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. The 13th Rock edict of Asoka which is longest among all the rock edicts describes which of the following?
[A] Policy of Dhamma
[B] Kalinga war
[C] Toleration among sects
[D] Purpose of rock edicts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalinga war]
Notes:
The 13th rock edict talks about the conquest of Kalinga at the eastern coast of India by Ashoka (268-233) in the year 261 BC. It was an event of greatest historical importance for India and world history.
12. Which among the following Chera King is famous for the legends surrounding Kannagi (he built a temple dedicated to Kannagi) and is also known as “Red Cherra”?
[A] Karikala
[B] Senguttuvan
[C] Nedum Cheralathan
[D] Elkara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Senguttuvan]
Notes:
Senguttuvan, the king of ancient Tamilakam, had erected the temple for Kannagi around 2000 years back at Vannathiparai and called it ‘Kannagi Kottam’. He is known as Red Cherra.
13. Which among the following is not correct ?
[A] The capital of pandyas was Madurai
[B] The capital of Cheras was Vanchi
[C] Capital of the Videha Kingdom – Mithila
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All are correct]
Notes:
The Pandyas ruled the south India and capital was Madurai. The cheras also ruled the south India with their capital Vanchi. The capital of Videha Kingdom is Mithila.
14. Which of the following Indian playwright was imitated by Ceylon King Kumaradasa, the author of Janakiharana?
[A] Bharavi
[B] Kalidasa
[C] Bhatti
[D] Vagbhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalidasa]
Notes:
Kalidasa was Indian playwright imitated by Ceylon King Kumaradasa, the author of Janakiharana.
15. What was “Halivakara” in the Gupta Era?
[A] A kind of Tax
[B] A kind of Play
[C] A kind of Instrument
[D] A kind of Tribe
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A kind of Tax]
Notes:
Halivakara is a kind of tax in the Gupta era. Halivakara was a plow tax, paid by every cultivator owning a plow.Some of its taxes include Bali, Bhoga, etc.
16. Qila Rai Pithora, built by Tomar Rajputs is located in which among the following cities?
[A] Agra
[B] New Delhi
[C] Jaipur
[D] Ajmer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
Lal Kot or Qila Rai Pithora is the original red fort in Delhi comprising the Qutub Minar Compex and other structures in areas around it. It was built during reign of Tomar King Anangpal Tomar in 11th century.
17. Which of the following statements about the Gupta Empire under Samudragupta is NOT correct?
[A] Prayaga Prashasti of Samudragupta composed by his court poet Harisena is engraved on an Ashokan pillar at Allahabad.
[B] Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to have exercised direct administrative control over western and Southern India.
[C] Samudragupta carved out an extensive empire which is evident from the fact that he had performed an Asvamedha sacrifice.
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to have exercised direct administrative control over western and Southern India.]
Notes:
Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to have exercised direct administrative control over western and Southern India.
18. Which river is mentioned as ‘Charmanyavati’ in Mahabharata?
[A] Chambal
[B] Shipra
[C] Narmada
[D] Tapti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chambal ]
Notes:
Chambal is known as Charmanyavati in Mahabharata,which means originating from blood of thousand animals sacrificed.
19. Which of the following was most probably the first metal to be used in India?
[A] Iron
[B] Copper
[C] Gold
[D] Silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Copper ]
Notes:
The earliest historic evidences of use of metal are of Chalcolithic Age or Stone-Copper Age, which covered the period from 1800 to 800 BC. This period was marked by the use of copper (the first metal to be used in India) as well as stone.
20. Who among the following introduced the Saka era? (UPSC Prelims 1982)
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Harsha Vardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
The Saka Era was founded by Kanishka, the emperor of Kushana Empire from the year 78 A.D. The year of the modern Saka Calendar is tied to the Gregorian date of 22 March every year, except in Gregorian leap years when it starts on 21 March.
