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 kings started the construction of Sudarshan lake?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Bindusara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chandragupta Maurya]
Notes:
The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I gives information about the beginning of the construction of Sudarshan lake which is located in the middle of the hill called Girnaar in Saurashtra. It was built by Pushyagupta who was the provincial ruler of Chandragupta Maurya.
32. 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.
33. Which Rock Edict mentions religious tolerance amongst all sects and welfare measures for the public?
[A] Seventh Edict
[B] Eighth Edict
[C] Ninth Edict
[D] Tenth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Seventh Edict]
Notes:
The Seventh Rock Edict mentions of religious tolerance amongst all sects and welfare measures for public. Ashoka propagated such ideas not only in his own kingdom but also in the neighbouring kingdoms of Cholas, Pandyas, and that of Antiochus in the north-west.
34. 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.
35. Which of the following was the capital of Indo-Greeks in the Indian subcontinent?
[A] Gandhara
[B] Sakala
[C] Taxila
[D] Peshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sakala]
Notes:
The capital of Menander was located at Sakala, that is, modern Sialkot in Punja. He is believed to have invaded and conquered the Ganga-Yamuna doab but failed to retain it for long.
36. Which of the following is considered as the founder of the Ujjaini Satrapa?
[A] Nahapana
[B] Castana
[C] Bhumaka
[D] Hagamasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Castana]
Notes:
Castana or Shastana or Chastana is considered the founder of the Ujjaini Satrapa. Chastana is believed to have won a battle against Saatvahanas. Chastana used 3 scripts in his coins: Greek, Kharoshthi and Brahami.
37. The achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were described and eulogised after his death in which of the following inscriptions?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Naneghat Inscription
[C] Nashik Inscription
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nashik Inscription]
Notes:
The achievements of Satavahana King Gautamiputra Satkarniare were described and eulogised after his death, during his son Pulumayi II’s reign, in a Nashik Inscription of his mother Gautami Balashri. The inscription is written in Prakrit.
38. Which of the following is a poem describing the cycle of seasons?
[A] Ritusamhara
[B] Raghuvamsha
[C] Kumarasambhavam
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ritusamhara]
Notes:
Ritusamhara is a poem written by Kalidasa describing the cycle of seasons whereas Kumarasambhavam is a story about the birth of Shiva and Parvati’s son and also Raghuvamsha depicts Vishnu as the origin and the end of the universe.
39. During the early medieval period the status of which of the following degenerated?
[A] Brahmanas
[B] Kshtriyas
[C] Vaishyas
[D] Shudras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vaishyas]
Notes:
After the reign of Harsha the status of Vaisyas in society degenerated to such an extent that there was hardly any difference between the status of a Vaishya and that of a Sudra during the early medieval period.
40. Which of the following Chalukyan King set up a pillar of victory on the shores of the Southern Ocean?
[A] Vikramaditya I
[B] Vinayaditya I
[C] Vijayaditya
[D] Vikramaditya II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vikramaditya II]
Notes:
Vikramaditya II is believed to have destroyed the Cholas, Keralas, Pandyas, Kalabhras and other kings. He also set up a pillar of victory on the shores of the Southern Ocean.
