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. Which of the following term is used for a “school” of learning and teaching the branches of Vedas?
[A] Shakha
[B] Charna
[C] Ratha
[D] Yajna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Charna ]
Notes:
Charana refers to the Guru-pupil lineage or school for teaching and learning of Vedas in ancient India.
2. At which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization, the rows of distinctive fire altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found ?
[A] Mohen-jo-daro
[B] Harappa
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kalibangan ]
Notes:
Kalibangan – is an archaeological site where Ploughed Field, Bones of Camel, Circular and Rectangular Graves, distinctive fire (Vedic ) altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found.
3. Who among the following wrote ‘Nagananda’?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Simhanada
[C] Pulakesin II
[D] Harshavardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Harshavardhana ]
Notes:
The emperor of Vardhana dynasty, Harshavardhana wrote a play ‘Nagananda’. It describes the story of the Jimutavahana’s self-sacrifice to save the Nagas. It has an enlightening Buddhist legend for its subject and is one of the best works of the Indian Drama.
4. Which rock edict of Ashoka mentions the purpose of the rock edicts?
[A] Major Rock Edict XIV
[B] Major Rock Edict XV
[C] Major Rock Edict XI
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict XIV ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIV describes the purpose of the rock edicts of different parts of the country.
5. Who was the author of the book ‘Manimekalai’?
[A] Ilango Adigal
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Seethalai Saathanaar ]
Notes:
The author of Manimekalai is Seethalai Saathanaar (also spelled as Chithalai Chathanar), a Buddhist poet. The book is a poem in 30 cantos. It is a sequel to the epic Silappadikaram and tells the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi who converted to Buddhism. The book compares Buddhism with other religions in South India. Manimekalai is one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature. The other four are: Silappatikāram, Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, Valayapathi, Kuṇṭalakēci. Manimekalai has been dated between the 2nd-century and early 9th century.
6. What metals were known to the people of Indus valley civilisation?
[A] Copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron
[B] Copper, silver, iron but not bronze
[C] Copper, gold, iron but not silver
[D] Copper, silver, iron but not gold
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron ]
Notes:
The Indus valley people knew the use of copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron.
7. Who among the following was the founder of Rastrakuta dynasty ?
[A] Dantidurga
[B] Krishna -I
[C] Indra – II
[D] Govinda -I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dantidurga]
Notes:
In the mid of the 8th century, Dantidurga , who was one of the chieftain of ancient Rastrakuta family fought his way to the front and overthrew Kirtivarman II, thus bringing an end to the main branch of Chalukyas. This was the beginning of the Rastrakuta Empire in Deccan.
8. Who is the author of Devichandraguptam?
[A] Vishakhadatta
[B] Dandin
[C] Bharavi
[D] Kalidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vishakhadatta]
Notes:
Devi-Chandraguptam is the Sanskrit play of Vishakhadeva (Vishakhadatta). Its the story of Gupta King Ramagupta who decides to surrender his queen Dhruvadevi to a Shaka invader but his younger brother Chandragupta enters the enemy camp disguised as queen and kills the enemy. In the climax of the play, Chandragupta dethrones Ramagupta and marries Dhruvadevi. Kindly note that an 11th century Persian text Majmal-ut-Tawarikh includes some parts of the plot of this play.
9. Which among the following are correct about Chola King Rajendra Chola-I?
[A] He built a temple for Siva at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
[B] He also built Tanjore Brihadisvara temple
[C] He built Tanjore Brihadisvara temple for a tribute to his father
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [He built a temple for Siva at Gangaikonda Cholapuram]
Notes:
Tanjore Brihadisvara temple was created by father of Rajendra Chola-1 , Rajraja-1
10. Who among the following was an Indian sage and Guru, reputed to disseminate Tantric Buddhism in Bhutan and Tibet during the 8th century?
[A] Asanga
[B] Nagarjuna
[C] Padmasambhava
[D] Mahavir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Padmasambhava]
Notes:
Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was an 8th-century Buddhist master from the Indian subcontinent. It is said he brought Vajrayana tantric Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan and is recognized as the second Buddha in these regions. His name means “Lotus-Born”, as per the legend, by his birth he was miraculously appeared seated lotus. Subsequently, he played a crucial role in the development of Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
