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. With which among the following places, the twenty third Jain Tirthankara was associated?
[A] Vaishali
[B] Kausambi
[C] Varanasi
[D] Sravasti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Varanasi ]
Notes:
The 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanath was closely associated with Varanasi. He was born there to the ruling king and queen. After becoming an ascetic, he travelled widely but eventually returned to Varanasi for meditation and penance. He attained enlightenment under a tree on Sammet Shikhar near Varanasi. A famous Parshvanath temple stands at that site even today, which remains an important place of pilgrimage for Jains worldwide.
2. The rulers of which among the following dynasties called themselves “Brahma-Kshatriya”?
[A] Palas
[B] Senas
[C] Pratiharas
[D] Chahamanas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Senas ]
Notes:
The Senas used the designation Brahma-Kshatriya, indicating Brahmanical ancestry combined with a warrior-ruler role. The Deopara inscription applies this description to Samantasena.
3. The Nalanda University was founded by which Gupta ruler mentioned as Shakraditya?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
Xuanzang’s account names Shakraditya as an early royal patron of Nalanda. He is commonly identified with the fifth-century Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I.
4. Which among the following kings was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler)?
[A] Pulakesi II
[B] Mahendravarman I
[C] Narasimhavarman I
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Narasimhavarman I ]
Notes:
Narasimhavarman I was a Tamil king of the Pallava dynasty who ruled South India from 630–668 AD. He was also known as Mamallan, which means “great wrestler”. Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) was named after him. Narasimhavarman wanted to avenge his father’s defeat at the hands of Chalukyan ruler Pulakesin II. He defeated Pulakesin II in the Battle of Manimangalam near Kanchi.
5. Which Indo-Greek king is identified with Milinda in the Buddhist text Milindapanha?
[A] Antiochus II
[B] Apollodotus I
[C] Apollodotus II
[D] Menander I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Menander I]
Notes:
Menander I is generally identified with King Milinda of the Milindapanha. The text presents his discussions on Buddhist teachings with the monk Nagasena.
6. “All Indians are Free and not even one of them is a slave”. Who among the following has observed the above about the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Ashoka
[D] Strabo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Megasthenes]
Notes:
The claim is attributed to Megasthenes. Later writers preserve it while discussing Indian society. It should not be treated as proof that slavery was absent: other ancient sources refer to slaves and forms of servitude.
7. In which of the following marriages in Vedic era, a girl was given by her father to a sage?
[A] Brahma marriage
[B] Daiva Marriage
[C] Gandharva Marriage
[D] Arsha Marriage
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Arsha Marriage]
Notes:
In Arsha marriage, the girl is given in marriage to a sage. One example of Arsh Marriage is that of Agastya with Lopamudra.
8. Nalanda University was founded by which of the following ?
[A] Kumaragupta
[B] Skandagupta
[C] Samudragupta
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumaragupta]
Notes:
The Nalanda University was founded by Gupta emperor Kumargupta I. He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. It was established in 5th century.
9. Who among the following erected Gangaikonda Cholapuram ?
[A] Rajraja Chola
[B] Rajendra Chola I
[C] Mahendravarman I
[D] Gonka I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajendra Chola I]
Notes:
Gangaikonda Cholapuram became the capital of the Chola dynasty in c. 1025 during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, and served as the Chola capital for around 250 years. It is a Village located near to Jayankondam, Tamil Nadu.
10. Which of the following statements about the Gupta Empire under Samudragupta is NOT correct?
[A] Prayaga Prashasti of Samudragupta composed by his court poet Harisena is engraved on an Ashokan pillar at Allahabad.
[B] Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to have exercised direct administrative control over western and Southern India.
[C] Samudragupta carved out an extensive empire which is evident from the fact that he had performed an Asvamedha sacrifice.
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to have exercised direct administrative control over western and Southern India.]
Notes:
Option 2 is incorrect. Samudragupta defeated southern rulers but restored their kingdoms after obtaining their submission. His southern campaign did not establish direct Gupta administration throughout southern India.
