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 north-western capital of the Mauryan empire?
[A] Suvarnagiri
[B] Tosali
[C] Ujjain
[D] Taxila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Taxila]
Notes:
The Magadha province of the Mauryan empire had its capital at Pataliputra. However the Mauryan Empire was further divided into four other provinces, with capitals at Taxila (north-western India), Suvarnagiri (southern India), Tosali (eastern India), and Ujjain (western India).
32. Indo-Greeks invaded India in which of the following century?
[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:
After the death of Ashoka, the successors of Ashoka were too weak to hold ground. Therefore a series of invasions on the
north-western border of India started. In the beginning of the 2nd century BCE, the Indo-Greeks were the first to invade the Indian subcontinent.
33. Which of the following issued the first ever long inscription in chaste sanskrit?
[A] Rudradaman I
[B] Azes
[C] Kanishka
[D] Gondophernes
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Correct Answer: A [Rudradaman I]
Notes:
Rudradaman I issued the first ever long inscription in chaste sanskrit. Rudradaman I ruled from AD 130 to 150. He ruled over Sindh including parts of Gujarat, Konkan, Narmada valley, Malwa and Kathiawar.
34. Which of the following started the Gupta era?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Skandagupta
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Correct Answer: A [Chandragupta I]
Notes:
The Gupta King Chandragupta I started the Gupta era in 319?20 CE, which presumably marks his accession date. He was the first Gupta King to assume the title of Maharajadhiraja.
35. Which of the following kings was the son of Prithvisena I?
[A] Prithvisena II
[B] Rudrasena II
[C] Rudrasena I
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rudrasena II]
Notes:
Rudrasena II was the grandson of founder of the Vakataka Nandivardhana branch Rudrasena I, and son of Prithvisena. He ruled only for a period of five years and died prematurely, leaving behind three minor sons Divakarasena, Damodarasena, and Pravarasena.
36. Which of the following is associated with the rule of Harsha Vardhana?
[A] c. 580-590 CE
[B] c. 595-606 CE
[C] c. 606-647 CE
[D] c. 647-665 CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [c. 606-647 CE]
Notes:
Harsha Vardhana ruled from c. 606 to 647 CE. Hsuan Tsang visited India during his time in the 7th century AD and stayed for about fifteen years. Harsha’s authority was limited to north India excluding Kashmir.
37. Which of the following was the author of Si-Yu-Ki?
[A] Fa-Hein
[B] Hsuan Tsang
[C] I-tsing
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hsuan Tsang]
Notes:
The Chinese pilgrim Hsuan Tsang visited India during the time of Harsha. He is also known as the Prince of Travelers and is the author of Si-Yu-Ki. He visited India during 629–644 CE.
38. Which of the following Buddhist writer, was patronised by Dharmapala?
[A] Ashvagosha
[B] Nagarjuna
[C] Haribhadra
[D] Vasumitra
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Correct Answer: C [Haribhadra]
Notes:
Dharmapala founded a splendid monetary at Odantapuri in Bihar. Haribhadra who was a Buddhist writer, was patronised by Dharmapala. Dharmapala was great both in arts of peace and war.
39. Which of the following kings revived the Nalanda monastery?
[A] Gopala
[B] Upasaka
[C] Dharamapala
[D] Sarvajnamitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gopala ]
Notes:
Buddhism enjoyed the royal patronage during the long rule of the Pala kings. the rule of Pala kings extended over nearly four centuries in Bihar and Bengal. Gopala was the founder of the royal dynasty of the Palas. He was a patron of Buddhism. He revived the Nalanda monastery.
40. Which of the following Buddhist king made a grant in favor of Shiv Bhattaraka?
[A] Gopala
[B] Narayanapala
[C] Ashoka
[D] Mahendrapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Narayanapala]
Notes:
Narayanapala was the sixth emperor of the Pala dynasty of the Indian subcontinent who ascended the throne after Vigrahapala I. Narayanapala was a patron of Buddhism still he made a grant in favor of Shiv Bhattaraka.
