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 looked after the ordinary affairs in the Mauryan administration?
[A] Nikayas
[B] Amatya
[C] Tirthas
[D] Mantrin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nikayas]
Notes:
There were also bodies of Nikayas in the Mauryan administration. Nikayas were trained officials who looked after the ordinary affairs of the realm. The Arthashastra of Kautilya refers to the highest functionaries at the centre as the eighteen Tirthas.
32. 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.
33. Which of the following kings founded the Shunga empire?
[A] Pushyamitra Sunga
[B] Agnimitra
[C] Bhagabhadra
[D] Devabhuti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pushyamitra Sunga]
Notes:
After the Kalinga war, Asoka became a monk and started propagating Buddhism in other countries. No later Mauryan ruler was capable of handling such a big empire. Brihadratha was the last ruler who was assassinated by his Senapati Pushymitra Shunga who founded the Shunga dynasty.
34. The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of which of the following Indo-Greek ruler?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Hermaius
[C] Darius
[D] Milinda
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Correct Answer: D [Milinda]
Notes:
The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of Menander /Milinda/Minedra. The empire of Menander extended over parts of both Bactria and northwestern India.
35. Which of the following tribe originated from the steppes of north Central Asia?
[A] Kanvas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Kushans
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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.
36. 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.
37. Who is the author of Mudrarakshasa and Devichandraguptam?
[A] Shudraka
[B] Bhasa
[C] Vishakhadatta
[D] Dandin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vishakhadatta]
Notes:
Vishakhadatta is the author of Mudrarakshasa and Devichandraguptam. Vishakhadatta was an Indian Sanskrit poet and a playwright. Shudraka is a writer of the play Mrichchhkatikam
38. Which of the following was called the Minister for Foreign Relations and War during the Harsha’s administration?
[A] Simhananda
[B] Avanti
[C] Kuntala
[D] Bhanu
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Correct Answer: B [Avanti]
Notes:
During the Harsha’s administration, there was a well-organized secretariat at the capital. According to Banabhatta who was the court poet of Harsha, the Minister for Foreign Relations and War was called Avanti.
39. Jejakabhukti was the ancient name of which of the following places?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Mathura
[C] Bundelkhand
[D] Rajasthan
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Correct Answer: C [Bundelkhand]
Notes:
Jejakabhukti was the ancient name of Bundelkhand. It was a part of the Pratihara empire of Kanauj. The Chandelas ruled much of the Bundelkhand region between the 9th and the 13th centuries.
40. Which of the following dominated the early medieval period?
1. Saivism
2. Vaishnavism
3. Buddhism
4. Jainism
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:
During the medieval period Saivism and Vaishnavism dominated the field. Both Buddhism and Jainism were still followed but were isolated to some groups. They were fast losing their ground except in restricted areas.
