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 the following 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 records credit Pravarasena I with several Vedic sacrifices, including four Ashvamedhas. He bore the title Samrat.
2. Which of the following later Satavahana rulers of the second century CE recovered parts of the western Deccan from the Shakas?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Satkarni I
[C] Hala
[D] Yajna Sri Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Yajna Sri Satakarni]
Notes:
Yajna Sri Satakarni was a later Satavahana ruler associated with the recovery of territory from the Shakas in parts of the western Deccan. His coins and inscriptions indicate a renewed Satavahana presence in western regions, including the Konkan. This distinguishes him from Gautamiputra Satakarni, who fought the Shakas earlier, and from Hala and Satakarni I, who are not associated with this later recovery.
3. Which Greek King of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C.?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Alexander
[C] Seleucus Nicator
[D] Menander
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Demetrius ]
Notes:
Demetrius,the king of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C. And conquered a considerable part of the Mauryan Empire in the north-west.
4. 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.
5. Where did Mahavira attain Nirvana?
[A] Kundagram
[B] Vaishali
[C] Rajgriha
[D] Pavapuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pavapuri]
Notes:
Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pavapuri in Bihar. He passed away at the age of 72 in 468 BC. Pavapuri is a significant Jain pilgrimage site due to this event.
6. Where was the first Jain council held?
[A] Pavapuri
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Jimbhikagrama
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pataliputra ]
Notes:
The first Jain council was held in Pataliputra in 300 BC, 160 years after the death of Mahavira. Sthulabhadra presided over the council. The council resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas, which replaced the lost 14 Purvas. The council also divided Jainism into two sects, Svetambara and Digambara. The chief patron of the council was Chandragupta Maurya.
7. Who was the author of the book ‘Manimekalai’?
[A] Ilango Adigal
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Seethalai Saathanaar ]
Notes:
The author of Manimekalai is Seethalai Saathanaar (also spelled as Chithalai Chathanar), a Buddhist poet. The book is a poem in 30 cantos. It is a sequel to the epic Silappadikaram and tells the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi who converted to Buddhism. The book compares Buddhism with other religions in South India. Manimekalai is one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature. The other four are: Silappatikāram, Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, Valayapathi, Kuṇṭalakēci. Manimekalai has been dated between the 2nd-century and early 9th century.
8. Where was the first Tamil Sangam held__?
[A] Madurai
[B] Kapatpuram
[C] Kaveripattnam
[D] Kural
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Madurai ]
Notes:
Tamil literary tradition places the first Sangam at Thenmadurai, or southern Madurai, under Pandya patronage. Agastya is associated with it. The accounts of three successive Sangams are traditional narratives rather than securely documented institutional histories.
9. The famous book Sutrakritanga provides detailed information about the life of:
[A] Mahavira
[B] Gautama Buddha
[C] Kapila
[D] Basavanna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahavira ]
Notes:
Sutrakritanga is the second agama of the 12 main Angas of the Jain canons. It provides detailed information about the life of Mahavira. It is also known as the Golden Book of Jainism.
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.
