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 were the principal crops grown during the Mauryan period?
1) Wheat
2) Rice
3) Barley
4) Millet
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] only 1 & 2
[B] only 1, 2, & 3
[C] only 1, 2, & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 and 4]
Notes:
During the Mauryan age, the mainstay of the economy was agriculture. The principal crops that were grown are as follows: various varieties of rice, barley, millet, wheat, sugarcane, and most of the pulses, peas, and oilseeds.
32. Which of the following were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can be definitely attributed to any dynasty?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Indo-Greeks
[C] Shakas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The first rulers in India to issue coins (gold, silver, copper, and nickel) which can be definitely attributed to any dynasty were the Indo-Greek rulers. They were also the first to issue gold coins in India.
33. The famous Taxila Copper Plate is ascribed to which of the following Shaka ruler?
[A] Rudradaman
[B] Azes
[C] Maues
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Maues]
Notes:
The famous Taxila Copper Plate is ascribed to Maues as Moga Inscription. It was found in the Taxila region in modern Pakistan. The inscription bears a precise data and it is written in Kharoshthi script.
34. Which of the following was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana?
[A] Prabhakar Vardhana
[B] Harsha Vardhana
[C] Rajya Vardhana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prabhakar Vardhana]
Notes:
The Pushyabhuti dynasty came into prominence with the accession of Prabhakar Vardhana. Prabhakar Vardhana was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana.
35. Which of the following Buddhist king made a grant in favor of Shiv Bhattaraka?
[A] Gopala
[B] Narayanapala
[C] Ashoka
[D] Mahendrapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Narayanapala]
Notes:
Narayanapala was the sixth emperor of the Pala dynasty of the Indian subcontinent who ascended the throne after Vigrahapala I. Narayanapala was a patron of Buddhism still he made a grant in favor of Shiv Bhattaraka.
36. Which of the following Chola king was defeated by the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna III at the battle of Takkolam?
[A] Parantaka I
[B] Parantaka II
[C] Uttama Chola
[D] Arumolivarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Parantaka I ]
Notes:
In c.949 CE the Chola king Parantaka I was defeated by the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna III at the battle of Takkolam. With this, Krishna III adopted the title of ‘Conqueror of Kanchi and Tanjai’.
37. Tolkappiyam Mapuranam, Isainunukam, Bhutapuranam, Kali, Kuruku, Vendali are the important works of which of the following sangams?
[A] First sangam
[B] Second sangam
[C] Third sangam
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Second sangam]
Notes:
Tolkappiyam Mapuranam, Isainunukam, Bhutapuranam, Kali, Kuruku, Vendali are the important works of second sangam. In the second sangam there were 3700 poets which was patronised by 59 kings and lasted for 3700 years.
38. The famous dancing girl found in the Mohenjodaro was made up of which material?
[A] Bronze
[B] Red Limestone
[C] Steatite
[D] Terracotta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bronze]
Notes:
The famous ‘Dancing girl’ found in Mohenjodaro is an artifact that is some 4,500 years old. The 10.8 cm long statue of the dancing girl was found in 1926 from a house in Mohenjodaro is made of bronze. Steatite (Soap Stone) artifacts have been found at nearly every excavated Harappan period site and were the primary element used to make seals. Terracotta were used to make figurines.
39. What are the branches of Buddhism generally called?
[A] Theravada
[B] Mahayana
[C] Both of the above
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both of the above]
Notes:
Scholars recognize two major extant branches of Buddhism: Theravada (The School of the Elders) and Mahayana (The Great Vehicle).
40. Who were astadiggajas in the court of Krishnadevaraya?
[A] Eight Poets
[B] Eight Advisors
[C] Eight Military generals
[D] Eight Ministers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Eight Poets]
Notes:
Ashtadiggajas is the collective title given to the eight Telugu scholars and poets in the court of Emperor Krishnadevaraya who ruled the Vijayanagara Empire from 1509 until his death in 1529. During his reign, Telugu literature and culture reached its zenith.
