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. The most common materials used for the Harappan stone sculptures are:
[A] Hard sandstone
[B] Grey stone
[C] White marble
[D] Steatite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [White marble]
Notes:
Soft limestone and white marble were the most abundantly used raw materials for crafting the excavated stone sculptures of Harappan civilization. Artisans shaped and engraved steatite, serpentine, and terracotta as well. The statuettes portray deities, priests, dancers, mortals, animals both real and mythical like unicorns. Grey sandstone was used for the important early seals while copper smelting produced bronze images.
32. Which of the following is the the largest Indus site?
[A] Harappa
[B] Chanhudaro
[C] Mohenjodaro
[D] Rangpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mohenjodaro]
Notes:
Extending around 300 hectares at its peak, Mohenjo-daro located near the banks of the Indus river in Larkana district, Sindh, stands out as one of the largest and most complex Harappan city demonstrating advanced town planning, architecture and infrastructure. It remained an important settlement for over 700 years as a regional capital.
33. Who was the King of Vajji mahajanapada?
[A] Prasenjit
[B] Shishupala
[C] Chetaka
[D] Udayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chetaka]
Notes:
Chetaka was the king of Vajji mahajanapada. The capital of Vajji was Vaishali. The Vajjis were defeated by Ajajshatru. They were assimilated in the Magadha empire by Ajatshatru.
34. Which of the following was the contemporary of both Buddha and Mahavira?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chadragupta Maurya
[D] Bindusara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bimbisara]
Notes:
Bimbisara was a contemporary of both Buddha and Mahavira. He paid equal respect to them. He made Magadha the paramount power through his conquests and diplomacy. Bimbisara belonged to Haryanka dynasty.
35. Soul and sin are featured in which of the following pillar edicts?
[A] Second Pillar Edict
[B] Third Pillar Edict
[C] Fourth Pillar Edict
[D] Fifth Pillar Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Third Pillar Edict]
Notes:
Second Pillar Edict of Ashoka describes dhamma as consisting of least amount of sin, performing virtuous deeds, having compassion, purity, and truthfulness. Whereas the Third Pillar Edict talks about soul and sin.
36. Which of the following term was used for tenant during the Mauryan peiod?
[A] kshetrika
[B] Upasava
[C] Hiranya
[D] Agranomoi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Upasava]
Notes:
During the Mauryan period the notion of private property of Kshetra emerged and got established during this time. The kshetrika was the land-owner and was distinguished from the upasava (tenant).
37. Ramagupta was the son of which of the following kings?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Kumargupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Samudragupta]
Notes:
Ramgupta was the elder son of Samudragupta. Samudragupta was succeeded by Ramagupta according to some legends, but Chandragupta II killed him. It is also believed that during the tenure of Ramagupta, the Gupta empire was invaded by a powerful Shaka kin.
38. 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.
39. Which of the following Pala ruler was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devapala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Mahipala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dharmapala]
Notes:
The second Pala ruler Dharmapala initially suffered defeats at the hands of the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas. He was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva. However, later Dharmapala conquered large parts of northern India.
40. In the early medieval India, which of the following refers to tax levied upon the whole village?
[A] Bhoga
[B] Kara
[C] Hiranya
[D] Pindka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pindka]
Notes:
The land-grants of the early medieval period mention Bhaga, Bhoga, Kara and Hiranya as the chief sources of revenue to the donees. Pindaka was a tax which was levied upon the whole village.
