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 among the following dynasties were ruling over Magadha when Alexander invaded India?
[A] Shisunagas
[B] Nandas
[C] Mauryas
[D] Kosalas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Nandas ]
Notes:
The ruler of Nanda Dynasty, Dhanananda was the contemporary of Alexander.
2. Which Greek ruler sent Megathenes in the court of Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] Seleucus Nicator
[B] Antiochus
[C] Potlemy
[D] Magas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Seleucus Nicator ]
Notes:
Megasthenes was sent by the Greek ruler Seleucus I Nicator as an ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra.
3. In context of Mauryan administration, who was the chief supervisor of the collection of revenue from the whole kingdom?
[A] Samaharta
[B] Sannidhata
[C] Karmantika
[D] Antapal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samaharta ]
Notes:
As per the Arthashastra of Chankya, Samaharta was the Chief Collector general of revenue that supervises the collection of revenue from the whole kingdom.Pradeshtri was known as the Divisional Commissioner. They were the modern district magistrates and in charge of district. They were to make tours once in every 5 years to inspect the entire administration of the areas under control. Antapal was known as the Governor of the frontier.
4. 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.
5. Who was the court poet of Samudragupta?
[A] Harisena
[B] Asanga
[C] Veerasena Saba
[D] Vasubandhu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harisena]
Notes:
Harisena, a highly esteemed poet, served as a court poet of Samudragupta, a notable ruler of the Gupta Empire in India. He is renowned for his Prayag Prashasti inscription that glorified the numerous achievements of Samudragupta. This inscription is an eloquent tribute to Samudragupta’s military prowess,benevolence, and cultural patronage. Harisena’s eloquence and literary brilliance made him an integral part of Samudragupta’s court.
6. Who among the following Gupta emperor made Ujjain as his second capital?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Kumargupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta II Vikramaditya made Ujjain as second capital of his empire.
7. Buddhism from India was introduced to which current region by Kasyapa Matanga?
[A] China
[B] South East Asia
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Africa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ China ]
Notes:
Kasyapa Matanga is thought to have been the first to introduce Buddhism to China. According to Chinese tradition, he traveled from India to Lo- yang in China with another Indian monk, known by his Chinese name Chu Falan. They came in C.E. 67 at the invitation of Emperor Ming of the Later Han dynasty.
8. Which among the following sites in Haryana, is the place as per legends where Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Bhagavad Gita?
[A] Jyotisar
[B] Pehowa
[C] Shahabad
[D] Ladwa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jyotisar]
Notes:
Jyotisar is situated at 5 kms from the town of Kurukshetra in Haryana. It was in this very spot that Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, and it is aptly called “Gitopadesha.”
9. Shatapatha Brahmana belongs to which of the following Vedas?
[A] Krishna Yajurveda
[B] Shukla Yajurveda
[C] Rigveda
[D] Samaveda
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Correct Answer: B [Shukla Yajurveda]
Notes:
Shatapatha Brahmana is a commentary on the Sukla Yajurveda.It is described as the most complete, systematic, and important of the Brahmanas. It contains detailed explanations of Vedic sacrificial rituals, symbolism, and mythology.
10. In which of the following age human shifted from food gathering stage to food producing stage ?
[A] Paleolithic age
[B] Neolithic age
[C] Mesolithic age
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Neolithic age]
Notes:
The Neolithic Age in India spanned from around 7,000 B.C. to 1,000 B.C. was the last and third part of the Stone Age. The Neolithic Age is mainly characterized by the development of settled agriculture and the use of tools and weapons made of polished stones. It shows the shifting from food gathering stage to food producing stage.
