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. First Buddhist Council was held during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Ajatsatru
[B] Ashoka
[C] Kanishka
[D] Kalasoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ajatsatru ]
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.
2. Who presided Second Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
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Correct Answer: D [ Sabakami ]
Notes:
The second Buddhist Council took place at Vaishali in 383 BC. It was presided by Sabakami under Kalasoka of Shisunga dynatsy to settle down dispute between two opposing groups of monks of Vaishali and Patliputra and monks of Kausambi and Avanti regarding the code of discipline.
3. Which rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism?
[A] Bhabru rock edict
[B] Kalinga rock edict
[C] Tarai rock edict
[D] Barabar cave rock edict
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Correct Answer: A [ Bhabru rock edict ]
Notes:
The Bhabru rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism. The rock edict stated that he has full faith in Buddha, Sangha and Dhamma.
4. Who defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom?
[A] Ramagupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Samudragupta
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Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta II defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom and assumed the title Vikramaditya. This brought an end to Saka-Kshatrapa rule in western India and added the regions of Gujarat, Kathiawad and west Malwa to the Gupta empire.
5. The bilingual Inscriptions of Asoka involved which of the following two languages?
[A] Brahmi & Aramaic
[B] Brahmi, Greek & Aramaic
[C] Brahmi & hieroglyphics
[D] None of the above
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Correct Answer: B [Brahmi, Greek & Aramaic]
Notes:
Asoka used 4 scripts The scripts used for the Prakrit inscriptions were Brahmi and Kharoshthi, and for the others, Greek and Aramaic
6. Which of the following two towns of Indus valley Civilization were located on the bank of Ghagghar River?
[A] Harappa & Rojari
[B] Harappa & Mohen jo Dero
[C] Kalibanga and Banwali
[D] Rangpur and Surkotda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kalibanga and Banwali]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Kalibangan and Banwali.” Both towns are part of the Indus Valley Civilization and are situated near the Ghagghar River, which is believed to be the modern-day Sarasvati River. Kalibangan is known for its unique plowed fields and evidence of early agricultural practices, while Banwali features a well-planned layout and advanced drainage systems. The Indus Valley Civilization, flourishing around 2500 BCE, is noted for its urban planning and sophisticated architecture.
7. What was the name of the judges and judicial officers in Satvahana Dynasty?
[A] Amatya
[B] Rajukas
[C] Bhoja
[D] Gamika
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Correct Answer: B [Rajukas]
Notes:
In the Satvahana Dynasty, the judges and judicial officers were known as “Rajukas”. The Satvahana Empire, also known as the Andhra Empire, was an Indian dynasty based in the Deccan region. During its rule, law and order were maintained by appointing officers known as Rajukas, who performed various judicial functions including that of a judge.
8. Aihole Inscription is ascribed to which of the following rulers ?
[A] Pulkeshin II
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Kharvela
[D] Ashoka
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Correct Answer: A [Pulkeshin II]
Notes:
Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II was written by the Ravikirti, royal poet at the court of Chalukya King. Pulakeshi II ruled from 610 to 642 CE.
9. Who was the last ruler of Rashtrakutas Dynasty ?
[A] Khottiga
[B] Govinda IV
[C] Krishna III
[D] Karka
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Correct Answer: D [Karka]
Notes:
In 973 AD, the Rashtrakuta dynasty came to an end as the last ruler Kakka II ( or Karka) was killed by Tailpa II ( the descendant of old Chalukya empire) and founded the dynasty of Chalukyas of Kalyani (also known as Later or Western Chalukyas).
10. Which of the following serve as first evidence that Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini?
[A] Records of Fa Hien
[B] Records of Huen Tsang
[C] Pillar of Asoka
[D] Writings of Ashwaghoasha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pillar of Asoka]
Notes:
Nigrodharama, a Buddhist Monastery close to Kapilavastu, where Buddha used to live when visiting Kapilavastu. The main evidence that Buddha was born in Lumbini,Nepal is the Ashoka Pillar which is still at Lumbini. Every year number of tourist visit the birth place of Gautam Buddha i.e. Kapilvastu District, Nepal.