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. The reign of which of the following reigns was known as golden age for Mathura school of art?
[A] Indo-Greeks
[B] Sakas
[C] Kushanas
[D] Gupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kushanas ]
Notes:
The period of Kushana King Kanishka, Huviska and Vasudeva is considered to be golden age for Mathura school of art. The theme of Mathura school of art may vary from Buddhist to Brahmanical to sometimes secular. The more stress is given to the inner beauty and facial emotions rather than bodily gesture. The sculptures were made on White-spotted red stones.
2. Which of the following pairs is / are correctly matched?
- Nagananda – Harsha
- Mudrarakshasa – Visakhadatta
- Mrichchhakatika – Sudraka
- Ratnavali – Rajasekhara
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:
- Mricchakatika, is a ten-act Sanskrit drama written by Sudraka.
- Nagananda is one of the best Sanskrit dramas in five acts dealing with the popular story of Jimutavahana’s self-sacrifice to save the Nagas, written by king Harsha(Vardhana Dynasty).
- The Mudrarakshasa (“The Signet of the Minister”) is a historical play in Sanskrit by Vishakhadatta that narrates the ascent of the king Chandragupta Maurya to power in Northern India.
- Ratnavali is a Sanskrit drama about a beautiful princess named Ratnavali, and a great king named Udayana,written by Indian emperor Harsha(Vardhana dynasty).
3. Which of the following inscriptions mentions the name of Kalidasa?
[A] Allahabad pillar inscription
[B] Aihole inscription
[C] Alapadu grant
[D] Hanumakonda inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aihole inscription ]
Notes:
Aihole inscription mentions the name of the poet Kalidasa. The inscription was written in 634 by Ravikirti, the court poet and minister of the Chalukya king Pulakesin II. The inscription is located in Aihole, Karnataka.
The Aihole inscription also provides information about the early history of the Chalukyas of Badami until 634 AD. It also provides a terminus ante quem of 634 CE for both Kalidasa and Bharavi.
4. Who was the founder of Nanda dynasty?
[A] Mahapadmananda
[B] Shisunaga
[C] Dhanananda
[D] Nandivardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahapadmananda ]
Notes:
Mahapadmananda (345 BC – 329 BC) was the founder of Nanda dynasty. Mahapadmananda was also known as Ekarat and Sarvakshatrantaka.
5. To which of the following ethnic hordes, Toramana belonged to ?
[A] Scythians
[B] Hunas
[C] Yue-chis
[D] Sakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Hunas ]
Notes:
King of the Huns Toramana was a ruler of the Hephthalite Empire who ruled its Indian region in the late 5th and the early 6th century. Toramana consolidated the Hephthalite power in Punjab and conquered northern and central India including Eran in Madhya Pradesh. His territory also included Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kashmir
6. Who among the following is known as father of Indian Pre-History?
[A] Robert Bruce foote
[B] Sir William Jones
[C] E.J.H Mackey
[D] Sir John Marshall
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Robert Bruce foote]
Notes:
Robert Bruce Foote (1834-1912) was a British geologist and archaeologist, known as father of India’s prehistory. While being employed by Geological Survey of India, he conducted surveys of prehistoric locations in India, including parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. In 1863, he discovered Paleolithic tools at Pallavaram, Chennai. The tools are now preserved at the Chennai Museum. He served in Baroda for two years after retiring in 1892 and was also invited to Mysuru by the Maharaja.
7. Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of which of the following?
[A] Taxilla
[B] Ujjain
[C] Pataliputra
[D] Kandhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Taxilla ]
Notes:
Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of Taxila.
8. Which among the following were the scholars in the Court of Kanishka-I?
[A] Vasumitra, Asvaghosa and Parsva
[B] Nagarjuna, Charaka and Mathara
[C] Charaka, Vasumitra and Asvaghosa
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The great scholars in the Court of Kanishka I were Asvaghosa (the Buddhist poet), Nagarjuna (the philosopher), Samgharaksha (the chaplain), Mathara (the politician), Vasumitra (the Buddhist scholar), Charaka (the physician) and Agisala (the engineer).
9. Who composed Prayag-Prashasti inscription during the Gupta period?
[A] Harisena
[B] Veerasena
[C] Amarkhaddava
[D] Aswaghosa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Harisena ]
Notes:
Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta, who mentioned the achievements of Samudragupta in the Prayag-Prasasti inscription (or Allahabad Pillar inscription).
10. Which of the following inscriptions mentions Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s authority over North-Western India?
[A] Mehrauli iron pillar inscription
[B] Beirut inscription
[C] Junagarh inscription
[D] Allahbad pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mehrauli iron pillar inscription ]
Notes:
The Mehrauli iron pillar inscription mentions Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s authority over north western India and a good portion of Bengal. This pillar was established by Chandragupta as Vishnupada in the honor of Lord Vishnu.
