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 is identical with the ‘Andhras’ of the Puranas?
[A] Satavahanas
[B] Shungas
[C] Kanvas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Satavahanas]
Notes:
The Satavahanas were considered identical with the ‘Andhras’ which are mentioned in Puranas. However, the name Andhra does not appear in Satavahana inscriptions. Also the Puranas do not speak of the Satavahanas . They only refer to Andhras.
32. Which of the following was the year of accession of Harsha Vardhana?
[A] 606 CE
[B] 608 CE
[C] 610 CE
[D] 612 CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [606 CE]
Notes:
During the time of Harsha some of the subordinate rulers had titles such as samanta and raja. They used the Harsha era of 606 CE. 606 CE was the year when Harsha Vardhana ascended the throne.
33. Which of the following was the most famous centre of Buddhism during the time of Harsha?
[A] Nalanda
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Sanchi
[D] Lumbini
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nalanda]
Notes:
Buddhism was divided into eighteen sects during the time of Harsha. The most important centre of Buddhism during the time of Harsha was Nalanda. I-tsing visited Nalanda in 670 AD.
34. Which of the following kings led the restoration works of the sand-buried temple Sri Traikutaka?
[A] Dharmapala
[B] Devapala
[C] Gopala
[D] Mahendrapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Devapala]
Notes:
Devapala was the third ruler of the Pala dynasty which was founded by King Gopala. He was also a zealous advocate of Buddhism. During the reign of this king restoration of the sand-buried temple, Sri Traikutaka and its enlargement happened.
35. Which of the following region exported to Arabia large quantities of indigo, myrobalans and cotton-stuffs of all colours during the early medieval period?
[A] Kerala
[B] Gujarat
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Between 600 A.D. to 1000 A.D. the Arabs exported from India perfumes like musk, aloes, amber, camphor, pearls, diamonds, corals and also many kinds of medicinal herbs. Gujarat also exported to Arabia large quantities of indigo, myrobalans and cotton-stuffs of all colours during that time.
36. Which of the following wrote Rasaratnakara?
[A] Madhavakar
[B] Nagarjuna
[C] Sridhara
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nagarjuna]
Notes:
In the seventh or eighth century A.D. Nagarjuna wrote Rasaratnakara. Nagarjuna was an Indian metallurgist and alchemist. The treatise describes methods for the extraction of metals like gold, silver, tin and copper.
37. The writers named Prithusvami, Bhattotpala and Vijavanandi belong to which of the following centuries?
[A] 9th
[B] 10th
[C] 11th
[D] 12th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [10th]
Notes:
The writers of the tenth century included Prithusvami, Bhattotpala and Vijavanandi. Bhattopala also knowm as Utpala was an Indian commentator. Kalyanavarman wrote Sarasvali.
38. Who among the following played pivotal role leading to the emergence of Vedantism?
[A] Shankaracharya
[B] Madhavacharya
[C] Ramanuja
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
The Upanishadic teaching particularly that of Shankaracharya, Madhavacharya, and Ramanuja had a salutary effect on reformation of the Hindu religion leading to the emergence of Vedantism. Vedantism movement incorporated in its fold both the Advaita philosophy or monism and the Dvaita philosophy or dualism.
39. Rigveda mentions about the Class system. In which hymn of the Rigveda, the class system is described?
[A] Narayana Suktam
[B] Sri Suktam
[C] Purush Sukta
[D] Nila Suktam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Purush Sukta]
Notes:
Rigveda mentions about the Class system. Class system is described in Purush Sukta in the tenth part. The Purusha Sukta gives a description of the spiritual unity of the universe. It presents the nature of Purusha, or the cosmic being, as both immament in the manifested world and yet transcendent to it.
40. Which of the following was a ruler from Kushana dynasty?
[A] Vikramaditya
[B] Pushyamitra
[C] Danti Durga
[D] Khadphises I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Khadphises I]
Notes:
Kujula Kadphises (also known as Kadphises I) is believed to be the founder of Kushana dynasty in India in 78 A.D. According to the Rabatak inscription, he was the grandfather of the great Kushan king Kanishka. He followed Greek religious ideas and iconography after the Greco-Bactrian tradition, and also followed traditions of Hinduism, being a devotee of the Hindu God Shiva. He is famous for his military, political, and spiritual achievements
