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 are the nine gems of the court of Chandragupta II?
1. Dhanvantri
2. Kalidasa
3. Ghatakarapara
4. Varahamihira
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:
The nine gems or the Navratnas of the court of Chandragupta II are as follows: Kalidasa, Varahamihrira, Dhanvantri, Ghatakarapara, Shanku, Kahapanaka, Vararuchi, Vetala Bhatta.
32. During which of the following period, Sanskrit was firmly established as the language of royal inscriptions?
[A] Gupta Empire
[B] Maurya empire
[C] Magadha Empire
[D] Kushana Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta Empire]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, the consolidation of Brahmanical ideology took place as temple-based sectarian cults became popular. During this period Sanskrit was firmly established as the language of the royal inscription.
33. 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:
Both the Guptas and Vakatakas were the patrons of God Vishnu. There was also an emergence of worship of composite deities such as Hari-Hara, who is a part Vishnu and part Shiva. Religious syncretism can also be seen. For instance, Buddha was also considered as one of the ten Vishnu avatars.
34. Which of the following periods saw the emergence of Tantrism?
[A] Magadha period
[B] Gupta period
[C] Kushana period
[D] Mauryan Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta period]
Notes:
Tantrism emerged in India during the Gupta period. The tribal elements assimilated in the Brahminical society due to the assimilation of tribals in Brahminical fold. The assimilation of Brahminical religion and tribal practices resulted in the development of Tantrism.
35. Which of the following was the author of the Sanskrit lexicon Amarakosha?
[A] Dandin
[B] Amarshima
[C] Kalidasa
[D] Bhasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amarshima]
Notes:
Amarshima was the author of the Sanskrit lexicon Amarakosha. Amarshima is said to have been one of the nine gems that adorned the court of Vikramaditya, that is, Chandragupta Vikramaditya.
36. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to cloth making during the Gupta period?
1. Silk and wool products and articles made of rare skin were normally used by the rich people.
2. The art of dying and embroidery was highly developed along with silk, wool and cotton industry.
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:
During the Gupta period silk and wool products and articles which were made of rare skin were normally used by the rich people. The art of dying and embroidery was highly developed during that period along with silk, wool and cotton industry.
37. Which of the following period marks the beginning of Indian temple architecture?
[A] Kushana period
[B] Gupta period
[C] Mauryan period
[D] Vedic period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta period]
Notes:
The Gupta period marks the beginning of temple architecture in India. For the first time, Temples in the form of concrete structures were constructed in northern India during this period.
38. Which of the following was the son and successor of Vakataka ruler Vindhyashakti II/ Vindhyasena?
[A] Sarvasena
[B] Harisena
[C] Devasena
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pravarasena II]
Notes:
Pravarasena II was the son and successor of Vakataka ruler Vindhyashakti II/ Vindhyasena. Pravarsena II ruled for a period of fifteen years. He was followed by Devasena, who was a pleasure-seeking ruler.
39. Simhavishnu was succeeded by which of the following kings?
[A] Narasimhavarman I
[B] Mahendravarman I
[C] Shivaskandavarman
[D] Simhavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahendravarman I]
Notes:
Mahendravarman I was the Pallava king who ruled the dynasty from 590 A.D. to 630 A.D. He was defeated by Pulekshin II at Pullalur (near Kanchi) who annexed the northern part of the Pallava kingdom.
40. Which of the following was the founder of the Chola dynasty?
[A] Aditya I
[B] Parantaka I
[C] Vijayalaya
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vijayalaya]
Notes:
Vijayalaya founded the Chola dynasty in 9th century CE. He was earlier a feudatory of the Pallavas. He established his might in the area around Eraiyur. He captured Tanjore and extended his kingdom along the lower Kaveri region.
