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 literary works preserves Jain traditions concerning Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] Indica
[B] Arthashastra
[C] Parishishtaparvan
[D] Dashakumaracharita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Parishishtaparvan]
Notes:
Hemachandra’s Parishishtaparvan is a twelfth-century Sanskrit work preserving Jain traditions about early teachers and rulers, including Chandragupta Maurya. It is a later literary source, not a contemporary Mauryan record.
32. Which of the following contains a mention of female personal bodyguards of the Mauryan king, who were skilled in archery?
[A] Rajatarangini
[B] Arthashastra
[C] Dharmasastras
[D] Vedic literature
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Arthashastra]
Notes:
The Arthashastra recommends that the king be protected by women trained in archery. This forms part of its detailed provisions for royal security.
33. The Rabatak inscription records the early reign and genealogy of which of the following rulers?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Kadphises I
[C] Vasudeva II
[D] Vima Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
The Rabatak inscription is a record of Kanishka I in Bactrian, written using the Greek-derived script. It names his father Vima Kadphises, grandfather Vima Taktu and great-grandfather Kujula Kadphises.
34. Which of the following rulers of the Kushan period adopted the title ‘Devputra’?
[A] Kadphises I
[B] Vima Kadphises
[C] Kanishka
[D] Vasudeva II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka I or Kanishka the Great, was the most famous king of the Kushana Empire. He ruled the Kushan dynasty in the second century. He adopted the title ‘Devputra’ and has been shown wearing a ‘peaked helmet’ on some of his coins.
35. As per Husan Tsang the revenue of Harsha was divided into which of the following?
1. Expenditure for King
2. Expenditure for scholars
3. Expenditure for endowment of officials and public servants
4. Expenditure for religious purposes
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:
As per Husan Tsang the revenue of Harsha was divided into 4 groups:
1. Expenditure for King
2. Expenditure for scholars
3. Expenditure for endowment of officials and public servants
4. Expenditure for religious purposes
36. Which of the following are believed to be written by Harsha?
1. Priyadarshika
2. Ratnavali
3. Nagananda
Select the correct option form the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Harsha was a great supporter of the arts and learning. It is believed that he wrote three dramas- Priyadarshika and Ratnavali which are both romantic comedies, and Nagananda which is based on Bodhisattva Jimutavahana.
37. Which of the following was called as the forest guards during the Harsha’s administration?
[A] Vanapalas
[B] Sarva-palli-patti
[C] Chandalas
[D] Mahasamanta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vanapalas]
Notes:
Vanapalas were forest guards. Their work involved protecting and supervising forest areas.
38. Hiranya refers to which of the following form of tax during early medieval India?
[A] Fine realized for 10 offences committed by the villagers.
[B] A lumpsum assessment in cash upon villages as distinguished from the grain share of the king assessed upon the individual cultivators.
[C] A periodical tax levied primarily upon agricultural land over and above the king\’s normal share of the grain.
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A lumpsum assessment in cash upon villages as distinguished from the grain share of the king assessed upon the individual cultivators. ]
Notes:
Hiranya during the medieval times referred to lumpsum assessment in cash upon villages as distinguished from the grain share of the king assessed upon the individual cultivators.
39. During the reign of which of the following kings the Rashtrakuta empire became a pan-Indian power?
[A] Dhruva
[B] Dantidurga
[C] Krishna I
[D] Govind II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dhruva]
Notes:
The Rashtrakuta Dynasty ruled parts of South India from the 8th to the 10th century CE. The rise of Rashtrakuta Kingdom began when Dantidurga defeated King Kirtivarman II in 753 CE but the Rashtrakutas became a pan- Indian power during the rule of the king Dhruva.
40. The provinces in the Chola empire were divided into which of the following?
[A] Valanadus
[B] Nadus
[C] Mandalam
[D] Nagarattar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Valanadus]
Notes:
Chola provinces, or mandalams, were divided into valanadus. Valanadus were further divided into nadus, which comprised groups of villages.
