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 Satapatha Brahmana and Taitriya Brahmana are the Brahmana texts of ___:
[A] Rigveda
[B] Yajurveda
[C] Samaveda
[D] Atharavaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Yajurveda ]
Notes:
Satapatha Brahmana and Taitriya Brahmana are the Brahmana texts of Yajurveda.
2. Who was the first Tirthankara in Jainism?
[A] Rishabhanatha
[B] Parsavanath
[C] Mahavira
[D] Munisuvrata
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Correct Answer: A [Rishabhanatha]
Notes:
According to Jain belief, the first Tirthankara was Lord Rishabhanatha who lived millions of years ago in the ancient city of Ayodhya. As per legend, he was born to King Nabhi Raja and Queen Marudevi. At age 30, he renounced his princely comforts to become a monk. Eventually he attained Kevala Jnana and became the first sage to preach Jain values of non-violence, truth etc. Jains consider him to be a founder of their faith and ethical order.
3. The Chalukya king, Pulakesin II defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of which river?
[A] Narmada
[B] Kaveri
[C] Niranjana
[D] Rijupalika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narmada ]
Notes:
Chalukya king Pulakesin II had defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of River Narmada in 618 AD. Pulakeshin, who ruled from the Chalukyan capitalof Badami, challenged Harsha’s conquests. The former had established himself as ‘lord paramount’ of the south, as Harsha had of the north. Unwilling to tolerate the existence of a powerful rival in the south, Harsha had marched from Kanauj with a huge force. Such was Pulakeshin’s efficiency in guarding the passes of the Narmada that Harsha was compelled to accept the river as the demarcation and retire from the field of battle after losing a major part of his elephant force.
4. Dashkumarcharitam was composed by whom?
[A] Bharavi
[B] Dandin
[C] Varahmihira
[D] Kalidas
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Correct Answer: B [ Dandin ]
Notes:
Dashkumarcharitam was composed by Dandin, who was a Sanskrit author of prose romances and expounder on poetics in the 6th-7th century. The book, Dashkumarcharitam is a prose romance in Sanskrit that describes the adventures of ten young men, the Kumaras, all of whom are either princes or sons of royal ministers, as narrated by the men themselves.
5. Which physician was sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota?
[A] Jivaka
[B] Udayin
[C] Kalashoka
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Jivaka ]
Notes:
The royal physician, Jivaka, was sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota, who was ailing with Jaundice.
6. As per the officials mentioned in the Arthashastra, the duties related to Crown lands was performed by whom ?
[A] Kosadhyaksha
[B] Hastyadhyaksha
[C] Lohadhyaksha
[D] Sitadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sitadhyaksha ]
Notes:
Sitadhyaksha was responsible for the maintenance of Crown lands.
7. In the Maurya empire, who was the superintendent of Ports ?
[A] Pattanadhyaksha
[B] Manadhyaksha
[C] Kosadhyaksha
[D] Ganikadhyaksha
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Correct Answer: A [ Pattanadhyaksha ]
Notes:
As per the officials mentioned in the Arthashastra, Pattanadhyaksha was the superintendent of Ports.
8. Which the following rulers is known as the ‘Napoleon of India’?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Skandgupta
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Correct Answer: A [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta believed in the policy of war and conquest and because of his bravery and generalship he is known as the “Napoleon of India” by historian Vincent. A. Smith.
9. Which among the following era is identical with Gupta era?
[A] Vikram era
[B] Vallabhi era
[C] Saka era
[D] Harsha era
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Correct Answer: B [ Vallabhi era ]
Notes:
Vallabhi era is identical with Gupta era and Vallabhi era followed Gupta era in A.D. 366.
10. Who wrote the book Pancha Siddhantika?
[A] Varahamihira
[B] Aryabhatta
[C] Brahmagupta
[D] Kalidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Varahamihira ]
Notes:
Varahamihira was one of the only renowned Indian Astronomer, Mathematician and Astrologer. Varahamihira was born in 499 A.D. into a family of Brahmins settled at Kapittha, a village near Ujjain. He wrote the book Pancha Siddhantika.
