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. The achievements of Samudragupta are recorded in which of the following inscriptions?
[A] Topra pillar inscription
[B] Rummendei inscription
[C] Junagarh inscription
[D] Allahabad pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Allahabad pillar inscription]
Notes:
The achievements of Samudragupta are recorded in a long inscription (an eulogy) engraved on the Allahabad pillar also called the Prayagaprashasti. The surface of the pillar also contains inscriptions of Ashoka and later, the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
32. Which of the following was the commander in chief of the army during the Gupta period?
[A] Mahasandhivigrahika
[B] Mahabaladhikrita
[C] Uparika
[D] Vishayapati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahabaladhikrita]
Notes:
Mahabaladhikrita was a senior military officer responsible for the army. Officers associated with infantry, cavalry and elephants formed part of the military administration.
33. 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.
34. Which of the following are certain specific terms of land tenure used during Gupta period?
1. Nivi dharma
2. Nivi dharma aksayana
3. Aprada dharma
4. Bhumichchhidrallyaya
Select the correct options from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
Some of the specific terms of land tenure used during Gupta period are as follows:
1. Nivi dharma
2. Nivi dharma aksayana
3. Aprada dharma
4. Bhumichchhidrallyaya
35. Which of the following is described as the lord of the north (sakalauttarapathanatha)?
[A] Prabhakar Vardhana
[B] Rajya Vardhana
[C] Harsha Vardhana
[D] Grahavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harsha Vardhana]
Notes:
Harshavardhana was described as Sakalottarapathanatha, meaning lord of the northern region. The title expresses his political prominence in northern India during the seventh century CE.
36. Which of the following was the capital of Kadambas?
[A] Kanchi
[B] Madurai
[C] Vaijayanti
[D] Kolar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vaijayanti]
Notes:
The Kadambas had their capital at Vaijayanti or Banavasi in north Kanara district in the state of Karnataka. The Kadambas were contemporaries of the Pallavas. They claimed to be Brahmanas. The Kadamba dynasty was founded by Mayurasharman.
37. The great philosopher and dialectician Santarakshita lived and worked during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Chandrakirti
[B] Gopala
[C] Mahendrapala
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gopala]
Notes:
King Gopala who ruled from 750 A.D. to 770A.D. was the founder of the Pala Dynasty of the Bengal region of the Indian Subcontinent. He was a great patron of Buddhism. The great philosopher and dialectician Santarakshita lived and worked during his reign.
38. Which of the following constituted imports from the West during 600 A.D. to 1000 A.D.?
1. Incense
2.Copper
3. Dates
4. Corals
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: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The imports from the West during 600 A.D. to 1000 A.D. comprised incense, copper, lead, salt, dates, ivory, emeralds, coral and horses. The best breed of horses came to India from the Western and Central Asia.
39. Which of the following succeeded Pulkshein II after pushing the Pallavas out of Badami?
[A] Kirtivarman I
[B] Vikramaditya I
[C] Vikramaditya II
[D] Vinayaditya I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vikramaditya I]
Notes:
The Chalukyan King Vikramaditya I succeeded in pushing the Pallavas out of Badami after the death of Pulkshein II and reestablished his authority over whole kingdom. He not only defeated the successive Pallava rulers but also captured their capital Kanchi.
40. Which of the following kings defeated Pulkeshin II?
[A] Mahendravarman I
[B] Simhavishnu
[C] Narasimhavarman I
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Narasimhavarman I]
Notes:
Narasimhavarman I(c.630–668 CE) defeated Pulkeshin II and thus avenged his father’s defeat. He also invaded the Western Chalukyan kingdom and captured Badami with the help of the Sri Lankan prince, Manavarma.
