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. The achievements of Samudragupta are recorded in which of the following inscriptions?
[A] Topra pillar inscription
[B] Rummendei inscription
[C] Junagarh inscription
[D] Allahabad pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Allahabad pillar inscription]
Notes:
The achievements of Samudragupta are recorded in a long inscription (an eulogy) engraved on the Allahabad pillar also called the Prayagaprashasti. The surface of the pillar also contains inscriptions of Ashoka and later, the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
32. Which of the following Dharmashastra were composed during the Gupta period?
1) Yajnavalkya
2) Katyayana
3) Narada
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
The Gupta period is considered as the Golden Age of art and literature in ancient India. During the Gupta period, Several Dharam Shastras such as Yajnavalkya, Narada, Katyayana, and Brihaspati Smritis were composed.
33. Which of the following inscriptions mentions that Harsha defeated the Vallabhi king, Dhruvasena II?
[A] Sohgaura copper plate inscription
[B] Nausasi copper plate inscription
[C] Kadamba copper plate inscription
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nausasi copper plate inscription]
Notes:
Harsha emerged victorious against the ruler of Sindh in the north west. He also defeated the Vallabhi king, Dhruvasena II, as mentioned in the Nausasi copper plate inscription. However, Harsha was defeated by Chalukyan king Pulkesin II.
34. Which of the following was the founder of Kadamba dynasty?
[A] Vidhyashakti
[B] Mayursharman
[C] Kakusthavarma
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mayursharman]
Notes:
The Kadamba dynasty was founded by Mayurasharman. Mayurasharman defeated the Pallavas with the help of forest tribes. The Pallavas formally presented Mayurasharman with royal insignia to give recognition to his authority.
35. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to Tantricism?
1. Tantra form of worship is open to women and Sudras.
2. This cult was popular with the lower castes only.
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: A [Only 1]
Notes:
Tantricism became popular around 5th or 6th century. Tantra form of worship is open to women and Sudras also. This cult was popular with both the higher castes and the lower castes during that time.
36. At which of the following places, Jain and Brahmanical (Saiva and Vaishnava) temples were erected in the typical Aryavarta style in medieval India?
[A] Mathura
[B] Ujjain
[C] Kashi
[D] Khajuraho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Khajuraho]
Notes:
The period from 600 A.D. to 1000 A.D. was the golden era of religious architecture. The Hindu monarchs competed with one another in the magnificence and number of their temples. At Khajuraho, Jain and Brahmanical (Saiva and Vaishnava) temples were erected in the typical Aryavarta style.
37. Which of the following kings wrote Prashnottara Ratnamalika?
[A] Govind III
[B] Dantidurga
[C] Dhruva
[D] Amoghavarsha I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Amoghavarsha I]
Notes:
Amoghavarsha who ruled the Rashtrakuta empire from 814 A.D. to 878 A.D was an accomplished poet and scholar. He wrote Prashnottara Ratnamalika in the Sanskrit language, which is considered as a writing of high merit and was later translated into the Tibetan language.
38. Which of the following kings is also considered as “the Ashoka of the South”?
[A] Amoghvarsha I
[B] Dhruva
[C] Dantidurga
[D] Govind III
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Amoghvarsha I]
Notes:
Because of the religious temperament of king Amoghavarsha I and his interest in the arts and literature, he is often compared to emperor Ashoka and called “Ashoka of the South”. He is also compared to Gupta king Vikramaditya.
39. Somesvara I established his capital at which of the following places?
[A] Manyakheta
[B] Kalyanpura
[C] Badami
[D] Kanchi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalyanpura]
Notes:
The Later Chalukyan King Somesvara I came to the throne in 1042 AD. He gave up Manyakheta as his capital and established Kalyanpura of Kalyana as his new capital. His struggle with the Chola empire continued.
40. ‘Nattar’ refers to which of the following?
[A] Province
[B] District
[C] Assembly
[D] Guilds
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Assembly]
Notes:
Nadus or district in the Chola administration were also known as agricultural land whereas ‘nattar’ refers to the assembly of the leading men of a Nadu or district.
