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 is not a correct observation as mentioned by Megasthenes about India?
[A] There is abundant gold, silver, copper and iron in India
[B] There is a well established caste system in India
[C] There are frequent famines in India
[D] Dionysus has invaded India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ There are frequent famines in India ]
Notes:
The option C is not correct. Indians did not face famines because of abundant rains and assured at least one of two seasons of crops; and abundance of fruits and edible roots.
2. Which of the following pairs is / are correctly matched?
- Nagananda – Harsha
- Mudrarakshasa – Visakhadatta
- Mrichchhakatika – Sudraka
- Ratnavali – Rajasekhara
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:
- Mricchakatika, is a ten-act Sanskrit drama written by Sudraka.
- Nagananda is one of the best Sanskrit dramas in five acts dealing with the popular story of Jimutavahana’s self-sacrifice to save the Nagas, written by king Harsha(Vardhana Dynasty).
- The Mudrarakshasa (“The Signet of the Minister”) is a historical play in Sanskrit by Vishakhadatta that narrates the ascent of the king Chandragupta Maurya to power in Northern India.
- Ratnavali is a Sanskrit drama about a beautiful princess named Ratnavali, and a great king named Udayana,written by Indian emperor Harsha(Vardhana dynasty).
3. Which of the following Pala ruler founded the Somapuri University?
[A] Gopala
[B] Kumarpala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Ramapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Dharmapala ]
Notes:
The Somapuri University is situated at North Bengal and was founded by Dharmapala, the Pala ruler.
4. 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.
5. In which year, Ashoka invaded Kalinga?
[A] 261 BC
[B] 235 BC
[C] 285 BC
[D] 275 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ 261 BC ]
Notes:
The Mauryan emperor, Ashoka invaded Kalinga in 261 BC and after a fierce battle Kalinga was conquered. The 13th rock edict of Ashoka elaborates the Kalinga war.
6. At which among the following places, the Dharma-Chakra Jina Vihara was constructed by Gahadavala Queen Kumaradevi?
[A] Bodha Gaya
[B] Rajgrih
[C] Kushinagar
[D] Sarnath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sarnath ]
Notes:
Dharmachakra Jina Vihara In Sarnath, Varanasi :The last great monument in the 12th century : The temples included what is described as the Main Shrine and another entitled the, Dharmachakra Jina Vihara was the gift of Kumaradevi, the Buddhist queen of the great Gahadavala king Govindrachandra of Kannauj (CE 1114-1154).
7. 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.
8. Who composed Buddhacharita?
[A] Kanishka I
[B] Kanishka II
[C] Asvaghosha
[D] Charak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Asvaghosha ]
Notes:
Asvaghosha, a poet in the court of Kaniska I, composed biography of Buddha (Buddhacharita). He was the first dramatist who used Sanskrit in composing the plays.
9. 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.
10. In ancient India, the term Nishka was related to which among the following?
[A] Crop
[B] Tax
[C] Currency
[D] Tool
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Currency]
Notes:
Nishka meant currency or coin as well as a Necklace (that would also be made of coins during those times).
