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. To which of the following ethnic hordes, Toramana belonged to ?
[A] Scythians
[B] Hunas
[C] Yue-chis
[D] Sakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Hunas ]
Notes:
King of the Huns Toramana was a ruler of the Hephthalite Empire who ruled its Indian region in the late 5th and the early 6th century. Toramana consolidated the Hephthalite power in Punjab and conquered northern and central India including Eran in Madhya Pradesh. His territory also included Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kashmir
2. Heliodorus’ a Greek ambassador of the Indo-Greek king was sent to the court of which ruler?
[A] Bhagbhadra
[B] Devabhut
[C] Pushyamitra
[D] Ghosha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bhagbhadra ]
Notes:
Heliodorus was the Greek ambassador sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas. Heliodorus erected famous votive Heliodorus pillar around 110 BC near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.
3. Who wrote Malvikagnimitra?
[A] Kalidas
[B] Tulsidas
[C] Agnimitra
[D] Chanakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kalidas ]
Notes:
Malvikagnimitra is a five-act drama based on Sunga king Agnimitra’s love for Vidharbha princess Malvika. It was a Sanskrit play written by Kalidas.
4. Who among the following was the ruler of Kanchi during the period of Samudragupta ?
[A] Vishnugopa
[B] Harshvardhan
[C] Hastivarman
[D] Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vishnugopa ]
Notes:
In the Allahabad Pillar inscription, it is noted that Samdragupta defeated twelve rulers of Dakshinapatha. In the list of defeated rulers, King Vishnugopa (Pallava dynasty ) of Kanchi is also mentioned.
5. Which of the following inscriptions mentions Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s authority over North-Western India?
[A] Mehrauli iron pillar inscription
[B] Beirut inscription
[C] Junagarh inscription
[D] Allahbad pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mehrauli iron pillar inscription ]
Notes:
The Mehrauli iron pillar inscription mentions Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s authority over north western India and a good portion of Bengal. This pillar was established by Chandragupta as Vishnupada in the honor of Lord Vishnu.
6. Iron Pillar in Delhi was built during which dynasty?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
As per Natya-darpana ( by Vishakadata), the Iron pillar had been put up by Chandragupta II himself after defeating Vahilakas. He designated that pillar as a memory of the victory. The pillar is made of 98% wrought iron and has stood more than 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. The pillar is located in the Quwwat-ul Mosque. The pillar is 23 feet 8 inches high and 16 inches in diameter. It weighs about 3000 kilograms and was dedicated to the God Vishnu.
7. Bhandi was a chief secretary of which among the following Indian Kings?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta Vikramaditya
[C] Harshavardhan
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harshavardhan]
Notes:
Bhandi was a leading noble of Kannauj and on advice of the political leaders of Kannauj; he offered the crown of Kannauj to Harsha after death of Grahavarmana. Bhandi was later described as one of the chief officers of Harsha. When Harsha chased Shashanka for release of his sister, through Bhandi only Harsha could know that his sister has been released and Shashanka has escaped
8. Which among the following is true about Buddha?
[A] He accepted existence of God
[B] He didn’t accept existence of God
[C] He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god]
Notes:
Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, did not explicitly affirm or deny the existence of God. His teachings focused on personal enlightenment and the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing individual experience over theological speculation. This approach led to interpretations that he neither accepted nor rejected the concept of God, aligning with the agnostic stance. Buddhism generally does not center around a creator deity, distinguishing it from many other religions.
9. Who among the following is seemed to have known the importance of zero?
[A] Bhaskaracharya
[B] Aryabhatta
[C] Budhayana
[D] chanukya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhaskaracharya]
Notes:
Aryabhatta is the first of the great mathematician and astronomer of the classical age of India. He was born in 476 AD in Ashmaka. Aryabhata gave the world the digit “0” (zero) for which he became immortal.
10. Which among the following correctly explains Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha of Buddhism?
[A] Buddhist monks under whose supervision Buddhist nuns were to live
[B] Special places which were used by Buddhist nuns for worship
[C] Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns
[D] Special book which narrates Jataka story of Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns]
Notes:
The Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha is a specific code of conduct for female Buddhist monks, or nuns, outlining rules and ethical guidelines they must follow. It is part of the larger Pātimokkha, which governs both monks and nuns in the Theravada tradition. This code emphasizes discipline, moral conduct, and community harmony. The Bhikkhunī order was established during the Buddha’s lifetime, allowing women to attain enlightenment and participate fully in the monastic community.
