Best SSC Exam Practice: Ancient History MCQs with Mock Tests
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Best SSC Exam Practice With Mock Tests
- Q1: Which of the following pillars represent rockcut columns ?
- a) Mauryan pillars
- b) Gupta pillars
- c) Vijayanagara pillars
- d) Ashokan pillars
- Explanation: While many Mauryan pillars (especially Ashokan pillars) were monolithic (single piece of stone), they were carved and polished, giving them a rock-cut appearance, and were not typically rock-cut columns in the sense of being carved directly from a rock face in a cave, unlike some later structures. However, among the given options, Ashokan pillars are the closest to monumental stone carving. If the question implies monolithic carved from a single rock, then Ashokan pillars fit. If it implies cutting out from a cave, none strictly apply in the same way as, for example, cave temples. Given the common understanding in history, Ashokan pillars are the most appropriate answer as they were monumental stone carvings.
- Q2: Which of the following is known as ‘Devanam Priya’ ?
- a) Chandragupta Maurya
- b) Ashoka
- c) Samudragupta
- d) Kanishka
- Explanation: ‘Devanam Priya’ (Beloved of the Gods) and ‘Priyadarshi’ (He who looks with affection) were titles used by Emperor Ashoka in his inscriptions.
- Q3: Who among the following rulers inscribed his messages to his subjects and officials on stone surfaces?
- a) Chandragupta Maurya
- b) Bindusara
- c) Ashoka
- d) Kanishka
- Explanation: Emperor Ashoka was the first ruler in Indian history to extensively use stone surfaces (rocks and pillars) to inscribe his edicts and messages for his subjects.
- Q4: Pushyamitra, the commander of the last Maurya emperor Brihadratha, assassinated the king and founded a new dynasty. Which of the following was his lineage?
- a) Kanva dynasty
- b) Shunga dynasty
- c) Satavahana dynasty
- d) Gupta dynasty
- Explanation: Pushyamitra Shunga assassinated the last Mauryan emperor Brihadratha and founded the Shunga dynasty.
- Q5: Which Kushan ruler is famous in history as a great patron of Buddhism who also organized the Fourth Buddhist Council?
- a) Vima Kadphises
- b) Kanishka
- c) Kujula Kadphises
- d) Huvishka
- Explanation: Kanishka was a devout Buddhist and is well-known for patronizing the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
- Q6: Who was the founder of the Shung Dynasty?
- a) Agnimitra
- b) Pushyamitra
- c) Vasudeva
- d) Devabhuti
- Explanation: Pushyamitra Shunga was the founder of the Shunga dynasty, which succeeded the Mauryas.
- Q7: When did the Vikrama Era begin?
- a) 78 CE
- b) 57 BCE
- c) 320 CE
- d) 248 CE
- Explanation: The Vikrama Era (Vikram Samvat) is a Hindu calendar that begins in 57 BCE.
- Q8: For which of the following rulers ‘Ekabrahmana’ has been used?
- a) Ashoka
- b) Kanishka
- c) Gautamiputra Satakarni
- d) Samudragupta
- Explanation: Gautamiputra Satakarni, a powerful ruler of the Satavahana dynasty, was referred to as ‘Ekabrahmana’ (the only Brahmana) in inscriptions, indicating his unique status and power.
- Q9: Who was the founder of Vakataka dynasty in the third century ?
- a) Prabhavati Gupta
- b) Rudrasena I
- c) Vindhyashakti
- d) Pravarasena I
- Explanation: Vindhyashakti is traditionally considered the founder of the Vakataka dynasty.
- Q10: Prabhavati Gupta, the Queen Regent of the Vakataka Empire, was the daughter of Kuberanaga and ____.
- a) Chandragupta II
- b) Samudragupta (Incorrect, she was daughter of Chandragupta II)
- c) Kumaragupta I
- d) Skandagupta
- Correction & Explanation: Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of Chandragupta II (the Gupta emperor) and his queen Kuberanaga. The provided option ‘Samudragupta’ is incorrect.
- Q11: Who among the following was NOT a ruler of the Kushana dynasty?
- a) Kanishka
- b) Huvishka
- c) Nahapana
- d) Vima Kadphises
- Explanation: Nahapana was a prominent ruler of the Western Satraps (Saka Kshatrapas), not the Kushan dynasty. Kanishka, Huvishka, and Vima Kadphises were Kushan rulers.
- Q12: In Indian architecture ‘Surkhi’ was introduced by :
- a) Mauryans
- b) Guptas
- c) Kushans
- d) Mughals
- Explanation: ‘Surkhi’ (a pozzolanic admixture made from powdered burnt brick) was introduced into Indian architecture and was widely used for mortar, especially by the Kushans and later adopted by others, improving the strength and water resistance of masonry.
- Q13: Which foreign invader were handed over his territory to Chandragupta Maurya?
- a) Alexander
- b) Seleucus Nicator
- c) Darius I
- d) Antiochus I
- Explanation: After the Seleucid-Mauryan War, Seleucus I Nicator ceded territories, including parts of Afghanistan and Balochistan, to Chandragupta Maurya as part of a peace treaty.
- Q14: Who among the following was a Saka ruler in India (130-150AD)?
- a) Kanishka
- b) Gautamiputra Satakarni
- c) Rudradaman I
- d) Nahapana
- Explanation: Rudradaman I was a powerful and influential Saka ruler of the Western Satraps, who reigned between approximately 130-150 CE.
- Q15: Choose the INCORRECT statement with respect to the Kushan ruler Kanishka:
- a) He was a great patron of Buddhism.
- b) He organized the Fourth Buddhist Council.
- c) He was defeated by the Han Chinese general Ban Chao.
- d) He started the Saka era.
- Explanation: While Kanishka had conflicts with the Han Chinese, he was initially defeated by Ban Chao, but later sources suggest he might have gained success or stalemated in subsequent encounters. However, the definitive “defeat by Ban Chao” is often cited as a distinct historical event that doesn’t fully capture the complexity of his relationship with the Han dynasty. More importantly, it’s not universally accepted that Kanishka himself was decisively defeated by Ban Chao in all engagements, or that this was his defining military interaction in relation to China. His empire certainly interacted with the Han, and there was a defeat involved, but the statement as a definitive INCORRECT point for Kanishka is subtle. If another option were clearly incorrect, that would be preferable. However, a significant early defeat by Ban Chao is documented. A more unequivocally incorrect statement would be if he didn’t start the Saka era or wasn’t a patron of Buddhism. Given the common understanding, the statement about his defeat by Ban Chao is often discussed as a historical fact. Let’s re-evaluate. Kanishka indeed suffered a defeat early in his reign by Ban Chao. So, this statement might be correct. Let’s re-examine if there’s a better “incorrect” statement.
- Re-evaluation: All other statements (patron of Buddhism, Fourth Buddhist Council, starting Saka Era) are widely accepted as correct about Kanishka. Therefore, if forced to choose an “incorrect” statement, and assuming there’s a nuance in the “defeated by” phrasing or later victories, it’s still a tricky point. However, historical records do indicate an early defeat of Kanishka’s forces by Ban Chao. There might be an unstated premise or a different interpretation. Without further context, the statement about being defeated by Ban Chao is largely considered historically accurate for an early phase of his reign.
- Correction for Ambiguity: This question is poorly phrased for an “incorrect statement” if all options are largely factual. However, if the intent is to highlight a single, definite historical fact that might be disputed or nuanced, the exact nature of Kanishka’s “defeat” by Ban Chao (whether it was a decisive, lasting defeat of Kanishka himself or a temporary setback for his forces) can be a point of scholarly discussion. The other three points are fundamental and widely accepted.
- Q16: Alexander defeated……in the battle of Hydaspes.
- a) Chandragupta Maurya
- b) Porus
- c) Dhana Nanda
- d) Ambhi
- Explanation: Alexander the Great fought and defeated King Porus in the Battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum) in 326 BCE.
- Q17: When did the first Huna invasion take place?
- a) 375 CE
- b) 458 CE (Late 4th-Early 5th century CE, first major invasion around 450s CE)
- c) 520 CE
- d) 600 CE
- Explanation: The first significant Huna (Hephthalite) invasions into India, which severely impacted the Gupta Empire, began around the late 4th to early 5th century CE, with major incursions intensifying by the mid-5th century (around 458 CE during Skandagupta’s reign).
- Q18: ______ fought against king Han Ho-ti, who was the king of Han dynasty of China and defeated him in the second attempt.
- a) Kujula Kadphises
- b) Vima Kadphises
- c) Kanishka
- d) Huvishka
- Explanation: Kanishka’s forces indeed engaged with the Han dynasty, and while there was an initial setback against Ban Chao, later accounts suggest Kanishka’s military successes against the Han, establishing his dominance in Central Asia.
- Q19: Who among the following was the court physician of Kanishka?
- a) Susruta
- b) Patanjali
- c) Charaka
- d) Dhanvantari
- Explanation: Charaka, a renowned ancient Indian physician and author of the Charaka Samhita, is believed to have been the court physician of Emperor Kanishka.
- Q20: Who among the following was ruler from the Kushan dynasty?
- a) Gautamiputra Satakarni
- b) Rudradaman I
- c) Vima Kadphises
- d) Nahapana
- Explanation: Vima Kadphises was a prominent ruler of the Kushan dynasty, succeeding Kujula Kadphises.
- Q21: Nalanda University was established by ……. In the 5th century.
- a) Samudragupta
- b) Chandragupta II
- c) Kumaragupta I
- d) Skandagupta
- Explanation: Nalanda University, a famous center of learning, was established by Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty in the 5th century CE.
- Q22: Prayag Prashasti, a famous source of the Gupta Empire, is also known as___________.
- a) Aihole Inscription
- b) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
- c) Mehrauli Iron Pillar Inscription
- d) Hathigumpha Inscription
- Explanation: The Prayag Prashasti is another name for the Allahabad Pillar Inscription, which contains a eulogy of Samudragupta composed by Harishena.
- Q23: Who is given the credit for starting the Gupta period?
- a) Sri Gupta
- b) Chandragupta I
- c) Samudragupta
- d) Chandragupta II
- Explanation: While Sri Gupta was the founder, Chandragupta I is credited with establishing the Gupta empire’s imperial status and is often seen as the actual starter of the “Gupta period” as a significant historical era.
- Q24: Vakataka dynasty was directly related to which Gupta emperor?
- a) Chandragupta I
- b) Samudragupta
- c) Chandragupta II
- d) Kumaragupta I
- Explanation: The Vakataka dynasty had a significant matrimonial alliance with the Gupta empire through the marriage of Prabhavati Gupta (daughter of Chandragupta II) to Vakataka king Rudrasena II.
- Q25: ________was an important port city of ancient India.
- a) Pataliputra
- b) Tamralipti
- c) Kannauj
- d) Ujjain
- Explanation: Tamralipti (modern Tamluk in West Bengal) was a major ancient port city on the eastern coast of India, serving as a gateway for trade with Southeast Asia.
- Q26: Who among the following rulers is called the ‘Napolean of India’?
- a) Chandragupta Maurya
- b) Samudragupta
- c) Ashoka
- d) Kanishka
- Explanation: The historian A.V. Smith famously referred to Samudragupta as the “Napoleon of India” due to his extensive military conquests.
- Q27: The reign of the___dynasty has been described as the golden age of Indian civilization.
- a) Maurya
- b) Gupta
- c) Kushan
- d) Satavahana
- Explanation: The Gupta period is widely referred to as the “Golden Age of India” due to significant advancements in science, art, literature, and philosophy.
- Q28: Who was the first Gupta ruler to attain the title of Maharajadhiraja?
- a) Sri Gupta
- b) Ghatotkacha
- c) Chandragupta I
- d) Samudragupta
- Explanation: Chandragupta I was the first Gupta ruler to assume the imperial title of ‘Maharajadhiraja’ (King of Kings), indicating the growing power of the dynasty.
- Q29: Who was the last ruler of the Gupta Dynasty?
- a) Kumaragupta III
- b) Vishnugupta
- c) Skandagupta
- d) Budhagupta
- Explanation: Vishnugupta is generally considered the last recognized king of the Gupta dynasty.
- Q30: Which empire is regarded as the Golden Age of Hinduism?
- a) Maurya Empire
- b) Gupta Empire
- c) Kushan Empire
- d) Satavahana Empire
- Explanation: The Gupta Empire is often seen as the Golden Age of Hinduism, marked by the flourishing of Puranic religion, temple building, and the development of Hindu philosophy.
- Q31: Whose reign in Indian History is called the Golden Age of India?
- a) Maurya Dynasty
- b) Gupta Dynasty
- c) Kushan Dynasty
- d) Satavahana Dynasty
- Explanation: The Gupta Dynasty’s reign is widely considered the Golden Age of India due to its remarkable achievements in various fields.
- Q32: Aryabhatta and Kalidasa were in the court of which Gupta Emperor?
- a) Samudragupta
- b) Chandragupta II
- c) Kumaragupta I
- d) Skandagupta
- Explanation: The renowned astronomer Aryabhatta and the celebrated poet Kalidasa are believed to have flourished during the reign of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya.
- Q33: Ghatotkacha (who ruled in the years 290-305 B.C.) was a king from which dynasty?
- a) Maurya
- b) Gupta
- c) Shunga
- d) Satavahana
- Explanation: Ghatotkacha was the son of Sri Gupta and the predecessor of Chandragupta I, belonging to the early Gupta dynasty. (Note: The B.C. is likely a typo and should be A.D./CE, as the Gupta period is CE).
- Q34: Who among the following was a Gupta ruler ?
- a) Kanishka
- b) Gautamiputra Satakarni
- c) Chandragupta II
- d) Pushyamitra Shunga
- Explanation: Chandragupta II was a powerful emperor of the Gupta dynasty. Kanishka was Kushan, Gautamiputra Satakarni was Satavahana, and Pushyamitra Shunga was Shunga.
- Q35: The last recognised king of the Gupta Dynasty was______.
- a) Kumaragupta III
- b) Vishnugupta
- c) Skandagupta
- d) Budhagupta
- Explanation: Vishnugupta is generally considered the last known king of the main line of the Gupta Empire.
- Q36: The Gupta rulers imposed a fine called –––––– – which was a plough tax paid by every cultivator owning a plough.
- a) Kara
- b) Bali
- c) Halivakara
- d) Bhaga
- Explanation: ‘Halivakara’ was a type of plough tax or land tax imposed during the Gupta period, levied on cultivators.
- Q37: When did the Chinese traveller ‘Sung Yun’ came to India?
- a) 399-414 CE
- b) 518-521 CE
- c) 629-645 CE
- d) 671-695 CE
- Explanation: The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Song Yun (Sung Yun) visited India between 518 and 521 CE.
- Q38: The Chinese Pilgrim who visited India in the early 6th century was?
- a) Fa Hien
- b) Song Yun (Sung Yun)
- c) Hiuen Tsang
- d) I-tsing
- Explanation: Song Yun was the Chinese pilgrim who visited India in the early 6th century (518-521 CE). Fa Hien visited in the early 5th century, and Hiuen Tsang in the 7th century.
- Q39: Name the state which Chandragupta-I got in dowry from the Lichhavis.
- a) Vaishali
- b) Magadha (This is not quite accurate; he gained influence/power in Magadha through the marriage, not “dowry” of a state.)
- c) Pataliputra
- d) Kannauj
- Correction & Explanation: While Chandragupta I’s marriage to Kumaradevi of the Lichchhavi clan significantly strengthened his position and helped him establish control over Magadha, particularly with Pataliputra becoming his capital, it’s not strictly accurate to say he received a “state in dowry.” The marriage legitimized and enhanced his claim over Magadha and its resources, leading to the rise of the Gupta Empire centered there. The question’s premise of “state in dowry” is slightly misleading in a historical context. However, if a choice must be made, the marriage helped solidify his position in Magadha.
- Q40: Which Chinese traveler visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana?
- a) Fa Hien
- b) Sung Yun
- c) Hiuen Tsang
- d) I-tsing
- Explanation: Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) was a famous Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India and spent many years there during the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana in the 7th century CE.
- Q41: During the reign of which of the following rulers, the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang came to India?
- a) Chandragupta Maurya
- b) Chandragupta II
- c) Harshavardhana
- d) Kanishka
- Explanation: Hiuen Tsang’s extensive travels in India coincided with the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana.
- Q42: The Harshacharita is a biography of Harshavardhana, the ruler of Kannauj, composed in Sanskrit by his court poet, ––––.
- a) Kalidasa
- b) Banabhatta
- c) Harishena
- d) Bharavi
- Explanation: Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana and authored the ‘Harshacharita’, a biographical work in Sanskrit.
- Q43: Name the Chinese pilgrim to India who came in search of Buddhists texts ?
- a) Sung Yun
- b) I-tsing
- c) Fa Hien
- d) All of the above
- Explanation: While all listed were Buddhist pilgrims who came for texts, Fa Hien (Faxian) is particularly known for his journey in search of Buddhist scriptures in the early 5th century. Given the option “All of the above,” and since they all had this primary objective, that would be the most comprehensive answer.
- Q44: The Chalukya ruler Pulakesin’s victory over Harshavardhana was in year ……..
- a) 612 CE
- b) 618 CE (or around 618-619 CE)
- c) 625 CE
- d) 630 CE
- Explanation: The Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II records his famous victory over Harshavardhana, which is generally dated to around 618-619 CE.
- Q45: Who among the following defeated Harshavardhana when he invaded the Chalukya kingdom in the Deccan?
- a) Vikramaditya II
- b) Pulakesin II
- c) Kirtivarman I
- d) Mahendravarman I
- Explanation: Pulakesin II, the Chalukya ruler, famously defeated Harshavardhana when the latter attempted to expand his empire south of the Narmada River.
- Q46: King Harshavardhana ascended the throne of Thaneshwar and Kannauj on the death of his brother, –––––.
- a) Rajyavardhana
- b) Prabhakaravardhana
- c) Grahavarman
- d) Bhaskara Varman
- Explanation: Harshavardhana ascended the throne after the death of his elder brother Rajyavardhana, who in turn had become king after their father Prabhakaravardhana’s death. So, he ascended after his brother (Rajyavardhana) and father (Prabhakaravardhana). The question asks “on the death of his brother,” making Rajyavardhana the direct answer.
- Q47: Harsha moved his capital from………..to…….….
- a) Ujjain to Pataliputra
- b) Taxila to Kannauj
- c) Thaneshwar to Kannauj
- d) Delhi to Agra
- Explanation: Harshavardhana initially ruled from Thaneshwar, but later shifted his capital to Kannauj, which became a major political center during his reign.
- Q48: Pushyabhuti, who ruled from Thaneswar, was the founder of ______ dynasty.
- a) Maukhari
- b) Later Gupta
- c) Vardhana
- d) Maitraka
- Explanation: Pushyabhuti was the founder of the Vardhana dynasty, also known as the Pushyabhuti dynasty, which rose to prominence under Harshavardhana.
- Q49: Who among the following were initially subordinate to the Chalukyas of Karnataka?
- a) Pallavas
- b) Rashtrakutas
- c) Cholas
- d) Pandyas
- Explanation: The Rashtrakutas were initially subordinate to the Chalukyas of Badami (Karnataka) before they overthrew them and established their own powerful empire.
- Q50: Who among the following was a famous ruler of the Pandya dynasty of South India?
- a) Karikala
- b) Nedunjeliyan
- c) Sennan
- d) Nedunchezhiyan (Nedunjeliyan and Nedunchezhiyan are variations of the same name. Given the options, Nedunchezhiyan is the most direct fit.)
- Explanation: Nedunchezhiyan (or Nedunjeliyan I and II) were prominent rulers of the early Pandya dynasty, known from Sangam literature.
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