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. Who were Pativedakas and Pulisani in the Mauryan administration?
[A] They functioned as special reporters of the Amatya
[B] They functioned as special reporters of the Chanakya
[C] They functioned as special reporters of the king
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They functioned as special reporters of the king]
Notes:
In the Arthashastra of Kautilya there is mention of Pativedakas and Pulisani who functioned as special reporters of the King. They kept the King informed of public opinion.
32. Which of the following committees was in charge of tax collection in the administrative system of the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Shangha Committee
[B] Samaharta Committee
[C] Mahajanapada Committee
[D] Prajapati Committee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samaharta Committee]
Notes:
The Samaharta Committee was in charge of tax collection in the Mauryan Empire. The grand administrative system of the Mauryan Empire had various committees for different tasks. Samaharta was the chief tax collector, and the tax system had a huge impact on the grand economy of the empire and influenced the common people’s lives as well.
33. Which of the following Buddhist scholars compiled Mahavibhasa?
[A] Charaka
[B] Mathara
[C] Vasumitra
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vasumitra]
Notes:
Mahavibhasa is an ancient Buddhist text. It is thought to have been authored around 150 CE by Vasumitra who was an eminent philosopher of the Kushan era. Mahavibhasa is also known as the encyclopedia of Buddhist philosophy.
34. Which of the following founded the Nalanda University?
[A] Kumargupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Skandagupta
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumargupta]
Notes:
Kumargupta founded the Nalanda University which is near the present day Patna. He was a worshipper of lord Karttikeya, the son of Lord Shiva. He was challenged by Pushyamitras during his reign.
35. Which of the following Kings entered into a matrimonial alliance with the contemporary Kadambas?
[A] Prithvisena I
[B] Rudrasena II
[C] Narendrasena
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pravarasena II]
Notes:
Pravarasena II who was the son of Rudrasena II entered into a matrimonial alliance with the contemporary Kadambas. His son Narendrasena was married to Ajihata Bhattarika, the daughter of Kakutsavarman of the Kadamba dynasty.
36. Which of the following places was the capital of the Pushyabhutis?
[A] Kannauj
[B] Thanesar
[C] Ujjain
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Thanesar]
Notes:
After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Northern India split into several kingdoms. An important ruling family to gain prominence after the fall of the Gupta was the Pushyabhutis with their capital at Thanesar.
37. Which of the following was the most famous centre of Buddhism during the time of Harsha?
[A] Nalanda
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Sanchi
[D] Lumbini
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nalanda]
Notes:
Buddhism was divided into eighteen sects during the time of Harsha. The most important centre of Buddhism during the time of Harsha was Nalanda. I-tsing visited Nalanda in 670 AD.
38. Which of the following kings was defeated by the Rashtrakuta King Indra III?
[A] Harichandra
[B] Rajyapala
[C] Mahendrapala
[D] Yashpala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mahendrapala]
Notes:
Mahendrapala who ruled from 885 C.E. to 910 C.E. was the successor of Bhoja I / Mihir Bhoja. He was defeated by the Rashtrakuta King Indra III, who completely devastated the city of Kannauj.
39. 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.
40. Which of the following kings is also considered as “the Ashoka of the South”?
[A] Amoghvarsha I
[B] Dhruva
[C] Dantidurga
[D] Govind III
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Amoghvarsha I]
Notes:
Because of the religious temperament of king Amoghavarsha I and his interest in the arts and literature, he is often compared to emperor Ashoka and called “Ashoka of the South”. He is also compared to Gupta king Vikramaditya.
