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 were the first rulers in India to issue gold coins attributed to the Kings?
[A] Sungas
[B] Kanvas
[C] Indo Greeks
[D] Sakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Indo Greeks ]
Notes:
The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can definitely be attributed to the kings. They were the first to issue gold coins in India.
2. According to Buddhist traditions, who was Charioteer of Buddha?
[A] Channa
[B] Kanthaka
[C] Devdatta
[D] Chunda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Channa ]
Notes:
According to Buddhist traditions, Channa was the royal charioteer of Prince Siddhartha. When Siddhartha decided to leave his royal life and comforts to understand the cause of human suffering, it was Channa who escorted him outside the palace. It is believed that Channa later joined the Sangha, the Buddhist monastic community, and became an arahant, an enlightened disciple.
3. The University of Nalanda was set up by which Gupta ruler?
[A] Kumargupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Kumargupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
The University of Nalanda was established at Badagoan,Bihar in the 5th century during the reign of the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I.
4. The grandson of Ashoka, who accepted Jainism was __?
[A] Samprati
[B] Kunala
[C] Dasharatha
[D] Salisuka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samprati ]
Notes:
Emperor Samprati was the grandson of Emperor Ashoka, who reigned from 224–274 BCE. And accepted Jainism.
5. Which Ashokan inscription elaborates the policy of Dhamma?
[A] Major rock edict IX
[B] Major rock edict XI
[C] Major rock edict XII
[D] Major rock edict X
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major rock edict XI ]
Notes:
The Major rock edict XI elaborates the Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma. It stresses the respect for elders, abstain from killing animals and liberal towards friends.
6. In the Rigvedic Dasrajan Yudha (Battle of Ten Kings) the Bharatas emerged winner at the bank of __?
[A] The Indus River
[B] The Saraswati River
[C] The Sutlej River
[D] The Parushni River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [The Parushni River]
Notes:
According to Rigveda,the famous battle of ten kings ( or Dasrajan Yudha) was between Sudas, a Bharata king of the Tritsu family and the confederacy of ten well-known tribes- Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha ,Bhalanas,Shiva and Vishanin.In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of River Parushni the Bharatas emerged victorious.
7. In which of the following works is mentioned the conspiracy hatched by Pushyamitra Shunga to eliminate the last Mauryan King Brihadratha?
[A] Mahabhasya of patanjali
[B] Rajtarangini of Kalhan
[C] Harshacharita of Baanbhatta
[D] Malvikagnimitra of Kalidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harshacharita of Baanbhatta]
Notes:
The Harshacharita, is the biography of Indian emperor Harsha by Banabhatta, a Sanskrit writer of seventh-century CE India. He was the Court Poet, of Harsha. He mentioned the conspiracy hatched by Pushyamitra Shunga to eliminate the last Mauryan King Brihadratha.
8. During the Maurya Period, which among the following was the primary source of revenue?
[A] Bhaga
[B] Pindikara
[C] Hiranya
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhaga]
Notes:
Bhaga was the primary source of revenue during the Mauryan period, levied at a rate of approximately one-fourth to one-sixth of a harvested crop. It played a significant role in the Maurya kingdom’s economic system, supplementing the administration’s financial resources and enabling it to carry out the vast administrative and welfare operations prevalent during its reign.
9. Shatapatha Brahmana belongs to which of the following Vedas?
[A] Krishna Yajurveda
[B] Shukla Yajurveda
[C] Rigveda
[D] Samaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shukla Yajurveda]
Notes:
Shatapatha Brahmana is a commentary on the Sukla Yajurveda.It is described as the most complete, systematic, and important of the Brahmanas. It contains detailed explanations of Vedic sacrificial rituals, symbolism, and mythology.
10. Which among the following is Incorrect regarding the early Vedic religion?
[A] They didn’t believe in Idol worship and believed in one supreme god indeed
[B] The Vedic god were classified into three categories- Terrestrial , Atmospheric and Celestial
[C] The people used to worship of spiritual reasons
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The people used to worship of spiritual reasons]
Notes:
They used to worship for welfare of praja and pashu
