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 second Buddhist council held?
[A] Rajgriha
[B] Kashi
[C] Vaishali
[D] Sarnath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vaishali]
Notes:
The second Buddhist council took place during the reign of king Kalasoka. It was held in Vaishali and was presided over by the monk Sabbakami. It was held in 383 BCE.
32. Alexander the Great, died in which year?
[A] 323 BCE
[B] 360 BCE
[C] 326 BCE
[D] 330 BCE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [323 BCE]
Notes:
Alexander retreated in 326 BCE because his troops were exhausted, homesick, and war-weary and refused to go any further in the subcontinent. While returning back to Babylon, alexander died in 323 BCE due to natural causes.
33. On which of the following, the new material culture of the Gangetic basin was based?
[A] Use of Iron
[B] Use of copper
[C] Use of tin
[D] Use of bronze
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Use of Iron]
Notes:
In the Mauryan period we can see that the material culture rapidly developed in the Gangetic plains. The new material culture which developed in the Gangetic valley revolved around the use of iron and iron implements.
34. Which of the following Kushana ruler proclaimed himself as ‘Mahishvara’ on his coins?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Kadphises I
[C] Vasudeva II
[D] Vima Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vima Kadphises]
Notes:
Vima Kadphises used the title Maheshvara on his coins. His coinage prominently depicts Shiva with a bull.
35. Which of the following groups of rulers are mentioned in the Prayag Prashasti in connection with Samudragupta?
1. Kings of Aryavarta whom he uprooted
2. Frontier kings
3. Southern kings captured and then released
4. Distant rulers who sought friendly relations
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
All four groups are mentioned. The inscription distinguishes different forms of conquest and submission, and also refers to forest rulers and republican peoples. “Uprooting” a ruler does not necessarily mean killing him.
36. Which of the following is referred to as Chandragupta Vikramaditya?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandragupta II]
Notes:
Gupta empire reached the peak of its terrtorial expansion during the reign of Chandragupta II. He is also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya. He extended the limits of the Gupta empire by conquests and marital alliances with other
royal dynasties of that period.
37. Which of the following took the title of Vikramaditya?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Ramagupta
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandragupta II]
Notes:
The empire of Chandragupta II included even the north-western India and Bengal as indicated by iron pillar inscription at Mehrauli in Delhi. He assumed the title of Vikramaditya which means the one who is as powerful as the sun.
38. Agrahara Grants were given to which of the following?
[A] Brahmins
[B] Kshtriyas
[C] Vaishyas
[D] Shudras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahmins]
Notes:
During the Gupta period the Agrahara grants were restricted to Brahmins only. These grants were meant to be perpetual, hereditary and tax free, accompanied with the assignment of all land revenue.
39. Trade between the different parts of India during the Gupta period included which of the following articles?
1. Pepper
2. Sandalwood
3. Coral
4. Saffron
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
During the Gupta period local trade was mostly confined to the articles of daily use whereas trade between different parts of India was usually for valuable and luxury commodities which included pepper, sandalwood, coral, musk, saffron, yak’s tail, elephants, horses, gold, copper, iron and mica.
40. Who founded the Mandavyapura or Mandor branch of the Pratiharas?
[A] Vatsaraja
[B] Harichandra
[C] Nagabhatta I
[D] Nagabhatta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Harichandra]
Notes:
Harichandra is the founder named in the genealogy of the Mandor Pratiharas. Nagabhata I is associated with the rise of the separate imperial Pratihara line.
