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 poets described Harisena as “powerful, truthful and bountiful, glorious, lofty, and a penetrating critic of ethical and economic compendia”?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Dandin
[C] Amarasimha
[D] Sarvasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dandin]
Notes:
Dandin described Vakataka ruler Harisena as “powerful, truthful and bountiful, glorious, lofty, and a penetrating critic of ethical and economic compendia”. Dandin was a poet of the 6th century CE.
32. 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.
33. Which of the following were called as evil rulers?
[A] Kalabhras
[B] Kadambas
[C] Gangas
[D] Vakatakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kalabhras]
Notes:
The Kalabhras were referred to as evil rulers. They overthrew innumerable kings. They also put an end to Brahmadeya rights. The Kalabhras came in conflict with Pallavas also and pushed them towards north.
34. ‘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.
35. The great philosopher and dialectician Santarakshita lived and worked during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Chandrakirti
[B] Gopala
[C] Mahendrapala
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gopala]
Notes:
King Gopala who ruled from 750 A.D. to 770A.D. was the founder of the Pala Dynasty of the Bengal region of the Indian Subcontinent. He was a great patron of Buddhism. The great philosopher and dialectician Santarakshita lived and worked during his reign.
36. Which of the following region exported to Arabia large quantities of indigo, myrobalans and cotton-stuffs of all colours during the early medieval period?
[A] Kerala
[B] Gujarat
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Between 600 A.D. to 1000 A.D. the Arabs exported from India perfumes like musk, aloes, amber, camphor, pearls, diamonds, corals and also many kinds of medicinal herbs. Gujarat also exported to Arabia large quantities of indigo, myrobalans and cotton-stuffs of all colours during that time.
37. Which of the following characteristics were present in the buildings constructed in Kashmir during medieval period?
1) They were constructed of immense stones, wrought with astonishing precision.
2) Graeco-Buddhist style
3) Masons had a profound knowledge of the art of building.
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:
The following characteristics were present in the buildings constructed in Kashmir during the medieval period.
1) They were constructed of immense stones, wrought with astonishing precision.
2) Graeco-Buddhist style
3) Masons had a profound knowledge of the art of building.
38. Which of the following were considered the three limbs of the Chola army?
1. Elephants
2. Ships
3. Cavalry
4. Infantry
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 4
[D] Only 1, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 1, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The Chola Kings maintained a huge army which consisted of three limbs of elephants, cavalry and infantry. The infantry was armed with spears. The Chola Kings were protected by bodyguards. These bodyguards were sworn to defend the kings even at the cost of their own lives.
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. Which of the following is also known as the Red or Good Chera?
[A] Udiyanjeral
[B] Nedunjeral Adan
[C] Senguttuvan
[D] Kudakko Ilanjeral Irumporai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Senguttuvan]
Notes:
According to the Chera poets, Senguttuvan was their greatest king. He is also known as the Red or Good Chera. He led many successful military expeditions. He has also been mentioned in the post-Sangam text, Silappadikaram.
