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 pillar edicts defines the term ‘Dhamma’?
[A] First Pillar Edict
[B] Second Pillar Edict
[C] Third Pillar Edict
[D] Fifth Pillar Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Second Pillar Edict]
Notes:
The second Pillar Edict of Ashoka defines the term ‘Dhamma’. It describes Dhamma as the policy of doing the least amount of sin, performing virtuous deeds, having compassion, purity, and truthfulness.
32. The provinces of the Mauryan empire were further divided into divisions and were headed by which of the following?
[A] Pradeshikas
[B] Rajukas
[C] Yuktas
[D] Sthanikas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pradeshikas]
Notes:
The provinces of the Mauryan empire were further divided into divisions headed by Pradeshikas. Pradeshikas had no advisory council. These divisions were divided into districts under officials called Rajukas.
33. Which of the following committee looked after the production of commodities in Mauryan administration?
[A] Market Affairs
[B] Industry
[C] Manufacturing and Distribution
[D] Trade, commerce and Market Regulations
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Industry]
Notes:
The committee which looked after the production of commodities was Industry. This committee was responsible to keep a watch on the quality of raw materials used. They also decided on the fair value of the articles produced.
34. How many members were there in the war office which took care of the administration of different branches of the army in Mauryan administration?
[A] 25
[B] 30
[C] 40
[D] 50
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [30]
Notes:
According to the Greek historian Megasthenes, the administration of different branches of the army was carried out through a War Office which comprised of 30 members. It was divided into six Boards of five members each.
35. Which of the following Shaka ruler repaired the Sudarshana Lake?
[A] Maues
[B] Azes
[C] Rudradaman I
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rudradaman I]
Notes:
The Shaka ruler Rudradaman I got the Sudarshana lake repaired, located in the semi arid zone of Kathiawar. Rudradaman I was a prominent ruler who belonged to the Shaka Kshatrapas of Western Indian lineage.
36. 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.
37. Which of the following adopted the title of Shakraditya and Mahendraditya?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kumargupta]
Notes:
Kumaragupta I who regined from c.415 to 455 CE adopted the title of Shakraditya and Mahendraditya and
performed ashavmedha sacrifice. He was the son of Chandragupta II.
38. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to currency during Gupta period?
1. The gold coins of each successive Gupta ruler, after Chandragupta II, contain less gold and more alloy.
2. They issued a large number of silver coins called rupyakas.
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:
The gold coins of each successive Gupta ruler, after Chandragupta II, contain less gold and more alloy. The Guptas issued a large number of silver coins called rupyakas.
39. Two temples, in which the images of Vishnu are placed in the center as a chief deity, are found at which of the following places?
1) Dashavatara temple at Deogarh
2) Bhitargaon in Kanpur
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:
During the Gupta period, flat-roofed square temples were built in northern India in the architectural style known as Nagara. Two temples, in which the images of Vishnu are placed in the center as a chief deity, are found at Bhitargaon in Kanpur and Dashavatara temple at Deogarh.
40. Which of the following Vakataka ruler is believed to have defeated the Kadambas of Banavasi?
[A] Sarvasena
[B] Vindhyasena
[C] Harisena
[D] Harisena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vindhyasena]
Notes:
The Vakataka ruler Vindhyashakti II/ Vindhyasena ruled from c. 355 to 400 CE. Vidhyasena is believed to have defeated the Kadambas of Banavasi. The Kadambas of Banavasi ruled over Kuntala (north Karnataka).
