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 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.
32. Which of the following were referred to as ‘Amatya’ in the Mauryan administration?
1. All high officials
2. Counsellors
3. Executive heads of departments
Select the correct option from 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:
Amatya included all high officials, counsellors, and executive heads of departments or ministers. The king also appointed a council of ministers to assist him in day-to-day administration which was called Mantriparishad.
33. In which year the reign of Chandragupta – I started?
[A] 315 A.D.
[B] 319 A.D.
[C] 325 A. D.
[D] 330 A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [319 A.D.]
Notes:
Chandragupta – I reign started in c. 319 and lasted till 335/336 CE. He was the first important king of the Gupta Dynasty. He laid the foundations of the Gupta empire.
34. Which of the following kings is glorified in the Bhitari pillar inscription?
[A] Chandragupta – I
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta II
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Skandagupta]
Notes:
The Bhitari pillar inscription of Skandagupta dates to the reign of Gupta empire ruler Skandagupta. In Bhitari pillar inscription, Skandagupta is glorified as a person who subdued the earth and became merciful to the conquered people.
35. The two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata were compiled in which of the following century?
[A] 4th century CE
[B] 6th century CE
[C] 1st century CE
[D] 3rd century CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [4th century CE]
Notes:
Art and literature flourished under the Gupta empire in ancient India. Sanskrit was the main language of literature in this period. The two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata were compiled in the 4th century CE.
36. Which of the following Puranas were written in the Gupta period?
1) Vishnu Purana
2) Vayu Purana
3) Matsya Purana
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
The Gupta period marks the beginning of the writing of the Puranas. Some of the major Puranas which were written in this period were the Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana, and the Matsya Purana.
37. ‘Sarthavaha’ refer to which of the following during the Gupta period?
[A] Settled merchants
[B] Caravan Traders
[C] Liquor traders
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Caravan Traders]
Notes:
During the Gupta period the sarthavaha was a caravan trader. He carried his merchandise to different places for profitable sale. Sarthavahas often sold their goods three or four times their original price.
38. In which of the following architectural style, temples in northern India were made in the Gupta period?
[A] Dravida
[B] Nagara
[C] Vesara
[D] Mandapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nagara]
Notes:
Temple Architecture started in India during the Gupta period. The northern temples were made in the architectural style known as Nagara. Square temples with flat-roof were built in northern India.
39. Which of the following kings faced the invasion of the Nala king Bhavadottavarman?
[A] Narendrasena
[B] Prithvisena I
[C] Rudrasena II
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narendrasena]
Notes:
Narendrasena ascended the throne after Pravarasena II. He faced the invasion of Bhavadottavarman, the Nala king both in the beginning and at the end of his reign. He made some conquests but had to face the stiff opposition of the Nalas.
40. 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’.
