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 conversation between Nagasena and Menander-I related to Buddhism is recorded in which book?
[A] Milindapanho
[B] Panhomenanda
[C] Nagapanho
[D] Menandapanho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Milindapanho ]
Notes:
Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander (an Indo-Greek king) 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. “The king was the ruler of all except Brahamanas”. This was the view of __?
[A] Manu
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Apasthamba
[D] Gautama
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautama ]
Notes:
Gautama-dharmasutra The Dharmasutras: The Law Codes of Apastamba, Gautama, Baudhayana, and Vasistha The Dharmasutras are the four surviving written works of the ancient Indian tradition on the subject of dharma, or the rules of behavior a community recognizes as binding on its members. Gautama- dharmasutra is believed to be the oldest of the four Hindu Dharmasastras, It survives as an independent treatise. According to Gautama the ruler is the owner of everything in his realm except the brahmanas.
3. Which among the following is not among Ashtamahasthanas?
[A] Lumbini
[B] Rajgriha
[C] Vajrayana
[D] Taxila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Taxila ]
Notes:
The holy places where the four principal events of the Buddha’s life took place are Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (Enlightenment), Sarnath (First Sermon), Kusinagar (Death took place). Apart from these four places, there are another four holy places viz. Sravasti, Rajgriha, Vaishali and Vajrayana, these eight holy places are known as Ashtamahasthanas.
4. Who was the last ruler of Shisunaga dynasty?
[A] Kalashoka
[B] Nandivardhan
[C] Naga-Dasak
[D] Udayin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Nandivardhan ]
Notes:
The last ruler of Haryanka dynasty, Nagadasaka was over thrown by his amatya (or governor) Shisunaga and he established Shisunaga dynasty in 412 BC. Nandivardhan (367 BC–345 BC) was the last ruler of this Shisunaga dynasty.
5. Who was the founder of Kushana Empire in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Kujula Kadphises
[C] Kanishka
[D] Vasudeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kujula Kadphises ]
Notes:
Kujula Kadphises was the first Yueh Chi chief who crossed the Hindukush Mountains and laid down the foundation of the Kushana Empire. He adopted the epithet of Dharma-thida and Sachdharmathida.
6. Which among the following sites near Pondicherry gives best support to the view on an ancient trade between Rome and the ancient Tamil country of India?
[A] Villianur
[B] Suttukeni
[C] Arikamedu
[D] Andiarpalayam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arikamedu]
Notes:
Arikamedu, near Puducherry, provides archaeological evidence of trade with the Roman Mediterranean. Imported pottery and amphorae, together with evidence of bead production, show its role in early historic maritime commerce.
7. During the period of Harshavardhana the fields were watered by the pots which were called Ghati yantra. The writing of which among the following authors records this?
[A] Hiuen-tsang
[B] Subhandhu
[C] Dandin
[D] Banabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Banabhatta]
Notes:
Banabhatta’s Harshacharita describes fields irrigated with a ghati-yantra. This device lifted water using pots and supplied it to fields through channels.
8. Which among the following kingdom in South India was known for an excellent Navy ?
[A] Pandyas
[B] Cholas
[C] Pallavas
[D] Chalukyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The cholas had a good navy. The Chola navy played a vital role in the expansion of the Chola Empire, including the conquest of the Ceylon islands and naval raids on Sri Vijaya.
9. In 1837, James Prinsep deciphered an Inscription in Brahmi script referring to a king called ‘Devanampiya Piyadassi’. The celebrated monarch known by this epithet was :
[A] Ashoka
[B] Akbar
[C] Kanishka
[D] Chandragupta Vikramaditya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashoka]
Notes:
James Prinsep had deciphered an inscription in 1837 written in Brahmi, which referred a King called Devanampiya Piyadassi. However, immediately, it could not be confirmed that it was Asoka. It was later only when Buddhist Chronicles of Ceylon and other inscriptions confirmed the name of King Asoka.
10. Where is the first astronomical observatory of the Harappan Civilization located in ancient Indian sites?
[A] Chanhudaro
[B] Ropar
[C] Daimabad
[D] Dholavira
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dholavira]
Notes:
The first astronomical observatory of the Harappan Civilization has been found at Dholavira. Dholavira, located in Gujarat, is one of the five largest Harappan sites and most prominent archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. The astronomical significance of Dholavira was highlighted by the discovery of an ancient “apparent geodesic quadrant”, which is considered the first such find in the Indus Valley.
