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 term is used for a “school” of learning and teaching the branches of Vedas?
[A] Shakha
[B] Charna
[C] Ratha
[D] Yajna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Charna ]
Notes:
Charana refers to the Guru-pupil lineage or school for teaching and learning of Vedas in ancient India.
2. Which Greek King of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C.?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Alexander
[C] Seleucus Nicator
[D] Menander
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Demetrius ]
Notes:
Demetrius,the king of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C. And conquered a considerable part of the Mauryan Empire in the north-west.
3. What was the other name of Harshavardhana?
[A] Siladitya
[B] Harshaditya
[C] Bhaskarvarman
[D] Vishnuvardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Siladitya ]
Notes:
Bharshavardhan (606-647 AD) was also known as Siladitya. His kingdom extends from Punjab, West Bengal, Orissa and from Himalayas to the entire Indo-Gangetic plain north of the Narmada river. He gave equal respect to all religions and became the follower of Buddhism in his later life.
4. Which of the following inscriptions mentions the name of Kalidasa?
[A] Allahabad pillar inscription
[B] Aihole inscription
[C] Alapadu grant
[D] Hanumakonda inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aihole inscription ]
Notes:
Aihole inscription mentions the name of the poet Kalidasa. The inscription was written in 634 by Ravikirti, the court poet and minister of the Chalukya king Pulakesin II. The inscription is located in Aihole, Karnataka.
The Aihole inscription also provides information about the early history of the Chalukyas of Badami until 634 AD. It also provides a terminus ante quem of 634 CE for both Kalidasa and Bharavi.
5. In the Mauryan period, the duties of Mudradhyaksha were concerned with –
[A] Forest produce
[B] Ports
[C] Commerce
[D] Passports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Passports ]
Notes:
Mudradhyaksha was responsible for the issue of passports in the Mauryan period.
6. Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following rulers?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Ramagupta
[C] Bhanugupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Ramagupta ]
Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the Maharajadhiraja.
7. Works of 11th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva have become the basis of which among the following dance forms of India?
[A] Odissi
[B] Bharatnatyam
[C] Kathak
[D] Manipuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odissi]
Notes:
Jayadeva’s seminal works greatly influenced the Odissi dance form. He is known for his epic Gita Govinda, an important text in Odissi dance’s repertoire. It describes the unique relationship of divine Krishna and his devotee Radha, along with the gopis of Vrindavan. These spiritual themes find a visual depiction through Odissi dance, showcasing its close tie with ancient poet Jayadeva.
8. Dhauli Hills are located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Bihar
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
Notes:
Dhauli hills are located on the banks of the river Daya, 8 km south of Bhubaneswar in Odisha . It is a hill with vast open space adjoining it, and has major Edicts of Ashoka engraved on a mass of rock, by the side of the road leading to the summit of the hill. Asoka’s 7 pillar edicts have been found at Topra (Delhi), Meerut, Kausambhi, rampurva, Champaran, Mehrauli. Minor pillar edicts have been found at Sanchi, Sarnath, Rummindei, Nigalisagar.
9. “Gayatri Mantra” has been mentioned in which of the Vedas?
[A] Rigveda
[B] Samaveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rigveda]
Notes:
Gayatri Mantra comes from the third Mandala of the Rigveda. This Mandala has 62 hymns, mainly to Agni and Indra. It is one of the “family books” (mandalas 2-7), the oldest core of the Rigveda. This Mandala also mentions Kikats, a non-Aryan tribe, which most scholars agree that was resident of somewhere in near Magadha in modern Bihar.
10. Which of the following statements about Agastya, a revered Indian sage of Hinduism, is NOT true?
[A] He and his wife Lopamudra are the authors of hymns 1.165 to 1.191 in the Sanskrit text Rigveda.
[B] He is considered to be the father of Siddha medicine.
[C] He is one of the seven most revered rishis in the Vedic texts.
[D] He is attributed to be the author of the Agastya Samhita found embedded in Rigveda Purana.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [He is attributed to be the author of the Agastya Samhita found embedded in Rigveda Purana.]
Notes:
Agastya is a revered Indian sage known for his great contributions to various fields. Agastya and his wife Lopamudra authored hymns 1.165 to 1.191 in the Rigveda. He is also remembered as the father of Siddha medicine. Among the seven most revered rishis in the Vedic texts, he holds a distinguished place. However, the Agastya Samhita is actually found in Skanda Purana, not the Rigveda Purana, differentiating it from the other statements above.
