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. What was the predominant diet during the Later Vedic period?
[A] Lentils
[B] Tila seeds
[C] Godhuma (Wheat)
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Godhuma (Wheat)]
Notes:
In the Later Vedic Age, the staple diet shifted to cereals, predominantly rice (referred to as ‘Vrihi’) and wheat (known as ‘Godhuma’). Lentils were also a part of the diet but were not the staple food. The shift to a grain-based diet reflects agrarian society’s progress. Furthermore, rituals often involved the giving of ‘dana’ and ‘dakshina’ which included cooked rice, indicating its vital role in their daily consumption and societal interactions.
32. Which of the following cut down the famous Bodhi tree in the second century BCE?
[A] Ashoka
[B] King Shashanka
[C] King Pushyamitra Shunga
[D] Mahapadmananda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [King Pushyamitra Shunga]
Notes:
It is believed that the famous Boddhi tree was cut down by King Pushyamitra Shunga in the second century BCE, and by King Shashanka in 600 CE. Asoka’s queen Tissarakkha is also believed to be jealous of the tree.
33. During which of the following period, social and economic status of the Shudras improved?
[A] Maurya empire
[B] Gupta Empire
[C] Magadha Empire
[D] Kushana Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta Empire]
Notes:
The social and economic status of Shudras improved during the Gupta period. During the Gupta period, Shudras were allowed to listen to the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas. They were also allowed to perform certain rituals.
34. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Gupta coins?
1. The Gupta coins are well designed and meticulously crafted.
2. The coins carried aesthetically impressive depictions of the activities of the rulers.
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:
The coins of the Gupta empire are well designed and meticulously crafted. The coins carried aesthetically impressive depictions of the activities of the rulers of the Gupta empire.
35. Which of the following temples built during the Gupta period has a square tower of Shikhara?
1) Dasavatar Temple at Deogarh
2) Bhitargaon temple
3) Mahadev Temple at Nachna Kuthar
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] 1, 2 & 3
[D] Only 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
In the early Gupta period, the Shikhara was not much prominent as compared to the later Gupta period. Dasavatar Temple at Deogarh, Bhitargaon temple, and Mahadev Temple at Nachna Kuthar have a square tower of Shikhara.
36. 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.
37. The Asirgadh Inscription in Nimar district of Madhya Pradesh describes the victory of which of the following kings?
[A] Sarvavarmana
[B] Advaita Varmana
[C] Grahavarmana
[D] Avanti Varmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sarvavarmana]
Notes:
Sarvavarmana maintained his hold on Magadha and also kept the later Guptas under control. The Asirgadh Inscription in the Nimar district of Madhya Pradesh tells about the victory of Sarvavarmana over Damodargupta.
38. 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.
39. 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.
40. In which of the following battles, Shahab-ud-Din defeated Prithviraj Chauhan?
[A] 1st battle of Tarain
[B] 2nd battle of Tarain
[C] Battle of Haldighati
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2nd battle of Tarain]
Notes:
The Second Battle of Tarain was fought in 1192 by the Chahamanas and their allies against the Ghurids, near Tarain. Prithviraj Chauhan’s forces had defeated Shahab-ud-Din in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191. Shahab-ud-Din repeated the attack next year and defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the second battle of Tarain.
