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. According to Indian literature which of the following were referred to as Yavanas?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Mughals
[C] Indo-Greeks
[D] Indo-Romans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The Indo-Greek was also known as Yavanas according to the Indian literature. Their kingdom spanned from modern-day Afghanistan to Hindukush mountains. They ruled during the last two centuries BCE. There were more than thirty kings and they often fought with one another.
32. Which of the following started the practice of giving royal grants of land to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks?
[A] Mauryas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satvahanas
[D] Guptas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satvahanas]
Notes:
The Satavahanas dynasty is also known in history for starting the practice of giving royal grants of land. These royal grants were given to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks, including those associated with tax exemptions.
33. Which of the following was the commander in chief of the army during the Gupta period?
[A] Mahasandhivigrahika
[B] Mahabaladhikrita
[C] Uparika
[D] Vishayapati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahabaladhikrita]
Notes:
The numerical strength of the Gupta army is not known, but it is accepted that the emperor had a large standing army. The person responsible for the administration of the people as well as the army was called the Mahabaladhikrita?.
34. 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.
35. During the early medieval period the status of which of the following degenerated?
[A] Brahmanas
[B] Kshtriyas
[C] Vaishyas
[D] Shudras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vaishyas]
Notes:
After the reign of Harsha the status of Vaisyas in society degenerated to such an extent that there was hardly any difference between the status of a Vaishya and that of a Sudra during the early medieval period.
36. Which of the following dominated the early medieval period?
1. Saivism
2. Vaishnavism
3. Buddhism
4. Jainism
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
During the medieval period Saivism and Vaishnavism dominated the field. Both Buddhism and Jainism were still followed but were isolated to some groups. They were fast losing their ground except in restricted areas.
37. Which the following were the most prominent guilds during the early medieval period?
1. Weavers
2. Potters
3. Gardeners
4. Artisans
Select the correct option from the codes given below?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
During the early medieval times the guilds specially mentioned are those of weavers, potters, gardeners and artisans. The guilds used to make collective endowments for pious objects or received them on trust to provide for such objects out of the accruing interest.
38. Which of the following acquired the title of dakshinapatheshvara?
[A] Kirtivarman I
[B] Pulkeshin II
[C] Vikramaditya I
[D] Vikramaditya II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pulkeshin II ]
Notes:
Pulkeshin II acquired the title of dakshinapatheshvara which means the lord of the south. He defeated Harsha in 637-638 AD. Pulkeshin II led many expeditions against eastern Deccan kingdoms, south Kosala and Kalinga.
39. Where was the Lion Capital of Ashoka originally situated?
[A] Lumbini
[B] Sarnath
[C] Bodhgaya
[D] Patliputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sarnath]
Notes:
The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a sculptural representation of four Asiatic lions standing back to back, on an elaborate base that includes other animals. It was originally erected atop the Ashoka pillar at the important Buddhist site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. The pillar and capital were commissioned by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The Lion Capital is now a nationally recognized symbol of India and is featured on the country’s official emblem.
40. Sanjaya Belatthiputta was propounder of which school of thought?
[A] Ajivika
[B] Lokayata
[C] Ajnana
[D] Shramana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ajnana ]
Notes:
Ajnana is one of the nastika or “heterodox” schools of ancient Indian philosophy, and the ancient school of radical Indian skepticism. Ajnana is one of the nastika or “heterodox” schools of ancient Indian philosophy and radical skepticism. All of our knowledge of the Ajnana come from the Buddhists and Jain sources. Its propounder was Sañjaya Belatthiputta, who lived around the 7th-6th century BC in Magadha and was contemporaneous with Mahavira, Makkhali Gosala and the Buddha, and was a proponent of the ajñana school of thought.
