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 refers to tax paid only in cash during the Mauryan period?
[A] Bhaga
[B] Bali
[C] Hiranya
[D] Kara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hiranya]
Notes:
The bali which means land tax was the main item of revenue and was levied at the rate of one-sixth of the produce during the Mauryan period. Peasants had to pay many other taxes like Pindakara which was assessed on groups of villages , Hiranya which was to be paid only in cash , Kara was levied on fruits and flower gardens etc., but the exact nature of all of them is still not very clear.
32. Which of the following introduced the practice of military governorship?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Shungas
[C] Indo-Greeks
[D] Parthians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The Indo-Greeks also introduced practice of military governorship in the Indian subcontinent. The governors were called as strategos or satraps.
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 took the title of Vikramaditya?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Ramagupta
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandragupta II]
Notes:
The empire of Chandragupta II included even the north-western India and Bengal as indicated by iron pillar inscription at Mehrauli in Delhi. He assumed the title of Vikramaditya which means the one who is as powerful as the sun.
35. Which of the following was a tax imposed on temporary tenants during the Gupta period?
[A] Uparikara
[B] Mahapratihara
[C] Udranga
[D] Vata-Bhuta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uparikara]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, two new agricultural taxes appear in Gupta inscriptions which are known as Uparikara and Udranga. ‘Uparikara’ was probably a tax imposed on temporary tenants and ‘Udranga’ was probably a water tax or a sort of police tax.
36. Vata-bhuta refers to which of the following?
[A] Plough tax
[B] King’s customary share of the produce normally amounting to one-sixth of the produce, paid by all cultivators.
[C] Cesses for the maintenance of rites performed for the winds and spirits.
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Cesses for the maintenance of rites performed for the winds and spirits.]
Notes:
During the Gupta period vata-bhuta tax was also collected. It probably refers to cesses for the maintenance of rites performed for the winds and spirits.
37. Which of the following kings was the son of Vakataka king Rudrasena I?
[A] Prithvisena I
[B] Rudrasena II
[C] Pravarasena II
[D] Narendrasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prithvisena I]
Notes:
Prithvisena I was the second ruler of the Vakataka Nandivardhana branch. He is described as a righteous conqueror in later Vakataka inscriptions. Due to his qualities like truthfulness, transparency, compassion, and humility, he was compared to the epic hero Yudhishthira.
38. 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.
39. Which of the following kings was identified as king Juzr from the travel accounts of the 9th-century Arab merchant, Sulaiman?
[A] Vatsaraja
[B] Nagabhatta I
[C] Harichandra
[D] Mihir Bhoja
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mihir Bhoja]
Notes:
Mihir Bhoja is also identified as the king Juzr from the travel accounts of the 9th-century Arab merchant, Sulaiman. According to the Arab merchant Sulaiman, Mihir Bhoja possessed great military power and riches.
40. Tattavakaumudi, Tattvasaradi, Nyayavarttikatatparyatika, Nyayasuchini-bandha, Nyayasutroddhara, Nyayakanika and Tattvabindu are works of which of the following writers?
[A] Bhoja
[B] Vachaspatimisra
[C] Udayana
[D] Jayanta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vachaspatimisra]
Notes:
Tattavakaumudi, Tattvasaradi, Nyayavarttikatatparyatika, Nyayasuchini-bandha, Nyayasutroddhara, Nyayakanika and Tattvabindu are works of Vachaspatimisra. He was one of the greatest name in medieval age in philosophy. He also wrote independent treatises on some of the Darsanas.
