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 period saw the emergence of trade between India and the Roman Empire?
[A] Mauryan Period
[B] Post Mauryan period
[C] Pre-vedic period
[D] Vedic period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Post Mauryan period]
Notes:
The most important economic development of the post-Mauryan period was the thriving trade between India and the Eastern Roman Empire. The trade between India and Rome mostly consisted of luxury goods.
32. The Prayag Prashasti divides Samudragupta’s opponents into which of the following categories?
1. Rulers slain
2. Frontier kings
3. Rulers defeated
4. Distant kings
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The Prayag Prashasti divides Samudragupta’s opponents into the following four categories:
1. Rulers slain- Those rulers whose dominions Samudragupta annexed outright.
2. Frontier kings- These were forced to pay homage.
3. Rulers defeated- Their territories were reinstated as tributes.
4. Distant kings- Those who acknowledged Samudragupta as an emperor by sending him embassies.
33. Which of the following Dharmashastra were composed during the Gupta period?
1) Yajnavalkya
2) Katyayana
3) Narada
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
The Gupta period is considered as the Golden Age of art and literature in ancient India. During the Gupta period, Several Dharam Shastras such as Yajnavalkya, Narada, Katyayana, and Brihaspati Smritis were composed.
34. Which of the following kings is the founder of the Vakataka Nandivardhana branch?
[A] Pravarasena
[B] Prithvisena
[C] Vindhyashakti
[D] Rudrasena I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rudrasena I]
Notes:
Gautamiputra was the son of the second ruler of the Vakataka dynasty. He died during the lifetime of his father. Rudrasena I succeeded his grandfather Pravarsena to the throne and ruled from Nandivardhana, near modern Nagpur.
35. 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.
36. Which of the following laid the foundation of Pala dynasty?
[A] Dharmapala
[B] Gopala
[C] Devapala
[D] Mahipala I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gopala]
Notes:
Gopala laid the foundation of Pala dynasty around 8th century CE. ‘Pala’ in the ancient Prakrit language means the “protector”. As the names of all the succeeding kings ended with ‘Pala’, the dynasty came to be known as the ‘Pala’ dynasty.
37. Which of the following Pala ruler was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devapala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Mahipala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dharmapala]
Notes:
The second Pala ruler Dharmapala initially suffered defeats at the hands of the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas. He was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva. However, later Dharmapala conquered large parts of northern India.
38. Which of the following succeeded the Ikshavakus in the Krishna-Guntur region?
[A] Pallavas
[B] Gangas
[C] Kalabhras
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pallavas]
Notes:
The Pallavas succeeded the Ikshavakus in the Krishna-Guntur region. The Pallavas were a local tribe. They expanded their empire over both the southern Andhra and the northern Tamil Nadu.
39. Which of the following kings were worshippers of Siva?
1) Pratihara
2) Vatsaraja
3) Mahendrapala
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
During the Medieval period, Saivism attained a dominant position in India. A large number of royal families adhered to this faith and built richly endowed temples dedicated to shiva. The Pratihara kings, Vatsaraja and Mahendrapala, were worshippers of Siva.
40. Which of the following sects are some of the important sects of Shaivism?
1) Pasupata Lakulisa
2) Kapalikas
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
There are many sects of Saivism. Pasupata Lakulisa and Kapalikas are two major sects of Shaivism. Pasupata Lakulisa was the founder of the Pasupata sect of Saivism. According to Kapalikas, Siva was the Lord of Sakti. The Kapalikas wore a garland of human bones.
