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 a market town called in 6th century B.C?
[A] Nagarka
[B] Mahanagara
[C] Nigama
[D] Rajdhani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nigama]
Notes:
During 600 – 300 BCE, a market town which was at an intermediate level between the Grama and Nagara was called as Nigama. These market places were often crowded with merchants.
32. Which of the following items were exported in the 6th century BCE?
[A] Jade
[B] Gold
[C] Pearls
[D] Silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pearls]
Notes:
In the 6th century, trade flourished with different countries like Myanmar, Afghanistan, Iran, and Mesopotamia. Major items of import included gold, lapis lazuli, jade, silver, etc and items of export included finished crafts, textile goods, sandalwood, and pearls.
33. Which of the following was a part of the three-pronged policy of Bimbisara to expand his empire?
1. Matrimonial alliances
2. Friendship with strong rulers
3. Conquest of weak neighbours
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The following strategies were a part of the three-pronged policy of Bimbisara to expand his empire:
1. Matrimonial alliances
2. Friendship with strong rulers
3. Conquest of weak neighbours
34. Buddha died during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ajatashatru
[C] Udayin
[D] Shishunaga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ajatashatru]
Notes:
Gautam Buddha died during the reign of Ajatashatru. Ajatashatru arranged the first Buddhist council after the death of Buddha. Ajatashatru (492 BCE – 460 BCE) was the son of Bimbisara.
35. According to Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa which of the following captured power after killing his ninety nine brothers?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bindusara
[C] Susima
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ashoka]
Notes:
According to Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa Asoka captured power after killing his ninety nine brothers, including his elder brother Susima. According to these Cylonese sources only Tissa remained unhurt who was the younger brother of Ashoka.
36. Consider the following major ports during the Indo-Greek trade:
- Broach
- Sopara
- Tamralipti
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:
Trade started across the sea between India and the Eastern Roman Empires. Among the ports, the important ones were Broach, Sopara, Arikamedu, and Tamralipti. Broach, in particular, was the most important not only for exporting goods, but also for receiving them.
37. Which of the following married the daughter of Rudradaman I?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Simuka
[C] Vashishthiputra Pulumayi
[D] Yajna Sri Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vashishthiputra Pulumayi]
Notes:
According to the Junagadh Inscription Vashishthiputra Pulumayi married the daughter of Rudradaman I. The coins of Vashishthiputra Pulumayi were found in the various parts of Andhra.
38. Which of the following Buddhist scholars compiled Mahavibhasa?
[A] Charaka
[B] Mathara
[C] Vasumitra
[D] Nagarjuna
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Correct Answer: C [Vasumitra]
Notes:
Mahavibhasa is an ancient Buddhist text. It is thought to have been authored around 150 CE by Vasumitra who was an eminent philosopher of the Kushan era. Mahavibhasa is also known as the encyclopedia of Buddhist philosophy.
39. Tattavakaumudi, Tattvasaradi, Nyayavarttikatatparyatika, Nyayasuchini-bandha, Nyayasutroddhara, Nyayakanika and Tattvabindu are works of which of the following writers?
[A] Bhoja
[B] Vachaspatimisra
[C] Udayana
[D] Jayanta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vachaspatimisra]
Notes:
Tattavakaumudi, Tattvasaradi, Nyayavarttikatatparyatika, Nyayasuchini-bandha, Nyayasutroddhara, Nyayakanika and Tattvabindu are works of Vachaspatimisra. He was one of the greatest name in medieval age in philosophy. He also wrote independent treatises on some of the Darsanas.
40. Paramesvaravarman II was succeeded by which of the following kings?
[A] Virakurcha
[B] Dantivarman
[C] Nandivarman I
[D] Nandivarman II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nandivarman II]
Notes:
Paramesvaravarman II was succeeded by 12-year-old Nandivarman II who belonged to the collateral line of Pallavas called the Kadavas. Nandivarman II has a long reign as he ruled from 731 A.D. to 795 A.D.
