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. The rulers of which among the following dynasties adopted the title Devaputra ?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Kushana
[D] Saka-Kshatrapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kushana ]
Notes:
Kushanas Empire: Kanishka (100 – 126 AD), a prominent ruler of the Kushan Dynasty who achieved remarkable milestones in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. His descendants called him as Devaputra which means son of gods.
2. What was the name of Gautam Buddha’s only son ?
[A] Rahul
[B] Channa
[C] Kanthala
[D] Chunda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rahul ]
Notes:
Rahul was the name of only son of Gautama Buddha.
3. On the bank of which river, Mahavira attained Kaivalaya?
[A] Niranjana
[B] Rijupalika
[C] Yamuna
[D] Jamuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rijupalika ]
Notes:
According to Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavira attained the highly exalted omniscient state of Kaivalya in 599 BCE under a Sal tree near the village of Jrimbhikgrama. This site was located on the banks of the River Rijupalika in the kingdom of Magadha, which roughly corresponds to the modern Bihar. The site holds a special place for Jains as the exact spot where Mahavira attained supreme enlightenment through deep penance and meditation.
4. Under whose leadership Shvetambara sect formed?
[A] Bhadrabahu
[B] Sthalabahu
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sthalabahu ]
Notes:
Jain religion is divided into two major sects: the Digambara and the Shvetambara. The Digambara sect, also known as the “sky-clad” sect, believes that monks should not wear any clothes as a symbol of their detachment from worldly possessions. The Shvetambara sect, also known as the “white-clad” sect, believes that monks should wear white robes as a symbol of their purity and simplicity.
The Shvetambara sect was formed under the leadership of Sthalabahu, while the Digambara sect was formed under the leadership of Bhadrabahu. These two sects have different beliefs, practices, and monastic traditions, but they both follow the basic principles of Jainism, which include non-violence, non-possession, and spiritual development. Both sects have their own set of scriptures and texts that are considered authoritative for their followers.
5. Taxila was the capital of which ancient Mahajanpada ?
[A] Gandhara
[B] Anga
[C] Magadha
[D] Kasi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gandhara]
Notes:
“Gandhara” was one of the 16 mahajanapadas, located in the northwest region of ancient India, roughly corresponding to present-day eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. Its capitals were Kapisi (Bagram), Puṣkalavati (Charsadda), Puruṣapura (Peshawer), Takshashila (Taxila) and Udabhandapura (Hund)
6. Which physician was sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota?
[A] Jivaka
[B] Udayin
[C] Kalashoka
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Jivaka ]
Notes:
The royal physician, Jivaka, was sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota, who was ailing with Jaundice.
7. Which Ashokan inscription mentions five contemporary Hellenic Kings?
[A] Major Rock Edict XI
[B] Major Rock Edict XII
[C] Major Rock Edict X
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict XIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII of Ashokan inscription mentions Asoka’s victory over Kalinga and names of Greek Kings such as Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas and southern Indian rulers such as Cholas, Pandyas. It has also mentioned names of Kamboj, Nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
8. According to Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamasa, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism by__?
[A] Moggaliputa Tissa
[B] Tivara
[C] Karuvaki
[D] Nigrodha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nigrodha ]
Notes:
As per the Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamasa, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka was impressed by Nigrodha and was ultimately converted to Buddhism due to his impression only.
9. Heliodorus was the Greek ambassador of which of the following Indo-Greek kings?
[A] Antialcidas Nikephoros
[B] Selecus Nicator
[C] Alexander
[D] Constantine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Antialcidas Nikephoros ]
Notes:
Heliodorus was the Greek ambassador of Indo-Greek king Antialcidas Nikephoros of Taxila in the court of Sunga King Bhagbhadra. He erected famous votive Heliodorus pillar around 110 BC near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.
10. Who wrote Mahabhashya?
[A] Panini
[B] Patanjali
[C] Kalidas
[D] Tulsidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
Mahabhashya was written by Patanjali. It is a commentary on selected rules of Sanskrit grammar from Paini’s treatise, the Ashtadhyayi and Katyayana’s Varttika.