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. Where was the capital of Bharga (Bhagga) situated?
[A] Sunsamagiri
[B] Pava
[C] Piphalivana
[D] Kapilavastu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sunsamagiri]
Notes:
The Bhaggas were an ancient Indo-Aryan tribe in northeastern South Asia, organized as an aristocratic republic, later annexed by Vatsa, with Suṃsumāragiri as their capital.
32. Bimbisara sent his royal physician Jivaka to Ujjain when which of the following kings had jaundice?
[A] Brahmadatta
[B] Pradyota
[C] Prasenjit
[D] Ajatashatru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pradyota]
Notes:
Bimbisara sent his royal physician Jivaka to Ujjain when Pradyota had jaundice, along Dakshinapatha to Avanti. Earlier Bimbisara had rivalry with Avanti’s king Pradyota but later they became friends.
33. Under which of the following Jain saints Chandragupta Maurya adopted Jainism?
[A] Mahavir
[B] Bhadrabahu
[C] Kautilya
[D] Sthulabhadra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhadrabahu]
Notes:
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan empire. In Greek and Latin accounts he is also mentioned as Sandrocuttos. It is believed that Chandragupta Maurya adopted Jainism and became an ascetic under the Jain saint Bhadrabahu.
34. Which of the following are the features of Mauryan administration?
1. Mauryas had a vast and highly centralised bureaucratic rule.
2. King was the fountainhead of all powers.
3. Empire was probably divided into provinces with a viceroy in each province.
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:
The following are the features of Mauryan administration:
1. Mauryas had a vast and highly centralised bureaucratic rule.
2. King was the fountainhead of all powers.
3. Empire was probably divided into provinces with a viceroy in each province.
35. Which of the following basic features of Indo-Greek coinage?
1. Bilingual
2. Bi-script
3. Precise economic value
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The basic features of Indo-Greek coinage included the bilingual and bi-script legends. They were miniatures of aesthetic excellence and were of precise economic value. They also provided useful information on emerging religious sects and cults.
36. Karle Chaitya in the western Deccan belongs to which of the following period?
[A] Kanvas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satavahanas]
Notes:
The Satavahana phase is famous for the construction of many chaityas and viharas which were cut out of the solid rock in the north-western Deccan or Maharashtra. They were constructed with great precision and skill. The Karle Chaitya also belongs to this period.
37. Which of the following kings built a stupa to house the Buddha’s relics in the city of Purushpura?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Vasudeva II
[C] Kadphises I
[D] Vima Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka had two capitals, Purushapura and Mathura. In the capital city of Purushpura, he built a giant stupa to house the Buddha’s relics. The building was magnificent as described by the Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien who visited the area later in the early fifth century CE.
38. Harivijaya was the work of which of the following Vakataka ruler?
[A] Narendrasena
[B] Sarvasena
[C] Vindhyashakti II
[D] Harisena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sarvasena]
Notes:
Sarvasena (c. 330 – 355 CE) who adopted the title dharma-maharaja was believed to be a renowned Prakrit poet, and his lost work, the Harivijaya, was praised by later writers. Some of the verses of Sarvasena were incorporated into the Gathasattasai.
39. Dharmapala held a Durbar at which of the following places?
[A] Patliputra
[B] Vikrampura
[C] Tamralipti
[D] Kannauj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kannauj]
Notes:
Dharmapala is believed to have deposed Indraraja or Indrayudha, the ruler of Kanauj. After his victory, Dharmapala held a Durbar at Kanauj. This Durbar was attended by a large number of vassal chiefs. He installed his puppet ruler, Chakrayudha, on the throne.
40. ‘Rajamalla’ title was adopted by which of the following Chalukyan Kings?
[A] Pulkeshin II
[B] Vikramaditya I
[C] Vinayaditya I
[D] Vikramaditya II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vikramaditya I]
Notes:
Vikramaditya I ruled from c. 655 to 680 CE. Vikramaditya I adopted the title ‘Rajamalla’ which means ‘the Sovereign of the Mallas’ or Pallavas. He also defeated the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas.
