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. According to which of the following the land between Himalayas and the Narmada was divided into 16 independent states?
[A] Anguttara Nikaya
[B] Digha Nikaya
[C] Samyutta Nikaya
[D] Khuddaka Nikaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Anguttara Nikaya]
Notes:
According to the Buddhist text known as Anguttara Nikaya the land between Himalayas and Narmada was divided into 16 independent states called as the Mahajanapadas. Mahajanapadas were large territorial states in North India.
32. Buddha died during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ajatashatru
[C] Udayin
[D] Shishunaga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ajatashatru]
Notes:
Gautam Buddha died during the reign of Ajatashatru. Ajatashatru arranged the first Buddhist council after the death of Buddha. Ajatashatru (492 BCE – 460 BCE) was the son of Bimbisara.
33. Which of the following was the head of the board of war chariots in Mauryan administration?
[A] Padadhyaksha
[B] Rathadhyaksha
[C] Hastyadhyaksha
[D] Asvadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rathadhyaksha]
Notes:
In the Mauryan administration, the war office was made up of six boards, the fifth board named as the board of war chariots was headed by the rathadhyaksha who looked after the chariots. He was also responsible for giving wages to employees preparing chariots.
34. Which of the following were the main centres of textile manufacturing during the Mauryan period?
1. Varanasi
2. Mathura
3. Bengal
4. Gandhara
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 2, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
During the Mauryan period trade and urban economy received great impetus and influenced almost all parts of the empire. The main centres of textile manufacturing were Varanasi, Mathura, Bengal, Gandhara, and Ujjain.
35. Satavahanas claimed their descent from which of the following varna?
[A] Brahmana
[B] Kshtriya
[C] Vaishiya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahmana]
Notes:
The Satavahanas claimed their descent from Brahamana varna. They performed Vedic rituals and worshipped gods like Krishna, Vasudeva, as evident in the Naneghat cave inscription of Naganika of 1st century BCE.
36. Which of the following Gupta king adopted the title of Kaviraja?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Samudragupta]
Notes:
Samudragupta is depicted in his coins as a poet, a musician, and a patron of learning. He was a great patron of art and adopted the title of Kaviraja which means king among poets.
37. 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.
38. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Gupta coins?
1. The Gupta coins are well designed and meticulously crafted.
2. The coins carried aesthetically impressive depictions of the activities of the rulers.
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:
The coins of the Gupta empire are well designed and meticulously crafted. The coins carried aesthetically impressive depictions of the activities of the rulers of the Gupta empire.
39. Which of the following Vakataka king took the title of Samrat?
[A] Pravarasena
[B] Vindhyashakti
[C] Prithvisena
[D] Rudrasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pravarasena]
Notes:
Pravarasena was the second ruler of the Vakataka Dynasty. He performed an asvamedha sacrifice and a vajapeya sacrifice. He was the only Vakataka king who took the title of Samrat.
40. Which of the following Buddhist writer, was patronised by Dharmapala?
[A] Ashvagosha
[B] Nagarjuna
[C] Haribhadra
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
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.
