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. Menander I, the famous Indo-Greek ruler set up his capital at which place?
[A] Sialkot
[B] Pathankot
[C] Rajkot
[D] Sialdah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sialkot ]
Notes:
The famous Indo-Greek, Menander I (165/155–130 BCE) set up his capital at Sakala or Sialkot.
2. 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.
3. On the bank of which river, Mahavira attained Kaivalaya?
[A] Niranjana
[B] Rijupalika
[C] Yamuna
[D] Jamuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rijupalika ]
Notes:
According to Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavira attained the highly exalted omniscient state of Kaivalya in 599 BCE under a Sal tree near the village of Jrimbhikgrama. This site was located on the banks of the River Rijupalika in the kingdom of Magadha, which roughly corresponds to the modern Bihar. The site holds a special place for Jains as the exact spot where Mahavira attained supreme enlightenment through deep penance and meditation.
4. Which among the following major rock edicts of Ashoka are in Kharosthi script?
[A] Mansehra and Sahbazgarhi
[B] Sanchi
[C] Sarnath
[D] Bairut
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mansehra and Sahbazgarhi ]
Notes:
The two major rock edicts of Ashoka viz. Mansehra and Sahbazgarhi are in Kharosthi script. These both the rock edicts are in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
5. In the Maurya empire, what was the name of department of the Chief of the Mines ?
[A] Dauvarika
[B] Antapal
[C] Karmantika
[D] Paura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Karmantika ]
Notes:
Karmantika was the department name of the Chief of the Mines.
6. 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:
Pattini cult was established by Cheran Senguttuvan, a famous ruler during the 2nd century AD. The Pattini cult involved the worship of Kannagi as the ideal wife. Kannagi was the wife of Kovalan, and their story was the subject of the Tamil epic Silappadigalam. The Chera dynasty was one of the four principal Tamil dynasties of Tamilakam, which is present-day Southern India. The Chera dynasty is credited with creating the land of Kerala.
7. Consider the following rulers:
- Bimbisar of Magadha
- Prasenjit (Pansedi) of Kosala
- Udayan of Avanti
Which of the above rulers were contemporary of Buddha?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Bimbisara of Magadha, Prasenjit (Pansedi) of Kosala, and Udayan of Avanti were all rulers during Buddha’s time.
8. Which of the following group represents right combination of Triratnas of Jainism?
[A] Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Thought
[B] Right Thought, Right Action, Right Conduct
[C] Right Faith, Right Knowledge , Right Conduct
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Right Faith, Right Knowledge , Right Conduct]
Notes:
The triratnas are the three jewels (also referred to as ratnatraya) are understood as samyagdarshana (“right faith”), samyagjnana (“right knowledge”), and samyakcharitra (“right conduct”). One of the three cannot exist exclusive of the others, and all are required for spiritual liberation.
9. Who among the following is seemed to have known the importance of zero?
[A] Bhaskaracharya
[B] Aryabhatta
[C] Budhayana
[D] chanukya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhaskaracharya]
Notes:
Aryabhatta is the first of the great mathematician and astronomer of the classical age of India. He was born in 476 AD in Ashmaka. Aryabhata gave the world the digit “0” (zero) for which he became immortal.
10. Nakulin or Lakulin is considered to be a founder of which of the following sects?
[A] Pashupat
[B] Saiva
[C] Kapalika
[D] Kalamukhas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pashupat]
Notes:
Pashupata sect to worships the god Shiva as the supreme deity. Acording to Mahabharat, Shiva indicated that he would enter a dead body and incarnate himself as Lakulin or Nakulin or Lakulisha. Inscriptions from the 10th and 13th centuries refer to a teacher named Lakulin, whose followers believed him to be an incarnation of Shiva.
