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. Who among the following has been mentioned as Maharajadhiraja and a Lion to the Huna Deer by Banabhatta?
[A] Harshavarshana
[B] Prabhakarvardhana
[C] Yashovardhana
[D] Grahavarman.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prabhakarvardhana]
Notes:
Prabhakaravardhana was a king of Thanesar in northern India around the time of the decline of the Gupta Empire. Banabhatta credits Prabhakaravardhana with a strong stance against the Hunas, describing him as:”A lion to the Huna deer”.
12. Which among the following emperors introduced the two laws of Vyavahar Samta and Danda Samata?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chandragupta Vikramaditya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka introduced Vyavahara-Samata, so that all his subjects equal in Law. And, by his Danda-Samata he wanted ‘equality of punishment’ irrespective of caste and creed.
13. 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.
14. Which language was used by Rashtrakutas as their mother tongue ?
[A] Kannada
[B] Tamil
[C] Oddisi
[D] Telgu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kannada]
Notes:
The Rashtrakutas were of Kannada origin and Kannada language was their mother tongue.
15. In stone age, the composite tools started appearing in which of the following ages?
[A] Paleolithic
[B] Mesolithic
[C] Neolithic
[D] Chalcolithic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mesolithic ]
Notes:
One of the key aspects of the Mesolithic Age was the reduction in size of well-established tool types. The characteristic tools of this age were microliths (miniature stone tools usually made of crypto-crystalline silica, chalcedony, or chert, both of geometrical and non-geometrical shapes). They were not only used as tools in themselves but also to make composite tools, spearheads, arrowheads, and sickles after hafting them on wooden or bone handles.
16. Each term of which of the following sets denotes a kind of tax / cess during Gupta Era?
[A] Bhaga, Bhoga, Vasti
[B] Bali, Udranga, Hiranya
[C] Khila, Udranga, Vasti
[D] Bali, Bhaga, Khila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Bali, Udranga, Hiranya ]
Notes:Various forms of taxes / cess in Gupta era are as follows:
- Bhaga 1 /6th share of produce ‘
- Bhoga Flowers, fruits, milk etc; given to king
- Kara Additional cess
- Bali Religious Tax
- Uparikara Additional cess
- Udranga Tax from permanent peasants
- Hiranya Tax in cash
- Vata Bhuta Tax for wind and water gods
The meaning of some other terms are as follows:
- Khetra Cultivable land
- Khila Barren land
- Aprahata Jungle
- Vasti Basti- Habitable land
- Gapatha Saraha Pastures
17. The Bodhisattva Doctrine is associated with _?
[A] Mahayana Buddhism
[B] Hinayana Buddhism
[C] Vajrayana Buddhism
[D] Theravada Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahayana Buddhism]
Notes:
Bodhisattva is the Sanskrit term associated to Mahayana Buddhism. A bodhisattva is who follows the ideal of the Mahayana, aims at the highest Good for himself and also for others and is motivated by great compassion and has generated bodhicitta and wish to attain buddhahood.
18. Which of the following facts about Chandragupta is true?
[A] He called his people children.
[B] He trained women to protect his palace.
[C] He converted to Buddhism and rejected war.
[D] He had stone pillars set up through India with Buddhist inscriptions on them.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [He trained women to protect his palace.]
Notes:
Chandragupta was perhaps one of the most anxious emperors, and he particularly feared being killed. As well as training woman to be guards and putting them to protect the palace, he also had servants taste his food to protect him from poisoning and made secret palaces in the palace to protect him from being harmed if ever his palace was invaded.
19. Which one of the following is a Vedanga?
[A] Sruti
[B] Smriti
[C] Nirukta
[D] Samhita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nirukta]
Notes:
Nirukta means “explained, interpreted” and refers to one of the six ancient Vedangas, or ancillary science connected with the Vedas – the scriptures of Hinduism.
20. Which is the only Indus city whose citadel and lower town are together surrounded by its city brick walls?
[A] Kalibangan
[B] Lothal
[C] Dholavira
[D] Shortughai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
Lothal, located in modern day Gujarat, India, is the only major Harappan city whose ruins clearly show an outer wall of baked bricks surrounding both its citadel mound and lower town. This indicates organized urban planning with a defensive perimeter wall to protect residents. Given Lothal’s coastal location, the wall provided security and control of river trade access. Uniform organization of housing also indicates governance policies and administration were practiced in Harappan cities over 4000 years ago.
