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 pillar edicts defines the term ‘Dhamma’?
[A] First Pillar Edict
[B] Second Pillar Edict
[C] Third Pillar Edict
[D] Fifth Pillar Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Second Pillar Edict]
Notes:
The second Pillar Edict of Ashoka defines the term ‘Dhamma’. It describes Dhamma as the policy of doing the least amount of sin, performing virtuous deeds, having compassion, purity, and truthfulness.
32. Which of the following committee kept a watch over wights and measures in Mauryan administration?
[A] Trade, Commerce and Market regulations
[B] Manufacturing Articles
[C] Industry
[D] Vital Statistics
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Trade, Commerce and Market regulations]
Notes:
In Mauryan Administration, the committee which kept watch over the weights and measures was “Trade, commerce, and market regulations”. It also made sure that commodities were sold before their quality deteriorated. Kautilya suggested that the food grains collected as dues should be kept as buffer stock which can be used in the time of food shortages.
33. Which of the following was the commander in chief of the army during the Gupta period?
[A] Mahasandhivigrahika
[B] Mahabaladhikrita
[C] Uparika
[D] Vishayapati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahabaladhikrita]
Notes:
The numerical strength of the Gupta army is not known, but it is accepted that the emperor had a large standing army. The person responsible for the administration of the people as well as the army was called the Mahabaladhikrita?.
34. 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.
35. Which of the following are the works of Kalidasa?
1) Meghaduta
2) Abhijyanashakuntalam
3) Mrichchhkatikam
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
Kalidasa is considered as the greatest poet and dramatist in the Sanskrit language. Kalidasa was also one of the navratnas of Chandragupta II. Some of the notable works of Kalidasa were Abhijyanashakuntalam, Meghaduta, Kumarasambhavam, Raghuvamsha, etc. whereas, Mrichchhkatikam was composed by Shudraka.
36. 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.
37. Which of the following temples belong to the Gupta period?
1) Vishnu Temple of Tigawa Jabalpur
2) Shiva Temple of Bhumara
3) Shiva Temple of Koh
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The Gupta period marked the beginning of the free-standing Temple Architecture in India. The rock-cut architecture reached its zenith. Some of the temples built during the Gupta period are Vishnu Temple of Tigawa Jabalpur, Shiva Temple of Bhumara, Parvati Temple of Nachria Kathura, Shiva Temple of Koh, etc.
38. Which of the following kings fought with the Traikutaka king, Dahrasena of southern Gujarat?
[A] Narendrasena
[B] Rudrasena II
[C] Prithivisena II
[D] Prithvisena I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Prithivisena II]
Notes:
Prithivisena II had to face the invasion of Harisena of Vatsagulma line thrice, and the invasion of Bhavadottavarman of the Nala dynasty. He also fought with the Traikutaka king, Dahrasena of southern Gujarat.
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 Pala ruler founded the Somapuri monastery near Paharpur in Bihar?
[A] Gopala
[B] Dharmapala
[C] Devapala
[D] Mahipala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dharmapala]
Notes:
Dharmapala founded the Vikramshila monastery near Bhagalpur in Bihar. He is also credited with the foundation of the Somapuri monastery near Paharpur in Bihar. Dharmapala is also credited with the grant of 200 villages to Nalanda University.
