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.
1. Who among the following was the ruler of Kanchi during the time of Samudragupta ?
[A] Hastivarman
[B] Mantaraja
[C] Nilaraja
[D] Vishnugopa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Vishnugopa ]
Notes:
King Vishnugopa (Pallava dynasty ) of Kanchi is mentioned in the list of rulers of the South defeated by Samudra Gupta. It is mentioned in the Allahabad Pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta.
2. In the revenue department of Mauryas, who among the following was in-charge of the collection of all revenues in the empire?
[A] Sannidhatri
[B] Pradeshta
[C] Yukta
[D] Samahatra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Samahatra ]
Notes:
The officers Samaharta and Sanidatta were in charge of tax collection during the Mauryan Empire. They were also responsible for the royal treasury.
The Mauryan Empire had a highly centralized administration. The Emperor was the supreme power and was assisted by a Council of Ministers. To collect taxes, the emperor set up a system of officials who were sent to all parts of the empire. The emperor also appointed governors and family members to control the officials.
The main source of revenue was land tax. Revenue was also collected on irrigation, shops, customs, forests, ferry, mines, and pastures. License fees were collected from artisans and fines were charged in the law courts.
The tax from manual laborers was levied in such a way that they had to work free for one day each month.
3. Which ruler is credited for the spread of Jainism in Karnataka?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Ashoka
[D] Samparati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chandragupta Maurya ]
Notes:
The spread of Jainism in Karnataka is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya. The Emperor became a Jaina, gave up his throne and spent the last years of his life in Karnataka as a Jaina ascetic.
4. Who was the author of Aihole Inscription ?
[A] Ravikirti
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Bharavi
[D] Dandin
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Correct Answer: A [ Ravikirti ]
Notes:
Aihole Inscription is a eulogy written by Ravikirti who was the court poet of Chalukya King Pulakesin II.
5. Which Ashokan inscription elaborates the policy of Dhamma?
[A] Major rock edict IX
[B] Major rock edict XI
[C] Major rock edict XII
[D] Major rock edict X
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major rock edict XI ]
Notes:
The Major rock edict XI elaborates the Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma. It stresses the respect for elders, abstain from killing animals and liberal towards friends.
6. In which state / UT of India, the first Paleolithic site was discovered?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Karnataka ]
Notes:
The first evidence of the Stone Age culture in India surfaced in Karnataka as early as in 1842 when Dr. Primrose discovered polished stone knives and arrow heads at Lingsugur in Raichur district of Karnataka.
7. Which among the following is the correct location of an ancient site Deh Morasi Ghundai?
[A] Northern Pakistan
[B] Eastern Persia
[C] Modern Turkey
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Afghanistan ]
Notes:
Deh Morasi Ghundai, located in Kandhar province of Afghanistan is the first prehistoric site to be excavated in Afghanistan.
8. Which of the following Rigvedic deities represented Storm?
[A] Indra
[B] Maruts
[C] Varun
[D] Apas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Maruts ]
Notes:
Aryans, The Vedic Age – Religion : They personified force of nature and worshipped them as Vayu (air), Maruts (storm), Indra (rain), Varuna (water), Surya (sun), Agni (fire), Prithvi (earth), Aranyani (forest) etc.
9. The word ‘Sangam’ of Sangam Age was closely associated with which of the following?
[A] Crowd
[B] Assembly
[C] Influence
[D] Source
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Assembly ]
Notes:
The word Sangam is associated with a College or Assembly of Tamil scholars and Poets .
10. In which state of India is located the ancient trading depot of Bharukaccha?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharastra
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Bharuch derives its name from the great sage Bhrigu and the original name of Bharuch was ‘Bhrigukachchha’
