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 Rock Edict announces that the policy of Dhamma is the best policy to follow?
[A] Eighth Edict
[B] Ninth Edict
[C] Eleventh Edict
[D] Twelfth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Eleventh Edict]
Notes:
The Eleventh Rock Edict of Ashoka announces that the policy of Dhamma is the best policy to follow. Dhamma included giving respect to others and good behaviour towards slaves.
32. Which of the following was the head of the board of war elephants in Mauryan administration?
[A] Hastyadhyaksha
[B] Asvadhyaksha
[C] Padadhyaksha
[D] Rathadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hastyadhyaksha]
Notes:
The Hastyadhyaksha supervised elephants, including their care and training for military use. The Arthashastra discusses the capture, management and training of elephants.
33. Which of the following refers to the name of the villages exempted from paying tax during Maurya era?
[A] Pariharaka
[B] Ayudhiya
[C] Kupya
[D] Nagar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pariharaka]
Notes:
In the Mauryan period, the kings directly dealt with the question of exemption of land from land tribute. The state officials such as the revenue collectors made a direct assessment of the land under cultivation. The villages that were exempted from taxation were called as Pariharaka.
34. Which of the following introduced the practice of military governorship?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Shungas
[C] Indo-Greeks
[D] Parthians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The Indo-Greeks also introduced practice of military governorship in the Indian subcontinent. The governors were called as strategos or satraps.
35. Karle Chaitya in the western Deccan belongs to which of the following period?
[A] Kanvas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satavahanas]
Notes:
The Satavahana phase is famous for the construction of many chaityas and viharas which were cut out of the solid rock in the north-western Deccan or Maharashtra. They were constructed with great precision and skill. The Karle Chaitya also belongs to this period.
36. Which of the following is also known as the father of Ayurveda?
[A] Charaka
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Mathara
[D] Ashvagosha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Charaka]
Notes:
Charaka is a major authority on Ayurveda and is associated with the Charaka Samhita, particularly its treatment of internal medicine. The Sushruta Samhita is associated with Sushruta, not Charaka.
37. Which of the following founded the Nalanda University?
[A] Kumargupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Skandagupta
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumargupta]
Notes:
Kumargupta founded the Nalanda University which is near the present day Patna. He was a worshipper of lord Karttikeya, the son of Lord Shiva. He was challenged by Pushyamitras during his reign.
38. 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.
39. ‘Sarthavaha’ refer to which of the following during the Gupta period?
[A] Settled merchants
[B] Caravan Traders
[C] Liquor traders
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Caravan Traders]
Notes:
During the Gupta period the sarthavaha was a caravan trader. He carried his merchandise to different places for profitable sale. Sarthavahas often sold their goods three or four times their original price.
40. Which Vakataka king was the father of Rudrasena II, who married Chandragupta II’s daughter Prabhavatigupta?
[A] Prithvisena I
[B] Pravarasena II
[C] Rudrasena II
[D] Narendrasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prithvisena I]
Notes:
Prithvisena I was Rudrasena II’s father. Rudrasena II’s marriage to Prabhavatigupta established a Gupta–Vakataka matrimonial alliance; direct joint participation in Chandragupta II’s western campaign is not securely documented.
