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.
41. Which of the following kings ascended the throne after Pravarasena II?
[A] Narendrasena
[B] Prithvisena I
[C] Rudrasena II
[D] Pravarasena II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narendrasena]
Notes:
After the death of Pravarsena II who ruled the Vakataka Nandivardhana branch after the death of Rudrasena II, a struggle for succession happened in which Narendrasena emerged successful. He ruled from 440 CE to 460CE.
42. Which of the following kings founded the Paramaras Empire?
[A] Upendra
[B] Munja
[C] Raja Bhoja
[D] Visaldeva
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Correct Answer: A [Upendra]
Notes:
After the decline of the Pratihara empire of Kanauj, the Paramaras of Malwa gained control of northern India. Upendra was the founder of this dynasty. He founded this dynasty in about 820 AD.
43. Which of the following places was the residential capital of the Cholas?
[A] Kudamukku
[B] Palaiyarai
[C] Kanchipuram
[D] Madurai
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Correct Answer: B [Palaiyarai]
Notes:
The Chola period marked a significant improvement in the craft techniques and various centres of craft production emerged. Palaiyarai was an important administrative center and residential capital of the Cholas.
44. The Sangam literature is most likely to have been composed during which of the following centuries?
[A] 2rd Century BCE and 2rd century CE.
[B] 3rd Century BCE and 3rd century CE.
[C] 4th Century BCE and 4th century CE.
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [3rd Century BCE and 3rd century CE.]
Notes:
The style and certain historical references in the poems of the Sangam period suggests that this literature is most likely to have been composed between 3rd Century BCE and 3rd century CE.
45. Which type of seals were most common in Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Oval
[B] Cylindrical
[C] Quadrate
[D] Rounded
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Quadrate]
Notes:
Square or rectangular (quadrate) seals with carved motifs were the most popular type of seal used by Indus Valley communities. Made of steatite, thousands of such seals have been found during excavations of Harappan sites. They were probably used as identity markers or tokens of authority. Cylindrical seals have also been found which were probably used to make impressions on goods or containers used in trade to signify official administrative seals.
46. Where is the UNESCO World Heritage site Nalanda Mahavihara located?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
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Correct Answer: B [Bihar]
Notes:
UNESCO World Heritage site Nalanda Mahavihara is a monastic and scholastic institution located in Bihar, built between 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE.
47. Who among the followings was known as ‘Devanam Piya’?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kharavela
[C] Kanishka
[D] Amoghavarsha
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Correct Answer: A [Ashoka]
Notes:
Devanam priya, also known as Devanampiya, was a Pali honorific epithet used by Magadhan Emperor Ashoka in his inscriptions. “Devanampriya” means “Beloved of the Gods”. It is often used by Ashoka in conjunction with the title Priyadasi, which means “He who regards others with kindness”, “Humane”.
48. In which state is Brihadeshwara Temple of Thanjavur located?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Assam
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Brihadishvara Temple, also called Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyar Koyil, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Built by Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 AD, the temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”.
49. Who composed the inscription of Allahabad Pillar?
[A] Veerasena
[B] Harisena
[C] Vishnusena
[D] Mahasena
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Correct Answer: B [Harisena]
Notes:
The Allahabad Pillar inscription or Allahabad Prasasti is one of the most important epigraphic evidences of the imperial Guptas. It was composed by Harisena, the court poet and minister of Samudragupta. It delineates a vivid description of the reign and conquests of Samudragupta.
50. Maha-mandaleshvara during seventh century was the title used by:
[A] Samantas
[B] Royal Prince of Chauhan
[C] A special title given to the priest
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Samantas]
Notes:
By the seventh century there were big landlords or warrior chiefs in different regions of the subcontinent. Existing kings often acknowledged them as their subordinates or samantas. They were expected to bring gifts for their kings or overlords, be present at their courts and provide them with military support. As samantas gained power and wealth, they declared themselves to be maha-samantas, maha-mandaleshvaras (the great lord of a “circle” or region) and so on. Sometimes they asserted their independence from their overlords.
