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 of the following was the son and successor of Vakataka ruler Vindhyashakti II/ Vindhyasena?
[A] Sarvasena
[B] Harisena
[C] Devasena
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pravarasena II]
Notes:
Pravarasena II was the son and successor of Vakataka ruler Vindhyashakti II/ Vindhyasena. Pravarsena II ruled for a period of fifteen years. He was followed by Devasena, who was a pleasure-seeking ruler.
32. Which of the following cities gradually replaced Pataliputra as the political centre of northern India during the rule of the Maukharies?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Mathura
[C] Kannauj
[D] Nalanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kannauj]
Notes:
The Maukhari dynasty was a royal Indian dynasty that controlled vast areas of Northern India after the decline of the Gupta empire. They ruled over Kannauj, a city in western Uttar Pradesh, which gradually replaced Pataliputra as the political centre of northern India.
33. Which of the following was called as chief cavalry officer during the Harsha administration?
[A] Avanti
[B] Bhanu
[C] Kuntala
[D] Simhananda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kuntala]
Notes:
The Harsha’s army consisted of infantry, cavalry, elephant and camel corps. Harsha’s cavalry was 1,00,000 strong and Elephant corps consisted of 60,000 elephants. The chief cavalry officer was called as Kuntala.
34. Which of the following is the most popular and well known Tantric text?
[A] Mahaniryana Tantra
[B] Hevajra Tantra
[C] Vajrapatala Tantra
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahaniryana Tantra]
Notes:
Mahaniryana Tantra is one of the most popular and well known Tantric texts. The text deals with Brahaman which, according to the Saktas, is nothing but Sakti. Sakti is eternal dynamic source of all things.
35. Which of the following items were imported from Balkh during the early medieval period?
1. Horses
2. Saffron
3. Asafoetida
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The Indian merchants during the early medieval period did not go up to Central Asia but visited Iran up to the Oxus valley. They imported things like horses, saffron and asafoetida from Balkh.
36. Which of the following items were imported from Ceylon?
1) Pearls
2) Dry ginger
3) Tin
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:
India had a flourishing trade with South-East Asia during the medieval period. The articles imported from that quarter were silk, porcelain ware, camphor, bees’ wax, cloves, lump camphor, sandalwood, and cardamom. Spices were imported from Java and Sumatra. India imported pearls, dry ginger, and tin from Ceylon.
37. Which of the following kings wrote Prashnottara Ratnamalika?
[A] Govind III
[B] Dantidurga
[C] Dhruva
[D] Amoghavarsha I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Amoghavarsha I]
Notes:
Amoghavarsha who ruled the Rashtrakuta empire from 814 A.D. to 878 A.D was an accomplished poet and scholar. He wrote Prashnottara Ratnamalika in the Sanskrit language, which is considered as a writing of high merit and was later translated into the Tibetan language.
38. When were Ellora caves designated a UNESCO World Heritage site?
[A] 1984
[B] 1995
[C] 1983
[D] 2001
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1983]
Notes:
Ellora caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
39. What is the compilation of teachings of Lord Mahavira is called?
[A] Shruti sutra
[B] Agam sutra
[C] Avesta sutra
[D] Pibi sutra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Agam sutra]
Notes:
Lord Mahavir’s preaching were orally compiled into many texts (scriptures) by his disciples. These scriptures are known as Jain Agam or Agam Sutras. The Agam Sutras teach great reverence for all forms of life, strict codes of vegetarianism, asceticism, compassion, nonviolence, and opposition to war. Ang-agam is known as the oldest religious scriptures and the backbone of Jain Literature.
40. Which of the following Republic was a confederacy of tribes in the 6th century B.C.?
[A] Kosala
[B] Avanti
[C] Vajji
[D] Gandhara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vajji]
Notes:
Vajji or Vrijji was a confederacy in the 6th century B.C. The rulers of Vajji were a confederacy of the eight clans (atthakula) of whom the Vajjis, the Licchavis, the Jnatrikas and the Videhas were the most important. It was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas. Its capital was at Vaishali (in modern Besarh). It was governed as an aristocratic republic. The territory of Vajji is located in the north of river Ganges in the state of Bihar and is extended upto the Madhesh, Nepal region.
