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 was the official language of the Satavahanas?
[A] Sanskrit
[B] Prakrit
[C] Persian
[D] Pali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prakrit]
Notes:
Prakrit was the official language of the Satavahanas. One of the famous Prakrit texts, which was composed during this time was Gathasattasai. It is attributed to a Satavahana king called Hala. It consists of 700 verses all written in Prakrit.
32. Which of the following is referred to as Chandragupta Vikramaditya?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandragupta II]
Notes:
Gupta empire reached the peak of its terrtorial expansion during the reign of Chandragupta II. He is also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya. He extended the limits of the Gupta empire by conquests and marital alliances with other
royal dynasties of that period.
33. 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.
34. Which of the following are certain specific terms of land tenure used during Gupta period?
1. Nivi dharma
2. Nivi dharma aksayana
3. Aprada dharma
4. Bhumichchhidrallyaya
Select the correct options from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
Some of the specific terms of land tenure used during Gupta period are as follows:
1. Nivi dharma
2. Nivi dharma aksayana
3. Aprada dharma
4. Bhumichchhidrallyaya
35. Which of the following point towards considerable volume of trade between the Byzantine empire and India during the Gupta period?
1. Byzantine gold coins discovered in southern, eastern and western parts of India.
2. In his law digest, Justinian gave a long list of imports from India.
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:
There was considerable volume of trade between the Byzantine empire and India during the Gupta period as reeflected by Byzantine gold coins discovered in southern, eastern and western parts of India. Also in his law digest, Justinian gave a long list of imports from India.
36. Which of the following kings composed a Prakrit kavya glorifying Rama?
[A] Prithvisena I
[B] Narendrasena
[C] Rudrasena II
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pravarasena II]
Notes:
Pravarasena II is credited with the founding of a new capital at Pravarapura. Even though he was a devotee of Shiva like his grandfather, he composed a Prakrit kavya glorifying Rama, the Setubandha/Ravanavaha, in which he described about Rama’s journey to Lanka and his victory over Ravana.
37. Which of the following kings was the successor of Ishanavarmana?
[A] Sarvavarmana
[B] Grahavarmana
[C] Avanti Varmana
[D] Advaita Varmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sarvavarmana]
Notes:
Sarvavarmana who ruled the Maukharies probably from 560 CE to 585 CE was the son of Ishanavarmana, the most famous ruler of the Maukharies. He succeeded the throne after the death of Ishanavarmana.
38. 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.
39. Which of the following were under the direct control of Dharmapala?
1. Bengal
2. Bihar
3. Kannauj
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: B [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
Bengal and Bihar both were directly under the control of Dharmapala. The kingdom of Kanauj was subordinate to him. The rulers of other areas like Punjab, Rajputana, Malva and Berar acknowledged him as their overlord and also paid him homage.
40. Which of the following dominated the early medieval period?
1. Saivism
2. Vaishnavism
3. Buddhism
4. Jainism
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
During the medieval period Saivism and Vaishnavism dominated the field. Both Buddhism and Jainism were still followed but were isolated to some groups. They were fast losing their ground except in restricted areas.
