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 kings defeated Subhagsena of Kabul?
[A] Antiochus II
[B] Demetrius I
[C] Apollodotus I
[D] Apollodotus II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Antiochus II]
Notes:
Antiochus II was a Greek king of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire who reigned from 261 BCE to 246 BCE. He marched towards India and defeated the India king Subhagsena of Kabul in around 206 BC.
33. 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.
34. Which of the following was the commander in chief of the army during the Gupta period?
[A] Mahasandhivigrahika
[B] Mahabaladhikrita
[C] Uparika
[D] Vishayapati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahabaladhikrita]
Notes:
The numerical strength of the Gupta army is not known, but it is accepted that the emperor had a large standing army. The person responsible for the administration of the people as well as the army was called the Mahabaladhikrita?.
35. Which of the following poets described Harisena as “powerful, truthful and bountiful, glorious, lofty, and a penetrating critic of ethical and economic compendia”?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Dandin
[C] Amarasimha
[D] Sarvasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dandin]
Notes:
Dandin described Vakataka ruler Harisena as “powerful, truthful and bountiful, glorious, lofty, and a penetrating critic of ethical and economic compendia”. Dandin was a poet of the 6th century CE.
36. Which of the following period is considered as the period of the Rajputs?
[A] 600 A.D- 800 A.D
[B] 800 A.D- 1000 A.D
[C] 647 A.D- 1200 A.D
[D] 540 A.D- 870 A.D
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [647 A.D- 1200 A.D]
Notes:
The Rajputs ruled from 647A.D. to 1200 A.D. They are the considered to be the descendants of Lord Rama (Surya vamsa) or Lord Krishna (Chandra vamsa) or the Hero who sprang from the sacrificial fire according to the Agni Kula theory.
37. Which of the following constituted imports from the West during 600 A.D. to 1000 A.D.?
1. Incense
2.Copper
3. Dates
4. Corals
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: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The imports from the West during 600 A.D. to 1000 A.D. comprised incense, copper, load, salt, dates, ivory, emeralds, coral and horses. The best breed of horses came to India from the Western and Central Asia.
38. The Early Western Chalukyas who ruled for about two centuries but were ousted by which of the following during the middle of 8th century?
[A] Rashtrakutas
[B] Palas
[C] Gujara-pratiharas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rashtrakutas]
Notes:
The Early Western Chalukyas who ruled for about two centuries but were ousted by the Rashtrakutas during the middle of 8th century. However, the later Western Chalukyas of Kalyani overthrew the Rashtrakutas.
39. ‘Rajamalla’ title was adopted by which of the following Chalukyan Kings?
[A] Pulkeshin II
[B] Vikramaditya I
[C] Vinayaditya I
[D] Vikramaditya II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vikramaditya I]
Notes:
Vikramaditya I ruled from c. 655 to 680 CE. Vikramaditya I adopted the title ‘Rajamalla’ which means ‘the Sovereign of the Mallas’ or Pallavas. He also defeated the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas.
40. Which of the following rulers built a Shiva temple at Gangaikondacholapuram and excavated a tank called Chodagarg?
[A] Rajadhiraja
[B] Rajendra II
[C] Virarajendra
[D] Rajendra I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rajendra I]
Notes:
To commemorate the victory over the Pala ruler, Mahipal I, and the Western Chalukyas, Rajendra I assumed the title of Gangaikondachola and established a new capital named Gangaikondacholapuram. He also built a Shiva temple here and excavated a tank called Chodagarg.
