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 first state to use elephants on a large scale against its neighbours?
[A] Maurya
[B] Magadha
[C] Satvahanas
[D] Kanvas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Magadha]
Notes:
Magadha was the first empire to use elephants on a large scale against its neighbours. Elephants could be effectively used in storming fortresses. They could be used for marching over areas lacking roads or other means of communication.
32. Which of the following area was not surrendered to Chandragupta Maurya by Seleucus Nicator?
[A] Kabul
[B] Herat
[C] Gandhara
[D] Northern Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Northern Afghanistan]
Notes:
Chandragupta defeated Seleucus Nicator around 301 BCE. Seleucus was compelled to surrender Arachosia (Qandahar area of south-east Afghanistan), Gedrosia (south Baluchistan), and Parapomisadai (the area between Afghanistan and the Indian sub-continent, such as Kabul, Herat, Gandhara) to him in return for 500 elephants.
33. Which of the following was/were the term/s used for share-croppers working on the state-owned land during the Mauryan period?
1. Ardhasitikas
2. Svaviryopajivins
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:
Kautilya or Chanakya refers to different kinds of share-croppers who worked on the state-owned land such as the Ardhasitikas who kept half of the produce and the Svaviryopajivins who kept one-fourth or one-fifth of the produce.
34. On which of the following, the new material culture of the Gangetic basin was based?
[A] Use of Iron
[B] Use of copper
[C] Use of tin
[D] Use of bronze
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Use of Iron]
Notes:
In the Mauryan period we can see that the material culture rapidly developed in the Gangetic plains. The new material culture which developed in the Gangetic valley revolved around the use of iron and iron implements.
35. Which of the following kings patronized Gandhara and Mathura schools of sculpture?
[A] King Ajatshatru
[B] King Kalasoka
[C] King Ashoka
[D] King Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [King Kanishka]
Notes:
The Gandharan style of art flourished and achieved its peak during the Kushan period. King Kanishka who was the greatest ruler of the Kushana empire encouraged both Gandhara school of Greco-Buddhist Art and the Mathura school of Hindu art.
36. Which of the following was the successor of Vakataka ruler Devasena?
[A] Harisena
[B] Vindhyashakti II
[C] Pravarasena II
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harisena]
Notes:
Devasena was a pleasure-seeking ruler. He was succeded by Harisena who was the ablest and the greatest ruler
of this Vatsagulma Branch/line. He conquered Kuntala, Avanti, Kalinga, Kosala, Konkan, and Andhra.
37. Buddhism spread in Kashmir during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Ashvaghosha
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
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.
38. Which of the following kings succeeded king Visaladeva?
[A] Govindachandra
[B] Prithviraj Chauhan
[C] Raja Bhoja
[D] Kirtivarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prithviraj Chauhan]
Notes:
Visaladeva was succeeded by his nephew, Prithviraj Chauhan. He ruled from 1178 C.E.–1192 C.E. Prithviraj Chauhan played a very important part in the history of India at the time of the conquest of Muslim invaders.
39. ‘Ganikas’ referred to which of the following during the early medieval period?
[A] Vendors
[B] Slaves
[C] Prostitutes
[D] Dancers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Prostitutes]
Notes:
Ganikas were as class of prostitutes that existed as a distinct social unit during the medieval period. A Ganika was expected to possess high qualifications with respect to both body and mind.
40. Which of the following kings were worshippers of Siva?
1) Pratihara
2) Vatsaraja
3) Mahendrapala
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
During the Medieval period, Saivism attained a dominant position in India. A large number of royal families adhered to this faith and built richly endowed temples dedicated to shiva. The Pratihara kings, Vatsaraja and Mahendrapala, were worshippers of Siva.
