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.
31. Who were the Sthanikas?
[A] They collected taxes
[B] They sold liqor
[C] They were traders
[D] Head of a village
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [They collected taxes]
Notes:
The districts in the Mauryan empire were divided into groups of 5 or 10 villages which was headed by Sthanikas. The Sthanikas collected taxes and were assisted by Gopas (who maintained proper records and accounts).
32. Which of the following kings defeated Subhagsena of Kabul?
[A] Antiochus II
[B] Demetrius I
[C] Apollodotus I
[D] Apollodotus II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Antiochus II]
Notes:
Antiochus II was a Greek king of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire who reigned from 261 BCE to 246 BCE. He marched towards India and defeated the India king Subhagsena of Kabul in around 206 BC.
33. Which of the following kings was identified as king Juzr from the travel accounts of the 9th-century Arab merchant, Sulaiman?
[A] Vatsaraja
[B] Nagabhatta I
[C] Harichandra
[D] Mihir Bhoja
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mihir Bhoja]
Notes:
Mihir Bhoja is also identified as the king Juzr from the travel accounts of the 9th-century Arab merchant, Sulaiman. According to the Arab merchant Sulaiman, Mihir Bhoja possessed great military power and riches.
34. In which of the following battles, Shahab-ud-Din defeated Prithviraj Chauhan?
[A] 1st battle of Tarain
[B] 2nd battle of Tarain
[C] Battle of Haldighati
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2nd battle of Tarain]
Notes:
The Second Battle of Tarain was fought in 1192 by the Chahamanas and their allies against the Ghurids, near Tarain. Prithviraj Chauhan’s forces had defeated Shahab-ud-Din in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191. Shahab-ud-Din repeated the attack next year and defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the second battle of Tarain.
35. Which of the following statements is correct with respect to ‘Agnikula’ origin of the Rajputs?
[A] Rajputs were descendants of the four brave warriors who were born out of the firepit at Mount Abu.
[B] Rajputs were the descendants of the Vedic Kshatriyas.
[C] Rajputs were the descendants of foreigners.
[D] Rajputs were the
descendants ofthe indigenous tribes such as the Gonds and Bhars.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajputs were descendants of the four brave warriors who were born out of the firepit at Mount Abu.]
Notes:
According to the Agnikula origin theory the Rajputs were descendants of the four brave warriors who were born out of the firepit at Mount Abu. This is called the Agnikula origin of the Rajputs.
36. Which of the following was the term used for those persons who sold themselves as slaves in times of famines to maintain themselves?
[A] Kritadasas
[B] Svavikrayi
[C] Dhvajahrita
[D] Rinadasas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Svavikrayi]
Notes:
Persons who sold themselves as slaves in times of famines to maintain themselves were referred to as Svavikraryi. Whereas Dhvajahrita were those persons who were captured by the victorious rulers as prisoners of war. They had to work as slaves.
37. Which of the following sects are some of the important sects of Shaivism?
1) Pasupata Lakulisa
2) Kapalikas
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:
There are many sects of Saivism. Pasupata Lakulisa and Kapalikas are two major sects of Shaivism. Pasupata Lakulisa was the founder of the Pasupata sect of Saivism. According to Kapalikas, Siva was the Lord of Sakti. The Kapalikas wore a garland of human bones.
38. Which of the following was the author of Dhatupradipa?
[A] Bhavabhuti
[B] Saktibhadra
[C] Maitreyarakshita
[D] Hastimalla
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Maitreyarakshita]
Notes:
Maitreyarakshita was a Buddhist writer and a famous grammarian belonging to the eastern part of India who lived in the middle of the twelfth century. He is also the author of Dhatupradipa.
39. Which of the following took up titles such as Satyasraya, Puru-ranaparakrama, Vallabha and Prithivi-Vallabha?
[A] Pulkeshin I
[B] Kirtivarman I
[C] Mangalesha
[D] Pulkeshin II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kirtivarman I]
Notes:
Kirtivarman I took up titles such as Satyasraya, Puru-ranaparakrama, Vallabha and Prithivi-Vallabha. He is also referred to as “the first maker of Vatapi.” He ruled from c. 566 to 598 CE.
40. The new era known as Chalukya-Vikramakala started in which of the following years?
[A] 1073 AD.
[B] 1076 AD.
[C] 1080 AD.
[D] 1086 AD.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1076 AD.]
Notes:
Vikramaditya came to power in 1076 A.D. He founded a new era known which was known as Chalukya-Vikramakala and which started in 1076 AD only. He ruled for about 50 years.
