Free Mock Tests and Ancient History MCQs for SSC Exam 2025
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Free Mock Tests and Ancient History
Q1. In which year did Chola King Rajaraja I ascend the throne?
(a) 975 CE
(b) 980 CE
(c) 990 CE
(d) 985 CE
Answer: d) 985 CE
Explanation: Rajaraja I, one of the greatest emperors of the Chola dynasty, ascended the throne in 985 CE. His reign marked the beginning of a period of significant expansion and cultural flourishing for the Chola empire.
Q2. Dantidurga, in the mid-eighth century, overthrew his Chalukya overlord and performed a ritual known as____________.
(a) Ashwamedha
(b) Vajapeya
(c) Rajasuya
(d) Hiranya-garbha
Answer: d) Hiranya-garbha
Explanation: Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, performed the ritual of ‘Hiranya-garbha’ (literally, golden womb) in the mid-eighth century. This ritual, performed by a non-Kshatriya, was believed to symbolically confer Kshatriya status upon the performer, allowing him to become a king.
Q3. In Chola administration,___________was the assembly in the villages which were inhabited predominantly by the Brahmanas.
(a) Ur
(b) Nagaram
(c) Nadu
(d) Sabha
Answer: d) Sabha
Explanation: In the highly organized Chola village administration, ‘Sabha’ (or ‘Mahasabha’) was the assembly of adult Brahmanas in villages that were predominantly inhabited by them. ‘Ur’ was a general assembly in ordinary villages, and ‘Nagaram’ was an assembly of merchants.
Q4. Which of the following cities is the capital of the Pandya Kings?
(a) Puhar
(b) Uraiyur
(c) Kanchi
(d) Madurai
Answer: d) Madurai
Explanation: Madurai was the ancient and prominent capital city of the Pandya kings in South India, renowned for its cultural and commercial significance.
Q5. Two types of village councils, Sabha and Ur, are mentioned in which of the following dynasties?
(a) Pallava Dynasty
(b) Chera Dynasty
(c) Satavahana Dynasty
(d) Chola Dynasty
Answer: d) Chola Dynasty
Explanation: The Chola inscriptions provide detailed information about their highly organized village administration, which included two main types of assemblies: the ‘Ur’, a general assembly of all tax-paying residents in common villages, and the ‘Sabha’ (or ‘Mahasabha’), an assembly of adult Brahmanas in ‘brahmadeya’ (Brahmin-gifted) villages.
Q6. Aihole was the capital of ……..
(a) Pallavas
(b) Pandyas
(c) Cholas
(d) Chalukyas
Answer: d) Chalukyas
Explanation: Aihole was one of the early capitals of the Badami Chalukyas. It is often referred to as the “cradle of Indian architecture” due to the large number of temples built there. Later, the capital was shifted to Badami (Vatapi).
Q7. Ravikirti was the court poet of which Chalukya ruler?
(a) Pulakesin I
(b) Kirtivarman I
(c) Vikramaditya II
(d) Pulakesin II
Answer: d) Pulakesin II
Explanation: Ravikirti was the court poet of the famous Chalukya ruler Pulakesin II, and he composed the Aihole inscription, which provides valuable historical information about Pulakesin’s reign and his victory over Harshavardhana.
Q8. The ruler of which of the following dynasties invaded Malaya to free its trade with China?
(a) Pallava
(b) Pandya
(c) Chera
(d) Chola
Answer: d) Chola
Explanation: The Chola ruler Rajendra I (son of Rajaraja I) launched a significant naval expedition against the Srivijaya kingdom (which controlled trade routes through the Malay Peninsula) in the 11th century. This invasion was primarily aimed at asserting Chola dominance and ensuring free trade with China and Southeast Asian countries.
Q9. Who founded the Chola Empire (dynasty)?
(a) Rajaraja I
(b) Rajendra I
(c) Kulothunga Chola I
(d) Vijayalaya Chola
Answer: d) Vijayalaya Chola
Explanation: Vijayalaya Chola is regarded as the founder of the imperial Chola dynasty. He captured Thanjavur (Tanjore) from the Muttarayar chiefs in the mid-9th century, laying the foundation for the great Chola Empire.
Q10. Rani Rudrama Devi was a famous ruler of the ………….. dynasty.
(a) Kakatiya
(b) Yadava
(c) Hoysala
(d) Chalukya
Answer: a) Kakatiya
Explanation: Rani Rudrama Devi was one of the most prominent female rulers in Indian history. She ruled the Kakatiya dynasty in the Deccan region (present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh) in the 13th century.
Q11. The Chalukya Dynasty ruled in Vatapi which is in the modern day Indian state of ………….
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Andhra Pradesh
(c) Kerala
(d) Karnataka
Answer: d) Karnataka
Explanation: The Chalukya Dynasty, particularly the Badami Chalukyas, had their capital at Vatapi (modern Badami), which is located in the present-day state of Karnataka.
Q12. Dantidurga, who set up his capital at Malkhed was a __ ruler.
(a) Pallava
(b) Chalukya
(c) Ganga
(d) Rashtrakuta
Answer: d) Rashtrakuta
Explanation: Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, initially established his capital at Manyakheta (modern Malkhed) in present-day Karnataka after overthrowing the Chalukyas.
Q13. Who among the following was a ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty?
(a) Pulakesin II
(b) Narasimhavarman I
(c) Rajaraja I
(d) Amoghavarsha I
Answer: d) Amoghavarsha I
Explanation: Amoghavarsha I was one of the most distinguished rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, known for his long reign, administrative skills, and patronage of literature and arts. Pulakesin II was Chalukya, Narasimhavarman I was Pallava, and Rajaraja I was Chola.
Q14. Who among the following established the Rashtrakuta Kingdom?
(a) Krishna I
(b) Dhruva
(c) Amoghavarsha I
(d) Dantidurga
Answer: d) Dantidurga
Explanation: Dantidurga established the Rashtrakuta Kingdom in the mid-8th century CE after overthrowing the Chalukya power in the Deccan.
Q15. The period of influence of the Chola rulers of the South was:
(a) 6th to 8th Century CE
(b) 7th to 10th Century CE
(c) 8th to 12th Century CE
(d) 9th to 13th Century CE
Answer: d) 9th to 13th Century CE
Explanation: The Imperial Cholas rose to prominence in the mid-9th century CE under Vijayalaya and continued to be a dominant power in South India and parts of Southeast Asia until the 13th century CE.
Q16. Who was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty?
(a) Pulakesin II
(b) Vikramaditya I
(c) Kirtivarman I
(d) Pulakesin I
Answer: d) Pulakesin I
Explanation: Pulakesin I is recognized as the founder of the Badami Chalukya dynasty, establishing his capital at Vatapi (Badami) in the mid-6th century CE.
Q17. The Badami Chalukyas first had their capital at __ before they moved it to Badami.
(a) Pattadakal
(b) Mahakuta
(c) Nagarjunakonda
(d) Aihole
Answer: d) Aihole
Explanation: The Badami Chalukyas initially had their capital at Aihole, which served as a significant center for early Chalukyan temple building. Later, they shifted their capital to the nearby fortified city of Badami (Vatapi).
Q18. Where was the first capital of Chalukyas?
(a) Badami
(b) Pattadakal
(c) Vengi
(d) Aihole
Answer: d) Aihole
Explanation: Aihole was the first capital of the Badami Chalukyas, known for its extensive group of early temples.
Q19. Which of the following is the only correct pair as described by Chola inscriptions ?
(a) Vellanvagai – land for the maintenance of a school
(b) Brahmadeya – land gifted to Jaina institutions
(c) Devadana – land of non-Brahmana peasant proprietors
(d) Shalabhoga – land for the maintenance of a school
Answer: d) Shalabhoga – land for the maintenance of a school
Explanation:
Vellanvagai: land of non-Brahmana peasant proprietors.
Brahmadeya: land gifted to Brahmanas.
Devadana (or Tirunamattukkani): land gifted to temples.
Pallichchhandam: land granted to Jaina institutions.
Shalabhoga: land for the maintenance of a school. Thus, option (d) is the correct pair.
Q20. Which Chola ruler was popularly called ‘Victor of the Ganges’?
(a) Rajaraja I
(b) Kulothunga Chola I
(c) Vikramachola
(d) Rajendra I
Answer: d) Rajendra I
Explanation: Rajendra I, son of Rajaraja I, earned the title ‘Gangaikondachola’ (Victor of the Ganges) after his successful military expedition to the Ganges plains in North India, demonstrating Chola power far beyond their traditional territories.
Q21. What did the term ‘Shalabhoga’ stands for, with respect to revenue administration under the Imperial Cholas ?
(a) Land for the upkeep of the army
(b) Land gifted to Brahmanas
(c) Land for the construction of temples
(d) Land for the maintenance of a school
Answer: d) Land for the maintenance of a school
Explanation: In the Chola land grant system, ‘Shalabhoga’ referred to land endowed for the purpose of maintaining a school or educational institution.
Q22. Which of the following Pallava kings assumed the title of ”Vatapikonda” after defeating and slaying the great Chalukyan King Pulekesin II?
(a) Mahendravarman I
(b) Rajasimha (Narasimhavarman II)
(c) Paramesvaravarman I
(d) Narasimhavarman I
Answer: d) Narasimhavarman I
Explanation: Narasimhavarman I, the powerful Pallava king, defeated and killed the great Chalukyan ruler Pulakesin II, subsequently capturing his capital Vatapi. For this victory, he assumed the title ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi).
Q23. Who was the first king of the Chola dynasty to conquer Sri Lanka?
(a) Rajendra I
(b) Kulothunga Chola I
(c) Aditya I
(d) Rajaraja I
Answer: d) Rajaraja I
Explanation: Rajaraja I was the first Chola king to initiate the conquest of Sri Lanka, specifically conquering the northern parts of the island (Anuradhapura) and incorporating it into the Chola empire. His son, Rajendra I, later completed the conquest of the entire island.
Q24. The twelfth century witnessed the emergence of a new movement in Karnataka, led by a Brahmana named Basavanna (1106–68) who was initially a Jain and a minister in the court of a ……… king.
(a) Hoysala
(b) Chalukya
(c) Ganga
(d) Kalachuri
Answer: d) Kalachuri
Explanation: Basavanna, the founder of the Lingayat movement in Karnataka, served as a minister (chief treasurer) in the court of the Kalachuri king Bijjala II in the 12th century.
Q25. The Chalukya dynasty was a major kingdom in the –––– part of India.
(a) Northern
(b) Eastern
(c) North-Western
(d) Deccan (South/Central)
Answer: d) Deccan (South/Central)
Explanation: The Chalukya dynasty (especially the Badami Chalukyas) was a prominent power that dominated the Deccan Plateau region of India from the 6th to the 12th centuries CE.
Q26. How many monasteries and temples are there in Ellora caves?
(a) 15
(b) 20
(c) 29
(d) 34
Answer: d) 34
Explanation: The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, comprise 34 rock-cut caves that include Buddhist chaityas and viharas (caves 1-12), Hindu temples (caves 13-29), and Jain temples (caves 30-34), all carved between the 6th and 10th centuries CE.
Q27. In the Early Middle Ages, a famous tripartite war was fought for control of………..
(a) Pataliputra
(b) Ujjain
(c) Valabhi
(d) Kannauj
Answer: d) Kannauj
Explanation: During the Early Medieval Period in India (8th-10th centuries CE), a famous “tripartite struggle” or “tripartite war” took place between three major powers – the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Palas, and the Rashtrakutas – all vying for control over the strategically important city of Kannauj in North India.
Q28. The famous poet and playwright Rajashekhar was the court poet, which of the following Pratihara kings?
(a) Nagabhata I
(b) Bhoja I (Mihira Bhoja)
(c) Mahendrapala I
(d) Mahipala I
Answer: c) Mahendrapala I
Explanation: The celebrated Sanskrit poet and playwright Rajashekhar was the court poet of the Gurjara-Pratihara king Mahendrapala I and his son Mahipala I. He wrote several important works including Kavyamimamsa.
Q29. Which of the following universities was founded by Pal?
(a) Taxila
(b) Vallabhi
(c) Ujjain
(d) Vikramashila
Answer: d) Vikramashila
Explanation: The Pala dynasty rulers were great patrons of Buddhist learning. Dharmapala, a prominent Pala king, founded the famous Vikramashila University in the 8th or 9th century CE. While Nalanda was supported by Palas, it was founded earlier by the Guptas.
Q30. King Lalitaditya Muktapida ruled over _.
(a) Bengal
(b) Malwa
(c) Kashmir
(d) Kannauj
Answer: c) Kashmir
Explanation: King Lalitaditya Muktapida was a powerful and ambitious ruler of the Karkota dynasty, who ruled over Kashmir in the 8th century CE. His reign is described in the Rajatarangini of Kalhana.
Q31. During the rule of which dynasty were Nalanda and Vikramashila universities founded?
(a) Maurya Dynasty
(b) Gupta Dynasty and Pala Dynasty
(c) Satavahana Dynasty
(d) Harsha’s Empire
Answer: b) Gupta Dynasty and Pala Dynasty
Explanation: Nalanda University was founded by the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I in the 5th century CE. Vikramashila University was founded by the Pala king Dharmapala in the 8th or 9th century CE. Both were major centers of Buddhist learning.
Q32. Which among the following state ‘Odantpuri’ education center was situated?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) West Bengal
(c) Odisha
(d) Bihar
Answer: d) Bihar
Explanation: The ancient Buddhist Mahavihara of Odantapuri (also known as Odantapura or Uddandapura) was located in Magadha, in present-day Bihar. It was founded by Gopala, the founder of the Pala dynasty.
Q33. Who was the founder of Pala Dynasty ?
(a) Dharmapala
(b) Devapala
(c) Mahipala I
(d) Gopala
Answer: d) Gopala
Explanation: Gopala is recognized as the founder of the Pala dynasty, which ruled over Bengal and Bihar from the 8th to the 12th centuries CE.
Q34. Vikramashila University was founded by –––– a Pala king.
(a) Gopala
(b) Devapala
(c) Mahipala I
(d) Dharmapala
Answer: d) Dharmapala
Explanation: Vikramashila University, a significant center of Buddhist learning, was founded by the Pala king Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th century CE.
Q35. Who was the first ruler of Pala dynasty?
(a) Dharmapala
(b) Devapala
(c) Mahipala I
(d) Gopala
Answer: d) Gopala
Explanation: Gopala was the first ruler and founder of the Pala dynasty in Bengal and Bihar, elected by the people around the mid-8th century CE to end a period of anarchy.
Q36. __ established Vikramshila University.
(a) Gopala
(b) Devapala
(c) Mahipala I
(d) Dharmapala
Answer: d) Dharmapala
Explanation: Dharmapala, the second ruler of the Pala dynasty, is credited with establishing the famous Vikramashila University.
Q37. Bhaskarvarman of the Varman dynasty rule in the ……….. region.
(a) Malwa
(b) Gujarat
(c) Odisha
(d) Kamarupa (Assam)
Answer: d) Kamarupa (Assam)
Explanation: Bhaskaravarman was a prominent ruler of the Varman dynasty (or Kamarupa kingdom) who ruled in the Kamarupa region (present-day Assam) in the 7th century CE. He was a contemporary of Harshavardhana.
Q38. Who founded the famous Vikramashila University in the ninth century?
(a) Gopala
(b) Devapala
(c) Mahipala I
(d) Dharmapala
Answer: d) Dharmapala
Explanation: Dharmapala, a powerful king of the Pala dynasty, founded the Vikramashila University in the 9th century CE, which became a leading center for Tantric Buddhism.
Q39. Temples of Khajuraho were built during which dynasty?
(a) Pala
(b) Pratihara
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Chandela
Answer: d) Chandela
Explanation: The magnificent group of temples at Khajuraho, famous for their Nagara-style architecture and intricate sculptures, were primarily built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 CE.
Q40. Identify the dynasty of the king who defeated Sultan Muhammad Ghori in 1191.
(a) Paramara Dynasty
(b) Solanki Dynasty
(c) Gahadavala Dynasty
(d) Chauhan Dynasty
Answer: d) Chauhan Dynasty
Explanation: Prithviraj Chauhan (Prithviraj III), a ruler of the Chauhan (Chahamana) dynasty, defeated Sultan Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 CE.
Q41. In eleventh century, under the patronage of which dynasty Bhojshala structure was built in the state of Madhya Pradesh?
(a) Gurjara-Pratihara
(b) Chandela
(c) Kalachuri
(d) Paramara
Answer: d) Paramara
Explanation: The Bhojshala, a historical monument in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, was a Sanskrit college and temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Saraswati). It was built in the 11th century CE under the patronage of the Paramara king Bhoja.
Q42. Jaimal and Patta were the warriors who were given charge of defending the fort of …….
(a) Ranthambore
(b) Amer
(c) Kumbhalgarh
(d) Chittor
Answer: d) Chittor
Explanation: Jaimal and Patta were brave Rajput warriors who valiantly defended the fort of Chittor against the Mughal emperor Akbar’s siege in 1568 CE. They were entrusted with the fort’s defense by Maharana Udai Singh II.
Q43. Under which of the following rulers did Delhi first became a capital?
(a) Mughals
(b) Khaljis
(c) Tughlaqs
(d) Tomara Rajputs
Answer: d) Tomara Rajputs
Explanation: Delhi first gained prominence as a significant political center and capital under the Tomara Rajputs, in the 8th century CE. Anangpal Tomar is often credited with establishing the city of Dhillika (old Delhi).
Q44. When defeat was certain, then __ men had to perform a ritual called ‘Shaka’ (or ‘Shak’) which was their final battle from which they could not return.
(a) Mughal
(b) Sultanate
(c) Maratha
(d) Rajput
Answer: d) Rajput
Explanation: The term ‘Saka’ (often associated with ‘Jauhar’ performed by women) refers to a ritualistic final charge by Rajput warriors. When faced with certain defeat, Rajput men would don saffron robes and fight to the death, knowing there would be no retreat or surrender.
Q45. Who among the following did not belong to the Rajput Kingdom of Marwar ?
(a) Rao Jodha
(b) Rao Maldev
(c) Maharana Pratap
(d) Maharana Pratap
Answer: c) Maharana Pratap
Explanation: Rao Jodha and Rao Maldev were prominent rulers of the Rathore clan, who ruled the kingdom of Marwar (Jodhpur). Maharana Pratap, however, was a ruler of the Mewar kingdom (Udaipur), belonging to the Sisodia clan of Rajputs.
Q46. The present day city of Bhopal was built by which of the following Pratihara rulers ?
(a) Nagabhata I
(b) Vatsaraja
(c) Nagabhata II
(d) Bhoja I (Mihira Bhoja)
Answer: d) Bhoja I (Mihira Bhoja)
Explanation: The present-day city of Bhopal is believed to have been founded by the powerful Gurjara-Pratihara king Mihira Bhoja (Bhoja I) in the 9th century CE. He constructed a large lake and dam there.
Q47. Who was the best-known Chahawana or Chauhan ruler who defeated sultan Muhammad Ghori in 1191 A.D. ?
(a) Vigraharaja IV
(b) Hariraja
(c) Govindaraja IV
(d) Prithviraj Chauhan III
Answer: d) Prithviraj Chauhan III
Explanation: Prithviraj Chauhan III (or Rai Pithora) was the most famous ruler of the Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty. He defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 AD.
Q48. Who among the following Rajput rulers defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 AD?
(a) Jaichand of Kannauj
(b) Hemu
(c) Rana Sanga
(d) Prithviraj Chauhan
Answer: d) Prithviraj Chauhan
Explanation: Prithviraj Chauhan, the Rajput ruler of Ajmer and Delhi, decisively defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 AD.
Q49. _ has defeated Mohammad Ghori in 1191.
(a) Jaichand
(b) Hemu
(c) Rana Sanga
(d) Prithviraj Chauhan
Answer: d) Prithviraj Chauhan
Explanation: Prithviraj Chauhan, the Chahamana (Chauhan) ruler, defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 CE.
Q50. Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori in a battle in the year –––– but lost to him the following year.
(a) 1190
(b) 1192
(c) 1193
(d) 1191
Answer: d) 1191
Explanation: Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 CE. However, Ghori returned the following year (1192 CE) and defeated Prithviraj in the Second Battle of Tarain.
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