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 rulers of which among the following dynasties called themselves “Brahma-Kshatriya”?
[A] Palas
[B] Senas
[C] Pratiharas
[D] Chahamanas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Senas ]
Notes:
“Brahma-Kshatriya” refers to someone who claims to be both a Brahmin (priestly class) and a Kshatriya (warrior class). Essentially claiming both spiritual and temporal power. The Sena Dynasty ruled parts of eastern India between the 11th and 12th centuries CE. They were known for being Brahmins (priests) who took on the role of rulers and administrators (traditionally a Kshatriya role). So the Sena rulers called themselves “Brahma-Kshatriya” to indicate they were both spiritual leaders and temporal rulers.
2. In which Buddhist Council, Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects?
[A] First Buddhist Council
[B] Second Buddhist Council
[C] Third Buddhist Council
[D] Fourth Buddhist Council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Fourth Buddhist Council ]
Notes:
Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana in the Fourth Buddhist Council.
3. Which among the following define the similarities between Buddhism and Jainism?
[A] Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste system
[B] Both accepted the theories of rebirth
[C] Both preached truth and non-violence
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The similarities between Buddhism and Jainism are a) Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste system. B) Both have accepted the theories of Karma and rebirth and Moksha. C) Both preached truth, non-violence, celibacy and detachment from material comforts.. D) Both Uphold the essence of Vedas.
4. The achievements of Samudragupta are mentioned in which inscription?
[A] Hathigumpha inscription
[B] Allahabad Pillar inscription
[C] Bairut inscription
[D] Junagarh Pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Allahabad Pillar inscription ]
Notes:
The achievements of Samudragupta are composed by his court-poet Harisena in Allahabad Pillar inscription ( or Prayag-Prasasti inscription).
5. Who has written “Kalpsutra”?
[A] Haribhadra
[B] Bhadrabahu
[C] Sudharma Swami
[D] Nemichandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhadrabahu]
Notes:
The Kalpasutra is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, most notably Parshvanath and Mahavira, including the latter’s Nirvana. The author of this text is Bhadrabahu.
6. Which among the following site has yielded cultural remains from the Neolithic to the Harappan era?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Mohenjo-Daro
[C] Harappa
[D] Mehrgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is an important archaeological site in the Kachi Plain near the mouth of the Bolan Pass in Balochistan. It preserves a long cultural sequence from the aceramic Neolithic through the Chalcolithic and pre-/Early Harappan phases. The site has yielded evidence of early farming, animal domestication, mud-brick structures, pottery, and later craft development, making it the best-known site for the transition from Neolithic life to Harappan culture.
7. Which among the rulers of Magadh founded the city of Patliputra (Patna) on the bank of river Ganges?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Ajatshatru
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Bindusara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ajatshatru]
Notes:
The ancient city of Pataliputra was founded in the 5th century BC by Ajatashatru, king of Magadha. Patna is a riverside city that extends along the south bank of the Ganges (Ganga) River for about 12 miles.
8. In ancient India, which dynasty issued the largest number of Gold coins?
[A] Guptas
[B] Mauryas
[C] Cholas
[D] Nandas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guptas]
Notes:
Guptas issued the largest number of gold coins in ancient India. During their rule they introduced gold coins for the trade and they have issued a large amount of gold coins in their kingdom for the trade and the welfare of their people.
9. Mehrgarh in the Indus valley civilization is known for which of the following?
[A] Red sandstone
[B] Terracotta Cart
[C] Copper Rhinoceros
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Terracotta Cart]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is an archaeological site located in the Kachi plain of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is one of the oldest known settlements in the region, with evidence of human habitation dating back to 7000 BCE. The site is significant because it provides insight into the early history and development of the Indus Valley Civilization. Mehrgarh was a hub of trade and commerce, and it is believed to have been a major center of pottery production. The site was first excavated in the 1970s and continues to be studied by archaeologists today.
10. Nalanda University was founded by which of the following ?
[A] Kumaragupta
[B] Skandagupta
[C] Samudragupta
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumaragupta]
Notes:
The Nalanda University was founded by Gupta emperor Kumargupta I. He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. It was established in 5th century.
