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 was the contemporary of both Buddha and Mahavira?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chadragupta Maurya
[D] Bindusara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bimbisara]
Notes:
Bimbisara was a contemporary of both Buddha and Mahavira. He paid equal respect to them. He made Magadha the paramount power through his conquests and diplomacy. Bimbisara belonged to Haryanka dynasty.
32. What is the other name of Bindusara as mentioned in Sanskrit literature?
[A] Allitrochades
[B] Amitrochates
[C] Seemseri
[D] Amitraghata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Amitraghata ]
Notes:
Bindusara born in 320 BCE, was the second ruler of the Mauryan Empire. Greeks writers address him as Amitrochates (destroyer of foes). According to Sanskrit literature, he is also known as Amitraghata (amitra-enemy, ghata-slayer).
33. What does the use of ‘Horse’ as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Symbol of fertility
[B] Purity and Fecundity
[C] Departure of Siddhartha
[D] Dharmachakra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Departure of Siddhartha]
Notes:
The Ashokan pillar contains different motifs placed at the top of the pillars. These motifs are considered to be in the harmony with the Dhamma message. Horse symbolizes the departure of Siddhartha from his home.
34. At which of the following places 22 brick walls associated with Satavahana period have been discovered?
[A] Kolar
[B] Karimnagar
[C] Warangal
[D] Madurai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karimnagar]
Notes:
The material culture of Satavahanas was a mixture of northern and Deccan elements. In Karimnagar 22 brick walls have been discovered. The drains on the street were underground and covered to lead wastewater into soakage pits.
35. In which year the reign of Chandragupta – I started?
[A] 315 A.D.
[B] 319 A.D.
[C] 325 A. D.
[D] 330 A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [319 A.D.]
Notes:
Chandragupta – I reign started in c. 319 and lasted till 335/336 CE. He was the first important king of the Gupta Dynasty. He laid the foundations of the Gupta empire.
36. Which of the following was the commander in chief of the army during the Gupta period?
[A] Mahasandhivigrahika
[B] Mahabaladhikrita
[C] Uparika
[D] Vishayapati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahabaladhikrita]
Notes:
The numerical strength of the Gupta army is not known, but it is accepted that the emperor had a large standing army. The person responsible for the administration of the people as well as the army was called the Mahabaladhikrita?.
37. Which of the following succeeded Dharmapala?
[A] Devapala
[B] Mahipala I
[C] Ramapala
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Devapala]
Notes:
Dharmapala was succeeded by Devapala. He was the son of Dharmapala. Devapala was an efficient ruler as he not only maintained the territories inherited by him from his father intact but also added to them.
38. Which of the following books popularised the worship of Krishna?
[A] Ramayana
[B] Mahabharat
[C] Vishnu Purana
[D] Bhagavata Purana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bhagavata Purana]
Notes:
According to Dasavatara-charitam written by Kshemendra, the ten avatars on lord Vishnu are Matsya (fish), Kurmra (tortoise), Varhba (Boar), Nrisimha (man-lion), Vamana (Dwarf), Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. Krishna is considered to be the most popular. The worship of Krishna was popularised by the Bhagavata Purana.
39. Which of the following is correct regarding internal trade during the early medieval period?
1. There was a decline in the internal trade of the country.
2. The petty feudal chiefs molested and plundered the merchants on the highways.
3. There were too many feudal dues to be paid in the course of internal trade.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
There was a decline in the internal trade of the country during the early medieval period. The petty feudal chiefs often molested and plundered the merchants on the highways. Also there were too many feudal dues that were supposed to be paid in the course of internal trade.
40. Which of the following characteristics were present in the temples constructed in Kashmir during the medieval period?
1) These temples had big Sikhara.
2) These temples had no columned hall but only the main cella.
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: B [Only 2]
Notes:
The earliest monuments which were constructed during the medieval period were Buddhists. A little later came the temples of Hinduism. These temples had constructed during the medieval period had no Sikhara and no columned hall but only the main cella.
