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. Which among the following Satavahana / Satakarni rulers recovered Malwa from the Shaka rulers?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Satkarni I
[C] Hala
[D] Yajnsari Satkarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Yajnsari Satkarni ]
Notes:
Yajna Sri Satakarni, who ruled in second century AD was the last great king of the Satavahana dynasty. Inscriptions about him in Nasik Caves and Kanheri Caves mention that he was able to regain some lost territories such as north Konkan and Malwa from the Shaka rulers.
2. At which place Mahavira attained Niravana?
[A] Pavapuri
[B] Kundagram
[C] Vaishali
[D] Rajgriha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pavapuri ]
Notes:
At the age of 72 in 468 BC, Tirthankar Mahavira passed away at Pavapuri, Bihar.
3. In the Maurya empire, who was the superintendent of Ports ?
[A] Pattanadhyaksha
[B] Manadhyaksha
[C] Kosadhyaksha
[D] Ganikadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pattanadhyaksha ]
Notes:
As per the officials mentioned in the Arthashastra, Pattanadhyaksha was the superintendent of Ports.
4. In the Indus Valley Civilization, the style of script is:
[A] Boustrophedon
[B] Pictographic
[C] Brahmi
[D] Not deciphered yet
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Boustrophedon ]
Notes:
Indus Scripts are popularly described as Boustrophedon scripts. This literally means “as the ox turns” in ancient Greek, denoting writing systems that alternate direction. Indus texts feature pictures and symbols, undeciphered to date, inscribed right-to-left in one line with the next line flipping left-to-right in an “ox turns” style unlike later Indian scripts. They have been found on seals, pottery, tools, even an ancient signboard. Deciphering these scripts would unlock valuable information about Harappan economics, political organization, language and beliefs.
5. 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.
6. Who was the elder brother and rightful heir to the throne prior to Ashoka?
[A] Kunala
[B] Susima
[C] tivara
[D] Odruka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Susima]
Notes:
Susima was the eldest son of Bindusara, making him the rightful heir to the throne. However, after a potential power struggle, Ashoka secured the throne. There are claims in Buddhist texts that Ashoka had 100 brothers, an assertion likely exaggerated as the term “brothers” could include half-brothers and cousins.
7. The Brihadishwara Temple (Rajarajeswaram) is situated at?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Thanjavur
[C] Lucknow
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Thanjavur]
Notes:
Brihadeeswarar Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil or Rajrajeshwaram temple at Thanjavur is the world’s first complete “granite” temple. It was built by Rajraja Chola-I and is a part of UNESCO’s world Heritage sites. The Vimana or the temple tower (known as Raja Gopuram) is 216 Feet in height and is one of the tallest buildings of its kind. The Nandi is carved out of a single rock. This temple has completed 1 millennium in 2010. It was dictated by lord Shiva to Rajraja Chola I, when he triumphed Ilam (Sri Lanka) Island.
8. Fa-Hien who came to visit India during Gupta Period had the main motive of ___________?
[A] Establish trade relations between India and China
[B] Write a book on the life of Indian People
[C] Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha
[D] To spread Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha]
Notes:
Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist, was one of the pilgrims who visited India during the reign of the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. His main motive is to study the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
9. Meander who was an Indo Greek king accepted which of the following religion ?
[A] Janism
[B] Buddhism
[C] Jainism
[D] Islam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Buddhism]
Notes:
Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander (an Indo-Greek king) 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).
10. Which dynasty is recognized for establishing tranquility in the country following the decline of the Maurya Empire?
[A] Pallavas
[B] Cholas
[C] Saatvahanas
[D] Vakatakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Saatvahanas]
Notes:
The Saatvahana dynasty, also known as the Andhras in ancient India, played an influential role in re-establishing peace after the Maurya Empire’s fall. They took over the region of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh and expanded to Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Their reign contributed to the prosperity in Deccan, with their robust strategies in trade, agriculture and craftmanship.
