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 dynasty were first to make land grants to Brahmins?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Satvahana
[D] Kanvas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Satvahana ]
Notes:
The rulers of Satavahana dynasty were the first to make land grant to Brahmins.
2. Who presided Second Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sabakami ]
Notes:
The second Buddhist Council took place at Vaishali in 383 BC. It was presided by Sabakami under Kalasoka of Shisunga dynatsy to settle down dispute between two opposing groups of monks of Vaishali and Patliputra and monks of Kausambi and Avanti regarding the code of discipline.
3. The Bhamala Stupa, a ruined Buddhist Stupa, is located in which one of the following countries?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bhutan
[C] Pakistan
[D] China
Show Answer
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.
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. Which of the following subjects are dealt in by Kalpa Sutras?
[A] Sacrifices
[B] Family ceremonies
[C] Varnas, Ashramas
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
Under Kalpa Sutras ,Shravta Sutras deal with the sacrifices,Grihya Sutras deal with the family ceremonies,Dharma Sutras deal with Varnas, Ashramas.
6. What was the capital of Surasena Mahajanapada?
[A] Viratnagar
[B] Mathura
[C] Taxila
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mathura ]
Notes:
Surasena Mahajanapada was located in the region corresponding to the present-day Braj region in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Its capital was Mathura.
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. Which of the following rivers was known as “Drishdvati” in Vedic Era?
[A] Ravi
[B] Chenab
[C] Jhelum
[D] Ghagghar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ghagghar]
Notes:
In the Vedic era, the river Ghaggar-Hakra, which flowed through parts of present-day Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab in India, and Cholistan in Pakistan, was known as “Drishdvati” or “Drishadvati.” The Ghaggar-Hakra river system was an important river during the Vedic period and is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts such as the Rig Veda, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
It was one of the major rivers along which the early Vedic people settled and established their civilization. However, the Ghaggar-Hakra river system lost its prominence over time due to a number of factors, including tectonic activity and climate change. The river gradually dried up, leaving behind a dry channel that can still be seen today.
9. The Brihadishwara Temple (Rajarajeswaram) is situated at?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Thanjavur
[C] Lucknow
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Thanjavur]
Notes:
Rajaraja I built the Brihadishvara temple at Thanjavur, completing it around 1010 CE. Dedicated to Shiva, it is an outstanding example of Dravida temple architecture and forms part of the Great Living Chola Temples World Heritage site.
10. King Prasenjita was the king of which kingdom?
[A] Kasi
[B] Anga
[C] Magadha
[D] Kosala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kosala]
Notes:
King Prasenjita belonged to the Aikṣvāka dynasty and ruled Kosala. His capital was Sāvatthī. He was a contemporary and friend of Gautama Buddha and supported Buddhism by building many temples.
