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. Which among the following places have given the earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian subcontinent?
[A] Pratapgarh
[B] Mehrgarh
[C] Quetta
[D] Kalat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mehrgarh ]
Notes:
The earliest evidence of Agriculture in Indian subcontinent is found at Mehrgarh, which is located in Baluchistan state of Pakistan.
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. 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. On the bank of which river, Mahavira attained Kaivalaya?
[A] Niranjana
[B] Rijupalika
[C] Yamuna
[D] Jamuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rijupalika ]
Notes:
According to Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavira attained the highly exalted omniscient state of Kaivalya in 599 BCE under a Sal tree near the village of Jrimbhikgrama. This site was located on the banks of the River Rijupalika in the kingdom of Magadha, which roughly corresponds to the modern Bihar. The site holds a special place for Jains as the exact spot where Mahavira attained supreme enlightenment through deep penance and meditation.
5. Who was the author of the book ‘Tirukkural’?
[A] Seethalai Saathanaar
[B] ]Tiruttakrdeva
[C] Ilango Adigal
[D] Thiruvalluvar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Thiruvalluvar ]
Notes:
Thiruvalluvar was the author of the book ‘Tirukkural (also known as the Kural). It is a classic Tamil sangam literature consisting of 1330 couplets or Kurals. The book is also called as the fifth Veda or ‘Bible of the Tamil Land’.
6. The Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II was succeeded by whom?
[A] Kumargupta I
[B] Skandgupta
[C] Buddhagupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
The Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II was succeeded by Kumargupta I in 415 AD. He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. His rule is known for peace and prosperity. He ruled till 455 AD.
7. Who granted permission to Buddhist king of Ceylon Meghavarman to build a monastic at Bodh Gaya?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
The Gupta emperor, Samudragupta granted permission to Buddhist king of Ceylon Meghavarman to build a monastry at Bodh Gaya. Hence, he was also known as Anukampavan (full of compassion).
8. Which among the following kingdom in South India was known for an excellent Navy ?
[A] Pandyas
[B] Cholas
[C] Pallavas
[D] Chalukyas
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Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The cholas had a good navy. The Chola navy played a vital role in the expansion of the Chola Empire, including the conquest of the Ceylon islands and naval raids on Sri Vijaya.
9. What is Ettuthokai?
[A] A dynasty during sangam era
[B] A collection of poems
[C] A series of sports plays during Sangam Era
[D] A writing tool during sangam Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A collection of poems]
Notes:
Ettuthokai is a collection of eight books of classical Tamil poetry. It is part of the Pathinen Melkanakku series, which is a collection of 11 anthologies of songs with more lines. The eight books in Ettuthokai are: Ainkurnuru, Akananuru, Purananuru, Kaliththokai, Kuruntokai, Natrinai, Paripaatal, Pathirruppaththu.
Ettuthokai is part of the Sangam Literature, which is some of the oldest available Tamil literature. It is dated to between 200 BCE and 200 CE.
10. Which among the following is correct about Bhaddasala?
[A] He was a poet in the court of Chandragupta Maurya
[B] He was the general of the Nanda Army
[C] He was an ambassador of Ceylon King sent to Asoka’s court
[D] He was a playwright in the Gupta Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [He was the general of the Nanda Army]
Notes:
Bhaddasala – (Bhadra shala / Bhadra shal ) was very strong opponent faced by chandragupta. He was a general of King Nanda.
