| Board | CBSE |
| Textbook | NCERT |
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | History |
| Chapter | CUET History Chapter 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States and Economies |
| Chapter Name | Chapter 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States an |
| Category | CUET (Common University Entrance Test) UG |
Practice MCQ Based questions for CUET History Chapter 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States and Economies
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CUET History Questions Objective Types for Chapter 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States and Economies Set-A
History - MCQ on Kings, Farmers and Towns
Class XII
Q.1. The rulers of which dynasty have been compared to gods?
a. Mauryan dynasty
b. Kushana dynasty
c. Gupta dynasty (True Answer)
d. None of these
Answer:
Explanation: Among the Gupta rulers, Skandagupta was a very powerful conqueror and is considered to be at par with God Indra.
Q.2. The Ashokan inscriptions and their Brahmi script were first decipherment by
a. Alexander Cunningham
b. Max Muller
c. James Princep (True Answer)
d. Mortimer Wheeler
Answer:
Explanation: The Ashokan inscriptions and their Brahmi script were first decipherment by James Princep in nineteenth century in 1938.
Q.3. Which one of the following is not one of the edicts and inscriptions issued by Ashoka?
a. Junagadh Rock Inscription (True Answer)
b. Bhabru Edict
c. Kalinga Edict
d. Delhi-Topara Pillar Inscription
Answer:
Explanation: Ashoka did not issue Junagadh Rock Inscription. Rudradaman issued it.
Q.4. The gold and silver coins of Gupta age are based upon the coins of
a. Roman and shaka Kshatrap
b. Kushanas and Yodheye
c. Kushanas and Shak Kshatrap
d. Roman and Kushanas (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: The gold and silver coins of Gupta age are based upon the coins of Roman and Kushanas. Around 270, the Kushans lost their territories on the Gangetic plain, where the Gupta Empire was established around 320.
Q.5. What does the word ‘Ashoka’ literally means?
a. Beloved of Gods
b. One with a pleasing appearance
c. Beautiful Face
d. Sorrow-free (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: The name Ashoka literally means Sorrow-free. The name Ashoka occurs only once in the Inscriptions in the Maski Edict. In the Puranas, he is referred to as Ashokavardhana.
Q.6. The Gupta Period in Indian history was from
a. 250-520 A.D
b. 300-540 A.D (True Answer)
c. 310-500 A.D
d. None of these
Answer:
Explanation: The Gupta Dynasty ruled in India between fourth and sixth centuries of the Christian era from 300-540 A.D.
Q.7. Sheya of elephant belonged to which dynasty?
a. Chola
b. Satiyaputra
c. Pandaya
d. Chere (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: Sheya of elephant belonged to Chere Dynasty.
Q.8. Which of the following books describe the revolt of Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Kautilya against the Nanda King?
Vishakadatta’s- ‘Mudrarakshas’ (True Answer)
Megasthenes- ‘Indika’
Panini’s – ‘Ashtadhyayi’
Kautilya – Arthashastra
Answer:
Explanation: Mudrarakshas is one of the important source of information for the Mauryan period. This gives clear details of the revolution by which Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Nandas. Chandragupta and Kautilya (his minister) joined the Pauravas against Nandas. Kautilya thus disposed the enemies of Chnadragupta Maurya one by one and soon Pauravas prince got killed too.
Q.9. Of the following secular literature on the period, which is the most important single source?
a. Puranas
b. Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadatta
c. Arthashastra of Kautilya (True Answer)
d. Indica of Megasthenes
Answer:
Explanation: The Arthashastra is a treatise on statecraft, economy, and military strategy which identifies its authors by the names Kautilya and Visnu gupta. It argues for an autocracy managing an efficient and solid economy. It discusses the ethics of economy and the duties and obligations of a king.
Q.10. Who is literacy figure of Gupta age?
a. Bharvi
b. Kalidas
c. Vishakhadatta
d. All of these (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: During Gupta age Sanskrit literature were at its peak. Poets like Bharvi, Kalidas, and Vishakhadatta- all belong to this age. Many puranas and shastras were composed and Buddhist and Jaina literature, which was produced earlier in Pali, Ardhamagadhi and other Prakrit languages, began to appear in Sanskrit.
Q.11. Of which Metal were the early Punch marked coins made?
a. Gold
b. Silver
c. Copper
d. Mixed Metal (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: The early punch marked coins were not made of any single metal. They were made up of mixed metal.
Q.12. Who was the immediate successor of Chandragupta Maurya
a. Ashoka
b. Bindusara (True Answer)
c. Samprati
d. None of these
Answer:
Explanation: Bindusara was the second Mauryan emperor after Chandragupta Maurya. He ruled from 298-272 B.C.
Q.13. Which one of the following does not constitute the doctrinal aspects of Ashoka’s dhamma?
a. Non- injury ( in action, speech, and thought)
b. Restraint in behaviour
c. Equal treatment to all
d. Fear of sin (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: Fear of sin does not constitute the doctrinal aspects of Ashoka’s dhamma.
Q.14. Where it is recorded that society in Chandra Gupta Maurya’s age was divided in to 7 classes?
a. Mahabhasya
b. Raja Trangini
c. Indika (True Answer)
d. Arthashastra
Answer:
Explanation: Indika is the the compilation of the observations of Megasthenes about India, who was sent as an ambassador to the court of Chandra Gupta Maurya by Seleucus Nikator, the greek ruler of Persia and Babylon.
Q.15. Which marks were not punched on the coins?
a. Hills
b. Purush (True Answer)
c. Elephants
d. Half Moon
Answer:
Explanation: the coins in circulation during Mauryan empire are known as punch marked coins that neither bear the name of any muaryan ruler nor do they carry any date. They only symbols like sun, moon, mountains, animals, birds etc. but not Purush.
Q.16. Which form of Prakit was uniformly used by Ashoka in all his inscriptions?
a. Suruseni
b. Ardha-Magadhi (True Answer)
c. Marathi
d. Magadhi
Answer:
Explanation: Ardha magadhi means half magadhi. It was this form of Prakrit that was used by Asoka to write all his scriptures. Prakrit itself was the most widely spoken language at that time and Ardha magadhi was considered to be the most definitive form of Prakrit.
Q.17. The most famous learning centre during the Mauryan Period was
a. Ujjain
b. Nalanda
c. Vikramsila
d. Taxila (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: Taxila is located in Pakistan, situated at western region of Islamabad capital territory. The strategist Chankya was a senior teacher here who later who helped in consolidating the Mauryan empire and wrote the famous treatise Arthashatra in Taxila only. During the reign of Asoka taxila became great buddhist centre of learning. It bacame a noted centre of learning at least several centuries before Christ and continued to attract students from around the world till the destruction if the city in 5th century CE.
Q.18. The only son of Ashoka found mentioned in his inscription is
a. Jaluka
b. Kunala(True Answer)
c. Jivarra
d. Mahendra
Answer:
Explanation: Kunala was the only son of Asoka, who has been mentioned in the inscriptions of Asoka. He was the son of the emperor Asoka and the Queen Padmavati and presumptive heir to Ashoka and the Mauryan Empire.
Q.19. The Inscriptions of Ashoka are written in
a. Kharosthi(True Answer)
b. Sanskrit
c. Greek
d. Aramic
Answer:
Explanation: Asokan scripts are written in Kharosthi which is a cursive script written from left to right.
Q.20. Two essential constituents of Ashoka’s dhamma were
a. Doing less sins and more good (True Answer)
b. Liberality and non-violence
c. Self- control and purity of mind
d. Feeling of non-injury and non-violence to all creatures
Answer:
Explanation: The dhamma according to Asoka is not a religious law but a Moral Law, which is a common meeting ground of all the religions. He enumerates the two basic constituents of dhamma as fewer evils or sins (Apansinave) and many good deeds (Bahu Kayane).
Q.21. An Indian animal, which earned the highest admiration of every Greek writer on Mauryan India, is
a. Elephant (True Answer)
b. Musk
c. Rhinoceros
d. Goat
Answer:
Explanation: The elephant formed a major part of the Mauryan fleet and earned the highest admiration of the Greek writers.
Q.22. Ashoka himself considered his policy of dhamma as
a. The essence of original Buddhism as preached by the Buddha
b. The essence of all religions or the common religion of mankind
c. The ideal of virtuous life based on moral teachings of various thinkers
d. A way of life which was both practical and convenient as well as highly moral (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: The dhamma according to Asoka is not a religious law but a Moral Law and a common code of conduct that gives a way of life, which is both practical and convenient and highly moral.
Q.23. In which year of Ashoka’s coronation did the Kalinga War take place?
a. Eighth (True Answer)
b. Thirteenth
c. First
d. Fifth
Answer:
Explanation: Asoka conquered Kalinga eight years after his coronation that is in ninth year of his reign.
Q.24. Which Mauryan king in his old age abdicted the throne and went to the south?
a. Ashoka
b. Dasaratha
c. Chandragupta Maurya (True Answer)
d. Bindusara
Answer:
Explanation: Chandra gupt Maurya in his old age abducted the throne and retired to Sravanbelgola with his teacher the Jain saint Bhadrabahu.
Q.25. According to Megasthenes the Indian society was divided into seven classes. On what consideration does the division appear to have been based?
a. Economic (True Answer)
b. Social
c. Political
d. Religions
Answer:
Explanation: According to Megasthenes India society was divide into seven classes – philosophers, farmers, soldiers, herdsmen, artisans, magistrates and councilors.the classes according to him were more of economic rather than social.
Q.26. Which of the following was not the cause of the decline of the Gupta Empire?
a. Weak successors
b. Internal revolts
c. Progress in literature (True Answer)
d. The Huna’s invasion
Answer:
Explanation: Progress in literature was one of the achievements of the Gupta Empire as many of the greatest works in literature including those by Kalidasa were composed during this period only.
Q.27. Who of the following was not one of the later Mauryas who succeeded Asoka?
a. Dasharatha(True Answer)
b. Samprati
c. Shalishuka
d. Subhagasena
Answer:
Explanation: Dasharatha was the kling of ayodhya and not the successor of Asoka. Rest all of them were the successors of Asoka. Shalishuka was the great grandson of Asoka while Samprati was the son Kunal, who in turn was the son of Asoka and Subhagasena was the last emperor of the Mauryan empire.
Q.28. How long did the entire Mauryan dynasty last according to the Puranas?
a. 218 years
b. 137 years (True Answer)
c. 85 years
d. 152 years
Answer:
Explanation: According to Puranas, the entire Mauryan dynasty lasted for 137 years i.e. from 322-185 BCE.
Q.29. The metals, mainly used for minting coins during the Mauryan period, were
a. Gold and Silver
b. Silver and Copper (True Answer)
c. Copper and Bronze
d. Lead and Bronze
Answer:
Explanation: Silver and copper metals were mainly used for minting coins during the Mauryan period.
Q.30. Name the Persian who was appointed by Asoka to administer the western province?
a. Plutarch
b. Jusapa (True Answer)
c. Pliny
d. Jalupa
Answer:
Explanation: Jusapa was appointed by Ashoka to administer the western province.
CUET History Questions Objective Types for Chapter 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States and Economies Set-B
Q.31. Who started the Kharoshti Scripts?
a. Greeks
b. Arabian
c. Indian
d. Iranis (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: The Iranis started the Kharoshti Scripts. The Kharoshti language was introduced into Gandhara - Afghanistan and the North-west frontiers of India during the early part of the 5th century BCE because of Achaemenian conquests eastwards.
Q.32. Who sent Megasthanese to the Mauryan court?
a. Ptolemy
b. None of these
c. Alexander
d. Selukos Niketor (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: Selukos Niketor who the Greek ruler of Persia and Babylon, sent Megasthanese to Mauryan court.
Q.33. The masterpieces of Mauryan art were the
a. Stupas (True Answer)
b. Asokan Pillars
c. Sculpture
d. (b) and (c) above
Answer:
Explanation: The masterpieces of Mauryan art were Stupas. A Stupa is a type of Buddhist mound-like structure. In third century BCE the emperor Ashoka had the original Stupas opened and remains distributed among the several thousand Stupas he built.
Q.34. What impacts did the Kalinga war had on Asoka?
a. Dharma Vijaya
b. Change in life style
c. Accepting Buddhism
d. All the above (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: The bloodshed in the Kalinga war made Asoka chose the path of religion and accept Buddhism. This changed his life style too and turned him into priest of non violence and the supporter of the poor.
Q.35. During Maurya, age the word Sita was used for
a. Ram’s wife
b. Goddess of Agriculture
c. Royal Village (True Answer)
d. None of these
Answer:
Explanation: During Maurya age, the word Sita was used for Royal Village. These Sita landholdings were formed by clearing forest lands with the help of the tribesmen.
Q.36. Ashoka’s dhamma was an
a. Social and ethical concept (True Answer)
b. Spiritual and religious concept
c. Attempt towards social solidarity
d. Secular approach to socio-religious problems
Answer:
Explanation: Ashoka’s dhamma was an social and ethical concept. He emphasizes on the high ideals in order to lead a successful life. He wanted everyone to live peacefully and co-exist in a harmonious environment.
Q.37. What is Vrihi mentioned in Vedic Literature?
a. Wheat
b. Barley
c. Gram
d. Rice (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: In the post Rigvedic texts Vrihi (Rice) is mentioned.
Q.38. The ‘Harashacharita’ is a biography of
a. Harshavardhana (True Answer)
b. Prabhakar Vardhan
c. Rajya Vardhan
d. None of these.
Answer:
Explanation: It is a biography of Harshavardhana, the ruler of Kanauj in north India composed in Sanskrit by his court poet, Banabhatta.
Q.39. Who of the following is not a Pandayas King?
a. Nediyan
b. Karipal (True Answer)
c. Nedunjeliyan
d. Mudukudoomi Palasalai
Answer:
Explanation: Karipal was not Pandayas king. He was Chola king.
Q.40. Who founded the sea- Port of ‘Puhar’?
a. Karikal (True Answer)
b. Ellora
c. Parunarikilli
d. Shengannan
Answer:
Explanation: Among the Chola Kings Karikal build up the renowned port of Puhar (Kaveripoompattinam). He also renovated the capital of Uraiyur.
Q.41. Name the capital of Mauryan Empire during Chandragupta
a. Patliputra (True Answer)
b. Ujjaini
c. Kosambi
d. Tosali
Answer:
Explanation: Pataliputra (Patna) was the capital, in the days of Ashoka’s grandfather’s Chandragupta Maurya.
Q.42. What is the main source of reconstruction of history?
a. Text
b. Coins
c. Visual material and Inscriptions
d. All of the above (True Answer)
Answer:
Explanation: There are four major sources of reconstruction of history. They are; Inscriptions, Text, Coins and Visual material. On the basis of these sources as evidences historian reconstruct the history.
Q.43. Ujjayini was the name of which modern city of Madhya Pradesh
a. Jabalpur
b. Ujjan (True Answer)
c. Bhopal
d. Indore
Answer:
Explanation: Ujjain is the modern name for Ujjayini. Legend has it that in the hoary past, the God like king Shiva of Avanti commemorated his victory over the demon-ruler of Tripura or Tripuri on the banks of the Narmada by changing the name of his capital, Avantipura to Ujjayini (one who conquers with pride).
Q.44. Writings engraved on hard surfaces such as stone, metal or pottery are known as
a. Inscription (True Answer)
b. Visual material
c. Text
d. Coins
Answer:
Explanation: Inscriptions are the writings engraved on hard surfaces such as stone, metal or potteries are known as Inscriptions. These inscriptions are the vast body of knowledge and understanding of the historic environment.
Q.45. The oldest book of the ancient India, compose by people living along the Indus and its tributaries
a. Yujur-Veda
b. Rig-Veda (True Answer)
c. Sama-Veda
d. Atharva – Veda
Answer:
Explanation: The Rigveda is considered as far more archaic than any other Indo-Aryan text. In this book description of the cities and people living along the Indus and its tributaries is given.
Q.46. The dynasty that ruled over Magadha in the fourth century B.C
a. Nanda Dynasty (True Answer)
b. Gupta Dynastys
c. Chera Dynasty
d. Tughlaq Dynasty
Answer:
Explanation: In fourth century, Magadha was ruled by Nanda dynasty. An illegitimate son of the king Mahanandin of the Shishunaga Dynasty established the Nanda Dynasty.
Q.47. The available Sangam literature, which was produce by the Sangam assemblies, was compiled in circa
a. 300-600 A.D. (True Answer)
b. 320- 700 A.D
c. 400-600 A.D
d. None of these
Answer:
Explanation: The most famous literature, Sangam literature was produced by assemblies and compiled in Circa A.D. 300-600. It is divided into two parts- one s narrative text-Melkanrakku and other is Kilkaakku- didactic or mirror works.
Q.48. The Roman empire imposed ban on trade with India in the
a. Second Century
b. Third Century (True Answer)
c. First Century
d. Mid of second Century
Answer:
Explanation: the Roman Empire imposed ban on trade with India in the third century.
Q.49. Period of Ashoka’s reign is
a. 273-232 (True Answer)
b. 300-432
c. 270-292
d. 268-288
Answer:
Explanation: Ashoka was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled from 273 BC to 232 BC.
Q.50. The author of Rajatarangini is
a. Kalhana (True Answer)
b. Kalidas
c. Bharvi
d. Vishakh Dutt
Answer:
Explanation: Kalhana was the author of Rajatarangini, Kashmir’s History. He wrote his book during 1147-1149.
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