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 conversation between Nagasena and Menander-I related to Buddhism is recorded in which book?
[A] Milindapanho
[B] Panhomenanda
[C] Nagapanho
[D] Menandapanho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Milindapanho ]
Notes:
Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander (an Indo-Greek king) asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism.These questions and Nagasena’s answers are recorded in a form of book known as ‘Milindapanho (or The Questions of Milinda).
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. Which of the following Jain Tirthankara have been mentioned in Rigveda?
[A] Rishabha and Aristanemi
[B] Mahavira and Parsvanath
[C] Rishabha and Malinath
[D] Parsvanath and Rishabha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rishabha and Aristanemi ]
Notes:
The Jain Tirthankaras, Lord Aristanemi (22nd Tirthankar) and Lord Rishabh Nath (1st Tirthankar) has been mentioned in Rigveda.
4. Which Chalukyan ruler set up it capital at Vengi ?
[A] Vishnuvardhan
[B] Mahendravarman
[C] Kakusthavarman
[D] Pulakesin II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vishnuvardhan ]
Notes:
The son of Pulakesin II, Vishnuvardhan established the eastern branch of the chalukyas with it’s capital first at Pistapur and later at Vengi.
5. In the Sangam age, ‘Karai’ the revenue term is related with__?
[A] Collecting Tax
[B] Land Tax
[C] Custom Duties
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Land Tax ]
Notes:
The Term Karai was used for Land Tax in the Sangam Period.
6. Who composed Prayag-Prashasti inscription during the Gupta period?
[A] Harisena
[B] Veerasena
[C] Amarkhaddava
[D] Aswaghosa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Harisena ]
Notes:
Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta, who mentioned the achievements of Samudragupta in the Prayag-Prasasti inscription (or Allahabad Pillar inscription).
7. In the Indus Valley civilization the Great Granary was found in which among the following sites?
[A] Mohenjodaro
[B] Harappa
[C] Surkotada
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
Great Granary was found at Mohen-jo daro, while six small granaries were found at Harappa.
8. 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.
9. Third Buddhist Council was held at which of the following places?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Rajgir
[C] Vaishali
[D] Lumbini
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pataliputra ]
Notes:
The Third Buddhist council was convened in about 250 BCE at Asokarama in Pataliputra, supposedly under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka. The council is recognized and known to both the Theravada and Mahayana schools, though its importance is central only to the Theravada.
10. Kotada timba, which contains ruins of an ancient Harappan city is located in which among the following states?
[A] Punjab
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gujarat]
Notes:
Dholavira in Gujarat is known locally as Kotada timba. This site contains ruins of a city of the ancient Indus Valley civilization.
