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 Greek ambassador set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Heliodoros
[C] Theodorus
[D] Plato
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Heliodoros ]
Notes:
The Greek ambassador Heliodoros set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu (Vasudev) at Vidisha. He was sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas.
2. Who among the following was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty ?
[A] Pushyabhuti
[B] Prabhakar Vardhan
[C] Aditya vardhan
[D] Harshavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pushyabhuti ]
Notes:
According to Banabhatta, Pushyabhuti was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty.
3. Who among the following Pallava ruler built Vaikuntaperumal temple at Kanchi ?
[A] Nandivarman II
[B] Aparajita
[C] Mahendrvarman I
[D] Vikramaditta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Nandivarman II ]
Notes:
Vaikunta Perumal Temple was built by Pallava King Nandivarman-II in the 8th century, he was a worshipper of Lord Vishnu.
4. Which of the following was the capital of Northern Panchalas?
[A] Ahicchatra
[B] Kampilya
[C] Vajji
[D] Panchal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ahicchatra ]
Notes:
The Northern Panchalas had their capital at Ahicchatra. On the other hand, Southern Panchalas had their capital at Kampilya.
5. Which Ashokan inscription mentions five contemporary Hellenic Kings?
[A] Major Rock Edict XI
[B] Major Rock Edict XII
[C] Major Rock Edict X
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict XIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII of Ashokan inscription mentions Asoka’s victory over Kalinga and names of Greek Kings such as Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas and southern Indian rulers such as Cholas, Pandyas. It has also mentioned names of Kamboj, Nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
6. Who among the following is known as the father of Indian prehistory?
[A] Robert Bruce Foote
[B] Sir William Jones
[C] E.J.H. Mackay
[D] Sir John Marshall
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Robert Bruce Foote]
Notes:
Robert Bruce Foote is regarded as the father of Indian prehistory because of his pioneering work in identifying and studying prehistoric sites in India. As a geologist with the Geological Survey of India, he discovered important stone tools at Pallavaram in 1863, one of the earliest recognized prehistoric finds in the country. His research helped establish the scientific study of India’s prehistoric past and laid the foundation for later archaeological investigations.
7. The Gufkral prehistoric site is in which Indian state/UT?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Karnataka
[D] Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
Gufkral, in Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir, is a Neolithic-Chalcolithic site known for pit dwellings and early human settlements dating back to around 3000 BCE.
8. Who was the author of the book ‘Silappadikarma’?
[A] Ilango Adigal
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ilango Adigal ]
Notes:
The author of an epic Silappadikarma is Ilango Adigal. The epic deals with the love story of Kovalan (Son of a wealthy merchant in Puhar )and Madhavi (a beautiful courtesan dancer) of Kaveripattinam. It is also called Illiyad of Tamil Poetry.
9. Which among the following was the royal emblem of Chola Kingdom?
[A] Bow
[B] Tiger
[C] Carp
[D] Fish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Tiger ]
Notes:
The Chola kingdom was known as Cholamandulam, it was situated to the north-east of Pandya kingdom between Pennar and Vellar rivers. Tiger was the royal emblem of Chola Kingdom.
10. The Sakas introduced Satrap system of government along with whom?
[A] Parthians
[B] Kushans
[C] Sungas
[D] Satavahanas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Parthians ]
Notes:
The Sakas introduced Satrap system of government along with Parthians that was similar to that of the Achaemenid and Seleucid systems in Iran. Under this system, the kingdom was divided into provinces each under military governor Mahakshatrapa (great satrap). The governors of lower status were called kshatrapas (satraps). These governors had the power to issue their own inscriptions and mint their own coins.
