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. Which of the following Greek Explorers is considered to have left the earliest account of India?
[A] Herodotus
[B] Ctesias
[C] Scylax
[D] Hippalus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Scylax ]
Notes:
The earliest Greek Account of India was left by Scylax of Caryanda who was sent by Kind Darius-I of Persia to follow the course of river Indus and find out where it led. His original works are now lost.
2. Who among the following was the ruler of Kanchi during the time of Samudragupta ?
[A] Hastivarman
[B] Mantaraja
[C] Nilaraja
[D] Vishnugopa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Vishnugopa ]
Notes:
King Vishnugopa (Pallava dynasty ) of Kanchi is mentioned in the list of rulers of the South defeated by Samudra Gupta. It is mentioned in the Allahabad Pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta.
3. Abhidhamma pitaka deals in which of the following?
[A] members of great community
[B] teachings of Buddha
[C] moral code of conduct
[D] matters of psychology and metaphysics
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ matters of psychology and metaphysics ]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma pitaka deals in the matters of psychology and metaphysics.
4. Vallabhi era is identical with which of the following era?
[A] Vikrama era
[B] Gupta era
[C] Harsha era
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta era ]
Notes:
Vallabhi era is identical to the Gupta era. The Vallabhi era followed the Gupta era in 366 AD. The Gupta era was started by Chandragupta I in 319-320 AD. The Vallabhi era was used in the Saurashtra region of western India. Regional differences led to a slightly different calculation for converting Vallabhi era years to Common Era (CE). Vallabhi is also the name of an ancient city located in the Saurashtra peninsula of Gujarat, near Bhavnagar in western India. It was the capital of the Suryavanshi Maitraka Dynasty.
5. In which year, Vardhamana Mahavira was born?
[A] 563 BC
[B] 540 BC
[C] 533 BC
[D] 560 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 540 BC ]
Notes:
According to Jain texts, Lord Mahavira was born in 540 BCE in the city of Kundagrama (present day Bihar, India) on the thirteenth day under the rising moon of Chaitra month. He was born into the royal Jnatri Kshatriya dynasty as Prince Vardhamana to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Legends recount many auspicious dreams and omens about his exceptional spiritual destiny seen by his mother before his birth.
6. At which of the following sites, all the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic sites have been found in sequence?
[A] Sarai Nahar Rai
[B] Kurnool Valley
[C] Belan Valley
[D] Ahar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Belan Valley ]
Notes:
In the Belan valley (Uttar Pradesh), all the three phases, the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic, have been found in sequence.
7. What is the number of prehistoric rock shelters in Bhimbetka?
[A] 221
[B] 243
[C] 268
[D] 289
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 243 ]
Notes:
The Bhimbetka group of rock shelters contains 243 prehistoric rock shelters. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The site is spread over 10 km in length and about 3 km in width. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are renowned for their prehistoric rock shelters and paintings. The paintings date back to approximately 30,000 years and provide valuable insights into early human civilization. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. In the Mauryan empire, the post Devatadhyaksha is related to –
[A] Store House
[B] Crown Lands
[C] Customs
[D] Religious Institutions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Religious Institutions ]
Notes:
Devatadhyaksha was appointed to perform the duties related to religious institutions.
9. 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.
10. Vallabhi era is identical with which of the following era?
[A] The Vikrama era
[B] The Gupta era
[C] The Harsha era
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The Gupta era]
Notes:
Vallabhi era is identical with Gupta era and Vallabhi era followed Gupta era in A.D. 366.
