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. Who does ‘Kanthaka’ refer to, in the context of Gautam Buddha?
[A] His disciple
[B] His chief advisor
[C] His royal horse
[D] His spiritual teacher
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [His royal horse]
Notes:
In the context of Gautam Buddha, ‘Kanthaka’ was his royal horse. Kanthaka played a significant role in several instances of the Buddha’s life, most notably when it carried him to the river where he would relinquish his worldly possessions and begin his quest for enlightenment.
2. Who presided Fourth Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vasumitra ]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD during the reign of Kushan king Kanishka. It was held under the Presidentship of Vasumitra to compose commentaries on the Tripitika.
3. During reign of Harsha, the Kannauj assembly was held to publicise the doctrines of which of the following sects?
[A] Mahayana
[B] Hinayana
[C] Theravada
[D] Svetambara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahayana ]
Notes:
Harsha convened the Kannauj assembly in 643 CE to promote Mahayana Buddhist teachings. Xuanzang was a prominent participant. Harsha also supported other religious traditions.
4. To which of the following ethnic hordes, Toramana belonged to ?
[A] Scythians
[B] Hunas
[C] Yue-chis
[D] Sakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Hunas ]
Notes:
King of the Huns Toramana was a ruler of the Hephthalite Empire who ruled its Indian region in the late 5th and the early 6th century. Toramana consolidated the Hephthalite power in Punjab and conquered northern and central India including Eran in Madhya Pradesh. His territory also included Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kashmir
5. Who among the following is known as the father of Indian prehistory?
[A] Robert Bruce Foote
[B] Sir William Jones
[C] E.J.H. Mackay
[D] Sir John Marshall
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Robert Bruce Foote]
Notes:
Robert Bruce Foote is regarded as the father of Indian prehistory because of his pioneering work in identifying and studying prehistoric sites in India. As a geologist with the Geological Survey of India, he discovered important stone tools at Pallavaram in 1863, one of the earliest recognized prehistoric finds in the country. His research helped establish the scientific study of India’s prehistoric past and laid the foundation for later archaeological investigations.
6. Who among the following rulers of Gupta dynasty started Gupta Era?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta I ]
Notes:
The Gupta Era was started by Chandragupta I in 319-320 AD. He was the real founder of the Gupta dynasty and was known as Maharajadhiraja (king of kings).
7. The ruler of Kushan dynasty, Kanishka was the follower of__?
[A] Jainism
[B] Hinayanism
[C] Hindusim
[D] Mahayanism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Mahayanism ]
Notes:
Kanishka was the follower of Mahayanism or the new theory of Buddhism. Mahayana means the Greater Vehicle. It refers to the path of the Bodhisattva seeking complete enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, also called Bodhisattva Vehicle.
8. In which of the following marriages in Vedic era, a girl was given by her father to a sage?
[A] Brahma marriage
[B] Daiva Marriage
[C] Gandharva Marriage
[D] Arsha Marriage
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Arsha Marriage]
Notes:
In Arsha marriage, the girl is given in marriage to a sage. One example of Arsh Marriage is that of Agastya with Lopamudra.
9. Which among the following has been used in the sculptures of Mathura school of Art?
[A] Red Sandstone
[B] Marble
[C] Granite
[D] Clay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Red Sandstone]
Notes:
The Mathura school of art is developed under the Kushans. The material used for the construction is Spotted Red Sandstone.
10. During end of which of the following period the urban centers of Gangetic planes declined ?
[A] Maurya Period
[B] Gupta Period
[C] Mahjnapadas
[D] Magadh Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta Period]
Notes:
The urban centers of Gangetic plain declined with the gupta empire. The areas surrounding Prayag, Saketa and Magadha areas have declined.
