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 Greek ambassador set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Heliodoros
[C] Theodorus
[D] Plato
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Heliodoros ]
Notes:
The Greek ambassador Heliodoros set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu (Vasudev) at Vidisha. He was sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas.
2. Vidhushaka, a common character in Sanskrit drama is ___?
[A] Brahmana
[B] Kshatriya
[C] Vaishya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Brahmana ]
Notes:
In classical Sanskrit drama, Vidushaka (Bufoon) is essentially a Brahmin and is a confident / attendent of the Hero. Despite being educated in Sanskrit, he speaks in Prakrit, the vernacular language of the time. Bharata mentions him along with the principal characters in his Natyasastra.
3. The oldest evidence in human history for the drilling of teeth in a living person was found in which of the following cultures?
[A] Ahar banas
[B] Mehrgarh
[C] Sohn Valley
[D] Malwa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mehrgarh ]
Notes:
In April 2006, Nature journal announced that the earliest evidence of drilling holes in human teeth while the person was still alive was found at the Mehrgarh neolithic site in Balochistan, Pakistan dating around 7,500 BCE to 9,000 BCE. Eleven drilled molar crowns were discovered here revealing the first known instance of proto-dentistry practiced anywhere in the world. This indicates advanced medical knowledge and skills amongst the early farming communities of Mehrgarh.
4. Which Greek ruler sent Dionysuis as an ambassador in the court of Patliputra?
[A] Selecus Nicator
[B] Antiochus I
[C] Potlemy Phildelphos
[D] Antigonas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Potlemy Phildelphos ]
Notes:
The Egyptian ruler, Ptolemy II Philadelphus had sent Dionysuis as an ambassador in the court of either Bindusara or Asoka.
5. Which of the following dynasties has been mainly identified based on the study of coins?
[A] Gupta
[B] Kushana
[C] Rastrakuta
[D] Chalukya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kushana]
Notes:
The Kushana Dynasty, established by Kujula Kadphises in the 1st century AD, has been primarily identified through numismatic (coin) evidence. Historians and archaeologists deciphered the inscriptions and images on coins, enabling the understanding of their reign, relationship with other regions, and the extent of their empire. The numismatic study also helped to discern the religious influences and the transition of power within the dynasty.
6. Which century Gautama Buddha was born in?
[A] 4th century BC
[B] 5th century BC
[C] 6th century BC
[D] 7th century BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [6th century BC]
Notes:
Gautam Siddhartha was the name of Buddha and he was the founder of Buddhism also known as Gautam Buddha. Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BC in Lumbini (now in Nepal) in Sakya Kshatriya clan of Kapilvastu. He died in 483 BC.
7. Who among the following kings was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha ?
[A] Ajatshatru
[B] Nandivardhana
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bimbisara]
Notes:
Bimbisara was contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha. The Jain texts mention that he was a disciple of Lord Mahavira. The Buddhist texts mention that he met Buddha before enlightment. Buddha promised him to visit his capital after he gets enlightment. He was a patron of Buddha and as a mark of goodwill; he presented the Bamboo Grove (karanda venu vana) to the Sangha.
8. Which among the following Mahajanpada was located on the junction of two famous ancient Indian Trade routes – Uttarpatha and Dakshinpatha?
[A] Matsya
[B] Surasena
[C] Avanti
[D] Anga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Surasena]
Notes:
Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha were two trade routes of ancient India. Mathura was located at the junction of these two famous trade routes. Shurasena was an ancient Yadava ruler of Mathura after whom the Surasena Kingdom or mahajanpada and the Yadava sept of Surasenas were named.
9. On which of the following systems of Hindu Philosophy, Shankaracharya wrote commentary in 9th century AD?
[A] Sankhya
[B] Vaisheshika
[C] Yoga
[D] Uttarmimansa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Uttarmimansa]
Notes:
Uttar Mimamsa is the Vedanta, one of the most significant of all Indian philosophies. As compared to other systems, its advent and growth is recent. Still it is the most influential orthodox philosophical systems of India.
10. In which was the following texts of Kalidasa , Sati system has been mentioned?
[A] Raghuvamsa
[B] Kumārasambhava
[C] Ṛitusaṃhāra
[D] Meghadūta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kumārasambhava]
Notes:
Kumārasaṃbhavam is a poem by Kālidāsa. It is regarded as one of Kālidāsa’s finest works. Sati system has been mentioned in this.
