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. Abhidhamma pitaka deals in which of the following?
[A] members of great community
[B] teachings of Buddha
[C] moral code of conduct
[D] matters of psychology and metaphysics
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ matters of psychology and metaphysics ]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma pitaka deals in the matters of psychology and metaphysics.
2. Which among the following Buddhist scripture deals in the moral code of conduct?
[A] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[B] Vinay Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vinay Pitaka ]
Notes:
The Buddhist scripture, Vinay Pitaka mainly deals with rules and regulations, which the Buddha promulgated. It describes in detail the gradual development of the Sangha. In other words, it is the code of ethics to be obeyed by the early sangha, monks and nuns.
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. Who was the first Tirthankara in Jainism?
[A] Rishabhanatha
[B] Parsavanath
[C] Mahavira
[D] Munisuvrata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rishabhanatha]
Notes:
According to Jain belief, the first Tirthankara was Lord Rishabhanatha who lived millions of years ago in the ancient city of Ayodhya. As per legend, he was born to King Nabhi Raja and Queen Marudevi. At age 30, he renounced his princely comforts to become a monk. Eventually he attained Kevala Jnana and became the first sage to preach Jain values of non-violence, truth etc. Jains consider him to be a founder of their faith and ethical order.
5. Which among the following dynasties were ruling over Magadha when Alexander invaded India?
[A] Shisunagas
[B] Nandas
[C] Mauryas
[D] Kosalas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Nandas ]
Notes:
The ruler of Nanda Dynasty, Dhanananda was the contemporary of Alexander.
6. Which among the following was the main occupation of Palaeolithic (Old stone) people?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Farming
[C] Hunting
[D] Fishing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Hunting ]
Notes:
Hunting animals and gathering wild fruits, vegetables and plants were the main occupations of Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers. They did not practice organized agriculture and were nomadic, moving from place to place for sustenance. Stone tools found at sites like Hunsgi Valley, Kurnool Caves, and Bhimbetka were probably used for skinning animals and cutting meat.
7. Buddhacharita, the epic biography of Gautama Buddha in Sanskrit was written by__:
[A] Asvaghosa
[B] Indrabhuti
[C] Asanga
[D] Bodhisena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Asvaghosa ]
Notes:
The Buddha Charita was the biography of Buddha which was penned by Ashvaghosa probably in the first century C.E. He was a renowned Sanskrit poet. The Buddha Charita is made up of 28 songs recounting events in Shakyamuni Buddha’s life up to the time of his great awakening.
8. Which among the following kings assassinated Brihadrath, the last Maurya King?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Pushyamitra Shunga
[C] Vasujyeshtha
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pushyamitra Shunga]
Notes:
Brihadratha was a weak ruler and his Senapati Pushymitra Shunga while a parading the entire Mauryan army before Brihadratha to show him the strength of the army assassinated him and this was the end of the Mauryas.
Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty in around 185-183 BC.
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:
The emblem imprinted on the Royal seal of the Guptas was ‘Garuda’ – the allegorical eagle. Garuda is a mythical bird entity in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythology. This bird is believed to possess great power and strength and is thus, frequently associated with the magnificence and valour of kings and their dynasties. The Gupta dynasty, which ruled over the Indian subcontinent from around 240 to 590 CE, prominently used the emblem of Garuda as their dynastic symbol.
10. Which river was called Vipasa in Vedic India?
[A] Ganga
[B] Jhelum
[C] Beas
[D] Indus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Beas]
Notes:
Some important names of rivers in Vedic Era include Kubha (Kabul River), Krumu (Kurrum River), Srivastu/Suvastu (Swat River), Gauri (Panjkora River), Sindhu (Indus River), Sushoma (Sohan River), Arjikiya (Haro River), Vitasta (Jhelum River), Asikni (Chenab River), Parusni (Ravi River), Vipas (Beas River), Sutudri (Sutlej River) etc.
