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. Alexander the Great, died in which year?
[A] 323 BCE
[B] 360 BCE
[C] 326 BCE
[D] 330 BCE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [323 BCE]
Notes:
Alexander retreated in 326 BCE because his troops were exhausted, homesick, and war-weary and refused to go any further in the subcontinent. While returning back to Babylon, alexander died in 323 BCE due to natural causes.
32. Ashoka is referred to as Buddhashakya in which of the following inscriptions?
[A] Maski Edict
[B] Sarnath inscription
[C] Delhi-Topra pillar edict
[D] Kandahar Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maski Edict]
Notes:
The Maski minor rock edict uses the term Buddhashakya, indicating Ashoka’s adherence to Buddhism, and also gives his personal name. The title Dharmashoka occurs in the much later Sarnath inscription of Queen Kumaradevi.
33. Which of the following rulers shifted two Pillar Edicts from Topra and Meerut to Delhi?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Feroz Shah Tughlaq
[C] Babur
[D] Akbar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Feroz Shah Tughlaq]
Notes:
Feroz Shah Tughlaq brought two Ashokan pillars to Delhi in the fourteenth century, one from Topra and the other from Meerut.
34. Which of the following were the principal crops grown during the Mauryan period?
1) Wheat
2) Rice
3) Barley
4) Millet
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] only 1 & 2
[B] only 1, 2, & 3
[C] only 1, 2, & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:
During the Mauryan age, the mainstay of the economy was agriculture. The principal crops that were grown are as follows: various varieties of rice, barley, millet, wheat, sugarcane, and most of the pulses, peas, and oilseeds.
35. Which of the following was/were the term/s used for share-croppers working on the state-owned land during the Mauryan period?
1. Ardhasitikas
2. Svaviryopajivins
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:
Kautilya or Chanakya refers to different kinds of share-croppers who worked on the state-owned land such as the Ardhasitikas who kept half of the produce and the Svaviryopajivins who kept one-fourth or one-fifth of the produce.
36. Which of the following period saw the emergence of trade between India and the Roman Empire?
[A] Mauryan Period
[B] Post Mauryan period
[C] Pre-vedic period
[D] Vedic period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Post Mauryan period]
Notes:
The most important economic development of the post-Mauryan period was the thriving trade between India and the Roman Empire. The trade between India and Rome mostly consisted of luxury goods.
37. Which of the following were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can be definitely attributed to any dynasty?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Indo-Greeks
[C] Shakas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The first rulers in India to issue coins (gold, silver, copper, and nickel) which can be definitely attributed to any dynasty were the Indo-Greek rulers. They were also the first to issue gold coins in India.
38. The reign of Chandragupta II is generally placed as beginning around which of the following years?
[A] 275 CE
[B] 375 CE
[C] 475 CE
[D] 575 CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [375 CE]
Notes:
Chandragupta II’s accession is generally placed around 375 CE, and his reign continued into the early fifth century. The exact accession year is not securely fixed.
39. Which of the following kings is the founder of the Vakataka Nandivardhana branch?
[A] Pravarasena
[B] Prithvisena
[C] Vindhyashakti
[D] Rudrasena I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rudrasena I]
Notes:
Gautamiputra was the son of the second ruler of the Vakataka dynasty. He died during the lifetime of his father. Rudrasena I succeeded his grandfather Pravarsena to the throne and ruled from Nandivardhana, near modern Nagpur.
40. Which of the following are believed to be written by Harsha?
1. Priyadarshika
2. Ratnavali
3. Nagananda
Select the correct option form the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Harsha was a great supporter of the arts and learning. It is believed that he wrote three dramas- Priyadarshika and Ratnavali which are both romantic comedies, and Nagananda which is based on Bodhisattva Jimutavahana.
