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 of the following Greek Explorers is considered to have left the earliest account of India?
[A] Herodotus
[B] Ctesias
[C] Scylax
[D] Hippalus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Scylax ]
Notes:
The earliest Greek Account of India was left by Scylax of Caryanda who was sent by Kind Darius-I of Persia to follow the course of river Indus and find out where it led. His original works are now lost.
2. The Aryans dedicated whole of a separate Mandala in Rig-Veda for the hymns dedicated to __?
[A] Agni
[B] Varuna
[C] Indra
[D] Soma
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Soma ]
Notes:
The IX Mandala of the Rigveda also known a Soma Mandala is dedicated to Soma Pavamana (purifying Soma) i.e. the sacred potion Somaras. It is made from the plant of the same name. Basically the Rigveda refers to the drink, the plant and the God with the same name Soma. It was believed to be the drink of Gods.
3. Which the following rulers is known as the ‘Napoleon of India’?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta believed in the policy of war and conquest and because of his bravery and generalship he is known as the “Napoleon of India” by historian Vincent. A. Smith.
4. Tat Tvam Asi, a sanskrit phrase, originally occurs in which of the following Upanishads?
[A] Mundaka Upanishad
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Brhadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Mandukya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandogya Upanishad ]
Notes:
“Tat Tvam Asi” is a Sanskrit phrase is one of the Mahāvākyas (Grand Pronouncements) in Vedantic Sanatana Dharma. It originally occurs in the Chandogya Upanishad, a Sanskrit text embedded in the Chandogya Brahmana of the Sama Veda of Hinduism.
5. 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 |
6. Every five years, Harshavardhana used to donate all his possessions at an assembly at which among the following places?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Banaras
[C] Prayag
[D] Kannauj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Prayag]
Notes:
Harsha organised religious assemblies every fifth year of his reign at Prayag (Allahabad). The thing which was left in the state treasury after five years, Harsha used to give it all in charity at that time. He has held six such assemblies during his reign.
7. Which among the following text of Buddhism speaks about the sixteen Mahajanapadas?
[A] Digh Nikaya
[B] Anguttar Nikaya
[C] Maha Parinibbana Sutta
[D] Majjhima Nikaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Anguttar Nikaya]
Notes:
16 Mahajanapadas have been listed by several Buddhist and Jainsm texts. For example Anguttara Nikaya gives a list of sixteen great nations, which is slightly diffrent from Digha Nikaya which mentions only twelve Mahajanapadas. Similarly, Jain text Vyākhyāprajñapti (or Bhagavati Sutra) gives a different list of sixteen Mahajanapadas.
8. In which state of India is located the ancient trading depot of Bharukaccha?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharastra
[D] Karnataka
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Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Bharuch derives its name from the great sage Bhrigu and the original name of Bharuch was ‘Bhrigukachchha’
9. Who among the following was King of Magadha at the time of Mahaparinirvana of Gautam Buddha?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Udayi
[C] Ajatshatru
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
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Correct Answer: C [Ajatshatru]
Notes:
Ajatasatru was the king of Magadha at the time of Mahaparnirvana of Gautama Buddha which is the death of Buddha. Ajatashatru was a king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha in East India. He was the son of King Bimbisara and was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.
10. During the Maurya Period, which among the following was the primary source of revenue?
[A] Bhaga
[B] Pindikara
[C] Hiranya
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhaga]
Notes:
Bhaga was the primary source of revenue during the Mauryan period, levied at a rate of approximately one-fourth to one-sixth of a harvested crop. It played a significant role in the Maurya kingdom’s economic system, supplementing the administration’s financial resources and enabling it to carry out the vast administrative and welfare operations prevalent during its reign.
