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 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.
32. Which Rock Edict mentions religious tolerance amongst all sects and welfare measures for the public?
[A] Seventh Edict
[B] Eighth Edict
[C] Ninth Edict
[D] Tenth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Seventh Edict]
Notes:
The Seventh Rock Edict mentions of religious tolerance amongst all sects and welfare measures for public. Ashoka propagated such ideas not only in his own kingdom but also in the neighbouring kingdoms of Cholas, Pandyas, and that of Antiochus in the north-west.
33. Which of the following contains a mention of female personal bodyguards of the Mauryan king, who were skilled in archery?
[A] Indica
[B] Arthashastra
[C] Dharmasastras
[D] Vedic literature
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Arthashastra]
Notes:
Arthashastra written by Kautilya contains a great detail about the multiple secret emergency exits of the Mauryan empire. The Arthashastra also mentions of female personal bodyguards of the king, who were skilled in archery.
34. Duties on imported and exported goods was referred to as which of the following during the Mauryan period?
[A] Bhaga
[B] Shulka
[C] Bali
[D] Kara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shulka]
Notes:
During the Mauryan age urban taxes included Shulka which were duties on imported and exported goods. Other than this excise duties were also imposed on local manufactures.
35. Which of the following kings issued coins showing him playing veena?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Samudragupta]
Notes:
Samudragupta issued coins showing him playing veena. Samudragupta celebrated his conquests by performing ashvamedha sacrifices or horse sacrifice. He also issued ashvamedha coins which portrayed the scene of the sacrifice.
36. “Kshetra” referred to which of the following during the Gupta period?
[A] Cultivatable land
[B] Waste land
[C] Jungle or forest land
[D] Habitable land
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cultivatable land]
Notes:
During the Gupta period “Kshetra” referred to cultivable land. During the Gupta period vast areas of virgin land were
brought under cultivation. Major improvements were also made in the existing methods of production.
37. India imported which of the following from Ceylon during the Gupta period?
1. Pearls
2. Silver
3. Textiles
4. Spices
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
India had close commercial relations with Ceylon during the Gupta period. Ceylon imported a variety of commodities from India like textiles, spices, sandalwood, musk, castor oil, horses and elephants. India also imported from Ceylon for example, pearls and silver.
38. 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.
39. Which of the following items were imported from Ceylon?
1) Pearls
2) Dry ginger
3) Tin
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:
India had a flourishing trade with South-East Asia during the medieval period. The articles imported from that quarter were silk, porcelain ware, camphor, bees’ wax, cloves, lump camphor, sandalwood, and cardamom. Spices were imported from Java and Sumatra. India imported pearls, dry ginger, and tin from Ceylon.
40. Rugvinischaya or Madhava-Nidhana is the work of which of the following writers?
[A] Madhavakar
[B] Dridhabala
[C] Agnivesa
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Madhavakar]
Notes:
Rugvinischaya or Madhava-Nidhana was the work of Madhavakar. The text treats of all diseases together. This book enjoyed great popularity during the medieval period.
