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 of the following is not a correct observation as mentioned by Megasthenes about India?
[A] There is abundant gold, silver, copper and iron in India
[B] There is a well established caste system in India
[C] There are frequent famines in India
[D] Dionysus has invaded India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ There are frequent famines in India ]
Notes:
The option C is not correct. Indians did not face famines because of abundant rains and assured at least one of two seasons of crops; and abundance of fruits and edible roots.
2. Which of the following types of Vedic priests was most responsible for making correct arrangements for vedic sacrificial rites?
[A] Hotri
[B] Udgatri
[C] Adhvaryu
[D] Nakshotri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Adhvaryu ]
Notes:
Adhvaryu In the operational aspects of Vedic fire rites, the Adhvaryu was a central figure because he was the one who measured the sacrificial ground, built all that was needed and prepared materials to be used like, articles of oblation, utensils, woods and water. He also kindled the fire for expected offerings. Thus, success of a Yajna was dependent on correct duties of the Adhvaryu priest.
3. Who was the founder of Sunga Dynasty?
[A] Pushyamitra
[B] Agnimitra
[C] Vasumitra
[D] Vajramitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pushyamitra ]
Notes:
Pushyamitra Sunga laid the foundation of Sunga Dynasty by assassinating Brihadratha Maurya (the last ruler of the Mauryan Empire). He was Commander-in-Chief in the army of Mauryan Emperor. Pushyamitra Sunga ruled for 36 years and was succeeded by his son Agnimitra. Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Sunga dynasty, was overthrown by Vasudeva who founded Kanva dynasty in 75 BC.
4. Which Saka king defeated by Gautamiputra Satakarni?
[A] Moga
[B] Rudradaman -I
[C] Menander
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nahapana ]
Notes:
The famous Satvahana ruler Gautamiputra Satkarni defeated the Saka King Nahapana and restored the prestige of his dynasty by reconquering a large part of the former dominions of the Satavahanas.
5. The Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II was succeeded by whom?
[A] Kumargupta I
[B] Skandgupta
[C] Buddhagupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
The Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II was succeeded by Kumargupta I in 415 AD. He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. His rule is known for peace and prosperity. He ruled till 455 AD.
6. Which of the following dynasties has been mainly identified based on the study of coins?
[A] Gupta
[B] Kushana
[C] Rastrakuta
[D] Chalukya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kushana]
Notes:
The Kushana Dynasty, established by Kujula Kadphises in the 1st century AD, has been primarily identified through numismatic (coin) evidence. Historians and archaeologists deciphered the inscriptions and images on coins, enabling the understanding of their reign, relationship with other regions, and the extent of their empire. The numismatic study also helped to discern the religious influences and the transition of power within the dynasty.
7. Which among the following kings assassinated Brihadrath, the last Maurya King?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Pushyamitra Shunga
[C] Vasujyeshtha
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pushyamitra Shunga]
Notes:
Brihadratha was a weak ruler and his Senapati Pushymitra Shunga while a parading the entire Mauryan army before Brihadratha to show him the strength of the army assassinated him and this was the end of the Mauryas.
Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty in around 185-183 BC.
8. Who among the following wrote Priyadarshika?
[A] Prabhakarvardhana
[B] Banabhatta
[C] Harshavardhana
[D] Yashovardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harshavardhana]
Notes:
Priyadarsika is a Sanskrit play attributed to king Harshavardhan. It was first translated into English by G. K. Nariman, A. V. Williams Jackson, and Charles J. Ogden in 1923. Ratnavali and Nagananda are other works of Harshavardhan. Harshavardhan was also a great lover of education and learning. Emperor Harshvardhana wrote all the three plays in the Sanskrit Language.
9. Which among the following correctly described the plot of the Indian Play Mudra Rakshasha?
[A] Conflicts between Demons (Rakshasha) and Gods (Deva)
[B] Romantic Love story of a demon and a princess
[C] Story of a young Arya Man and a Court Dancer
[D] Intrigues at the time of accession of Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Intrigues at the time of accession of Chandragupta Maurya]
Notes:
The Mudrarakshasa is a Sanskrit-language play by Vishakhadatta that narrates the ascent of the king Chandragupta Maurya to power in India.
10. The Jorwe culture of ancient India has been named after site of the same name in which of the following states?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Maharashtra]
Notes:
The Jorwe culture (1600 BCE–1000 BCE) is named after the archeological site in Jorwe village, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra where distinct red matt-finish pottery with black painted designs was discovered. This Late Harappan Phase culture existed in the Deccan Plateau alongside declining urban centers elsewhere. Key aspects include geometric pottery motifs, agricultural practices like rice/wheat cultivation, small rural villages of mud-brick houses, and localized trade as opposed to long-distance exchange.
