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. What does the use of ‘Horse’ as a motif in the Ashokan pillar symbolizes?
[A] Symbol of fertility
[B] Purity and Fecundity
[C] Departure of Siddhartha
[D] Dharmachakra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Departure of Siddhartha]
Notes:
The Ashokan pillar contains different motifs placed at the top of the pillars. These motifs are considered to be in the harmony with the Dhamma message. Horse symbolizes the departure of Siddhartha from his home.
32. Soul and sin are featured in which of the following pillar edicts?
[A] Second Pillar Edict
[B] Third Pillar Edict
[C] Fourth Pillar Edict
[D] Fifth Pillar Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Third Pillar Edict]
Notes:
Second Pillar Edict of Ashoka describes dhamma as consisting of least amount of sin, performing virtuous deeds, having compassion, purity, and truthfulness. Whereas the Third Pillar Edict talks about soul and sin.
33. Which of the following diplomatic posts are mentioned in the Arthashastra of Kautilya?
1. Nisriharthaduta
2. Parimitarthaduta
3. Sasanharaduta
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The following diplomatic posts are mentioned in the Arthashastra of Kautilya:
1. Nisriharthaduta (full-fledged ambassador)
2. Parimitarthaduta (could not go beyond instruction in negotiation)
3. Sasanharaduta (special messenger)
34. Duties on imported and exported goods was referred to as which of the following during the Mauryan period?
[A] Bhaga
[B] Shulka
[C] Bali
[D] Kara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shulka]
Notes:
During the Mauryan age urban taxes included Shulka which were duties on imported and exported goods. Other than this excise duties were also imposed on local manufactures.
35. Which of the following period saw the emergence of rock-cut architecture?
[A] Gupta period
[B] Maurya period
[C] Vedic period
[D] Post-vedic period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maurya period]
Notes:
Stone culture dramatically emerged as the principal medium of Indian arts in the Mauryan period. Many art forms such as stone sculptures, ring stones, disc stones, terracotta figurines, and stupa architecture were patronized by different Mauryan kings. The Maurya period also saw the beginning of rock-cut architecture.
36. Which of the following is the first known satrapa in the Western India?
[A] Sodasha
[B] Sivadatta
[C] Nahapana
[D] Bhumaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nahapana]
Notes:
The first identifiable satrapa in the Western India was Bhumaka. He ruled in Saurastra region. Nahapana who was the successor of Bhumaka was an important ruler of the Western satrapas.
37. 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.
38. The Mahamoksha Parishad was organized by Harsha at which of the following places?
[A] Thaneswar
[B] Kannauj
[C] Prayagraj
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Prayagraj]
Notes:
Harsha used to celebrate a solemn festival at Prayag (Allahabad) at the end of every five years. He also used to organize the Mahamoksha Parishad at Prayag. He used to do a lot charity in the Parishad.
39. Which of the following major cities were included the Pala kingom?
1. Pataliputra
2. Vikrampura
3. Ramvati
4. Monghyr
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 2, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The kingdom of Palas included both Bengal and Bihar, which included the major cities of Pataliputra, Vikrampura, Ramvati (Varendra), Monghyr (Munger), Tamralipti and Jaggadala.
40. The Pala kings were the followers of which of the following religions?
[A] Jainism
[B] Buddhism
[C] Hinduism
[D] Islam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Buddhism]
Notes:
The Pala kings were the followers of Buddhism. They especially followed the Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism. By y making monasteries (viharas) and temples in eastern India they greatly promoted Buddhism.
