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 established the first empire of the Indian subcontinent?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Harshavardhan
[C] Chandragupta
[D] Vikramaditya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chandragupta]
Notes:
The Maurya period is remarkable in the early history of the Indian subcontinent. Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler who tried to consolidate small fragmented kingdoms and combined them to form the first empire of the Indian subcontinent.
32. Which of the following Rock Edict mentions the Ithijika Mahamatta?
[A] Eleventh Edict
[B] Twelfth Edict
[C] Ninth Edict
[D] Thirteenth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Twelfth Edict]
Notes:
The Twelfth Rock Edict of Ashoka mentions the Ithijika Mahamatta. It appeals for toleration and to honor other sects. It also mentions that the beloved of the Gods does not consider gifts or honor to be important.
33. Which of the following invaded India around 190 BCE?
[A] Menander
[B] Hermaius
[C] Demetrius
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Demetrius]
Notes:
Demetrius who was the King of Bactria invaded India around 190 BCE. He also came into conflict with Pushyamitra Shunga. He conquered a huge part of the Mauryan empire.
34. 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.
35. Which of the following periods saw the emergence of Tantrism?
[A] Magadha period
[B] Gupta period
[C] Kushana period
[D] Mauryan Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta period]
Notes:
Tantrism emerged in India during the Gupta period. The tribal elements assimilated in the Brahminical society due to the assimilation of tribals in Brahminical fold. The assimilation of Brahminical religion and tribal practices resulted in the development of Tantrism.
36. Agrahara Grants were given to which of the following?
[A] Brahmins
[B] Kshtriyas
[C] Vaishyas
[D] Shudras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahmins]
Notes:
During the Gupta period the Agrahara grants were restricted to Brahmins only. These grants were meant to be perpetual, hereditary and tax free, accompanied with the assignment of all land revenue.
37. Which of the following rulers succeeded the Satavahanas, especially in northern Maharashtra and Vidarbha?
[A] Guptas
[B] Kushanas
[C] Pallavas
[D] Vakatakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vakatakas]
Notes:
The Vakatakas were one of the most glorious dynasties that flourished in southern India in the ancient times. They were contemporaries of the Guptas empire. In peninsular India, the Satavahanas were succeeded by the Vakatakas.
38. Which of the following places was the capital of the Pushyabhutis?
[A] Kannauj
[B] Thanesar
[C] Ujjain
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Thanesar]
Notes:
After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Northern India split into several kingdoms. An important ruling family to gain prominence after the fall of the Gupta was the Pushyabhutis with their capital at Thanesar.
39. Which of the following period is considered as the period of the Rajputs?
[A] 600 A.D- 800 A.D
[B] 800 A.D- 1000 A.D
[C] 647 A.D- 1200 A.D
[D] 540 A.D- 870 A.D
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [647 A.D- 1200 A.D]
Notes:
The Rajputs ruled from 647A.D. to 1200 A.D. They are the considered to be the descendants of Lord Rama (Surya vamsa) or Lord Krishna (Chandra vamsa) or the Hero who sprang from the sacrificial fire according to the Agni Kula theory.
40. Which of the following probably meant extra cess over and above the fixed revenue of the state during the early medieval period?
[A] Hiranya
[B] Pindaka
[C] Udranga
[D] Dasaparadha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Udranga]
Notes:
Udranga also called as Upaikara probably meant extra cess over and above the fixed revenue of the state during the early medieval period whereas Dasaparadha was a fine which was collected for 10 offences committed by the villagers.
