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. What symbol represents nirvana of Gautama Buddha?
[A] Lotus
[B] Wheel
[C] Horse
[D] Bodhi Tree
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Bodhi Tree ]
Notes:
Bodhi Tree is the symbol of nirvana of Gautama Buddha. On the other hand, Stupa represents the symbol of death of Gautama Buddha. Further, The symbol ‘Horse’ signifies the renunciation of Buddha’s life.
2. During whose reign was the Fourth Buddhist Council held?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD during the reign of Kushan king Kanishka. It was held under the Presidentship of Vasumitra to compose commentaries on the Tripitika.
3. Which of the following Chinese emperors was contemporary of Harshavardhana?
[A] Taizong
[B] Wu Zetian
[C] Ruizong
[D] Xuanzong
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Taizong ]
Notes:
In 641 AD Harshavardhan sent an envoy to Taizong (Tai-Tsung), the Tang emperor of China and in return, the Chinese ruler sent three embassies to Harsha court.
4. Who among the following of Gupta dynasty adopted the title ‘Kaviraja’?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta adopted the title of Kaviraj (King of poets), he was an expert ‘ Veena’ player.
5. At which Indus Valley Site, the remains of Horse bones have been found?
[A] Daimabad
[B] Harappa
[C] Kalibanga
[D] Surkotada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Surkotada ]
Notes:
In the Indus Valley Civilization, the remains of Horse bones have been found from Surkotada site. The site at Surkotada is located 160 km north- east of Bhuj, in the district of Kutch, Gujarat.
6. Which among the following rulers of the Chola Empire conquered the Maldives during his regime ?
[A] Raja Raja Chola I
[B] Rajendra Chola
[C] Kulothunga Chola I
[D] Vikrama Chola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Raja Raja Chola I]
Notes:
Raja Raja Chola I, popularly known as Raja Raja the Great, is one of the greatest emperors of the Tamil Chola Empire of India who ruled between 985 and 1014 CE. By conquering several small kingdoms in South India, he expanded the Chola Empire. Rajaraja Chola conquered peninsular South India, annexed part of the Rajarata kingdom in present-day Sri Lanka, and occupied Maldives islands.
7. Yavanpriya in ancient Hindu Texts refers to which among the following?
[A] Peppar
[B] Clove
[C] Silk
[D] Muslin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Peppar]
Notes:
Black Pepper was one of the most thing thing imported by Greek traders from Ancient India . In ancient times the people in Central Asia are called as Yavanas in India. They liked the pepper and imports large amount of pepper from India so the pepper is named as Yavana-the people of foreign countries. Priya-they like pepper so it was called as Yavanapriya.
8. In which period of the Indian History , the number zero as well as decimal system were invented?
[A] Gupta
[B] Maurya
[C] Nanda
[D] Chedi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta]
Notes:
The concept of zero as a number, and the use of a symbol to represent it, are generally attributed to the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata. In his book “Aryabhatiya,” which was written in the 5th century CE, Aryabhata described the concept of zero as a placeholder in positional notation, and he used a dot to represent it. This was a significant development in the history of mathematics, as it allowed for the creation of more sophisticated mathematical systems.
9. At which of the following archaeological sites was a sculpture of a “Nude Male Torso” discovered?
[A] Mehrgarh
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Harappa
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harappa]
Notes:
The “Nude Male Torso” is a significant artifact unearthed at Harappa, an ancient urban settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization. The sculpture, made from red sandstone, demonstrates advanced carving skills and a high level of artistry prevalent at that time. The absence of head and lower parts suggests the unique tradition of making torsos, prevalent in Harappan art.
10. Katyotsarga pose is a gesture of which of the following?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Shiva
[C] Mahavira
[D] Gautam Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mahavira]
Notes:
Katyotsarga pose is a gesture of Mahavira. Kayotsarga is a yogic posture which is an important part of Jain meditataion. seated cross-legged on a lion throne in the posture of meditation, dhyanamudra.