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Ancient History of India MCQ PDF for Students
Quick Quiz
With reference to the Mauryan empire, the term ‘durganivesa or durgavidhana’ is best related to:
a) Temples erected by the Mauryan rulers
b) A kind of tax imposed on the Urban goods
c) An annual visit undertaken by rulers to prominent towns
d) A process of formation of towns
Option d – A process of formation of towns
With reference to Ashoka’s inscriptions, consider the following statements:
- The majority of them are in Prakrit and the Brahmi script.
- They were written in both Greek and Aramaic scripts in Afghanistan.
- Mansehra and Shahbazgarhi inscriptions are written in the Prakrit language and Kharoshthi script.
- The objective was to propagate Buddhism as a state religion throughout the Indian subcontinent.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four
Option c – Only three
With reference to Ashoka’s Inscription, consider the following statements:
- Alexander Cunningham, the first director of the Archaeological Survey of India, was the first to decipher the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.
- Ashoka adopted the title “devanampiya piyadasi,” along with his name in every inscription, to build the image of a benevolent monarch, particularly after the Kalinga War.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Option d – Neither 1 nor 2
With reference to the guilds (Shrine) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.
- The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.
- The guild had judicial powers over its own members.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Option d – 1, 2 and 3
Which of the following statements regarding Pushyamitra Sunga is/are not correct?
- The last Maurya king Dasharatha was murdered by his own commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.
- Malavikagnimitram mentions the conflict between Pushyamitra Sunga and Yajnasena of Vidarbha.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Option a – 1 only
With reference to the Satavahanas, consider the following statements:
- One of the striking features of the kings pertaining to this dynasty was that they were matrilineal.
- Gautamiputra Satkarni’s achievements are eulogized in the Nasik Inscription.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Option b – 2 only
Identification of Asoka with ‘devanampiya’ was done through which one of the following inscriptions?
a) Kandahar inscription
b) Maski inscription
c) Sarnath inscription
d) Rummindei inscriptions
Option b – Maski inscription
With reference to the Mauryan administration, consider the following statements:
- The head of the provincial administration was ‘Kumara’, who was in charge of law and order and the collection of taxes for the center.
- The provinces were divided into districts headed by Pradeshikas.
- The lowest administrative unit was the village, headed by Yuktas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Option a – 1 only
Which among the following Asokan edict provides information about the Kalinga war?
a) Major Rock Edict 7
b) Major Rock Edict 13
c) Major Rock Edict 9
d) Major Rock Edict 11
Option b – Major Rock Edict 13
With reference to the Kushanas, consider the following statements:
- They were the first rulers to issue gold coins in India.
- Kanishka built a giant stupa to house the Buddha’s relics in his capital city of Purushapura (Peshawar).
- Asvaghosha was a contemporary of Kanishka.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Option b – 2 and 3 only
Arrange the following Gupta kings in the correct order of their chronology:
- Ghatotkacha
- Samudragupta
- Ramgupta
- Kumargupta
- Skandagupta
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1-2-3-4-5
b) 1-2-4-3-5
c) 1-2-5-4-3
d) 1-3-2-4-5
Option a – 1-2-3-4-5
Which of the following were the contemporaries of Harsha?
- Pulakeshin II of Chalukya
- Shashanka of Bengal
- Dhruvesena II of Vallabhi
- Bhaskarvarman of Kamrup
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2, 3, and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Option d – 1, 2, 3 and 4
Consider the following statements:
- In the Mauryan and Gupta periods, “Vishayapati” and “Uparika” respectively, were in charge of running the district administration.
- Trade and commerce flourished during the Mauryan dynasty but not during the Gupta dynasty.
- The Mauryan Empire mainly ended due to internal strife and the Gupta Empire faced external threats with the military conflict against the Huna people.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Option a – Only one
With reference to Harshavardhana, which of the following statements is not correct?
a) He belonged to the Pushyabhuti dynasty.
b) His capital was originally Kannauj, but later on, he shifted it to Thaneshwar.
c) He authored three dramas i.e., Priyadarshika, Ratnavali, and Nagananda.
d) Banabhatta was one of the accomplished writers at his court.
Option b – His capital was originally Kannauj, but later on, he shifted it to Thaneshwar
Consider the following statements regarding the Gupta administration:
- The system of taxation included ‘Bhoga’ which was a kind of tax paid in cash as per different tax slabs.
- ‘Shulka’ was a custom or toll tax similar to Chungi or Octroi in modern times.
- Vishti or the system of forced labour was totally prohibited.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Option a – Only one
Consider the following statements:
- During the Gupta period duties of revenue administration were carried out by officials known as Rajuka.
- The ‘Samaharta’ was the collector general of revenue for the Gupta Empire.
- During the Satvahana period, the state was divided into aharas, each being governed by a minister called Amatya.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Option c – 1 and 3 only
With reference to Gupta Empire Rule, consider the following statements:
- During the Gupta period there existed great equality between the ways of life of the rich city-dwellers and people living in villages.
- The disruption of the north-western region by the Huns was one of the factors for the decline of the Guptas.
- Assimilation of large number of foreigners was one the major reasons of cast proliferation in numerous sub-castes.
- Most of the Gupta kings irrespective of their individual religious faith, were secular as far as the state was concerned.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 4 only
b) 2, 3 and 4 only
c) 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2 and 3 only
Option b – 2, 3 and 4 only
With reference to the Mauryan Age, consider the following statements:
- ‘Chakra’, ‘Ahar’, and ‘Sangrahana’ were names of various taxes levied during the Mauryan age.
- ‘Nagarika’ was the head of the Mauryan city administration who was assisted by ‘Gopa’ and ‘Sthankia’.
- ‘Uttarpatha’, ‘Dakshinpatha’, and ‘Avantirashtra’ were names of different Mauryan provinces.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Option c – 2 and 3 only
With reference to foreign successors of Mauryas (Post Mauryan empires), consider the following statements:
- Indo-Greeks were the first to issue coins which can definitely be attributed to kings.
- Sakas were the first to issue gold coins in India.
- Kushanas issued the largest number of gold coins in the contemporary period.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Option b – 1 and 3 only
With reference to the Mauryan period, consider the following statements:
- According to Indica, slavery was present in India similar to Western countries.
- According to Arthashastra, the term ‘karmakara’ refers to a person who works in return for wages.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Option b – 2 only
Consider the following statements:
- The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.
- The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne.
- The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2
b) Only 2
c) Only 3
d) 1, 2 and 3
Option d – 1, 2 and 3
Consider the following inscriptions:
- Junagarh Rock inscription of Rudradaman
- Sohgaura copper inscription of Gorakhpur
- Mahasthan inscription of Bogara
- Besnagar pillar inscription of Vidisha
How many of the above inscriptions are associated with the Mauryas?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four
Option c – Only three
Lord Macaulay was related to
(a) Military reforms
(b) Abolishment of sati
(c) English Education
(d) Permanent Settlement
Option c – English Education
When was the Education Policy of Macaulay implemented?
(a) 1830
(b) 1835
(c) 1838
(d) 1901
Option b – 1835
In which Act, yearly 1 lakh was allotted for the education of Indians?
(a) 1813, Charter Renewal Act
(b) 1773, Regulating Act
(c) 1784, Pitts India Act
(d) 1833, Charter Renewal Act
Option a – 1813, Charter Renewal Act
Which one of the following statements about the English Education Act of 1835 is not correct?
(a) It was proposed by Governor General William Bentinck on the advice of Macaulay.
(b) It made English the language of instruction in the Indian Education System.
(c) With the formal institutionalization of English as the language of instruction, the stage was set for a new direction of Indian education.
(d) To the existing oriental institutions fresh awards of stipends to students and the publication of classical texts were to continue.
Option d – To the existing oriental institutions fresh awards of stipends to students and the publication of classical texts were to continue
Which of the following is also called the scheme of post-war educational development in India?
(a) Hartog Committee
(b) Sargent plan
(c) Sadler Committee
(d) Hunter Commission
Option b – Sargent plan
In the Hunter Commission Report, special emphasis was laid on the development of
(a) Girls Education
(b) Higher Education
(c) Primary Education
(d) Technical Education
Option c – Primary Education
Through which Educational Report, Calcutta University came into existence?
(a) Macaulay’s Minute
(b) Hunter Commission
(c) Charter Act
(d) Wood’s Despatch
Option d – Wood’s Despatch
Charles Wood’s despatch was related to which of the following?
(a) Education
(b) Trade
(c) Administrative reforms
(d) Military reforms
Option a – Education
The aim of education as stated by Wood’s Despatch of 1854 was
(a) the creation of employment opportunities for native Indians.
(b) the spread of Western culture in India.
(c) the promotion of literacy among the people using the English medium of language.
(d) the introduction of scientific research and rationalism in traditional Indian Education.
Option c – the promotion of literacy among the people using the English medium of language
Hartog Committee Report of 1929 suggested transforming which of the following types of Education into a community development center for rural upliftment?
(a) Primary School
(b) Secondary School
(c) Higher Secondary School
(d) None of the above
Option a – Primary School
The method of moderate leaders of the Congress was
(a) Non-cooperation
(b) Constitutional Legitations
(c) Passive Resistance
(d) Civil Disobedience
Option b – Constitutional Legitations
With reference to Indian Freedom Struggles, who among the following was labeled as a ‘Moderate’ leader in the Congress?
(a) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
(b) Bipin Chandra Pal
(c) Lala Lajpat Rai
(d) Aurobindo Ghosh
Option a – Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Which phase is considered to be the liberal phase of the Indian National Congress?
(a) 1885-1895
(b) 1885-1905
(c) 1905-1915
(d) 1895-1925
Option b – 1885-1905
Which one among the following was not a demand of the early Congress (1885-1905)?
(a) Indianisation of the superior grades of the administrative services.
(b) Purna Swaraj/Complete independence.
(c) Abolition of the Arms Act.
(d) Autonomy within the empire.
Option b – Purna Swaraj/Complete independence
Who was elected to the House of Commons to speak for Indian Interests in the 1890s?
(a) RC Dutt
(b) Madam Cama
(c) RP Dutt
(d) Dadabhai Naoroji
Option d – Dadabhai Naoroji
The first Indian to contest an election to the British House of Commons was
(a) Dadabhai Naoroji
(b) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
(c) Pherozeshah Mehta
(d) WC Banerjee
Option a – Dadabhai Naoroji
First Indian elected to the British House of Commons was Dadabhai Naoroji, who contested on the ticket of
(a) Liberal Party
(b) Labour Party
(c) Conservative Party
(d) Communist Party
Option a – Liberal Party
Who was called the ‘Grand Old Man of India’?
(a) Dadabhai Naoroji
(b) Jamshedji Tata
(c) Surendranath Banerjee
(d) C Rajagopalachari
Option a – Dadabhai Naoroji
Which of the following were led by Dadhabhai Naoroji, to carefully analyse the political economy of British Rule India, and put forward the ‘drain theory’ to explain British exploitation of India?
(a) RC Dutt and Dinshaw Wacha
(b) RC Dutt and BG Tilak
(c) Ananda Mohan Bose and DE Wacha
(d) GK Gokhale and Sisir Kumar Ghosh
Option a – RC Dutt and Dinshaw Wacha
Who accused India National Congress of practicing ‘politics of prayer, petition and protest’?
(a) Lala Hardayal
(b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(c) Subhash Chandra Bose
(d) Sardar Bhagat Singh
Option b – Bal Gangadhar Tilak
MC Setalwad, BN Rao, and Alladi Krishanswamy Lyer were distinguished members of the
(a) Swaraj Party
(b) All India National Liberal Federation
(c) Madras Labour Union
(d) Servants of India Society
Option d – Servants of India Society
Which one of the following continuously from 1904 onward emphasized the grant of ‘Self-rule’ to India?
(a) SN Banerjee
(b) Aurbindo Ghosh
(c) Pherozeshah Mehta
(d) Dadabhai Naoroji
Option d – Dadabhai Naoroji
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