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.
11. Manyakheta (modern Malkhed) on the banks of Kagina River in Gulbarga district, Karnataka state was the capital of ______?
[A] Satvahanas
[B] Rastrakutas
[C] Hoysalas
[D] Kakatiyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rastrakutas]
Notes:
Manyakheta, also known as Malkhed, was the capital of the Rashtrakutas from 818 to 982. The city is located on the banks of the Kagina River in the Gulbarga district of Karnataka, India. It’s about 40 miles (25 km) from Gulbarga city.
The Rashtrakutas were a royal dynasty that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries. The city became well-known during the Rashtrakuta dynasty because it was a place where Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu scholars studied.
The city was destroyed by Rajendra Chola in 1007 CE. It remained the capital of the Rashtrakutas’ successors, the Kalyani Chalukyas, until about 1050 CE.
Today, Malkhed is a place of historical importance. It has the ruins of an ancient fort with four entrances and 52 bastions. The fort is currently under renovation.
12. Mahabalipuram was a port city of which of the following dynasties?
[A] Chola
[B] Pallava
[C] Chalukya
[D] Kakatiya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pallava]
Notes:
Mahabalipuram was one of the major port cities by the 7th century within the Pallava kingdom. The town was named after Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who was also known as Mahabali. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO world heritage site.
13. The meaning of Mohenjo dero is ‘mound of the dead’. The same meaning is expressed by which of the following names ?
[A] Harappa
[B] Lothal
[C] Amri
[D] Kalibangan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
The name Lothal is derived from the term “Lothall,” which means “mound of the dead” in the local language.
14. The harappans used intaglio seals, made mostly of carved and fired steatite :
[A] As an export commodity.
[B] As a medium of exchange in place of coins.
[C] As amulets and charms to ward off evil spirits.
[D] For marking their goods and property.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [For marking their goods and property.]
Notes:
The seals of the ancient Harappan’s were probably used in much the same way they are today, to sign letters or for commercial transactions. The Harappan seals were used for marking goods and bales of merchandise. (Hence Option d. is correct)
15. Which of the following rulers were closely associated with Yuehzhi nomadic people?
[A] Shaka
[B] Kushana
[C] Pahalva
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kushana ]
Notes:
The term Yuehzhi refers to nomadic people originally living in northwest China who moved to Central Asia in circa second century BC. The Kushana were a branch of these people, who reached the subcontinent in circa first century BCE.
16. Who among the following emperors wrote the play ‘Nagananda’ in Sanskrit language?
[A] Harshavadhana
[B] Bindusara
[C] Prabhakaravardhana
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harshavadhana]
Notes:
Emperor Harshvardhana wrote three plays in the Sanskrit Language namely Nagananda, Priyadarshika and Ratnavali.
17. Which one of the following conquered a number of sates in Sumatra, Java and Malaysia?
[A] Rajaraja I
[B] Rajendra Chola
[C] Pulakesin
[D] Mahipala II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajendra Chola]
Notes:
Rajendra Chola I was one of the greatest emperors of the Chola dynasty. Apart from reaching northwards to River Ganges and moving overseas to Maldives and Sri Lanka, he also invaded the Southeast Asian territories of Srivijaya in Malaysia, Indonesia and southern Thailand. He assumed the title ‘Gangaikonda Chola’ after defeating the Gangas, Chalukyas, Cheras, Palas, Pandyas, Kalinga and other rulers. He built a vast empire and a strong military and naval force. His rule came to be known as the ‘Golden Age of Cholas’.
18. What is denoted by the term nishka, which meant an ornament in the Vedic period?
[A] Weapon
[B] agricultural implement
[C] script
[D] coin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [coin]
Notes:
Nishka is the word used to refer an ornament in Vedic period. But in later times it is referred to represent a coin majorly gold coin.
19. Many of the Greeks, Kushanas and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because?
[A] Buddhism was in the ascendant at that time
[B] they had renounced the policy of war and violence
[C] caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them
[D] Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them]
Notes:
They embraced Buddhism because caste ridden Hinduism did not attract them.
20. Giak and Kiari are Neolithic sites of:
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Ladakh
[D] Maharastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ladakh]
Notes:
Giak and Kiari are Neolithic sites located in Union Territory of Ladakh.
