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. Who presided Second Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sabakami ]
Notes:
The second Buddhist Council took place at Vaishali in 383 BC. It was presided by Sabakami under Kalasoka of Shisunga dynatsy to settle down dispute between two opposing groups of monks of Vaishali and Patliputra and monks of Kausambi and Avanti regarding the code of discipline.
2. In the Rigvedic Dasrajan Yudha (Battle of Ten Kings) the Bharatas emerged winner at the bank of __?
[A] The Indus River
[B] The Saraswati River
[C] The Sutlej River
[D] The Parushni River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ The Parushni River ]
Notes:
According to Rigveda,the famous battle of ten kings ( or Dasrajan Yudha) was between Sudas, a Bharata king of the Tritsu family and the confederacy of ten well-known tribes- Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha ,Bhalanas,Shiva and Vishanin.In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of River Parushni the Bharatas emerged victorious.
3. Who was the first Tirthankara in Jainism?
[A] Rishabhanatha
[B] Parsavanath
[C] Mahavira
[D] Munisuvrata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rishabhanatha]
Notes:
According to Jain belief, the first Tirthankara was Lord Rishabhanatha who lived millions of years ago in the ancient city of Ayodhya. As per legend, he was born to King Nabhi Raja and Queen Marudevi. At age 30, he renounced his princely comforts to become a monk. Eventually he attained Kevala Jnana and became the first sage to preach Jain values of non-violence, truth etc. Jains consider him to be a founder of their faith and ethical order.
4. On the bank of which river, Mahavira attained Kaivalaya?
[A] Niranjana
[B] Rijupalika
[C] Yamuna
[D] Jamuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rijupalika ]
Notes:
According to Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavira attained the highly exalted omniscient state of Kaivalya in 599 BCE under a Sal tree near the village of Jrimbhikgrama. This site was located on the banks of the River Rijupalika in the kingdom of Magadha, which roughly corresponds to the modern Bihar. The site holds a special place for Jains as the exact spot where Mahavira attained supreme enlightenment through deep penance and meditation.
5. Who among the following Chalukyan king sent an ambassador to Persian king Khusrau II ?
[A] Pulakesin I
[B] Pulakesin II
[C] Kirtivarman I
[D] Vishnuvardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pulakesin II ]
Notes:
The Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II sent an ambassador to the Persian king Khusrau II in 625 A.D. And received one from him.
6. Ancient Indraprastha was capital of which of the following Mahajanapada?
[A] Kuru
[B] Matsya
[C] Panchal
[D] Vajji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kuru ]
Notes:
Kuru Indraprastha, capital of Kuru Mahajanpada located in Meerut Delhi region.
7. Which among the following is the correct location of the ancient site Deh Morasi Ghundai?
[A] Northern Pakistan
[B] Eastern Persia
[C] Modern Turkey
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Afghanistan]
Notes:
Deh Morasi Ghundai is an archaeological site near Kandahar in Afghanistan. It is known as one of the earliest prehistoric sites excavated in the country and has yielded important evidence for early settlement in the region. Among the given options, Afghanistan is the correct location. The site is associated with the ancient cultural landscape of southern Afghanistan, not with Pakistan, Persia, or Anatolia.
8. “Revere all the Buddhas, revere the dharma, revere the sangha” Which among the following quotes this _________?
[A] Allahabad Pillar Inscription
[B] Asoka Edict XII
[C] Asoka Edict X
[D] Mathura Lion capital
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Mathura Lion capital ]
Notes:
Mathura Lion capital will be the correct answer.
9. Which Gupta emperor was an expert Veena player?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Kumargupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta was an expert ‘ Veena’ player and adopted the title of Kaviraj (King of poets). He was not only a great warrior but also a great patron of art and literature.
10. Sudarshan lake repaired second time under the reign of _?
[A] Skandgupta
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Rudradaman
[D] Parnadatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Skandgupta ]
Notes:
The Junagarh inscription gives the information about the Sudarshan lake that the lake was an artificial reservoir, was built by the Mauryan emperors for checking floods. Around 150 AD, the lake was repaired by the Shaka ruler Rudradaman-I. And, it was again repaired under the Skandgupta’s reign (415 AD- 455 AD) by his governor Parnadatta.