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 Divyavadana, Bindusara wanted which of the following to succeed him?
[A] Susima
[B] Ashoka
[C] Tissa
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Susima]
Notes:
There was a four year succession conflict after the death of Bindusara in 273 BCE. According to Divyavadana, Bindusara
wanted his elder son Susima to succeed him. But Bindusara’s ministers wanted Ashoka to succeed.
32. What was the name of Ashoka’s mother?
[A] Mahadevi
[B] Yashoda
[C] Subhadrangi
[D] Sanghamitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Subhadrangi]
Notes:
Ashokavadana which is a Buddhist text mentions that Ashoka’s mother was daughter of a Brahmana of Champa named Subhadrangi. It is believed that Ashoka got his name from the fact that his birth resulted in the reunion of his mother and father.
33. 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).
34. The earliest Satavahana inscriptions belong to which of the following centuries?
[A] 1st century BCE
[B] 2nd century BCE
[C] 3rd century BCE
[D] 4th century BCE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1st century BCE]
Notes:
The earliest Satavahana inscriptions belong to the 1st century BCE. In the 1st century BCE the Satavahana defeated the Kanvas and established their rule over parts of central India.
35. Which of the following kings is glorified in the Bhitari pillar inscription?
[A] Chandragupta – I
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta II
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Skandagupta]
Notes:
The Bhitari pillar inscription of Skandagupta dates to the reign of Gupta empire ruler Skandagupta. In Bhitari pillar inscription, Skandagupta is glorified as a person who subdued the earth and became merciful to the conquered people.
36. Trade between the different parts of India during the Gupta period included which of the following articles?
1. Pepper
2. Sandalwood
3. Coral
4. Saffron
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
During the Gupta period local trade was mostly confined to the articles of daily use whereas trade between different parts of India was usually for valuable and luxury commodities which included pepper, sandalwood, coral, musk, saffron, yak’s tail, elephants, horses, gold, copper, iron and mica.
37. which of the following kings was the most important ruler of the Maitrakas?
[A] Dhruvasena I
[B] Dhruvasena II
[C] Advaita Varmana
[D] Ishanavarmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dhruvasena II]
Notes:
Dhruvasena II was the most important ruler of the Maitrakas, who was a contemporary of Harsha Vardhana and was married to his daughter. He was well versed in grammar and the science of polity.
38. Which of the following kings was defeated by Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva?
[A] Vatsaraja
[B] Harichandra
[C] Nagabhatta II
[D] Nagabhatta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nagabhatta I]
Notes:
Nagabhata I ruled from 730C.E. to 760 C.E. from the Avanti (or Malava) region in present-day Madhya Pradesh, from his capital at Ujjain. He expanded his kingdom towards the areas of Malwa, Rajputana, and Gujarat. He was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva.
39. Which of the following founded their rule in the northern Karnataka and the Konkan in fourth century A.D.?
[A] Vakatakas
[B] Ikshavakus
[C] Kadambas
[D] Kalabhras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kadambas]
Notes:
The Kadambas was an ancient royal family of Karnataka that founded their rule in the northern Karnataka and the Konkan in fourth century A.D. The Pallavas also came into conflict with Kadambas.
40. Hiranya refers to which of the following form of tax during early medieval India?
[A] Fine realized for 10 offences committed by the villagers.
[B] A lumpsum assessment in cash upon villages as distinguished from the grain share of the king assessed upon the individual cultivators.
[C] A periodical tax levied primarily upon agricultural land over and above the king\’s normal share of the grain.
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A lumpsum assessment in cash upon villages as distinguished from the grain share of the king assessed upon the individual cultivators. ]
Notes:
Hiranya during the medieval times referred to lumpsum assessment in cash upon villages as distinguished from the grain share of the king assessed upon the individual cultivators.
