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 founded the Nalanda University?
[A] Kumargupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Skandagupta
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumargupta]
Notes:
Kumargupta founded the Nalanda University which is near the present day Patna. He was a worshipper of lord Karttikeya, the son of Lord Shiva. He was challenged by Pushyamitras during his reign.
32. Which of the following Gupta kings faced and repulsed the Huns successfully?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samduragupta
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Skandagupta]
Notes:
Skandagupta reigned from c. 455 – 467 CE. he faced and repulsed the Huns successfully. Junagarhor the Girnar inscription of his reign tells that his governor called Parnadatta got the Sudarshan lake repaired.
33. Which of the following was a tax imposed on temporary tenants during the Gupta period?
[A] Uparikara
[B] Mahapratihara
[C] Udranga
[D] Vata-Bhuta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uparikara]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, two new agricultural taxes appear in Gupta inscriptions which are known as Uparikara and Udranga. ‘Uparikara’ was probably a tax imposed on temporary tenants and ‘Udranga’ was probably a water tax or a sort of police tax.
34. Which of the following kings ascended the throne after Pravarasena II?
[A] Narendrasena
[B] Prithvisena I
[C] Rudrasena II
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narendrasena]
Notes:
After the death of Pravarsena II who ruled the Vakataka Nandivardhana branch after the death of Rudrasena II, a struggle for succession happened in which Narendrasena emerged successful. He ruled from 440 CE to 460CE.
35. Which of the following is associated with the rule of Harsha Vardhana?
[A] c. 580-590 CE
[B] c. 595-606 CE
[C] c. 606-647 CE
[D] c. 647-665 CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [c. 606-647 CE]
Notes:
Harsha Vardhana ruled from c. 606 to 647 CE. Hsuan Tsang visited India during his time in the 7th century AD and stayed for about fifteen years. Harsha’s authority was limited to north India excluding Kashmir.
36. Which of the following term refers to those persons who were reduced to the status of slaves on account of their inability to pay their debts?
[A] Kritadasas
[B] Rinadasas
[C] Svavikrayi
[D] Dhvajahrita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rinadasas]
Notes:
Those persons who were reduced to the status of slaves on account of their inability to pay their debts were referred to as Rinadasas. Whereas Kritadasas were those slaves who had been purchased.
37. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to Tantricism?
1. Tantra form of worship is open to women and Sudras.
2. This cult was popular with the lower castes only.
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: A [Only 1]
Notes:
Tantricism became popular around 5th or 6th century. Tantra form of worship is open to women and Sudras also. This cult was popular with both the higher castes and the lower castes during that time.
38. 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.
39. Which of the following authors wrote Raghava-Pandaviya?
[A] Padmagupta
[B] Kaviraja
[C] Kumaradas
[D] Sanmitracharita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kaviraja]
Notes:
Raghava-Pandaviya is an epic which is written by Kaviraja. It narrated the stories of Rama and the Pandavas. Kaviraja was the court poet of Kamadeva of the Kadamba dynasty who ruled between 1182 to 1187 AD.
40. The Magnificent rock-cut Kailashnatha Temple at Ellora was built during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Dhruva
[B] Amoghavarsha I
[C] Krishna I
[D] Dantidurga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Krishna I]
Notes:
The magnificent rock-cut Kailashnatha Temple at Ellora which is situated near present-day Aurangabad, Maharastra was built during the reign of Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.