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 the capital of the Shunga dynasty?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Mathura
[C] Kapilvastu
[D] Pataliputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pataliputra]
Notes:
The Shunga dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Shunga in around 185-183 BC. Some of the major centers of the Shunga dynasty were Ujjain, Mathura, Saket, Sanchi, and Kapilvastu. The capital of the Shunga Dynasty was Pataliputra.
32. Which of the following kings started the Shaka era?
[A] Kadphises I
[B] Kanishka
[C] Vima Kadphises
[D] Vasudeva II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka, who was the third ruler of the Kushana empire believed to have started the shaka era. He ascended the throne in 78 AD, and this date is used as the beginning of the Saka calendar era. It is now used by the Government of India for its calendar.
33. Areas of which of the following modern regions were included in the empire of Chandragupta – I?
1. Bihar
2. Uttar Pradesh
3. Bengal
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The empire of Chandragupta I included parts of modern Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal. The capital was situated at Pataliputra. Chandragupta – I ruled from c. 319–335/336 CE.
34. The minting of silver coins was first started in the reign of which of the following Gupta kings?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumaragupta I
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
During the Gupta period the minting of silver coins was first started during the reign of Chandragupta II and was continued by Kumaragupta I and Skandagupta.
35. Which of the following kings is considered as the last known ruler of the Nandivardhana branch of the Vakataka dynasty?
[A] Prithvisena I
[B] Rudrasena II
[C] Pravarasena II
[D] Prithivisena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Prithivisena II]
Notes:
The last known ruler of the Nandivardhana branch of the Vakataka dynasty was Prithvisena II. He is credited with the revival of the fallen fortunes of the Vakatakas. He also had to face the invasion of Harisena of Vatsagulma.
36. Which of the following kings married the Harsha Vardhana’s sister Rajyashri?
[A] Ishanavarmana
[B] Grahavarmana
[C] Sarvavarmana
[D] Avanti Varmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Grahavarmana]
Notes:
Grahavarmana who ruled the Maukharies around c. 600 CE was the son of Avanti Varmana. He married Rajyashri, the sister of Harsha Vardhana. Shashanka, the ruler of Bengal (Gauda), and Devagupta, the ruler of Malwa, jointly attacked Grahavarmana and killed him.
37. The capital of Harsha was shifted from Thaneswar to which of the following?
[A] Kannauj
[B] Mathura
[C] Ujjain
[D] Kalinga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kannauj]
Notes:
The capital of Harsha was originally the city of Thaneswar, but later he shifted it to Kannauj. The river Narmada marked the southern boundary of Harsh’s empire. Harsha brought most of the north India under his control.
38. Which of the following was called as chief cavalry officer during the Harsha administration?
[A] Avanti
[B] Bhanu
[C] Kuntala
[D] Simhananda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kuntala]
Notes:
The Harsha’s army consisted of infantry, cavalry, elephant and camel corps. Harsha’s cavalry was 1,00,000 strong and Elephant corps consisted of 60,000 elephants. The chief cavalry officer was called as Kuntala.
39. In the images of Nataraja, Siva is shown dancing on which of the following things?
[A] Globe
[B] Back of a Bull
[C] Back of a Tiger
[D] snake head
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Back of a Bull]
Notes:
During the Medieval period, Siva was worshipped in the phallic form as well as in the human form. The Ardhanarisvara form of Shiva was also a common object of worship. In the images of Nataraja, Siva is shown dancing on the back of the bull.
40. Which of the following authors composed Haravijaya?
[A] Rajanaka Ratnakar
[B] Jinasena
[C] Sanmitracharita
[D] Abhinanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajanaka Ratnakar]
Notes:
The Haravijaya of Ratnakara is an epic poem or maha kavya belonging to the era of artificial poetry. Haravijaya was composed by Rajanaka Ratnakar who flourished under Jayapida and Avantivarman of Kashmir.
