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 are correct regarding Jatakas?
[A] They are the stories of animals
[B] They are the stories of Buddha’s family
[C] They are the stories of previous births of the Buddha
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They are the stories of previous births of the Buddha]
Notes:
The Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitak is further subdivided into fifteen books. One of the most prominent among them being the Jatakas which contains stories of the previous births of the Buddha.
32. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Gana-Sanghas?
1. The chief office of Gana-Sanghas was not hereditary and was known as Ganapati or Ganaraja.
2. Gana- Puraka had the responsibility of ensuring quorum required for major deliberations.
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: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
The chief office of Gana-Sanghas was not hereditary and was known as Ganapati or Ganaraja. Gana- Puraka had the responsibility of ensuring quorum required for major deliberations.
33. Which of the following inscriptions contains information about the birthplace of the Buddha and Ashoka’s visit to Lumbini?
[A] Nigali Sagar Inscription
[B] Rummindei Inscription
[C] Kandahar Inscription
[D] Girnar Rock Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rummindei Inscription]
Notes:
Rummindei Inscription in Nepal commemorates the birthplace of the Buddha and that Ashoka visited Lumbini. THe inscription mentions that the village of Lumbini was exempted from bali and was to pay only one-eighth of bhaga.
34. Which of the following inscription mentions the site of all 14 Major Rock Edicts as well as two separate Kalinga edicts?
[A] Sannati Inscription
[B] Saugaura Copper Plate Inscription
[C] Rummindei Inscription
[D] Nigali Sagar Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sannati Inscription]
Notes:
The Sannati Inscription located in the state of Karnataka is the site of all 14 Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka as well as two separate Kalinga edicts. Sannati is an important Buddhist site.
35. Which of the following committees was in charge of tax collection in the administrative system of the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Shangha Committee
[B] Samaharta Committee
[C] Mahajanapada Committee
[D] Prajapati Committee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samaharta Committee]
Notes:
The Samaharta Committee was in charge of tax collection in the Mauryan Empire. The grand administrative system of the Mauryan Empire had various committees for different tasks. Samaharta was the chief tax collector, and the tax system had a huge impact on the grand economy of the empire and influenced the common people’s lives as well.
36. Which of the following refers to udaka-bhaga?
[A] Tax on irrigated land
[B] Tax on fertile land
[C] Tax on trade
[D] Tax on production
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tax on irrigated land]
Notes:
During the Mauryan period when the importance of irrigation was fully realised, the peasants had to pay more tax on irrigated land which was known as udaka-bhaga. It refers to water rate, and was generally levied at one-fifth to one-third of the produce.
37. Which of the following refers to the name of the villages that supplied soldiers?
[A] Kupya
[B] Pariharaka
[C] Nagara
[D] Ayudhiya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ayudhiya]
Notes:
In the Mauryan administration the assessment of the land under cultivation was done and on the basis of it the land was subdivided into different categories. The villages which were responsible to supply soldiers were called as Ayudhiya.
38. Which of the following refers to the royal share of merchandise brought into a town or harbour by merchants?
[A] Shulka
[B] Bhaga
[C] Bhoga
[D] Kara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shulka]
Notes:
Shulka during the Gupta period was a royal share of merchandise which was brought into a town or harbour by merchants. Therefore it can also be equated with the customs and tolls.
39. Which of the following kings married the Harsha Vardhana’s sister Rajyashri?
[A] Ishanavarmana
[B] Grahavarmana
[C] Sarvavarmana
[D] Avanti Varmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Grahavarmana]
Notes:
Grahavarmana who ruled the Maukharies around c. 600 CE was the son of Avanti Varmana. He married Rajyashri, the sister of Harsha Vardhana. Shashanka, the ruler of Bengal (Gauda), and Devagupta, the ruler of Malwa, jointly attacked Grahavarmana and killed him.
40. Which of the following kings fought a war with the king of Kashmir?
[A] Mahendrapala
[B] Yashpala
[C] Rajyapala
[D] Harichandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahendrapala]
Notes:
During the reign of Mahendrapala, the Gurjara?Pratihara empire reached west to the border of Sindh, east to Bengal, north to the Himalayas, and south past the Narmada. He also fought a battle with the king of Kashmir.
