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. 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.
32. “Gapata Sarah” refers to which of the following?
[A] Waste land
[B] Jungle or forest land
[C] Habitable land
[D] Pasture land
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pasture land]
Notes:
The land during the Gupta period can be classified into the following groups:
Kshetra: Cultivable land
Khila: Waste land
Aprahata: Jungle or forest land
Vasti: Habitable land
Gapata Sarah: Pasture land
33. During the reign of which of the following kings the rock-cut Buddhist viharas and chaityas of the Ajanta Caves were built?
[A] Harisena
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Pravarasena I
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harisena]
Notes:
During the rule of the Vakatakas, significant progress in terms of public works and monuments can be seen. The rock-cut Buddhist viharas and chaityas of the Ajanta Caves were also built under the patronage of the Vakataka king, Harisena.
34. Which of the following rulers was the last ruler of Gahadavalas?
[A] Jayachandra
[B] Prithviraj Chauhan
[C] Vijaychandra
[D] Chandraveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jayachandra]
Notes:
Jayachandra was the son of King Vijaychandra from the Gahadavala dynasty. After Shahabuddin Gauri attacked and defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the second battle of Tarain. Mohammad Gauri marched against Jayachand and defeated him or the banks of the river Jamuna near Etawah.
35. ‘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.
36. Which of the following kings led the restoration works of the sand-buried temple Sri Traikutaka?
[A] Dharmapala
[B] Devapala
[C] Gopala
[D] Mahendrapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Devapala]
Notes:
Devapala was the third ruler of the Pala dynasty which was founded by King Gopala. He was also a zealous advocate of Buddhism. During the reign of this king restoration of the sand-buried temple, Sri Traikutaka and its enlargement happened.
37. At which of the following places 16 Brahmanical and Jain temples were found belonging to the medieval period?
[A] Jaipur
[B] Mount Abu
[C] Jodhpur
[D] Ajmer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jodhpur]
Notes:
16 Brahmanical and Jain temples were found at the small village of Osia, near Jodhpur. Eleven temples lie at the outskirts of the village and the rest are on a hill to the east of the village.
38. During the reign of which of the following kings the Pallavas rose to power?
[A] Shivaskandavarman,
[B] Mahendravarman I
[C] Simhavishnu
[D] Mahendravarman II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Simhavishnu]
Notes:
During the last quarter of the 6th century, Simhavishnu, also known as Avanisimha, who was the son of Pallava king Simhavarman III played a crucial role in the rise of power of Pallavas.
39. The Chola empire ruled during which of the following periods?
[A] c. 830 – 1000 CE
[B] c. 840 – 1100 CE
[C] c. 850 – 1150 CE
[D] c. 850 – 1200 CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [c. 850 – 1200 CE]
Notes:
The Cholas rule is associated with the period starting from c. 850 to 1200 CE. The Cholas are famous in Indian history for their local self-government and founded a mighty empire in southern India.
40. Which of the following is / are correctly matched pairs related to Ancient Cultures in India?
- Jorwe Culture – Protohistoric culture from Maharashtra
- Malwa Culture – Early Chalcolithic culture in Central India
- Ahar-Banas Culture – Chalcolithic culture in Southeast Rajasthan
- Kayatha Culture – Early Chalcolithic site in Madhya Pradesh
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1, 2 & 3
[C] Only 2, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
All the options provided are correctly matched pairs. The Jorwe Culture is a protohistoric culture found in Maharashtra, known for its pottery. The Malwa Culture represents an early Chalcolithic culture in Central India, noted for its agriculture and pottery. The Ahar-Banas Culture is a Chalcolithic culture in Southeast Rajasthan, significant for its early metallurgy and pottery. The Kayatha Culture is an early Chalcolithic site in Madhya Pradesh known for microliths and early farming.
