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. In which of the following inscriptions Ashoka made his famous declaration, “All men are my children”?
[A] Minor Rock Edict (Ahraura)
[B] Pillar Edict VII
[C] Lumbini Pillar Edict
[D] Separate Kalinga Rock Edict I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Separate Kalinga Rock Edict I ]
Notes:
Separate Edicts: They were found at sites in Kalinga »Separate Edict I : Asoka declared all people are my sons »Separate Edict II: proclamation of edicts even to a single person.
2. Who presided First Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahakassapa ]
Notes:
The First Buddhist Council was held at Saptaparni cave near Rajagriha in 72 AD, during the reign of Emperor Ajatsatru. It was held under the Presidentship of Mahakassapa to compile the Dhamma Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka.
3. Ujjaini located in the Malwa region, came under which Mahajanapada?
[A] Anga
[B] Kasi
[C] Kosal
[D] Avanti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Avanti ]
Notes:
Ujjaini was located in the Malwa region came under Avanti Mahajanapada.
4. In which rock edict Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child…”?
[A] Major Rock Edict V
[B] Major Rock Edict IV
[C] Major Rock Edict VI
[D] Major Rock Edict VII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict V ]
Notes:
In the major Rock Edict V, Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child”. He had concerns about the policy towards slaves. This rock edict also referes to the appointment of Dhamma-mahamatta for the first time in the twelfth year of his reign.
5. Which of the following subjects are dealt in by Kalpa Sutras?
[A] Sacrifices
[B] Family ceremonies
[C] Varnas, Ashramas
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
Under Kalpa Sutras ,Shravta Sutras deal with the sacrifices,Grihya Sutras deal with the family ceremonies,Dharma Sutras deal with Varnas, Ashramas.
6. At which of the following sites, largest variety of food grains in the Chalcolithic age has been found?
[A] Navdatoli
[B] Gilund
[C] Adamgarh
[D] Banahali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Navdatoli ]
Notes:
At Navdatoli, located near Maheshwar town in Madhya Pradesh in Narmada valley, several varieties of food grains like rice, jowar, ragi etc. have been found.
7. Which of the following Rigvedic deities represented Storm?
[A] Indra
[B] Maruts
[C] Varun
[D] Apas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Maruts ]
Notes:
Aryans, The Vedic Age – Religion : They personified force of nature and worshipped them as Vayu (air), Maruts (storm), Indra (rain), Varuna (water), Surya (sun), Agni (fire), Prithvi (earth), Aranyani (forest) etc.
8. Who overthrew Saka rulers from India?
[A] Gautami putra Satakarni
[B] Kanishka
[C] Rudraraman
[D] Demetrius
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gautami putra Satakarni ]
Notes:
The sakas were finally overthrown by Gautamiputra Satakarni, the ruler of Satavahana dynasty. He killed Saka ruler Nahapana and his governor Rishavadatta and restored his territories.
9. Which of the following passes was used by Sakas to come to India?
[A] Bolan Pass
[B] Nathu La Pass
[C] Shipki La Pass
[D] Bara-lacha la Pass
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bolan Pass ]
Notes:
The Sakas came to India through the Bolan Pass. They were a Scythian tribe or group of tribes of Iranian origin.
10. Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following rulers?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Ramagupta
[C] Bhanugupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Ramagupta ]
Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the Maharajadhiraja.
