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 rulers of which among the following dynasties called themselves “Brahma-Kshatriya”?
[A] Palas
[B] Senas
[C] Pratiharas
[D] Chahamanas
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Correct Answer: B [Senas ]
Notes:
“Brahma-Kshatriya” refers to someone who claims to be both a Brahmin (priestly class) and a Kshatriya (warrior class). Essentially claiming both spiritual and temporal power. The Sena Dynasty ruled parts of eastern India between the 11th and 12th centuries CE. They were known for being Brahmins (priests) who took on the role of rulers and administrators (traditionally a Kshatriya role). So the Sena rulers called themselves “Brahma-Kshatriya” to indicate they were both spiritual leaders and temporal rulers.
2. The last Mauryan ruler, who was killed by his Commander-in-Chief was __?
[A] Dasaratha
[B] Kun-ala
[C] Samprati
[D] Brihadratha
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Correct Answer: D [ Brihadratha ]
Notes:
Maurya Emperor Brihadratha was killed by his senapati (Commander-in-Chief) Pushymitra Shunga . Pushymitra Shunga founded the Shunga Dynasty in around 185-183 BC.
3. The cotton cloth worn by Indians had a brighter white colour than any cotton found elsewhere. This view was recorded by __?
[A] Alexander
[B] Megasthenes
[C] Nearchus
[D] Pliny
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Megasthenes ]
Notes:
Megasthenes – an ancient Greek historian and diplomat, author of an account of India, the Indica, in four books. He was sent by the Hellenistic king Seleucus I on embassies to the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote that the dress worn by the Indians was made of cotton of a brighter white colour than any cotton found elsewhere.
4. Which among the following plays was / were written by Harsha?
[A] Nagananda
[B] Ratnavali
[C] Priyadarshika
[D] All of these
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Correct Answer: D [All of these ]
Notes:
Harsha wrote three sanskrit plays- Nagananda, Ratnavali and Priyadarshika.
5. Which of the Brahamana says’wife is half her husband’?
[A] Satapatha Brahamana
[B] Aitareya Brahamana
[C] Gopatha Brahamana
[D] Taittiriya Brahmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Satapatha Brahamana ]
Notes:
The Satapatha Brahamana states that the wife is half her husband and completes him.
6. The place Dharanikota in South India is related to which ancient dynasty?
[A] Chola
[B] Satavahana
[C] Pandya
[D] Chera
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Correct Answer: B [ Satavahana ]
Notes:
Dharanikota is a town near Amaravati in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh in India, It is the site of the ancient Dhanyakataka which was the capital of the Satavahana kingdom which ruled in the Deccan around the 1st to 3rd centuries A.D.
7. Who was the elder brother and rightful heir to the throne prior to Ashoka?
[A] Kunala
[B] Susima
[C] tivara
[D] Odruka
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Correct Answer: B [Susima]
Notes:
Susima was the eldest son of Bindusara, making him the rightful heir to the throne. However, after a potential power struggle, Ashoka secured the throne. There are claims in Buddhist texts that Ashoka had 100 brothers, an assertion likely exaggerated as the term “brothers” could include half-brothers and cousins.
8. Which among the rulers of Magadh founded the city of Patliputra (Patna) on the bank of river Ganges?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Ajatshatru
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Bindusara
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Correct Answer: B [Ajatshatru]
Notes:
The ancient city of Pataliputra was founded in the 5th century BC by Ajatashatru, king of Magadha. Patna is a riverside city that extends along the south bank of the Ganges (Ganga) River for about 12 miles.
9. Which of the below-mentioned ancient Indian jurists established a priority of inheritance where the wife is followed by daughters after the sons?
[A] Brihaspati
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Narada
[D] None of the above
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Correct Answer: B [Yajnavalkya]
Notes:
Yajnavalkya laid down doctrines that included a priority of inheritance where the wife is followed by daughters immediately after the sons. His works promoted justice and fairness in family matters, creating a direct impact on the stability of society. Yajnavalkya is known for his teachings on the concepts of Dharma and Moksha.
10. Who among the following belonged to Sakya clan of Kshatriyas?
[A] Gautam Buddha
[B] Mahavir jain
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Rishabhnath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gautam Buddha]
Notes:
Gautama Buddha belongs to Sakya clan of Kshatriyas. They lived in the area near Magadha. His mother is Maya devi and father is Suddhodana.
