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 term is used for a “school” of learning and teaching the branches of Vedas?
[A] Shakha
[B] Charna
[C] Ratha
[D] Yajna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Charna ]
Notes:
Charana refers to the Guru-pupil lineage or school for teaching and learning of Vedas in ancient India.
2. In context with the Mahayana Buddhism faith, the future Buddha is ___?
[A] Krakuchanda
[B] Amitabha
[C] Maitreya
[D] Kanak Muni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Maitreya ]
Notes:
Maitreya is a future Buddha. . According to scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor of the historic Sakyamuni Buddha, who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma.
3. Vidhushaka, a common character in Sanskrit drama is ___?
[A] Brahmana
[B] Kshatriya
[C] Vaishya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Brahmana ]
Notes:
In classical Sanskrit drama, Vidushaka (Bufoon) is essentially a Brahmin and is a confident / attendent of the Hero. Despite being educated in Sanskrit, he speaks in Prakrit, the vernacular language of the time. Bharata mentions him along with the principal characters in his Natyasastra.
4. Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is referred as Ashokavardhana in which of the following?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Puranas
[C] Nitlur minor rock edict
[D] Maski edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Puranas ]
Notes:
In the Puranas, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is referred as Ashokavardhana. However, in the Rudradaman’s Junagarh rock edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is mentioned as Asoka Maurya.
5. Which of the following Vedanga is related to metrics?
[A] Kalpa
[B] Nirkuta
[C] Chhanda
[D] Shiksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Chhanda ]
Notes:
There are six vedangas (limbs of Vedas) evolved for the proper understanding of the Vedas. These are Siksha (phonetics), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarna (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chhanda (metrics) and Jyotisha (astronomy).
6. Who among the following kings was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha ?
[A] Ajatshatru
[B] Nandivardhana
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bimbisara]
Notes:
Bimbisara was contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha. The Jain texts mention that he was a disciple of Lord Mahavira. The Buddhist texts mention that he met Buddha before enlightment. Buddha promised him to visit his capital after he gets enlightment. He was a patron of Buddha and as a mark of goodwill; he presented the Bamboo Grove (karanda venu vana) to the Sangha.
7. In Vedic age which among the following grains was referred as vrihi?
[A] Barley
[B] Wheat
[C] Rice
[D] Maize
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rice]
Notes:
The term Vrihi was used for Rice in Vedic Era. For Wheat, the term Godhuma was used.
8. Who is Kumara in the epic poem Kumarasambhava written by Kalidasa?
[A] Kartikeya
[B] Abhimanyu
[C] Sanatahkumara
[D] Arjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kartikeya]
Notes:
Kumarasambhava, is an epic poem by Kalidasa written in the 5th century CE. The work describes the courting of the ascetic Shiva, who is meditating in the mountains, by Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas; the conflagration of Kama (the god of desire)—after his arrow struck Shiva—by the fire from Shiva’s third eye; the wedding and lovemaking of Shiva and Parvati; and the subsequent birth of Kumara (Skanda), the war god. Kumara is son of shiva Kartikeya.
9. The 13th Rock edict of Asoka which is longest among all the rock edicts describes which of the following?
[A] Policy of Dhamma
[B] Kalinga war
[C] Toleration among sects
[D] Purpose of rock edicts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalinga war]
Notes:
The 13th rock edict talks about the conquest of Kalinga at the eastern coast of India by Ashoka (268-233) in the year 261 BC. It was an event of greatest historical importance for India and world history.
10. Which among the following is correct about Bhaddasala?
[A] He was a poet in the court of Chandragupta Maurya
[B] He was the general of the Nanda Army
[C] He was an ambassador of Ceylon King sent to Asoka’s court
[D] He was a playwright in the Gupta Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [He was the general of the Nanda Army]
Notes:
Bhaddasala was a general of the Nanda Army. The Nanda dynasty, preceding the Maurya Empire, was known for its wealth and military strength. Chandragupta Maurya later overthrew the Nandas to establish the Maurya Empire, which became one of the largest empires in ancient India. The Nandas were important for their administrative innovations and for laying the groundwork for Mauryan rule.
