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. In which of the following edicts Ashoka greets the Sangha and professes his deep faith in the Buddha, dhamma, and Sangha?
[A] Minor Rock Edict 1
[B] Minor Rock Edict 2
[C] Minor Rock Edict 3
[D] Minor Rock Edict 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Minor Rock Edict 3]
Notes:
In the Minor Rock Edict 3 Ashoka greets the Sangha and professes his deep faith in the Buddha, dhamma, and Sangha. He also recommends six Buddhist texts for monks, nuns, and the general laity.
32. The city administration of Pataliputra, according to Megasthenes was conducted by how many committees?
[A] 4
[B] 5
[C] 6
[D] 7
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [6]
Notes:
The municipal administration of Pataliputra which was the capital city of Mauryas had a unique character. The city administration of Pataliputra, according to Megasthenes and also corroborated by Arthashastra, was conducted by six committees which consisted of five members each.
33. How many members were there in the war office which took care of the administration of different branches of the army in Mauryan administration?
[A] 25
[B] 30
[C] 40
[D] 50
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [30]
Notes:
According to the Greek historian Megasthenes, the administration of different branches of the army was carried out through a War Office which comprised of 30 members. It was divided into six Boards of five members each.
34. Who were the Sthanikas?
[A] They collected taxes
[B] They sold liqor
[C] They were traders
[D] Head of a village
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [They collected taxes]
Notes:
The districts in the Mauryan empire were divided into groups of 5 or 10 villages which was headed by Sthanikas. The Sthanikas collected taxes and were assisted by Gopas (who maintained proper records and accounts).
35. Which of the following was the main source of income in the Mauryan administration?
[A] State taxes
[B] Trade
[C] Donations
[D] Land revenue
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Land revenue]
Notes:
The Mauryas maintained a huge standing army. The state taxes were insufficient to maintain such huge army, so they started to regulate certain economic activities to generate more revenue. The main source of income was land revenue.
36. The achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were described and eulogised after his death in which of the following inscriptions?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Naneghat Inscription
[C] Nashik Inscription
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nashik Inscription]
Notes:
The achievements of Satavahana King Gautamiputra Satkarniare were described and eulogised after his death, during his son Pulumayi II’s reign, in a Nashik Inscription of his mother Gautami Balashri. The inscription is written in Prakrit.
37. Which of the following tribe originated from the steppes of north Central Asia?
[A] Kanvas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kushans]
Notes:
The Kushanas were nomadic tribal people who were originally from the steppes of north Central Asia. The Kushanas first displaced the Shakas, gradually seized Gandhara, and set up their authority over the lower Indus basin and the greater part of the Gangetic basin.
38. Areas of which of the following modern regions were included in the empire of Chandragupta – I?
1. Bihar
2. Uttar Pradesh
3. Bengal
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The empire of Chandragupta I included parts of modern Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal. The capital was situated at Pataliputra. Chandragupta – I ruled from c. 319–335/336 CE.
39. Which of the following was called the Minister for Foreign Relations and War during the Harsha’s administration?
[A] Simhananda
[B] Avanti
[C] Kuntala
[D] Bhanu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Avanti]
Notes:
During the Harsha’s administration, there was a well-organized secretariat at the capital. According to Banabhatta who was the court poet of Harsha, the Minister for Foreign Relations and War was called Avanti.
40. Which of the following was called as the Commander-in-Chief of Harsha?
[A] Avanti
[B] Simhananda
[C] Bhanu
[D] Kuntala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Simhananda]
Notes:
Harsha Vardhana ruled from 606 A.D. to 647 A.D. He maintained the administrative set-up of his empire on the model of previous great Hindu rulers. The Commander-in-Chief during the Harsha’s administration was called as Simhananda.
