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 Saka king in India?
[A] Moga
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Azes
[D] Ghatotkacha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Moga ]
Notes:
An Indo-Scythian king, Moga (or Maues) was the first Saka king in India who established Saka power in Gandhara and extended supremacy over north-western India.
2. Which among the following is an extant Shaka of the Rigveda Samhita?
[A] Saunaka
[B] Ashvalayan
[C] Shakala
[D] Sankhayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Shakala ]
Notes:
Rigveda is the oldest Veda .In it,only two shakas of the Rig-Veda, Shakala sakha and Baskala shaka, remain alive out of the 21 which existed at one time.
3. Parnadatta was appointed the Provincial Governor of Saurashtra by __?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Chandragupta II
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Skandagupta ]
Notes:
Skandgupta’s Junagarh Inscription: It states that Skandagupta appointed Parnadatta as goptri (governor) of Surashtra (Saurashtra).
4. What symbol represents nirvana of Gautama Buddha?
[A] Lotus
[B] Wheel
[C] Horse
[D] Bodhi Tree
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Bodhi Tree ]
Notes:
Bodhi Tree is the symbol of nirvana of Gautama Buddha. On the other hand, Stupa represents the symbol of death of Gautama Buddha. Further, The symbol ‘Horse’ signifies the renunciation of Buddha’s life.
5. Which among the following plays was / were written by Harsha?
[A] Nagananda
[B] Ratnavali
[C] Priyadarshika
[D] All of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of these ]
Notes:
Harsha wrote three sanskrit plays- Nagananda, Ratnavali and Priyadarshika.
6. Which of the following Pallava rulers invaded the Chalukya Kingdom and captured Badami ?
[A] Narsimhavarman I
[B] Kirtivarman
[C] Vishnuvardhan
[D] Mahendravarnan I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narsimhavarman I ]
Notes:
In the Battle of Vatapi, the Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman I defeated and killed Pulakesin II and captured the Chalukyan capital, Badami in 642 AD. Thus, he assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi).
7. Which rock edict of Ashoka requests for religious tolerance among sects?
[A] Major Rock Edict VI
[B] Major Rock Edict VII
[C] Major Rock Edict VIII
[D] Major Rock Edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major Rock Edict VII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict VII of Ashoka requests for religious tolerance amongst all sects. It appears from the edict that tensions among the sects were intense perhaps in open antagonism.
8. The word ‘Sangam’ of Sangam Age was closely associated with which of the following?
[A] Crowd
[B] Assembly
[C] Influence
[D] Source
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Assembly ]
Notes:
The word Sangam is associated with a College or Assembly of Tamil scholars and Poets .
9. Who wrote Malvikagnimitra?
[A] Kalidas
[B] Tulsidas
[C] Agnimitra
[D] Chanakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kalidas ]
Notes:
Malvikagnimitra is a five-act drama based on Sunga king Agnimitra’s love for Vidharbha princess Malvika. It was a Sanskrit play written by Kalidas.
10. The achievements of Samudragupta are mentioned in which inscription?
[A] Hathigumpha inscription
[B] Allahabad Pillar inscription
[C] Bairut inscription
[D] Junagarh Pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Allahabad Pillar inscription ]
Notes:
The achievements of Samudragupta are composed by his court-poet Harisena in Allahabad Pillar inscription ( or Prayag-Prasasti inscription).
