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 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.
2. Menander I, the famous Indo-Greek ruler set up his capital at which place?
[A] Sialkot
[B] Pathankot
[C] Rajkot
[D] Sialdah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sialkot ]
Notes:
The famous Indo-Greek, Menander I (165/155–130 BCE) set up his capital at Sakala or Sialkot.
3. Which among the following University was founded by Ramapala, the ruler of Pala dynasty?
[A] Somapuri
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Jagadal
[D] Odantpuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Jagadal ]
Notes:
Jagadal is situated in Bengal and was founded by Ramapala, the Pala ruler.
4. Who was the brother-in-law of Harshavardhan ?
[A] Grahavarmana
[B] Banabhatta
[C] Devgupta
[D] Bhaskarvarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Grahavarmana ]
Notes:
The sister of Harshavardhan, Rajyasri was married to Grahavarmana, King of Kanauj. He was the last ruler of Kanauj belonging to the Maukhari royal dynasty.
5. Who was the court physician during the reign of Kanishka-I?
[A] Charak
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Nagarjuna
[D] Asvaghosa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Charak ]
Notes:
Charak was the court physician of Kanishka I. He was one of the principal contributors to the ancient art and science of Ayurveda, a system of medicine and lifestyle developed in Ancient India. He is sometimes referred to as the Father of Indian Medicine.
6. At which of the following Harappan sites, terracotta female figures were discovered?
[A] Mohenjo-daro
[B] Kot Bala
[C] Kot Diji
[D] Khirasara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mohenjo-daro]
Notes:
Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Built around 2500 BCE, it was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley civilization. Various discoveries at Mohenjo-daro include- Great Bath (the biggest bath ghat), Great granary, Bronze dancing girl, Bearded man, terracotta toys, Bull seal, Pashupati seal, three cylindrical seals of the Mesopotamian type, a piece of woven cloth.
7. Which among the following site has yielded cultural remains from the Neolithic to the Harappan era?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Mohenjo-Daro
[C] Harappa
[D] Mehrgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is an important archaeological site in the Kachi Plain near the mouth of the Bolan Pass in Balochistan. It preserves a long cultural sequence from the aceramic Neolithic through the Chalcolithic and pre-/Early Harappan phases. The site has yielded evidence of early farming, animal domestication, mud-brick structures, pottery, and later craft development, making it the best-known site for the transition from Neolithic life to Harappan culture.
8. What was Fa-Hien’s main purpose for visiting India during the Gupta period?
[A] Establish trade relations between India and China
[B] Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha
[C] Write a book on the life of Indian people
[D] To spread Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha]
Notes:
Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. His main purpose was to study the teachings of Gautam Buddha. He traveled to learn about Buddhist scriptures and monastic practices. His journey took place in the early 5th century CE, and he documented his observations in a travelogue. He did not visit to establish trade or spread Buddhism directly. His records provide insights into the Gupta period and Buddhist traditions.
9. Which of the following Vedas means 'wisdom of sacrificial formulas'?
[A] Rig-Veda
[B] Samveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yajurveda]
Notes:
Yajurveda means 'wisdom of sacrificial formulas'
10. Which of the following crops was not known to Vedic people?
[A] Barley
[B] Wheat
[C] Tobacco
[D] Rice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tobacco]
Notes:
Wheat, rice and barley were known at the time of vedic period. These were important grains grown in this time period. The agricultural implements mentioned in the Vedic literature include the Plough.
