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 most powerful and aggressive ruler of Haryanka dynasty?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ajatashatru
[C] Udayabhadra
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ajatashatru]
Notes:
Ajatashatru the son of Bimbisara was the most powerful and aggressive ruler of Haryanka dynasty. He is believed to have killed his father and seized the throne. He followed his father’s expansionist policy of military conquest.
32. Ashoka is referred to as Buddhashakya in which of the following inscriptions?
[A] Maski Edict
[B] Sarnath inscription
[C] Delhi-Topra pillar edict
[D] Kandahar Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maski Edict]
Notes:
Emperor Ashoka was identified with various names which include Buddhashakya and Ashoka as mentionded in the Maski Rock Edict. In the the Sarnath Pillar inscription he is referred to as Dharmasoka.
33. Which Rock Edict announces that the gift of Dhamma is the best gift of all gifts?
[A] Eighth Edict
[B] Ninth Edict
[C] Eleventh Edict
[D] Twelfth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Eleventh Edict]
Notes:
The Eleventh Rock Edict of Ashoka announces that the gift of Dhamma is the best gift of all the gifts and the policy of Dhamma is the best policy to follow.
34. Which of the following material was used for the construction of Ashokan pillars?
[A] Limestone
[B] Sandstone
[C] Granite
[D] Red stone
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sandstone]
Notes:
Ashokan Pillar Edicts were mostly in similar forms and dimensions. The pillar was made of sandstone which was quarried from Chunar in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Mostly these pillars were carved out of a single piece of stone.
35. Mauryan art is believed to have influenced from which of the following regions?
[A] Vedic
[B] Persian
[C] Mongolian
[D] African
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Persian]
Notes:
The Mauryan art is believed to be inspired from Achaemenid or Persian influence. We can find a lot of similarities in terms of form and style in the inscriptions of Ashoka and the Persian king Darius.
36. Which of the following became important Buddhist sites under the Satavahanas?
1) Nagarjunakonda
2) Amravati
3) Nashik
4) Junar
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: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
Though the Satavahanas made liberal sacrificial fees to the Brahmanas, they also promoted Buddhism. Some of the important Buddhist sites under the Satavahanas were Nagarjunakonda and Amravati in Andhra Pradesh and Nashik and Junar areas of Maharashtra.
37. Which of the following was a tax imposed on temporary tenants during the Gupta period?
[A] Uparikara
[B] Mahapratihara
[C] Udranga
[D] Vata-Bhuta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uparikara]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, two new agricultural taxes appear in Gupta inscriptions which are known as Uparikara and Udranga. ‘Uparikara’ was probably a tax imposed on temporary tenants and ‘Udranga’ was probably a water tax or a sort of police tax.
38. 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.
39. Which of the following Pala ruler was called Uttarapathasvamin or Lord of Northern India?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devapala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Ramapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dharmapala]
Notes:
Dharmapala’s sovereignty was accepted by the rulers of both west and south India including those of Punjab, western hill states, Rajputana, Malwa and Berar. He became the paramount lord in Northern India. That’s why he is also called Uttarapathasvamin or Lord of Northern India.
40. Which of the following are correctly matched regarding import in India from 650 A.D. to 1000 A.D.?
Items of import Region
1. Horses Western and Central Asia
2. Wine Kapisa
3. Dates Basrsa
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Between 650 A.D. to 1000 A.D. the best breed of horses came to India from the Western and Central Asia. Wine was imported from Kapisa and dates were imported from Basra.
