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 in charge of standardised weights and measures during the Mauryan period?
[A] Pautavadhyaksha
[B] Panyadhyaksha
[C] Sansthadhyaksha
[D] Pautavadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pautavadhyaksha]
Notes:
Pautavadhyaksha was in charge of standardised weights and measures during the Mauryan period. Rupadarshaka was the inspector of coins. Sansthadhyaksha was the superintendent of markets. And Panyadhyaksha was the officer in charge of trade, price fixation, and sale of goods produced by state-run manufacturing units.
32. From which of the following places Hathigumpha inscriptions were found?
[A] Amarkanthak
[B] Barabar caves
[C] Udayagiri Hills
[D] Ajanta caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Udayagiri Hills]
Notes:
Mahameghavahana dynasty, which is also known as the Chedi dynasty ruled during the first or second century BCE. It was based in Kalinga in present-day Odisha. Kharavela was the most famous ruler of Chedi dynasty. The primary source for Kharavela is his rock-cut Hathigumpha inscription found in a cave in Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar.
33. Which of the following was a great center for the manufacturing of Shataka in the post-Mauryan times?
[A] Varanasi
[B] Mathura
[C] Taxila
[D] Patliputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mathura]
Notes:
In the post-Mauryan period, the techniques of cloth-making, silk- weaving, and the manufacture of luxury articles developed. Mathura was a great center for the manufacture of a special type of cloth which was called shataka.
34. Bactrian Greeks ruled over parts which of the following parts of Indian subcontinent?
[A] North-west India
[B] North India
[C] Western Indian
[D] Central India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [North-west India]
Notes:
The Bactrian Greeks ruled over parts of north-west India between the 2nd century BCE and the early 1st century BCE. Bactrian Greeks are known as the Indo-Greeks.
35. Which of the following are the nine gems of the court of Chandragupta II?
1. Dhanvantri
2. Kalidasa
3. Ghatakarapara
4. Varahamihira
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 nine gems or the Navratnas of the court of Chandragupta II are as follows: Kalidasa, Varahamihrira, Dhanvantri, Ghatakarapara, Shanku, Kahapanaka, Vararuchi, Vetala Bhatta.
36. Which of the following allowed the absorption of Tribal communities into Brahminical society?
[A] Kushana Empire
[B] Maurya empire
[C] Gupta Empire
[D] Magadha Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gupta Empire]
Notes:
During the Gupta empire, the Brahminical culture was extended to distant areas and a large number of tribal communities were assimilated into the Brahminical social structure. The tribal heads were included as kshatriyas, the ordinary tribals were given the status of Shudras.
37. Which of the following text mentions that the water touched by an untouchable is seen as unfit for consumption by higher caste?
[A] Acharakkovai
[B] Buddhacharita
[C] Mahabhashya
[D] Mrichakatika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Acharakkovai]
Notes:
According to the famous text Acharakkovai, if the water is touched by an untouchable also called as Pulaiya, it is seen as unfit for consumption by higher caste people. It is also mentioned that even glancing at a pulaiya polluted the upper caste people.
38. India imported which of the following from Ceylon during the Gupta period?
1. Pearls
2. Silver
3. Textiles
4. Spices
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: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
India had close commercial relations with Ceylon during the Gupta period. Ceylon imported a variety of commodities from India like textiles, spices, sandalwood, musk, castor oil, horses and elephants. India also imported from Ceylon for example, pearls and silver.
39. 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.
40. Which of the following Vakataka ruler adopted the title dharma-maharaja?
[A] Sarvasena
[B] Vindhyashakti II
[C] Harisena
[D] Prithivisena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sarvasena]
Notes:
Sarvasena who belonged to Vatsagulma Branch/Line of Vakatakas ruled from c. 330 to 355 CE. He adopted the title dharma-maharaja. He was a renowned Prakrit poet. The Vakatakas originated in the central Deccan.
