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 Upanishads is composed in prose form?
[A] Isa Upanishad
[B] Katha Upanishad
[C] Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Svetasvatara Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brihadaranyaka Upanishad]
Notes:
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the oldest Upanishads and is estimated to have been composed about 700 BCE. It is written in prose and forms part of the Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda. It is considered as a source of philosophical doctrines, metaphorical speculative thoughts and mystical symbolism in Hinduism.
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. Which among the following Kushana king adopted the epithet Dharma-thida?
[A] Vima Kadaphises
[B] Kuzul Kadaphises
[C] Kanishka the Great
[D] Huvishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kuzul Kadaphises ]
Notes:
Kuzul Kadaphises (or Kadphises I) was the founder of kushanas dynasty. Kujula known to have assumed in his coins the epithets Dharma-thida and Sacha-dharma-thita which evidently refer to his adherence to the Buddhist and Saiva faiths.
4. Who was the first Tirthankara in Jainism?
[A] Rishabhanatha
[B] Parsavanath
[C] Mahavira
[D] Munisuvrata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rishabhanatha]
Notes:
According to Jain belief, the first Tirthankara was Lord Rishabhanatha who lived millions of years ago in the ancient city of Ayodhya. As per legend, he was born to King Nabhi Raja and Queen Marudevi. At age 30, he renounced his princely comforts to become a monk. Eventually he attained Kevala Jnana and became the first sage to preach Jain values of non-violence, truth etc. Jains consider him to be a founder of their faith and ethical order.
5. Which among the following Indus Valley site is located in Montogomery (Punjab) in Pakistan?
[A] Harappa
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Kalibanga
[D] Chanhudaro
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Harappa ]
Notes:
Indus Valley site of Harappa is located in the Montgomery district of Punjab, Pakistan. The site was discovered in 1921 by Rai Bahadur Dayaram Sahni. It is located on the banks of the Ravi River, about 24 km west of Sahiwal.
6. The hymns of regveda were composed by ?
[A] Hotri
[B] Udgatri
[C] Adhvaryas
[D] Nakshotri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Hotri ]
Notes:
Hotri For Vedic priests viz. Hotri, adhvaryu, udgatri and brahman (brahmin) participated in the shrauta rites and each of them had special attributes. Hotri was the priest chanting the hymns of Rig Veda; adhvaryu chanting the hymns of Yajur Veda; Udgatri chanting the Sama Veda hymns. Brahman priest was the most and supervisor of the entire ceremony and the one chanting the hymns of Atharva Veda.
7. Which of the following types of Vedic priests was most responsible for making correct arrangements for vedic sacrificial rites?
[A] Hotri
[B] Udgatri
[C] Adhvaryu
[D] Nakshotri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Adhvaryu ]
Notes:
Adhvaryu In the operational aspects of Vedic fire rites, the Adhvaryu was a central figure because he was the one who measured the sacrificial ground, built all that was needed and prepared materials to be used like, articles of oblation, utensils, woods and water. He also kindled the fire for expected offerings. Thus, success of a Yajna was dependent on correct duties of the Adhvaryu priest.
8. The Nalanda University was founded by which Gupta ruler mentioned as Shakraditya?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
Some archaeological sources identify a monarch called Shakraditya as founder of Nalanda university. The scholars identify Shakraditya as 5th-century CE Gupta emperor, Kumaragupta-I, whose coin has been discovered at Nalanda.
9. The Nitisara of Kamandaka, also known as the Kamandakiya-Nitisara, was composed during the period of:
[A] Satavahana dynasty
[B] Gupta dynasty
[C] Kalachuri dynasty
[D] Nanda dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta dynasty]
Notes:
The Nitisara of Kamandaka, also known as the Kamandakiya-Nitisara, was composed during the period of Gupta Dynasty. It was based on Kautilya’s Arthashastra
10. Which among the following mahajanpada was situated on the bank of river Godavari?
[A] Kamboja
[B] Asaka
[C] Avanti
[D] Malla
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Asaka]
Notes:
Mahajanpada Asaka Located on the banks of the Godavari River. Its capital was Potali, Potana or Podana, which now lies in the Nandura Tehsil, Buldana district in the Indian state of Maharashtra and it was the only Mahajanapada situated to the south of the Vindhya Range, and was in Dakshinapatha.
