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. Who were Pativedakas and Pulisani in the Mauryan administration?
[A] They functioned as special reporters of the Amatya
[B] They functioned as special reporters of the Chanakya
[C] They functioned as special reporters of the king
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They functioned as special reporters of the king]
Notes:
In the Arthashastra of Kautilya there is mention of Pativedakas and Pulisani who functioned as special reporters of the King. They kept the King informed of public opinion.
32. Nagasena converted which of the following to Buddhism?
[A] Manender
[B] Demetrius
[C] Gondophernes
[D] Hermaius
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manender]
Notes:
Menander or Milinda was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena. He is identified with the King Milinda who is mentioned in the famous Buddhist text Milindapanho (Question of Milinda).
33. Which of the following kings built a stupa to house the Buddha’s relics in the city of Purushpura?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Vasudeva II
[C] Kadphises I
[D] Vima Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka had two capitals, Purushapura and Mathura. In the capital city of Purushpura, he built a giant stupa to house the Buddha’s relics. The building was magnificent as described by the Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien who visited the area later in the early fifth century CE.
34. Which of the following is the oldest record of Kumargupta’s reign?
[A] Karandanda inscription
[B] Mandsor inscription
[C] Bilsad inscription
[D] Damodar Copper plate inscriptions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bilsad inscription]
Notes:
The oldest inscription of Kumargupta’s reign is the Bilsad inscription and dates to Gupta year 96, which corresponds to 415 CE. Other inscriptions of Kumaragupta’s reign include the Karandanda, Mandsor, and Damodar Copper plate inscriptions.
35. In which of the following temples, the pyramidal roof can be found?
[A] Bhitargaon temple
[B] Dasavatar Temple
[C] Shiva Temple of Bhumara
[D] Shiva Temple of Koh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhitargaon temple]
Notes:
Bhitargaon temple in Kanpur District is a great example of Gupta temples made entirely of brick. The temple at Bhitargaon has a pyramidal roof. The walls of this temple are decorated with terracotta panels.
36. Which of the following was the capital of Vatsagulma branch of Vakatakas?
[A] Padmapura
[B] Vatsagulma
[C] Pravarapura
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vatsagulma]
Notes:
Vatsagulma Branch or Line was the second major Vakataka line. It had its capital at Vatsagulma which is modern Washim in Akola district of the state of Maharashtra.
37. During the early medieval period there was inter-mixture of social classes as a result of which of the following factors?
- Thousands of mixed castes were created because of the connection of Vaisya women with men of lower castes.
- The Sudras and the untouchables got divided into countless sub-castes.
- People also became divided into sub-castes according to the territory to which they belonged.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:
During the early medieval period thousands of mixed castes were created. The Sudras and the untouchables got divided into countless sub-castes. People also became divided into sub-castes according to the territory to which they belonged.
38. Which of the following authors wrote Dasavatara-charitam?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Bilhana
[C] Kshemendra
[D] Gunadhya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kshemendra]
Notes:
Kshemendra was an 11th-century Sanskrit poet from Kashmir in India. Kshemendra is considered to be the author of Dasavatara-charitam which is written in Sanskrit. It mentions the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
39. Which of the following probably meant extra cess over and above the fixed revenue of the state during the early medieval period?
[A] Hiranya
[B] Pindaka
[C] Udranga
[D] Dasaparadha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Udranga]
Notes:
Udranga also called as Upaikara probably meant extra cess over and above the fixed revenue of the state during the early medieval period whereas Dasaparadha was a fine which was collected for 10 offences committed by the villagers.
40. Nedumthokai, Kurumthokai, Nattinai, Ainkurunnu, Pathittupattu, Paripadla, Kuttu and Vari are the works of which of the following sangams?
[A] First sangam
[B] Second sangam
[C] Third sangam
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Third sangam]
Notes:
Nedumthokai, Kurumthokai, Nattinai, Ainkurunnu, Pathittupattu, Paripadla, Kuttu and Vari are the works of third sangam. It lasted for 1850 years and was patronised by 49 kings.
