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. Which of the following is credited with the invention of Nandopakramani?
[A] Shishunaga
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Mahapadma Nanda
[D] Dhanananda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dhanananda]
Notes:
Dhanananda is credited with the invention of Nandopakramani. It was a particular measuring standard. He was the last important king of the Nanda dynasty. He is identified with the Agrammes or Xandrames of Greek classical writers.
32. Who among the following scholars mentioned Chandragupta Maurya as Sandrocottos?
[A] Kautilya
[B] William Jones
[C] Panini
[D] Seleucus Nicator
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [William Jones]
Notes:
Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler who tried to consolidate small fragmented kingdoms and combined them to form the first empire of the Indian subcontinent. He was also Called Sandrocottus by the Greek scholar William Jones.
33. How did Chandragupta Maurya die?
[A] In Seleucid–Mauryan war
[B] Natural Causes
[C] By observing Sallekhana
[D] Killed by Bindusara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [By observing Sallekhana]
Notes:
According to Jain sources, Chandragupta Maurya renounced his empire and became a Jain monk under the saint Bhadrabahu. They lived in the place which is now famous as Shravana Belagola for several years before Chandragupta Maurya starved himself to death by observing Sallekhana.
34. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Ashokan pillar edicts?
1. They were well-polished sandstone monolithic pillars.
2. Each was surmounted with a finely sculpted animal capital.
3. They were largely confined to the Ganges plain.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Some of the features of Ashokan pillar edicts are as follows:
1. They were well-polished sandstone monolithic pillars.
2. Each was surmounted with a finely sculpted animal capital.
3. They were largely confined to the Ganges plain
35. Which of the following was the head of the board of cavalry in Mauryan administration?
[A] Padadhyaksha
[B] Hastyadhyaksha
[C] Asvadhyaksha
[D] Rathadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Asvadhyaksha]
Notes:
According to the Greek writer Justin, the Mauryan empire maintained a huge army. It was believed that Chandragupta Maurya had a cavalry of 30,000 people. The Board of Cavalry was headed by Asvadhyaksha.
36. Which of the following was the main source of income in the Mauryan administration?
[A] State taxes
[B] Trade
[C] Donations
[D] Land revenue
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Land revenue]
Notes:
The Mauryas maintained a huge standing army. The state taxes were insufficient to maintain such huge army, so they started to regulate certain economic activities to generate more revenue. The main source of income was land revenue.
37. Which of the following refers to udaka-bhaga?
[A] Tax on irrigated land
[B] Tax on fertile land
[C] Tax on trade
[D] Tax on production
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tax on irrigated land]
Notes:
During the Mauryan period when the importance of irrigation was fully realised, the peasants had to pay more tax on irrigated land which was known as udaka-bhaga. It refers to water rate, and was generally levied at one-fifth to one-third of the produce.
38. In which of the following period elaborate laws were laid down about inheritance?
[A] Shunga Period
[B] Kushans period
[C] Mauryan Period
[D] Gupta period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gupta period]
Notes:
The Guptas had a fairly good judicial system as compared to other kingdoms. During the Gupta period elaborate laws were laid down about inheritance. However, like earlier periods, these laws were based on the varna hierarchy.
39. In which of the following architectural style, temples in northern India were made in the Gupta period?
[A] Dravida
[B] Nagara
[C] Vesara
[D] Mandapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nagara]
Notes:
Temple Architecture started in India during the Gupta period. The northern temples were made in the architectural style known as Nagara. Square temples with flat-roof were built in northern India.
40. Which of the following kings ascended the throne after Pravarasena II?
[A] Narendrasena
[B] Prithvisena I
[C] Rudrasena II
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narendrasena]
Notes:
After the death of Pravarsena II who ruled the Vakataka Nandivardhana branch after the death of Rudrasena II, a struggle for succession happened in which Narendrasena emerged successful. He ruled from 440 CE to 460CE.
