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 Buddhist monk converted Milinda (Indo-Greek king) to Buddhism?
[A] Nagasena
[B] Gautam Budha
[C] Shakyamuni
[D] Mahadharmaraksita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Nagasena ]
Notes:
The Indo-Greek king, Milinda (or Menander I ) was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena, a Buddhist monk and philospher. Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism.These questions and Nagasena’s answers are recorded in a form of book known as ‘Milindapanho (or The Questions of Milinda).
2. Which physician was sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota?
[A] Jivaka
[B] Udayin
[C] Kalashoka
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Jivaka ]
Notes:
The royal physician, Jivaka, was sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota, who was ailing with Jaundice.
3. Which of the following was the capital of early Cholas?
[A] Madurai
[B] Karur
[C] Uraiyaur
[D] Kaveripattnam
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Correct Answer: C [Uraiyaur]
Notes:
Uraiyaur, now a locality in Tiruchirappalli, was the capital of the early Cholas. It was famous for its cotton trade.
4. 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.
5. Which Indian scholar composed the Aryabhatiya, with a distinct mathematical section called the Ganitapada?
[A] Aryabhata
[B] Apastamba
[C] Baudhayana
[D] Katyayana
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Correct Answer: A [Aryabhata]
Notes:
Aryabhata composed the Aryabhatiya in 499 CE. Its Ganitapada deals with mathematics, while other sections concern time reckoning and astronomy.
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. In which of the following modern State, most of the 24 Tirthankar of Jainism attained nirvana?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
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Correct Answer: A [Bihar]
Notes:
Bihar is the state where most of Tirthankara attained nirvana. Lord Buddha attained nirvana at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
8. Who among the following are not mentioned in Asokan Inscriptions?
[A] Cholas
[B] Satyaputras
[C] Cheras
[D] Pallavas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pallavas]
Notes:
Ashoka was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BCE. Pallavas ruled from 275CE to 897 CE. They are not contemporaries.
9. In which of the following Buddhist councils, the Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravada and second Mahasamghikas?
[A] First Budhdist Council
[B] Second Budhdist Council
[C] Third Budhdist Council
[D] Fouth Budhdist Council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Second Budhdist Council]
Notes:
The Second Buddhist Council was held at Vaisali (or Vaishali), an ancient city in what is now the state of Bihar under the patronage of King Kalasoka while it was presided by Sabakami. Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravada and second Mahasamghikas.
10. Who was the last ruler of Rashtrakutas Dynasty ?
[A] Khottiga
[B] Govinda IV
[C] Krishna III
[D] Karka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Karka]
Notes:
In 973 AD, the Rashtrakuta dynasty came to an end as the last ruler Kakka II ( or Karka) was killed by Tailpa II ( the descendant of old Chalukya empire) and founded the dynasty of Chalukyas of Kalyani (also known as Later or Western Chalukyas).
