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. Who among the following was the 23rd Jain Tirthankara ?
[A] Nemi Natha
[B] Mahavira
[C] Parshvanath
[D] Malinath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Parshvanath ]
Notes:
Lord Parshvanath was the 23rd Jain Tirthankara who lived around 872-772 BCE. He was born to King Ashvasena and Queen Vama of Kashi/Varanasi as a royal prince. He gave up worldly comforts and became an ascetic at age 30 in search of spiritual awakening. He attained Kevala Jnana under a Dhaataki tree near Varanasi after 83 days of deep penance. His main teachings were non-violence, not stealing, not lying and non-attachment to possessions. His iconic symbol is a snake or serpent sheltering him.
2. In which state / UT of India, the first Paleolithic site was discovered?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Karnataka ]
Notes:
The first evidence of the Stone Age culture in India surfaced in Karnataka as early as in 1842 when Dr. Primrose discovered polished stone knives and arrow heads at Lingsugur in Raichur district of Karnataka.
3. What was the capital of Surasena Mahajanapada?
[A] Viratnagar
[B] Mathura
[C] Taxila
[D] Kashi
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Correct Answer: B [Mathura ]
Notes:
Surasena Mahajanapada was located in the region corresponding to the present-day Braj region in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Its capital was Mathura.
4. In context of Sangam Age, which among the following was the ruling class in society?
[A] Arasar
[B] Kadaisiyar
[C] Enadi
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Arasar ]
Notes:Arasar is a Tamil word used to refer to the rulers or kings of the Sangam period in ancient South India. The Sangam period spanned from the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The Sangam period refers to the history of ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Sri Lanka.
The term “arasar” can also refer to the ruling class. The other castes in the Sangam period were:
- Anthanar, who played a significant role in the Sangam polity and religion
- Vanigar, who carried on trade and commerce
- Vellalar, who were agriculturists
The Sangam period dynasties were the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. Important rulers included Cheran Senguttuvan, Karikala, and Neduncheliyan.
5. Who was the chairman of Third Tamil Sangam?
[A] Nakkirar
[B] Agastaya
[C] Tiruttakkadevar
[D] Chintamani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Nakkirar ]
Notes:
Nakkirar was the chairman of 3rd Tamil Sangam held at North Madurai.
6. Which among the following were the scholars in the Court of Kanishka-I?
[A] Vasumitra, Asvaghosa and Parsva
[B] Nagarjuna, Charaka and Mathara
[C] Charaka, Vasumitra and Asvaghosa
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The great scholars in the Court of Kanishka I were Asvaghosa (the Buddhist poet), Nagarjuna (the philosopher), Samgharaksha (the chaplain), Mathara (the politician), Vasumitra (the Buddhist scholar), Charaka (the physician) and Agisala (the engineer).
7. In the Indus Valley Civilization, the style of script is:
[A] Boustrophedon
[B] Pictographic
[C] Brahmi
[D] Not deciphered yet
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Boustrophedon ]
Notes:
Indus Scripts are popularly described as Boustrophedon scripts. This literally means “as the ox turns” in ancient Greek, denoting writing systems that alternate direction. Indus texts feature pictures and symbols, undeciphered to date, inscribed right-to-left in one line with the next line flipping left-to-right in an “ox turns” style unlike later Indian scripts. They have been found on seals, pottery, tools, even an ancient signboard. Deciphering these scripts would unlock valuable information about Harappan economics, political organization, language and beliefs.
8. As per Vedic rituals, which among the following is the divine messenger who receives the prayers and conveys them to the heavenly spheres?
[A] Agni
[B] Soma
[C] Varuna
[D] Indra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Agni]
Notes:
The correct answer is Agni. In Vedic rituals, Agni, the fire god, is considered the divine messenger who receives offerings and prayers from humans and conveys them to the heavens. Agni is central to Vedic ceremonies, symbolizing purity and the connection between the earthly and divine realms. He is often invoked in rituals for blessings and protection.
9. At which among the following places, Chandragupta Maurya spent his last days?
[A] Nalanda
[B] Ujjain
[C] Shravana Belgola
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shravana Belgola]
Notes:
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire. During his last days Chandragupta Maurya accepted Jainism and spent his last days at Sravanabelagola with Bhadrabahu.
10. In which of the following works is mentioned the conspiracy hatched by Pushyamitra Shunga to eliminate the last Mauryan King Brihadratha?
[A] Mahabhasya of patanjali
[B] Rajtarangini of Kalhan
[C] Harshacharita of Baanbhatta
[D] Malvikagnimitra of Kalidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harshacharita of Baanbhatta]
Notes:
The Harshacharita, is the biography of Indian emperor Harsha by Banabhatta, a Sanskrit writer of seventh-century CE India. He was the Court Poet, of Harsha. He mentioned the conspiracy hatched by Pushyamitra Shunga to eliminate the last Mauryan King Brihadratha.