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 title “Paramasaugata” was adopted by ___?
[A] Bhaskar Varman
[B] Shashanka
[C] Rajya Vardhana
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Rajya Vardhana ]
Notes:
The title “Paramasaugata” was adopted by Rajyavardhana. Rajyavardhana was the eldest son of Prabhakarvardhana and a member of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. He ascended the throne after his father’s death and was succeeded by his younger brother, Harsha.
Rajyavardhana is mentioned as Parama-Saugata in Harsha’s Madhuvana and Banskhera inscriptions.
2. What symbol represents birth of Gautama Buddha?
[A] Bodh tree
[B] Lotus
[C] Horse
[D] Wheel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Lotus ]
Notes:
Lotus and bull resembles the symbol of birth of Gautama Buddha.
3. Which of the following Pala ruler founded the Somapuri University?
[A] Gopala
[B] Kumarpala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Ramapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Dharmapala ]
Notes:
The Somapuri University is situated at North Bengal and was founded by Dharmapala, the Pala ruler.
4. Who among the following built the Gomateshwara statue at Sravanabelagola ?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Kharvela
[C] Amoghavarsha
[D] Chamundaraya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Chamundaraya ]
Notes:
Bahubali also called Gomateshwara was an Arihant. According to Jainism, he was the second of the hundred sons of the first Tirthankara, Rishabha and king of Podanpur. A monolithic statue of Bahubali referred to as “Gommateshvara” built by the Ganga dynasty minister and commander Chamundaraya is a 60 feet (18 m) monolith and is situated above a hill in Shravanabelagola, in the Hassan district of Karnataka. It was built in the 10th century AD.
5. Which Greek ruler sent Dionysuis as an ambassador in the court of Patliputra?
[A] Selecus Nicator
[B] Antiochus I
[C] Potlemy Phildelphos
[D] Antigonas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Potlemy Phildelphos ]
Notes:
The Egyptian ruler, Ptolemy II Philadelphus had sent Dionysuis as an ambassador in the court of either Bindusara or Asoka.
6. In context of Mauryan administration, who was regarded as the ‘Chief treasury officer’?
[A] Samaharta
[B] Paura
[C] Sannidhata
[D] Karmantika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Sannidhata ]
Notes:
As per the Arthashastra of Chankya, there were two important officers in the Central Administration. These are Sannidhata (the Chief treasury officer) and Samaharta (the Chief Collector General of Revenue).
7. Who was the founder of Yoga philosophy?
[A] Jaimini
[B] Kapila
[C] Akshapada Gautam
[D] Patanjali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
Patanjali Yoga philosophy is one of the six major orthodox schools of Hinduism. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a key text of the Yoga school of Hinduism. Patanjali was the founder of Yoga philosophy.
8. Works of 11th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva have become the basis of which among the following dance forms of India?
[A] Odissi
[B] Bharatnatyam
[C] Kathak
[D] Manipuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odissi]
Notes:
Jayadeva’s seminal works greatly influenced the Odissi dance form. He is known for his epic Gita Govinda, an important text in Odissi dance’s repertoire. It describes the unique relationship of divine Krishna and his devotee Radha, along with the gopis of Vrindavan. These spiritual themes find a visual depiction through Odissi dance, showcasing its close tie with ancient poet Jayadeva.
9. At which among the following places, Gautam Buddha preached his last sermon?
[A] Sarnath
[B] Rajgir
[C] Vaishali
[D] Pavapuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vaishali]
Notes:
Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at Sarnath. Buddha preached most sermons at Sravasti. Lord Buddha preached his last sermon at Vaishali.
10. Pushyamitra Shunga, who was originally a Senapati of the Mauryan Empire and assassinated the last Mauryan Emperor Brihadrath in 185 BC was a ____?
[A] Brahamin
[B] Kshatriya
[C] Vaishya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahamin]
Notes:
Pushyamitra Shunga was the founder and first ruler of the Shunga Empire. He was a Brahmin and follower of Hinduism. Pushyamitra was originally a Senapati “General” of the Maurya Empire. In 185 BCE he assassinated the last Mauryan Emperor, Brihadratha Maurya, during an army review, and proclaimed himself emperor.
