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 among the following Satavahana / Satakarni rulers recovered Malwa from the Shaka rulers?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Satkarni I
[C] Hala
[D] Yajnsari Satkarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Yajnsari Satkarni ]
Notes:
Yajna Sri Satakarni, who ruled in second century AD was the last great king of the Satavahana dynasty. Inscriptions about him in Nasik Caves and Kanheri Caves mention that he was able to regain some lost territories such as north Konkan and Malwa from the Shaka rulers.
2. In the Junagarh inscription, which among the following Saka ruler achievements are highlighted?
[A] Moga
[B] Azes
[C] Rudraraman
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Rudraraman ]
Notes:
The military achievements, territories and many personal qualities of Rudraraman are highlighted in the famous Junagadh inscription, written in 150 AD. It is the first major inscription to be written in sanskrit.
3. Which King took the title of Vatapikonda?
[A] Narasimhavarman I
[B] Simhavishnu
[C] Mahendravarman I
[D] Nandivarman II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narasimhavarman I ]
Notes:
The Pallava King Narasimhavarman I assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi), when he defeated and killed Pulakesin II (Chalukya King) and captured the Chalukyan capital, Badami in 642 AD.
4. Which Greek ruler sent Megathenes in the court of Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] Seleucus Nicator
[B] Antiochus
[C] Potlemy
[D] Magas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Seleucus Nicator ]
Notes:
Megasthenes was sent by the Greek ruler Seleucus I Nicator as an ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra.
5. Among all the pillar edicts of Ashoka, which one is the longest one?
[A] 7th pillar edict
[B] 6th pillar edict
[C] 5th pillar edict
[D] 3th pillar edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ 7th pillar edict ]
Notes:
The 7th pillar edict elaborates the works done by the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka for Dhamma Policy . He stated that all sects desire both self control and purity of mind.
6. In the Mauryan period, the duties of Mudradhyaksha were concerned with –
[A] Forest produce
[B] Ports
[C] Commerce
[D] Passports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Passports ]
Notes:
Mudradhyaksha was responsible for the issue of passports in the Mauryan period.
7. 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.
8. Which among the following is considered to be the oldest Veda?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Rig Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Rig Veda ]
Notes:
There are four Vedas composed by Aryans – Rig Veda, Sam Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. Of the four Vedas, the Rig veda (collection of lyrics) is the oldest text in the world and is also known as the first testament of mankind. It contains 1028 hymns, divided into 10 mandals.
9. Begram in Afghanistan was a capital of which of the following kings?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Asoka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
The ancient city of Begram was identified as the capital under the reign of King Kanishka. He was a prominent ruler of the Kushan Empire in Central Asia around 2nd century CE. Kanishka is known for his military, political, and spiritual achievements, and his reign marked a significant era in Buddhism and arts.
10. The achievements of which ruler was recorded in Nasik Inscription?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Bindusara
[C] Devabhumi
[D] Gautamiputra Satkarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautamiputra Satkarni ]
Notes:
The achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were mentioned in Nasik Inscription, who were made by his mother Gautami Balasri. In it, Gautamiputra Satkarni was mentioned as the destroyer of the Sakas, Pahlavas and the Yavanas.
