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 among the following places have given the earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian subcontinent?
[A] Pratapgarh
[B] Mehrgarh
[C] Quetta
[D] Kalat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mehrgarh ]
Notes:
The earliest evidence of Agriculture in Indian subcontinent is found at Mehrgarh, which is located in Baluchistan state of Pakistan.
2. Who among the following laid down for punishment for a person becoming mendicant without making adequate provision for dependent wife and children?
[A] Manu
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Kautilya
[D] Narada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kautilya ]
Notes:
Chanakya : He is also known by Vishnugupta, Kautilya,was born around 350 BC and is known for his being the chief architect of Mauryan Empire and writing the pioneering work in the Economics and Political Science that is Arthashstra. He is known as Indian Machiavelli in the western world.
3. Under whose leadership Shvetambara sect formed?
[A] Bhadrabahu
[B] Sthalabahu
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sthalabahu ]
Notes:
Jain religion is divided into two major sects: the Digambara and the Shvetambara. The Digambara sect, also known as the “sky-clad” sect, believes that monks should not wear any clothes as a symbol of their detachment from worldly possessions. The Shvetambara sect, also known as the “white-clad” sect, believes that monks should wear white robes as a symbol of their purity and simplicity.
The Shvetambara sect was formed under the leadership of Sthalabahu, while the Digambara sect was formed under the leadership of Bhadrabahu. These two sects have different beliefs, practices, and monastic traditions, but they both follow the basic principles of Jainism, which include non-violence, non-possession, and spiritual development. Both sects have their own set of scriptures and texts that are considered authoritative for their followers.
4. Which among the following is the bilingual inscription?
[A] Girnar Inscription
[B] Kandhar Inscription
[C] Maski Inscription
[D] Bairut Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kandhar Inscription ]
Notes:
The Kandhar Inscription of Ashoka is bilingual (Greek and Aramaic) inscription.
5. 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.
6. Heliodorus’ a Greek ambassador of the Indo-Greek king was sent to the court of which ruler?
[A] Bhagbhadra
[B] Devabhut
[C] Pushyamitra
[D] Ghosha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bhagbhadra ]
Notes:
Heliodorus was the Greek ambassador sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas. Heliodorus erected famous votive Heliodorus pillar around 110 BC near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.
7. Who composed Nasik Inscription in which achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were recorded?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Sarkarni- I
[C] Kanha
[D] Gautami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautami ]
Notes:
The achievements of Gutamiputra Satkarni were mentioned in Nasik Inscription that were composed by his mother Gautami Balasri. The Nasik Prasasti describes Gautamiputra as the ruler of the Aparanta, Anupa, Saurashtra, Kukura, Akara and Avanti and defeated the Saka King Nahapana and restored the prestige of his dynasty by reconquering a large part of the former dominions of the Satavahanas.
8. 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:
Fa-hein, the first Chinese Buddhist traveller and monk, came to India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). And wrote the book “Si-Yu-Ki” that gives the detail account of the political and social condition of that time.
9. Who was the first ruler of Kushana dynasty to issue gold coins in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Kanishka
[C] Vasudeva
[D] Kujula Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vima Kadphises ]
Notes:
The famous ruler of Kushana Empire, Vima Kadphises is best known for issuing large number of Gold Coins. He is known to have maintained the Silk Route and trade with all sides including the China, Alexandria and Roman Empire.
10. 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.