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. Which among the following Vakataka ruler performed all the seven sacrifices viz. Agnishtoma, Aptoryama, Ukthya, Shodasin, Atiratra, Vajapeya, Brihaspatisava, Sadyaskra and four Asvamedhas?
[A] Rudrasena-I
[B] Pravarsena-I
[C] Prithvisena-I
[D] Narendrasena-I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pravarsena-I ]
Notes:
Vakataka ruler, Pravarsena-I, is said to have performed all the 7 sacrifices viz. Agnishtoma, Aptoryama, Ukthya, Shodasin, Atiratra, Vajapeya, Brihaspatisava, Sadyaskra and four Aswamedham.
2. 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.
3. Who assassinated Grahavarmana, the brother in law of Harshavardhan ?
[A] Shashanka of Gauda
[B] Kirtivarman
[C] Chandragupta
[D] Narsimhavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Shashanka of Gauda ]
Notes:
Shashanka of Gauda assassinated Grahavarmana and imprisoned his wife Rajyasri ( who was sister of Harshavardhana).
4. Which among the following Ashokan inscriptions mentions the name Ashoka?
[A] Bhabru Edict
[B] Maski Edict
[C] Puranas
[D] Junagarh Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Maski Edict ]
Notes:
The Mauryan Emperor Asoka has been mentioned by name ‘Ashoka’ in his inscriptions at Maski and Gujarra only.
5. Where was the first Tamil Sangam held__?
[A] Madurai
[B] Kapatpuram
[C] Kaveripattnam
[D] Kural
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Madurai ]
Notes:
The first tamil Sangam was held to the south of Madurai under the patronage of Makeerthy, the Pandyan king. Agastya was the president of first sangam. Unfortunately, no literary work of this Sangam was available. The second tamil Sangam was held in Kapatpuram, second capital of the Pandyas. The third Tamil Sangam was held in Madurai. Its chairman was a tamil poet Nakkirar.
6. The “Battle of Ten Kings” is depicted in which mandala of Rig Veda?
[A] Seventh
[B] Ninth
[C] Eighth
[D] Tenth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Seventh ]
Notes:
The Battle of Ten kings (Dashrajnya) is depicted in the 7th mandala of Rig Veda. This battle led to the formation of Bharata that gradually evolved into Bharatvarsha, Hindustan and India. It was the battle between 10 major tribal chiefs against Sudas of the Bharata tribe.
7. Pushyamitra, the founder ruler of Sunga Dynasty performed how many Ashvamedha sacrifices?
[A] None
[B] 1
[C] 2
[D] 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 1 ]
Notes:
The founder of Sunga dynasty, Pushyamitra Sunga is recorded to have performed two Ashvamedhas to promote orthodox brahamical faith during his rule.
8. Dhauli Hills are located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Bihar
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
Notes:
Dhauli hills are located on the banks of the river Daya, 8 km south of Bhubaneswar in Odisha . It is a hill with vast open space adjoining it, and has major Edicts of Ashoka engraved on a mass of rock, by the side of the road leading to the summit of the hill. Asoka’s 7 pillar edicts have been found at Topra (Delhi), Meerut, Kausambhi, rampurva, Champaran, Mehrauli. Minor pillar edicts have been found at Sanchi, Sarnath, Rummindei, Nigalisagar.
9. Which among the following veda has been described as “Braham Veda”?
[A] Rigveda
[B] Samaveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharavaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atharavaveda]
Notes:
Atharava Veda is known as Brahma Veda because it is recited by the Brahma priest in the Yajna and also because there are deliberations about Brahman, which is the ultimate reality according to Vedanta.
10. Which among the following sites gives an evidence of maritime trade in harappan era?
[A] Mohen-jo dero
[B] Lothal
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
Lothal is a small mature Harappan settlement near Gulf of Khambat in Dhalka taluk of Ahmadabad in Gujrat. It was first excavated in 1957 by S R Rao. The notable structures at Lothal include a dockyard, warehouse, workshop for manufacturing of stone beads, evidence of shell working, rice husk and a cemetery.
