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
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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. According to some Jain traditions, who was son-in-law and first disciple of Tirthankara Mahavira?
[A] Jamali
[B] Jamvant
[C] Jamval
[D] Cant’ say
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Correct Answer: A [ Jamali ]
Notes:
According to some Jain traditions (Shwetambara mainly), Jamali was the son-in-law and first disciple of Tirthankara Mahavira.
3. Mahavir Swami belonged to which clan?
[A] Kosala
[B] Huna
[C] Jantriak
[D] Sakya
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Correct Answer: C [ Jantriak ]
Notes:
Jantriak Vardhamana Mahavir belonged an aristocratic family and Kshatriya clan called Naya or Jnatri. He was born in Kudagrama , near modern Patna and his father was King of this area. His mother, Trishala was sister of Chetak (Cetakka) an eminent Lichchvi prince of Vaisali.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Where was the first Tamil Sangam held__?
[A] Madurai
[B] Kapatpuram
[C] Kaveripattnam
[D] Kural
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Correct Answer: A [ Madurai ]
Notes:
The first tamil Sangam was held to the south of Madurai under the patronage of Makeerthy, the Pandyan king. Agastya was the president of first sangam. Unfortunately, no literary work of this Sangam was available. The second tamil Sangam was held in Kapatpuram, second capital of the Pandyas. The third Tamil Sangam was held in Madurai. Its chairman was a tamil poet Nakkirar.
7. Which among the following are important functionaries of Early Vedic period?
[A] Purohita
[B] Senani
[C] Gramini
[D] All of the above
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Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The important functionaries of Early Vedic period are Purohita, Senani and Gramini.
8. Iron Pillar in Delhi was built during which dynasty?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
As per Natya-darpana ( by Vishakadata), the Iron pillar had been put up by Chandragupta II himself after defeating Vahilakas. He designated that pillar as a memory of the victory. The pillar is made of 98% wrought iron and has stood more than 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. The pillar is located in the Quwwat-ul Mosque. The pillar is 23 feet 8 inches high and 16 inches in diameter. It weighs about 3000 kilograms and was dedicated to the God Vishnu.
9. Who among the following was the first Indian Scholar who treated Mathematics as a different subject?
[A] Aryabhata
[B] Apastamba
[C] Baudhayana
[D] Katyayana
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Correct Answer: A [Aryabhata]
Notes:
Aryabhata was the first Indian scholar to treat mathematics as a separate subject. He was one of the first major mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and Indian astronomy. Aryabhata’s work, Aryabhatiya, was written in verse couplets and deals with mathematics and astronomy. It was particularly popular in South India, where many mathematicians wrote commentaries on it.
10. Who among the following was the founder of Rastrakuta dynasty ?
[A] Dantidurga
[B] Krishna -I
[C] Indra – II
[D] Govinda -I
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Correct Answer: A [Dantidurga]
Notes:
In the mid of the 8th century, Dantidurga , who was one of the chieftain of ancient Rastrakuta family fought his way to the front and overthrew Kirtivarman II, thus bringing an end to the main branch of Chalukyas. This was the beginning of the Rastrakuta Empire in Deccan.
