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. Who identified “Sandrokottus” of the Greco-Roman literature with Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] D. R. Bhandarkar
[B] Alexander Cunningham
[C] R. P. Chanda
[D] William Jones
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ William Jones ]
Notes:
Maurya Empire was the first and one of the greatest empire to be established in Indian history by Chandragupta Maurya. He dethroned the last Nanda ruler Dhananand and occupied Patliputra in 322 BC with the help of Kautilya(Chankya). In 305 BC ,he defeated Selecus Nikator ,who was one of the generals of Alexander The Great (Greek ruler). He is also well-known in the Greek texts as – Sandro Kottus, Androcottus, Sandokyptos.
2. During whose reign Mahayana sect of Buddhism came into existence?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the reign of Kanishka. Asanga was the founder of Mahayan sect of Buddhism.
3. Which among the following University was founded by Ramapala, the ruler of Pala dynasty?
[A] Somapuri
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Jagadal
[D] Odantpuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Jagadal ]
Notes:
Jagadal is situated in Bengal and was founded by Ramapala, the Pala ruler.
4. Mahavir Swami belonged to which clan?
[A] Kosala
[B] Huna
[C] Jantriak
[D] Sakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Jantriak ]
Notes:
Jantriak Vardhamana Mahavir belonged an aristocratic family and Kshatriya clan called Naya or Jnatri. He was born in Kudagrama , near modern Patna and his father was King of this area. His mother, Trishala was sister of Chetak (Cetakka) an eminent Lichchvi prince of Vaisali.
5. Ancient Indraprastha was capital of which of the following Mahajanapada?
[A] Kuru
[B] Matsya
[C] Panchal
[D] Vajji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kuru ]
Notes:
Kuru Indraprastha, capital of Kuru Mahajanpada located in Meerut Delhi region.
6. 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.
7. Which of the following Upanishads gives clear reference of four Ashrams of individual’s life?
[A] Jabala Upanishad
[B] Katha Upanishad
[C] Virhadranyaka Upanishad
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Jabala Upanishad ]
Notes:
In Jabala Upanishad, there is a clear reference of four Ashrams i.e. Brahmachari, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasi.
8. The gold coins issued during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya were known as__?
[A] Dinara
[B] Couch
[C] Archer
[D] Chhatra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dinara ]
Notes:
The gold coins issued during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya were known as Dinara. The dinara was named after the Roman coin, the denarius aureus, due to India’s trading contacts with the West.
9. At which among the following places, Harshavardhana established a large Buddhist monastery?
[A] Nalanda
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Vaishali
[D] Nasik
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nalanda]
Notes:
Harshavardhana established a large Buddhist monastery at Nalanda. Nalanda was a famous Buddhist university and center of learning in ancient times. Harshavardhana built a brass monastery within the Mahavihara at Nalanda. The monastery was supported by the revenue from 100 villages.
Harshavardhana was an Indian emperor who adopted Buddhism. He also repaired existing monasteries and built stupas, viharas, and rest houses for Buddhist monks in Thaneswar. He organized the Buddhist Maha Sammelan at Prayag, also known as Allahabad, to bring together Buddhist scholars and monks.
10. Which among the following place is related to coronation of Chola Kings?
[A] Tanjaur
[B] Vellur
[C] Chidambaram
[D] Madras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chidambaram]
Notes:
Chidambaram is the place for coronations of the kings.Patron of Chidambaram Kulothunga was a great devotee of the Chidambaram Temple to Lord Shiva in that city, and he celebrated his coronation there.
