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 statements are correct regarding ‘sresti’ during Gupta period?
1. They were a type of merchants.
2. They usually settled at a particular place.
3. They enjoyed an eminent position by virtue of their wealth and influence in the commercial life and administration.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
‘Sresti’ were a type of merchants during Gupta period. They usually settled at a particular place. They enjoyed an eminent position by virtue of their wealth and influence in the commercial life and administration.
32. Which of the following kings married the Harsha Vardhana’s sister Rajyashri?
[A] Ishanavarmana
[B] Grahavarmana
[C] Sarvavarmana
[D] Avanti Varmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Grahavarmana]
Notes:
Grahavarmana who ruled the Maukharies around c. 600 CE was the son of Avanti Varmana. He married Rajyashri, the sister of Harsha Vardhana. Shashanka, the ruler of Bengal (Gauda), and Devagupta, the ruler of Malwa, jointly attacked Grahavarmana and killed him.
33. 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:
Avantivarman was the son and successor of Sarvavarman in the Maukhari dynasty of Kannauj. He was followed by Grahavarman.
34. Which ruler extended his influence into Kongoda in present-day Odisha late in his reign?
[A] Rajya Vardhana
[B] Prabhakar Vardhana
[C] Grahavarman
[D] Harsha Vardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Harsha Vardhana]
Notes:
Harshavardhana campaigned in Kongoda late in his reign. This eastern expansion should not be treated as proof that he defeated Shashanka in a decisive battle.
35. ‘Kritadasas’ referred to which of the following type of slaves during the early medieval period?
[A] Persons who were reduced to the status of slaves.
[B] Slaves who had been purchased.
[C] Persons who sold themselves as slaves.
[D] Persons who were captured by the victorious rulers as prisoners of war.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Slaves who had been purchased.]
Notes:
Slavery as an institution existed during the early medieval period. Those slaves who had been purchased were referred to as Kritdasas. There seems to have been existence of trade in slaves during that period.
36. Which of the following authors wrote Dasavatara-charitam?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Bilhana
[C] Kshemendra
[D] Gunadhya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kshemendra]
Notes:
Kshemendra was an 11th-century Sanskrit poet from Kashmir in India. Kshemendra is considered to be the author of Dasavatara-charitam which is written in Sanskrit. It mentions the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
37. Which of the following was the author of Dhvanyaloka?
[A] Udbhat
[B] Anandavardhana
[C] Abhinavagupta
[D] Rudrata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Anandavardhana]
Notes:
Anandavardhana was the author of Dhvanyaloka which he composed in 9th century A.D. He was the champion of the Dhvani school. It throws light on the matter regarding Dhvani or suggestion, hence it is named as Dhvanyaaloka.
38. Which of the following kings adopted the title Viranarayana?
[A] Dantidurga
[B] Govind II
[C] Govind III
[D] Amoghavarsha I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Amoghavarsha I]
Notes:
Amoghavarsha I (814 to 878 CE) who was the son of Govind III defeated the invading Eastern Chalukyas at Vingavalli and assumed the title Viranarayana. He also made peace with the Western Gangas by giving them two of his daughters for marriage.
39. Which of the following kings wrote Prashnottara Ratnamalika?
[A] Govind III
[B] Dantidurga
[C] Dhruva
[D] Amoghavarsha I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Amoghavarsha I]
Notes:
Amoghavarsha who ruled the Rashtrakuta empire from 814 A.D. to 878 A.D was an accomplished poet and scholar. He wrote Prashnottara Ratnamalika in the Sanskrit language, which is considered as a writing of high merit and was later translated into the Tibetan language.
40. Where was the capital of Chalukyas situated in the western Deccan?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Madurai
[C] Vatapi
[D] Vellore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vatapi]
Notes:
The Chalukyas were a maritime power. They set up their kingdom in western Deccan. Their capital was situated at Vatapi which is modern Badami in the state of Karnataka. The Chalukyas of Badami played a prominent role in the history of Deccan and south India.
