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 among the following Mudra is the gesture of Buddha as depicted in his first sermon?
[A] Abhaya Mudra
[B] Dhyana Mudra
[C] Dharmachakra Mudra
[D] Bhumisparsa Mudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Dharmachakra Mudra ]
Notes:
The sermon Buddha gave to the five monks was his first sermon, called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. The Seated Buddha from Gandhara is an early statue of the Buddha made in Gandhara, in modern Pakistan, in the 2nd or 3rd century The pose, which was to become one of a number of standard ones, shows Buddha as a teacher setting the wheel of Dharma in motion (Dharmachakra Mudra). Buddha did this following his enlightenment and after delivering his first sermon at the deer park at Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Which Ashokan pillar edict mentions the Dhamma Mahamattas?
[A] pillar edict VII
[B] pillar edict VIII
[C] pillar edict VI
[D] pillar edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ pillar edict VII ]
Notes:
The Ashokan Pillar Edict-VII mentions the Dhamma Mahamattas. It propagated a proper courtesy to slaves and servants, obedience to parents, respectful behaviour towards Brahmans and Sharmanas and generiosty towards friends, acquaintances and relatives.
3. In the Maurya empire, who looked after Markets and check wrong practices?
[A] Samsthadhyaksha
[B] Sitadhyaksha
[C] Akaradhyaksha
[D] Manadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samsthadhyaksha ]
Notes:
In the Mauryan Empire, Samsthadhyaksha looked after the Markets and check wrong practices.
4. The IX mandala of the Rigveda samhita is dedicated to?
[A] Soma
[B] Purushkuta
[C] Gotra
[D] Gayatri Mantra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Soma ]
Notes:
The IX mandala of the Rigveda samhita is dedicated to Soma.
5. King Ashvapati of the Upanishadic Age was the ruler of which among the following Kingdoms?
[A] Kekaya
[B] Matsya
[C] Panchala
[D] Sursena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kekaya ]
Notes:
LATER VEDIC AGE – The Kekaya kingdom was situated on the bank of River Beas, east of Gandhar kingdom. King Aswapati ruled Kekaya when Janak was the king of Videha.
6. Who was the priest of the Bharatas in the battle of Ten Kings ?
[A] Visvamitra
[B] Vasishtha
[C] Atri
[D] Bhrigu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Visvamitra ]
Notes:
The battle of ten kings was fought 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 Purushni, the Bharatas emerged victorious. The reason behind the war is the rivalry between Vishwamitra and Vasishtha.
7. In the Indus Valley civilization the Great Granary was found in which among the following sites?
[A] Mohenjodaro
[B] Harappa
[C] Surkotada
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
Great Granary was found at Mohen-jo daro, while six small granaries were found at Harappa.
8. Which Seleucid king’s name appears on Ashoka’s edicts?
[A] Antiochus I Soter
[B] Seleucus IV Philopator
[C] Antiochus II Theos
[D] Seleucus II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Antiochus II Theos]
Notes:
Antiochus II Theos, ruler of Syria, is mentioned in Ashoka’s edicts among Hellenistic contemporaries: Ptolemy II (Egypt), Magas (Cyrene), Antigonus Gonatas (Macedonia), and Alexander (Epirus).
9. What was the job of Rupadarshaka in Mauryan Era as per Arthashashtra of Kautilya?
[A] Royal examiner of minted coins
[B] Royal Superintendent of Courtesans
[C] Manager of the Stage
[D] Police
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Royal examiner of minted coins]
Notes:
According to Arthashastra of Kautilya, in the Mauryan Administration the official designated as Rupadarshaka was the Royal examiner of Coins.
10. During whose reign among the following the Mahayan emerged ?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka regarded Mahayana as his state religion. The state religion of Kanishka determined preaching the divinity of Gautama Buddha
