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 ‘Elephant’ as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Departure of Siddhartha
[B] Purity and Fecundity
[C] Pride and Courage
[D] Buddha\’s conception
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Buddha\’s conception]
Notes:
Ashoka was a patron of Buddhism therefore he used many symbols that are relevant in Buddhism as motifs in the Ashokan pillar. According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha entered his mother’s womb in the form of a white elephant.
32. Which of the following refers to tax paid only in cash during the Mauryan period?
[A] Bhaga
[B] Bali
[C] Hiranya
[D] Kara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hiranya]
Notes:
The bali which means land tax was the main item of revenue and was levied at the rate of one-sixth of the produce during the Mauryan period. Peasants had to pay many other taxes like Pindakara which was assessed on groups of villages , Hiranya which was to be paid only in cash , Kara was levied on fruits and flower gardens etc., but the exact nature of all of them is still not very clear.
33. On which of the following, the new material culture of the Gangetic basin was based?
[A] Use of Iron
[B] Use of copper
[C] Use of tin
[D] Use of bronze
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Use of Iron]
Notes:
In the Mauryan period we can see that the material culture rapidly developed in the Gangetic plains. The new material culture which developed in the Gangetic valley revolved around the use of iron and iron implements.
34. Which of the following invaded India around 190 BCE?
[A] Menander
[B] Hermaius
[C] Demetrius
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Demetrius]
Notes:
Demetrius who was the King of Bactria invaded India around 190 BCE. He also came into conflict with Pushyamitra Shunga. He conquered a huge part of the Mauryan empire.
35. The achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were described and eulogised after his death in which of the following inscriptions?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Naneghat Inscription
[C] Nashik Inscription
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nashik Inscription]
Notes:
The achievements of Satavahana King Gautamiputra Satkarniare were described and eulogised after his death, during his son Pulumayi II’s reign, in a Nashik Inscription of his mother Gautami Balashri. The inscription is written in Prakrit.
36. Which of the following married the daughter of Rudradaman I?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Simuka
[C] Vashishthiputra Pulumayi
[D] Yajna Sri Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vashishthiputra Pulumayi]
Notes:
According to the Junagadh Inscription Vashishthiputra Pulumayi married the daughter of Rudradaman I. The coins of Vashishthiputra Pulumayi were found in the various parts of Andhra.
37. Which of the following rulers of the Kushan period adopted the title ‘Devputra’?
[A] Kadphises I
[B] Vima Kadphises
[C] Kanishka
[D] Vasudeva II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka I or Kanishka the Great, was the most famous king of the Kushana Empire. He ruled the Kushan dynasty in the second century. He adopted the title ‘Devputra’ and has been shown wearing a ‘peaked helmet’ on some of his coins.
38. 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.
39. Dharmapala was challenged by which of the following Pratihara rulers?
[A] Nagabhata I
[B] Vatsaraja
[C] Nagabhata II
[D] Bhoja II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nagabhata II]
Notes:
Dharmapala was challenged by Nagabhata II, the Pratihara ruler. Nagabhatta II conquered Kanauj and drove away Chakrayudha. As Chakrayudha was the puppet ruler of Dharmapala, a war between Nagabhata II and Dharmapala became inevitable.
40. Which of the following were employed for the execution of criminals?
[A] Kshtriyas
[B] Vaishyas
[C] Shudras
[D] Chandalas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chandalas]
Notes:
During the early medieval period the Chandalas were employed for the execution of criminals. The Chandalas lived outside the village. They were not allowed to touch others. There was a serious crisis in the social order during that period.
