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. The copper seal found at Asirgarh, which records a Maukhari genealogy, belongs to which king?
[A] Sarvavarman
[B] Adityavarman
[C] Grahavarman
[D] Avantivarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sarvavarman]
Notes:
The Asirgarh copper seal is associated with Sarvavarman, a Maukhari ruler. Its inscription is an important genealogical record of the dynasty, naming members of the Maukhari line and presenting the king’s royal identity and titles. Such inscriptions help reconstruct early medieval dynastic history, particularly where narrative chronicles are scarce. Sarvavarman is therefore the correct identification among the listed Maukhari rulers.
32. Which factors contributed to the formation and differentiation of jatis in early medieval India?
1. Occupational specialization
2. Incorporation of new communities into regional social structures
3. Regional and territorial identities
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:
All three contributed to the development of jati identities. Prescriptive theories of mixed-caste descent do not by themselves explain the historical formation of thousands of communities.
33. In the images of Nataraja, Siva is shown dancing on which of the following things?
[A] Globe
[B] Apasmara, the dwarf symbolizing ignorance
[C] Back of a Tiger
[D] snake head
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Apasmara, the dwarf symbolizing ignorance]
Notes:
In the standard Nataraja image, Shiva’s right foot rests on Apasmara, the dwarf representing ignorance. The image symbolizes the overcoming of ignorance through the cosmic dance.
34. During which period the beautiful temple of Surya at Modhera in the former Baroda state was constructed?
[A] 9th century
[B] 10th century
[C] 11th century
[D] 12th century
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [11th century]
Notes:
The beautiful sun temple at Modhera which is located in the former state of Baroda was constructed in the 11th century. Like the great Sun temples at Martand in Kashmir and Konarak in Orissa, the Sun temple at Modhera has also suffered from vandalism.
35. Which of the following wrote Aryasiddhanta?
[A] Balabhadra
[B] Aryabhata II
[C] Prithusvami
[D] Bhattotpala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aryabhata II]
Notes:
Aryabhata II composed the Mahasiddhanta, also called Aryasiddhanta. This surviving Sanskrit astronomical treatise must be distinguished from the lost Aryasiddhanta attributed to the earlier Aryabhata.
36. Which of the following statements are correct with respect to Rashtrakutas?
1. Rashtrakuta rule lasted in the Deccan till the end of the 10th century.
2. They were not tolerant in their religious views.
3. The great apabhramsha poet Swayambhu and his son probably lived at the Rashtrakuta court.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 & 3]
Notes:
The Rashtrakuta rule lasted in the Deccan till the end of the 10th century. They were tolerant in their religious views. The great apabhramsha poet Swayambhu and his son is believed to have lived at the Rashtrakuta court.
37. Which of the following was the successor of Vijayalaya?
[A] Aditya I
[B] Parantaka I
[C] Sundara Chola
[D] Uttama Chola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Aditya I ]
Notes:
Aditya I who ruled from c.871 to 907 CE was the successor of Vijayalaya. He achieved significant military successes and expanded the Chola kingdom. He also entered into a matrimonial alliance by marrying a Pallava princess.
38. Which of the following Chola King assumed the title of Gangaikondachola?
[A] Rajendra I
[B] Rajadhiraja
[C] Rajendra II
[D] Virarajendra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajendra I]
Notes:
Rajendra I established Gangaikondacholapuram after his army’s successful expedition to the Ganga valley. He assumed the title Gangaikondachola to commemorate this campaign, which included victory over the Pala ruler Mahipala I.
39. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Sabha or Mahasabha during the Chola empire?
1. The membership was governed by different criteria such as property ownership, family antecedents, learning and
good conduct.
2. Mahasabha possessed the propriety rights over communal lands and controlled the private lands within its
jurisdiction.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
The membership of the Mahasabha in the Chola administration was governed by different criteria such as property ownership, family antecedents, learning and good conduct. The Mahasabha possessed propriety rights over communal lands. It also controlled the private lands within its jurisdiction.
40. The Dravida style of temple architecture reached a monumental scale in the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur during which period?
[A] Cheras
[B] Cholas
[C] Pandyas
[D] Pallavas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The Chola king Rajaraja I built the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, noted for its towering vimana above the sanctum. Dravida architecture had already developed under earlier dynasties, including the Pallavas.
