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. What was the capital of Matsya mahajanapada?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Viratanagara
[C] Nalanda
[D] Takshashila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Viratanagara]
Notes:
The capital of the mahajanapada of Matsya was Viratanagara, that is, modern-day Bairat in Rajasthan. The areas of Jaipur, Alwar, and Bharatpur were included in the state of Matsya.
32. Who was the chief of Vaishali with whom Ajatashatru fought?
[A] Chetak
[B] Prasenjit
[C] Palaka
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chetak]
Notes:
Ajatashatru fought with his maternal grandfather named Chetak. He was the chief of Vaishali and after 16 long years of war Ajatashatru succeeded in breaking the might of Vaishali.
33. Who sent Deimachus as an ambassador to Bindusara’s court?
[A] Seleucus
Seleucus Nikator
[B] Antiochus
[C] King Ptolemy II
[D] Alexander
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Antiochus]
Notes:
Bindusara was the second ruler of the Mauryan Empire. Different Greek sources mention that he had diplomatic relations with western kings. According to Strabo, Antiochus (Syrian king) sent Deimachus as an ambassador to Bindusara’s court.
34. Which of the following looked after the ordinary affairs in the Mauryan administration?
[A] Nikayas
[B] Amatya
[C] Tirthas
[D] Mantrin
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Correct Answer: A [Nikayas]
Notes:
There were also bodies of Nikayas in the Mauryan administration. Nikayas were trained officials who looked after the ordinary affairs of the realm. The Arthashastra of Kautilya refers to the highest functionaries at the centre as the eighteen Tirthas.
35. According to Chinese texts which of the following were also called as Guishuang?
[A] Kushans
[B] Pallavas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Mauryans
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Correct Answer: A [Kushans]
Notes:
According to Chinese sources, the Kushanas were also called Guishuang. The Kushanas were one of five branches of the Yuezhi tribe that lived in Central Asia or along the Chinese border. The Kushanas eventually became more powerful than the other Yuezhi tribes. In the 1st century CE, Kujula Kadphises brought the five tribes together and founded the Kushan Empire. The Kushanas moved east towards India, defeating the Parthians and the Sakas. The Kushanas were also known as Tocharians.
36. Which of the following language was used in Kanishka’s coins and inscriptions?
[A] Pali
[B] Prakrit
[C] Bactrian language
[D] Sanskrit
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bactrian language]
Notes:
The centre of the huge empire under the rule of Kushana ruler, Kanishka was Bactria. It is observed that the main language in Kanishka’s coins and inscriptions is the Bactrian language.
37. The inspiration of the themes for sculpture during 300 – 600 CE was drawn from which of the following traditions?
1) Buddhist traditions
2) Hindu traditions
3) Jain traditions
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3.]
Notes:
The sculptures pertaining to the period of c. 300 – 600 CE shows the introduction of new styles in the temple architecture. The inspiration for the themes for the sculpture was drawn from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jaina traditions.
38. 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.
39. ‘Ganikas’ referred to which of the following during the early medieval period?
[A] Vendors
[B] Slaves
[C] Prostitutes
[D] Dancers
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Correct Answer: C [Prostitutes]
Notes:
Ganikas were as class of prostitutes that existed as a distinct social unit during the medieval period. A Ganika was expected to possess high qualifications with respect to both body and mind.
40. 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.
