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 Vallabhi University was set up by which ruler?
[A] Kumargupta I
[B] Bhattarka
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Gopala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Bhattarka ]
Notes:
The Maitrak King, Bhattarka established the Vallabhi University in Gujarat.
2. Which Greek ruler sent Dionysuis as an ambassador in the court of Patliputra?
[A] Selecus Nicator
[B] Antiochus I
[C] Potlemy Phildelphos
[D] Antigonas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Potlemy Phildelphos ]
Notes:
The Egyptian ruler, Ptolemy II Philadelphus had sent Dionysuis as an ambassador in the court of either Bindusara or Asoka.
3. Who among the following succeeded Samudragupta as the next ruler of Gupta Dynasty ?
[A] Chandragupta II
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Vishnugupta
[D] Mahendra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta ll (380-412 A.D.) succeeded Samundragupta as the next ruler of Gupta dynasty. He was also known as Devgupta, Devraj and Devshree. Some titled he adopted were : Vikramank, Vikramaditya and Parambhagawat.
4. The term “Vitasta” in Rig Veda refers to which among the following rivers?
[A] Indus
[B] Beas
[C] Jhelum
[D] Chenab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jhelum]
Notes:Rigvedic Name and Modern Names of Indian Rivers:
| Ancient Name |
Modern Name |
| Sindhu |
Indus |
| Vitasta |
Jhelum |
| Askini |
Chenab |
| Vipasa |
Beas |
| Purushini |
Ravi |
| Satudri |
Sutlej |
| Gomal |
Gomati |
| Drishvadati |
Ghaggar |
5. During end of which of the following period the urban centers of Gangetic planes declined ?
[A] Maurya Period
[B] Gupta Period
[C] Mahjnapadas
[D] Magadh Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta Period]
Notes:
The urban centers of Gangetic plain declined with the gupta empire. The areas surrounding Prayag, Saketa and Magadha areas have declined.
6. In context with Vedic culture, in which of the following categories will be kept Gopath?
[A] Upveda
[B] Brahman
[C] Aranyaka
[D] Upnishada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Brahman]
Notes:
Vedic culture, Gopath is kept in the Brahman category. The Vedic texts are the primary sources for understanding the Vedic age. The Vedic period was in the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age of India’s history. The Vedas are liturgical texts that form the basis of the Brahmanical ideology. The Vedic texts contain details of life during this period.
7. Who among the following were also known as Tocharians?
[A] Kushanas
[B] Hunas
[C] Greeks
[D] Shakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kushanas]
Notes:
The Tocharians were an Indo-European people who inhabited the medieval oasis city-states on the northern edge of the Tarim Basin in ancient times. The Tocharian languages, a branch of the Indo-European family, are known from manuscripts from the 6th to 8th centuries AD. The Kushans were most probably one of five branches of the Yuezhi confederation, an Indo-European nomadic people of possible Tocharian origin.
8. Who among the following succeeded Pushyamitra Shunga?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Sujyestha
[C] Vajramitra
[D] Devbhuti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Agnimitra]
Notes:
Agnimitra succeeded his father, Pushyamitra Shunga, in 149 BC. He was the second king of the Shunga dynasty of northern India. The Vayu Purana and the Brahmanda Purana have described 8 years as the length of his reign.
9. The harappans used intaglio seals, made mostly of carved and fired steatite :
[A] As an export commodity.
[B] As a medium of exchange in place of coins.
[C] As amulets and charms to ward off evil spirits.
[D] For marking their goods and property.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [For marking their goods and property.]
Notes:
The seals of the ancient Harappan’s were probably used in much the same way they are today, to sign letters or for commercial transactions. The Harappan seals were used for marking goods and bales of merchandise. (Hence Option d. is correct)
10. What is Panduvaraguddum, that was in news recently?
[A] A sweet dish of Telangana which recently got a GI tag.
[B] A disputed village between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
[C] A a nesting zone of olive ridley turtles.
[D] It is a megalithic site in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [It is a megalithic site in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.]
Notes:
A reappraisal of a megalithic site of Panduvaraguddum has discovered 18 dolmenoid cists (burial places) surrounded by slab circles on a big granite hill in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.
