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. The rulers of which among the following dynasties adopted the title Devaputra ?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Kushana
[D] Saka-Kshatrapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kushana ]
Notes:
Kushanas Empire: Kanishka (100 – 126 AD), a prominent ruler of the Kushan Dynasty who achieved remarkable milestones in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. His descendants called him as Devaputra which means son of gods.
2. In which among the following sacrifices, the sacrificial materials used was sura in Vedic Era?
[A] Agnistoma
[B] Rajasuya
[C] Sautramani
[D] Vajapeya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sautramani ]
Notes:
Sautramani refers to a “sacrifice performed in order to please god Indra” and represented one of the various rituals mentioned in Taittiriya school of the Krishna Yajurveda. This sacrifice involved use of Sura.
3. Ujjaini located in the Malwa region, came under which Mahajanapada?
[A] Anga
[B] Kasi
[C] Kosal
[D] Avanti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Avanti ]
Notes:
Ujjaini was located in the Malwa region came under Avanti Mahajanapada.
4. In the Indus Valley Civilization, Great Bath was found at which place?
[A] Mohenjodaro
[B] Harappa
[C] Rakhi Garhi
[D] Ropar
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Correct Answer: A [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
The Great Bath was discovered at Mohenjodaro in Sindh, Pakistan. It measures 11.88 meters x 7.01 meters and has a maximum depth of 2.43 meters.
5. Which of the following types of Vedic priests was most responsible for making correct arrangements for vedic sacrificial rites?
[A] Hotri
[B] Udgatri
[C] Adhvaryu
[D] Nakshotri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Adhvaryu ]
Notes:
Adhvaryu In the operational aspects of Vedic fire rites, the Adhvaryu was a central figure because he was the one who measured the sacrificial ground, built all that was needed and prepared materials to be used like, articles of oblation, utensils, woods and water. He also kindled the fire for expected offerings. Thus, success of a Yajna was dependent on correct duties of the Adhvaryu priest.
6. Who was the earliest known Chola King who conquered Sri Lanka and ruled it ?
[A] Karikala
[B] Elara
[C] Udiyangera
[D] Nedunjelian
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Elara ]
Notes:
The earliest known Chola king to conquer Sri Lanka was Elara. He ruled over the island for 50 years. The Mahavamsa mentions that a Chola prince named Ellalan conquered the Rajarata kingdom of Sri Lanka in 235 BCE. He invaded with the help of a Mysore army.
7. Who among the following was the ruler of Kanchi during the period of Samudragupta ?
[A] Vishnugopa
[B] Harshvardhan
[C] Hastivarman
[D] Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vishnugopa ]
Notes:
In the Allahabad Pillar inscription, it is noted that Samdragupta defeated twelve rulers of Dakshinapatha. In the list of defeated rulers, King Vishnugopa (Pallava dynasty ) of Kanchi is also mentioned.
8. Which of the following Indus Valley sites is not a present in India?
[A] Chanhudaro
[B] Farmana
[C] Khirasara
[D] Loteshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chanhudaro ]
Notes:
Chanhudaro is an archaeological site belonging to the post-urban Jhukar phase of Indus valley civilization. The site is located 130 kilometers (81 mi) south of Mohenjo-daro, in Sindh, Pakistan.
9. Which of the following plays of Kalidasa tells the story of mortal King Pururavas and celestial nymph Urvashi who fall in love?
[A] Malavikagnimitram
[B] Abhijñānaśākuntalam
[C] Vikramōrvaśīyam
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Vikramōrvaśīyam ]
Notes:
Vikramōrvaśīyam, a play by Kalidasa, tells the story of mortal King Pururavas and celestial nymph Urvashi who fall in love. As an immortal, she has to return to the heavens, where an unfortunate accident causes her to be sent back to the earth as a mortal with the curse that she will die (and thus return to heaven) the moment her lover lays his eyes on the child which she will bear him. After a series of mishaps, including Urvashi’s temporary transformation into a vine, the curse is lifted, and the lovers are allowed to remain together on the earth.
10. Which among the following Pala rulers is known to have founded the Vikramshila Vihara?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devpala
[C] Dharampala
[D] Mahendrapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dharampala]
Notes:
Dharamapala, the second ruler of Pala dynasty was a pious Buddhist King and is best known for establishing the Vikramshila University.
Dharampala had also built a Vihara at Somapuri, another at Paharpur and yet another Vihara at Odantapuri. The five places viz. Nalanda, Vikramshila, Somapuri, Paharpur and Odantapuri are called Five Mahaviharas. Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed the Vikramshila University in 1200 AD. Somapura Mahavihara is now located in Bangladesh. It is one of the best known Mahaviharas of Buddhism in Indian subcontinent and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
