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. Garuda was adopted as dynastic emblem after the imperial Guptas by ___?
[A] Rashtrakutas
[B] Western Chalukyas
[C] Shilaharas
[D] Chedis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rashtrakutas ]
Notes:
The Rashtrakutas adopted Garuda as their dynastic emblem after the imperial Guptas. The Gupta period used Garuda as their royal emblem.
2. Which one is the longest epic of the world?
[A] Ramayana
[B] Ramcharitmanas
[C] Mahabharata
[D] Hanuman Chalisa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Mahabharata ]
Notes:
The Mahabharata by Ved vyas is the longest epic of the world consists of 1,00,000 shlokas.
3. Which among the following is not among Ashtamahasthanas?
[A] Lumbini
[B] Rajgriha
[C] Vajrayana
[D] Taxila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Taxila ]
Notes:
The holy places where the four principal events of the Buddha’s life took place are Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (Enlightenment), Sarnath (First Sermon), Kusinagar (Death took place). Apart from these four places, there are another four holy places viz. Sravasti, Rajgriha, Vaishali and Vajrayana, these eight holy places are known as Ashtamahasthanas.
4. Which of the following inscriptions mentions the name of Kalidasa?
[A] Allahabad pillar inscription
[B] Aihole inscription
[C] Alapadu grant
[D] Hanumakonda inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aihole inscription ]
Notes:
Aihole inscription mentions the name of the poet Kalidasa. The inscription was written in 634 by Ravikirti, the court poet and minister of the Chalukya king Pulakesin II. The inscription is located in Aihole, Karnataka.
The Aihole inscription also provides information about the early history of the Chalukyas of Badami until 634 AD. It also provides a terminus ante quem of 634 CE for both Kalidasa and Bharavi.
5. Mathura, the famous city was the capital of which ancient Mahajanapada?
[A] Panchal
[B] Kasi
[C] Kuru
[D] Sursena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sursena ]
Notes:
Mathura, the famous city was the capital of Surasena Mahajanapada.
6. Which Ashokan inscription mentions five contemporary Hellenic Kings?
[A] Major Rock Edict XI
[B] Major Rock Edict XII
[C] Major Rock Edict X
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict XIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII of Ashokan inscription mentions Asoka’s victory over Kalinga and names of Greek Kings such as Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas and southern Indian rulers such as Cholas, Pandyas. It has also mentioned names of Kamboj, Nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
7. In which inscription, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha)?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Kandhar Inscription
[C] Dipavamsa Inscription
[D] Babhru Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Babhru Inscription ]
Notes:
In Babhru edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha). In this edict he states his faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha.
8. Which of the following is the oldest Smriti?
[A] Manu Smriti
[B] Yajnvalkya Smriti
[C] Narad Smriti
[D] Brihaspati Smriti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Manu Smriti ]
Notes:
Manu Smriti (Pre-Gupta period) is the oldest Smriti.
9. Which of the following passes was used by Sakas to come to India?
[A] Bolan Pass
[B] Nathu La Pass
[C] Shipki La Pass
[D] Bara-lacha la Pass
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bolan Pass ]
Notes:
The Sakas came to India through the Bolan Pass. They were a Scythian tribe or group of tribes of Iranian origin.
10. Who among the following introduced Shaka era?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Rudraraman
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
The Kushana emperor Kanishka is often recognized for the initiation of the Saka era. This significant event took place when he acceded to the throne in 78 A.D. The Saka era, also known as the Indian national calendar, is used alongside the Gregorian calendar by the Government of India.
