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. Varanasi was the capital of which of the following mahajanapada?
[A] Mallas
[B] Vajji
[C] Kosala
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kashi]
Notes:
Kashi was the capital of one of the sixteen mahajanapada called Varanasi (Modern Benaras). However Kashi was eventually captured by Kosala. The city of Kashi got its name from rivers Varuna and Asi as cited in the Matsya Purana.
32. What does the use of ‘Horse’ as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Symbol of fertility
[B] Purity and Fecundity
[C] Departure of Siddhartha
[D] Dharmachakra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Departure of Siddhartha]
Notes:
The Ashokan pillar contains different motifs placed at the top of the pillars. These motifs are considered to be in the harmony with the Dhamma message. Horse symbolizes the departure of Siddhartha from his home.
33. Who were the Sthanikas?
[A] They collected taxes
[B] They sold liqor
[C] They were traders
[D] Head of a village
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [They collected taxes]
Notes:
The districts in the Mauryan empire were divided into groups of 5 or 10 villages which was headed by Sthanikas. The Sthanikas collected taxes and were assisted by Gopas (who maintained proper records and accounts).
34. Nagasena converted which of the following to Buddhism?
[A] Manender
[B] Demetrius
[C] Gondophernes
[D] Hermaius
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manender]
Notes:
Menander or Milinda was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena. He is identified with the King Milinda who is mentioned in the famous Buddhist text Milindapanho (Question of Milinda).
35. Which of the following issued the first ever long inscription in chaste sanskrit?
[A] Rudradaman I
[B] Azes
[C] Kanishka
[D] Gondophernes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rudradaman I]
Notes:
Rudradaman I issued the first ever long inscription in chaste sanskrit. Rudradaman I ruled from AD 130 to 150. He ruled over Sindh including parts of Gujarat, Konkan, Narmada valley, Malwa and Kathiawar.
36. 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.
37. Which of the following Puranas were written in the Gupta period?
1) Vishnu Purana
2) Vayu Purana
3) Matsya Purana
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
The Gupta period marks the beginning of the writing of the Puranas. Some of the major Puranas which were written in this period were the Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana, and the Matsya Purana.
38. Which of the following was the successor of Vakataka ruler Devasena?
[A] Harisena
[B] Vindhyashakti II
[C] Pravarasena II
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harisena]
Notes:
Devasena was a pleasure-seeking ruler. He was succeded by Harisena who was the ablest and the greatest ruler
of this Vatsagulma Branch/line. He conquered Kuntala, Avanti, Kalinga, Kosala, Konkan, and Andhra.
39. Which of the following kings was the most successful and popular ruler of Pratiharas?
[A] Vatsaraja
[B] Harichandra
[C] Nagabhatta I
[D] Mihir Bhoja
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mihir Bhoja]
Notes:
Bhoja I / Mihir Bhoja who ruled the Gurjara?Pratiharas from 836 C.E. to 885 C.E. was the Grandson of Nagabhatta II. He had a long reign of over 46 years and proved to be the most successful and popular ruler of Pratiharas.
40. Which of the following Pala ruler was called Uttarapathasvamin or Lord of Northern India?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devapala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Ramapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dharmapala]
Notes:
Dharmapala’s sovereignty was accepted by the rulers of both west and south India including those of Punjab, western hill states, Rajputana, Malwa and Berar. He became the paramount lord in Northern India. That’s why he is also called Uttarapathasvamin or Lord of Northern India.
