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 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.
2. The Bhamala Stupa, a ruined Buddhist Stupa, is located in which one of the following countries?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bhutan
[C] Pakistan
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Pakistan ]
Notes:
Bhamala Stupa is an ancient Gandhara stupa located in Pakistan near Haripur and is a part of so called Bhamala Buddhist Complex. It is a national heritage site of Pakistan and dates back to 4th century AD. This stupa is different from other Gandhara stupas as it looks cross shaped like an Aztec Pyramid.
3. The Pattini cult was established by which Sangam ruler?
[A] Nedunjeral Adan, the Chera ruler
[B] Senguttuvan, the Chera ruler
[C] Karikala, the Chola ruler
[D] Nedujeliyan, the Pandyan ruler
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Senguttuvan, the Chera ruler ]
Notes:
The epic Silappadikaram associates the Chera king Senguttuvan with the worship of Kannagi as Pattini, the goddess of chastity. He is also known as the Red Chera.
4. A civilization (mature period 2600–1900 BCE) which was centred mostly in the western part of the Indian Subcontinent?
[A] Vedic civilization
[B] Mahajanpada
[C] Kushan Empire
[D] Indus Valley Civilization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Indus Valley Civilization ]
Notes:
Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was a Bronze Age civilization that thrived from approximately 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE, although its mature period is generally considered to be from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. The Indus Valley Civilization was primarily located in the western part of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing present-day Pakistan and northwest India. The major urban centers of the civilization included Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, and Lothal. The civilization is known for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, sophisticated brickwork, and a script that has not yet been deciphered.
5. “All Indians are Free and not even one of them is a slave”. Who among the following has observed the above about the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Ashoka
[D] Strabo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Megasthenes]
Notes:
The claim is attributed to Megasthenes. Later writers preserve it while discussing Indian society. It should not be treated as proof that slavery was absent: other ancient sources refer to slaves and forms of servitude.
6. Bhogagamas were villages given by the Kings to his favorites in Pre Maurya Period particularly Purohitas (Priests) or some Setties (Big Merchants) for the purpose of __________?
[A] Revenue collection
[B] administration
[C] Enjoyment
[D] Taxation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Enjoyment]
Notes:
Bhogagamas were villages given by the Kings to his favorites in Pre Maurya Period particularly Purohitas (Priests) or some Setties (Big Merchants) for the purpose of Enjoyment.
7. 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
8. What was the most prominent reason of arrival of Indo-Aryans from central Asia , possibly from the south of the Urals and East of Caspian Sea?
[A] They were in search of arable land
[B] They were of Nomadic Culture
[C] They were defeated by their Indo European neighbors
[D] They were aware of prosperity of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They were defeated by their Indo European neighbors]
Notes:
Getting defeated by European neighbor’s is the main reason for the Indo-Aryans to move away from that area. They came to India possibly from the south of the Urals and East of Caspian Sea.
9. The name of the state Bihar comes from an old name which denotes which of the following?
[A] A Buddhist monastery
[B] A forest
[C] A Temple
[D] An ancient empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A Buddhist monastery]
Notes:
The name Bihar is derived from a Pali word ‘Vihara’ which means ‘abode’ and has a Sanskrit origin. With time it changed to Bihar. Earlier, it was known as Abode or Vihara of Buddhist monks.
10. An early inscription at the Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane belongs to the reign of which Pallava king?
[A] Dantivarman
[B] Mahendravarman II
[C] Mahendravarman I
[D] Simhavishnu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dantivarman]
Notes:
An inscription at the Parthasarathy Temple records a transaction in the twelfth regnal year of the Pallava king Dantivarman. The temple was enlarged over several periods; attributing its entire construction to Narasimhavarman I in the eighth century is incorrect.
