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. At which of the following places, Buddhist learning centre is located?
[A] Vikramshila
[B] Varanasi
[C] Sarnath
[D] Taxila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vikramshila]
Notes:
During the Buddhist period, some of the most important centers of learning in India were Nalanda, Vikramshila and Vallabhi. Not only the students from India but around the world used to visit, to learn Buddhism.
32. Where was the capital of Shurasena located?
[A] Saurashtra
[B] Pooncha
[C] Mathura
[D] Potali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mathura]
Notes:
Shurasena mahajanapada was located near the banks of river Yamuna in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Mathura is also famous for Buddhist architecture which developed under the Kushanas. Mathura is also the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
33. How many pillar edicts have been found?
[A] 7
[B] 8
[C] 9
[D] 10
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [7]
Notes:
Seven major pillar edicts have been found at Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya Nandangarh, Rampurva, Nigali Sagar, Sarnath, Topra, and Meerut. Ashokan pillars probably signify the axis of the world (axis mundi) that separated heaven and earth.
34. Which of the following was the reason behind increase in manufacture of oil in the post-Mauryan period?
[A] Use of oil wheel
[B] Use of pumps
[C] More reserves found
[D] Oil was the center of economy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Use of oil wheel]
Notes:
In the post-Mauryan period ranging from 200 BC. to 300 A.D. the economy moved at an accelerated tempo. Manufacture of oil was also increased in the post-Mauryan period due to the use of the oil wheel.
35. The earliest Satavahana inscriptions belong to which of the following centuries?
[A] 1st century BCE
[B] 2nd century BCE
[C] 3rd century BCE
[D] 4th century BCE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1st century BCE]
Notes:
The earliest Satavahana inscriptions belong to the 1st century BCE. In the 1st century BCE the Satavahana defeated the Kanvas and established their rule over parts of central India.
36. Which of the following areas were called as the rice bowl during the Satavahanas period?
[A] Krishna – Godavari Delta
[B] Krishna – Kaveri Delta
[C] Krishna – Periyar Delta
[D] Kaveri – Godavari Delta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Krishna – Godavari Delta]
Notes:
During the Satavahana period, Deccan developed a very advanced rural economy. The people knew about the art of paddy transplantation. The area on the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Godavari formed a great rice bowl of that time.
37. Which of the following kings integrated central Asia with north India as a part of a single empire?
[A] Kujula Kadphises
[B] Kanishka
[C] Vima Kadphises
[D] Vasudeva II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vima Kadphises]
Notes:
Vima Kadphises was the second ruler of the Kushanas. He was an important ruler of the Kushanas as he integrated central Asia with north India as a part of a single empire. It resulted in the intermingling of different cultures and an increase in inter-regional trading.
38. The Prayag Prashasti divides Samudragupta’s opponents into which of the following categories?
1. Rulers slain
2. Frontier kings
3. Rulers defeated
4. Distant kings
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The Prayag Prashasti divides Samudragupta’s opponents into the following four categories:
1. Rulers slain- Those rulers whose dominions Samudragupta annexed outright.
2. Frontier kings- These were forced to pay homage.
3. Rulers defeated- Their territories were reinstated as tributes.
4. Distant kings- Those who acknowledged Samudragupta as an emperor by sending him embassies.
39. Which of the following was the head of the district during the Gupta period?
[A] Vishayapati
[B] Uparika
[C] Mahadandanayaka
[D] Mahasandhivigrahika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vishayapati]
Notes:
The provinces during the Gupta period were further divided into a number of districts which were called as Pradeshas or Vishayas. These were placed under the charge of a Vishayapati.
40. During which of the following period, Sanskrit was firmly established as the language of royal inscriptions?
[A] Gupta Empire
[B] Maurya empire
[C] Magadha Empire
[D] Kushana Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta Empire]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, the consolidation of Brahmanical ideology took place as temple-based sectarian cults became popular. During this period Sanskrit was firmly established as the language of the royal inscription.
