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 head of the board of infantry in Mauryan administration?
[A] Padadhyaksha
[B] Rathadhyaksha
[C] Asvadhyaksha
[D] Hastyadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Padadhyaksha]
Notes:
The war office which carried out the administration of different branches of the army consisted of 6 boards which were: The board of Admiralty, Infantry, Cavalry, War Chariots, War Elephants, and Transport and Supervision of Equipment. The Board of Infantry was headed by Padadhyaksha.
32. Which of the following was the main source of income in the Mauryan administration?
[A] State taxes
[B] Trade
[C] Donations
[D] Land revenue
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Land revenue]
Notes:
The Mauryas maintained a huge standing army. The state taxes were insufficient to maintain such huge army, so they started to regulate certain economic activities to generate more revenue. The main source of income was land revenue.
33. Which of the following kings became the ruler of the shunga dynasty after the death of Agnimitra?
[A] Bhagabhadra
[B] Devabhuti
[C] Pulindaka
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vasumitra]
Notes:
Agnimitra was succeeded by Vasumitra around 131 BC. Vasumitra became the fourth ruler of the shunga dynasty. According to Bana’s Harshacharita, he was killed by Mitradeva while enjoying a drama.
34. Roman exported which of the following materials to India?
1) Wine
2) Pottery
3) Lead
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 2 & 3
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The trade between India and Rome mostly consisted of luxury goods like pearls, jewels, and precious stones from Central and South India. The things that Romans exported to India were Wine, Pottery, and Lead.
35. Under which of the following kings the Kushana empire reached its zenith?
[A] Kadphises I
[B] Kanishka
[C] Vasudeva II
[D] Vima Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka was the third ruler of the Kushana empire. He was the son of Kadphises II and is perhaps the most famous king of the Kushana empire. Under his reign the Kushana empire reached its zenith.
36. Which of the following places developed as a great center of education for Mahayana Buddhism during the Gupta period?
1) Taxila
2) Nalanda
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: B [Only 2]
Notes:
The Gupta kings were patrons of Hinduism, but they also followed a policy of tolerance towards other religious sects. During the Gupta period, Nalanda developed as a great centre of education for Mahayana Buddhism. Students from other countries also came to study in this university.
37. From which of the following places a dated stone image of a seated Tirthankara belonging to 432 CE was excavated?
[A] Udaigiri
[B] Sarnath
[C] Khairigarh
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mathura]
Notes:
The Buddha images found in Mathura were different from Sarnath in several ways. The dated stone image of a seated Tirthankara belonging to 432 CE which was excavated at Mathura was also different from the seated figurines of preceding centuries.
38. Which of the following assumed the title of ‘Siladitya’?
[A] Harsha Vardhan
[B] Rajya Vardhana
[C] Prabhakar Vardhana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harsha Vardhan]
Notes:
Harsha’s reign was marked by many military victories. He brought most of north India under his control such as- Punjab, Kannauj, Bengal, Orissa, Mithila. He assumed the title of ‘Siladitya’ as mentioned in travel records of Xuanzang (Hsuan Tsang) who was a Chinese traveller.
39. Which of the following was called as chief commandant of the elephant force during Harsha’s administration?
[A] Kuntala
[B] Simhananda
[C] Avanti
[D] Bhanu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Simhananda]
Notes:
The chief commandant of the elephant force during the Harsh’s administration was called as the Skandagupta. According to the Madhuvana Copper Plate inscription, Skandagupta is also described as Mahapramatara Mahasamanta.
40. Which of the following constituted imports from the West during 600 A.D. to 1000 A.D.?
1. Incense
2.Copper
3. Dates
4. Corals
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: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
The imports from the West during 600 A.D. to 1000 A.D. comprised incense, copper, load, salt, dates, ivory, emeralds, coral and horses. The best breed of horses came to India from the Western and Central Asia.
