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. Lotus and Bull represents which of the following?
[A] Birth of Buddha
[B] Renunciation
[C] First Sermon
[D] Nirvana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Birth of Buddha]
Notes:
Buddha is usually represented in five forms which are as follows:
Lotus and Bull – Birth
Horse – Renunciation
Bodhi Tree – Mahabodhi
Dhammachakra Pravartana – First Sermon
Footprints – Nirvana
32. Who among the following wrote the Buddhacharitra?
[A] Nagarjuna
[B] Asvaghosha
[C] Dinnada
[D] Gautam Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Asvaghosha]
Notes:
Asvaghosha is the author of the Buddhacharitra. He had compiled the Buddhacharitra in the Sanskrit language. He was contemporary to Kanishka. He was also a dramatist, musician, debater, and scholar.
33. Where was the capital of the state of Koliya situated?
[A] Sunsamagiri
[B] Kushinara
[C] Ramagrama
[D] Vaisali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ramagrama]
Notes:
The Republican state of Koliya was situated to the east of the state of Sakyas. The capital of the state of Koliya was situated at Ramagrama. There was a constant fight between two states on the use of water of the river Rohini.
34. Which of the following was the most powerful and aggressive ruler of Haryanka dynasty?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ajatashatru
[C] Udayabhadra
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ajatashatru]
Notes:
Ajatashatru the son of Bimbisara was the most powerful and aggressive ruler of Haryanka dynasty. He is believed to have killed his father and seized the throne. He followed his father’s expansionist policy of military conquest.
35. What does the use of ‘Bull’ as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Purity and Fecundity
[B] Symbol of fertility
[C] Dharmachakra
[D] Departure of Siddhartha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Symbol of fertility]
Notes:
The Ashokan pillars are the most celebrated example of Mauryan art. The use of bull as a motif shows the inclination of Ashoka towards Buddhism. The bull represents fertility. The event of the birth of Buddha is also represented by Lotus and Bull.
36. Which of the following were the principal crops grown during the Mauryan period?
1) Wheat
2) Rice
3) Barley
4) Millet
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] only 1 & 2
[B] only 1, 2, & 3
[C] only 1, 2, & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:
During the Mauryan age, the mainstay of the economy was agriculture. The principal crops that were grown are as follows: various varieties of rice, barley, millet, wheat, sugarcane, and most of the pulses, peas, and oilseeds.
37. Which of the following refers to udaka-bhaga?
[A] Tax on irrigated land
[B] Tax on fertile land
[C] Tax on trade
[D] Tax on production
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tax on irrigated land]
Notes:
During the Mauryan period when the importance of irrigation was fully realised, the peasants had to pay more tax on irrigated land which was known as udaka-bhaga. It refers to water rate, and was generally levied at one-fifth to one-third of the produce.
38. Which of the following Asokan inscription makes a precise reference to taxation?
[A] Rummindei inscription
[B] Allahabad pillar inscription
[C] Barbara cave Inscription
[D] Kandhar Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rummindei inscription ]
Notes:
Ashokan Edicts in the form of Rock Edicts, Pillar Edicts, and Cave Inscriptions are found at different places in the Indian Sub-continent. The Rummindei inscription is the only Asokan inscription which makes a precise reference to taxation.
39. Which of the following married the daughter of Rudradaman I?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Simuka
[C] Vashishthiputra Pulumayi
[D] Yajna Sri Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vashishthiputra Pulumayi]
Notes:
According to the Junagadh Inscription Vashishthiputra Pulumayi married the daughter of Rudradaman I. The coins of Vashishthiputra Pulumayi were found in the various parts of Andhra.
40. Which of the following is the author of the Panchatantra?
[A] Bhasa
[B] Vishnusharman
[C] Kalidasa
[D] Vishakhadatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vishnusharman]
Notes:
Vishnusharman is the author of the Panchatantra. Panchatantra is a fine illustration of nidarshana which tells what should and should not be done. It is written in elegant prose style and is interspersed witty verses.
