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. Who does ‘Kanthaka’ refer to, in the context of Gautam Buddha?
[A] His disciple
[B] His chief advisor
[C] His royal horse
[D] His spiritual teacher
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [His royal horse]
Notes:
In the context of Gautam Buddha, ‘Kanthaka’ was his royal horse. Kanthaka played a significant role in several instances of the Buddha’s life, most notably when it carried him to the river where he would relinquish his worldly possessions and begin his quest for enlightenment.
3. Who presided First Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahakassapa ]
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. Who was the author of Aihole Inscription ?
[A] Ravikirti
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Bharavi
[D] Dandin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ravikirti ]
Notes:
Aihole Inscription is a eulogy written by Ravikirti who was the court poet of Chalukya King Pulakesin II.
5. In which rock edict Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child…”?
[A] Major Rock Edict V
[B] Major Rock Edict IV
[C] Major Rock Edict VI
[D] Major Rock Edict VII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict V ]
Notes:
In the major Rock Edict V, Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child”. He had concerns about the policy towards slaves. This rock edict also referes to the appointment of Dhamma-mahamatta for the first time in the twelfth year of his reign.
6. Variyar, the Revenue term was used for which action?
[A] Tax Collector
[B] Extra Demand
[C] Land Tax
[D] Custom Duty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Tax Collector ]
Notes:
Term ‘Variyar’ was used for Tax Collector.
7. Whom did Skandgupta appointed as the the Provincial Governor of Saurashtra?
[A] Virasena
[B] Parnadatta
[C] Harisena
[D] Amarkhaddava
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Parnadatta ]
Notes:
In the Skandgupta’s Junagarh Inscription, it is mentioned that Skandagupta appointed Parnadatta as goptri (governor) of Surashtra (Saurashtra).
8. The last ruler of the Mauryan Dynasty, who was assassinated by Pushyamitra Sunga, his commander-in-chief was __ ?
[A] Bindusara
[B] Chandragupta
[C] Brihadrata
[D] Ashokavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Brihadrata ]
Notes:
Brihadrata was assassinated in 185 BCE during a military parade, by the commander-in-chief of his guard, the Brahmin general Pusyamitra Sunga, who then took over the throne and established the Sunga dynasty. Brihadrata, the last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, held territories that had shrunk considerably from the time of emperor Ashoka, although he still upheld the Buddhist faith.
9. Which site has given the earliest evidence of pottery in the Indian subcontinent?
[A] Brahmagiri
[B] Chirand
[C] Mehrgarh
[D] Burzahom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh, located in the Kacchi Plain of Balochistan, Pakistan, is one of the earliest sites with evidence of farming and herding in South Asia. Dated back to around 7000 – 5500 BCE, it is also known for its significant contribution in unearthing one of the earliest instances of pottery making.
10. Who was the priest of the Bharatas in the battle of Ten Kings ?
[A] Visvamitra
[B] Vasishtha
[C] Atri
[D] Bhrigu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Visvamitra ]
Notes:
The battle of ten kings was fought between Sudas, a Bharata king of the Tritsu family and the confederacy of ten well-known tribes- Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha ,Bhalanas,Shiva and Vishanin. In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of River Purushni, the Bharatas emerged victorious. The reason behind the war is the rivalry between Vishwamitra and Vasishtha.
