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 Sarvanana dynasty were the first to make land grant to Brahmins.
2. Garuda was adopted as dynastic emblem after the imperial Guptas by ___?
[A] Rashtrakutas
[B] Western Chalukyas
[C] Shilaharas
[D] Chedis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rashtrakutas ]
Notes:
The Rashtrakutas adopted Garuda as their dynastic emblem after the imperial Guptas. The Gupta period used Garuda as their royal emblem.
3. Which among the following two dynasties of the Northern India confronted with the Rashtrakutas?
[A] The Pratiharas and the Paramaras
[B] The Palas and the Chandelas
[C] The Pratiharas and the Palas
[D] The Chalukyas and the Chahamanas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ The Pratiharas and the Palas ]
Notes:
North Indian Dynasties : Towards the close of the 8th century AD, there were three great powers in India – the Palas in the east, the Gurjar- Pratiharas in the north and the Rashtrakutas in the deccan. The tripartite struggle for the supremacy among the Palas, Partiharas and the Rashtrakutas was the desire to possess the city of Kannauj ,which was then a symbol of sovereignty.
4. During whose reign was the Fourth Buddhist Council held?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD during the reign of Kushan king Kanishka. It was held under the Presidentship of Vasumitra to compose commentaries on the Tripitika.
5. Who was the author of Aihole Inscription ?
[A] Ravikirti
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Bharavi
[D] Dandin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ravikirti ]
Notes:
Aihole Inscription is a eulogy written by Ravikirti who was the court poet of Chalukya King Pulakesin II.
6. Who was the author of Dashkumarcharitam and at whose court did he live?
[A] Dandin, Nandivarman II
[B] Bharavi, Nandivarman II
[C] Appar, Dandivarman I
[D] Bharavi, Narsimhavarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dandin, Nandivarman II ]
Notes:
Dashkumarcharitam was composed by Dandin, who was a Sanskrit author of prose romances and expounder on poetics in the 6th-7th century. Both Bharavi and Dandin, the authors of Kiratarjuniyam and Dasakumarcharitam respectively, lived in the Pallava court.
7. Begram in Afghanistan was a capital of which of the following kings?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Asoka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
The ancient city of Begram was identified as the capital under the reign of King Kanishka. He was a prominent ruler of the Kushan Empire in Central Asia around 2nd century CE. Kanishka is known for his military, political, and spiritual achievements, and his reign marked a significant era in Buddhism and arts.
8. Who wrote Mahabhashya?
[A] Panini
[B] Patanjali
[C] Kalidas
[D] Tulsidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
Mahabhashya was written by Patanjali. It is a commentary on selected rules of Sanskrit grammar from Paini’s treatise, the Ashtadhyayi and Katyayana’s Varttika.
9. Who defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom?
[A] Ramagupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta II defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom and assumed the title Vikramaditya. This brought an end to Saka-Kshatrapa rule in western India and added the regions of Gujarat, Kathiawad and west Malwa to the Gupta empire.
10. Which among the following kings was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler)?
[A] Pulakesi II
[B] Mahendravarman I
[C] Narasimhavarman I
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Narasimhavarman I ]
Notes:
Narasimhavarman I was a Tamil king of the Pallava dynasty who ruled South India from 630–668 AD. He was also known as Mamallan, which means “great wrestler”. Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) was named after him. Narasimhavarman wanted to avenge his father’s defeat at the hands of Chalukyan ruler Pulakesin II. He defeated Pulakesin II in the Battle of Manimangalam near Kanchi.
