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. For which among the following offenses, Manu recommended higher punishment to Brahamans than the persons of other varnas?
[A] Profanity
[B] Murder
[C] Theft
[D] Treason
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Theft ]
Notes:
According to Manu, a Brahamana was to be awarded higher punishment than the persons of other varnas for the offence of Theft.
2. Who was the Syrian ambassador in the court of Bindusara?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Dimachos
[C] Dionysius
[D] Amitrochates
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Dimachos ]
Notes:
The Syrian ruler, Antiochus I sent Dimachos as an ambassador in the court of Bindusara.
3. In which Mandal of Rigveda ‘Gayatri Mantra is mentioned?
[A] III
[B] IV
[C] V
[D] VI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ III ]
Notes:
Gayatri Mantra comes from the third Mandala of the Rigveda. This Mandala has 62 hymns, mainly to Agni and Indra. It is one of the “family books” (mandalas 2-7), the oldest core of the Rigveda. This Mandala also mentions Kikats, a non-Aryan tribe, which most scholars agree that was resident of somewhere in near Magadha in modern Bihar.
4. Who assumed the title of ‘Ksitipasatapatih’ (Lord of hundred Kings)?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Skandgupta
[C] Ashoka
[D] Chandragupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Skandgupta ]
Notes:
The titles of Skandagupta are Parambhattaraka, Paramdevta, Maharajadhiraj, Kramaditya, Vikramaditya, etc. In the Kahaum inscription he is also known as KsitipaSatapatih (or lord of a hundred kings).
5. Who among the following has been described by Banabhatta as “a lion to the Huna deer’?
[A] Harshavardhana
[B] Prabhakarvardhana
[C] Grahavarmana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prabhakarvardhana]
Notes:
An important ruling family to gain prominence after the fall of the Gupta was that of the Pushyabhutis who had their capital at Thanesar (Thanesvara in Kurukshetra). The dynasty became influential with the accession of Prabhakarvardhana, who was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana. After his death, his elder son Rajyavardhana came to the throne but he was treacherously killed by Shashanka, the king of Bengal and Bihar. Harshavardhana then ascended the throne in AD 606. He was only sixteen years of age at that time. Still he proved himself to be a great warrior and an able administrator
6. Which among the following correctly explains Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha of Buddhism?
[A] Buddhist monks under whose supervision Buddhist nuns were to live
[B] Special places which were used by Buddhist nuns for worship
[C] Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns
[D] Special book which narrates Jataka story of Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns]
Notes:
The Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha is a specific code of conduct for female Buddhist monks, or nuns, outlining rules and ethical guidelines they must follow. It is part of the larger Pātimokkha, which governs both monks and nuns in the Theravada tradition. This code emphasizes discipline, moral conduct, and community harmony. The Bhikkhunī order was established during the Buddha’s lifetime, allowing women to attain enlightenment and participate fully in the monastic community.
7. Which among the following was used to create sculptures in the Mathura school of art that flourished around 1st century AD?
[A] Marble
[B] State stone
[C] Granite
[D] Red sandstone
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Red sandstone]
Notes:
The Mathura school of art is developed under the Kushanas. The material used for the construction is Spotted Red Sandstone.
8. When did the Lohara dynasty was founded?
[A] 1007 AD
[B] 1003 AD
[C] 998 AD
[D] 1010 AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1003 AD]
Notes:
The Lohara dynasty of Kashmir was founded by Sangam Raj (Hindu ruler) in 1003 AD who received the crown of Kashmir from his aunt Queen Didda.
9. Who among the following rulers of the Chola empire is credited with conquering the Sri Vijaya empire of the Sailendra rulers by sending a naval expedition?
[A] Rajendra I
[B] Kulottunga I
[C] Rajaraja Chola I
[D] Vikramachola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajendra I]
Notes:
During the reign of Rajendra Chola I, a naval expedition was sent against the Shailendera rulers of Shri Vijaya empire and defeated him.
10. Which of the following was most probably the first metal to be used in India?
[A] Iron
[B] Copper
[C] Gold
[D] Silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Copper ]
Notes:
The earliest historic evidences of use of metal are of Chalcolithic Age or Stone-Copper Age, which covered the period from 1800 to 800 BC. This period was marked by the use of copper (the first metal to be used in India) as well as stone.
