Ancient Indian History MCQs
Multiple Choice Quiz Questions (MCQs) on Ancient Indian History for General Studies and GK preparation of SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
1. The famous book ‘Brihat Katha’ was written by__?
[A] Gunadhya
[B] Sarva Varman
[C] Panini
[D] Radhagupt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gunadhya ]
Notes:
The famous book ‘Brihat Katha’ was written by Gunadhya, who was the great scholar in the court of Satvahana King Hala.
2. Which among the following Buddhist scripture deals in the moral code of conduct?
[A] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[B] Vinay Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vinay Pitaka ]
Notes:
The Buddhist scripture, Vinay Pitaka mainly deals with rules and regulations, which the Buddha promulgated. It describes in detail the gradual development of the Sangha. In other words, it is the code of ethics to be obeyed by the early sangha, monks and nuns.
3. Who among the following wrote ‘Nagananda’?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Simhanada
[C] Pulakesin II
[D] Harshavardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Harshavardhana ]
Notes:
The emperor of Vardhana dynasty, Harshavardhana wrote a play ‘Nagananda’. It describes the story of the Jimutavahana’s self-sacrifice to save the Nagas. It has an enlightening Buddhist legend for its subject and is one of the best works of the Indian Drama.
4. In which rock edict Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child…”?
[A] Major Rock Edict V
[B] Major Rock Edict IV
[C] Major Rock Edict VI
[D] Major Rock Edict VII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict V ]
Notes:
In the major Rock Edict V, Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child”. He had concerns about the policy towards slaves. This rock edict also referes to the appointment of Dhamma-mahamatta for the first time in the twelfth year of his reign.
5. Which rock edict of Ashoka requests for religious tolerance among sects?
[A] Major Rock Edict VI
[B] Major Rock Edict VII
[C] Major Rock Edict VIII
[D] Major Rock Edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major Rock Edict VII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict VII of Ashoka requests for religious tolerance amongst all sects. It appears from the edict that tensions among the sects were intense perhaps in open antagonism.
6. According to Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamasa, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism by__?
[A] Moggaliputa Tissa
[B] Tivara
[C] Karuvaki
[D] Nigrodha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nigrodha ]
Notes:
As per the Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamasa, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka was impressed by Nigrodha and was ultimately converted to Buddhism due to his impression only.
7. Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of which of the following?
[A] Taxilla
[B] Ujjain
[C] Pataliputra
[D] Kandhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Taxilla ]
Notes:
Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of Taxila.
8. Who was the founder of Sunga Dynasty?
[A] Pushyamitra
[B] Agnimitra
[C] Vasumitra
[D] Vajramitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pushyamitra ]
Notes:
Pushyamitra Sunga laid the foundation of Sunga Dynasty by assassinating Brihadratha Maurya (the last ruler of the Mauryan Empire). He was Commander-in-Chief in the army of Mauryan Emperor. Pushyamitra Sunga ruled for 36 years and was succeeded by his son Agnimitra. Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Sunga dynasty, was overthrown by Vasudeva who founded Kanva dynasty in 75 BC.
9. Iron Pillar in Delhi was built during which dynasty?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
As per Natya-darpana ( by Vishakadata), the Iron pillar had been put up by Chandragupta II himself after defeating Vahilakas. He designated that pillar as a memory of the victory. The pillar is made of 98% wrought iron and has stood more than 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. The pillar is located in the Quwwat-ul Mosque. The pillar is 23 feet 8 inches high and 16 inches in diameter. It weighs about 3000 kilograms and was dedicated to the God Vishnu.
10. Which of the following was not a diety of the Harappans?
[A] Shiva
[B] Mother Goddess
[C] Peepal Tree
[D] Vishnu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Vishnu ]
Notes:
Mother Goddess, Pashupati Shiva, Peepal, Pigeon, Swastik were worshipped by the Harappans.
