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 pillar edicts defines the term ‘Dhamma’?
[A] First Pillar Edict
[B] Second Pillar Edict
[C] Third Pillar Edict
[D] Fifth Pillar Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Second Pillar Edict]
Notes:
The second Pillar Edict of Ashoka defines the term ‘Dhamma’. It describes Dhamma as the policy of doing the least amount of sin, performing virtuous deeds, having compassion, purity, and truthfulness.
32. The magistrates who looked after towns and cities in Mauryan empire were known as?
[A] Nagaradhyaksha
[B] Baladhyakshas
[C] Adhyakshas
[D] Amatyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nagaradhyaksha]
Notes:
According to the Arthashastra of Kautilya the magistrates who looked after towns and cities were called Nagaradhyaksha, whereas those who looked after the military were called Baladhyakshas.
33. The city administration of Pataliputra, according to Megasthenes was conducted by how many committees?
[A] 4
[B] 5
[C] 6
[D] 7
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [6]
Notes:
The municipal administration of Pataliputra which was the capital city of Mauryas had a unique character. The city administration of Pataliputra, according to Megasthenes and also corroborated by Arthashastra, was conducted by six committees which consisted of five members each.
34. Which of the following was a great center for the manufacturing of Shataka in the post-Mauryan times?
[A] Varanasi
[B] Mathura
[C] Taxila
[D] Patliputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mathura]
Notes:
In the post-Mauryan period, the techniques of cloth-making, silk- weaving, and the manufacture of luxury articles developed. Mathura was a great center for the manufacture of a special type of cloth which was called shataka.
35. Which of the following introduced new features of Hellenistic art and literature such as Gandhara art in the north-west frontier of Indi?
[A] Indo-Greeks
[B] Indo-Scythian
[C] Indo-Partian
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The Indo-Greeks introduced new features of Hellenistic art and literature such as Gandhara art in the north-west frontier of India. It was not purely Greek. It was the outcome of the intermingling and influence of both Indian and central Asian contacts.
36. Which of the following industries flourished the most during the Gupta period?
[A] Mining and metallurgy
[B] Ship building
[C] Weaving
[D] Handicrafts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mining and metallurgy ]
Notes:
Various industries flourished during the Gupta period. Mining and metallurgy certainly occupied the top position. Frequent mention of the existence of mines is made by Amarasimha, Varahamihira and Kalidasa.
37. Which of the following had imprisoned Harsha’s sister Rajyashri and killed her husband Grahavarman?
[A] Devagupta
[B] Shashanka
[C] Dhruvasena II
[D] Pulkesin II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shashanka]
Notes:
Harsha succeeded his brother Rajya Vardhana. He undertook a campaign against the ruler of Malwa, Devagupta and Shashanka, who was the ruler of Gauda. Shashanka had imprisoned Harsha’s sister Rajyashri and killed her husband Grahavarman.
38. Dharmapala held a Durbar at which of the following places?
[A] Patliputra
[B] Vikrampura
[C] Tamralipti
[D] Kannauj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kannauj]
Notes:
Dharmapala is believed to have deposed Indraraja or Indrayudha, the ruler of Kanauj. After his victory, Dharmapala held a Durbar at Kanauj. This Durbar was attended by a large number of vassal chiefs. He installed his puppet ruler, Chakrayudha, on the throne.
39. In the early medieval India, which of the following refers to tax levied upon the whole village?
[A] Bhoga
[B] Kara
[C] Hiranya
[D] Pindka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pindka]
Notes:
The land-grants of the early medieval period mention Bhaga, Bhoga, Kara and Hiranya as the chief sources of revenue to the donees. Pindaka was a tax which was levied upon the whole village.
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.
