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 Greek King of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C.?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Alexander
[C] Seleucus Nicator
[D] Menander
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Demetrius ]
Notes:
Demetrius,the king of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C. And conquered a considerable part of the Mauryan Empire in the north-west.
2. Which among the following Buddhist scripture deals in the teachings of Buddhism?
[A] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[B] Vinay Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] Both b & c
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Sutta Pitaka ]
Notes:
The Sutta-pitaka (or basket of suttas) contains the essence of the Gautma Buddha’s teaching regarding the Dhamma. It contains more than 10,000 suttas (or teachings) attributed to the Buddha or his close disciples. It is the second of three sections of the Tripitaka, the earliest Buddhist scripture. The Sutta Pitaka is made of five nikayas ( or collections) of suttas viz. Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Samyutta Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya, Khuddaka Nikaya.
3. The inscriptions of Ashoka and the Brahmi script were deciphered by ___?
[A] Alexander Cunningham
[B] James Princep
[C] Max Muller
[D] Mortimer Wheeler
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ James Princep ]
Notes:
James Princep (1799-1840) was an English scholar, orientalist and antiquary. He was the founding editor of the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and is best remembered for deciphering the Kharosthi and Brahmi scripts of ancient India. He was the first to decipher the inscriptions of Ashoka and the Brahmi script.
4. Which among the following is not among Ashtamahasthanas?
[A] Lumbini
[B] Rajgriha
[C] Vajrayana
[D] Taxila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Taxila ]
Notes:
The holy places where the four principal events of the Buddha’s life took place are Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (Enlightenment), Sarnath (First Sermon), Kusinagar (Death took place). Apart from these four places, there are another four holy places viz. Sravasti, Rajgriha, Vaishali and Vajrayana, these eight holy places are known as Ashtamahasthanas.
5. As per the officials mentioned in the Arthashastra, the duties related to Crown lands was performed by whom ?
[A] Kosadhyaksha
[B] Hastyadhyaksha
[C] Lohadhyaksha
[D] Sitadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sitadhyaksha ]
Notes:
Sitadhyaksha was responsible for the maintenance of Crown lands.
6. Who was the author of the book ‘Manimekalai’?
[A] Ilango Adigal
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Seethalai Saathanaar ]
Notes:
The author of Manimekalai is Seethalai Saathanaar (also spelled as Chithalai Chathanar), a Buddhist poet. The book is a poem in 30 cantos. It is a sequel to the epic Silappadikaram and tells the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi who converted to Buddhism. The book compares Buddhism with other religions in South India. Manimekalai is one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature. The other four are: Silappatikāram, Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, Valayapathi, Kuṇṭalakēci. Manimekalai has been dated between the 2nd-century and early 9th century.
7. 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.
8. Which among the rulers of Magadh founded the city of Patliputra (Patna) on the bank of river Ganges?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Ajatshatru
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Bindusara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ajatshatru]
Notes:
The ancient city of Pataliputra was founded in the 5th century BC by Ajatashatru, king of Magadha. Patna is a riverside city that extends along the south bank of the Ganges (Ganga) River for about 12 miles.
9. In ancient India, the term Nishka was related to which among the following?
[A] Crop
[B] Tax
[C] Currency
[D] Tool
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Currency]
Notes:
Nishka meant currency or coin as well as a Necklace (that would also be made of coins during those times).
10. Who among the following kings was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha ?
[A] Ajatshatru
[B] Nandivardhana
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bimbisara]
Notes:
Bimbisara was contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha. The Jain texts mention that he was a disciple of Lord Mahavira. The Buddhist texts mention that he met Buddha before enlightment. Buddha promised him to visit his capital after he gets enlightment. He was a patron of Buddha and as a mark of goodwill; he presented the Bamboo Grove (karanda venu vana) to the Sangha.
