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. Which of the following Greek Explorers is considered to have left the earliest account of India?
[A] Herodotus
[B] Ctesias
[C] Scylax
[D] Hippalus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Scylax ]
Notes:
The earliest Greek Account of India was left by Scylax of Caryanda who was sent by Kind Darius-I of Persia to follow the course of river Indus and find out where it led. His original works are now lost.
2. Which of the following Upanishads is composed in prose form?
[A] Isa Upanishad
[B] Katha Upanishad
[C] Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Svetasvatara Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brihadaranyaka Upanishad]
Notes:
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the oldest Upanishads and is estimated to have been composed about 700 BCE. It is written in prose and forms part of the Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda. It is considered as a source of philosophical doctrines, metaphorical speculative thoughts and mystical symbolism in Hinduism.
3. Which of the following Pala ruler founded the Somapuri University?
[A] Gopala
[B] Kumarpala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Ramapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Dharmapala ]
Notes:
The Somapuri University is situated at North Bengal and was founded by Dharmapala, the Pala ruler.
4. At which place Mahavira attained Niravana?
[A] Pavapuri
[B] Kundagram
[C] Vaishali
[D] Rajgriha
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Correct Answer: A [ Pavapuri ]
Notes:
At the age of 72 in 468 BC, Tirthankar Mahavira passed away at Pavapuri, Bihar.
5. Which of the following inscriptions mentions the name of Kalidasa?
[A] Allahabad pillar inscription
[B] Aihole inscription
[C] Alapadu grant
[D] Hanumakonda inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aihole inscription ]
Notes:
Aihole inscription mentions the name of the poet Kalidasa. The inscription was written in 634 by Ravikirti, the court poet and minister of the Chalukya king Pulakesin II. The inscription is located in Aihole, Karnataka.
The Aihole inscription also provides information about the early history of the Chalukyas of Badami until 634 AD. It also provides a terminus ante quem of 634 CE for both Kalidasa and Bharavi.
6. In which rock edict Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child…”?
[A] Major Rock Edict V
[B] Major Rock Edict IV
[C] Major Rock Edict VI
[D] Major Rock Edict VII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict V ]
Notes:
In the major Rock Edict V, Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child”. He had concerns about the policy towards slaves. This rock edict also referes to the appointment of Dhamma-mahamatta for the first time in the twelfth year of his reign.
7. In the Maurya empire, who was the superintendent of Ports ?
[A] Pattanadhyaksha
[B] Manadhyaksha
[C] Kosadhyaksha
[D] Ganikadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pattanadhyaksha ]
Notes:
As per the officials mentioned in the Arthashastra, Pattanadhyaksha was the superintendent of Ports.
8. Tolkāppiyam belongs to which tamil Sangam?
[A] first
[B] second
[C] third
[D] fourth
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Correct Answer: B [ second ]
Notes:
Tolkāppiyam is a work on the grammar of the Tamil language. It deals with orthography, phonology, morphology, semantics, prosody and the subject matter of literature. It belongs to second tamil Sangam.
9. Purusha sukta is a part of which among the following vedas?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Rig Veda
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Yajur Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rig Veda ]
Notes:
Rig Veda Purusha sukta is the Xth mandal of the Rig Veda that explains the origin of four varnas viz. Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.
10. Which of the following are ritualistic teachings attached to the hymns of the Vedas?
[A] Brahmanas
[B] Upanishads
[C] Aranyakas
[D] Itihasas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Brahmanas ]
Notes:
The ritualistic teachings attached to the hymns of the Vedas were known as the Brahmanas.
