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 were the officers responsible for the suppression of criminals?
[A] Dharmasthas
[B] Pradeshtris
[C] Mahamattas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pradeshtris]
Notes:
According to Ashokan inscriptions Pradeshtris were the officers responsible for the suppression of criminals in the Mauryan empire. During that period various civil as well as criminal courts functioned at the local level right from village to province.
32. 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.
33. According to Indian literature which of the following were referred to as Yavanas?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Mughals
[C] Indo-Greeks
[D] Indo-Romans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The Indo-Greek was also known as Yavanas according to the Indian literature. Their kingdom spanned from modern-day Afghanistan to Hindukush mountains. They ruled during the last two centuries BCE. There were more than thirty kings and they often fought with one another.
34. Which of the following Shaka King is believed to be associated with the Vikram Samvat era of 58 BCE?
[A] Maues
[B] Azes
[C] Rudradaman I
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Azes]
Notes:
The Shaka King Azes is believed to be associated with the Vikram Samvat era of 58 BCE. It is used to mark Azes’ accession. He known to have successfully annexed the territory in northern India.
35. Which of the following was the lowest level of administration during the Satavahana dynasty?
[A] Village
[B] Town
[C] Province
[D] District
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Village]
Notes:
The lowest level of administration during the Satavahana period was a grama or village. It was under the charge of a gaulmika or village headman. The village headman was also the head of a military regiment consisting of nine chariots, nine elephants, 25 horses and 45 foot soldiers.
36. Which of the following is the writer of the play Mrichchhkatikam?
[A] Kalidas
[B] Shudraka
[C] Vishakhadatta
[D] Dandin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shudraka]
Notes:
Shudraka was the writer of the play Mrichchhkatikam which means a little clay cart. The play deals with the love affair of a poor brahmana with the beautiful daughter of a courtesan.
37. In which of the following period Ardhanarisvara form of Siva was created?
[A] Gupta period
[B] Chola period
[C] Kushanas period
[D] Mauryan period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta period]
Notes:
Some of the most beautiful Siva images belong to the Gupta period. Ekamukhi and Chaturmukhi Siva-Lingas were introduced by the Gupta artists. Ardhanarisvara form of Siva was also created by the Gupta artists, where the deity is represented as half male and half female.
38. Which of the following kings faced the invasion of the Nala king Bhavadottavarman?
[A] Narendrasena
[B] Prithvisena I
[C] Rudrasena II
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narendrasena]
Notes:
Narendrasena ascended the throne after Pravarasena II. He faced the invasion of Bhavadottavarman, the Nala king both in the beginning and at the end of his reign. He made some conquests but had to face the stiff opposition of the Nalas.
39. Which of the statements are correct with respect to administration during the time of Harsha?
1. The administration had become feudal.
2. There was more decentralization.
3. Army was larger in size than Mauryans.
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:
The administration during the time of Harsha had become feudal. There was more decentralization. Army was larger in size than Mauryans. Also land grants continued to be made to priests.
40. Buddhism spread in Kashmir during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Ashvaghosha
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ashoka]
Notes:
The Kashmir valley was politically isolated from the rest of the subcontinent except during the rule of the Mauryas and Kushanas. Buddhism spread in Kashmir during the reign of Asoka the Great.
