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. Duties on imported and exported goods was referred to as which of the following during the Mauryan period?
[A] Bhaga
[B] Shulka
[C] Bali
[D] Kara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shulka]
Notes:
During the Mauryan age urban taxes included Shulka which were duties on imported and exported goods. Other than this excise duties were also imposed on local manufactures.
32. Which of the following is the first known satraps of Mathura?
[A] Hagana
[B] Liaka Kusulaka
[C] Patika Kusulaka
[D] Bhumaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hagana ]
Notes:
The first known satraps of Mathura are Hagana and Hagamasa.“Rajuvula” who was one of their successor has been mentioned as Mahasatrapa in the Mora inscription , that was found near Mathura.
33. Which of the following periods saw the regular use of fire-baked bricks and perforated roof tiles?
[A] Kanvas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satavahanas]
Notes:
The material culture of Satavahanas was a fusion of both northern ingredients as well as local Deccan elements. The people of Deccan learnt the use of coins, burnt bricks, ring wells, the art of writing, etc. from northern people. There was a regular use of fire-baked bricks and the use of flat, perforated roof tiles which resulted in the longevity of the construction.
34. Who was the first Yuezhi chief to establish the foundation of the Kushana Empire in India?
[A] Kujula Kadphises
[B] Vima Kadphises
[C] Kanishka I
[D] Sadashkana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kujula Kadphises]
Notes:
Kujula Kadphises was the Yuezhi chief who laid the foundation of the Kushana Empire in India. The Yuezhi were a confederation of tribes from China’s western frontier. They migrated to Bactria (modern-day Afghanistan) due to attacks from the Xiongnu. Kujula Kadphises consolidated the Yuezhi power by defeating other Bactrian tribes, eventually laying down the foundation of the Kushana Empire, one of the prominent dynasties in Indian history.
35. Which of the following Buddhist scholars wrote the Buddhacharita?
[A] Vasumitra
[B] Ashvagosha
[C] Charaka
[D] Nagarjuna
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Correct Answer: B [Ashvagosha]
Notes:
The Buddhist scholar who wrote the hagiographic Buddhacharita is Ashvagosha. Buddhacharita is the sacred biography of the Buddha composed in the early second century CE. He also composed the Saundarananda which is a Sanskrit kavya.
36. Which of the following is the oldest record of Kumargupta’s reign?
[A] Karandanda inscription
[B] Mandsor inscription
[C] Bilsad inscription
[D] Damodarpur Copper plate inscriptions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bilsad inscription]
Notes:
The oldest inscription of Kumargupta’s reign is the Bilsad inscription and dates to Gupta year 96, which corresponds to 415 CE. Other inscriptions of Kumaragupta’s reign include the Karandanda, Mandsor, and Damodarpur Copper plate inscriptions.
37. Which of the following period saw the emergence of worship of composite deities such as Hari-Hara?
[A] Magadha period
[B] Gupta period
[C] Kushana period
[D] Mauryan Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta period]
Notes:
Hari-Hara combines Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara) in one form. Such composite images illustrate religious synthesis in the Gupta period.
38. Which of the following is the author of the Panchatantra?
[A] Bhasa
[B] Vishnusharman
[C] Kalidasa
[D] Vishakhadatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vishnusharman]
Notes:
Vishnusharman is the author of the Panchatantra. Panchatantra is a fine illustration of nidarshana which tells what should and should not be done. It is written in elegant prose style and is interspersed witty verses.
39. Which of the following was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana?
[A] Prabhakar Vardhana
[B] Harsha Vardhana
[C] Rajya Vardhana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prabhakar Vardhana]
Notes:
The Pushyabhuti dynasty came into prominence with the accession of Prabhakar Vardhana. Prabhakar Vardhana was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana.
40. From the eighth century onward, merchants from which of the following groups became prominent in trade linking the Persian Gulf, Red Sea and western Indian Ocean?
[A] Arabs
[B] Europeans
[C] Romans
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Arabs]
Notes:
Arab merchants played a major role in these maritime networks. They traded alongside Persian, Indian and other merchants; commercial prominence does not imply exclusive control of all shipping.
