 78 AD, and this date is used as the beginning of the Saka calendar era. It is now used by the Government of India for its calendar.
36. Which of the following industries flourished the most during the Gupta period?
[A] Mining and metallurgy
[B] Ship building
[C] Weaving
[D] Handicrafts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mining and metallurgy ]
Notes:
Various industries flourished during the Gupta period. Mining and metallurgy certainly occupied the top position. Frequent mention of the existence of mines is made by Amarasimha, Varahamihira and Kalidasa.
37. At which of the following places the colossal figure of Krishna effortlessly lifting up Govardhana mountain can be found?
[A] Mathura
[B] Vrindavan
[C] Varansi
[D] Deogarh
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Correct Answer: C [Varansi]
Notes:
The colossal figure of Krishna effortlessly lifting up the Govardhana mountain is one of the largest known free-standing stone image belonging to the Gupta period. It is located in Varanasi.
38. Which of the following Vakataka ruler adopted the title dharma-maharaja?
[A] Sarvasena
[B] Vindhyashakti II
[C] Harisena
[D] Prithivisena II
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Correct Answer: A [Sarvasena]
Notes:
Sarvasena who belonged to Vatsagulma Branch/Line of Vakatakas ruled from c. 330 to 355 CE. He adopted the title dharma-maharaja. He was a renowned Prakrit poet. The Vakatakas originated in the central Deccan.
39. Which of the following rulers is considered as the last ruler of the Maukharies?
[A] Ishanavarmana
[B] Grahavarmana
[C] Sarvavarmana
[D] Advaita Varmana
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Correct Answer: B [Grahavarmana]
Notes:
The Maukharies were contemporary to the imperial Guptas. Grahavarmana is considered as the last King of the Maukharies. He was killed by the king Deva Gupta of the later Gupta lineage. Gradually the Maukhari family disappeared into obscurity
40. The southward march of Harsha was stopped by which of the following Chalukyan Kings?
[A] Pulakeshin
[B] Pulakeshin II
[C] Kirtivarman
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pulakeshin]
Notes:
The southward march of Harshavardhan was stopped by the Chalukyan King Pulakeshin. Pulakeshin ruled over a great part of the modern Karnataka and the state of Maharashtra. He also faced opposition from Shaivite King Shashanka of Gauda.
