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. Who among the following was the ruler of Kanchi during the time of Samudragupta ?
[A] Hastivarman
[B] Mantaraja
[C] Nilaraja
[D] Vishnugopa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Vishnugopa ]
Notes:
King Vishnugopa (Pallava dynasty ) of Kanchi is mentioned in the list of rulers of the South defeated by Samudra Gupta. It is mentioned in the Allahabad Pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta.
2. During whose reign Mahayana sect of Buddhism came into existence?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the reign of Kanishka. Asanga was the founder of Mahayan sect of Buddhism.
3. In which Buddhist council, Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas?
[A] Second Buddhist council
[B] Third Buddhist council
[C] First Buddhist council
[D] Fourth Buddhist council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Second Buddhist council ]
Notes:
In the second Buddhist council, Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas.
4. 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).
5. Mathura, the famous city was the capital of which ancient Mahajanapada?
[A] Panchal
[B] Kasi
[C] Kuru
[D] Sursena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sursena ]
Notes:
Mathura, the famous city was the capital of Surasena Mahajanapada.
6. 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.
7. Begram in Afghanistan was a capital of which of the following kings?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Asoka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
The ancient city of Begram was identified as the capital under the reign of King Kanishka. He was a prominent ruler of the Kushan Empire in Central Asia around 2nd century CE. Kanishka is known for his military, political, and spiritual achievements, and his reign marked a significant era in Buddhism and arts.
8. World’s first oil paintings have been found in which of the following countries?
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Afghanistan ]
Notes:
In 2008, oil paintings were discovered in caves near the village of Bamiyan in central Afghanistan. The paintings have been radiocarbon dated to more than the 5th century CE, making them the oldest known oil paintings in the world.
9. Who among the following foreign traveller came to India during the reign of Chandragupta II?
[A] Hiuen-Tsang
[B] Fa Hein
[C] Megasthenes
[D] Ibn Batuta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Fa Hein ]
Notes:
Fa-hein, the first Chinese Buddhist traveller and monk, came to India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). And wrote the book “Si-Yu-Ki” that gives the detail account of the political and social condition of that time.
10. Vedic mythology refers to an ancient settlement called Pushkalavati after Pushkal, who was the son of King Bharata in the epic Ramayan. What is the modern location of Pushkalavati?
[A] Panipat
[B] Pushkar
[C] Peshawar (in Pakistan)
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Peshawar (in Pakistan)]
Notes:
Pushkalavati was capital of ancient Kingdom of Gandhara. Its ruins are currently located in Charsadda, Pakistan, located in Peshawar valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (formerly NWFP). Pushkalavati was home of the Sanskrit grammarian Panini.
