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 items were exported in the 6th century BCE?
[A] Jade
[B] Gold
[C] Pearls
[D] Silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pearls]
Notes:
In the 6th century, trade flourished with different countries like Myanmar, Afghanistan, Iran, and Mesopotamia. Major items of import included gold, lapis lazuli, jade, silver, etc and items of export included finished crafts, textile goods, sandalwood, and pearls.
32. Which of the following took all the final decisions regarding revenue, law and order, war, or any other matter related to administration in the Mauryan empire?
[A] King
[B] Counil of Ministers
[C] Dhamma Mahamatras
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [King]
Notes:
In the Mauryan Empire even though the King was assisted by a council of ministers in daily affairs, yet the king himself took all final decisions regarding revenue, law and order, war, or any other matter related to administration of the empire.
33. The Mauryan kings, especially Ashoka, highly patronised which of the following art forms?
1. Stone sculptures
2. Ring stones
3. Disc stones
4. Terracotta figurines
5. Stupa architecture
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1, 3 & 5
[C] Only 2, 3, 4 & 5
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3, 4 & 5]
Notes:
The Mauryan kings, especially Ashoka, highly patronised the following art forms:
1. Stone sculptures
2. Ring stones
3. Disc stones
4. Terracotta figurines
5. Stupa architecture
34. Which of the following introduced the practice of military governorship?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Shungas
[C] Indo-Greeks
[D] Parthians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The Indo-Greeks also introduced practice of military governorship in the Indian subcontinent. The governors were called as strategos or satraps.
35. Satavahanas claimed their descent from which of the following varna?
[A] Brahmana
[B] Kshtriya
[C] Vaishiya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahmana]
Notes:
The Satavahanas claimed their descent from Brahamana varna. They performed Vedic rituals and worshipped gods like Krishna, Vasudeva, as evident in the Naneghat cave inscription of Naganika of 1st century BCE.
36. The achievements of Samudragupta are recorded in which of the following inscriptions?
[A] Topra pillar inscription
[B] Rummendei inscription
[C] Junagarh inscription
[D] Allahabad pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Allahabad pillar inscription]
Notes:
The achievements of Samudragupta are recorded in a long inscription (an eulogy) engraved on the Allahabad pillar also called the Prayagaprashasti. The surface of the pillar also contains inscriptions of Ashoka and later, the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
37. Which of the following was the head of the district during the Gupta period?
[A] Vishayapati
[B] Uparika
[C] Mahadandanayaka
[D] Mahasandhivigrahika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vishayapati]
Notes:
The provinces during the Gupta period were further divided into a number of districts which were called as Pradeshas or Vishayas. These were placed under the charge of a Vishayapati.
38. Which of the following was the author of the Sanskrit lexicon Amarakosha?
[A] Dandin
[B] Amarshima
[C] Kalidasa
[D] Bhasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amarshima]
Notes:
Amarshima was the author of the Sanskrit lexicon Amarakosha. Amarshima is said to have been one of the nine gems that adorned the court of Vikramaditya, that is, Chandragupta Vikramaditya.
39. Which of the following refers to a perpetual endowment which a recipient could not alienate but could make use of the income accruing from it eternally during the Gupta period?
[A] Nivi dharma
[B] Nivi dharma aksayana
[C] Aprada dharma
[D] Bhumichchhidrallyaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nivi dharma aksayana]
Notes:
Nivi dharma aksayana was a land tenure system which refers to a perpetual endowment which a recipient could not alienate but could make use of the income accruing from it eternally.
40. ‘Sarthavaha’ refer to which of the following during the Gupta period?
[A] Settled merchants
[B] Caravan Traders
[C] Liquor traders
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Caravan Traders]
Notes:
During the Gupta period the sarthavaha was a caravan trader. He carried his merchandise to different places for profitable sale. Sarthavahas often sold their goods three or four times their original price.
