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 periods saw the emergence of Tantrism?
[A] Magadha period
[B] Gupta period
[C] Kushana period
[D] Mauryan Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta period]
Notes:
Tantrism emerged in India during the Gupta period. The tribal elements assimilated in the Brahminical society due to the assimilation of tribals in Brahminical fold. The assimilation of Brahminical religion and tribal practices resulted in the development of Tantrism.
32. At which of the following places, stone sculpture of a larger than life figure of a horse was founded?
[A] Mathura
[B] Deogarh
[C] Sultanganj
[D] Khairigarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Khairigarh]
Notes:
A stone sculpture of a larger than life figure of a horse which is probably representing an Ashwamedha horse can be found at Khairigarh in Uttar Pradesh. It is carved out of beige sandstone.
33. which of the following kings was the most important ruler of the Maitrakas?
[A] Dhruvasena I
[B] Dhruvasena II
[C] Advaita Varmana
[D] Ishanavarmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dhruvasena II]
Notes:
Dhruvasena II was the most important ruler of the Maitrakas, who was a contemporary of Harsha Vardhana and was married to his daughter. He was well versed in grammar and the science of polity.
34. Which of the following Pala ruler founded the Somapuri monastery near Paharpur in Bihar?
[A] Gopala
[B] Dharmapala
[C] Devapala
[D] Mahipala
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Correct Answer: B [Dharmapala]
Notes:
Dharmapala founded the Vikramshila monastery near Bhagalpur in Bihar. He is also credited with the foundation of the Somapuri monastery near Paharpur in Bihar. Dharmapala is also credited with the grant of 200 villages to Nalanda University.
35. An important writer on Sanskrit metres named Utpala belonged to which of the following centuries?
[A] 8th century
[B] 9th century
[C] 10th century
[D] 11th century
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [10th century]
Notes:
With regards to metrics Utpala was the only important writer on Sanskrit metres. He lived in the latter hall of the tenth century AD. He was a commentator of V?r?ha Mihira’s Brihat Samhit?.
36. Which of the following visited the kingdom of Pulkshein II?
[A] Fa-Hein
[B] I-tsing
[C] Hsuan Tsang
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hsuan Tsang]
Notes:
Hsuan Tsang visited the kingdom of Pulkshein II. Hsuan Tsang describes that even though Pulkeshin II was Hindu, he was tolerant towards Buddhism and Jainism. Pulkhein II sent an embassy to Persian king Khusro II.
37. Which of the following kings Bore the title of “Avanisimha”?
[A] Mahendravarman I
[B] Shivaskandavarman
[C] Simhavarman
[D] Simhavishnu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Simhavishnu]
Notes:
Peninsular India was ruled by five dynasties which were Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, Pallavas, and Chalukyas. Simhavishnu who was the successor of Simhavarman ruled from 575 A.D. to 600 A.D. He also Bore the title of “Avanisimha”.
38. Which of the following King of the Sangam age is credited with constructing a dam on the river Kaveri?
[A] Tondaiman Ilandiraiyan
[B] Kulothunga
[C] Karikala
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karikala]
Notes:
The famous Chola king Karikala of the Sangam age is credited with constructing a dam on the Kaveri river. It is considered to be the earliest dam in the country.
39. During the Sangam age which of the following was the main Chola port?
[A] Kaveripattinam
[B] Muziris
[C] Broach
[D] Sopara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kaveripattinam]
Notes:
The Chola capital was Uraiyur (Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu). It was a grand city with magnificent buildings. Kaveripattinam or Puhar was the main Chola port during the Sangam period.
40. Which type of seals were most common in Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Oval
[B] Cylindrical
[C] Quadrate
[D] Rounded
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Quadrate]
Notes:
Square or rectangular (quadrate) seals with carved motifs were the most popular type of seal used by Indus Valley communities. Made of steatite, thousands of such seals have been found during excavations of Harappan sites. They were probably used as identity markers or tokens of authority. Cylindrical seals have also been found which were probably used to make impressions on goods or containers used in trade to signify official administrative seals.
