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 kings started the construction of Sudarshan lake?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Bindusara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chandragupta Maurya]
Notes:
The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I gives information about the beginning of the construction of Sudarshan lake which is located in the middle of the hill called Girnaar in Saurashtra. It was built by Pushyagupta who was the provincial ruler of Chandragupta Maurya.
33. Which of the following kings became the ruler of the shunga dynasty after the death of Agnimitra?
[A] Bhagabhadra
[B] Devabhuti
[C] Pulindaka
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vasumitra]
Notes:
Agnimitra was succeeded by Vasumitra around 131 BC. Vasumitra became the fourth ruler of the shunga dynasty. According to Bana’s Harshacharita, he was killed by Mitradeva while enjoying a drama.
34. Which of the following was the reason behind increase in manufacture of oil in the post-Mauryan period?
[A] Use of oil wheel
[B] Use of pumps
[C] More reserves found
[D] Oil was the center of economy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Use of oil wheel]
Notes:
In the post-Mauryan period ranging from 200 BC. to 300 A.D. the economy moved at an accelerated tempo. Manufacture of oil was also increased in the post-Mauryan period due to the use of the oil wheel.
35. Which of the following is the writer of a sanskrit kavya in the 6th century, Kiratarjuniya?
[A] Amarshima
[B] Bharavi
[C] Kalidasa
[D] Bhasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bharavi]
Notes:
Bharavi was the writer of a sanskrit kavya of the 6th century called Kiratarjuniya. The Kavya describes the combat between Arjuna and Lord Shiva in the guise of a kirata or a mountain-dwelling hunter.
36. Vapi, Tadaga, and Dirghula refer to which of the following during the Gupta period?
[A] Tanks
[B] Canals
[C] Rivers
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tanks]
Notes:
During the Gupta period lots of canals were constructed not only from rivers but also tanks and lakes. The tanks were variously called as the vapi, tadaga, and dirghula, according to their sizes.
37. Which of the following point towards considerable volume of trade between the Byzantine empire and India during the Gupta period?
1. Byzantine gold coins discovered in southern, eastern and western parts of India.
2. In his law digest, Justinian gave a long list of imports from India.
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:
There was considerable volume of trade between the Byzantine empire and India during the Gupta period as reeflected by Byzantine gold coins discovered in southern, eastern and western parts of India. Also in his law digest, Justinian gave a long list of imports from India.
38. Which of the following poets described Harisena as “powerful, truthful and bountiful, glorious, lofty, and a penetrating critic of ethical and economic compendia”?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Dandin
[C] Amarasimha
[D] Sarvasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dandin]
Notes:
Dandin described Vakataka ruler Harisena as “powerful, truthful and bountiful, glorious, lofty, and a penetrating critic of ethical and economic compendia”. Dandin was a poet of the 6th century CE.
39. 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.
40. The Chauhan clan of the Rajputs ruled over which of the following areas?
1) Sambhar
2) Ajmer
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:
The Chauhans were historically a very powerful group in the region now known as Rajasthan. According to Agnikula myth, some of the Rajput clans originated from Agni, in a sacrificial fire pit. The Chauhan clan of the Rajputs ruled over Sambhar and Ajmer.
