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 among the following Buddhist scripture deals in the teachings of Buddhism?
[A] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[B] Vinay Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] Both b & c
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Sutta Pitaka ]
Notes:
The Sutta-pitaka (or basket of suttas) contains the essence of the Gautma Buddha’s teaching regarding the Dhamma. It contains more than 10,000 suttas (or teachings) attributed to the Buddha or his close disciples. It is the second of three sections of the Tripitaka, the earliest Buddhist scripture. The Sutta Pitaka is made of five nikayas ( or collections) of suttas viz. Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Samyutta Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya, Khuddaka Nikaya.
2. Who was the Syrian ambassador in the court of Bindusara?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Dimachos
[C] Dionysius
[D] Amitrochates
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Dimachos ]
Notes:
The Syrian ruler, Antiochus I sent Dimachos as an ambassador in the court of Bindusara.
3. Which the following rulers is known as the ‘Napoleon of India’?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta believed in the policy of war and conquest and because of his bravery and generalship he is known as the “Napoleon of India” by historian Vincent. A. Smith.
4. Which of the following is / are the 9 gems of Chandragupta Vikramaditya?
[A] Amarsimha
[B] Harisena
[C] Kahapanaka
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The nine gems or Navratnas adorned in the court of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya are Amarsimha, Dhanvantri, Harisena, Kalidasa, Kahapanaka, Sanku, Varahamihira, Vararuchi and .Vetalbhatta
5. Who among the following Kushan Emperors was the first to introduce the gold coinage in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Vima Taktu
[C] Vasishka
[D] Kujula Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vima Kadphises ]
Notes:
Vima Kadphises was a Kushan emperor from around 90–100 AD. Vima Kadphises added to the Kushan territory by his conquests in Afghanistan and north-west Pakistan. He issued an extensive series of coins and inscriptions. He was the first to introduce gold coinage in India, in addition to the existing copper and silver coinage.
6. Which among the following site has yielded the cultural remains from Neolithic to Harappan era?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Mohenjo-Daro
[C] Harappa
[D] Mehrgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is the oldest agricultural settlement in the Indian subcontinent Agriculture-based Neolithic settlements. Despite being the agriculture settlement, it used only stone tools, so is why placed in Neolithic Era. It flourished in the seventh millennium B.C. Mehrgarh is located on the Bolan River, a tributary of the Indus, at the eastern edge of the Balochistan plateau overlooking the Indus plain.
7. Vedic mythology refers to an ancient settlement called Pushkalavati after Pushkal, who was the son of King Bharata in the epic Ramayan. What is the modern location of Pushkalavati?
[A] Panipat
[B] Pushkar
[C] Peshawar (in Pakistan)
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Peshawar (in Pakistan)]
Notes:
Pushkalavati was capital of ancient Kingdom of Gandhara. Its ruins are currently located in Charsadda, Pakistan, located in Peshawar valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (formerly NWFP). Pushkalavati was home of the Sanskrit grammarian Panini.
8. Evidence of a game which was very similar to chess was found at which of the following sites at Indus valley civilization?
[A] Harappa
[B] Lothal
[C] Mohen Jo dero
[D] Kalibangan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
There is a close resemblance between various types of terracotta games-men found in Lothal and modern chessmen. That led to some scholars claim that Chess had its origin in games of the Indus Valley Civilization. However, other scholars believe that Chess originated in India as Chaturanga between 400 BC to 400 AD.
9. Which among the following is related to history of Kashmir?
[A] Rajatarangini
[B] Ashokavadana
[C] Vikramorvashiyam
[D] Arthashastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajatarangini]
Notes:
Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century CE, is a historical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir. It provides a historical narrative of Kashmir from earliest times to the 12th century CE.
10. Nalanda University was founded by which of the following ?
[A] Kumaragupta
[B] Skandagupta
[C] Samudragupta
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumaragupta]
Notes:
The Nalanda University was founded by Gupta emperor Kumargupta I. He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. It was established in 5th century.
