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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Who defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom?
[A] Ramagupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta II defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom and assumed the title Vikramaditya. This brought an end to Saka-Kshatrapa rule in western India and added the regions of Gujarat, Kathiawad and west Malwa to the Gupta empire.
4. Which among the following Pala rulers is known to have founded the Vikramshila Vihara?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devpala
[C] Dharampala
[D] Mahendrapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dharampala]
Notes:
Dharamapala, the second ruler of Pala dynasty was a pious Buddhist King and is best known for establishing the Vikramshila University.
Dharampala had also built a Vihara at Somapuri, another at Paharpur and yet another Vihara at Odantapuri. The five places viz. Nalanda, Vikramshila, Somapuri, Paharpur and Odantapuri are called Five Mahaviharas. Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed the Vikramshila University in 1200 AD. Somapura Mahavihara is now located in Bangladesh. It is one of the best known Mahaviharas of Buddhism in Indian subcontinent and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. For the first time in Indian History, the description of the State Administration was found for which among the following periods?
[A] Gupta Period
[B] Maurya Period
[C] Shunga Period
[D] Satavahana period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maurya Period]
Notes:
For the first time in Indian History, the description of the State Administration was found for Mauryan period in the Arthashashtra of Kautilya. The Mauryan Empire was divided into four provinces with the imperial capital at Pataliputra.
6. Who among the following is compiled the work “Ravanavadham”?
[A] Bhatti
[B] Kalidasa
[C] Bhasa
[D] Banabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhatti]
Notes:
Bhatti compiled the work “Ravanavadham”. It is the most influential version of Ramayanam.
7. Which pillar edict of Asoka is longest of all pillars?
[A] 2nd
[B] 5th
[C] 6th
[D] 7th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [7th]
Notes:
Seventh Pillar Edict mentions about Dhamma mahamattas
8. Allahabad Pillar Inscription gives a detailed account of the reign of which of the following?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Samudra gupta
[C] Kumaragupta
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samudra gupta]
Notes:
Samudragupta court poet and minister Harisena composed the Allahabad pillar Inscription or Prayag Prasasti. The Pillar was an Asokan Pillar erected by Asoka six century before him.
This Inscription is a eulogy of Samudragupta and mentions about the conquests of Samudragupta and boundaries of the Gupta Empire. As per this inscription, Samudragupta defeated 9 kings in North, 12 Kings in South, reduced all the Atavika states to vassalage.
9. Aihole Inscription is ascribed to which of the following rulers ?
[A] Pulkeshin II
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Kharvela
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pulkeshin II]
Notes:
Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II was written by the Ravikirti, royal poet at the court of Chalukya King. Pulakeshi II ruled from 610 to 642 CE.
10. Establishment of Svetambara as a separate sect within Jainism was resulted at ____?
[A] Rajgriha
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Ujjaini
[D] Sanchi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vallabhi]
Notes:
It was the outcome of Jain monks council meeting held in the year of 453 or 466 CE
