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 presided Fourth Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vasumitra ]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD during the reign of Kushan king Kanishka. It was held under the Presidentship of Vasumitra to compose commentaries on the Tripitika.
2. For which among the following offenses, Manu recommended higher punishment to Brahamans than the persons of other varnas?
[A] Profanity
[B] Murder
[C] Theft
[D] Treason
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Theft ]
Notes:
According to Manu, a Brahamana was to be awarded higher punishment than the persons of other varnas for the offence of Theft.
3. Who defeated Harsha Vardhana on the banks of river Narmada around 618 A.D.?
[A] Pulakesin II
[B] Mahendravarman I
[C] Pulakesin I
[D] Kirtivarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pulakesin II ]
Notes:
Pulakesin II defeated Harshavardhana near the Narmada, generally dated to around 618–619 CE. His copperplate grant dated 619 CE already mentions the victory, which is also celebrated in the Aihole inscription.
4. Taxila was the capital of which ancient Mahajanpada ?
[A] Gandhara
[B] Anga
[C] Magadha
[D] Kasi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gandhara]
Notes:
“Gandhara” was one of the 16 mahajanapadas, located in the northwest region of ancient India, roughly corresponding to present-day eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. Its capitals were Kapisi (Bagram), Puṣkalavati (Charsadda), Puruṣapura (Peshawer), Takshashila (Taxila) and Udabhandapura (Hund)
5. In which rock edict Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child…”?
[A] Separate Kalinga Edict I
[B] Major Rock Edict IV
[C] Major Rock Edict VI
[D] Major Rock Edict VII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Separate Kalinga Edict I]
Notes:
In Separate Kalinga Edict I, Ashoka describes all people as his children and expresses his wish for their welfare in this world and the next.
6. The earliest evidence of Banking transactions in India comes from __:
[A] Vedic Era
[B] Maurya Era
[C] Gupta Era
[D] Medieval India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vedic Era ]
Notes:
Earliest evidence of Banking in India is found from the period of Vedic Civilization. During those days, loan deeds called rnapatra or rnalekhya were prevalent. Interest rates as well as usury was prevalent in Vedic India. The Vedic word Kusidin refers to an usurer.This term is also found in Manusmriti.
7. The Kalinga war was fought in which year of Ashoka reign?
[A] 6
[B] 7
[C] 8
[D] 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 8 ]
Notes:
Ashoka conquered Kalinga eight years after his consecration, conventionally dated to 261 BCE. Major Rock Edict XIII records 150,000 people deported, 100,000 killed and many times that number dying from other causes.
8. Where was the first Tamil Sangam held__?
[A] Madurai
[B] Kapatpuram
[C] Kaveripattnam
[D] Kural
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Madurai ]
Notes:
Tamil literary tradition places the first Sangam at Thenmadurai, or southern Madurai, under Pandya patronage. Agastya is associated with it. The accounts of three successive Sangams are traditional narratives rather than securely documented institutional histories.
9. Which of the following sons of Samudragupta became a Gupta emperor known as Vikramaditya?
[A] Chandragupta II
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Vishnugupta
[D] Mahendra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta II, a son of Samudragupta, is known as Vikramaditya. The possibility of an intervening reign of Ramagupta makes a claim of immediate succession problematic.
10. The Nitisara of Kamandaka, also known as the Kamandakiya-Nitisara, was composed during the period of:
[A] Satavahana dynasty
[B] Gupta dynasty
[C] Kalachuri dynasty
[D] Nanda dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta dynasty]
Notes:
The Nitisara of Kamandaka, also known as the Kamandakiya-Nitisara, was composed during the period of Gupta Dynasty. It was based on Kautilya’s Arthashastra
