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 invaded India in which year?
[A] 324 BCE
[B] 348 BCE
[C] 326 BCE
[D] 325 BCE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [326 BCE]
Notes:
Alexander (356 BCE – 326 BCE) was the son of the Philip of Macedonia, Greece. Alexander invaded India in 326 BCE. It is believed that after defeating Persians led by Darius, Alexander moved towards India through Khyber pass.
32. What was the name given to Bindusara by Greek scholars?
[A] Amitraghata
[B] Amitrochates
[C] Napoleon of India
[D] Sandrocottus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amitrochates]
Notes:
Bindusara was the son of Chandra Gupta Maurya, and the second to sit on the throne of the Mauryan Dynasty from 298 BCE to 273 BCE. Greeks writers address him as Amitrochates which also meant the destroyer of foes.
33. Which Rock Edict announces that the policy of Dhamma is the best policy to follow?
[A] Eighth Edict
[B] Ninth Edict
[C] Eleventh Edict
[D] Twelfth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Eleventh Edict]
Notes:
The Eleventh Rock Edict of Ashoka announces that the policy of Dhamma is the best policy to follow. Dhamma included giving respect to others and good behaviour towards slaves.
34. Which of the following period saw the emergence of rock-cut architecture?
[A] Gupta period
[B] Maurya period
[C] Vedic period
[D] Post-vedic period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maurya period]
Notes:
Stone culture dramatically emerged as the principal medium of Indian arts in the Mauryan period. Many art forms such as stone sculptures, ring stones, disc stones, terracotta figurines, and stupa architecture were patronized by different Mauryan kings. The Maurya period also saw the beginning of rock-cut architecture.
35. Which of the following Kushan ruler issued a large number of gold coins?
[A] Kadphises I
[B] Vima Kadphises
[C] Kanishka
[D] Vasudeva II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vima Kadphises]
Notes:
Vima Kadphises or Wema Kadphises II was the father of the most famous ruler Kanishka under whose reign the Kushana empire reached its zenith. Vima Kadphises issued a large number of gold coins.
36. Which of the following Gupta King followed a policy of war and conquest and enormously enlarged his kingdom?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Kumargupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Samudragupta]
Notes:
Samudragupta ruled from c.335/336–375 CE. He was the son of Chandragupta I. He was delighted in the policy of war and conquest and enormously enlarged his kingdom. He had a disputed accession to the throne of the Gupta empire.
37. Which of the following Gupta king adopted the title of Kaviraja?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Samudragupta]
Notes:
Samudragupta is depicted in his coins as a poet, a musician, and a patron of learning. He was a great patron of art and adopted the title of Kaviraja which means king among poets.
38. 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:
Harshavardhan is known as the last great Hindu king of India. He was originally a Shaiva but also supported Buddhism. He was also described as the lord of the north or sakalauttarapathanatha.
39. Which of the following is the only Vakataka ruler to whom the title ‘samrat’ was accorded?
[A] Vindhyasakti
[B] Pravarasena
[C] Rudrasena II
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pravarasena]
Notes:
Pravarasena who was the father of Vindhyasakti is the only Vakataka ruler to whom the title ‘samrat’ was accorded. He performed ‘Vajapeya’ and four ‘Ashvamedha’ sacrifices.
40. Which of the following kings made Haribhadra his spiritual preceptor?
[A] Gopala
[B] Dharmpala
[C] Mahendrapala
[D] Devapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dharmpala]
Notes:
Dharmapala was the second ruler of the Pala Empire of Bengal region in the Indian Subcontinent. He was the son and successor of Gopala. Dharmapala was a great admirer of Buddhism and made Haribhadra his spiritual preceptor. He built as many as 50 Buddhist monasteries.
