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 famous book ‘Brihat Katha’ was written by__?
[A] Gunadhya
[B] Sarva Varman
[C] Panini
[D] Radhagupt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gunadhya ]
Notes:
The Brihatkatha is traditionally attributed to Gunadhya and was composed in Paishachi. The original work is lost, but later Sanskrit adaptations preserve much of its narrative tradition.
2. Which Greek ambassador set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Heliodoros
[C] Theodorus
[D] Plato
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Heliodoros ]
Notes:
The Greek ambassador Heliodoros set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu (Vasudev) at Vidisha. He was sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas.
3. In which Buddhist Council, Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects?
[A] First Buddhist Council
[B] Second Buddhist Council
[C] Third Buddhist Council
[D] Fourth Buddhist Council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Fourth Buddhist Council ]
Notes:
Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana in the Fourth Buddhist Council.
4. In the revenue department of Mauryas, who among the following was in-charge of the collection of all revenues in the empire?
[A] Sannidhatri
[B] Pradeshta
[C] Yukta
[D] Samaharta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Samaharta ]
Notes:
Samaharta supervised revenue collection. Sannidhata was responsible for the treasury and stores. These were distinct offices in the administrative system described in the Arthashastra.
5. Which of the following Jain Tirthankara have been mentioned in Rigveda?
- Rishabha
- Aristanemi
- Mahavira
- Parsvanatha
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1 & 4
[D] Only 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
The Jain Tirthankaras, Lord Aristanemi (22nd Tirthankar) and Lord Rishabh Nath (1st Tirthankar) have been mentioned in Rigveda.
6. Tirthankara Parswanath’s idol is recognized by which symbol?
[A] Lion
[B] Bull
[C] Tortoise
[D] Serpent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Serpent ]
Notes:
Tirthankara Parswanath was the 23rd Tirthankar who preached four teachings of Jainism: not to kill, not to lie, not to steal and not to own property. His idol is recognized by the symbol of serpent.
7. Who among the following built the Gomateshwara statue at Sravanabelagola ?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Kharvela
[C] Amoghavarsha
[D] Chamundaraya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Chamundaraya ]
Notes:
Bahubali also called Gomateshwara was an Arihant. According to Jainism, he was the second of the hundred sons of the first Tirthankara, Rishabha and king of Podanpur. A monolithic statue of Bahubali referred to as “Gommateshvara” built by the Ganga dynasty minister and commander Chamundaraya is a 60 feet (18 m) monolith and is situated above a hill in Shravanabelagola, in the Hassan district of Karnataka. It was built in the 10th century AD.
8. Who composed Buddhacharita?
[A] Kanishka I
[B] Kanishka II
[C] Asvaghosha
[D] Charak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Asvaghosha ]
Notes:
Ashvaghosha composed Buddhacharita, a Sanskrit poem on the life of the Buddha. He is also known for Saundarananda and is traditionally associated with Kanishka.
9. Who was the founder of Gupta Dynasty?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sri Gupta ]
Notes:
Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta Dynasty and adopted the title ‘Maharaj’.
10. Mundaka Upanishad, the Mandukya Upanishad and the Prashna Upanishad are associated with which of the following Vedas?
[A] Atharva-Veda
[B] Rig-Veda
[C] Sama-Veda
[D] Yajur-Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Atharva-Veda ]
Notes:
Atharvaveda text includes three primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy. These include the Mundaka Upanishad, the Mandukya Upanishad and the Prashna Upanishad.
