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 kings started the Shaka era?
[A] Kadphises I
[B] Kanishka
[C] Vima Kadphises
[D] Vasudeva II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka, who was the third ruler of the Kushana empire believed to have started the shaka era. He ascended the throne in 78 AD, and this date is used as the beginning of the Saka calendar era. It is now used by the Government of India for its calendar.
32. 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.
33. Which of the following kings extended the Vakataka empire southwards into Vidarbha?
[A] Vindhyashakti
[B] Prithvisena
[C] Pravarasena
[D] Rudrasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pravarasena]
Notes:
Pravarasena was Vindhayasakti’s son and successor of the Vakataka Empire. He conducted wars with the Naga kings. He extended the Vakataka empire southwards into Vidarbha and adjoining areas of the Deccan.
34. The southward march of Harsha was stopped by which of the following Chalukyan Kings?
[A] Pulakeshin
[B] Pulakeshin II
[C] Kirtivarman
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pulakeshin]
Notes:
The southward march of Harshavardhan was stopped by the Chalukyan King Pulakeshin. Pulakeshin ruled over a great part of the modern Karnataka and the state of Maharashtra. He also faced opposition from Shaivite King Shashanka of Gauda.
35. Which of the following was the year of accession of Harsha Vardhana?
[A] 606 CE
[B] 608 CE
[C] 610 CE
[D] 612 CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [606 CE]
Notes:
During the time of Harsha some of the subordinate rulers had titles such as samanta and raja. They used the Harsha era of 606 CE. 606 CE was the year when Harsha Vardhana ascended the throne.
36. Which of the following kings succeeded Avantivarman?
[A] Sankar-varman
[B] Jayasimha
[C] Vajrayudha
[D] Yashovardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sankar-varman]
Notes:
The king Avantivarman was succeeded by the king Sankar-varman who ruled from 883 to 902 AD. He distinguished himself in war. The treasures of many temples were plundered during the reign of this king.
37. The Kadamba King Mayurasharma ruled from Banavasi during which of the following periods?
[A] A.D. 330 to 345
[B] A.D. 335 to 355
[C] A.D. 345 to 365
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [A.D. 345 to 365]
Notes:
Mayurasharma was the founder of Kadamba dynasty. The Mayurasharma ruled from Banavasi from A.D. 345 to 365. He was the most powerful king and administrator of the Kadamba dynasty.
38. Which of the following dominated the early medieval period?
1. Saivism
2. Vaishnavism
3. Buddhism
4. Jainism
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:
During the medieval period Saivism and Vaishnavism dominated the field. Both Buddhism and Jainism were still followed but were isolated to some groups. They were fast losing their ground except in restricted areas.
39. Kandarya Mahadeva temple was constructed during which of the following period?
[A] 6th century AD
[B] 7th century AD
[C] 9th century AD
[D] 10th century AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [10th century AD]
Notes:
There are many Siva temples at Khajuraho. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple which was constructed in the 10th century AD. It is considered as one of the best examples of temples from the medieval period in India.
40. Which of the following authors wrote Kadambarikathasara?
[A] Rajanaka Ratnakar
[B] Jinasena
[C] Sanmitracharita
[D] Abhinanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Abhinanda]
Notes:
Abhinanda was a Sanskrit scholar and poet. He was the son of Jayantabhatta. He was the court poet of Shankaravarma, king of Kashmir. He wrote the famous Kadambarikathasara in the ninth century AD.
