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 claims is NOT attributed to Megasthenes in his account of India?
[A] There is abundant gold, silver, copper and iron in India
[B] Indian society was divided into seven groups
[C] There are frequent famines in India
[D] Dionysus has invaded India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ There are frequent famines in India ]
Notes:
Megasthenes claimed that India did not suffer famines, attributing this to rainfall, crops and other food resources. Thus, the claim of frequent famines does not match his account. This records his assertion; it does not establish that famines never occurred in ancient India.
2. The famous book ‘Brihat Katha’ was written by__?
[A] Gunadhya
[B] Sarva Varman
[C] Panini
[D] Radhagupt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gunadhya ]
Notes:
The Brihatkatha is traditionally attributed to Gunadhya and was composed in Paishachi. The original work is lost, but later Sanskrit adaptations preserve much of its narrative tradition.
3. Who does ‘Kanthaka’ refer to, in the context of Gautam Buddha?
[A] His disciple
[B] His chief advisor
[C] His royal horse
[D] His spiritual teacher
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [His royal horse]
Notes:
In the context of Gautam Buddha, ‘Kanthaka’ was his royal horse. Kanthaka played a significant role in several instances of the Buddha’s life, most notably when it carried him to the river where he would relinquish his worldly possessions and begin his quest for enlightenment.
4. The inscriptions of Ashoka and the Brahmi script were deciphered by ___?
[A] Alexander Cunningham
[B] James Prinsep
[C] Max Muller
[D] Mortimer Wheeler
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ James Prinsep ]
Notes:
James Prinsep (1799-1840) was an English scholar, orientalist and antiquary. He was the founding editor of the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and is best remembered for deciphering the Kharosthi and Brahmi scripts of ancient India. He was the first to decipher the inscriptions of Ashoka and the Brahmi script.
5. The famous Konark Sun temple was built by whom?
[A] Narshimhadeva I
[B] Angabhima deva I
[C] Konkanivarman
[D] Narsimhavarman II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narshimhadeva I ]
Notes:
The 13th-century famous Konark Sun temple was built by King Narshimhadeva I (of the Eastern Ganga dynasty) at Konark, Odisha around AD1250.
6. Rajatarangini, a book that generally recorded the heritage of Kashmir in the 12th Century, was written by__:
[A] Pravaragupta
[B] Kalhana
[C] Lalitapida
[D] Kashyapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kalhana ]
Notes:
Kalhana penned the book named Rajatarangini in 12th century CE. It is a metrical historical chronicle of north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, written in Sanskrit. Rajatarangini describe the misrule prevailing in Kashmir during the reign of King Kalash, son of King Ananta Deva of Kashmir.
7. Who was the priest of the Bharatas in the battle of Ten Kings ?
[A] Visvamitra
[B] Vasishtha
[C] Atri
[D] Bhrigu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Visvamitra ]
Notes:
The battle of ten kings was fought between Sudas, a Bharata king of the Tritsu family and the confederacy of ten well-known tribes- Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha ,Bhalanas,Shiva and Vishanin. In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of River Purushni, the Bharatas emerged victorious. The reason behind the war is the rivalry between Vishwamitra and Vasishtha.
8. Which among the following Pala rulers is known to have founded the Vikramshila Vihara?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devpala
[C] Dharampala
[D] Mahendrapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dharampala]
Notes:
Dharmapala, the second Pala ruler, founded Vikramashila Mahavihara in present-day Bihar. He is also associated with Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur in present-day Bangladesh. Somapura and Paharpur refer to the same site.
9. The term “Vitasta” in Rig Veda refers to which among the following rivers?
[A] Indus
[B] Beas
[C] Jhelum
[D] Chenab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jhelum]
Notes:Rigvedic Name and Modern Names of Indian Rivers:
| Ancient Name |
Modern Name |
| Sindhu |
Indus |
| Vitasta |
Jhelum |
| Askini |
Chenab |
| Vipasa |
Beas |
| Purushini |
Ravi |
| Satudri |
Sutlej |
| Gomal |
Gomati |
| Drishvadati |
Ghaggar |
10. At which among the following places, Gautam Buddha preached his last sermon?
[A] Sarnath
[B] Rajgir
[C] Vaishali
[D] Pavapuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vaishali]
Notes:
Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at Sarnath. Buddha preached most sermons at Sravasti. Lord Buddha preached his last sermon at Vaishali.
