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 appointed Dharma Mahamattas to propagate dharma among various social groups including women?
[A] Chandragupta
[B] Bindusara
[C] Ashoka
[D] Brihadratha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ashoka]
Notes:
In the fourteenth year of his reign emperor Ashoka appointed Dharma Mahamattas to propagate dharma among various social groups including women. He also propagated Dharma in distant lands.
32. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Ashokan pillar edicts?
1. They were well-polished sandstone monolithic pillars.
2. Each was surmounted with a finely sculpted animal capital.
3. They were largely confined to the Ganges plain.
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:
Some of the features of Ashokan pillar edicts are as follows:
1. They were well-polished sandstone monolithic pillars.
2. Each was surmounted with a finely sculpted animal capital.
3. They were largely confined to the Ganges plain
33. Which of the following were known as wandering spies who wandered from place to place for collecting secret information in the Mauryan empire?
[A] Sanstha
[B] Sanchara
[C] Pulisani
[D] Nikayas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sanchara]
Notes:
The Arthashastra of Kautilya or Chanakya mentions about wandering spies also known as sanchara who wandered from place to place for collecting secret information in the Mauryan empire.
34. Who were the Sthanikas?
[A] They collected taxes
[B] They sold liqor
[C] They were traders
[D] Head of a village
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [They collected taxes]
Notes:
The districts in the Mauryan empire were divided into groups of 5 or 10 villages which was headed by Sthanikas. The Sthanikas collected taxes and were assisted by Gopas (who maintained proper records and accounts).
35. Which of the following was the second ruler of the Shunga dynasty?
[A] Pushyamitra shunga
[B] Agnimitra
[C] Brihadratha
[D] Devabhuti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Agnimitra]
Notes:
After the death of Pushyamitra shunga, founder of the Shunga dynasty his son Agnimitra, became the second ruler of the Shunga dynasty. His reign lasted for a short period of 8 years, that is, from 149 BCE to 141 BCE.
36. Which of the following succeeded Mauryas in the Deccan and in central India?
[A] Shungas
[B] Kanvas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satavahanas]
Notes:
Sungas and the Kanvas succeeded the Mauryans in the north. In Deccan and in the central India, the Satavahanas succeeded the Mauryas however after a gap of almost 100 years.
37. Satavahanas claimed their descent from which of the following varna?
[A] Brahmana
[B] Kshtriya
[C] Vaishiya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahmana]
Notes:
The Satavahanas claimed their descent from Brahamana varna. They performed Vedic rituals and worshipped gods like Krishna, Vasudeva, as evident in the Naneghat cave inscription of Naganika of 1st century BCE.
38. From which of the following places a dated stone image of a seated Tirthankara belonging to 432 CE was excavated?
[A] Udaigiri
[B] Sarnath
[C] Khairigarh
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mathura]
Notes:
The Buddha images found in Mathura were different from Sarnath in several ways. The dated stone image of a seated Tirthankara belonging to 432 CE which was excavated at Mathura was also different from the seated figurines of preceding centuries.
39. Which of the following temples from the Gupta period is entirely made up of Bricks?
[A] Dasavatar Temple
[B] Bhitargaon temple
[C] Shiva Temple of Bhumara
[D] Shiva Temple of Koh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhitargaon temple]
Notes:
The Gupta period is considered as a golden period for temple architecture. Nagara style and Dravida style of temple architecture began in the Gupta era. The Bhitargaon temple at Kanpur is entirely made up of bricks.
40. Which of the following rulers ruled northern India after the fall of Pratiharas?
[A] Chandellas
[B] Chedi
[C] Gahadavalas
[D] Paramaras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gahadavalas]
Notes:
The Gahadavala dynasty ruled the Indian subcontinent during the 11th and 12th centuries. Present-day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar came under their rule. They establish themselves on the throne of Kanauj between 1080A.D. and 1085 AD.
