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. How many members were there in the war office which took care of the administration of different branches of the army in Mauryan administration?
[A] 25
[B] 30
[C] 40
[D] 50
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [30]
Notes:
According to the Greek historian Megasthenes, the administration of different branches of the army was carried out through a War Office which comprised of 30 members. It was divided into six Boards of five members each.
32. Which of the following diplomatic posts are mentioned in the Arthashastra of Kautilya?
1. Nisriharthaduta
2. Parimitarthaduta
3. Sasanharaduta
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The following diplomatic posts are mentioned in the Arthashastra of Kautilya:
1. Nisriharthaduta (full-fledged ambassador)
2. Parimitarthaduta (could not go beyond instruction in negotiation)
3. Sasanharaduta (special messenger)
33. 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.
34. Which of the following kings defeated Subhagsena of Kabul?
[A] Antiochus II
[B] Demetrius I
[C] Apollodotus I
[D] Apollodotus II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Antiochus II]
Notes:
Antiochus II was a Greek king of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire who reigned from 261 BCE to 246 BCE. He marched towards India and defeated the India king Subhagsena of Kabul in around 206 BC.
35. Which of the following Shaka King is believed to be associated with the Vikram Samvat era of 58 BCE?
[A] Maues
[B] Azes
[C] Rudradaman I
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Azes]
Notes:
The Shaka King Azes is believed to be associated with the Vikram Samvat era of 58 BCE. It is used to mark Azes’ accession. He known to have successfully annexed the territory in northern India.
36. Which of the following tribe originated from the steppes of north Central Asia?
[A] Kanvas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kushans]
Notes:
The Kushanas were nomadic tribal people who were originally from the steppes of north Central Asia. The Kushanas first displaced the Shakas, gradually seized Gandhara, and set up their authority over the lower Indus basin and the greater part of the Gangetic basin.
37. Which of the following rulers ruled the Vakataka Nandivardhana branch after the death of Rudrasena II?
[A] Prabhavatigupta
[B] Pravarasena II
[C] Damodarasena
[D] Divakarasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prabhavatigupta]
Notes:
Rudrasena II who was the son of Prithvisena I ruled only for a period of five years and died. He left behind three minor sons Divakarasena, Damodarasena, and Pravarasena. His wife Prabhavatigupta ruled as the regent until 410 CE.
38. Pushyabhutis were originally feudatories of which of the following?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Satvahnas
[C] Guptas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Guptas]
Notes:
Pushyabhutis were originally feudatories of the Guptas. The decline of the Gupta Empire resulted in the splitting of northern India into several kingdoms. Pushyabhutis came to prominence after the fall of Gupta empire.
39. Which of the following are believed to be written by Harsha?
1. Priyadarshika
2. Ratnavali
3. Nagananda
Select the correct option form the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Harsha was a great supporter of the arts and learning. It is believed that he wrote three dramas- Priyadarshika and Ratnavali which are both romantic comedies, and Nagananda which is based on Bodhisattva Jimutavahana.
40. Which of the following kings was the last Hindu ruler of Kashmir before it came under the rule of Muslims?
[A] Jayasimha
[B] Vajrayudha
[C] Yashovardhana
[D] Avantivarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jayasimha]
Notes:
King Jayasimha who ruled from 1127 to 1155 AD was the patron of Kalhana. Kalhana was the famous historian and poet of Kashmir. In the 14th century, Kashmir passed under the rule of the Muslims.
