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. 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.
32. 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.
33. Which of the following rulers used the title of Samanta?
[A] Maitrakas
[B] Guptas
[C] Maukharies
[D] Vakatakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Maukharies]
Notes:
The term ‘Maukhari’ is a very ancient term. It is mentioned in Ashtadhyayi composed by Panini. The Maukharies were also subordinate rulers of the Guptas and used the title of Samanta.
34. Which of the following kings was defeated by the Rashtrakuta King Indra III?
[A] Harichandra
[B] Rajyapala
[C] Mahendrapala
[D] Yashpala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mahendrapala]
Notes:
Mahendrapala who ruled from 885 C.E. to 910 C.E. was the successor of Bhoja I / Mihir Bhoja. He was defeated by the Rashtrakuta King Indra III, who completely devastated the city of Kannauj.
35. 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.
36. Which of the following was the author of Yogasutra?
[A] Patanjali
[B] Bhaskaracharya
[C] Kasyapa
[D] Vrinda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Patanjali]
Notes:
The author of Yogasutra was Patanjali. It is a collection of 196 Sanskrit sutras on the theory and practice of yoga. It is a synthesized and organised knowledge about yoga and much older traditions.
37. Rashtrakutas are believed to the feduatories of which of the following?
[A] Chalukyas
[B] Chahmanas
[C] Chandellas
[D] Vakatakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalukyas]
Notes:
The Rashtrakutas are presumed to be a feudatory of the Chalukyas. They rose to power in Deccan between c.753 and 975 CE. Rashtrakuta means the chief of a rashtra.
38. Which of the following was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga?
[A] Kirtivarman I
[B] Kirtivarman II
[C] Vikramaditya I
[D] Vikramaditya II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kirtivarman II]
Notes:
Kirtivarman II ruled from c.743 to 757 CE. He was the last ruler of Chalukyan dynasty who was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga. After the Chalukayas, the Rashtrakutas came into prominence.
39. The Indus Valley Civilization people mainly traded with the people of which of these civilizations?
[A] Romans
[B] Parthians
[C] Mesopotamians
[D] Chinese
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mesopotamians]
Notes:
The people of Indus Valley Civilization mainly traded with the Mesopotamians. Dilmun and Makan were intermediate trading stations between Meluha and Mesopotamia. Meluha is the earliest name of Indus area. Other places given in the options are not related to Indus valley civilization.
40. Which among the following is a common method of cultivation in the first agricultural revolution?
[A] Crop rotation
[B] Shifting cultivation
[C] Subsistance agriculture
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shifting cultivation]
Notes:
Shifting cultivation is a common method of cultivation in the first agricultural revolution. The specific kind of shifting cultivation used is slash-and-burn agriculture.
