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. These questions are part of GKToday’s 35000+ MCQs Bank Course in GKToday Android App
1. Which among the following is not among Ashtamahasthanas?
[A] Lumbini
[B] Rajgriha
[C] Vajrayana
[D] Taxila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Taxila ]
Notes:
The holy places where the four principal events of the Buddha’s life took place are Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (Enlightenment), Sarnath (First Sermon), Kusinagar (Death took place). Apart from these four places, there are another four holy places viz. Sravasti, Rajgriha, Vaishali and Vajrayana, these eight holy places are known as Ashtamahasthanas.
2. What was the other name of Harshavardhana?
[A] Siladitya
[B] Harshaditya
[C] Bhaskarvarman
[D] Vishnuvardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Siladitya ]
Notes:
Bharshavardhan (606-647 AD) was also known as Siladitya. His kingdom extends from Punjab, West Bengal, Orissa and from Himalayas to the entire Indo-Gangetic plain north of the Narmada river. He gave equal respect to all religions and became the follower of Buddhism in his later life.
3. The Ashoka’s Bairut inscription was brought to Allahabad by__?
[A] Cunningham
[B] James Princep
[C] Feroj Shah Tughlaq
[D] Jahangir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Cunningham ]
Notes:
The Ashoka’s Bairut inscription was brought to Allahabad by Cunningham. On the other hand, Pillars from Topra and Meerut were brought to Delhi by the Firoz Shah Tughlaq. The Kaushambi Pillar was brought to Allahabad by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir.
4. There is only one edict, in which Ashoka refers himself as King of Magadha (Laja Magadhe). Identify the edict from the following:
[A] Minor Rock Edict of Maski
[B] The Queen’s Edict
[C] Bhabru Edict
[D] Dhauli Pillar Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhabru Edict]
Notes:
In Bhabru edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha). In this edict he states his faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. In the Queen’s Edict, Ashoka states that the Queen Karuvaki should be credited for her gifts. The Dhauli Pillar Inscription discusses about the Kalinga War. The Maski Edict confirms title “Devanampriya” with the King Asoka.
5. Who is the author of Devichandraguptam?
[A] Vishakhadatta
[B] Dandin
[C] Bharavi
[D] Kalidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vishakhadatta]
Notes:
Devi-Chandraguptam is the Sanskrit play of Vishakhadeva (Vishakhadatta). Its the story of Gupta King Ramagupta who decides to surrender his queen Dhruvadevi to a Shaka invader but his younger brother Chandragupta enters the enemy camp disguised as queen and kills the enemy. In the climax of the play, Chandragupta dethrones Ramagupta and marries Dhruvadevi. Kindly note that an 11th century Persian text Majmal-ut-Tawarikh includes some parts of the plot of this play.
6. The meaning of Mohenjo dero is ‘mound of the dead’. The same meaning is expressed by which of the following names ?
[A] Harappa
[B] Lothal
[C] Amri
[D] Kalibangan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
The name Lothal is derived from the term “Lothall,” which means “mound of the dead” in the local language.
7. At which of the following archaeological sites was a sculpture of a “Nude Male Torso” discovered?
[A] Mehrgarh
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Harappa
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harappa]
Notes:
The “Nude Male Torso” is a significant artifact unearthed at Harappa, an ancient urban settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization. The sculpture, made from red sandstone, demonstrates advanced carving skills and a high level of artistry prevalent at that time. The absence of head and lower parts suggests the unique tradition of making torsos, prevalent in Harappan art.
8. Which among the following are correct about Chola King Rajendra Chola-I?
[A] He built a temple for Siva at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
[B] He also built Tanjore Brihadisvara temple
[C] He built Tanjore Brihadisvara temple for a tribute to his father
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [He built a temple for Siva at Gangaikonda Cholapuram]
Notes:
Tanjore Brihadisvara temple was created by father of Rajendra Chola-1 , Rajraja-1
9. The word coromandal cost has been derived from the kingdom of which of the following?
[A] Cheras
[B] Cholas
[C] Chalukyas
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The name coromandal occurs in the forms Cholamandalam or Solamandalam on the great temple inscription of Tanjore. So Coromandel takes its name from the ancient dynasty of Tamil rulers known as the Cholas.
10. Who among the following was not among the 9 gems (Navratna) of the Vikramaditya’s court?
[A] Vetalbhatt
[B] Amar Simha
[C] Kaalidasa
[D] Aryabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aryabhatta]
Notes:
Nine gems of Vikramaditya are Dhanwantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Shankhu, Khatakarpara, Kalidasa, Vetal Bhatt, Vararuchi, and Varahamihira.
