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. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve foodgrains to be utilized during the crises in the country? (UPSC Prelims 1998)
[A] Sohagaura Copper-plate
[B] Rummindei pillar-edict of Asoka
[C] Prayaga-Prasasti
[D] Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sohagaura Copper-plate]
Notes:
The earliest known copper-plate called Sohgaura is a Maurya record that mentions famine relief efforts. It is one of the very few pre-Ashoka Brahmi inscriptions in India.
32. Which of the following tools were used during Mesolithic age?
[A] Hand axes and cleavers
[B] Scraper and flakes
[C] Blades and burins
[D] Microliths
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Microliths]
Notes:
Tools used in various ages were:
Early Palaeolithic: Hand axes and cleavers
Middle Palaeolithic: Scraper and flakes
Upper Palaeolithic: Blades and burins
Mesolithic: Microliths
33. Women were allowed to attend which of the following during the Rig Vedic Age?
[A] Samiti
[B] Gana
[C] Vidatha
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vidatha]
Notes:
Women during the Rig Vedic Age were allowed to attend both the samiti and vidatha. They were not allowed to attend sabha and gana. These assemblies performed deliberative, military and religious functions.
34. Which of the following was the king of Vatsa mahajanapada?
[A] Virata
[B] Udayana
[C] Avantipura
[D] Pradyota
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Udayana]
Notes:
Udayana was the king of Vatsa mahajanapada. He was also the hero of three Sanskrit dramas which were known as Svapnavasavadatta wriiten by Bhasa, Priyadarshika, and Ratnavali written by Harsha.
35. Which of the following established the first empire of the Indian subcontinent?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Harshavardhan
[C] Chandragupta
[D] Vikramaditya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chandragupta]
Notes:
The Maurya period is remarkable in the early history of the Indian subcontinent. Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler who tried to consolidate small fragmented kingdoms and combined them to form the first empire of the Indian subcontinent.
36. In which of the following edicts Ashoka greets the Sangha and professes his deep faith in the Buddha, dhamma, and Sangha?
[A] Minor Rock Edict 1
[B] Minor Rock Edict 2
[C] Minor Rock Edict 3
[D] Minor Rock Edict 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Minor Rock Edict 3]
Notes:
In the Minor Rock Edict 3 Ashoka greets the Sangha and professes his deep faith in the Buddha, dhamma, and Sangha. He also recommends six Buddhist texts for monks, nuns, and the general laity.
37. Which of the following was responsible for the security of frontier forts in the Mauryan administration?
[A] Nikayas
[B] Anta-Mahamattas
[C] Senapati
[D] Sthanikas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Anta-Mahamattas]
Notes:
It is believed that the Mauryans maintained a huge army. The army consisted of 6,00,000 infantry, 30,000 cavalry, 9,000 elephants, and 8,000 chariots. In Mauryan administration the security of frontier forts was the responsibility of Anta-Mahamattas.
38. Which of the following are the nine gems of the court of Chandragupta II?
1. Dhanvantri
2. Kalidasa
3. Ghatakarapara
4. Varahamihira
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 nine gems or the Navratnas of the court of Chandragupta II are as follows: Kalidasa, Varahamihrira, Dhanvantri, Ghatakarapara, Shanku, Kahapanaka, Vararuchi, Vetala Bhatta.
39. Which of the following kings was defeated by Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva?
[A] Vatsaraja
[B] Harichandra
[C] Nagabhatta II
[D] Nagabhatta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nagabhatta I]
Notes:
Nagabhata I ruled from 730C.E. to 760 C.E. from the Avanti (or Malava) region in present-day Madhya Pradesh, from his capital at Ujjain. He expanded his kingdom towards the areas of Malwa, Rajputana, and Gujarat. He was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva.
40. Siddhiyoga was written by which of the following?
[A] Patanjali
[B] Vrinda
[C] Madhavakar
[D] Dridhabala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vrinda]
Notes:
Siddhiyoga was written by Vrinda in about 1000 AD. It is also called Vrindam?dhava. Some scholars suggest that Vrinda is only a second name of M?dhavakara, but it is unproved.
