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] Rudraraman
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Rudraraman ]
Notes:
The military achievements, territories and many personal qualities of Rudraraman are highlighted in the famous Junagadh inscription, written in 150 AD. It is the first major inscription to be written in sanskrit.
2. Which Pallava ruler built the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram?
[A] Narsimhavarman II
[B] Nandivarman II
[C] Aparajita
[D] Mahendravarman I
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Correct Answer: A [ Narsimhavarman II ]
Notes:
The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram built by Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II.
3. The IX mandala of the Rigveda samhita is dedicated to?
[A] Soma
[B] Purushkuta
[C] Gotra
[D] Gayatri Mantra
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Correct Answer: A [ Soma ]
Notes:
The IX mandala of the Rigveda samhita is dedicated to Soma.
4. Which of the following archaeological sites in the Indian subcontinent is associated with the earliest evidence of pottery?
[A] Brahmagiri
[B] Chirand
[C] Mehrgarh
[D] Burzahom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is associated with the earliest evidence of pottery among these sites. The site’s sequence includes an aceramic Neolithic phase, followed by a ceramic Neolithic phase in which pottery appears. This makes Mehrgarh an important early prehistoric settlement in the Indian subcontinent, especially for the transition from pre-pottery to pottery-bearing communities.
5. Who among the following defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of river Narmada?
[A] Pulkesin I
[B] Kirtivarman I
[C] Pulkesin II
[D] Vikramaditya I
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Correct Answer: C [Pulkesin II]
Notes:
Harshavardhana was defeated by Chalukya king Pulakesin-II in circa. 615 AD on the bank of river Narmada. This was the most notable military achievement of Pulakeshin and it ended influence of Harsha from south of Narmada river and established this river as boundary between Uttarpatha and Dakshnipatha.
6. Who has written “Kalpsutra”?
[A] Haribhadra
[B] Bhadrabahu
[C] Sudharma Swami
[D] Nemichandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhadrabahu]
Notes:
The Kalpasutra is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, most notably Parshvanath and Mahavira, including the latter’s Nirvana. The author of this text is Bhadrabahu.
7. Which among the following was capital of Mitrakas?
[A] Kosambi
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Odantapuri
[D] Vikramsila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vallabhi]
Notes:
After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Maitraka dynasty was founded by Senapati (general) Bhatarka, who was a military governor of Saurashtra under Gupta Empire, established himself as the independent empire around 475 CE. The Maitraka dynasty ruled western India (now Gujarat) from approximately 475 to approximately 776 CE from their capital at Vallabhi.
8. Nigashtha, Natputra, Nirgranth & Saatputra are various names of which of the following?
[A] Mahavira
[B] Gautam Buddha
[C] Chandra gupta Vikramaditya
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahavira]
Notes:
Nigashtha, Natputra, Nirgranth & Saatputra are various names of Mahavira. Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana was the 24th tirthankara of Jainism. Vīr, Ativīr, Vardhamāna, Sanmati, Nāyāputta, Kasyapa are the other names.
9. Partha was the name of which of the following character in Mahabharta?
[A] Arjuna
[B] Bhima
[C] Krishna
[D] Yudhisthara
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Correct Answer: A [Arjuna]
Notes:
Partha is the name of Arjuna in Mahabharata. He was called Partha by his dear friend Sri Krishna.
10. Where was Second Buddhist Council held ?
[A] Satparni
[B] Vaishali
[C] Patliputra
[D] Kundal Vana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vaishali]
Notes:
Second Buddhist Council was held in 383 BC to settle a dispute on Vinaya Pitaka, the code of discipline. The Buddhism sects Sthaviravada, Mahasanghika and Sarvastivada appeared for the first time after this meeting. It was held at Vaishali under the patronage of King Kalasoka and the presidency of Sabakami.
