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. In the Junagarh inscription, which among the following Saka ruler achievements are highlighted?
[A] Moga
[B] Azes
[C] Rudradaman
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Rudradaman ]
Notes:
The military achievements, territories and many personal qualities of Rudradaman are highlighted in the famous Junagadh inscription, written in 150 AD. It is the first major inscription to be written in sanskrit.
2. Which of the following Chinese traveller came to India during the reign of Harshavardhana?
[A] Hiuen-Tsang
[B] Fa Hein
[C] Nicolo Conti
[D] Both A & B
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Hiuen-Tsang ]
Notes:
Hieun Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana with an aim of securing authentic Buddhist scripts. The Kannauj assembly (643 AD) was held in the honour of Hieun Tsang and to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism. He stayed in India for about fifteen years and recorded his experience in his book ,’ Si-Yu-Ki’. The book throws lights on the religion, customs, traditions, etc. Of the country.
3. Ancient Indraprastha was capital of which of the following Mahajanapada?
[A] Kuru
[B] Matsya
[C] Panchal
[D] Vajji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kuru ]
Notes:
Kuru Indraprastha, capital of Kuru Mahajanpada located in Meerut Delhi region.
4. 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.
5. According to Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamasa, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism by__?
[A] Moggaliputa Tissa
[B] Tivara
[C] Karuvaki
[D] Nigrodha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nigrodha ]
Notes:
As per the Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamasa, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka was impressed by Nigrodha and was ultimately converted to Buddhism due to his impression only.
6. Tolkāppiyam belongs to which tamil Sangam?
[A] first
[B] second
[C] third
[D] fourth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ second ]
Notes:
Tolkappiyam is traditionally associated with the second Tamil Sangam. It is an early work on Tamil grammar and poetics, dealing with language as well as the conventions of literary composition.
7. In which state/UT of India was the first recognized Paleolithic site discovered?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The first recognized Paleolithic discovery in India is associated with Pallavaram near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. In 1863, Robert Bruce Foote found a handaxe there, which became an important early evidence of Paleolithic culture in the Indian subcontinent. This discovery is widely regarded as the starting point of systematic prehistoric archaeology in India. Before this, in 1842, the discovery of polished stone tools by Dr. Primrose at Lingsugur in the Raichur district of Karnataka marked the first recorded find of prehistoric stone tool artifacts in India, signaling the inception of South Asian prehistory. However, it belonged to Neolithic period not Paleolithic.
8. At which of the following sites, largest variety of food grains in the Chalcolithic age has been found?
[A] Navdatoli
[B] Gilund
[C] Adamgarh
[D] Banahali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Navdatoli ]
Notes:
At Navdatoli, located near Maheshwar town in Madhya Pradesh in Narmada valley, several varieties of food grains like rice, jowar, ragi etc. have been found.
9. 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.
10. Jorwe culture, a Chalcolithic culture, was first discovered in which of the following states of India?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Gujarat
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Jorwe is a village and an archaeological site located on the banks of the Godavari River in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. This site was first was excavated in 1950-51 under the direction of Hasmukh Dhirajlal Sankalia and Shantaram Bhalchandra Deo.
