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 was in charge of standardised weights and measures during the Mauryan period?
[A] Pautavadhyaksha
[B] Panyadhyaksha
[C] Sansthadhyaksha
[D] Pautavadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pautavadhyaksha]
Notes:
Pautavadhyaksha was in charge of standardised weights and measures during the Mauryan period. Rupadarshaka was the inspector of coins. Sansthadhyaksha was the superintendent of markets. And Panyadhyaksha was the officer in charge of trade, price fixation, and sale of goods produced by state-run manufacturing units.
32. Which of the following Shaka King is believed to be associated with the Vikram Samvat era of 58 BCE?
[A] Maues
[B] Azes
[C] Rudradaman I
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Azes]
Notes:
The Shaka King Azes is believed to be associated with the Vikram Samvat era of 58 BCE. It is used to mark Azes’ accession. He known to have successfully annexed the territory in northern India.
33. Which of the following Kushana ruler proclaimed himself as ‘Mahishvara’ on his coins?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Kadphises I
[C] Vasudeva II
[D] Vima Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vima Kadphises]
Notes:
Vima Kadphises was a Kushan emperor who ruled from 90CE to 100 CE. He issued a large number of gold coins. He was a firm devotee of Shiva. He also proclaimed himself as ‘Mahishvara’ on his coins.
34. Which of the following foreign travelers mentions in his memoirs that the Chandalas lived outside the village and had to maintain distance from the upper castes?
[A] Hiuen-Tsang
[B] Fa-Hien
[C] Ptolemy
[D] I-tsing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Fa-Hien]
Notes:
The Chinese traveler Fa-Hien mentions in his memoirs that the chandalas lived outside the village and had to maintain distance from the upper castes. The chandalas were told to strike a piece of wood to announce their arrival when they entered towns or market places so that the others might not touch them and get polluted.
35. 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.
36. Which of the following kings extended the Vakataka empire southwards into Vidarbha?
[A] Vindhyashakti
[B] Prithvisena
[C] Pravarasena
[D] Rudrasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pravarasena]
Notes:
Pravarasena was Vindhayasakti’s son and successor of the Vakataka Empire. He conducted wars with the Naga kings. He extended the Vakataka empire southwards into Vidarbha and adjoining areas of the Deccan.
37. Which of the following is described as Lokpal, guardian of the world, in the Nalanda stone inscription?
[A] Vakpatiraja
[B] Manorathavarman
[C] Yasovarman
[D] Bhogavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yasovarman]
Notes:
According to the Nalanda stone inscription, Yasovarman is referred to as the Lokpala, guardian of the world. It describes Yasovarman as the one “who has risen after placing his foot on the heads of all the kings and has completely removed the terrific darkness in the form of all his foes by the diffusion of the rays of his sword and who shines as the refulgent sun in all quarters for awakening the lotus representing the whole earth.”
38. Which of the following works was composed by Rajshekhar, the court poet of Mahendrapala?
1) Vidhasalabhanjika
2) Bhrinjika
3) Balaramayana
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 2 & 3]
Notes:
Rajshekhar was eminent Sanskrit poet, dramatist, and critic in the court of Mahendrapala I during the 10th century. He wrote many plays and poems which include Karpuramanjari, Vidhasalabhanjika, Bhrinjika, Balaramayana, Balabharata, etc.
39. Dharmapala held a Durbar at which of the following places?
[A] Patliputra
[B] Vikrampura
[C] Tamralipti
[D] Kannauj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kannauj]
Notes:
Dharmapala is believed to have deposed Indraraja or Indrayudha, the ruler of Kanauj. After his victory, Dharmapala held a Durbar at Kanauj. This Durbar was attended by a large number of vassal chiefs. He installed his puppet ruler, Chakrayudha, on the throne.
40. Which of the following Buddhist writer, was patronised by Dharmapala?
[A] Ashvagosha
[B] Nagarjuna
[C] Haribhadra
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Haribhadra]
Notes:
Dharmapala founded a splendid monetary at Odantapuri in Bihar. Haribhadra who was a Buddhist writer, was patronised by Dharmapala. Dharmapala was great both in arts of peace and war.
