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. Hathigumpha inscription gives account of which of the following rulers?
[A] Asoka
[B] Chandragupta Maurya
[C] Kharvela
[D] Samudragupya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kharvela ]
Notes:
The Hathigumpha Inscription at Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar in Odisha was got inscribed by King Kharvela of Kalinga in 2nd century BC.
2. Which Buddhist monk converted Milinda (Indo-Greek king) to Buddhism?
[A] Nagasena
[B] Gautam Budha
[C] Shakyamuni
[D] Mahadharmaraksita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Nagasena ]
Notes:
The Indo-Greek king, Milinda (or Menander I ) was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena (or Nagarjuna), a Buddhist monk and philospher. Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism.These questions and Nagasena’s answers are recorded in a form of book known as ‘Milindapanho (or The Questions of Milinda).
3. Which among the following University was founded by Ramapala, the ruler of Pala dynasty?
[A] Somapuri
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Jagadal
[D] Odantpuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Jagadal ]
Notes:
Jagadal is situated in Bengal and was founded by Ramapala, the Pala ruler.
4. Where was the second Jain council held?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Patliputra
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vallabhi ]
Notes:
The second Jain Council was held at Vallabhi under the chairmainship of Devaradhi Kshamasramana in 512 AD and resulted in finl compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.
5. Who was the author of the Jivaka Chintamani?
[A] Perudevanar
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Tiruttakrdeva
[D] Ilango Adigal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Tiruttakrdeva ]
Notes:
The epic tamil poem, Jivaka Cintamani (also known as Civaka Cintamani) is a Jain religious epic authored by jain saint Tiruttakrdeva. This epic is considered one of the classic epics of Sangam Literature. The poem means “fabulous gem”and is also known as Manannul (Book of Marriages).
6. The greatest Chera King remembered for building a temple of ‘Kannagi’ the Goddess of Chastity?
[A] Elara
[B] Karikala
[C] Senguttuvan
[D] Mudukudumi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Senguttuvan ]
Notes:
Senguttuvan (also knoown as Red Chera) was the greatest Chera king who is remembered for building a temple of ‘Kannagi’ the Goddess of Chastity and founded the famous Pattini cult.
7. Which among the following was the last ruler of Gupta empire?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Buddhagupta
[D] Kumaragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vishnugupta ]
Notes:
Vishnugupta was the last ruler of the Gupta empire. His reign lasted 10 years, from 540 to 550 CE.
8. Who defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom?
[A] Ramagupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta II defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom and assumed the title Vikramaditya. This brought an end to Saka-Kshatrapa rule in western India and added the regions of Gujarat, Kathiawad and west Malwa to the Gupta empire.
9. Which of the following is the most common motif of the Indus seals?
[A] Unicorn
[B] Bull
[C] Rhinoceros
[D] Elephant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Unicorn]
Notes:
The unicorn is the most frequently depicted motif on Indus seals. It appears in a large number of seal impressions from the Harappan civilisation and is identified by a single horn, often shown in profile. Its exact symbolic or religious meaning is not certain, but among the animal figures on Indus seals, the unicorn is the most common.
10. In Pali texts, who among the following is referred to as Nigantha Nataputta?
[A] Gautam Buddha
[B] Mahavira
[C] Parshvanatha
[D] Rishabha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahavira]
Notes:
Nigantha Nataputta refers to Mahavira. A Nirgrantha refers to Jains. A person who has attained kevalya can be a nirgrantha.
