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 had imprisoned Harsha’s sister Rajyashri and killed her husband Grahavarman?
[A] Devagupta
[B] Shashanka
[C] Dhruvasena II
[D] Pulkesin II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shashanka]
Notes:
Harsha succeeded his brother Rajya Vardhana. He undertook a campaign against the ruler of Malwa, Devagupta and Shashanka, who was the ruler of Gauda. Shashanka had imprisoned Harsha’s sister Rajyashri and killed her husband Grahavarman.
32. Which of the following rulers ruled northern India after the fall of Pratiharas?
[A] Chandellas
[B] Chedi
[C] Gahadavalas
[D] Paramaras
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Correct Answer: C [Gahadavalas]
Notes:
The Gahadavala dynasty ruled the Indian subcontinent during the 11th and 12th centuries. Present-day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar came under their rule. They establish themselves on the throne of Kanauj between 1080A.D. and 1085 AD.
33. Which of the following authors composed Janakiharana?
[A] Padmagupta
[B] Kumaradas
[C] Sanmitracharita
[D] Abhinanda
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Correct Answer: B [Kumaradas]
Notes:
Kumaradasa has been known by the names of Natha Kumara and Kumaradatta on the continent of India. Kumaradasa is the author of a Sanskrit Mahakavya called the Janaki-hara?a or Janaki’s abduction.
34. Which of the following authors wrote Raghava-Pandaviya?
[A] Padmagupta
[B] Kaviraja
[C] Kumaradas
[D] Sanmitracharita
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Correct Answer: B [Kaviraja]
Notes:
Raghava-Pandaviya is an epic which is written by Kaviraja. It narrated the stories of Rama and the Pandavas. Kaviraja was the court poet of Kamadeva of the Kadamba dynasty who ruled between 1182 to 1187 AD.
35. Nighantu was written by which of the following?
[A] Kasyapa
[B] Nagarjuna
[C] Dhanvantari
[D] None of the above
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Correct Answer: C [Dhanvantari]
Notes:
The book ‘Nighantu’ was wriiten by Dhanvantari. It is one of the oldest medico-botanical dictionary. Later this book was revised by Kasyapa. It is a treatise on medicinal herbs and drugs.
36. Which of the following wrote Lilavati?
[A] Bhaskaracharya
[B] Munjala
[C] Nagarjuna
[D] Kalidas
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Correct Answer: A [Bhaskaracharya]
Notes:
Lilavati was written by Bhaskaracharya. It is a treatise on mathematics. Lilavati was the name of Bhaskarachaya’s daughter. The book mainly contains definitions, arithmetical terms, interest computation etc.
37. ‘Agraharas’ refers to which of the following?
[A] Villagers
[B] Peasants
[C] Rent free brahmadeya villages
[D] Land of the nobility
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Correct Answer: C [Rent free brahmadeya villages]
Notes:
Agraharas referred to rent free brahmadeya villages in the Chola administration. These were rent free villages in the possession of Brahmanas.
38. Maravarman Avanisulamani was succeeded by which of the following kings?
[A] Arikesary Maravarman
[B] Jayantavarman
[C] Koccadiyan Ranadhira
[D] Maravarman Rajasimha I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jayantavarman]
Notes:
Jayantavarman known in Tamil as Seliyan Sendan was a Pandya ruler of early historic south India. He was the son and successor of the king Maravarman Avanisulamani. He ruled from 654 A.D. to 670 A.D.
39. Where was the second Sangam held?
[A] Thenmadurai
[B] Madurai
[C] Kabadapuram
[D] None of the above
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Correct Answer: C [Kabadapuram]
Notes:
The second Sangam was held at Kabadapuram which was another capital of the Pandyas. The important members of this sangam were Agastya, Irundaiyar, Tolkappiyar, Karungoli, Pandurangan, Tiraiyanamaran, Vellurkappiyanar etc.
40. ‘Agattiyam’ was written by which of the following?
[A] Tolkappiyar
[B] Sattanar
[C] Senguttuvan
[D] Agathiyar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Agathiyar]
Notes:
There is also mention of the Agattiyam in the Sangam literature, which was the first known book on Tamil grammar. It is believed to be written by the sage Agathiyar. It is lost beyond redemption.