Ancient History · Chapter 10 of 15

Post-Mauryan Period: BPSC Prelims PYQs

9 previous-year questions on Post-Mauryan Period, asked 1999–2025. Each one opens to its answer and explanation.

1. 1. 71st BPSC Prelims 2025

   Consider the following dynasties of Ancient India:

   • 1. Shunga
   • 2. Maurya
   • 3. Kushana
   • 4. Kanva

   Which of the following is the correct chronological order of their rule?

   1. A1 2 3 4
   2. B2 1 4 3
   3. C2 3 1 4
   4. D2 1 3 4
   Answer and explanation →

2. 2. 43rd BPSC Prelims 1999

   Epigraphic records (Inscriptions) suggest that in ancient India, the rulers of Bihar had contact with –

   1. ABurma
   2. BThailand
   3. CCambodia
   4. DJava-Sumatra
   Answer and explanation →

3. 3. 64th BPSC Prelims 2018 Asked again

   Who was the king of Suvarnabhumi who established a Buddhist monastery in Nalanda and requested Devapala through his messenger to donate five villages for its maintenance?

   1. ADharanindra
   2. BSangramadhananjaya
   3. CBalaputradeva
   4. DChudamani Varman
   5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
   Answer and explanation →

4. 4. 71st BPSC Prelims 2025

   Match List-I with List-II:

   List-I (Place in ancient India)	List-II (Present state)
   A. Karnasuvarna	1. Maharashtra
   B. Pragjyotish	2. Gujarat
   C. Girnar	3. West Bengal
   D. Pratishthan	4. Assam

   Select the correct answer using the codes given below (in the order A B C D):

   1. A3 4 2 1
   2. B4 3 1 2
   3. C3 2 4 1
   4. D4 2 1 3
   Answer and explanation →

5. 5. 53rd–55th BPSC Prelims 2011

   Which inscription tells about the various achievements of Rudradaman-I?

   1. AJunagadh
   2. BBhitari
   3. CNasik
   4. DSanchi
   Answer and explanation →

6. 6. 68th BPSC Prelims 2023

   According to the rock inscription in Sanskrit, composed around the second century CE, Sudarshan Lake, an artificial reservoir, was repaired by

   1. AHarsha
   2. BKanishka
   3. CRudradaman
   4. DMore than one of the above
   5. ENone of the above
   Answer and explanation →

7. 7. 64th BPSC Prelims 2018

   Who among the following first issued gold coins on a large scale?

   1. APushyamitra Shunga
   2. BMenander
   3. CVima Kadphises
   4. DGautamiputra Satakarni
   5. ENone of the above/More than one of the above
   Answer and explanation →

8. 8. BPSC CDPO Prelims 2022

   In pre-Gupta times, a large number of lead coins were issued by the

   1. ASatavahanas
   2. BShakas
   3. CKushanas
   4. DMauryas
   5. ENone of the above / More than one of the above
   Answer and explanation →

9. 9. 44th BPSC Prelims 2000

   Which dynasty ruled over India after the Shunga dynasty?

   1. ASatavahana
   2. BKushana
   3. CKanva
   4. DGupta
   Answer and explanation →