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 among the following was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty ?
[A] Pushyabhuti
[B] Prabhakar Vardhan
[C] Aditya vardhan
[D] Harshavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pushyabhuti ]
Notes:
According to Banabhatta, Pushyabhuti was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty.
2. Which Greek ruler sent Dionysuis as an ambassador in the court of Patliputra?
[A] Selecus Nicator
[B] Antiochus I
[C] Potlemy Phildelphos
[D] Antigonas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Potlemy Phildelphos ]
Notes:
The Egyptian ruler, Ptolemy II Philadelphus had sent Dionysuis as an ambassador in the court of either Bindusara or Asoka.
3. Which of the following plays of Kalidasa tells the story of mortal King Pururavas and celestial nymph Urvashi who fall in love?
[A] Malavikagnimitram
[B] Abhijñānaśākuntalam
[C] Vikramōrvaśīyam
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Vikramōrvaśīyam ]
Notes:
Vikramōrvaśīyam, a play by Kalidasa, tells the story of mortal King Pururavas and celestial nymph Urvashi who fall in love. As an immortal, she has to return to the heavens, where an unfortunate accident causes her to be sent back to the earth as a mortal with the curse that she will die (and thus return to heaven) the moment her lover lays his eyes on the child which she will bear him. After a series of mishaps, including Urvashi’s temporary transformation into a vine, the curse is lifted, and the lovers are allowed to remain together on the earth.
4. Jorwe culture, a Chalcolithic culture, was first discovered in which of the following states of India?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Gujarat
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Jorwe is a village and an archaeological site located on the banks of the Godavari River in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. This site was first was excavated in 1950-51 under the direction of Hasmukh Dhirajlal Sankalia and Shantaram Bhalchandra Deo.
5. Who among the following were known as Tocharians?
[A] Kushans
[B] Shakas
[C] Hunas
[D] Kalabhras
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Correct Answer: A [Kushans]
Notes:
Kushans are also known as Yuechis or Tocharians.
6. Which among the following kings assassinated Brihadrath, the last Maurya King?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Pushyamitra Shunga
[C] Vasujyeshtha
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pushyamitra Shunga]
Notes:
Brihadratha was a weak ruler and his Senapati Pushymitra Shunga while a parading the entire Mauryan army before Brihadratha to show him the strength of the army assassinated him and this was the end of the Mauryas.
Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty in around 185-183 BC.
7. Which among the following system in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny ?
[A] Amaju
[B] Niyoga
[C] Arsa
[D] none of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Niyoga]
Notes:
Niyoga practice in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny.
8. Which among the following is true about Buddha?
[A] He accepted existence of God
[B] He didn’t accept existence of God
[C] He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god]
Notes:
Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, did not explicitly affirm or deny the existence of God. His teachings focused on personal enlightenment and the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing individual experience over theological speculation. This approach led to interpretations that he neither accepted nor rejected the concept of God, aligning with the agnostic stance. Buddhism generally does not center around a creator deity, distinguishing it from many other religions.
9. Mahabalipuram was a port city of which of the following dynasties?
[A] Chola
[B] Pallava
[C] Chalukya
[D] Kakatiya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pallava]
Notes:
Mahabalipuram was one of the major port cities by the 7th century within the Pallava kingdom. The town was named after Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who was also known as Mahabali. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO world heritage site.
10. Under whose reign were some Greeks or “Yavans” converted to the Vaishnava Cult?
[A] Shungas
[B] Nandas
[C] Shakas
[D] Satavahans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shungas]
Notes:
The Shungas succeeded the Maurya Empire and their rule witnessed the conversion of some Greeks or “Yavans” to the Vaishnava Cult. This period marked a blending of cultures and religions as the borders expanded, and it led to the propagation and transformation of religious practices that had impact on both Indian and Greek civilizations. Not much is known about the Yavans, but it is indicative of cross-cultural exchanges that occurred.
