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 is the most unique feature of Dholavira site of the Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Its cities were horizontally divided in multiple parts
[B] Its cities were unevenly divided
[C] Its cities were divided into 3 parts
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Its cities were divided into 3 parts ]
Notes:
The most unique features of Dholavira, an Indus valley site in Gujarat, is its division. While other Indus Valley sites were divided into two parts viz. Citadel and Lower Town, Dholavira was divided into three divisions.
2. Who among the following laid down for punishment for a person becoming mendicant without making adequate provision for dependent wife and children?
[A] Manu
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Kautilya
[D] Narada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kautilya ]
Notes:
Chanakya : He is also known by Vishnugupta, Kautilya,was born around 350 BC and is known for his being the chief architect of Mauryan Empire and writing the pioneering work in the Economics and Political Science that is Arthashstra. He is known as Indian Machiavelli in the western world.
3. For which among the following offenses, Manu recommended higher punishment to Brahamans than the persons of other varnas?
[A] Profanity
[B] Murder
[C] Theft
[D] Treason
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Theft ]
Notes:
According to Manu, a Brahamana was to be awarded higher punishment than the persons of other varnas for the offence of Theft.
4. Which Pallava ruler built the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram?
[A] Narsimhavarman II
[B] Nandivarman II
[C] Aparajita
[D] Mahendravarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narsimhavarman II ]
Notes:
The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram built by Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II.
5. In which rock edict Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child…”?
[A] Major Rock Edict V
[B] Major Rock Edict IV
[C] Major Rock Edict VI
[D] Major Rock Edict VII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict V ]
Notes:
In the major Rock Edict V, Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child”. He had concerns about the policy towards slaves. This rock edict also referes to the appointment of Dhamma-mahamatta for the first time in the twelfth year of his reign.
6. Which among the following is the bilingual inscription?
[A] Girnar Inscription
[B] Kandhar Inscription
[C] Maski Inscription
[D] Bairut Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kandhar Inscription ]
Notes:
The Kandhar Inscription of Ashoka is bilingual (Greek and Aramaic) inscription.
7. Under whose reign the Chinese traveller Fa-hein came to India?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Fa-hein, the first Chinese Buddhist traveller and monk, came to India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II and wrote the book “Si- Yu-Ki” that gives the detail account of the political and social condition of that time.
8. Tat Tvam Asi, a sanskrit phrase, originally occurs in which of the following Upanishads?
[A] Mundaka Upanishad
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Brhadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Mandukya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandogya Upanishad ]
Notes:
“Tat Tvam Asi” is a Sanskrit phrase is one of the Mahāvākyas (Grand Pronouncements) in Vedantic Sanatana Dharma. It originally occurs in the Chandogya Upanishad, a Sanskrit text embedded in the Chandogya Brahmana of the Sama Veda of Hinduism.
9. Which among the following kings have been linked to the Sudaman Caves ?
[A] Ashoka
[B] ChandraGupta Maurya
[C] Bindusara
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka is credited with the establishment of the Sudaman Caves. These caves were primarily built for and dedicated to the Ajivikas. It is believed that the cave was named after Sudama, an Ajivika monk.
10. King Prasenjita was a contemporary and friend of Lord Buddha. He was a king of ________?
[A] Kasi
[B] Kosal
[C] Anga
[D] Magdha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kosal]
Notes:
King Prasenjita was an Aikṣvāka dynasty ruler of Kosala. Sāvatthī was his capital. He was a prominent Upāsaka of Gautama Buddha, who built many Buddhist temples. He was friend of Lord Buddha.
