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 script of Indus Valley people was __?
[A] Desi Script
[B] Pictographic Script
[C] Brahmi Script
[D] Kharosti Script
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pictographic Script ]
Notes:
The pictographic script was used by the Indus Valley people.
2. Who was the founder of Gupta Dynasty?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Chandragupta II
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Correct Answer: A [ Sri Gupta ]
Notes:
Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta Dynasty and adopted the title ‘Maharaj’.
3. Vallabhi era is identical with which of the following era?
[A] The Vikrama era
[B] The Gupta era
[C] The Harsha era
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The Gupta era]
Notes:
Vallabhi era is identical with Gupta era and Vallabhi era followed Gupta era in A.D. 366.
4. In which period, “Arthshastra” was written?
[A] Gupta
[B] Maurya
[C] Shaka
[D] Kushan
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Correct Answer: B [Maurya]
Notes:
Arthshastra was written by Kautilya or Vishnugupta or Chanakya, who was a professor at Taxila University and later the prime minister of the Maurya Empire. The manuscript was discovered by Arya Sharma Shashtri in 1904. Arthshastra has been divided in 15 Adhikarans and 180 Prakarans. It is related to money and politics and contains 6000 shlokas
5. Who among the following was the founder of Rastrakuta dynasty ?
[A] Dantidurga
[B] Krishna -I
[C] Indra – II
[D] Govinda -I
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Correct Answer: A [Dantidurga]
Notes:
In the mid of the 8th century, Dantidurga , who was one of the chieftain of ancient Rastrakuta family fought his way to the front and overthrew Kirtivarman II, thus bringing an end to the main branch of Chalukyas. This was the beginning of the Rastrakuta Empire in Deccan.
6. Which of the below-mentioned ancient Indian jurists established a priority of inheritance where the wife is followed by daughters after the sons?
[A] Brihaspati
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Narada
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Yajnavalkya]
Notes:
Yajnavalkya laid down doctrines that included a priority of inheritance where the wife is followed by daughters immediately after the sons. His works promoted justice and fairness in family matters, creating a direct impact on the stability of society. Yajnavalkya is known for his teachings on the concepts of Dharma and Moksha.
7. Which among the following Buddhist Text is considered to have been recorded by Buddha himself?
[A] Dhammaghosa
[B] Buddhaghosa
[C] Dhammapada
[D] Abhidhamma
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Correct Answer: C [Dhammapada]
Notes:
The Dhammapada is a collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form and one of the most widely read and best known Buddhist scriptures. It is recorded by Buddha himself.
8. Which of the following Chinese pilgrim gives account of the First Gupta Ruler?
[A] Fa Hien
[B] Huen Tsang
[C] Itsing
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Itsing]
Notes:
Yijing or I-tsing, was a Tang-era Chinese Buddhist monk famed as a traveler and translator. His account of his travels is an important source for the history of the medieval kingdoms along the sea route between China and India. He gave account of the first gupta ruler Srigupta.
9. There is only one Rock Edict in which Asoka talks about taxation. Which among the following is that edict?
[A] Bhabru Inscription
[B] Nigalisagar Pillar Inscription
[C] Rummindei Pillar Inscription
[D] Barabar Cave Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rummindei Pillar Inscription]
Notes:
Lumbini Pillar Edict in Nepal is known as the Rummindei Pillar Inscription .The Lumbini Pillar Edict recorded that sometime after the twentieth year of his reign, Ashoka travelled to the Buddha’s birthplace and personally made offerings. He then had a stone pillar set up and reduced the taxes of the people in that area. It talks about the taxation of ashoka.
10. Who were Manu, Yajnavalkya , Narada and Brihaspati ?
[A] Law givers of ancient India
[B] Gods of Vedic religion
[C] Buddhist scholars and logicians
[D] Celebrated mathematicians and astronomers of ancient India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Law givers of ancient India]
Notes:
Manu, Yajnavalkya, Narada, and Brihaspati were law givers of ancient India. Manu is traditionally regarded as the author of the Manusmriti, a foundational text on Hindu law. Yajnavalkya is known for the Yajnavalkya Smriti, which also addresses legal and social issues. Narada is a sage often associated with legal and ethical discussions in texts like the Narada Smriti. Brihaspati, while primarily known as a deity of wisdom, is also linked to legal principles in ancient texts. These figures played crucial roles in shaping the legal framework of ancient Indian society.
