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 Buddhist scripture deals in the teachings of Buddhism?
[A] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[B] Vinay Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] Both b & c
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Sutta Pitaka ]
Notes:
The Sutta-pitaka (or basket of suttas) contains the essence of the Gautma Buddha’s teaching regarding the Dhamma. It contains more than 10,000 suttas (or teachings) attributed to the Buddha or his close disciples. It is the second of three sections of the Tripitaka, the earliest Buddhist scripture. The Sutta Pitaka is made of five nikayas ( or collections) of suttas viz. Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Samyutta Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya, Khuddaka Nikaya.
2. At which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization, the rows of distinctive fire altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found ?
[A] Mohen-jo-daro
[B] Harappa
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kalibangan ]
Notes:
Kalibangan – is an archaeological site where Ploughed Field, Bones of Camel, Circular and Rectangular Graves, distinctive fire (Vedic ) altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found.
3. Which among the following Kushana king adopted the epithet Dharma-thida?
[A] Vima Kadaphises
[B] Kuzul Kadaphises
[C] Kanishka the Great
[D] Huvishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kuzul Kadaphises ]
Notes:
Kujula Kadphises used coin legends such as Dharma-thida and Sacha-dharma-thita, expressing adherence to dharma or the true law. These titles alone do not establish adherence to two specific religions.
4. Who wrote Dashakumaracharita, and which Pallava ruler is generally associated with his literary career?
[A] Dandin, Narasimhavarman II
[B] Bharavi, Nandivarman II
[C] Appar, Dandivarman I
[D] Bharavi, Narsimhavarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dandin, Narasimhavarman II]
Notes:
Dandin wrote Dashakumaracharita and Kavyadarsha. His literary career is generally associated with the Pallava court of Narasimhavarman II, also called Rajasimha.
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 rock edict of Ashoka requests for religious tolerance among sects?
[A] Major Rock Edict VI
[B] Major Rock Edict VII
[C] Major Rock Edict VIII
[D] Major Rock Edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major Rock Edict VII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict VII of Ashoka requests for religious tolerance amongst all sects. It appears from the edict that tensions among the sects were intense perhaps in open antagonism.
7. In Mauryan administration, what was the superintendent of mines called?
[A] Dauvarika
[B] Antapal
[C] Akaradhyaksha
[D] Paura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Akaradhyaksha]
Notes:
The Akaradhyaksha was the superintendent of mines, responsible for mineral extraction. Karmantika was associated with state workshops and industrial operations. The Lohadhyaksha supervised metals and their manufacture, a role broader than iron alone, in the administrative system described in Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
8. Which of the following subjects are dealt in by Kalpa Sutras?
[A] Sacrifices
[B] Family ceremonies
[C] Varnas, Ashramas
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
Under Kalpa Sutras ,Shravta Sutras deal with the sacrifices,Grihya Sutras deal with the family ceremonies,Dharma Sutras deal with Varnas, Ashramas.
9. 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.
10. Who assumed the title of ‘Ksitipasatapatih’ (Lord of hundred Kings)?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Skandgupta
[C] Ashoka
[D] Chandragupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Skandgupta ]
Notes:
The titles of Skandagupta are Parambhattaraka, Paramdevta, Maharajadhiraj, Kramaditya, Vikramaditya, etc. In the Kahaum inscription he is also known as KsitipaSatapatih (or lord of a hundred kings).
