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) Iron Pillar of Delhi
(b) Qutub Minar
(c) Vijay Stambha
(d) Ashokan Pillars
Answer: d) Ashokan Pillars
Explanation: Many of the famous Ashokan Pillars are monolithic (cut from a single piece of rock) and were carved as freestanding rock-cut columns, showcasing remarkable ancient Indian engineering and sculptural skills.
Q2. Which of the following is known as ‘Devanam Priya’ ?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Ashoka
Answer: d) Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka used the title ‘Devanam Priya’ (Beloved of the Gods) and ‘Piyadasi’ (He who looks with affection) in his inscriptions, signifying his benevolent approach to governance and his religious leanings.
Q3. Who among the following rulers inscribed his messages to his subjects and officials on stone surfaces?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Ashoka
Answer: d) Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka was the first ruler in Indian history to extensively use inscriptions on stone surfaces, natural rocks, and polished pillars to propagate his policies of Dhamma (righteous conduct) and communicate directly with his subjects and officials.
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) Satavahana Dynasty
(b) Kanva Dynasty
(c) Gupta Dynasty
(d) Shunga Dynasty
Answer: d) Shunga Dynasty
Explanation: After assassinating the last Mauryan emperor Brihadratha in 185 BCE, Pushyamitra Shunga, his commander-in-chief, established the Shunga Dynasty, marking the end of the Mauryan Empire.
Q5. Which Kushan ruler is famous in history as a great patron of Buddhism who also organized the Fourth Buddhist Council?
(a) Kujula Kadphises
(b) Vima Kadphises
(c) Huvishka
(d) Kanishka
Answer: d) Kanishka
Explanation: Kanishka, one of the most powerful rulers of the Kushan dynasty, was a great patron of Buddhism. He is renowned for organizing the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, which led to the division of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.
Q6. Who was the founder of the Shung Dynasty?
(a) Devabhuti
(b) Agnimitra
(c) Vasumitra
(d) Pushyamitra Shunga
Answer: d) Pushyamitra Shunga
Explanation: Pushyamitra Shunga, the general of the last Mauryan king Brihadratha, founded the Shunga Dynasty after overthrowing the Mauryan rule.
Q7. When did the Vikrama Era begin?
(a) 78 CE
(b) 320 CE
(c) 57 CE
(d) 57 BCE
Answer: d) 57 BCE
Explanation: The Vikrama Era, a widely used calendar era in India, is believed to have been founded by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, commemorating his victory over the Shakas, and its epoch is 57 BCE.
Q8. For which of the following rulers ‘Ekabrahmana’ has been used?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Gautamiputra Satakarni
Answer: d) Gautamiputra Satakarni
Explanation: The title ‘Ekabrahmana’ (the sole Brahmana or the unique Brahmana) has been used for Gautamiputra Satakarni, a powerful ruler of the Satavahana dynasty, indicating his unique status and possibly his role in upholding the Brahmanical social order.
Q9. Who was the founder of Vakataka dynasty in the third century ?
(a) Pravarasena I
(b) Rudrasena I
(c) Prithivishena I
(d) Vindhyashakti
Answer: d) Vindhyashakti
Explanation: Vindhyashakti is recognized as the founder of the Vakataka dynasty, which emerged as a significant power in the Deccan region in the 3rd century CE.
Q10. Prabhavati Gupta, the Queen Regent of the Vakataka Empire, was the daughter of Kuberanaga and __.
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Kumaragupta I
(c) Skandagupta
(d) Chandragupta II
Answer: d) Chandragupta II
Explanation: Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of the powerful Gupta emperor Chandragupta II (and his Naga Queen Kuberanaga). Her marriage to the Vakataka ruler Rudrasena II cemented a crucial alliance between the Gupta and Vakataka dynasties.
Q11. Who among the following was NOT a ruler of the Kushana dynasty?
(a) Kanishka
(b) Huvishka
(c) Vasudeva
(d) Gautamiputra Satakarni
Answer: d) Gautamiputra Satakarni
Explanation: Kanishka, Huvishka, and Vasudeva were prominent rulers of the Kushana dynasty. Gautamiputra Satakarni, on the other hand, was a powerful ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.
Q12. In Indian architecture ‘Surkhi’ was introduced by :
(a) Mauryans
(b) Guptas
(c) Rajputs
(d) Turks
Answer: d) Turks
Explanation: ‘Surkhi’ (powdered brick mixed with mortar) was a significant innovation in building materials that contributed to the strength and durability of structures. It was introduced to India by the Turks (associated with the Delhi Sultanate period) from Central Asian and Middle Eastern architectural practices.
Q13. Which foreign invader were handed over his territory to Chandragupta Maurya?
(a) Alexander
(b) Darius III
(c) Antiochus III
(d) Seleucus Nicator
Answer: d) Seleucus Nicator
Explanation: After being defeated by Chandragupta Maurya in the Seleucid-Mauryan War, Seleucus Nicator ceded significant territories (including parts of Afghanistan, Balochistan, and the Indus Valley) to the Mauryan Empire as part of a peace treaty.
Q14. Who among the following was a Saka ruler in India (130-150AD)?
(a) Maues
(b) Azes I
(c) Gondophernes
(d) Rudradaman I
Answer: d) Rudradaman I
Explanation: Rudradaman I was a powerful Western Kshatrapa (Saka) ruler who ruled over parts of western India during the period 130-150 AD. His achievements are documented in the Junagadh inscription.
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 started the Shaka Era.
(d) He was defeated by the Chinese general Ban Chao in a major campaign.
Answer: d) He was defeated by the Chinese general Ban Chao in a major campaign.
Explanation: While Kanishka did have conflicts with the Han Chinese general Ban Chao, he was initially defeated. However, he later expanded his empire significantly. The statement implies a definitive overall defeat, which doesn’t accurately reflect his later successes or general reign as a powerful ruler who expanded the Kushan empire. Statements (a), (b), and (c) are all correct.
Q16. Alexander defeated……in the battle of Hydaspes.
(a) Porus
(b) Ambhi
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Porus
Answer: a) Porus
Explanation: Alexander the Great fought the Battle of the Hydaspes (Jhelum) in 326 BCE against King Porus of the Pauravas, defeating him but being impressed by his bravery.
Q17. When did the first Huna invasion take place?
(a) During the reign of Samudragupta
(b) During the reign of Chandragupta II
(c) During the reign of Skandagupta
(d) During the reign of Kumaragupta I
Answer: d) During the reign of Kumaragupta I
Explanation: The first Huna invasion into India occurred towards the end of the reign of the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I (mid-5th century CE), though his son Skandagupta is credited with repelling them.
Q18. __ fought against king Han Ho-ti, who was the king of Han dynasty of China and defeated him in the second attempt.
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Rudradaman I
(c) Menander
(d) Kanishka
Answer: d) Kanishka
Explanation: Kanishka, the Kushan emperor, sought to expand his influence and engaged in conflicts with the Han dynasty of China. While he faced initial setbacks against the Han general Ban Chao, Kanishka eventually established Kushan dominance in parts of Central Asia, which involved overcoming Han resistance. The exact nature of his direct conflict and ‘second attempt’ victory against Emperor Han Ho-ti himself is debated among historians, but Kanishka’s campaigns against the Han are well-known.
Q19. Who among the following was the court physician of Kanishka?
(a) Sushruta
(b) Patanjali
(c) Charaka
(d) Aryabhatta
Answer: c) Charaka
Explanation: Charaka, one of the principal contributors to the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda, was a famous court physician during the reign of the Kushan emperor Kanishka. His seminal work is the Charaka Samhita.
Q20. Who among the following was ruler from the Kushan dynasty?
(a) Gautamiputra Satakarni
(b) Rudradaman I
(c) Menander
(d) Huvishka
Answer: d) Huvishka
Explanation: Huvishka was a prominent Kushan emperor who succeeded Kanishka I and ruled in the 2nd century CE. Gautamiputra Satakarni was Satavahana, Rudradaman I was Saka, and Menander was Indo-Greek.
Q21. Nalanda University was established by ……. In the 5th century.
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Chandragupta II
(c) Skandagupta
(d) Kumaragupta I
Answer: d) Kumaragupta I
Explanation: The renowned Nalanda University, a major Buddhist monastic university and center of learning, was established in the 5th century CE by the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I.
Q22. Prayag Prashasti, a famous source of the Gupta Empire, is also known as___________.
(a) Sanchi Inscription
(b) Aihole Inscription
(c) Mandsaur Inscription
(d) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
Answer: d) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
Explanation: The Prayag Prashasti is a famous eulogy for the Gupta emperor Samudragupta, composed by his court poet Harisena. It is inscribed on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad (Prayagraj) and is thus also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription.
Q23. Who is given the credit for starting the Gupta period?
(a) Sri Gupta
(b) Ghatotkacha
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Chandragupta I
Answer: d) Chandragupta I
Explanation: While Sri Gupta was the founder of the Gupta dynasty, Chandragupta I is credited with starting the imperial phase of the Gupta Empire and initiating the Gupta Era in 320 CE, which marks the beginning of its significant rise.
Q24. Vakataka dynasty was directly related to which Gupta emperor?
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Kumaragupta I
(c) Skandagupta
(d) Chandragupta II
Answer: d) Chandragupta II
Explanation: The Vakataka dynasty maintained a close relationship with the Gupta Empire, notably through the marriage alliance between Chandragupta II’s daughter, Prabhavati Gupta, and the Vakataka ruler Rudrasena II.
Q25. ________was an important port city of ancient India.
(a) Pataliputra
(b) Ujjain
(c) Nalanda
(d) Tamralipti
Answer: d) Tamralipti
Explanation: Tamralipti (modern Tamluk in West Bengal) was a significant ancient port city on the eastern coast of India, serving as a major hub for maritime trade with Southeast Asia and other regions from ancient times through the Gupta period.
Q26. Who among the following rulers is called the ‘Napolean of India’?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka
(c) Chandragupta I
(d) Samudragupta
Answer: d) Samudragupta
Explanation: The historian V.A. Smith called Samudragupta the ‘Napoleon of India’ due to his extensive military conquests and expansion of the Gupta Empire, as detailed in the Prayag Prashasti.
Q27. The reign of the___dynasty has been described as the golden age of Indian civilization.
(a) Maurya
(b) Kushan
(c) Vardhana
(d) Gupta
Answer: d) Gupta
Explanation: The Gupta period (c. 320 to 550 CE) is often referred to as the ‘Golden Age of India’ due to significant advancements and flourishing in art, architecture, literature, science, mathematics, and philosophy.
Q28. Who was the first Gupta ruler to attain the title of Maharajadhiraja?
(a) Sri Gupta
(b) Ghatotkacha
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Chandragupta I
Answer: d) Chandragupta I
Explanation: Chandragupta I was the first ruler of the Gupta dynasty to assume the imperial title of ‘Maharajadhiraja’ (King of Kings), signifying his elevated status and the beginning of the empire’s expansion.
Q29. Who was the last ruler of the Gupta Dynasty?
(a) Skandagupta
(b) Kumaragupta III
(c) Budhagupta
(d) Vishnugupta
Answer: d) Vishnugupta
Explanation: Vishnugupta is generally considered the last recognized king of the main line of the Gupta Dynasty, ruling in the mid-6th century CE, after which the empire fragmented.
Q30. Which empire is regarded as the Golden Age of Hinduism?
(a) Maurya Empire
(b) Kushan Empire
(c) Satavahana Empire
(d) Gupta Empire
Answer: d) Gupta Empire
Explanation: The Gupta period is widely considered the Golden Age of Hinduism, as it saw a resurgence and systematization of Brahmanical traditions, the flourishing of Puranic literature, and the development of Hindu temple architecture.
Q31. Whose reign in Indian History is called the Golden Age of India?
(a) Maurya Period
(b) Mughal Period
(c) British Period
(d) Gupta Period
Answer: d) Gupta Period
Explanation: The Gupta Period (c. 320 to 550 CE) is renowned as the Golden Age of India for its remarkable achievements in various fields, including science, mathematics, astronomy, literature, art, and philosophy.
Q32. Aryabhatta and Kalidasa were in the court of which Gupta Emperor?
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Kumaragupta I
(c) Skandagupta
(d) Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)
Answer: d) Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)
Explanation: The great mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta and the celebrated Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa are believed to have flourished during the reign of Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya.
Q33. Ghatotkacha (who ruled in the years 290-305 B.C.) was a king from which dynasty?
(a) Maurya Dynasty
(b) Satavahana Dynasty
(c) Kushan Dynasty
(d) Gupta Dynasty
Answer: d) Gupta Dynasty
Explanation: Ghatotkacha was an early ruler of the Gupta dynasty, son of Sri Gupta (the founder) and father of Chandragupta I (who started the imperial phase). Note: The years 290-305 BC are incorrect; it should be CE.
Q34. Who among the following was a Gupta ruler ?
(a) Kanishka
(b) Gautamiputra Satakarni
(c) Harsha
(d) Skandagupta
Answer: d) Skandagupta
Explanation: Skandagupta was a powerful Gupta emperor who successfully repelled the Huna invasions, while Kanishka was Kushan, Gautamiputra Satakarni was Satavahana, and Harsha was from the Vardhana dynasty.
Q35. The last recognised king of the Gupta Dynasty was______.
(a) Kumaragupta I
(b) Budhagupta
(c) Narasimhagupta
(d) Vishnugupta
Answer: d) Vishnugupta
Explanation: Vishnugupta is generally considered the last known ruler of the main lineage of the Gupta Empire, reigning in the mid-6th century CE.
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) Bhaga
(d) Halivakara
Answer: d) Halivakara
Explanation: ‘Halivakara’ (or Halidanda) was a specific type of land tax levied by the Gupta rulers on every cultivator who owned a plough, signifying a tax based on agricultural implements.
Q37. When did the Chinese traveller ‘Sung Yun’ came to India?
(a) Early 4th century CE
(b) Early 5th century CE
(c) Late 5th century CE
(d) Early 6th century CE
Answer: d) Early 6th century CE
Explanation: The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Sung Yun (Song Yun) visited India between 518 CE and 522 CE, during the early 6th century, to collect Buddhist scriptures.
Q38. The Chinese Pilgrim who visited India in the early 6th century was?
(a) Fa-Hien
(b) Xuanzang
(c) I-tsing
(d) Sung Yun
Answer: d) Sung Yun
Explanation: Sung Yun was the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who traveled to India in the early 6th century CE (518-522 CE) during the period of the Huna invasions to collect Buddhist texts.
Q39. Name the state which Chandragupta-I got in dowry from the Lichhavis.
(a) Kosala
(b) Anga
(c) Avanti
(d) Magadha
Answer: d) Magadha
Explanation: Chandragupta I’s marriage to Kumaradevi, a princess of the powerful Lichchhavi republic, significantly strengthened his position and provided him control over fertile Magadha, laying the foundation for the vast Gupta Empire. This was a strategic alliance, not strictly a dowry of ‘a state’. However, among the given choices, Magadha is the most appropriate.
Q40. Which Chinese traveler visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana?
(a) Fa-Hien
(b) Sung Yun
(c) I-tsing
(d) Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang)
Answer: d) Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang)
Explanation: The famous Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Xuanzang (also known as Hiuen Tsang) visited India for over fifteen years (630-645 CE) during the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana, providing valuable accounts of India in his work ‘Si-Yu-Ki’.
Q41. During the reign of which of the following rulers, the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang came to India?
(a) Chandragupta II
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Skandagupta
(d) Harshavardhana
Answer: d) Harshavardhana
Explanation: The Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) extensively traveled in India and stayed for many years, primarily during the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana (606-647 CE).
Q42. The Harshacharita is a biography of Harshavardhana, the ruler of Kannauj, composed in Sanskrit by his court poet, ––––.
(a) Kalidasa
(b) Aryabhatta
(c) Visakhadatta
(d) Banabhatta
Answer: d) Banabhatta
Explanation: Banabhatta was the celebrated court poet of Emperor Harshavardhana, and his work ‘Harshacharita’ is a detailed biography of Harsha, providing valuable historical insights into his reign.
Q43. Name the Chinese pilgrim to India who came in search of Buddhists texts ?
(a) Megasthenes
(b) Pliny
(c) Ptolemy
(d) Fa-Hien
Answer: d) Fa-Hien
Explanation: Fa-Hien was one of the earliest Chinese Buddhist pilgrims to visit India (early 5th century CE) with the primary objective of collecting Buddhist scriptures and visiting places associated with Buddha’s life. (Xuanzang and Sung Yun also came for this purpose, but Fa-Hien is a common answer for “earliest” among the choices if provided).
Q44. The Chalukya ruler Pulakesin’s victory over Harshavardhana was in year ……..
(a) 606 CE
(b) 612 CE
(c) 634 CE
(d) Circa 618-619 CE
Answer: d) Circa 618-619 CE
Explanation: The Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II states his victory over Harshavardhana. While the exact year is debated, scholars often place this significant defeat of Harsha around 618-619 CE, preventing Harsha’s expansion south of the Narmada River.
Q45. Who among the following defeated Harshavardhana when he invaded the Chalukya kingdom in the Deccan?
(a) Kirtivarman I
(b) Mangalesha
(c) Vikramaditya I
(d) Pulakesin II
Answer: d) Pulakesin II
Explanation: Pulakesin II, the most famous ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami, inflicted a decisive defeat on Emperor Harshavardhana when the latter attempted to expand his empire into the Deccan region.
Q46. King Harshavardhana ascended the throne of Thaneshwar and Kannauj on the death of his brother, –––––.
(a) Prabhakaravardhana
(b) Grahavarman
(c) Naravardhana
(d) Rajyavardhana
Answer: d) Rajyavardhana
Explanation: Harshavardhana ascended the throne of Thaneshwar and later Kannauj after the assassination of his elder brother, Rajyavardhana, and the death of his brother-in-law, Grahavarman.
Q47. Harsha moved his capital from………..to…….….
(a) Pataliputra to Kannauj
(b) Ujjain to Taxila
(c) Delhi to Agra
(d) Thaneswar to Kannauj
Answer: d) Thaneswar to Kannauj
Explanation: Harshavardhana initially ruled from Thaneswar (Sthanishvara). After the death of his brother and brother-in-law, and to consolidate his growing empire, he shifted his capital to Kannauj, making it the center of his power.
Q48. Pushyabhuti, who ruled from Thaneswar, was the founder of __ dynasty.
(a) Gupta
(b) Maurya
(c) Chalukya
(d) Vardhana (Pushyabhuti)
Answer: d) Vardhana (Pushyabhuti)
Explanation: Pushyabhuti was the founder of the Vardhana dynasty (also known as the Pushyabhuti dynasty) that ruled from Thaneswar, which later became prominent under Emperor Harshavardhana.
Q49. Who among the following were initially subordinate to the Chalukyas of Karnataka?
(a) Pallavas
(b) Pandyas
(c) Cholas
(d) Rashtrakutas
Answer: d) Rashtrakutas
Explanation: The Rashtrakutas were initially feudatories of the Western Chalukyas of Badami. They later rose to power, eventually overthrowing the Chalukyas and establishing their own empire.
Q50. Who among the following was a famous ruler of the Pandya dynasty of South India?
(a) Karikala Chola
(b) Mahendravarman I
(c) Pulakesin II
(d) Nedunjeliyan
Answer: d) Nedunjeliyan
Explanation: Nedunjeliyan was a famous and powerful ruler of the early Pandya dynasty, known for his military prowess and patronage of literature, as mentioned in Sangam literature.
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