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. Who among the following scholars mentioned Chandragupta Maurya as Sandrocottos?
[A] Kautilya
[B] William Jones
[C] Panini
[D] Seleucus Nicator
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [William Jones]
Notes:
Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler who tried to consolidate small fragmented kingdoms and combined them to form the first empire of the Indian subcontinent. He was also Called Sandrocottus by the Greek scholar William Jones.
32. What does the use of lion as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Pride and Courage
[B] Ashoka
[C] Buddha
[D] Departure of Siddhartha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Buddha]
Notes:
Lion was one of the motifs used in Ashokan pillars. Lion is a solar symbol and it also represents the Buddha, as he is referred to as Sakyasimha which also means a lion among the Sakyas.
33. In which of the following places the largest number of terracottas were manufactured during the post-Mauryan period?
[A] Rameshwaram
[B] Velleshwaram
[C] Madhurai
[D] Bhimbhetka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Velleshwaram]
Notes:
In the post-Mauryan period, beautiful pieces of terracotta produced in profuse quantities. The largest number of terracotta and moulds were manufactured at Velleshwaram in the Nalgonda district of Telangana. The terracotta figures were mostly meant for the use of upper classes in towns.
34. The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of which of the following Indo-Greek ruler?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Hermaius
[C] Darius
[D] Milinda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Milinda]
Notes:
The period between 165 BCE – 145 BCE is associated with the rule of Menander /Milinda/Minedra. The empire of Menander extended over parts of both Bactria and northwestern India.
35. 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.
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. Which of the following Vakataka king took the title of Samrat?
[A] Pravarasena
[B] Vindhyashakti
[C] Prithvisena
[D] Rudrasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pravarasena]
Notes:
Pravarasena was the second ruler of the Vakataka Dynasty. He performed an asvamedha sacrifice and a vajapeya sacrifice. He was the only Vakataka king who took the title of Samrat.
38. Which of the following rulers is considered as the last ruler of the Maukharies?
[A] Ishanavarmana
[B] Grahavarmana
[C] Sarvavarmana
[D] Advaita Varmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Grahavarmana]
Notes:
The Maukharies were contemporary to the imperial Guptas. Grahavarmana is considered as the last King of the Maukharies. He was killed by the king Deva Gupta of the later Gupta lineage. Gradually the Maukhari family disappeared into obscurity
39. Which of the following was called as the forest guards during the Harsha’s administration?
[A] Vanapalas
[B] Sarva-palli-patti
[C] Chandalas
[D] Mahasamanta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vanapalas]
Notes:
The Brahmanas and Kshatriyas were reported to lead a simple life during the Harsh’s administration. The status of Shudras improved. They were now allowed to pursue agriculture. The forest guards were known as the Vanapalas.
40. Which of the following kings founded the Pratihara dynasty?
[A] Vatsaraja
[B] Harichandra
[C] Nagabhatta I
[D] Nagabhatta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Harichandra]
Notes:
The Pratiharas were also known as the Gurjara?Pratiharas. They originated from the Gurjaras who were primarily pastoralists and fighters. The dynasty was founded by Harichandra in and around Jodhpur in southwestern Rajasthan.
