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 king was the ruler of all except Brahamanas”. This was the view of __?
[A] Manu
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Apasthamba
[D] Gautama
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautama ]
Notes:
Gautama-dharmasutra The Dharmasutras: The Law Codes of Apastamba, Gautama, Baudhayana, and Vasistha The Dharmasutras are the four surviving written works of the ancient Indian tradition on the subject of dharma, or the rules of behavior a community recognizes as binding on its members. Gautama- dharmasutra is believed to be the oldest of the four Hindu Dharmasastras, It survives as an independent treatise. According to Gautama the ruler is the owner of everything in his realm except the brahmanas.
2. Which among the following Kushana king adopted the epithet Dharma-thida?
[A] Vima Kadaphises
[B] Kuzul Kadaphises
[C] Kanishka the Great
[D] Huvishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kuzul Kadaphises ]
Notes:
Kuzul Kadaphises (or Kadphises I) was the founder of kushanas dynasty. Kujula known to have assumed in his coins the epithets Dharma-thida and Sacha-dharma-thita which evidently refer to his adherence to the Buddhist and Saiva faiths.
3. At which place Mahavira attained Niravana?
[A] Pavapuri
[B] Kundagram
[C] Vaishali
[D] Rajgriha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pavapuri ]
Notes:
At the age of 72 in 468 BC, Tirthankar Mahavira passed away at Pavapuri, Bihar.
4. Which among the following define the similarities between Buddhism and Jainism?
[A] Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste system
[B] Both accepted the theories of rebirth
[C] Both preached truth and non-violence
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The similarities between Buddhism and Jainism are a) Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste system. B) Both have accepted the theories of Karma and rebirth and Moksha. C) Both preached truth, non-violence, celibacy and detachment from material comforts.. D) Both Uphold the essence of Vedas.
5. Who defeated Harsha Vardhana on the banks of river Narmada in 630 A.D.?
[A] Pulakesin II
[B] Mahendravarman I
[C] Pulakesin I
[D] Kirtivarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pulakesin II ]
Notes:
As per the Aihole inscription, Harsha Vardhana was defeated by Pulakesin-II, the great Chalukya king, on the banks of river Narmada in 630 A.D.
6. The Kalinga war was fought in which year of Ashoka reign?
[A] 6
[B] 7
[C] 8
[D] 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 8 ]
Notes:
The Magadha Emperor, Ashoka invaded Kalinga in the eight year of his reign in 261 B.C. Nearly one lakh soldiers lost their lives in that war and one and half lakh soldiers were captured. The 13th rock edict of Ashoka throws light on this war.
7. The “Battle of Ten Kings” is depicted in which mandala of Rig Veda?
[A] Seventh
[B] Ninth
[C] Eighth
[D] Tenth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Seventh ]
Notes:
The Battle of Ten kings (Dashrajnya) is depicted in the 7th mandala of Rig Veda. This battle led to the formation of Bharata that gradually evolved into Bharatvarsha, Hindustan and India. It was the battle between 10 major tribal chiefs against Sudas of the Bharata tribe.
8. Which Saka king defeated by Gautamiputra Satakarni?
[A] Moga
[B] Rudradaman -I
[C] Menander
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nahapana ]
Notes:
The famous Satvahana ruler Gautamiputra Satkarni defeated the Saka King Nahapana and restored the prestige of his dynasty by reconquering a large part of the former dominions of the Satavahanas.
9. Which of the following is / are the 9 gems of Chandragupta Vikramaditya?
[A] Amarsimha
[B] Harisena
[C] Kahapanaka
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The nine gems or Navratnas adorned in the court of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya are Amarsimha, Dhanvantri, Harisena, Kalidasa, Kahapanaka, Sanku, Varahamihira, Vararuchi and .Vetalbhatta
10. In ancient India, the term Nishka was related to which among the following?
[A] Crop
[B] Tax
[C] Currency
[D] Tool
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Currency]
Notes:
Nishka meant currency or coin as well as a Necklace (that would also be made of coins during those times).
