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. The term ‘visthi’ refers to which of the following?
[A] Forced labour
[B] Wage labour
[C] Slave labour
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Forced labour]
Notes:
During the Mauryan age the artisans living in towns had to pay taxes either in cash or kind or work free for the king. Visthi was a form of forced labour. Arthashastra of Kautilya also mention wage labour (karamakara), bonded labour and slave labour (dasas and ahitakas).
32. Which of the following started the practice of giving royal grants of land to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks?
[A] Mauryas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satvahanas
[D] Guptas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satvahanas]
Notes:
The Satavahanas dynasty is also known in history for starting the practice of giving royal grants of land. These royal grants were given to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks, including those associated with tax exemptions.
33. 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.
34. During the reign of which of the following kings the rock-cut Buddhist viharas and chaityas of the Ajanta Caves were built?
[A] Harisena
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Pravarasena I
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harisena]
Notes:
During the rule of the Vakatakas, significant progress in terms of public works and monuments can be seen. The rock-cut Buddhist viharas and chaityas of the Ajanta Caves were also built under the patronage of the Vakataka king, Harisena.
35. Which of the following Vakataka ruler is believed to have defeated the Kadambas of Banavasi?
[A] Sarvasena
[B] Vindhyasena
[C] Harisena
[D] Harisena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vindhyasena]
Notes:
The Vakataka ruler Vindhyashakti II/ Vindhyasena ruled from c. 355 to 400 CE. Vidhyasena is believed to have defeated the Kadambas of Banavasi. The Kadambas of Banavasi ruled over Kuntala (north Karnataka).
36. Which of the following was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana?
[A] Prabhakar Vardhana
[B] Harsha Vardhana
[C] Rajya Vardhana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prabhakar Vardhana]
Notes:
The Pushyabhuti dynasty came into prominence with the accession of Prabhakar Vardhana. Prabhakar Vardhana was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana.
37. Which of the following kings fought a war with the king of Kashmir?
[A] Mahendrapala
[B] Yashpala
[C] Rajyapala
[D] Harichandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahendrapala]
Notes:
During the reign of Mahendrapala, the Gurjara?Pratihara empire reached west to the border of Sindh, east to Bengal, north to the Himalayas, and south past the Narmada. He also fought a battle with the king of Kashmir.
38. 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.
39. Which of the following period is associated with rule of Devapala?
[A] 800-830 A.D.
[B] 810-850 A.D.
[C] 815-840 A.D.
[D] 820-850 A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [810-850 A.D.]
Notes:
The period 810 to 850 A.D. is associated with the rule of Devapala. Devapala extended his empire to include Pragyoytishpur or Kamarupa (Assam), parts of Orissa (Utkala) and modern State of Nepal.
40. Which of the following succeeded Vigrahapala?
[A] Dharmapala
[B] Devapala
[C] Narayanapala
[D] Nayapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Narayanapala]
Notes:
Vigrahapala was succeeded by Narayanapala. Narayanpala served for a long term and ruled for more than half a century. Narayanapala was succeeded by Rajyapala who was succeeded by Gopala II and Vigrahapala II.
