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 built canals and did a lot of irrigation work?
[A] Kalasoka
[B] Mahapadma Nanda
[C] Dhanananda
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahapadma Nanda]
Notes:
Mahapadma Nanda made very methodical collection of taxes. He regularly appointed officials for this purposed. He also built many canals and did a lot of irrigation work.
32. Who was the author of Indica?
[A] Kautilya
[B] Megasthenes
[C] Panini
[D] Alexander
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Megasthenes]
Notes:
Indica is written by the Greek Ambassador Megasthenes. He was sent to Chandragupta Maurya’s court by the Greek ruler Seleucus Nicator. During his stay in the capital patliputra, he recorded his impressions about India in this book.
33. Which of the following was the chief collector of revenue in the Mauryan empire?
[A] Samnidhatri
[B] Samaharta
[C] Samahartri
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Samahartri]
Notes:
In the Mauryan administration among all the executive officials, Samahartri who was the chief collector of revenue was the most important. His responsibility involved maintaining accounts and collection of taxes from different sources.
34. Which of the following term was used for tenant during the Mauryan peiod?
[A] kshetrika
[B] Upasava
[C] Hiranya
[D] Agranomoi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Upasava]
Notes:
During the Mauryan period the notion of private property of Kshetra emerged and got established during this time. The kshetrika was the land-owner and was distinguished from the upasava (tenant).
35. Which of the following kings was the last ruler of the Kushana empire?
[A] Kadphises I
[B] Ashvagosha
[C] Vasudeva II
[D] Vima Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vasudeva II]
Notes:
Kushan dynasty was founded by Kujula Kadphises or Kadphises I in the first century CE. Kanishka was the most famous of the Kushan kings and Vasudeva II was the last Kushan emperor who ruled from 275 CE–300 CE.
36. Which of the following founded the Nalanda University?
[A] Kumargupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Skandagupta
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumargupta]
Notes:
Kumargupta founded the Nalanda University which is near the present day Patna. He was a worshipper of lord Karttikeya, the son of Lord Shiva. He was challenged by Pushyamitras during his reign.
37. During which of the following period, social and economic status of the Shudras improved?
[A] Maurya empire
[B] Gupta Empire
[C] Magadha Empire
[D] Kushana Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta Empire]
Notes:
The social and economic status of Shudras improved during the Gupta period. During the Gupta period, Shudras were allowed to listen to the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas. They were also allowed to perform certain rituals.
38. Trade between the different parts of India during the Gupta period included which of the following articles?
1. Pepper
2. Sandalwood
3. Coral
4. Saffron
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
During the Gupta period local trade was mostly confined to the articles of daily use whereas trade between different parts of India was usually for valuable and luxury commodities which included pepper, sandalwood, coral, musk, saffron, yak’s tail, elephants, horses, gold, copper, iron and mica.
39. Which of the following is correct with respect to gold coins issued by Gupta empire?
1. They were useful only for big transactions.
2. Chandragupta-Kumaradevi type of gold coins were the earliest gold coins of the dynasty.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
The gold coins issued by Gupta empire were useful only for big transactions such as the sale and purchase of land. Chandragupta-Kumaradevi type of gold coins were the earliest gold coins of the dynasty.
40. 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.
