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:
Kushana rulers used the title Devaputra, meaning “son of god”. It expressed the divine status claimed by their kings.
2. Khokhrakot, where Yaudheya coin moulds have been found, is located at which of the following places?
[A] Bayana
[B] Rohtak
[C] Bareilly
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rohtak ]
Notes:
Khokhrakot at Rohtak has yielded Yaudheya coins and coin moulds. These finds provide evidence of local coin production.
3. Under whose leadership did Jainism spread in South India?
[A] Sthalabahu
[B] Ashoka
[C] Bhadrabahu
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhadrabahu]
Notes:
Bhadrabahu was a Jain monk who led the spread of Jainism in South India. He is known for guiding the migration of Jain monks to the south during a famine in North India. Sthalabahu was another Jain acharya but associated more with later periods. Ashoka was a Mauryan emperor known for spreading Buddhism. Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire and later became a Jain ascetic but did not lead the spread of Jainism in South India.
4. 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:
The epic Silappadikaram associates the Chera king Senguttuvan with the worship of Kannagi as Pattini, the goddess of chastity. He is also known as the Red Chera.
5. Who was the chairman of Third Tamil Sangam?
[A] Nakkirar
[B] Agastaya
[C] Tiruttakkadevar
[D] Chintamani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Nakkirar ]
Notes:
Tamil literary tradition associates Nakkirar with the leadership of the third Sangam at Madurai.
6. Under whose reign the Chinese traveller Fa-hein came to India?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Faxian visited India during Chandragupta II’s reign. His travel account is known as Foguo Ji, or A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms. Si-Yu-Ki is associated with Xuanzang.
7. Third Buddhist Council was held at which of the following places?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Rajgir
[C] Vaishali
[D] Lumbini
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pataliputra ]
Notes:
According to Theravada tradition, the Third Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra under Ashoka’s patronage, around 250 BCE. Moggaliputta Tissa presided over it.
8. Maya or Mahamaya, the mother of Gautama Buddha belonged to which among the following dynasties?
[A] Shakya
[B] Koliya
[C] Lichchavi
[D] Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Koliya]
Notes:
Maya, the mother of Gautama Buddha, belonged to the Koliya dynasty. She was also known as Queen Mahamaya or Queen Maya. The Koliya dynasty was a clan or family that ruled over a region in ancient India, which is believed to be in the modern-day Nepal. Queen Maya’s husband was King Suddhodana, who was the ruler of the Shakya clan, and they were both from the same Koliya dynasty. Maya passed away shortly after giving birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
9. Bhogagamas were villages given by the Kings to his favorites in Pre Maurya Period particularly Purohitas (Priests) or some Setties (Big Merchants) for the purpose of __________?
[A] Revenue collection
[B] administration
[C] Enjoyment
[D] Taxation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Enjoyment]
Notes:
Bhogagamas were villages given by the Kings to his favorites in Pre Maurya Period particularly Purohitas (Priests) or some Setties (Big Merchants) for the purpose of Enjoyment.
10. At which of the following archaeological sites was a sculpture of a “Nude Male Torso” discovered?
[A] Mehrgarh
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Harappa
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harappa]
Notes:
The “Nude Male Torso” is a significant artifact unearthed at Harappa, an ancient urban settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization. The sculpture, made from red sandstone, demonstrates advanced carving skills and a high level of artistry prevalent at that time. The absence of head and lower parts suggests the unique tradition of making torsos, prevalent in Harappan art.
