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 started the Gupta era?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chandragupta I]
Notes:
The Gupta King Chandragupta I started the Gupta era in 319?20 CE, which presumably marks his accession date. He was the first Gupta King to assume the title of Maharajadhiraja.
32. The inspiration of the themes for sculpture during 300 – 600 CE was drawn from which of the following traditions?
1) Buddhist traditions
2) Hindu traditions
3) Jain traditions
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: D [1, 2, 3.]
Notes:
The sculptures pertaining to the period of c. 300 – 600 CE shows the introduction of new styles in the temple architecture. The inspiration for the themes for the sculpture was drawn from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jaina traditions.
33. Which of the following cities gradually replaced Pataliputra as the political centre of northern India during the rule of the Maukharies?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Mathura
[C] Kannauj
[D] Nalanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kannauj]
Notes:
The Maukhari dynasty was a royal Indian dynasty that controlled vast areas of Northern India after the decline of the Gupta empire. They ruled over Kannauj, a city in western Uttar Pradesh, which gradually replaced Pataliputra as the political centre of northern India.
34. Which of the following Chalukya king fought with the Yasovarman?
[A] Vijayaditya
[B] Vakpatiraja
[C] Manorathavarman
[D] Vinayaditya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vijayaditya]
Notes:
According to some inscriptions, during the reign of Chalukya king Vinayaditya who ruled from 681 A.D. to 696 A.D. of Badami, his son Vijayaditya fought with the “lord of the whole of northern regions” Yasovarman.
35. In which of the following battles, Shahab-ud-Din defeated Prithviraj Chauhan?
[A] 1st battle of Tarain
[B] 2nd battle of Tarain
[C] Battle of Haldighati
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2nd battle of Tarain]
Notes:
The Second Battle of Tarain was fought in 1192 by the Chahamanas and their allies against the Ghurids, near Tarain. Prithviraj Chauhan’s forces had defeated Shahab-ud-Din in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191. Shahab-ud-Din repeated the attack next year and defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the second battle of Tarain.
36. Which of the following Dramas were written by Harsha?
1) Nagananda
2) Priyadarsika
3) Ratnavali
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana, was the son of Prabhakarvardhana. He was an Indian emperor who ruled North India from 606 to 647 CE. He was a member of the Vardhana dynasty. King Harsha wrote three dramas, the Nagananda, Priyadarsika, and Ratnavali.
37. Which of the following authors wrote Sabdansusana?
[A] Bhavabhuti
[B] Saktibhadra
[C] Hastimalla
[D] Sakatayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sakatayana]
Notes:
Sakatayana was a Jain writer of the 9th century A.D.He lived during the reign of Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha. He was the founder of a new school. His main work was Sabdansusana.
38. Which of the following was the author of Dhvanyolaka?
[A] Udbhat
[B] Anandavardhana
[C] Ahinavagupta
[D] Rudrata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Anandavardhana]
Notes:
Anandavardhana was the author of Dhvanyolaka which he composed in 9th century A.D. He was the champion of the Dhvant school. It throws light on the matter regarding Dhvani or suggestion, hence it is named as Dhvanyaaloka.
39. The Magnificent rock-cut Kailashnatha Temple at Ellora was built during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Dhruva
[B] Amoghavarsha I
[C] Krishna I
[D] Dantidurga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Krishna I]
Notes:
The magnificent rock-cut Kailashnatha Temple at Ellora which is situated near present-day Aurangabad, Maharastra was built during the reign of Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
40. Who captured the ancient city of Herat in Afghanistan in 330 B.C and built it’s famous ancient citadel?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Alexander, the Great
[C] Pushyamitra Sunga
[D] Ptolemy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Alexander, the Great]
Notes:
Alexander, the Great captured the ancient city of Herat, Afghanistan in 330 B.C and built it’s ancient citadel. Alexander had his only son with a beautiful woman named Roxanne who is from the Balkhan province of Afghanistan.
