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. In which of the following inscriptions Ashoka made his famous declaration, “All men are my children”?
[A] Minor Rock Edict (Ahraura)
[B] Pillar Edict VII
[C] Lumbini Pillar Edict
[D] Separate Kalinga Rock Edict I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Separate Kalinga Rock Edict I ]
Notes:
Separate Edicts: They were found at sites in Kalinga »Separate Edict I : Asoka declared all people are my sons »Separate Edict II: proclamation of edicts even to a single person.
2. Which of the following Satavahana kings, a son of Gautamiputra Satakarni, issued silver coins bearing his own portrait?
[A] Satkarni I
[B] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[C] Vasishthiputra Pulumavi
[D] Yajna Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Vasishthiputra Pulumavi ]
Notes:
Vasishthiputra Pulumavi, a son and successor of Gautamiputra Satakarni, issued silver portrait coins. These should be distinguished from Gautamiputra’s overstrikes on Nahapana’s coins.
3. In Arrian’s Indica, which earlier Greek observer is cited in the description of the cotton clothing worn by Indians?
[A] Alexander
[B] Megasthenes
[C] Nearchus
[D] Pliny
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Nearchus ]
Notes:
Arrian cites Nearchus (Nearchos) while describing Indian cotton clothing. The passage also comments on the apparent brightness of the white cloth. The attribution in this passage is not to Megasthenes.
4. Who was the founder of Nanda dynasty?
[A] Mahapadmananda
[B] Shisunaga
[C] Dhanananda
[D] Nandivardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahapadmananda ]
Notes:
Mahapadmananda (345 BC – 329 BC) was the founder of Nanda dynasty. Mahapadmananda was also known as Ekarat and Sarvakshatrantaka.
5. 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:
Pillar Edict V lists protected animals and restrictions on killing or injuring animals. It also records that Ashoka had ordered the release of prisoners on twenty-five occasions by the twenty-sixth year after his consecration.
6. In context of Mauryan administration, who was regarded as the ‘Chief treasury officer’?
[A] Samaharta
[B] Paura
[C] Sannidhata
[D] Karmantika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Sannidhata ]
Notes:
As per the Arthashastra of Chankya, there were two important officers in the Central Administration. These are Sannidhata (the Chief treasury officer) and Samaharta (the Chief Collector General of Revenue).
7. In which of the following modern State, most of the 24 Tirthankar of Jainism attained nirvana?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bihar]
Notes:
Bihar is the state where most of Tirthankara attained nirvana. Lord Buddha attained nirvana at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
8. In ancient India, which dynasty issued the largest number of Gold coins?
[A] Guptas
[B] Mauryas
[C] Cholas
[D] Nandas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guptas]
Notes:
The Guptas are noted for their abundant gold coinage. These coins depict royal achievements, religious symbols and activities such as music and hunting. Gold coins were already issued in India before the Gupta period.
9. At which of the following archaeological sites was a sculpture of a “Nude Male Torso” discovered?
[A] Mehrgarh
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Harappa
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harappa]
Notes:
The “Nude Male Torso” is a significant artifact unearthed at Harappa, an ancient urban settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization. The sculpture, made from red sandstone, demonstrates advanced carving skills and a high level of artistry prevalent at that time. The absence of head and lower parts suggests the unique tradition of making torsos, prevalent in Harappan art.
10. Katyotsarga pose is a gesture of which of the following?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Shiva
[C] Mahavira
[D] Gautam Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mahavira]
Notes:
Katyotsarga pose is a gesture of Mahavira. Kayotsarga is a yogic posture which is an important part of Jain meditataion. seated cross-legged on a lion throne in the posture of meditation, dhyanamudra.
