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 was the court poet of Samudragupta?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Harishena
[C] Kalidasa
[D] Bhavabhuti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Harishena]
Notes:
Harishena was the court poet of Samudragupta. The Prayagaprashasti was composed in pure Sanskrit by Harisena. Harishena was not only his court poet but was also a kumaramatya.
32. ‘Sarthavaha’ refer to which of the following during the Gupta period?
[A] Settled merchants
[B] Caravan Traders
[C] Liquor traders
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Caravan Traders]
Notes:
During the Gupta period the sarthavaha was a caravan trader. He carried his merchandise to different places for profitable sale. Sarthavahas often sold their goods three or four times their original price.
33. In which of the following period Ardhanarisvara form of Siva was created?
[A] Gupta period
[B] Chola period
[C] Kushanas period
[D] Mauryan period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta period]
Notes:
Some of the most beautiful Siva images belong to the Gupta period. Ekamukhi and Chaturmukhi Siva-Lingas were introduced by the Gupta artists. Ardhanarisvara form of Siva was also created by the Gupta artists, where the deity is represented as half male and half female.
34. Which of the following kings is considered as the founder of the Vakataka empire?
[A] Pravarasena I
[B] Pravarasena II
[C] Vindhyasakti
[D] Rudrasena II
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Correct Answer: C [Vindhyasakti]
Notes:
Vindhyashakti is considered as the founder of the Vakataka dynasty. The name of Vindhyasakti is also mentioned in the Puranas. His name is derived from the name of the goddess Vindhya.
35. Which of the following kings was the successor of the king Sarvavarmana?
[A] Avanti Varmana
[B] Sarvavarmana
[C] Advaita Varmana
[D] Grahavarmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Avanti Varmana]
Notes:
Avanti Varmana who was the son of Sarvavarmana ruled the Maukhari dynasty from 585 CE to 600 CE. Avanti Varmana also adopted the title of Maharajadhiraja and extended the boundaries of his kingdom by transferring the capital to Kannauj.
36. The southward march of Harsha was stopped by which of the following Chalukyan Kings?
[A] Pulakeshin
[B] Pulakeshin II
[C] Kirtivarman
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pulakeshin]
Notes:
The southward march of Harshavardhan was stopped by the Chalukyan King Pulakeshin. Pulakeshin ruled over a great part of the modern Karnataka and the state of Maharashtra. He also faced opposition from Shaivite King Shashanka of Gauda.
37. Which of the following Chalukya king fought with the Yasovarman?
[A] Vijayaditya
[B] Vakpatiraja
[C] Manorathavarman
[D] Vinayaditya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vijayaditya]
Notes:
According to some inscriptions, during the reign of Chalukya king Vinayaditya who ruled from 681 A.D. to 696 A.D. of Badami, his son Vijayaditya fought with the “lord of the whole of northern regions” Yasovarman.
38. Buddhism spread in Kashmir during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Ashvaghosha
[D] Ashoka
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Correct Answer: D [Ashoka]
Notes:
The Kashmir valley was politically isolated from the rest of the subcontinent except during the rule of the Mauryas and Kushanas. Buddhism spread in Kashmir during the reign of Asoka the Great.
39. Which of the following defeated the Kadambas and captured their kingdom in A.D. 540?
[A] Chalukyas of Badami
[B] Chalukyas of Vengi
[C] Pallavas
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalukyas of Badami]
Notes:
Krishnavarma-I, the ruler from Triparvata, united the Kadamba family which was split into two branches. But around A.D. 540, the Chalukyas of Badami defeated the Kadambas and captured their kingdom.
40. During the reign of which of the following kings stotras and stavas came into existence in Buddhism?
[A] Gopala
[B] Sarvajnamitra
[C] Chandrakirti
[D] Santideva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sarvajnamitra]
Notes:
From 650 A.D. to 1000 A.D, there was the decay of pure Hinayanism and Mahayanism. The glorious days of Buddhist logic and philosophy were ended With Chandrakirti and Santideva and then came the days of stotras and stavas begun by Sarvajnamitra of Kashmir in the 8th century AD.
