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. What does the use of lotus as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Purity and Fecundity
[B] Symbol of fertility
[C] Dharmachakra
[D] Faith in Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Purity and Fecundity]
Notes:
In the Ashokan pillar use of motifs can be seen. A large number of motives like lotus, lion, elephant, etc. are used. The most found motif is lotus which symbolizes Purity and Fecundity in Indian tradition.
32. Which of the following Shaka ruler repaired the Sudarshana Lake?
[A] Maues
[B] Azes
[C] Rudradaman I
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rudradaman I]
Notes:
The Shaka ruler Rudradaman I got the Sudarshana lake repaired, located in the semi arid zone of Kathiawar. Rudradaman I was a prominent ruler who belonged to the Shaka Kshatrapas of Western Indian lineage.
33. The reign of Chandragupta II began in which of the following years?
[A] 374 A.D.
[B] 375 A.D.
[C] 376 A.D.
[D] 377 A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [376 A.D.]
Notes:
The reign of Chandragupta II began in 376 A.D. and lasted till 413/15 A.D. It is believed that Chandragupta II had to kill his brother Ramagupta and marry his wife, Dhruvadevi, to safeguard the honour of the Gupta dynasty.
34. Which of the following is the writer of the play Mrichchhkatikam?
[A] Kalidas
[B] Shudraka
[C] Vishakhadatta
[D] Dandin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shudraka]
Notes:
Shudraka was the writer of the play Mrichchhkatikam which means a little clay cart. The play deals with the love affair of a poor brahmana with the beautiful daughter of a courtesan.
35. Which of the following refers to the royal share of merchandise brought into a town or harbour by merchants?
[A] Shulka
[B] Bhaga
[C] Bhoga
[D] Kara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shulka]
Notes:
Shulka during the Gupta period was a royal share of merchandise which was brought into a town or harbour by merchants. Therefore it can also be equated with the customs and tolls.
36. Which of the following kings is considered as the founder of the Vakataka empire?
[A] Pravarasena I
[B] Pravarasena II
[C] Vindhyasakti
[D] Rudrasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vindhyasakti]
Notes:
Vindhyashakti is considered as the founder of the Vakataka dynasty. The name of Vindhyasakti is also mentioned in the Puranas. His name is derived from the name of the goddess Vindhya.
37. Which of the following Pushyabhuti king was treacherously killed by Shashanka, the king of Gauda?
[A] Prabhakar Vardhana
[B] Rajya Vardhana
[C] Harsha Vardhana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajya Vardhana]
Notes:
After the death of Prabhakar Vardhan, his elder son Rajya Vardhana came to the throne. But Rajya Vardhan was treacherously killed by Shashanka who was the king of Gauda, that is, Bengal and Bihar.
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. Paramesvaravarman II was succeeded by which of the following kings?
[A] Virakurcha
[B] Dantivarman
[C] Nandivarman I
[D] Nandivarman II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nandivarman II]
Notes:
Paramesvaravarman II was succeeded by 12-year-old Nandivarman II who belonged to the collateral line of Pallavas called the Kadavas. Nandivarman II has a long reign as he ruled from 731 A.D. to 795 A.D.
40. Which of the following kings defeated Someshvara II?
[A] Kollutung
[B] Rajadhiraja
[C] Virarajendra
[D] Athirajendra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Virarajendra]
Notes:
After the death of Someshvara I, his son Someshvara II came to the Chalukyan throne in April 1068 CE. King Virarajendra Chola who ruled the Chola empire from 1063 A.D. to 1067 A.D. defeated Someshvara II.
