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 inscriptions contains information about the birthplace of the Buddha and Ashoka’s visit to Lumbini?
[A] Nigali Sagar Inscription
[B] Rummindei Inscription
[C] Kandahar Inscription
[D] Girnar Rock Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rummindei Inscription]
Notes:
Rummindei Inscription in Nepal commemorates the birthplace of the Buddha and that Ashoka visited Lumbini. THe inscription mentions that the village of Lumbini was exempted from bali and was to pay only one-eighth of bhaga.
32. Which of the following was known as the superintendent of markets during the Mauryan period?
[A] Panyadhyaksha
[B] Pautavadhyaksha
[C] Sansthadhyaksha
[D] Rupadarshaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sansthadhyaksha]
Notes:
Sansthadhyaksha was known as the superintendent of markets during the Mauryan period. Trade and urban economy received great impetus during the Mauryan age and it influenced almost all parts of the empire.
33. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to Mauryan society?
1. There was no improvement in the social status of Vaishyas or trading communities and Shudras.
2. This period saw an increase in the number of untouchables.
3. There is mention of Varna or Sati in the Ashokan edicts.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
During the Mauryan period there was some improvement in the social status of Vaishyas or trading communities and Shudras also. This period saw an increase in the number of untouchables. We find no mention of either Varna or Sati in the Ashokan edicts.
34. From which of the following places Hathigumpha inscriptions were found?
[A] Amarkanthak
[B] Barabar caves
[C] Udayagiri Hills
[D] Ajanta caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Udayagiri Hills]
Notes:
Mahameghavahana dynasty, which is also known as the Chedi dynasty ruled during the first or second century BCE. It was based in Kalinga in present-day Odisha. Kharavela was the most famous ruler of Chedi dynasty. The primary source for Kharavela is his rock-cut Hathigumpha inscription found in a cave in Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar.
35. Against which of the following kingdoms did Kharvela led successful campaigns?
[A] Chola
[B] Satvahana
[C] Cheras
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satvahana]
Notes:
King Kharvela was the ruler of the Chedi dynasty which established after the decline of the Muryans. King Kharavela possessed a large army, consisting of infantry, cavalry, elephant force, and chariots. He led successful campaigns against the kingdoms of Satavahana, Anga, and Magadha.
36. Which of the following is the first known satraps of Mathura?
[A] Hagana
[B] Liaka Kusulaka
[C] Patika Kusulaka
[D] Bhumaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hagana ]
Notes:
The first known satraps of Mathura are Hagana and Hagamasa.“Rajuvula” who was one of their successor has been mentioned as Mahasatrapa in the Mora inscription , that was found near Mathura.
37. Kujula Kadphises died in which of the following years?
[A] 60 A.D.
[B] 70 A.D.
[C] 80 A.D.
[D] 90 A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [80 A.D.]
Notes:
According to the Rabatak inscription, Kujula Kadphises was the great grandfather of the great Kushan king Kanishka I. He is considered as the founder of the Kushan Empire. He died in the year 80 A.D.
38. Which of the following maintained records of all land transactions in the district during the Gupta period?
[A] Ustapala
[B] Pustapala
[C] Vishayapati
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ustapala ]
Notes:
During the Gupta period an officer called ustapala maintained records of all land transactions in the district whereas the village accountant preserved records of land in the village.
39. Which of the following period marks the beginning of Indian temple architecture?
[A] Kushana period
[B] Gupta period
[C] Mauryan period
[D] Vedic period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta period]
Notes:
The Gupta period marks the beginning of temple architecture in India. For the first time, Temples in the form of concrete structures were constructed in northern India during this period.
40. Which of the following was the capital of Vatsagulma branch of Vakatakas?
[A] Padmapura
[B] Vatsagulma
[C] Pravarapura
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vatsagulma]
Notes:
Vatsagulma Branch or Line was the second major Vakataka line. It had its capital at Vatsagulma which is modern Washim in Akola district of the state of Maharashtra.
