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 rock edict mentions about the war of Kalinga?
[A] Twelfth Edict
[B] Tenth Edict
[C] Thirteenth Edict
[D] Fourteenth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Thirteenth Edict]
Notes:
The Thirteenth Rock Edict of Ashoka has a mention of the Kalinga War. It also mentions the victory of King Ashoka over Kalinga in 261 BCE. It also mentions that the victory by Dhamma to be the foremost victory.
32. Which of the following officials was in charge of revenue collection in the administrative system of the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Senapati
[B] Samaharta
[C] Dauvarika
[D] Antapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samaharta]
Notes:
The Samaharta was the chief officer responsible for collecting revenue from the state’s various sources of income. It was an administrative office, not a committee.
33. The term ‘visthi’ refers to which of the following?
[A] Forced labour
[B] Wage labour
[C] Slave labour
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Forced labour]
Notes:
During the Mauryan age the artisans living in towns had to pay taxes either in cash or kind or work free for the king. Visthi was a form of forced labour. Arthashastra of Kautilya also mention wage labour (karamakara), bonded labour and slave labour (dasas and ahitakas).
34. Which of the following invaded India around 190 BCE?
[A] Menander
[B] Hermaius
[C] Demetrius
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Demetrius]
Notes:
Demetrius I of Bactria expanded into northwestern India in the early second century BCE, often dated to around 190 BCE. The exact chronology and extent of his campaigns remain debated.
35. Which of the following was the commander in chief of the army during the Gupta period?
[A] Mahasandhivigrahika
[B] Mahabaladhikrita
[C] Uparika
[D] Vishayapati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahabaladhikrita]
Notes:
Mahabaladhikrita was a senior military officer responsible for the army. Officers associated with infantry, cavalry and elephants formed part of the military administration.
36. Consider the following statements:
- The Gupta rulers implemented fixed prices on commodities
- During the Gupta period, prices of commodities were influenced by market supply and demand
- Units of measurements varied from region to region in the Gupta era
Which of the above statements are accurate?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 2 & 3]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, the prices of goods were not fixed by the rulers but fluctuated according to supply and demand in the market. Additionally, not only prices, but also the units of measurements for various commodities differed from one place to another.
37. Which statements are correct about administration under Harsha?
1. Subordinate chiefs or samantas played an important role.
2. Local and subordinate authorities exercised administrative powers.
3. Land grants to religious recipients continued.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
All three statements are correct. Harsha’s government combined royal authority with subordinate chiefs and local administration, while land grants continued. Available army figures do not justify a simple comparison with the entire Mauryan army.
38. Which of the following are believed to be written by Harsha?
1. Priyadarshika
2. Ratnavali
3. Nagananda
Select the correct option form the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Harsha was a great supporter of the arts and learning. It is believed that he wrote three dramas- Priyadarshika and Ratnavali which are both romantic comedies, and Nagananda which is based on Bodhisattva Jimutavahana.
39. Which Chalukya prince is credited in inscriptions with taking part in a northern campaign during his father Vinayaditya’s reign?
[A] Vijayaditya
[B] Vakpatiraja
[C] Manorathavarman
[D] Vinayaditya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vijayaditya]
Notes:
Vijayaditya participated in campaigns during Vinayaditya’s reign. The identity of the northern opponent mentioned in the records is uncertain and should not be stated as definitely Yashovarman.
40. Which dynasty defeated the Kadambas of Banavasi and absorbed much of their kingdom in the later sixth century CE?
[A] Chalukyas of Badami
[B] Chalukyas of Vengi
[C] Pallavas
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalukyas of Badami]
Notes:
The Badami Chalukyas, especially under Kirtivarman I, overcame the Kadambas of Banavasi. This belongs to the later sixth century rather than an exact conquest date of 540 CE.
