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 event of Gautam Buddha’s life is depicted by the wheel and deer in Indian art?
[A] Great departure
[B] Enlightenment
[C] First preaching
[D] Nirvana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [First preaching]
Notes:
The first preaching event of Gautam buddha’s life is represented by the wheel and deer in Indian art. Mahatama Buddha gave the first preaching or sermon at Mrigadava Sarnath.
32. What was name given to the republican states in ancient India which had a federal character?
[A] Kingdoms
[B] Nigamas
[C] Janapadas
[D] Sangha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Janapadas]
Notes:
The republics in ancient India were divided into pure republics and Kshatriya aristocracies. The republics and the aristocracies were of two types which are unitary and federal. The republics having a federal character were called Janapadas or state-republics.
33. What was the capital of Kuru mahajanapada?
[A] Kaushambi
[B] Mathura
[C] Indraprastha
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indraprastha]
Notes:
Kuru mahajanapada was situted in western Uttar Pradesh. The capital of Kuru mahajanapada was Indraprastha. The Mahabharata, an epic poem tells of a conflict between two branches of the Kuru clan.
34. What was the custom official called in the 6th century BCE?
[A] Kammikas
[B] Shaulkika
[C] Rajabhatas
[D] Gramabhojaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kammikas]
Notes:
Pali texts mention sea travel and trade in the 6th century BCE. Custom officials were also called as Kammikas. Whereas toll officials who were also called as Shaulkika levied taxes on merchandise.
35. What is the other name of Bindusara as mentioned in Sanskrit literature?
[A] Allitrochades
[B] Amitrochates
[C] Seemseri
[D] Amitraghata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Amitraghata ]
Notes:
Bindusara born in 320 BCE, was the second ruler of the Mauryan Empire. Greeks writers address him as Amitrochates (destroyer of foes). According to Sanskrit literature, he is also known as Amitraghata (amitra-enemy, ghata-slayer).
36. In which Rock Edict Bheri Ghosha (war drum) replaced by Dhamma Ghosha?
[A] Four Edict
[B] Fifth Edict
[C] Sixth Edict
[D] Seventh Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Four Edict]
Notes:
In the Fourth Major Rock Edict of Ashoka the term Bheri Ghosha which means war drum was replaced by Dhamma Ghosha and King Ashoka attached greatest value to this duty.
37. 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.
38. Which of the following places was the capital of the Pushyabhutis?
[A] Kannauj
[B] Thanesar
[C] Ujjain
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Thanesar]
Notes:
After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Northern India split into several kingdoms. An important ruling family to gain prominence after the fall of the Gupta was the Pushyabhutis with their capital at Thanesar.
39. The southward march of Harsha was stopped by which of the following Chalukyan Kings?
[A] Pulakeshin
[B] Pulakeshin II
[C] Kirtivarman
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pulakeshin]
Notes:
The southward march of Harshavardhan was stopped by the Chalukyan King Pulakeshin. Pulakeshin ruled over a great part of the modern Karnataka and the state of Maharashtra. He also faced opposition from Shaivite King Shashanka of Gauda.
40. Which of the following was the term used for those persons who sold themselves as slaves in times of famines to maintain themselves?
[A] Kritadasas
[B] Svavikrayi
[C] Dhvajahrita
[D] Rinadasas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Svavikrayi]
Notes:
Persons who sold themselves as slaves in times of famines to maintain themselves were referred to as Svavikraryi. Whereas Dhvajahrita were those persons who were captured by the victorious rulers as prisoners of war. They had to work as slaves.
