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. These questions are part of GKToday’s 35000+ MCQs Bank Course in GKToday Android App
1. During whose reign the Third Buddhist Council was organized?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ashoka ]
Notes:
The Third Buddhist Council was held at Patliputra during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. It was held under the Presidentship of Moggliputra Tissa to revise scriptures.
2. The grandson of Ashoka, who accepted Jainism was __?
[A] Samprati
[B] Kunala
[C] Dasharatha
[D] Salisuka
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Correct Answer: A [ Samprati ]
Notes:
Emperor Samprati was the grandson of Emperor Ashoka, who reigned from 224–274 BCE. And accepted Jainism.
3. Who among the following wrote ‘Nagananda’?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Simhanada
[C] Pulakesin II
[D] Harshavardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Harshavardhana ]
Notes:
The emperor of Vardhana dynasty, Harshavardhana wrote a play ‘Nagananda’. It describes the story of the Jimutavahana’s self-sacrifice to save the Nagas. It has an enlightening Buddhist legend for its subject and is one of the best works of the Indian Drama.
4. Which of the following was the capital of early Cholas?
[A] Madurai
[B] Karur
[C] Uraiyaur
[D] Kaveripattnam
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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.
5. Begram in Afghanistan was a capital of which of the following kings?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Asoka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
The ancient city of Begram was identified as the capital under the reign of King Kanishka. He was a prominent ruler of the Kushan Empire in Central Asia around 2nd century CE. Kanishka is known for his military, political, and spiritual achievements, and his reign marked a significant era in Buddhism and arts.
6. In Sangam age, the term “Pillai” was used for which among the following?
[A] lenders
[B] farmers
[C] labours
[D] students
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Correct Answer: D [students]
Notes:
The Sangam Age was the period of history of ancient Tamil Nadu and Kerala and parts of Sri lanka. “Pillai” was used to describe students in this age.
7. Dhauli Hills are located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Bihar
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
Notes:
Dhauli hills are located on the banks of the river Daya, 8 km south of Bhubaneswar in Odisha . It is a hill with vast open space adjoining it, and has major Edicts of Ashoka engraved on a mass of rock, by the side of the road leading to the summit of the hill. Asoka’s 7 pillar edicts have been found at Topra (Delhi), Meerut, Kausambhi, rampurva, Champaran, Mehrauli. Minor pillar edicts have been found at Sanchi, Sarnath, Rummindei, Nigalisagar.
8. Which among the following system in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny ?
[A] Amaju
[B] Niyoga
[C] Arsa
[D] none of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Niyoga]
Notes:
Niyoga practice in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny.
9. In which of the following modern State, most of the 24 Tirthankar of Jainism attained nirvana?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
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Correct Answer: A [Bihar]
Notes:
Bihar is the state where most of Tirthankara attained nirvana. Lord Buddha attained nirvana at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
10. Which city in Andhra Pradesh is renowned for its significant Buddhist Stupa?
[A] Amaravati
[B] Srikakulam
[C] Rajahmundry
[D] Chittoor
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Amaravati]
Notes:
Amaravati, also known as Dhanyakataka/Dharanikota, is famous for its Buddhist Stupa. It was once a major center of Buddhist learning and art. The Stupa is attributed to Emperor Ashoka and is considered one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. Efforts are underway to secure a UNESCO World Heritage Site status for this important archaeological site that represents the earliest examples of sculptural art in India.
