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 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.
32. Which of the following pillar edicts defines the term ‘Dhamma’?
[A] First Pillar Edict
[B] Second Pillar Edict
[C] Third Pillar Edict
[D] Fifth Pillar Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Second Pillar Edict]
Notes:
The second Pillar Edict of Ashoka defines the term ‘Dhamma’. It describes Dhamma as the policy of doing the least amount of sin, performing virtuous deeds, having compassion, purity, and truthfulness.
33. The magistrates who looked after towns and cities in Mauryan empire were known as?
[A] Nagaradhyaksha
[B] Baladhyakshas
[C] Adhyakshas
[D] Amatyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nagaradhyaksha]
Notes:
According to the Arthashastra of Kautilya the magistrates who looked after towns and cities were called Nagaradhyaksha, whereas those who looked after the military were called Baladhyakshas.
34. Duties on imported and exported goods was referred to as which of the following during the Mauryan period?
[A] Bhaga
[B] Shulka
[C] Bali
[D] Kara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shulka]
Notes:
During the Mauryan age urban taxes included Shulka which were duties on imported and exported goods. Other than this excise duties were also imposed on local manufactures.
35. Which of the following issued the first ever long inscription in chaste sanskrit?
[A] Rudradaman I
[B] Azes
[C] Kanishka
[D] Gondophernes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rudradaman I]
Notes:
Rudradaman I issued the first ever long inscription in chaste sanskrit. Rudradaman I ruled from AD 130 to 150. He ruled over Sindh including parts of Gujarat, Konkan, Narmada valley, Malwa and Kathiawar.
36. Which of the following were a part of the three grades of feudatories during the Satavahana period?
1. Raja
2. Mahabhoja
3. Senapati
4. Purohita
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The Satavahana kingdom consisted of three grades of feudatories which are as follows:
1. Raja (who had right to strike coins)
2. Mahabhoja
3. Senapati
37. Under which of the following kings the Kushana empire reached its zenith?
[A] Kadphises I
[B] Kanishka
[C] Vasudeva II
[D] Vima Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka was the third ruler of the Kushana empire. He was the son of Kadphises II and is perhaps the most famous king of the Kushana empire. Under his reign the Kushana empire reached its zenith.
38. Which of the following ruler served as both Mahadandanayaka as well as a Mahasandhivigrahika?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Skandagupta
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samudragupta]
Notes:
Harisena who was the composer of the Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta describes that Samudra Gupta served as both Mahadandanayaka (chief judicial officer) as well as a Mahasandhivigrahika (minister for war and peace).
39. Which of the following is the writer of Kavyadarshana and Dasakumaracharita?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Vishakhadatta
[C] Bharavi
[D] Dandin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dandin]
Notes:
Dandin is the writer of Kavyadarshana and Dasakumaracharita. Da??in was a grammarian of Sanskrit language and author of prose romances. He is one of the well known writers in Asian history.
40. Which of the following are certain specific terms of land tenure used during Gupta period?
1. Nivi dharma
2. Nivi dharma aksayana
3. Aprada dharma
4. Bhumichchhidrallyaya
Select the correct options from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
Some of the specific terms of land tenure used during Gupta period are as follows:
1. Nivi dharma
2. Nivi dharma aksayana
3. Aprada dharma
4. Bhumichchhidrallyaya
