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 minister of the Gahadvala King Govindachandra and author of Kalpadruma was __?
[A] Apararka
[B] Chandesvara
[C] Lakshmidhara
[D] Vijnanesvara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Lakshmidhara ]
Notes:
Gahadvala, or Gaharwar, was a Hindu and Buddhist Indian dynasty that ruled the kingdom of Kannauj for approximately a hundred years, beginning in the late eleventh century. The founder of the Kannauj Gahadvala dynasty was Chandradeva, who took control of Kannauj at the end of the 11th century (1090A.D.). During the rule of his successor, Govindachandra, from 1114–1154, the state of Gahadvala reached the pinnacle of its power. His minister, Lakshmidhara, was the author of several legal works, including Kalpadruma.
2. On the bank of which river, Mahavira attained Kaivalaya?
[A] Niranjana
[B] Rijupalika
[C] Yamuna
[D] Jamuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rijupalika ]
Notes:
According to Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavira attained the highly exalted omniscient state of Kaivalya in 599 BCE under a Sal tree near the village of Jrimbhikgrama. This site was located on the banks of the River Rijupalika in the kingdom of Magadha, which roughly corresponds to the modern Bihar. The site holds a special place for Jains as the exact spot where Mahavira attained supreme enlightenment through deep penance and meditation.
3. Which Pallava ruler built the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram?
[A] Narsimhavarman II
[B] Nandivarman II
[C] Aparajita
[D] Mahendravarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narsimhavarman II ]
Notes:
The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram built by Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II.
4. Which among the following dynasties were ruling over Magadha when Alexander invaded India?
[A] Shisunagas
[B] Nandas
[C] Mauryas
[D] Kosalas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Nandas ]
Notes:
The ruler of Nanda Dynasty, Dhanananda was the contemporary of Alexander.
5. Which of the Brahamana says’wife is half her husband’?
[A] Satapatha Brahamana
[B] Aitareya Brahamana
[C] Gopatha Brahamana
[D] Taittiriya Brahmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Satapatha Brahamana ]
Notes:
The Satapatha Brahamana states that the wife is half her husband and completes him.
6. At which among the following sites, first evidence of cultivation of cotton has been found?
[A] Piklihal
[B] Hathonora
[C] Mehrgarh
[D] Ghaligai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
First evidence of cotton growing has been found at Mehrgarh (now in Pakistan).
7. Which among the following Mahajanpada was located on the junction of two famous ancient Indian Trade routes – Uttarpatha and Dakshinpatha?
[A] Matsya
[B] Surasena
[C] Avanti
[D] Anga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Surasena]
Notes:
Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha were two trade routes of ancient India. Mathura was located at the junction of these two famous trade routes. Shurasena was an ancient Yadava ruler of Mathura after whom the Surasena Kingdom or mahajanpada and the Yadava sept of Surasenas were named.
8. Fa-Hien who came to visit India during Gupta Period had the main motive of ___________?
[A] Establish trade relations between India and China
[B] Write a book on the life of Indian People
[C] Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha
[D] To spread Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha]
Notes:
Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist, was one of the pilgrims who visited India during the reign of the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. His main motive is to study the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
9. Which among the following comprises Code of Laws?
[A] Sutras
[B] Manusmriti
[C] Vedas
[D] Up Vedas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Manusmriti]
Notes:
The Manusmriti, is an ancient legal text among the many Dharmasastras of Hinduism. It was one of the first Sanskrit texts to have been translated into English in 1794, by Sir William Jones.
10. Who among the following belonged to Sakya clan of Kshatriyas?
[A] Gautam Buddha
[B] Mahavir jain
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Rishabhnath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gautam Buddha]
Notes:
Gautama Buddha belongs to Sakya clan of Kshatriyas. They lived in the area near Magadha. His mother is Maya devi and father is Suddhodana.
