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 are ritualistic teachings attached to the hymns of the Vedas?
[A] Brahmanas
[B] Upanishads
[C] Aranyakas
[D] Itihasas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Brahmanas ]
Notes:
The ritualistic teachings attached to the hymns of the Vedas were known as the Brahmanas.
2. Who was the founder of Sunga Dynasty?
[A] Pushyamitra
[B] Agnimitra
[C] Vasumitra
[D] Vajramitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pushyamitra ]
Notes:
Pushyamitra Sunga laid the foundation of Sunga Dynasty by assassinating Brihadratha Maurya (the last ruler of the Mauryan Empire). He was Commander-in-Chief in the army of Mauryan Emperor. Pushyamitra Sunga ruled for 36 years and was succeeded by his son Agnimitra. Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Sunga dynasty, was overthrown by Vasudeva who founded Kanva dynasty in 75 BC.
3. Which among the following were the scholars in the Court of Kanishka-I?
[A] Vasumitra, Asvaghosa and Parsva
[B] Nagarjuna, Charaka and Mathara
[C] Charaka, Vasumitra and Asvaghosa
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The great scholars in the Court of Kanishka I were Asvaghosa (the Buddhist poet), Nagarjuna (the philosopher), Samgharaksha (the chaplain), Mathara (the politician), Vasumitra (the Buddhist scholar), Charaka (the physician) and Agisala (the engineer).
4. Which of the following Indus Valley sites is not a present in India?
[A] Chanhudaro
[B] Farmana
[C] Khirasara
[D] Loteshwar
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Correct Answer: A [ Chanhudaro ]
Notes:
Chanhudaro is an archaeological site belonging to the post-urban Jhukar phase of Indus valley civilization. The site is located 130 kilometers (81 mi) south of Mohenjo-daro, in Sindh, Pakistan.
5. Which among the following kings assassinated Brihadrath, the last Maurya King?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Pushyamitra Shunga
[C] Vasujyeshtha
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pushyamitra Shunga]
Notes:
Brihadratha was a weak ruler and his Senapati Pushymitra Shunga while a parading the entire Mauryan army before Brihadratha to show him the strength of the army assassinated him and this was the end of the Mauryas.
Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty in around 185-183 BC.
6. Which among the following kings have been linked to the Sudaman Caves ?
[A] Ashoka
[B] ChandraGupta Maurya
[C] Bindusara
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka is credited with the establishment of the Sudaman Caves. These caves were primarily built for and dedicated to the Ajivikas. It is believed that the cave was named after Sudama, an Ajivika monk.
7. Which among the following system in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny ?
[A] Amaju
[B] Niyoga
[C] Arsa
[D] none of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Niyoga]
Notes:
Niyoga practice in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny.
8. In Vedic age which among the following grains was referred as vrihi?
[A] Barley
[B] Wheat
[C] Rice
[D] Maize
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Correct Answer: C [Rice]
Notes:
The term Vrihi was used for Rice in Vedic Era. For Wheat, the term Godhuma was used.
9. Who was Queen Trishala?
[A] Mother of Mahavira
[B] Mother of Gautam Buddha
[C] Mother of Kanishka
[D] Mother of Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mother of Mahavira]
Notes:
Queen Trishala, also known as Trishala Devi, was the mother of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara in Jainism. As per Jain texts, Trishala carried Mahavira in her womb for over a year and had a number of auspicious dreams indicating the divine nature of the unborn child. Trishala’s husband was King Siddhartha of Kundalpur in the Kingdom of the Videhas.
10. Which among the following is not Correctly matched?
[A] Milinda Panho – Buddhism
[B] Tatwarthadhigam – Vaishnavism
[C] Mahapurana – Jainism
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tatwarthadhigam – Vaishnavism]
Notes:
Tatwarthadhigam is of Jainism composed by Uma Swami
