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. Kujula Kadphises died in which of the following years?
[A] 60 A.D.
[B] 70 A.D.
[C] 80 A.D.
[D] 90 A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [80 A.D.]
Notes:
According to the Rabatak inscription, Kujula Kadphises was the great grandfather of the great Kushan king Kanishka I. He is considered as the founder of the Kushan Empire. He died in the year 80 A.D.
32. Which of the following scholars wrote Prajna Parimata Sutra?
[A] Ashvagosha
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Nagarjuna
[D] Mathara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nagarjuna]
Notes:
Nagarjuna was also termed as the Indian Einstein. He proposed the Theory of Relativity in his time in the form of a Sutra which is also called as the Prajna Parimata Sutra. He was a great patron of Mahayana doctrine.
33. Which of the following started the Gupta era?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chandragupta I]
Notes:
The Gupta King Chandragupta I started the Gupta era in 319?20 CE, which presumably marks his accession date. He was the first Gupta King to assume the title of Maharajadhiraja.
34. 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.
35. Which of the following kings defeated Vajrayudha, the king of Kanauj?
[A] Durlabhavardhana
[B] Lalitaditya Muktapida
[C] Vinayaditya
[D] Avantivarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vinayaditya]
Notes:
Jayapida or Vinayaditya was the grandson of Lalitaditya Muktapida, the greatest ruler of the Karkota dynasty. He is credited for many adventures. It is stated that he defeated and dethroned Vajrayudha, the king of Kanauj.
36. ‘Kritadasas’ referred to which of the following type of slaves during the early medieval period?
[A] Persons who were reduced to the status of slaves.
[B] Slaves who had been purchased.
[C] Persons who sold themselves as slaves.
[D] Persons who were captured by the victorious rulers as prisoners of war.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Slaves who had been purchased.]
Notes:
Slavery as an institution existed during the early medieval period. Those slaves who had been purchased were referred to as Kritdasas. There seems to have been existence of trade in slaves during that period.
37. Which of the following is the contemporary of Harsha Vardhana and defeated him on the banks of river Narmada?
[A] Pulkeshin II
[B] Vikramaditya I
[C] Vikramaditya II
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pulkeshin II]
Notes:
Pulkeshin II was the contemporary of Harsha Vardhana and defeated him on the banks of river Narmada. Pulakesin II allied with Sasanka of Bengal and his feudatory Sainyabhitta-Madhava-Varman II of Kangoda, and with the kings of Valabhi and Bharuch. Along with all these, he was able to defeat Harsha in 637-638 AD.
38. Which of the following developed the Deccan or Vesara style of temple building?
[A] Chalukyas
[B] Rashtakutas
[C] Pallavas
[D] Palas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalukyas]
Notes:
The Chalukyan style of architecture is called ‘Chalukyan architecture’. The Chalukyas developed Deccan or Vesara style of temple building, which reached its culmination under the Rashtrakutas and Hoysalas.
39. ‘Agraharas’ refers to which of the following?
[A] Villagers
[B] Peasants
[C] Rent free brahmadeya villages
[D] Land of the nobility
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rent free brahmadeya villages]
Notes:
Agraharas referred to rent free brahmadeya villages in the Chola administration. These were rent free villages in the possession of Brahmanas.
40. Who became the first Gupta ruler to be titled as Maharajadhiraja?
[A] Sumdragupta
[B] Kumaragupta
[C] Skandagupta
[D] Chandragupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chandragupta I]
Notes:
Chandragupta I was third ruler of the Gupta dynasty. He succeeded his father Ghatotkacha in 320 A.D. Chandragupta I became the first Gupta king who assumed the title ‘Maharajadhiraja’ or the ‘king of kings’. He started the Gupta era in A.D. 320, which marked the date of his accession.
