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 among the following Pallava ruler built Vaikuntaperumal temple at Kanchi ?
[A] Nandivarman II
[B] Aparajita
[C] Mahendrvarman I
[D] Vikramaditta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Nandivarman II ]
Notes:
Vaikunta Perumal Temple was built by Pallava King Nandivarman-II in the 8th century, he was a worshipper of Lord Vishnu.
2. Who among the following rulers of Gupta dynasty started Gupta Era?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta I ]
Notes:
The Gupta Era was started by Chandragupta I in 319-320 AD. He was the real founder of the Gupta dynasty and was known as Maharajadhiraja (king of kings).
3. Which among the following is true about Buddha?
[A] He accepted existence of God
[B] He didn’t accept existence of God
[C] He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god]
Notes:
Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, did not explicitly affirm or deny the existence of God. His teachings focused on personal enlightenment and the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing individual experience over theological speculation. This approach led to interpretations that he neither accepted nor rejected the concept of God, aligning with the agnostic stance. Buddhism generally does not center around a creator deity, distinguishing it from many other religions.
4. After death of Bindusara, who among the following is considered to help Asoka to capture the throne?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Radhagupta
[C] Tishya
[D] Bairam khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Radhagupta]
Notes:
Radhagupta was an important character in the life of the greatest king Ashoka. Radhagupta was a son of prime minister. He later became a minster in the Mauryan empire. Radhagupta gave elephant as a gift when Ashoka proceed to golden palace. He helped Ashoka after the death of Bindusara.
5. 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.
6. Which among the following emperors introduced the two laws of Vyavahar Samta and Danda Samata?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chandragupta Vikramaditya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka introduced Vyavahara-Samata, so that all his subjects equal in Law. And, by his Danda-Samata he wanted ‘equality of punishment’ irrespective of caste and creed.
7. Who was the last ruler of Chola dynasty?
[A] Adhirajendra
[B] Virarajendra
[C] Kulottunga II
[D] Parantaka I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Adhirajendra]
Notes:
Adhirajendra was the last ruler of Chola dynasty, who was killed in a public revolt.
8. Sitabena and Jogimara, which are known to be among world’s oldest surviving theatres, are located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Bihar
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
Sitabena and Jogimara are located in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh. The caves are located on Ramgarh hill, near the village of Ramgarh. The hills have many caves, but the Sitabenga and Jogimara caves are the most important and frequently visited.
The caves are ancient monuments with non-religious inscriptions in the Magadhi language and Brahmi script. They also have eight panels of murals, but they have become faded.
The excavated ruins at the caves are said to represent the world’s oldest amphitheatres.
9. According to the Jaina traditions, who among the following Tirthankaras was from the same Yadava clan as Krishna?
[A] Neminatha
[B] Mallinatha
[C] Parsvanatha
[D] Adinatha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Neminatha]
Notes:
Neminatha is said to be from Vrishni clan of Yadavas like Krishna.
10. During the early Vedic period, which of the following priests served as presiding priest during ritual sacrifices?
[A] Hotr
[B] adhvaryu
[C] Udgatr
[D] Brahmin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Hotr]
Notes:
hotr was the presiding priest, with perhaps only the adhvaryu as his assistant in the earliest time.
