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 identified “Sandrokottus” of the Greco-Roman literature with Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] D. R. Bhandarkar
[B] Alexander Cunningham
[C] R. P. Chanda
[D] William Jones
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ William Jones ]
Notes:
Sir William Jones identified the Sandrokottus (Sandrocottus) of Greek and Roman accounts with Chandragupta Maurya in 1793. This identification helped connect ancient Indian chronology with the better-dated Hellenistic world.
2. At which of the following sites, all the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic sites have been found in sequence?
[A] Sarai Nahar Rai
[B] Kurnool Valley
[C] Belan Valley
[D] Ahar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Belan Valley ]
Notes:
In the Belan valley (Uttar Pradesh), all the three phases, the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic, have been found in sequence.
3. Which Ashokan pillar edict provides a list of animals and birds killing of which was prohibited?
[A] Pillar edict V
[B] Pillar edict VIII
[C] Pillar edict XII
[D] Pillar edict X
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pillar edict V ]
Notes:
Pillar Edict V lists protected animals and restrictions on killing or injuring animals. It also records that Ashoka had ordered the release of prisoners on twenty-five occasions by the twenty-sixth year after his consecration.
4. In the Mauryan empire, the post Devatadhyaksha is related to –
[A] Store House
[B] Crown Lands
[C] Customs
[D] Religious Institutions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Religious Institutions ]
Notes:
Devatadhyaksha was appointed to perform the duties related to religious institutions.
5. Who composed Nasik Inscription in which achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were recorded?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Sarkarni- I
[C] Kanha
[D] Gautami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautami ]
Notes:
The achievements of Gutamiputra Satkarni were mentioned in Nasik Inscription that were composed by his mother Gautami Balasri. The Nasik Prasasti describes Gautamiputra as the ruler of the Aparanta, Anupa, Saurashtra, Kukura, Akara and Avanti and defeated the Saka King Nahapana and restored the prestige of his dynasty by reconquering a large part of the former dominions of the Satavahanas.
6. Vikrampura and Vijaypuri were two capitals of which among the following Sen kings?
[A] Ballal Sen
[B] Vijay Sen
[C] Samnta Sen
[D] Hemanta Sen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vijay Sen]
Notes:
Vijaya Sena is also known as Vijay Sen in vernacular literature, was the son of Hemanta Sena, and succeeded him as a Sena dynasty ruler of Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent. Vikrampura and Vijaypuri were two capitals of Vijay sen.
7. Who among the following is the author of Dharmasastra?
[A] Manu
[B] Gautama
[C] Kasyapa
[D] Several authors
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Several authors]
Notes:
Dharmaśāstra is a genre of Sanskrit theological texts, and refers to the treatises of Hinduism on dharma. There are many Dharmashastras, variously estimated to be 18 to about 100. There are many authors for Dharmasastras.
8. Which Indian scholar composed the Aryabhatiya, with a distinct mathematical section called the Ganitapada?
[A] Varahmihira
[B] Aryabhatta
[C] Ramanujan
[D] Baudhayan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aryabhatta]
Notes:
Aryabhata composed the Aryabhatiya in 499 CE. Its Ganitapada deals with mathematics, while other sections concern time reckoning and astronomy.
9. Who among the following king is related to Repair of Sudarsana Lake?
[A] Rudradaman
[B] Gautmi Putra Satkarni
[C] Kharavela
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rudradaman]
Notes:
The Junagarh Rock Inscription mentions that the Saka ruler Rudradaman (c. 150 AD) had taken up the task of restoration of lake Sudarsana.
10. Who among the following is compiled the work “Ravanavadham”?
[A] Bhatti
[B] Kalidasa
[C] Bhasa
[D] Banabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhatti]
Notes:
Bhatti composed Ravanavadha, also known as Bhattikavya. It retells the Rama story while illustrating Sanskrit grammar and poetic figures.
