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. Who amongst the following historical figures brought an image of Jina as a victory trophy?
[A] Shishunaga
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Mahapadma Nanda
[D] Dhanananda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dhanananda]
Notes:
King Dhanananda of the Nanda Dynasty is known to have brought back an image of Jina as a victory trophy. This acquisition suggests the recognition of Jainism during his reign. Jainism, largely popular in India, promotes principles of non-violence, truth, and asceticism. The image of Jina represents a liberated soul who has achieved enlightenment, symbolic of victory in Jain philosophy.
32. Dhamma Mahamattas were mentioned in which of the following rock edicts?
[A] Third Edict
[B] Fifth Edict
[C] Sixth Edict
[D] Seventh Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Fifth Edict]
Notes:
The Fifth Major Rock Edict of Ashoka mentions the appointment of Dhamma Mahamattas. Dhamma Mahamattas was a special cadre of officials entrusted to spread dhamma within the kingdom.
33. Which of the following officer was in charge of trade, price fixation, and sale of goods produced by state-run manufacturing units in the Mauryan administration?
[A] Panyadhyaksha
[B] Sansthadhyaksha
[C] Rupadarshaka
[D] Pautavadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Panyadhyaksha]
Notes:
Panyadhyaksha was the officer who was in charge of trade, price fixation, and sale of goods produced by state-run manufacturing units in the Mauryan administration.
34. 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.
35. Mauryan art is believed to have influenced from which of the following regions?
[A] Vedic
[B] Persian
[C] Mongolian
[D] African
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Persian]
Notes:
The Mauryan art is believed to be inspired from Achaemenid or Persian influence. We can find a lot of similarities in terms of form and style in the inscriptions of Ashoka and the Persian king Darius.
36. Roman exported which of the following materials to India?
1) Wine
2) Pottery
3) Lead
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 2 & 3
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The trade between India and Rome mostly consisted of luxury goods like pearls, jewels, and precious stones from Central and South India. The things that Romans exported to India were Wine, Pottery, and Lead.
37. Which of the following had adopted the title of Mahadandapati?
[A] Maues
[B] Azes
[C] Rudradaman I
[D] Patika Kusulaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Patika Kusulaka ]
Notes:
The Moga inscription mentions two names Liaka Kusulaka and his son Patika Kusulaka. These two ruled Chuksha and Pusha Pura. Mahadandapati title was adopted by Patika Kusulaka. Both Liaka Kusulaka and Patika Kusulaka were straps under Moga.
38. Kujula Kadphises died in which of the following years?
[A] 60 A.D.
[B] 70 A.D.
[C] 80 A.D.
[D] 90 A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [80 A.D.]
Notes:
According to the Rabatak inscription, Kujula Kadphises was the great grandfather of the great Kushan king Kanishka I. He is considered as the founder of the Kushan Empire. He died in the year 80 A.D.
39. Which of the following was the court poet of Samudragupta?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Harishena
[C] Kalidasa
[D] Bhavabhuti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Harishena]
Notes:
Harishena was the court poet of Samudragupta. The Prayagaprashasti was composed in pure Sanskrit by Harisena. Harishena was not only his court poet but was also a kumaramatya.
40. Which of the following mentions fifteen types of slaves?
[A] Mrichakatika
[B] Narada Smriti
[C] Acharakkovai
[D] Buddhacharita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Narada Smriti]
Notes:
References of slaves can be found in the Dharam Shastra texts as well as the Narada Smriti, which also mentions the fifteen types of slaves. Slaves were generally referred to as domestic servants. These slaves included mainly the prisoners of war reduced to slavery, debt bondsmen, and voluntary enslavement.
