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. India imported which of the following from Ceylon during the Gupta period?
1. Pearls
2. Silver
3. Textiles
4. Spices
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:
India had close commercial relations with Ceylon during the Gupta period. Ceylon imported a variety of commodities from India like textiles, spices, sandalwood, musk, castor oil, horses and elephants. India also imported from Ceylon for example, pearls and silver.
32. Which of the following areas of modern India were in the direct control of Harsha?
- Rajasthan
- Punjab
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
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:
Harsha’s authority was limited to parts of Northern India excluding Kashmir. Some of the areas like Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha were in the direct control of Harsha.
33. Which of the statements are correct with respect to administration during the time of Harsha?
1. The administration had become feudal.
2. There was more decentralization.
3. Army was larger in size than Mauryans.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The administration during the time of Harsha had become feudal. There was more decentralization. Army was larger in size than Mauryans. Also land grants continued to be made to priests.
34. Which of the following was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana?
[A] Prabhakar Vardhana
[B] Harsha Vardhana
[C] Rajya Vardhana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prabhakar Vardhana]
Notes:
The Pushyabhuti dynasty came into prominence with the accession of Prabhakar Vardhana. Prabhakar Vardhana was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana.
35. Which of the following defeated Shashanka and extended his control over parts of Kongoda in Orissa?
[A] Rajya Vardhana
[B] Prabhakar Vardhana
[C] Grahavarman
[D] Harsha Vardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Harsha Vardhana]
Notes:
Rajyavardhan was unfortunately killed by Shashanka (the king of Gauda), who also cut the Bodhi tree and occupied Kannauj. Later, Harshavardhan defeated Shashanka and extended his control over parts of Kongoda in Orissa.
36. Which of the following was called as the forest guards during the Harsha’s administration?
[A] Vanapalas
[B] Sarva-palli-patti
[C] Chandalas
[D] Mahasamanta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vanapalas]
Notes:
The Brahmanas and Kshatriyas were reported to lead a simple life during the Harsh’s administration. The status of Shudras improved. They were now allowed to pursue agriculture. The forest guards were known as the Vanapalas.
37. The second branch of Kadambas formed after the death of Kakusthavarman, ruled from which of the following places?
[A] Banavasi
[B] Triparvata
[C] Badami
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Triparvata]
Notes:
The Kadamba family split into two branches after the death of Kakusthavarman,. One of the branches continued to rule from the earlier capital Banavasi and the other branch ruled from Triparvata.
38. Which of the following is the most popular and well known Tantric text?
[A] Mahaniryana Tantra
[B] Hevajra Tantra
[C] Vajrapatala Tantra
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahaniryana Tantra]
Notes:
Mahaniryana Tantra is one of the most popular and well known Tantric texts. The text deals with Brahaman which, according to the Saktas, is nothing but Sakti. Sakti is eternal dynamic source of all things.
39. Kailashnatha temple is located at which of the following places?
[A] Tanjore
[B] Kanchipuram
[C] Pattadakal
[D] Sravan Belgola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanchipuram]
Notes:
The temple architecture in the south reached its climax under the rule of the Chola empire. A fine example of Dravida style architecture is the 8th-century temple of Kailashnatha at Kanchipuram.
40. Tolkappiyam was written by which of the following?
[A] Tiruvalluvar
[B] Tolkappiyar
[C] Senguttuvan
[D] Sattanar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tolkappiyar]
Notes:
Tolkappiyam is the most ancient book on Tamil grammar. It is the oldest surviving work of Tamil literature. It is also a part of the corpus of Sangam Literature.
