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 magistrates who looked after towns and cities in Mauryan empire were known as?
[A] Nagaradhyaksha
[B] Baladhyakshas
[C] Adhyakshas
[D] Amatyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nagaradhyaksha]
Notes:
According to the Arthashastra of Kautilya the magistrates who looked after towns and cities were called Nagaradhyaksha, whereas those who looked after the military were called Baladhyakshas.
32. According to Indian literature which of the following were referred to as Yavanas?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Mughals
[C] Indo-Greeks
[D] Indo-Romans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The Indo-Greek was also known as Yavanas according to the Indian literature. Their kingdom spanned from modern-day Afghanistan to Hindukush mountains. They ruled during the last two centuries BCE. There were more than thirty kings and they often fought with one another.
33. Which of the following was the official language of the Satavahanas?
[A] Sanskrit
[B] Prakrit
[C] Persian
[D] Pali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prakrit]
Notes:
Prakrit was the official language of the Satavahanas. One of the famous Prakrit texts, which was composed during this time was Gathasattasai. It is attributed to a Satavahana king called Hala. It consists of 700 verses all written in Prakrit.
34. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to cloth making during the Gupta period?
1. Silk and wool products and articles made of rare skin were normally used by the rich people.
2. The art of dying and embroidery was highly developed along with silk, wool and cotton industry.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
During the Gupta period silk and wool products and articles which were made of rare skin were normally used by the rich people. The art of dying and embroidery was highly developed during that period along with silk, wool and cotton industry.
35. Which of the following rock-cut caves at Ajanta are Chaitya Grihas?
1) Cave number 9
2) Cave number 12
3) Cave number 19
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2
[D] Only 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 3]
Notes:
The finest examples of the art during the Gupta period are Ajanta caves. Out of the 31 rock-cut cave monuments at Ajanta, five are Chaitya Grihas. The five chaitya grihas are cave numbers 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29.
36. Which of the following rulers defeated Ishanavarmana of the Maukharies dynasty?
[A] Ishanavarmana
[B] Grahavarmana
[C] Sarvavarmana
[D] Avanti Varmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ishanavarmana]
Notes:
Under the rule of Ishanavarmana, the Maukhari kingdom stretched to Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, and Gauda. Ishanavarmana had to face prolonged struggle with the later Guptas. Ishanavarman suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Kumaragupta.
37. Which of the following Pushyabhuti king was treacherously killed by Shashanka, the king of Gauda?
[A] Prabhakar Vardhana
[B] Rajya Vardhana
[C] Harsha Vardhana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajya Vardhana]
Notes:
After the death of Prabhakar Vardhan, his elder son Rajya Vardhana came to the throne. But Rajya Vardhan was treacherously killed by Shashanka who was the king of Gauda, that is, Bengal and Bihar.
38. Which of the following Pala ruler was called Uttarapathasvamin or Lord of Northern India?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devapala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Ramapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dharmapala]
Notes:
Dharmapala’s sovereignty was accepted by the rulers of both west and south India including those of Punjab, western hill states, Rajputana, Malwa and Berar. He became the paramount lord in Northern India. That’s why he is also called Uttarapathasvamin or Lord of Northern India.
39. Which of the following period is associated with the Avantivarman?
[A] 755 AD to 783 AD
[B] 855 AD to 883 AD
[C] 755 BC to 783 BC
[D] 805 BC to 803 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [855 AD to 883 AD]
Notes:
Avantivarman who ruled from 855 AD. to 883 AD was famous for his patronage of literature. He also launched some beneficent schemes of drainage and irrigation which was carried out by his minister of public works, Surya.
40. Which of the following period is considered as the period of the Rajputs?
[A] 600 A.D- 800 A.D
[B] 800 A.D- 1000 A.D
[C] 647 A.D- 1200 A.D
[D] 540 A.D- 870 A.D
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [647 A.D- 1200 A.D]
Notes:
The Rajputs ruled from 647A.D. to 1200 A.D. They are the considered to be the descendants of Lord Rama (Surya vamsa) or Lord Krishna (Chandra vamsa) or the Hero who sprang from the sacrificial fire according to the Agni Kula theory.
