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. Consider the following major ports during the Indo-Greek trade:
- Broach
- Sopara
- Tamralipti
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Trade started across the sea between India and the Eastern Roman Empires. Among the ports, the important ones were Broach, Sopara, Arikamedu, and Tamralipti. Broach, in particular, was the most important not only for exporting goods, but also for receiving them.
32. The early Satavahana kings appeared in which of the following regions?
[A] Andhra
[B] South Maharashtra
[C] North Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [North Maharashtra]
Notes:
The early Satavahana kings appeared not in Andhra but in the north Maharashtra, that is, the fertile basin of the upper Godavari valley. The earliest coins and inscriptions of Satavahanas have been found there.
33. The achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were described and eulogised after his death in which of the following inscriptions?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Naneghat Inscription
[C] Nashik Inscription
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nashik Inscription]
Notes:
The achievements of Satavahana King Gautamiputra Satkarniare were described and eulogised after his death, during his son Pulumayi II’s reign, in a Nashik Inscription of his mother Gautami Balashri. The inscription is written in Prakrit.
34. Which of the following is the oldest record of Kumargupta’s reign?
[A] Karandanda inscription
[B] Mandsor inscription
[C] Bilsad inscription
[D] Damodar Copper plate inscriptions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bilsad inscription]
Notes:
The oldest inscription of Kumargupta’s reign is the Bilsad inscription and dates to Gupta year 96, which corresponds to 415 CE. Other inscriptions of Kumaragupta’s reign include the Karandanda, Mandsor, and Damodar Copper plate inscriptions.
35. Which of the following allowed the absorption of Tribal communities into Brahminical society?
[A] Kushana Empire
[B] Maurya empire
[C] Gupta Empire
[D] Magadha Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gupta Empire]
Notes:
During the Gupta empire, the Brahminical culture was extended to distant areas and a large number of tribal communities were assimilated into the Brahminical social structure. The tribal heads were included as kshatriyas, the ordinary tribals were given the status of Shudras.
36. At which of the following places a lifesized bronze image of the Buddha has been discovered?
[A] Gwalior
[B] Ujjain
[C] Sultanganj
[D] Topra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sultanganj]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, Buddhism had a great impact on art and architecture. A life-sized bronze image of Buddha belonging to the Mathura school of art has been found from Sultanganj in Bihar.
37. Which of the following kings is considered as the real founder of Maukhari supremacy?
[A] Sarvavarmana
[B] Ishanavarmana
[C] Grahavarmana
[D] Avanti Varmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ishanavarmana]
Notes:
Ishanavarmana, who was the son of Advaita Varmana ruled the Maukhari dynasty around 554 CE. He is considered as the real founder of the Maukhari dynasty. He also assumed the title of ‘Maharajadhiraja’.
38. Which of the statements are correct with respect to administration during the time of Harsha?
1. The administration had become feudal.
2. There was more decentralization.
3. Army was larger in size than Mauryans.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The administration during the time of Harsha had become feudal. There was more decentralization. Army was larger in size than Mauryans. Also land grants continued to be made to priests.
39. Which of the following inscriptions mentions that Harsha defeated the Vallabhi king, Dhruvasena II?
[A] Sohgaura copper plate inscription
[B] Nausasi copper plate inscription
[C] Kadamba copper plate inscription
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nausasi copper plate inscription]
Notes:
Harsha emerged victorious against the ruler of Sindh in the north west. He also defeated the Vallabhi king, Dhruvasena II, as mentioned in the Nausasi copper plate inscription. However, Harsha was defeated by Chalukyan king Pulkesin II.
40. Which of the following was the year of accession of Harsha Vardhana?
[A] 606 CE
[B] 608 CE
[C] 610 CE
[D] 612 CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [606 CE]
Notes:
During the time of Harsha some of the subordinate rulers had titles such as samanta and raja. They used the Harsha era of 606 CE. 606 CE was the year when Harsha Vardhana ascended the throne.
