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 village was the site of the Vikramshila Mahavihara, the renowned educational centre of Pala period?
[A] Antichak
[B] Aphasad
[C] Basarh
[D] Chandimau
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Antichak ]
Notes:
Antichak – Excavated site Vikramshila Vikramashila was founded by Pala King Dharmapala in response to a supposed decline in the quality of scholarship at Nalanda. [It was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji ]
2. What symbol represents birth of Gautama Buddha?
[A] Bodh tree
[B] Lotus
[C] Horse
[D] Wheel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Lotus ]
Notes:
Lotus and bull resembles the symbol of birth of Gautama Buddha.
3. 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.
4. Abhidhamma pitaka deals in which of the following?
[A] members of great community
[B] teachings of Buddha
[C] moral code of conduct
[D] matters of psychology and metaphysics
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ matters of psychology and metaphysics ]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma pitaka deals in the matters of psychology and metaphysics.
5. The University of Nalanda was set up by which Gupta ruler?
[A] Kumargupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Kumargupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
The University of Nalanda was established at Badagoan,Bihar in the 5th century during the reign of the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I.
6. The earliest evidence of Banking transactions in India comes from __:
[A] Vedic Era
[B] Maurya Era
[C] Gupta Era
[D] Medieval India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vedic Era ]
Notes:
Earliest evidence of Banking in India is found from the period of Vedic Civilization. During those days, loan deeds called rnapatra or rnalekhya were prevalent. Interest rates as well as usury was prevalent in Vedic India. The Vedic word Kusidin refers to an usurer.This term is also found in Manusmriti.
7. What was the name of the Licchavi princess who was married to Gupta King Chandragupta-I?
[A] Kumara Devi
[B] Kubernaga
[C] Dhruva Devi
[D] Vasu Devi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumara Devi ]
Notes:
The Gupta emperor Chandragupta I married a Licchavi princess Kumaradevi, who was the heiress to the throne of the Lichchavis and by her marriage with Chandragupta the two states got united. Lichchhavi Princess Kumari Devi was the first Indian Queen featured on a coin.
8. Who among the following were known as Tocharians?
[A] Kushans
[B] Shakas
[C] Hunas
[D] Kalabhras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kushans]
Notes:
Kushans are also known as Yuechis or Tocharians.
9. The regions where the Aryans settled in India was called Saptasindhu , which was pronounced as haptahindu as well. What was the other term used for this area?
[A] Mahabharata
[B] Aryavarta
[C] Pataliputra
[D] Brahmavarta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Brahmavarta]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Brahmavarta.” Saptasindhu refers to the land of the seven rivers, important in Vedic texts. Aryavarta, meaning “land of the Aryans,” is often used interchangeably but specifically refers to northern India. Brahmavarta, derived from Brahma, signifies a sacred region associated with Vedic culture and is considered the heartland of early Aryan civilization.
10. Which among the following Chera King is famous for the legends surrounding Kannagi (he built a temple dedicated to Kannagi) and is also known as “Red Cherra”?
[A] Karikala
[B] Senguttuvan
[C] Nedum Cheralathan
[D] Elkara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Senguttuvan]
Notes:
Senguttuvan, the king of ancient Tamilakam, had erected the temple for Kannagi around 2000 years back at Vannathiparai and called it ‘Kannagi Kottam’. He is known as Red Cherra.
