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 major rock edict prohibited animal sacrifice?
[A] First Edict
[B] Second Edict
[C] Third Edict
[D] Fourth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [First Edict]
Notes:
The first major rock edict of Ashoka prohibited animal sacrifice. The attributes of Ashoka’s dhamma such as compassion (daya), charity (dana), truthfulness, purity, and gentleness are reflected in his edicts.
32. In which Rock Edict royal pleasure tours (Vihara-yatras) were replaced by dhamma tours (dhamma-yatras)?
[A] Seventh Edict
[B] Fifth Edict
[C] Eighth Edict
[D] Tenth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Eighth Edict]
Notes:
In the Eighth rock Edict, royal pleasure tours which were also called Vihara-yatras were replaced by Dhamma tours also called Dhamma-yatras. It describes Ashoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya & Bodhi Tree.
33. Which of the following were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can be definitely attributed to any dynasty?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Indo-Greeks
[C] Shakas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The first rulers in India to issue coins (gold, silver, copper, and nickel) which can be definitely attributed to any dynasty were the Indo-Greek rulers. They were also the first to issue gold coins in India.
34. Which of the following was the most famous ruler of Satavahana dysnasty?
[A] Simuka
[B] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[C] Vashishthiputra Pulumayi
[D] Yajna Sri Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gautamiputra Satkarni]
Notes:
The fortunes of the Satavahanas dynasty were revived by its most famous ruler named Gautamiputra Satkarni. He defeated the Shakas and raised the power and prestige of the Satvahanas to greater heights during his rule.
35. Which of the following kings made Haribhadra his spiritual preceptor?
[A] Gopala
[B] Dharmpala
[C] Mahendrapala
[D] Devapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dharmpala]
Notes:
Dharmapala was the second ruler of the Pala Empire of Bengal region in the Indian Subcontinent. He was the son and successor of Gopala. Dharmapala was a great admirer of Buddhism and made Haribhadra his spiritual preceptor. He built as many as 50 Buddhist monasteries.
36. Which of the following authors wrote Navasahasankacharita,?
[A] Padmagupta
[B] Jinasena
[C] Sanmitracharita
[D] Abhinanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Padmagupta]
Notes:
Padmagupta, who was also known as Parimala Kalidasa, and was the son of Mrigankagupta. He was the court poet of Paramara Navasahasankacharita is an important historical Kavya which was written by Padmagupta in about 1000 AD.
37. Which of the following adopted the epithet of Vatapikonda?
[A] Vikramaditya I
[B] Narsimhavarman
[C] Pulkeshin II
[D] Kirtivarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pulkeshin II]
Notes:
The second expedition led by Pulkshein II against the Pallavas proved to be a complete failure. The King Narsimhavarman of the Pallava dynasty killed Pulkeshin II and adopted the epithet of Vatapikonda.
38. A successful naval expedition was dispatched against the Sri Vijaya empire by Rajendra I in which of the following years?
[A] 1025 CE
[B] 1005 CE
[C] 1015 CE
[D] 1035 CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1025 CE]
Notes:
In 1025 CE, king Rajendra I sent a successful naval expedition against the revived Sri Vijaya empire, which extended over the Malay peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands. It also controlled the overseas trade route to China.
39. During the reign of which of the following kings, Bay of Bengal was converted into a ‘Chola lake’?
[A] Rajendra I
[B] Virarajendra
[C] Rajadhiraja
[D] Athirajendra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajendra I]
Notes:
During the reign of the Chola king, Rajendra I the Chola navy was strongest in the area for some time. The Bay of Bengal was converted into a ‘Chola lake’.
40. When were Ellora caves designated a UNESCO World Heritage site?
[A] 1984
[B] 1995
[C] 1983
[D] 2001
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1983]
Notes:
Ellora caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
