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 industries flourished the most during the Gupta period?
[A] Mining and metallurgy
[B] Ship building
[C] Weaving
[D] Handicrafts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mining and metallurgy ]
Notes:
Various industries flourished during the Gupta period. Mining and metallurgy certainly occupied the top position. Frequent mention of the existence of mines is made by Amarasimha, Varahamihira and Kalidasa.
32. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to currency during Gupta period?
1. The gold coins of each successive Gupta ruler, after Chandragupta II, contain less gold and more alloy.
2. They issued a large number of silver coins called rupyakas.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
The gold coins of each successive Gupta ruler, after Chandragupta II, contain less gold and more alloy. The Guptas issued a large number of silver coins called rupyakas.
33. Which of the following kings is considered as the founder of the Vakataka empire?
[A] Pravarasena I
[B] Pravarasena II
[C] Vindhyasakti
[D] Rudrasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vindhyasakti]
Notes:
Vindhyashakti is considered as the founder of the Vakataka dynasty. The name of Vindhyasakti is also mentioned in the Puranas. His name is derived from the name of the goddess Vindhya.
34. Which of the following was the founder of Kadamba dynasty?
[A] Vidhyashakti
[B] Mayursharman
[C] Kakusthavarma
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mayursharman]
Notes:
The Kadamba dynasty was founded by Mayurasharman. Mayurasharman defeated the Pallavas with the help of forest tribes. The Pallavas formally presented Mayurasharman with royal insignia to give recognition to his authority.
35. The second branch of Kadambas formed after the death of Kakusthavarman, ruled from which of the following places?
[A] Banavasi
[B] Triparvata
[C] Badami
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Triparvata]
Notes:
The Kadamba family split into two branches after the death of Kakusthavarman,. One of the branches continued to rule from the earlier capital Banavasi and the other branch ruled from Triparvata.
36. ‘Ganikas’ referred to which of the following during the early medieval period?
[A] Vendors
[B] Slaves
[C] Prostitutes
[D] Dancers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Prostitutes]
Notes:
Ganikas were as class of prostitutes that existed as a distinct social unit during the medieval period. A Ganika was expected to possess high qualifications with respect to both body and mind.
37. The exclusive assembly of Brahmans/gatherings of the adult male members in the agraharas in the Chola empire was referred to as?
[A] Ur
[B] Sabha
[C] Samiti
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sabha]
Notes:
Sabha or Mahasabha during the Chola empie referred to the exclusive assembly of Brahmans/gatherings of the adult male members in the agraharas, that is, the rent free brahmadeya villages. These assemblies enjoyed a large measure of autonomy.
38. Velvikkudi Grant provides information about which Pandya king?
[A] Arikesary Maravarman
[B] Koccadiyan Ranadhira
[C] Maravarman Avanisulamani
[D] Maravarman Rajasimha I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Maravarman Avanisulamani]
Notes:
Velvikkudi Grant is a Tamil copper-plate inscription issued during the rule of Pandya king Maravarman Avanisulamani. The inscription was issued in the 8th century CE. It details land grants and praises Maravarman Avanisulamani’s deeds, including restoring rights to landholders. The grant also mentions the genealogy of the Pandya dynasty up to Avanisulamani.
39. The didactic works of Sangam literature are known as?
[A] Melkannakku
[B] Pattuppattu
[C] Kilkanakku
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kilkanakku]
Notes:
The Sangam literature can be divided into two groups, that is, the narrative and the didactic. The didactic works of the Sangam literature are called Kilkanakku. It consists of 18 Minor Works.
40. In the emblem of Government of India, which among the following was not seen adopted from the Maurya Dynasty?
[A] Horse
[B] Four Lions
[C] Satyameva Jayate
[D] Bull
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satyameva Jayate]
Notes:
The state emblem is an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. In the original, there are four lions, standing back to back, mounted on an abacus with a frieze carrying sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull and a lion separated by intervening wheels over a bell-shaped lotus. Carved out of a single block of polished sandstone, the Capital is crowned by the Wheel of the Law (Dharma Chakra). ‘SatyamevaJayate’ is a mantra from the ancient Indian scripture Mundaka Upanishad.
