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 Greek Explorers is considered to have left the earliest account of India?
[A] Herodotus
[B] Ctesias
[C] Scylax
[D] Hippalus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Scylax ]
Notes:
The earliest Greek Account of India was left by Scylax of Caryanda who was sent by Kind Darius-I of Persia to follow the course of river Indus and find out where it led. His original works are now lost.
2. The title “Paramasaugata” was adopted by ___?
[A] Bhaskar Varman
[B] Shashanka
[C] Rajya Vardhana
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Rajya Vardhana ]
Notes:
The title “Paramasaugata” was adopted by Rajyavardhana. Rajyavardhana was the eldest son of Prabhakarvardhana and a member of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. He ascended the throne after his father’s death and was succeeded by his younger brother, Harsha.
Rajyavardhana is mentioned as Parama-Saugata in Harsha’s Madhuvana and Banskhera inscriptions.
3. The rulers of which among the following dynasties called themselves “Brahma-Kshatriya”?
[A] Palas
[B] Senas
[C] Pratiharas
[D] Chahamanas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Senas ]
Notes:
“Brahma-Kshatriya” refers to someone who claims to be both a Brahmin (priestly class) and a Kshatriya (warrior class). Essentially claiming both spiritual and temporal power. The Sena Dynasty ruled parts of eastern India between the 11th and 12th centuries CE. They were known for being Brahmins (priests) who took on the role of rulers and administrators (traditionally a Kshatriya role). So the Sena rulers called themselves “Brahma-Kshatriya” to indicate they were both spiritual leaders and temporal rulers.
4. Mahavir Swami belonged to which clan?
[A] Kosala
[B] Huna
[C] Jantriak
[D] Sakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Jantriak ]
Notes:
Jantriak Vardhamana Mahavir belonged an aristocratic family and Kshatriya clan called Naya or Jnatri. He was born in Kudagrama , near modern Patna and his father was King of this area. His mother, Trishala was sister of Chetak (Cetakka) an eminent Lichchvi prince of Vaisali.
5. Pushyamitra, the founder ruler of Sunga Dynasty performed how many Ashvamedha sacrifices?
[A] None
[B] 1
[C] 2
[D] 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 1 ]
Notes:
The founder of Sunga dynasty, Pushyamitra Sunga is recorded to have performed two Ashvamedhas to promote orthodox brahamical faith during his rule.
6. Under whose reign the Chinese traveller Fa-hein came to India?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Fa-hein, the first Chinese Buddhist traveller and monk, came to India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II and wrote the book “Si- Yu-Ki” that gives the detail account of the political and social condition of that time.
7. Which site has given the earliest evidence of pottery in the Indian subcontinent?
[A] Brahmagiri
[B] Chirand
[C] Mehrgarh
[D] Burzahom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh, located in the Kacchi Plain of Balochistan, Pakistan, is one of the earliest sites with evidence of farming and herding in South Asia. Dated back to around 7000 – 5500 BCE, it is also known for its significant contribution in unearthing one of the earliest instances of pottery making.
8. The Excavated Buddhist Site, Lalitgiri , which was notified as Centrally Protected in the year 1937, is located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
Lalitgiri is situated in Cuttack district of Odisha which is at a distance of around 100 kms from Bhubaneswar. The Buddhist relics found during excavation was notified as centrally protected in the year 1937.
9. Which among the following kings have been linked to the Sudaman Caves ?
[A] Ashoka
[B] ChandraGupta Maurya
[C] Bindusara
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka is credited with the establishment of the Sudaman Caves. These caves were primarily built for and dedicated to the Ajivikas. It is believed that the cave was named after Sudama, an Ajivika monk.
10. Which among the following veda has been described as “Braham Veda”?
[A] Rigveda
[B] Samaveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharavaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atharavaveda]
Notes:
Atharava Veda is known as Brahma Veda because it is recited by the Brahma priest in the Yajna and also because there are deliberations about Brahman, which is the ultimate reality according to Vedanta.
