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 statements are correct regarding Ashokan pillar edicts?
1. They were well-polished sandstone monolithic pillars.
2. Each was surmounted with a finely sculpted animal capital.
3. They were largely confined to the Ganges plain.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Some of the features of Ashokan pillar edicts are as follows:
1. They were well-polished sandstone monolithic pillars.
2. Each was surmounted with a finely sculpted animal capital.
3. They were largely confined to the Ganges plain
32. Who were the Sthanikas?
[A] They collected taxes
[B] They sold liqor
[C] They were traders
[D] Head of a village
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [They collected taxes]
Notes:
The districts in the Mauryan empire were divided into groups of 5 or 10 villages which was headed by Sthanikas. The Sthanikas collected taxes and were assisted by Gopas (who maintained proper records and accounts).
33. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to Mauryan society?
1. There was no improvement in the social status of Vaishyas or trading communities and Shudras.
2. This period saw an increase in the number of untouchables.
3. There is mention of Varna or Sati in the Ashokan edicts.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
During the Mauryan period there was some improvement in the social status of Vaishyas or trading communities and Shudras also. This period saw an increase in the number of untouchables. We find no mention of either Varna or Sati in the Ashokan edicts.
34. Which of the following were the first to issue gold coins?
[A] Shakas
[B] Kushans
[C] Indo-Greeks
[D] Parthians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The Indo-Greeks were the first to issue gold coins. Much of the lineage of Indo-Greeks is determined on the basis of excavated coins which include coins of sliver, copper, and nickel as well.
35. The earliest Satavahana inscriptions belong to which of the following centuries?
[A] 1st century BCE
[B] 2nd century BCE
[C] 3rd century BCE
[D] 4th century BCE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1st century BCE]
Notes:
The earliest Satavahana inscriptions belong to the 1st century BCE. In the 1st century BCE the Satavahana defeated the Kanvas and established their rule over parts of central India.
36. In which of the following period the civil and criminal laws were clearly demarcated?
[A] Kushans period
[B] Shunga Period
[C] Mauryan Period
[D] Gupta period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gupta period]
Notes:
The judicial system during the Gupta period was far more developed than in earlier times. For the first time, civil and criminal laws were clearly demarcated. Disputes regarding the various types of property formed the body of civil law whereas theft and adultery were subjects treated under criminal law.
37. 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.
38. Which of the following is a poem describing the cycle of seasons?
[A] Ritusamhara
[B] Raghuvamsha
[C] Kumarasambhavam
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ritusamhara]
Notes:
Ritusamhara is a poem written by Kalidasa describing the cycle of seasons whereas Kumarasambhavam is a story about the birth of Shiva and Parvati’s son and also Raghuvamsha depicts Vishnu as the origin and the end of the universe.
39. Agrahara Grants were given to which of the following?
[A] Brahmins
[B] Kshtriyas
[C] Vaishyas
[D] Shudras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahmins]
Notes:
During the Gupta period the Agrahara grants were restricted to Brahmins only. These grants were meant to be perpetual, hereditary and tax free, accompanied with the assignment of all land revenue.
40. As per Husan Tsang the revenue of Harsha was divided into which of the following?
1. Expenditure for King
2. Expenditure for scholars
3. Expenditure for endowment of officials and public servants
4. Expenditure for religious purposes
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: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
As per Husan Tsang the revenue of Harsha was divided into 4 groups:
1. Expenditure for King
2. Expenditure for scholars
3. Expenditure for endowment of officials and public servants
4. Expenditure for religious purposes
