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. Nābhivarṣa is the historical name of which of the following countries?
[A] India
[B] Myanmar
[C] China
[D] Egypt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India ]
Notes:
According to some historical sources, the term Nābhivarṣa was used for India prior to its name Bharatvarsa. The name is derived from King Nabhi, who was father of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara in Jainism.
2. Who was the author of Dashkumarcharitam and at whose court did he live?
[A] Dandin, Nandivarman II
[B] Bharavi, Nandivarman II
[C] Appar, Dandivarman I
[D] Bharavi, Narsimhavarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dandin, Nandivarman II ]
Notes:
Dashkumarcharitam was composed by Dandin, who was a Sanskrit author of prose romances and expounder on poetics in the 6th-7th century. Both Bharavi and Dandin, the authors of Kiratarjuniyam and Dasakumarcharitam respectively, lived in the Pallava court.
3. Which among the following dynasties were ruling over Magadha when Alexander invaded India?
[A] Shisunagas
[B] Nandas
[C] Mauryas
[D] Kosalas
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Correct Answer: B [ Nandas ]
Notes:
The ruler of Nanda Dynasty, Dhanananda was the contemporary of Alexander.
4. The Bhamala Stupa, a ruined Buddhist Stupa, is located in which one of the following countries?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bhutan
[C] Pakistan
[D] China
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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.
5. Who was the founder of Yoga philosophy?
[A] Jaimini
[B] Kapila
[C] Akshapada Gautam
[D] Patanjali
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Correct Answer: D [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
Patanjali Yoga philosophy is one of the six major orthodox schools of Hinduism. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a key text of the Yoga school of Hinduism. Patanjali was the founder of Yoga philosophy.
6. Tat Tvam Asi, a sanskrit phrase, originally occurs in which of the following Upanishads?
[A] Mundaka Upanishad
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Brhadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Mandukya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandogya Upanishad ]
Notes:
“Tat Tvam Asi” is a Sanskrit phrase is one of the Mahāvākyas (Grand Pronouncements) in Vedantic Sanatana Dharma. It originally occurs in the Chandogya Upanishad, a Sanskrit text embedded in the Chandogya Brahmana of the Sama Veda of Hinduism.
7. Rigveda was written during which among the following ages?
[A] Stone age
[B] Copper age
[C] Iron age
[D] All the above
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Correct Answer: C [Iron age]
Notes:
Rig-Veda is known as the oldest religious text in the world. It is also known as “First testament” of mankind. It was composed around 1700 BC. Last hymns were composed between 1500-1200 BC. It’s a collection of hymns by a number of priest families. It is organized in 10 books which are called Mandalas
8. Which of the following was a common way of Chola kings Raj Raja-1 and Rajendra 1 to commemorate their victories?
[A] Erecting Pillars
[B] Erecting Temples
[C] Erecting inscriptions
[D] issuing coins
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Correct Answer: B [Erecting Temples]
Notes:
Rajaraja I, born Arulmoli Varman, often described as Rajaraja the Great, was a Chola emperor chiefly remembered for reinstating the Chola power. Rajendra Chola I or Rajendra I was a Tamil Chola emperor of South India who succeeded his father Rajaraja Chola I to the throne in 1014 CE. They build temples to commemorate their victories.
9. In which of the subsequent Buddhist Councils was the compilation of Dhamma Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka undertaken?
[A] First
[B] Second
[C] Third
[D] Fourth
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Correct Answer: A [First]
Notes:
The First Buddhist Council took place near Rajgriha in the Satparni caves in 483 B.C. The Vinaya Pitaka and the Sutta Pitaka, two parts of Tripitaka, is said to be compiled during this council. Sattapanni caves were chosen because they were located in a tranquil environment suitable for meditation and discussions about religious doctrines.
10. Allahabad Pillar Inscription gives a detailed account of the reign of which of the following?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Samudra gupta
[C] Kumaragupta
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samudra gupta]
Notes:
Samudragupta court poet and minister Harisena composed the Allahabad pillar Inscription or Prayag Prasasti. The Pillar was an Asokan Pillar erected by Asoka six century before him.
This Inscription is a eulogy of Samudragupta and mentions about the conquests of Samudragupta and boundaries of the Gupta Empire. As per this inscription, Samudragupta defeated 9 kings in North, 12 Kings in South, reduced all the Atavika states to vassalage.
