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. Nābhivarṣa is the historical name of which of the following countries?
[A] India
[B] Myanmar
[C] China
[D] Egypt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India ]
Notes:
According to some historical sources, the term Nābhivarṣa was used for India prior to its name Bharatvarsa. The name is derived from King Nabhi, who was father of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara in Jainism.
2. Who among the following was the author of Abhidhamma treatise Kathavatthu?
[A] Mah-a kassapa
[B] Mahinda
[C] Milinda
[D] Moggaliputta Tissa.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Moggaliputta Tissa. ]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma treatise Kathavatthu was written by Moggaliputta Tissa. He was a Buddhist monk and scholar who lived in the 3rd century BC . Moggaliputta-Tissa was the spiritual teacher of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, and his son Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. He also presided over the Third Buddhist Council.
3. Who was the last ruler of Shisunaga dynasty?
[A] Kalashoka
[B] Nandivardhan
[C] Naga-Dasak
[D] Udayin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Nandivardhan ]
Notes:
The last ruler of Haryanka dynasty, Nagadasaka was over thrown by his amatya (or governor) Shisunaga and he established Shisunaga dynasty in 412 BC. Nandivardhan (367 BC–345 BC) was the last ruler of this Shisunaga dynasty.
4. Which among the following is the bilingual inscription?
[A] Girnar Inscription
[B] Kandhar Inscription
[C] Maski Inscription
[D] Bairut Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kandhar Inscription ]
Notes:
The Kandhar Inscription of Ashoka is bilingual (Greek and Aramaic) inscription.
5. Who was the first ruler of Kushana dynasty to issue gold coins in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Kanishka
[C] Vasudeva
[D] Kujula Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vima Kadphises ]
Notes:
The famous ruler of Kushana Empire, Vima Kadphises is best known for issuing large number of Gold Coins. He is known to have maintained the Silk Route and trade with all sides including the China, Alexandria and Roman Empire.
6. The Greek Ambassador Deimachus of Plataea had visited the court of which of the following rulers of Magadha?
[A] Dhanananda
[B] Chandragupta Maurya
[C] Bindusara
[D] Asoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Bindusara ]
Notes:
Deimachus of Plataea had come as ambassador to Bindusāra or Amitraghāta, the son and successor of Chandragupta Maurya. He along with Megasthenes provides important information about the contemporary society and polity. He was sent by Antiochus I (the son of Seleucus Nikator).
7. During the period of Harshavardhana the fields were watered by the pots which were called Ghati yantra. The writing of which among the following authors records this?
[A] Hiuen-tsang
[B] Subhandhu
[C] Dandin
[D] Banabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hiuen-tsang]
Notes:
Hiuen-tsang was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator who traveled to India in the seventh century and described the interaction between Chinese Buddhism and Indian Buddhism during the early Tang dynasty. The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited India during the period of emperor Harsha. Ghati Yantras was recorded by him.
8. Bhogagamas were villages given by the Kings to his favorites in Pre Maurya Period particularly Purohitas (Priests) or some Setties (Big Merchants) for the purpose of __________?
[A] Revenue collection
[B] administration
[C] Enjoyment
[D] Taxation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Enjoyment]
Notes:
Bhogagamas were villages given by the Kings to his favorites in Pre Maurya Period particularly Purohitas (Priests) or some Setties (Big Merchants) for the purpose of Enjoyment.
9. What was the job of Rupadarshaka in Mauryan Era as per Arthashashtra of Kautilya?
[A] Royal examiner of minted coins
[B] Royal Superintendent of Courtesans
[C] Manager of the Stage
[D] Police
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Royal examiner of minted coins]
Notes:
According to Arthashastra of Kautilya, in the Mauryan Administration the official designated as Rupadarshaka was the Royal examiner of Coins.
10. In which of the subsequent Buddhist Councils was the compilation of Dhamma Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka undertaken?
[A] First
[B] Second
[C] Third
[D] Fourth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [First]
Notes:
The First Buddhist Council took place near Rajgriha in the Satparni caves in 483 B.C. The Vinaya Pitaka and the Sutta Pitaka, two parts of Tripitaka, is said to be compiled during this council. Sattapanni caves were chosen because they were located in a tranquil environment suitable for meditation and discussions about religious doctrines.
