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. 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.
2. Which sect of Buddhism does not believe in idol-worship?
[A] Hinayana
[B] Mahayana
[C] Vajrayana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Hinayana ]
Notes:
Those who followed strictly the doctrine of Buddha and denied the existence of God were known as the followers of Lesser vehicle or Hinayana. The Hinayana sect does not believe in idol worship, nor do its followers believe that Buddha was God.
3. In which Buddhist council, Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas?
[A] Second Buddhist council
[B] Third Buddhist council
[C] First Buddhist council
[D] Fourth Buddhist council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Second Buddhist council ]
Notes:
In the second Buddhist council, Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas.
4. In which year, Vardhamana Mahavira was born?
[A] 563 BC
[B] 540 BC
[C] 533 BC
[D] 560 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 540 BC ]
Notes:
According to Jain texts, Lord Mahavira was born in 540 BCE in the city of Kundagrama (present day Bihar, India) on the thirteenth day under the rising moon of Chaitra month. He was born into the royal Jnatri Kshatriya dynasty as Prince Vardhamana to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Legends recount many auspicious dreams and omens about his exceptional spiritual destiny seen by his mother before his birth.
5. Which rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism?
[A] Bhabru rock edict
[B] Kalinga rock edict
[C] Tarai rock edict
[D] Barabar cave rock edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bhabru rock edict ]
Notes:
The Bhabru rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism. The rock edict stated that he has full faith in Buddha, Sangha and Dhamma.
6. “Revere all the Buddhas, revere the dharma, revere the sangha” Which among the following quotes this _________?
[A] Allahabad Pillar Inscription
[B] Asoka Edict XII
[C] Asoka Edict X
[D] Mathura Lion capital
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Mathura Lion capital ]
Notes:
Mathura Lion capital will be the correct answer.
7. Who among the following foreign traveller came to India during the reign of Chandragupta II?
[A] Hiuen-Tsang
[B] Fa Hein
[C] Megasthenes
[D] Ibn Batuta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Fa Hein ]
Notes:
Faxian visited India during Chandragupta II’s reign. His travel account is known as Foguo Ji, or A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms. Si-Yu-Ki is associated with Xuanzang.
8. The ruler of Kushan dynasty, Kanishka was the follower of__?
[A] Jainism
[B] Hinayanism
[C] Hindusim
[D] Mahayanism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Mahayanism ]
Notes:
Kanishka was the follower of Mahayanism or the new theory of Buddhism. Mahayana means the Greater Vehicle. It refers to the path of the Bodhisattva seeking complete enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, also called Bodhisattva Vehicle.
9. Vikrampura and Vijaypuri were two capitals of which among the following Sen kings?
[A] Ballal Sen
[B] Vijay Sen
[C] Samnta Sen
[D] Hemanta Sen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vijay Sen]
Notes:
Vijaya Sena is also known as Vijay Sen in vernacular literature, was the son of Hemanta Sena, and succeeded him as a Sena dynasty ruler of Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent. Vikrampura and Vijaypuri were two capitals of Vijay sen.
10. 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:
The Guptas are noted for their abundant gold coinage. These coins depict royal achievements, religious symbols and activities such as music and hunting. Gold coins were already issued in India before the Gupta period.
