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. What was a fortified town or city called in 6th century B.C?
[A] Pura
[B] Nigama
[C] Nagarka
[D] Rajdhani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pura]
Notes:
During 600 – 300 BCE, there was a significant increase in the number and size of villages, towns, etc. near the Ganga valley. The fortified town or city was called as called Pura / Nagara.
32. According to Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa, Ashoka was converted to Buddhism by which of the following?
[A] Samudra
[B] Nigrodha
[C] Vitashoka
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nigrodha]
Notes:
According to Buddhist texts Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa, Ashoka was converted to Buddhism by his nephew Nigrodha Nigrodha became a monk at the tender age of 7. According to the Divyavadana, Samudra who was a merchant -turned-monk converted Ashoka.
33. Which of the following were important sea ports during the Mauyan period?
1. Tamralipti
2. Hoogly
3. Broach
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 & 3]
Notes:
The main centre of trade in the northwest during the Mauryan Administration was Taxila, which was further connected with central Asian markets. The important seaports included Tamralipti (Tamluk in West Bengal) in the east and Broach in the west.
34. Mauryan art is believed to have influenced from which of the following regions?
[A] Vedic
[B] Persian
[C] Mongolian
[D] African
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Correct Answer: B [Persian]
Notes:
The Mauryan art is believed to be inspired from Achaemenid or Persian influence. We can find a lot of similarities in terms of form and style in the inscriptions of Ashoka and the Persian king Darius.
35. Which of the following kings founded the Shunga empire?
[A] Pushyamitra Sunga
[B] Agnimitra
[C] Bhagabhadra
[D] Devabhuti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pushyamitra Sunga]
Notes:
After the Kalinga war, Asoka became a monk and started propagating Buddhism in other countries. No later Mauryan ruler was capable of handling such a big empire. Brihadratha was the last ruler who was assassinated by his Senapati Pushymitra Shunga who founded the Shunga dynasty.
36. Which of the following scholars wrote Prajna Parimata Sutra?
[A] Ashvagosha
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Nagarjuna
[D] Mathara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nagarjuna]
Notes:
Nagarjuna was also termed as the Indian Einstein. He proposed the Theory of Relativity in his time in the form of a Sutra which is also called as the Prajna Parimata Sutra. He was a great patron of Mahayana doctrine.
37. Which of the following empire assigned a sub-caste to the foreigners?
[A] Gupta Empire
[B] Kushana Empire
[C] Maurya empire
[D] Magadha Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta Empire]
Notes:
During the Gupta rule, a large number of foreigners were assimilated into Indian society and each foreigner was assigned a sub-caste. The various foreign ruling families of the pre-Gupta period were given semi-kshatriya status.
38. Which of the following mentions fifteen types of slaves?
[A] Mrichakatika
[B] Narada Smriti
[C] Acharakkovai
[D] Buddhacharita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Narada Smriti]
Notes:
References of slaves can be found in the Dharam Shastra texts as well as the Narada Smriti, which also mentions the fifteen types of slaves. Slaves were generally referred to as domestic servants. These slaves included mainly the prisoners of war reduced to slavery, debt bondsmen, and voluntary enslavement.
39. Which of the following Buddhist writer, was patronised by Dharmapala?
[A] Ashvagosha
[B] Nagarjuna
[C] Haribhadra
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Haribhadra]
Notes:
Dharmapala founded a splendid monetary at Odantapuri in Bihar. Haribhadra who was a Buddhist writer, was patronised by Dharmapala. Dharmapala was great both in arts of peace and war.
40. Which of the following kings succeeded Avantivarman?
[A] Sankar-varman
[B] Jayasimha
[C] Vajrayudha
[D] Yashovardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sankar-varman]
Notes:
The king Avantivarman was succeeded by the king Sankar-varman who ruled from 883 to 902 AD. He distinguished himself in war. The treasures of many temples were plundered during the reign of this king.
