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. Who was the brother-in-law of Harshavardhan ?
[A] Grahavarmana
[B] Banabhatta
[C] Devgupta
[D] Bhaskarvarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Grahavarmana ]
Notes:
The sister of Harshavardhan, Rajyasri was married to Grahavarmana, King of Kanauj. He was the last ruler of Kanauj belonging to the Maukhari royal dynasty.
2. Who among the following Pallava ruler built Vaikuntaperumal temple at Kanchi ?
[A] Nandivarman II
[B] Aparajita
[C] Mahendrvarman I
[D] Vikramaditta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Nandivarman II ]
Notes:
Vaikunta Perumal Temple was built by Pallava King Nandivarman-II in the 8th century, he was a worshipper of Lord Vishnu.
3. Which among the following is known as the earliest example of Panchayatana style of temple?
[A] Dashavatara temple at Deogarh
[B] Temple at Pathari
[C] Shatrughneshwara temple at Bhubaneshwar
[D] Lakshmana temple at Sirpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dashavatara temple at Deogarh ]
Notes:
The Dashavatara Temple or Vishnu Temple also called Gupta temple at Deogarh. It was built in the Gupta Period (320 to c. 600 AD ). Archaeologists have inferred that it is the earliest known Panchayatana temple in North India. A hindu temple is a Panchayatana one when the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines.
4. Among all the pillar edicts of Ashoka, which one is the longest one?
[A] 7th pillar edict
[B] 6th pillar edict
[C] 5th pillar edict
[D] 3th pillar edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ 7th pillar edict ]
Notes:
The 7th pillar edict elaborates the works done by the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka for Dhamma Policy . He stated that all sects desire both self control and purity of mind.
5. 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.
6. In context of Sangam Age, which among the following was the ruling class in society?
[A] Arasar
[B] Kadaisiyar
[C] Enadi
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Arasar ]
Notes:Arasar is a Tamil word used to refer to the rulers or kings of the Sangam period in ancient South India. The Sangam period spanned from the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The Sangam period refers to the history of ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Sri Lanka.
The term “arasar” can also refer to the ruling class. The other castes in the Sangam period were:
- Anthanar, who played a significant role in the Sangam polity and religion
- Vanigar, who carried on trade and commerce
- Vellalar, who were agriculturists
The Sangam period dynasties were the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. Important rulers included Cheran Senguttuvan, Karikala, and Neduncheliyan.
7. Which of the following passes was used by Sakas to come to India?
[A] Bolan Pass
[B] Nathu La Pass
[C] Shipki La Pass
[D] Bara-lacha la Pass
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bolan Pass ]
Notes:
The Sakas came to India through the Bolan Pass. They were a Scythian tribe or group of tribes of Iranian origin.
8. The last ruler of the Mauryan Dynasty, who was assassinated by Pushyamitra Sunga, his commander-in-chief was __ ?
[A] Bindusara
[B] Chandragupta
[C] Brihadrata
[D] Ashokavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Brihadrata ]
Notes:
Brihadrata was assassinated in 185 BCE during a military parade, by the commander-in-chief of his guard, the Brahmin general Pusyamitra Sunga, who then took over the throne and established the Sunga dynasty. Brihadrata, the last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, held territories that had shrunk considerably from the time of emperor Ashoka, although he still upheld the Buddhist faith.
9. Which of the following regions was called “Gedrosia” during times of Alexander, the great?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Punjab
[D] Baluchistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Baluchistan ]
Notes:
Gedrosia corresponded to today’s Baluchistan or more specifically Makran. Alexander had lost a lots of soldiers during his march through the Gedrosian desert.
10. Who among the following was King of Magadha at the time of Mahaparinirvana of Gautam Buddha?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Udayi
[C] Ajatshatru
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ajatshatru]
Notes:
Ajatasatru was the king of Magadha at the time of Mahaparnirvana of Gautama Buddha which is the death of Buddha. Ajatashatru was a king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha in East India. He was the son of King Bimbisara and was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.
