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. Who was the founder of Nanda dynasty?
[A] Mahapadmananda
[B] Shisunaga
[C] Dhanananda
[D] Nandivardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahapadmananda ]
Notes:
Mahapadmananda (345 BC – 329 BC) was the founder of Nanda dynasty. Mahapadmananda was also known as Ekarat and Sarvakshatrantaka.
2. Which Ashokan inscription mentions five contemporary Hellenic Kings?
[A] Major Rock Edict XI
[B] Major Rock Edict XII
[C] Major Rock Edict X
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict XIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII of Ashokan inscription mentions Asoka’s victory over Kalinga and names of Greek Kings such as Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas and southern Indian rulers such as Cholas, Pandyas. It has also mentioned names of Kamboj, Nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
3. Which rock edict of Ashoka mentions the purpose of the rock edicts?
[A] Major Rock Edict XIV
[B] Major Rock Edict XV
[C] Major Rock Edict XI
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict XIV ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIV describes the purpose of the rock edicts of different parts of the country.
4. The achievements of Samudragupta are mentioned in which inscription?
[A] Hathigumpha inscription
[B] Allahabad Pillar inscription
[C] Bairut inscription
[D] Junagarh Pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Allahabad Pillar inscription ]
Notes:
The achievements of Samudragupta are composed by his court-poet Harisena in Allahabad Pillar inscription ( or Prayag-Prasasti inscription).
5. At which Indus Valley Site, the remains of Horse bones have been found?
[A] Daimabad
[B] Harappa
[C] Kalibanga
[D] Surkotada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Surkotada ]
Notes:
In the Indus Valley Civilization, the remains of Horse bones have been found from Surkotada site. The site at Surkotada is located 160 km north- east of Bhuj, in the district of Kutch, Gujarat.
6. Savatthi was capital of which among the 16 Mahajanpadas?
[A] Kasi
[B] Kosala
[C] Matsya
[D] Anga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kosala]
Notes:
Sravasti was the capital of Kosala . There are 16 Mahajanapadas. The Mahajanapadas represent the state system of 600BC. The processes of emergence of Mahajanpadas were initiated by certain important economic changes.
7. Evidence of a game which was very similar to chess was found at which of the following sites at Indus valley civilization?
[A] Harappa
[B] Lothal
[C] Mohen Jo dero
[D] Kalibangan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
There is a close resemblance between various types of terracotta games-men found in Lothal and modern chessmen. That led to some scholars claim that Chess had its origin in games of the Indus Valley Civilization. However, other scholars believe that Chess originated in India as Chaturanga between 400 BC to 400 AD.
8. In Vedic age which among the following grains was referred as vrihi?
[A] Barley
[B] Wheat
[C] Rice
[D] Maize
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rice]
Notes:
The term Vrihi was used for Rice in Vedic Era. For Wheat, the term Godhuma was used.
9. Which among the following deals with the love story of a man called Charudatta and a nagarvadhu called “Vasanthasena”?
[A] Daskumarcharita
[B] Mrichhakatika
[C] Satakatraya
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mrichhakatika]
Notes:
Mrichchhakatika is a ten-act Sanskrit drama attributed to Śūdraka, an ancient playwright whose is possibly from the 5th century CE, and who is identified by the prologue as a Kshatriya king as well as a devotee of Siva who lived for 100 years. It deals with the love story of a man called Charudatta and a nagarvadhu called “Vasanthasena”
10. Which Veda is sometimes called the "Veda of magical formulas?"
[A] Atharvaveda
[B] Krishna Yajurveda
[C] Shukla Yajurveda
[D] Rig-Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Atharvaveda]
Notes:
The Atharvaveda has less connection with sacrifice and deals with normal procedures for everyday life. Atharvaveda is also known as “Veda of magical formulas”. The Atharvaveda includes samhitas, Brahmana text and three primary Upanisads, Mundaka Upanishad, Mandukya Upanishads and the Prashna Upanishads.
