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 is not a correct observation as mentioned by Megasthenes about India?
[A] There is abundant gold, silver, copper and iron in India
[B] There is a well established caste system in India
[C] There are frequent famines in India
[D] Dionysus has invaded India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ There are frequent famines in India ]
Notes:
The option C is not correct. Indians did not face famines because of abundant rains and assured at least one of two seasons of crops; and abundance of fruits and edible roots.
2. During the reign of which Kushana king, the Fourth Buddhist Council was held?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Huvishka
[C] Vasudeva
[D] Vasishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD during the reign of Kushan king Kanishka. It was held under the Presidentship of Vasumitra to compose commentaries on the Tripitika.
3. Who assassinated Grahavarmana, the brother in law of Harshavardhan ?
[A] Shashanka of Gauda
[B] Kirtivarman
[C] Chandragupta
[D] Narsimhavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Shashanka of Gauda ]
Notes:
Shashanka of Gauda assassinated Grahavarmana and imprisoned his wife Rajyasri ( who was sister of Harshavardhana).
4. The “Battle of Ten Kings” is depicted in which mandala of Rig Veda?
[A] Seventh
[B] Ninth
[C] Eighth
[D] Tenth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Seventh ]
Notes:
The Battle of Ten kings (Dashrajnya) is depicted in the 7th mandala of Rig Veda. This battle led to the formation of Bharata that gradually evolved into Bharatvarsha, Hindustan and India. It was the battle between 10 major tribal chiefs against Sudas of the Bharata tribe.
5. The greatest Chera King remembered for building a temple of ‘Kannagi’ the Goddess of Chastity?
[A] Elara
[B] Karikala
[C] Senguttuvan
[D] Mudukudumi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Senguttuvan ]
Notes:
Senguttuvan (also knoown as Red Chera) was the greatest Chera king who is remembered for building a temple of ‘Kannagi’ the Goddess of Chastity and founded the famous Pattini cult.
6. The Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II was succeeded by whom?
[A] Kumargupta I
[B] Skandgupta
[C] Buddhagupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
The Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II was succeeded by Kumargupta I in 415 AD. He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. His rule is known for peace and prosperity. He ruled till 455 AD.
7. Who was the founder of Kushana Empire in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Kujula Kadphises
[C] Kanishka
[D] Vasudeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kujula Kadphises ]
Notes:
Kujula Kadphises was the first Yueh Chi chief who crossed the Hindukush Mountains and laid down the foundation of the Kushana Empire. He adopted the epithet of Dharma-thida and Sachdharmathida.
8. The Excavated Buddhist Site, Lalitgiri , which was notified as Centrally Protected in the year 1937, is located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
Lalitgiri is situated in Cuttack district of Odisha which is at a distance of around 100 kms from Bhubaneswar. The Buddhist relics found during excavation was notified as centrally protected in the year 1937.
9. In which state of India is located the ancient trading depot of Bharukaccha?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharastra
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Bharuch derives its name from the great sage Bhrigu and the original name of Bharuch was ‘Bhrigukachchha’
10. Who was Queen Trishala?
[A] Mother of Mahavira
[B] Mother of Gautam Buddha
[C] Mother of Kanishka
[D] Mother of Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mother of Mahavira]
Notes:
Queen Trishala, also known as Trishala Devi, was the mother of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara in Jainism. As per Jain texts, Trishala carried Mahavira in her womb for over a year and had a number of auspicious dreams indicating the divine nature of the unborn child. Trishala’s husband was King Siddhartha of Kundalpur in the Kingdom of the Videhas.
