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 governors called Strategos were introduced by __?
[A] Sakas
[B] Indo-Greeks
[C] Kushanas
[D] Bactrians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Indo-Greeks ]
Notes:
The Indo-greeks introduced practice of military governorship. The governors were called Strategos.
2. Garuda was adopted as dynastic emblem after the imperial Guptas by ___?
[A] Rashtrakutas
[B] Western Chalukyas
[C] Shilaharas
[D] Chedis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rashtrakutas ]
Notes:
The Rashtrakutas adopted Garuda as their dynastic emblem after the imperial Guptas. The Gupta period used Garuda as their royal emblem.
3. During whose reign Mahayana sect of Buddhism came into existence?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the reign of Kanishka. Asanga was the founder of Mahayan sect of Buddhism.
4. Which sect of Buddhism does not believe in idol-worship?
[A] Hinayana
[B] Mahayana
[C] Vajrayana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Hinayana ]
Notes:
Those who followed strictly the doctrine of Buddha and denied the existence of God were known as the followers of Lesser vehicle or Hinayana. The Hinayana sect does not believe in idol worship, nor do its followers believe that Buddha was God.
5. In the Maurya empire, who was the superintendent of Ports ?
[A] Pattanadhyaksha
[B] Manadhyaksha
[C] Kosadhyaksha
[D] Ganikadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pattanadhyaksha ]
Notes:
As per the officials mentioned in the Arthashastra, Pattanadhyaksha was the superintendent of Ports.
6. The Greek Ambassador Deimachus of Plataea had visited the court of which of the following rulers of Magadha?
[A] Dhanananda
[B] Chandragupta Maurya
[C] Bindusara
[D] Asoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Bindusara ]
Notes:
Deimachus of Plataea had come as ambassador to Bindusāra or Amitraghāta, the son and successor of Chandragupta Maurya. He along with Megasthenes provides important information about the contemporary society and polity. He was sent by Antiochus I (the son of Seleucus Nikator).
7. Agnimitra, who is the hero of Kalidasa’s ‘Malvikagnimitram’ was a king of which of the following dynasties?
[A] Sunga
[B] Kanva
[C] Satavahana
[D] Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sunga]
Notes:
Malavikagnimitram is the Sanskrit play, which depicts Agnimitra as its hero. Malvika is a maid servant whom Agnimitra falls in love. This was known to his chief queen, who imprisions her. Later it was known that Malvika was of a royal birth and she was accepted as queen of Agnimitra. Malavikagnimitram gives account of Rajsuya Yajna of Pushyamitra Shunga, father of Agnimitra.
8. Which century Gautama Buddha was born in?
[A] 4th century BC
[B] 5th century BC
[C] 6th century BC
[D] 7th century BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [6th century BC]
Notes:
Gautam Siddhartha was the name of Buddha and he was the founder of Buddhism also known as Gautam Buddha. Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BC in Lumbini (now in Nepal) in Sakya Kshatriya clan of Kapilvastu. He died in 483 BC.
9. Yavanpriya in ancient Hindu Texts refers to which among the following?
[A] Peppar
[B] Clove
[C] Silk
[D] Muslin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Peppar]
Notes:
Black Pepper was one of the most thing thing imported by Greek traders from Ancient India . In ancient times the people in Central Asia are called as Yavanas in India. They liked the pepper and imports large amount of pepper from India so the pepper is named as Yavana-the people of foreign countries. Priya-they like pepper so it was called as Yavanapriya.
10. Which among the following was the most important grain grown in the Vedic Age?
[A] Wheat
[B] Barley
[C] Maize
[D] Rice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Barley]
Notes:
The the most important grain grown in the Vedic Age was Barley.
