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 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).
2. According to some Jain traditions, who was son-in-law and first disciple of Tirthankara Mahavira?
[A] Jamali
[B] Jamvant
[C] Jamval
[D] Cant’ say
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Jamali ]
Notes:
According to some Jain traditions (Shwetambara mainly), Jamali was the son-in-law and first disciple of Tirthankara Mahavira.
3. Mahavir Swami belonged to which clan?
[A] Kosala
[B] Huna
[C] Jantriak
[D] Sakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Jantriak ]
Notes:
Jantriak Vardhamana Mahavir belonged an aristocratic family and Kshatriya clan called Naya or Jnatri. He was born in Kudagrama , near modern Patna and his father was King of this area. His mother, Trishala was sister of Chetak (Cetakka) an eminent Lichchvi prince of Vaisali.
4. In the Indus Valley Civilization, Great Bath was found at which place?
[A] Mohenjodaro
[B] Harappa
[C] Rakhi Garhi
[D] Ropar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
The Great Bath was discovered at Mohenjodaro in Sindh, Pakistan. It measures 11.88 meters x 7.01 meters and has a maximum depth of 2.43 meters.
5. 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 .
6. Who among the following succeeded Samudragupta as the next ruler of Gupta Dynasty ?
[A] Chandragupta II
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Vishnugupta
[D] Mahendra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta ll (380-412 A.D.) succeeded Samundragupta as the next ruler of Gupta dynasty. He was also known as Devgupta, Devraj and Devshree. Some titled he adopted were : Vikramank, Vikramaditya and Parambhagawat.
7. Which of the following rivers was known as “Drishdvati” in Vedic Era?
[A] Ravi
[B] Chenab
[C] Jhelum
[D] Ghagghar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ghagghar]
Notes:
In the Vedic era, the river Ghaggar-Hakra, which flowed through parts of present-day Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab in India, and Cholistan in Pakistan, was known as “Drishdvati” or “Drishadvati.” The Ghaggar-Hakra river system was an important river during the Vedic period and is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts such as the Rig Veda, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
It was one of the major rivers along which the early Vedic people settled and established their civilization. However, the Ghaggar-Hakra river system lost its prominence over time due to a number of factors, including tectonic activity and climate change. The river gradually dried up, leaving behind a dry channel that can still be seen today.
8. Which among the following ruler is known for Junagarh Rock Inscription?
[A] Rudradaman I
[B] Jivadaman
[C] Damajadasri
[D] Jayadaman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rudradaman I]
Notes:
The Junagarh Rock inscription of Rudradaman is considered as an early example of chaste Sanskrit, written in mid second century AD. It mentions that one of Chandragupta Maurya’s governors, Pushyagupta, was responsible for building a dam on Sudarshana Lake near Girnar in Kathiawar. From another inscription of Skandgupta we came to know that this very dam was repaired during his reign, almost 800 years after it was built
9. Who among the following is the author of Dharmasastra?
[A] Manu
[B] Gautama
[C] Kasyapa
[D] Several authors
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Several authors]
Notes:
Dharmaśāstra is a genre of Sanskrit theological texts, and refers to the treatises of Hinduism on dharma. There are many Dharmashastras, variously estimated to be 18 to about 100. There are many authors for Dharmasastras.
10. There is only one edict, in which Ashoka refers himself as King of Magadha (Laja Magadhe). Identify the edict from the following:
[A] Minor Rock Edict of Maski
[B] The Queen’s Edict
[C] Bhabru Edict
[D] Dhauli Pillar Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhabru Edict]
Notes:
In Bhabru edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha). In this edict he states his faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. In the Queen’s Edict, Ashoka states that the Queen Karuvaki should be credited for her gifts. The Dhauli Pillar Inscription discusses about the Kalinga War. The Maski Edict confirms title “Devanampriya” with the King Asoka.
