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. How many pillar edicts have been found?
[A] 7
[B] 8
[C] 9
[D] 10
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [7]
Notes:
Seven major pillar edicts have been found at Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya Nandangarh, Rampurva, Nigali Sagar, Sarnath, Topra, and Meerut. Ashokan pillars probably signify the axis of the world (axis mundi) that separated heaven and earth.
32. What does the use of ‘Elephant’ as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Departure of Siddhartha
[B] Purity and Fecundity
[C] Pride and Courage
[D] Buddha\’s conception
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Buddha\’s conception]
Notes:
Ashoka was a patron of Buddhism therefore he used many symbols that are relevant in Buddhism as motifs in the Ashokan pillar. According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha entered his mother’s womb in the form of a white elephant.
33. Which of the following was the last ruler of this Indo-Greek dynasty?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Menander
[C] Hermaius
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hermaius]
Notes:
Hermaius was the last ruler of the the Indo-Greek dynasty. Around the last quarter of the 2nd century BCE he was defeated by the Parthians. This led to the end of Greek rule in Bactria and the area to the south of the Hindu Kush.
34. The famous Taxila Copper Plate is ascribed to which of the following Shaka ruler?
[A] Rudradaman
[B] Azes
[C] Maues
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Maues]
Notes:
The famous Taxila Copper Plate is ascribed to Maues as Moga Inscription. It was found in the Taxila region in modern Pakistan. The inscription bears a precise data and it is written in Kharoshthi script.
35. Which of the following Gupta King followed a policy of war and conquest and enormously enlarged his kingdom?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Kumargupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Samudragupta]
Notes:
Samudragupta ruled from c.335/336–375 CE. He was the son of Chandragupta I. He was delighted in the policy of war and conquest and enormously enlarged his kingdom. He had a disputed accession to the throne of the Gupta empire.
36. In which of the following period elaborate laws were laid down about inheritance?
[A] Shunga Period
[B] Kushans period
[C] Mauryan Period
[D] Gupta period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gupta period]
Notes:
The Guptas had a fairly good judicial system as compared to other kingdoms. During the Gupta period elaborate laws were laid down about inheritance. However, like earlier periods, these laws were based on the varna hierarchy.
37. Which of the following period saw the emergence of worship of composite deities such as Hari-Hara?
[A] Magadha period
[B] Gupta period
[C] Kushana period
[D] Mauryan Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta period]
Notes:
Both the Guptas and Vakatakas were the patrons of God Vishnu. There was also an emergence of worship of composite deities such as Hari-Hara, who is a part Vishnu and part Shiva. Religious syncretism can also be seen. For instance, Buddha was also considered as one of the ten Vishnu avatars.
38. In which of the following ruling branches did the Vakataka kingdom divide after the death of Pravarasena?
1) Nandivardhana
2) Vatsagulma
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:
After the death of Pravarasena, Rudrasena I the son of Gautamiputra succeeded his grandfather Pravarsena to the throne and ruled from Nandivardhana, near modern Nagpur. Sarvasena, another son of Pravarasena, started ruling independently from Vastugulma.
39. Which of the following was the founder of the Vatsagulma line of the Vakatakas?
[A] Rudrasena I
[B] Pravarasena II
[C] Sarvasena
[D] Vindhyashakti II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sarvasena]
Notes:
The founder of the Vatsagulma line of the Vakatakas was Sarvasena. sarvasena was the son of Pravarasena I. Vatsagulma line is the second major Vakataka line.
40. Which of the following was called the Minister for Foreign Relations and War during the Harsha’s administration?
[A] Simhananda
[B] Avanti
[C] Kuntala
[D] Bhanu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Avanti]
Notes:
During the Harsha’s administration, there was a well-organized secretariat at the capital. According to Banabhatta who was the court poet of Harsha, the Minister for Foreign Relations and War was called Avanti.
