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. what was the capital of Ashavaka/Assaka Mahajanapada?
[A] Viratanagara
[B] Indraprastha
[C] Potali
[D] Rajagriha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Potali]
Notes:
The Ashavaka or Assaka mahajanapada was located on the banks of river Godavari. The capital of Ashavaka mahajanapada was Potali, that is, present-day Bodhan, district Nizamabad and some parts of Adilabad (Telangana).
32. Ajatashatru began fortification of Rajgriha to meet the danger of invasion posed by which of the following kingdoms?
[A] Avanti
[B] Kosala
[C] Vatsas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Avanti]
Notes:
Ajatashatru began the fortification of the capital Rajgriha to meet the danger of invasion posed by the ruler of Avanti. The Avanti ruler had earlier defeated the Vatsas of Kaushambi.
33. Which Rock Edict criticizes the use of various ceremonies?
[A] Seventh Edict
[B] Ninth Edict
[C] Tenth Edict
[D] Eighth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ninth Edict]
Notes:
The Ninth Rock Edict criticizes the use of various popular ceremonies like during the marriage of son or daughter, birth of a child, etc. On the contrary it lays stress on Dhamma and tells the usefulness of moral conduct in one’s life.
34. What does the use of lion as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Pride and Courage
[B] Ashoka
[C] Buddha
[D] Departure of Siddhartha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Buddha]
Notes:
Lion was one of the motifs used in Ashokan pillars. Lion is a solar symbol and it also represents the Buddha, as he is referred to as Sakyasimha which also means a lion among the Sakyas.
35. Which of the following were the officers responsible for the suppression of criminals?
[A] Dharmasthas
[B] Pradeshtris
[C] Mahamattas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pradeshtris]
Notes:
According to Ashokan inscriptions Pradeshtris were the officers responsible for the suppression of criminals in the Mauryan empire. During that period various civil as well as criminal courts functioned at the local level right from village to province.
36. Against which of the following kingdoms did Kharvela led successful campaigns?
[A] Chola
[B] Satvahana
[C] Cheras
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satvahana]
Notes:
King Kharvela was the ruler of the Chedi dynasty which established after the decline of the Muryans. King Kharavela possessed a large army, consisting of infantry, cavalry, elephant force, and chariots. He led successful campaigns against the kingdoms of Satavahana, Anga, and Magadha.
37. Which of the following was the lowest level of administration during the Satavahana dynasty?
[A] Village
[B] Town
[C] Province
[D] District
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Village]
Notes:
The lowest level of administration during the Satavahana period was a grama or village. It was under the charge of a gaulmika or village headman. The village headman was also the head of a military regiment consisting of nine chariots, nine elephants, 25 horses and 45 foot soldiers.
38. 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.
39. Which of the following kings was the last Hindu ruler of Kashmir before it came under the rule of Muslims?
[A] Jayasimha
[B] Vajrayudha
[C] Yashovardhana
[D] Avantivarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jayasimha]
Notes:
King Jayasimha who ruled from 1127 to 1155 AD was the patron of Kalhana. Kalhana was the famous historian and poet of Kashmir. In the 14th century, Kashmir passed under the rule of the Muslims.
40. Which of the following period is considered as the period of the Rajputs?
[A] 600 A.D- 800 A.D
[B] 800 A.D- 1000 A.D
[C] 647 A.D- 1200 A.D
[D] 540 A.D- 870 A.D
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [647 A.D- 1200 A.D]
Notes:
The Rajputs ruled from 647A.D. to 1200 A.D. They are the considered to be the descendants of Lord Rama (Surya vamsa) or Lord Krishna (Chandra vamsa) or the Hero who sprang from the sacrificial fire according to the Agni Kula theory.
