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 one is the longest epic of the world?
[A] Ramayana
[B] Ramcharitmanas
[C] Mahabharata
[D] Hanuman Chalisa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Mahabharata ]
Notes:
The Mahabharata by Ved vyas is the longest epic of the world consists of 1,00,000 shlokas.
2. Who among the following was the author of Abhidhamma treatise Kathavatthu?
[A] Mah-a kassapa
[B] Mahinda
[C] Milinda
[D] Moggaliputta Tissa.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Moggaliputta Tissa. ]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma treatise Kathavatthu was written by Moggaliputta Tissa. He was a Buddhist monk and scholar who lived in the 3rd century BC . Moggaliputta-Tissa was the spiritual teacher of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, and his son Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. He also presided over the Third Buddhist Council.
3. Ancient Indraprastha was capital of which of the following Mahajanapada?
[A] Kuru
[B] Matsya
[C] Panchal
[D] Vajji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kuru ]
Notes:
Kuru Indraprastha, capital of Kuru Mahajanpada located in Meerut Delhi region.
4. At which among the following places, the Dharma-Chakra Jina Vihara was constructed by Gahadavala Queen Kumaradevi?
[A] Bodha Gaya
[B] Rajgrih
[C] Kushinagar
[D] Sarnath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sarnath ]
Notes:
Dharmachakra Jina Vihara In Sarnath, Varanasi :The last great monument in the 12th century : The temples included what is described as the Main Shrine and another entitled the, Dharmachakra Jina Vihara was the gift of Kumaradevi, the Buddhist queen of the great Gahadavala king Govindrachandra of Kannauj (CE 1114-1154).
5. Which among the following is the bilingual inscription?
[A] Girnar Inscription
[B] Kandhar Inscription
[C] Maski Inscription
[D] Bairut Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kandhar Inscription ]
Notes:
The Kandhar Inscription of Ashoka is bilingual (Greek and Aramaic) inscription.
6. Which Ashokan inscription prohibits animal slaughter?
[A] Major rock edict III
[B] Major rock edict I
[C] Major rock edict IV
[D] Major rock edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major rock edict I ]
Notes:
The Major rock edict I of Ashoka prohibits animal slaughter and holidays of festive gathering. Only two peacocks and one deer were killed in Asoka’s kitchen. He wished to discontinue this practice of killing two peacocks and one deer as well. On the other hand, Major Rock Edict II mentions medical treatment for men and animals, construction of roads, wells and tree planting.
7. 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).
8. As per the Dharmashastras, what does ‘Anuloma Vivah’ mean ?
[A] A marriage between a higher caste man and a lower caste woman
[B] A marriage between a lower caste man and a higher caste woman
[C] A marriage between a man and woman of a same caste
[D] A marriage between a man and a woman of same gotra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ A marriage between a higher caste man and a lower caste woman ]
Notes:
An Anuloma vivah is a marriage between a higher caste man and a lower caste woman. A Pratiloma Vivah is a marriage between a lower caste man and a higher caste woman.
9. In the Sangam age, ‘Karai’ the revenue term is related with__?
[A] Collecting Tax
[B] Land Tax
[C] Custom Duties
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Land Tax ]
Notes:
The Term Karai was used for Land Tax in the Sangam Period.
10. Who was the priest of the Bharatas in the battle of Ten Kings ?
[A] Visvamitra
[B] Vasishtha
[C] Atri
[D] Bhrigu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Visvamitra ]
Notes:
The battle of ten kings was fought between Sudas, a Bharata king of the Tritsu family and the confederacy of ten well-known tribes- Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha ,Bhalanas,Shiva and Vishanin. In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of River Purushni, the Bharatas emerged victorious. The reason behind the war is the rivalry between Vishwamitra and Vasishtha.
