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. 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.
12. Which Veda is sometimes called the "Veda of magical formulas?"
[A] Atharvaveda
[B] Krishna Yajurveda
[C] Shukla Yajurveda
[D] Rig-Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Atharvaveda]
Notes:
The Atharvaveda has less connection with sacrifice and deals with normal procedures for everyday life. Atharvaveda is also known as “Veda of magical formulas”. The Atharvaveda includes samhitas, Brahmana text and three primary Upanisads, Mundaka Upanishad, Mandukya Upanishads and the Prashna Upanishads.
13. The ancient monuments at Mahabalipuram, a centre also known for its GI-protected stone-sculpture craft, were created mainly under which dynasty?
[A] Pallava dynasty
[B] Cheras dynasty
[C] Chalukya dynasty
[D] Rashtrakuta dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pallava dynasty]
Notes:
Mahabalipuram’s rock-cut caves, monolithic rathas and structural temples were created mainly under the Pallavas in the seventh and eighth centuries. The GI designation concerns the region’s stone-sculpture craft, rather than a single ancient monument.
14. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien visited Kannauj between 399 and 414 A.D. during the reign of which of the following?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Ashoka
[C] Aurangzeb
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chandragupta II]
Notes:
Fa-Hien is the famous Chinese pilgrim who visited India during the rule of Chandra Gupta II. Fa-Hien started from China in 399 A.D. and covering all the way through the deserts came up to Peshawar.
15. Which of the following was not one of the things Asoka did for his people during his rule?
[A] Make stone pillars across India
[B] Send missionaries to Sri Lanka
[C] Set up food banks in poor towns
[D] Plant banyan trees by the roads
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Set up food banks in poor towns]
Notes:
Ashoka’s edicts describe measures such as planting banyan trees and mango groves, digging wells and providing rest facilities. They do not mention food banks in poor towns. Buddhist tradition also associates his reign with missions to Sri Lanka.
16. The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli was built during the ruling period of which dynasty?
[A] Kushan Dynasty
[B] Maurya Dynasty
[C] Satvahanas Dynasty
[D] Gupta Dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gupta Dynasty]
Notes:
The Mehrauli iron pillar dates to the Gupta period and demonstrates advanced ironworking. Its remarkable resistance to corrosion is aided by a protective surface layer.
17. Which one of the following launched a naval expedition against Srivijaya, attacking centres in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula in 1025 CE?
[A] Rajaraja I
[B] Rajendra Chola
[C] Pulakesin
[D] Mahipala II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajendra Chola]
Notes:
Rajendra Chola I launched the 1025 naval expedition against Srivijaya and associated ports, including Kadaram. The campaign demonstrated Chola maritime power; it should not be treated as proof of permanent Chola rule over Java or all the territories attacked.
18. 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.
19. Which of the following age refers to the Old Stone Age?
[A] Paleolithic
[B] Mesolithic
[C] Neolithic
[D] Chalcolithic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Paleolithic ]
Notes:
The term Palaeolithic is derived from the Greek word ‘palaeo’, which means old and ‘lithic’ meaning stone. Therefore, the term Palaeolithic age refers to the old stone age.
20. The Harappan bricks were mainly made by which method?
[A] Cut with the help of a chisel
[B] Sawn with a saw-like instrument
[C] Made in an open mould
[D] Hand-made
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hand-made]
Notes:
Harappan bricks were handmade by preparing clay, molding it, sun-drying, and kiln baking. The bricks showed a standard size ratio of 1:2:4, indicating planned production. Brick making was a significant craft in the Indus Valley Civilization’s urban centers.
