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 responsible for the security of frontier forts in the Mauryan administration?
[A] Nikayas
[B] Anta-Mahamattas
[C] Senapati
[D] Sthanikas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Anta-Mahamattas]
Notes:
It is believed that the Mauryans maintained a huge army. The army consisted of 6,00,000 infantry, 30,000 cavalry, 9,000 elephants, and 8,000 chariots. In Mauryan administration the security of frontier forts was the responsibility of Anta-Mahamattas.
32. Which of the following is considered as the founder of the Ujjaini Satrapa?
[A] Nahapana
[B] Castana
[C] Bhumaka
[D] Hagamasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Castana]
Notes:
Castana or Shastana or Chastana is considered the founder of the Ujjaini Satrapa. Chastana is believed to have won a battle against Saatvahanas. Chastana used 3 scripts in his coins: Greek, Kharoshthi and Brahami.
33. 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.
34. Which of the following married the daughter of Rudradaman I?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Simuka
[C] Vashishthiputra Pulumayi
[D] Yajna Sri Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vashishthiputra Pulumayi]
Notes:
According to the Junagadh Inscription Vashishthiputra Pulumayi married the daughter of Rudradaman I. The coins of Vashishthiputra Pulumayi were found in the various parts of Andhra.
35. Which of the following period saw the emergence of worship of composite deities such as Hari-Hara?
[A] Magadha period
[B] Gupta period
[C] Kushana period
[D] Mauryan Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta period]
Notes:
Both the Guptas and Vakatakas were the patrons of God Vishnu. There was also an emergence of worship of composite deities such as Hari-Hara, who is a part Vishnu and part Shiva. Religious syncretism can also be seen. For instance, Buddha was also considered as one of the ten Vishnu avatars.
36. Halivakara refers to which of the following?
[A] Irrigation tax
[B] Plough tax
[C] Crop tax
[D] House tax
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Plough tax]
Notes:
Halivakara during the Gupta period probably refers to plough tax. The Gupta period saw an increase in land taxes but the number of trade and commerce taxes decreased.
37. Which of the following period marks the beginning of Indian temple architecture?
[A] Kushana period
[B] Gupta period
[C] Mauryan period
[D] Vedic period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta period]
Notes:
The Gupta period marks the beginning of temple architecture in India. For the first time, Temples in the form of concrete structures were constructed in northern India during this period.
38. Hsuan Tsang gives a detailed account of a grand assembly held in 643 CE. Where was it held?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Thaneswar
[C] Kannauj
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kannauj]
Notes:
Hsuan Tsang gives a detailed account of a grand assembly that was held at Kannauj in 643 CE. It was attended by the representatives of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Husan Tsang/Xuanzang along with others gave discourses on Mahayana doctrines.
39. Which of the following succeeded Dharmapala?
[A] Devapala
[B] Mahipala I
[C] Ramapala
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Devapala]
Notes:
Dharmapala was succeeded by Devapala. He was the son of Dharmapala. Devapala was an efficient ruler as he not only maintained the territories inherited by him from his father intact but also added to them.
40. Which of the following period is considered as the period of the Rajputs?
[A] 600 A.D- 800 A.D
[B] 800 A.D- 1000 A.D
[C] 647 A.D- 1200 A.D
[D] 540 A.D- 870 A.D
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [647 A.D- 1200 A.D]
Notes:
The Rajputs ruled from 647A.D. to 1200 A.D. They are the considered to be the descendants of Lord Rama (Surya vamsa) or Lord Krishna (Chandra vamsa) or the Hero who sprang from the sacrificial fire according to the Agni Kula theory.
