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. The rulers of which among the following dynasties adopted the title Devaputra ?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Kushana
[D] Saka-Kshatrapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kushana ]
Notes:
Kushana rulers used the title Devaputra, meaning “son of god”. It expressed the divine status claimed by their kings.
2. What symbol represents nirvana of Gautama Buddha?
[A] Lotus
[B] Wheel
[C] Horse
[D] Bodhi Tree
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Bodhi Tree ]
Notes:
Bodhi Tree is the symbol of nirvana of Gautama Buddha. On the other hand, Stupa represents the symbol of death of Gautama Buddha. Further, The symbol ‘Horse’ signifies the renunciation of Buddha’s life.
3. At which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization, the rows of distinctive fire altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found ?
[A] Mohen-jo-daro
[B] Harappa
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kalibangan ]
Notes:
Kalibangan – is an archaeological site where Ploughed Field, Bones of Camel, Circular and Rectangular Graves, distinctive fire (Vedic ) altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found.
4. Which of the following inscriptions mentions the name of Kalidasa?
[A] Allahabad pillar inscription
[B] Aihole inscription
[C] Alapadu grant
[D] Hanumakonda inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aihole inscription ]
Notes:
Aihole inscription mentions the name of the poet Kalidasa. The inscription was written in 634 by Ravikirti, the court poet and minister of the Chalukya king Pulakesin II. The inscription is located in Aihole, Karnataka.
The Aihole inscription also provides information about the early history of the Chalukyas of Badami until 634 AD. It also provides a terminus ante quem of 634 CE for both Kalidasa and Bharavi.
5. At which Indus Valley Site, the beared man in steatite image has been found?
[A] Harappa
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Lothal
[D] Kalibanga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
In the Indus Valley Civilization, a beared man in steatite image has been found Mohenjodaro
6. Which of the following is the equivalent term used for Raja in early vedic era?
[A] Gopati
[B] Gomat
[C] Gopa
[D] Gomitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gopati ]
Notes:
In the Early Vedic age, ‘Raja’ was known as Gopati.
7. Which of the following regions was called “Gedrosia” during times of Alexander, the great?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Punjab
[D] Baluchistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Baluchistan ]
Notes:
Gedrosia corresponded to today’s Baluchistan or more specifically Makran. Alexander had lost a lots of soldiers during his march through the Gedrosian desert.
8. Ashoka called the third buddhist council at which of the following places?
[A] Rajagriha
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Burma
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pataliputra]
Notes:
Theravada tradition places the third Buddhist council at Pataliputra under Ashoka’s patronage, with Moggaliputta Tissa presiding.
9. Which of these was depicted as the emblem on the Royal seal of the Guptas?
[A] Hasti (Elephant)
[B] Mayura (Peacock)
[C] Garuda (Eagle)
[D] Tiger
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Garuda (Eagle)]
Notes:
Garuda, associated with Vishnu, was an important emblem of the Gupta dynasty and appears on its seals and coins.
10. Battle of the Hydaspes was fought between Alexander and King Porus in 326 BC. Hydapses means which river________?
[A] Jelum
[B] Indus
[C] Beas
[D] Ravi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jelum]
Notes:
Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. In 326 BC, the Battle of Hydaspes was fought between Alexender the great and Porus along the banks of Haydaspes river( Jhelum river) in Punjab. Porus, the King of Paurava, ruled the area between the rivers Hydaspes (modern Jhelum) and Acesines (Chenab). Though, Porus was defeated, Alexendar was impressed by Porus’s might so asked Porus to rule his dynasty under his name.
