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 Buddhist Council, Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects?
[A] First Buddhist Council
[B] Second Buddhist Council
[C] Third Buddhist Council
[D] Fourth Buddhist Council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Fourth Buddhist Council ]
Notes:
Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana in the Fourth Buddhist Council.
2. In which Buddhist council, Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas?
[A] Second Buddhist council
[B] Third Buddhist council
[C] First Buddhist council
[D] Fourth Buddhist council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Second Buddhist council ]
Notes:
In the second Buddhist council, Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas.
3. Who was the brother-in-law of Harshavardhan ?
[A] Grahavarmana
[B] Banabhatta
[C] Devgupta
[D] Bhaskarvarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Grahavarmana ]
Notes:
The sister of Harshavardhan, Rajyasri was married to Grahavarmana, King of Kanauj. He was the last ruler of Kanauj belonging to the Maukhari royal dynasty.
4. Which Pallava ruler built the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram?
[A] Narsimhavarman II
[B] Nandivarman II
[C] Aparajita
[D] Mahendravarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narsimhavarman II ]
Notes:
The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram built by Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II.
5. In which year, Alexander invaded India?
[A] 326 BC
[B] 316 BC
[C] 346 BC
[D] 256 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ 326 BC ]
Notes:
Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. In 326 BC, the Battle of Hydaspes was fought between Alexender the great and Porus along the banks of Haydaspes river( Jhelum river) in Punjab. Porus, the King of Paurava, ruled the area between the rivers Hydaspes (modern Jhelum) and Acesines (Chenab). Though, Porus was defeated, Alexendar was impressed by Porus’s might so asked Porus to rule his dynasty under his name.
6. 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.
7. Which rock edict describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya and Bodhi Tree?
[A] Major Rock Edict V
[B] Major Rock Edict VI
[C] Major Rock Edict VII
[D] Major Rock Edict VIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict VIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict VIII describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya and Bodhi Tree.
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. Who was the author of the Jivaka Chintamani?
[A] Perudevanar
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Tiruttakrdeva
[D] Ilango Adigal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Tiruttakrdeva ]
Notes:
Jivaka Chintamani, or Civaka Cintamani, was composed by the Jain poet Tiruttakkadevar. It is one of the Five Great Tamil Epics and belongs to the later Tamil literary tradition, rather than the early Sangam anthologies.
10. Which of the following was the capital of early Cholas?
[A] Madurai
[B] Karur
[C] Uraiyaur
[D] Kaveripattnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uraiyaur]
Notes:
Uraiyaur, now a locality in Tiruchirappalli, was the capital of the early Cholas. It was famous for its cotton trade.
