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 hymns of regveda were composed by ?
[A] Hotri
[B] Udgatri
[C] Adhvaryas
[D] Nakshotri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Hotri ]
Notes:
Hotri For Vedic priests viz. Hotri, adhvaryu, udgatri and brahman (brahmin) participated in the shrauta rites and each of them had special attributes. Hotri was the priest chanting the hymns of Rig Veda; adhvaryu chanting the hymns of Yajur Veda; Udgatri chanting the Sama Veda hymns. Brahman priest was the most and supervisor of the entire ceremony and the one chanting the hymns of Atharva Veda.
2. Which among the following was capital of Mitrakas?
[A] Kosambi
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Odantapuri
[D] Vikramsila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vallabhi]
Notes:
After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Maitraka dynasty was founded by Senapati (general) Bhatarka, who was a military governor of Saurashtra under Gupta Empire, established himself as the independent empire around 475 CE. The Maitraka dynasty ruled western India (now Gujarat) from approximately 475 to approximately 776 CE from their capital at Vallabhi.
3. After death of Bindusara, who among the following is considered to help Asoka to capture the throne?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Radhagupta
[C] Tishya
[D] Bairam khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Radhagupta]
Notes:
Radhagupta was an important character in the life of the greatest king Ashoka. Radhagupta was a son of prime minister. He later became a minster in the Mauryan empire. Radhagupta gave elephant as a gift when Ashoka proceed to golden palace. He helped Ashoka after the death of Bindusara.
4. Who among the following was the most important divinity during the early Vedic era?
[A] Agni
[B] Indra
[C] Vayu
[D] Varuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indra]
Notes:
Some major deities of the Vedic tradition include Indra, Surya, Agni, Ushas, Vayu, Varuna, Vishnu, Mitra, Aditi, Yama, Soma, Sarasvati, Prithvi, and Rudra. Among all Indra is the most important god.
5. What is the number of Richas in Rigveda?
[A] 1810
[B] 731
[C] 10580
[D] 5839
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [10580]
Notes:
Rigveda has 10 Mandalas, 1,028 Suktas and 10,580 Richas.
6. Who among the following was not among the 9 gems (Navratna) of the Vikramaditya’s court?
[A] Vetalbhatt
[B] Amar Simha
[C] Kaalidasa
[D] Aryabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aryabhatta]
Notes:
Nine gems of Vikramaditya are Dhanwantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Shankhu, Khatakarpara, Kalidasa, Vetal Bhatt, Vararuchi, and Varahamihira.
7. Who among the following succeeded Pushyamitra Shunga?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Sujyestha
[C] Vajramitra
[D] Devbhuti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Agnimitra]
Notes:
Agnimitra succeeded his father, Pushyamitra Shunga, in 149 BC. He was the second king of the Shunga dynasty of northern India. The Vayu Purana and the Brahmanda Purana have described 8 years as the length of his reign.
8. Based on the model of Nalanda Mahavihara, which Pala emperor founded the Odantapura Mahavihara ?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devpala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Mahipala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gopala]
Notes:
Odantapura Mahavihara, a Buddhist monastery, was founded by Pala Emperor Gopala in Magadha.
9. Who was the last ruler of Chola dynasty?
[A] Adhirajendra
[B] Virarajendra
[C] Kulottunga II
[D] Parantaka I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Adhirajendra]
Notes:
Adhirajendra was the last ruler of Chola dynasty, who was killed in a public revolt.
10. In “Kumarasambhava” , the famous work of Kalidasa, who among the following has been referred as Kumara, whose birth has been depicted in this epic poem?
[A] Chadragupta II
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Kumaragupta
[D] Kartikeya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Kartikeya ]
Notes:
Kalidasa, in his epic “Kumarasambhava”, portrays the birth of “Kumara”, referring to Kartikeya. The story aligns with the narrative in the Kalikapurana. Kartikeya, also known as Subramanya or Murugan, is a Hindu god, the son of Shiva and Parvati, and is popularly worshipped in South India and by Tamil communities across the world.
