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.
21. Indus site Surkotada is known for:
[A] massive fortification wall of semi-undressed stones was discovered
[B] Early stone tools were discovered
[C] Granary was discovered
[D] All the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [massive fortification wall of semi-undressed stones was discovered]
Notes:
Surkotada’s most striking feature is a massive semi-circular fortification wall made of undressed stones and mud bricks, dating to 2300-1700 BCE, running more than half a kilometer across the settlement. This demonstrates a defensive measure perhaps against periodic floods or enemy attacks. Terracotta female figurines and seals were also found.
22. Gopatha Brahmana is related to which of the following?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Sama Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Atharva Veda]
Notes:
The Yajur Veda contains the Gopatha Brahmana. The recensions of the Atharva Veda are called Shaunaka and Paippalada
The Upveda of the Atharva Veda is referred to as the Shilpa Veda.
23. What was the capital of the southern part of Avanti Mahajanapada?
[A] Mahishmati
[B] Mathura
[C] Ujjain
[D] Taxila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahishmati]
Notes:
The capital of the southern part of Avanti Mahajanapada was located at Mahishmati. It was located in the present-day malwa region on the banks of river Narmada. Avanti mahajanapada was significant in the rise of Buddhism.
24. Bimbisara sent his royal physician Jivaka to Ujjain when which of the following kings had jaundice?
[A] Brahmadatta
[B] Pradyota
[C] Prasenjit
[D] Ajatashatru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pradyota]
Notes:
Bimbisara sent his royal physician Jivaka to Ujjain when Pradyota had jaundice, along Dakshinapatha to Avanti. Earlier Bimbisara had rivalry with Avanti’s king Pradyota but later they became friends.
25. Which of the following was referred to as ‘Devanampiya Piyadassi’?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bindusara
[C] Ashoka
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka also referred to as Ashokavardhana was the son of Bindusara. In the year 1837 James Prinsep deciphered an inscription written in Brahmi script referring to a king called ‘Devamapiya Piyadassi’ (beloved of the gods) which was attributed to Ashoka.
26. Consider the following major ports during the Indo-Greek trade:
- Broach
- Sopara
- Tamralipti
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Trade started across the sea between India and the Eastern Roman Empires. Among the ports, the important ones were Broach, Sopara, Arikamedu, and Tamralipti. Broach, in particular, was the most important not only for exporting goods, but also for receiving them.
27. Which of the following authored the Gatha Sattasai?
[A] Yajnashri Satakarni
[B] Hala
[C] Gautamiputra Vijaya Satakarni
[D] Chanda Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hala]
Notes:
Hala was probably the 17th king in the line in the Satvahana dynasty. He was also a great poet who authored the Gatha Sattasai. It is a collection of 700 erotic poems in the Maharashtri Prakrit dialect.
28. Rabatak Inscription provides the evidence of which of the following rulers?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Kadphises I
[C] Vasudeva II
[D] Vima Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka was the third ruler of the Kushana empire. He was the grandson of Kadphises I, the founder of the Kushana empire. The famous Rabatak Inscription written on a rock in the Bactrian language and the Greek script presents valuable information on Kanishka.
29. Halivakara refers to which of the following?
[A] Irrigation tax
[B] Plough tax
[C] Crop tax
[D] House tax
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Plough tax]
Notes:
Halivakara during the Gupta period probably refers to plough tax. The Gupta period saw an increase in land taxes but the number of trade and commerce taxes decreased.
30. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Gupta coins?
1. The Gupta coins are well designed and meticulously crafted.
2. The coins carried aesthetically impressive depictions of the activities of the rulers.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
The coins of the Gupta empire are well designed and meticulously crafted. The coins carried aesthetically impressive depictions of the activities of the rulers of the Gupta empire.
