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 inscription mentions the site of all 14 Major Rock Edicts as well as two separate Kalinga edicts?
[A] Sannati Inscription
[B] Saugaura Copper Plate Inscription
[C] Rummindei Inscription
[D] Nigali Sagar Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sannati Inscription]
Notes:
The Sannati Inscription located in the state of Karnataka is the site of all 14 Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka as well as two separate Kalinga edicts. Sannati is an important Buddhist site.
33. Duties on imported and exported goods was referred to as which of the following during the Mauryan period?
[A] Bhaga
[B] Shulka
[C] Bali
[D] Kara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shulka]
Notes:
During the Mauryan age urban taxes included Shulka which were duties on imported and exported goods. Other than this excise duties were also imposed on local manufactures.
34. The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of which of the following Indo-Greek ruler?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Hermaius
[C] Darius
[D] Milinda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Milinda]
Notes:
The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of Menander /Milinda/Minedra. The empire of Menander extended over parts of both Bactria and northwestern India.
35. During which of the following period cotton was exported to different countries?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Satavahanas
[C] Kanvas
[D] Shungas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satavahanas]
Notes:
Under the Satavahanas, agriculture was prominent. They produced and cultivated cotton. As mentioned in different foreign accounts, Andhra was famous for its cotton products also. Cotton was also exported from India to different countries.
36. Ramagupta was the son of which of the following kings?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Kumargupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Samudragupta]
Notes:
Ramgupta was the elder son of Samudragupta. Samudragupta was succeeded by Ramagupta according to some legends, but Chandragupta II killed him. It is also believed that during the tenure of Ramagupta, the Gupta empire was invaded by a powerful Shaka kin.
37. Which of the following kings is glorified in the Bhitari pillar inscription?
[A] Chandragupta – I
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta II
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Skandagupta]
Notes:
The Bhitari pillar inscription of Skandagupta dates to the reign of Gupta empire ruler Skandagupta. In Bhitari pillar inscription, Skandagupta is glorified as a person who subdued the earth and became merciful to the conquered people.
38. Which of the following text mentions that the water touched by an untouchable is seen as unfit for consumption by higher caste?
[A] Acharakkovai
[B] Buddhacharita
[C] Mahabhashya
[D] Mrichakatika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Acharakkovai]
Notes:
According to the famous text Acharakkovai, if the water is touched by an untouchable also called as Pulaiya, it is seen as unfit for consumption by higher caste people. It is also mentioned that even glancing at a pulaiya polluted the upper caste people.
39. Which of the following cities gradually replaced Pataliputra as the political centre of northern India during the rule of the Maukharies?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Mathura
[C] Kannauj
[D] Nalanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kannauj]
Notes:
The Maukhari dynasty was a royal Indian dynasty that controlled vast areas of Northern India after the decline of the Gupta empire. They ruled over Kannauj, a city in western Uttar Pradesh, which gradually replaced Pataliputra as the political centre of northern India.
40. Which of the following kings marched towards Kannauj and rescued his sister Rajyashri, who was believed to be on the verge of committing Sati?
[A] Rajya Vardhana
[B] Prabhakar Vardhana
[C] Harsha Vardhana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harsha Vardhana]
Notes:
Harshavardhan was only sixteen years of age when he ascended the throne. After accession, he immediately marched towards Kannauj and rescued his sister Rajyashri. Rajyashri was believed to be on the verge of committing Sati.
