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. Who was the first Saka king in India?
[A] Moga
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Azes
[D] Ghatotkacha
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Correct Answer: A [ Moga ]
Notes:
An Indo-Scythian king, Moga (or Maues) was the first Saka king in India who established Saka power in Gandhara and extended supremacy over north-western India.
2. Who assassinated Grahavarmana, the brother in law of Harshavardhan ?
[A] Shashanka of Gauda
[B] Kirtivarman
[C] Chandragupta
[D] Narsimhavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Shashanka of Gauda ]
Notes:
Shashanka of Gauda assassinated Grahavarmana and imprisoned his wife Rajyasri ( who was sister of Harshavardhana).
3. What was the other name of Bimbisara?
[A] Shrenika
[B] Ekarat
[C] Sarvakshatrantaka
[D] Shalimal
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Correct Answer: A [ Shrenika ]
Notes:
As per the Jain literature, Bimbisara (who was the real founder of Haryanka dynasty) was also known as Shrenika.
4. The script of Indus Valley people was __?
[A] Desi Script
[B] Pictographic Script
[C] Brahmi Script
[D] Kharosti Script
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Correct Answer: B [ Pictographic Script ]
Notes:
The pictographic script was used by the Indus Valley people.
5. Which of the following are ritualistic teachings attached to the hymns of the Vedas?
[A] Brahmanas
[B] Upanishads
[C] Aranyakas
[D] Itihasas
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Correct Answer: A [ Brahmanas ]
Notes:
The ritualistic teachings attached to the hymns of the Vedas were known as the Brahmanas.
6. Who wrote Mahabhashya?
[A] Panini
[B] Patanjali
[C] Kalidas
[D] Tulsidas
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Correct Answer: B [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
Mahabhashya was written by Patanjali. It is a commentary on selected rules of Sanskrit grammar from Paini’s treatise, the Ashtadhyayi and Katyayana’s Varttika.
7. In the Indus Valley Civilisation(IVC) which among the following site has a unique water harnessing system and its storm water drainage system?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Surkotada
[C] Daimabad
[D] Banawali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dholavira ]
Notes:
Dholavira located at the Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District, Gujarat. The archaeological finding at Dholavira are a) A unique water harnessing system and its storm water drainage system. B) A large well & a bath (giant water reservoirs). C) Only site to be divided into 3 parts. D) Largest Harappan inscription used for civic purpose. E) A stadium.
8. Which of the following are two works of Kalidasa?
[A] Raghuvamsha and Kiratarjuniya
[B] Kumara Sambhav and Raghuvamsha
[C] Malti Madhava and Kumara Sambhava
[D] Malti Madhav and Kumara Sambhava
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Correct Answer: B [ Kumara Sambhav and Raghuvamsha ]
Notes:
Kalidasa was one of the gems of the court of Gupta king Chandragupta II (375–415 CE). The poems he wrote were usually of epic proportions and were written in classical Sanskrit. He wrote two epic poems called Kumara sambhava, which means birth of Kumara and the Raghuvamsha, which means dynasty of Raghu. There are also two lyric poems written by Kalidasa known as Meghadutta that stands for cloud messenger and the Ritusamhara that means description of the seasons. Meghadutta is one of the finest works of Kalidasa in terms of world literature. The beauty of the continuity in flawless Sanskrit is unmatched till date. The most famous and beautiful work of Kalidasa is the Shakuntalam. It is the second play of Kalidasa after he wrote Malavikagnimitra. The Shakuntalam tells the story of king Dushyant who falls in love with a beautiful girl Shakuntala, who happens to be the daughter of a saint.
9. In which state of India is located the ancient trading depot of Bharukaccha?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharastra
[D] Karnataka
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Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Bharuch derives its name from the great sage Bhrigu and the original name of Bharuch was ‘Bhrigukachchha’
10. Which among the following sites near Pondicherry gives best support to the view on an ancient trade between Rome and the ancient Tamil country of India?
[A] Villianur
[B] Suttukeni
[C] Arikamedu
[D] Andiarpalayam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arikamedu]
Notes:
Arikamedu is the site near Pondicherry that best supports the view of ancient trade between Rome and the ancient Tamil country of India. Arikamedu was an important coastal and port town in ancient India. It was located near Puducherry, a union territory of India. Arikamedu was believed to be an active trading port with the Roman Empire as early as the second century BC. Arikamedu exported textiles, beads, and precious stones, and imported wine and olive oil from Rome. It was believed to be the only town to have ties with Rome.
Arikamedu is located about seven kilometers from Pondicherry. The name Arikamedu means “eroding mud”.