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 Buddhist monk converted Milinda (Indo-Greek king) to Buddhism?
[A] Nagasena
[B] Gautam Budha
[C] Shakyamuni
[D] Mahadharmaraksita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Nagasena ]
Notes:
The Indo-Greek king, Milinda (or Menander I ) was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena (or Nagarjuna), a Buddhist monk and philospher. Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism.These questions and Nagasena’s answers are recorded in a form of book known as ‘Milindapanho (or The Questions of Milinda).
2. The University of Nalanda was set up by which Gupta ruler?
[A] Kumargupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Kumargupta II
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Correct Answer: A [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
The University of Nalanda was established at Badagoan,Bihar in the 5th century during the reign of the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I.
3. Which Ashokan pillar edict provides a list of animals and birds killing of which was prohibited?
[A] Pillar edict V
[B] Pillar edict VIII
[C] Pillar edict XII
[D] Pillar edict X
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pillar edict V ]
Notes:
The Pillar edict-V of Ashoka provides a list of animals and birds which should not be killed on some days and another list of animals which have not to be killed at all occasions and also describes the release of 25 prisionars by Mauryan Emperor Asoka.
4. In the Maurya empire, what was the name of department of the Chief of the Mines ?
[A] Dauvarika
[B] Antapal
[C] Karmantika
[D] Paura
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Correct Answer: C [ Karmantika ]
Notes:
Karmantika was the department name of the Chief of the Mines.
5. Which of the following ancient Tamil Kingdoms came to be known from Sangam Literature?
[A] Chola
[B] Chera
[C] Pandya
[D] All of the above
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Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The history of ancient Tamil kingdoms i.e. Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas came to be known from Sangam Literature.
6. Which Gupta emperor was an expert Veena player?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Kumargupta I
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Correct Answer: B [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta was an expert ‘ Veena’ player and adopted the title of Kaviraj (King of poets). He was not only a great warrior but also a great patron of art and literature.
7. Who among the following Gupta emperor made Ujjain as his second capital?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Kumargupta I
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Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta II Vikramaditya made Ujjain as second capital of his empire.
8. Who was the priest of the Bharatas in the battle of Ten Kings ?
[A] Visvamitra
[B] Vasishtha
[C] Atri
[D] Bhrigu
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Correct Answer: A [ Visvamitra ]
Notes:
The battle of ten kings was fought between Sudas, a Bharata king of the Tritsu family and the confederacy of ten well-known tribes- Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha ,Bhalanas,Shiva and Vishanin. In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of River Purushni, the Bharatas emerged victorious. The reason behind the war is the rivalry between Vishwamitra and Vasishtha.
9. At which among the following places, Gautam Buddha preached his last sermon?
[A] Sarnath
[B] Rajgir
[C] Vaishali
[D] Pavapuri
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Correct Answer: C [Vaishali]
Notes:
Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at Sarnath. Buddha preached most sermons at Sravasti. Lord Buddha preached his last sermon at Vaishali.
10. As per Vedic rituals, which among the following is the divine messenger who receives the prayers and conveys them to the heavenly spheres?
[A] Agni
[B] Soma
[C] Varuna
[D] Indra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Agni]
Notes:
The correct answer is Agni. In Vedic rituals, Agni, the fire god, is considered the divine messenger who receives offerings and prayers from humans and conveys them to the heavens. Agni is central to Vedic ceremonies, symbolizing purity and the connection between the earthly and divine realms. He is often invoked in rituals for blessings and protection.
