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. What does the use of lotus as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Purity and Fecundity
[B] Symbol of fertility
[C] Dharmachakra
[D] Faith in Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Purity and Fecundity]
Notes:
In the Ashokan pillar use of motifs can be seen. A large number of motives like lotus, lion, elephant, etc. are used. The most found motif is lotus which symbolizes Purity and Fecundity in Indian tradition.
32. Indo-Greeks invaded India in which of the following century?
[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:
After the death of Ashoka, the successors of Ashoka were too weak to hold ground. Therefore a series of invasions on the
north-western border of India started. In the beginning of the 2nd century BCE, the Indo-Greeks were the first to invade the Indian subcontinent.
33. 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.
34. Which of the following was the most famous ruler of Satavahana dysnasty?
[A] Simuka
[B] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[C] Vashishthiputra Pulumayi
[D] Yajna Sri Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gautamiputra Satkarni]
Notes:
The fortunes of the Satavahanas dynasty were revived by its most famous ruler named Gautamiputra Satkarni. He defeated the Shakas and raised the power and prestige of the Satvahanas to greater heights during his rule.
35. Which of the following language was used in Kanishka’s coins and inscriptions?
[A] Pali
[B] Prakrit
[C] Bactrian language
[D] Sanskrit
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bactrian language]
Notes:
The centre of the huge empire under the rule of Kushana ruler, Kanishka was Bactria. It is observed that the main language in Kanishka’s coins and inscriptions is the Bactrian language.
36. In which of the following ruling branches did the Vakataka kingdom divide after the death of Pravarasena?
1) Nandivardhana
2) Vatsagulma
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:
After the death of Pravarasena, Rudrasena I the son of Gautamiputra succeeded his grandfather Pravarsena to the throne and ruled from Nandivardhana, near modern Nagpur. Sarvasena, another son of Pravarasena, started ruling independently from Vastugulma.
37. Which of the following kings was defeated by Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva?
[A] Vatsaraja
[B] Harichandra
[C] Nagabhatta II
[D] Nagabhatta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nagabhatta I]
Notes:
Nagabhata I ruled from 730C.E. to 760 C.E. from the Avanti (or Malava) region in present-day Madhya Pradesh, from his capital at Ujjain. He expanded his kingdom towards the areas of Malwa, Rajputana, and Gujarat. He was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva.
38. Which of the following kings adopted the title of Maharajadhiraja of Aryavarta?
[A] Harichandra
[B] Rajyapala
[C] Yashpala
[D] Mahendrapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mahendrapala]
Notes:
Mahendrapala I was the son of Mihir Bhoja I and queen Candra-Bhatta-Rika-Devi. He ruled from 885 C.E. to 910 C.E. He adopted the title Maharajadhiraja of Aryavarta which means Great King of Kings of Northern India.
39. Which of the following was the capital of Kadambas?
[A] Kanchi
[B] Madurai
[C] Vaijayanti
[D] Kolar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vaijayanti]
Notes:
The Kadambas had their capital at Vaijayanti or Banavasi in north Kanara district in the state of Karnataka. The Kadambas were contemporaries of the Pallavas. They claimed to be Brahmanas. The Kadamba dynasty was founded by Mayurasharman.
40. Which of the following Jain writers flourished in the court of Paramara kings?
- Dhanesvarasuri
- Dhanapala
- Santisuri
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
The Paramara dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled Malwa and surrounding areas in west-central India from the 9th to 14th centuries. Many famous Jain writers like Dhanesvarasuri, Dhanapala, and Santisuri flourished in the court of Paramara kings.
