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. Menander I, the famous Indo-Greek ruler set up his capital at which place?
[A] Sialkot
[B] Pathankot
[C] Rajkot
[D] Sialdah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sialkot ]
Notes:
The famous Indo-Greek, Menander I (165/155–130 BCE) set up his capital at Sakala or Sialkot.
2. Who presided First Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahakassapa ]
Notes:
The First Buddhist Council was held at Saptaparni cave near Rajagriha in 72 AD, during the reign of Emperor Ajatsatru. It was held under the Presidentship of Mahakassapa to compile the Dhamma Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka.
3. The last Mauryan ruler, who was killed by his Commander-in-Chief was __?
[A] Dasaratha
[B] Kun-ala
[C] Samprati
[D] Brihadratha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Brihadratha ]
Notes:
Maurya Emperor Brihadratha was killed by his senapati (Commander-in-Chief) Pushymitra Shunga . Pushymitra Shunga founded the Shunga Dynasty in around 185-183 BC.
4. Which rock edict describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya and Bodhi Tree?
[A] Major Rock Edict V
[B] Major Rock Edict VI
[C] Major Rock Edict VII
[D] Major Rock Edict VIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict VIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict VIII describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya and Bodhi Tree.
5. Tolkāppiyam belongs to which tamil Sangam?
[A] first
[B] second
[C] third
[D] fourth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ second ]
Notes:
Tolkappiyam is traditionally associated with the second Tamil Sangam. It is an early work on Tamil grammar and poetics, dealing with language as well as the conventions of literary composition.
6. Which among the following was the last ruler of Gupta empire?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Buddhagupta
[D] Kumaragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vishnugupta ]
Notes:
Vishnugupta is generally regarded as the last known ruler of the imperial Gupta dynasty. His rule belongs to the mid-sixth century CE.
7. The last ruler of the Mauryan Dynasty, who was assassinated by Pushyamitra Sunga, his commander-in-chief was __ ?
[A] Bindusara
[B] Chandragupta
[C] Brihadrata
[D] Ashokavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Brihadrata ]
Notes:
Brihadrata was assassinated in 185 BCE during a military parade, by the commander-in-chief of his guard, the Brahmin general Pusyamitra Sunga, who then took over the throne and established the Sunga dynasty. Brihadrata, the last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, held territories that had shrunk considerably from the time of emperor Ashoka, although he still upheld the Buddhist faith.
8. With which among the following branches of Mathematics, Sulva Sutras are related to__?
[A] Algenbra
[B] Geometry
[C] Calculus
[D] Game Theory
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Geometry]
Notes:
Sulvasutras deal with complex fire altars of various shapes constructed with bricks of specific shapes and area. So it deals with geometry.
9. Which thinker discusses the seven constituents of the state in the Arthashastra?
[A] Manu
[B] Kautilya
[C] Panini
[D] Bhaskara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kautilya]
Notes:
Kautilya’s seven constituents are svamin (ruler), amatya (ministers), janapada (territory and population), durga (fort), kosha (treasury), danda (armed/coercive power) and mitra (ally). Similar seven-part models also occur in other ancient texts.
10. Which among the following is Incorrect regarding the early Vedic religion?
[A] They didn’t believe in Idol worship and believed in one supreme god indeed
[B] The Vedic god were classified into three categories- Terrestrial , Atmospheric and Celestial
[C] The people used to worship of spiritual reasons
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The people used to worship of spiritual reasons]
Notes:
They used to worship for welfare of praja and pashu
