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 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.
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. Which among the following was the main occupation of Palaeolithic (Old stone) people?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Farming
[C] Hunting
[D] Fishing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Hunting ]
Notes:
Hunting animals and gathering wild fruits, vegetables and plants were the main occupations of Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers. They did not practice organized agriculture and were nomadic, moving from place to place for sustenance. Stone tools found at sites like Hunsgi Valley, Kurnool Caves, and Bhimbetka were probably used for skinning animals and cutting meat.
4. Which of the Brahamana says’wife is half her husband’?
[A] Satapatha Brahamana
[B] Aitareya Brahamana
[C] Gopatha Brahamana
[D] Taittiriya Brahmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Satapatha Brahamana ]
Notes:
The Satapatha Brahamana states that the wife is half her husband and completes him.
5. Kushans belongs to which tribe?
[A] Yuchi
[B] Terai
[C] Ikswaku
[D] Jnatrika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Yuchi ]
Notes:
Yuchi-Chis or Tocharians. As per the Chinese sources, the Kushanas (mentioned in Chinese texts as Guishuang) were one of the 5 tribes of Yueh-Chi or Yuezhi. They were also known as Tocharians. Their origin is connected to China and also Central Asia.
6. 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.
7. That the homeland of the Aryans was Arctic Region, was propounded by ___?
[A] Max Muller
[B] Edward Meyer
[C] Bal Gangadhar Tilak
[D] Herzefeld
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Bal Gangadhar Tilak ]
Notes:
The Arctic Home in the Vedas is a book on the origin of Aryans by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak The book was written at the end of 1898, but was first published in March 1903 in Pune .It propounded the theory that the North Pole was the original home of Aryans during pre-glacial period which they had to leave due to the ice deluge around 8000 B.C. And had to migrate to the Northern parts of Europe and Asia in search of lands for new settlements. In support to his theory , Tilak has presented certain Vedic hymns, East Iranian passages, Vedic chronology and Vedic calendars with interpretations of the contents in detail.
8. Which among the following kings assassinated Brihadrath, the last Maurya King?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Pushyamitra Shunga
[C] Vasujyeshtha
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pushyamitra Shunga]
Notes:
Brihadratha was a weak ruler and his Senapati Pushymitra Shunga while a parading the entire Mauryan army before Brihadratha to show him the strength of the army assassinated him and this was the end of the Mauryas.
Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty in around 185-183 BC.
9. At which among the following places, Chandragupta Maurya spent his last days?
[A] Nalanda
[B] Ujjain
[C] Shravana Belgola
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shravana Belgola]
Notes:
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire. During his last days Chandragupta Maurya accepted Jainism and spent his last days at Sravanabelagola with Bhadrabahu.
10. Which among the following is Incorrect regarding the early Vedic religion?
[A] They didn’t believe in Idol worship and believed in one supreme god indeed
[B] The Vedic god were classified into three categories- Terrestrial , Atmospheric and Celestial
[C] The people used to worship of spiritual reasons
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The people used to worship of spiritual reasons]
Notes:
They used to worship for welfare of praja and pashu
