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 two dynasties of the Northern India confronted with the Rashtrakutas?
[A] The Pratiharas and the Paramaras
[B] The Palas and the Chandelas
[C] The Pratiharas and the Palas
[D] The Chalukyas and the Chahamanas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ The Pratiharas and the Palas ]
Notes:
North Indian Dynasties : Towards the close of the 8th century AD, there were three great powers in India – the Palas in the east, the Gurjar- Pratiharas in the north and the Rashtrakutas in the deccan. The tripartite struggle for the supremacy among the Palas, Partiharas and the Rashtrakutas was the desire to possess the city of Kannauj ,which was then a symbol of sovereignty.
2. In the Maurya empire, what was the name of department of the Chief of the Mines ?
[A] Dauvarika
[B] Antapal
[C] Karmantika
[D] Paura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Karmantika ]
Notes:
Karmantika was the department name of the Chief of the Mines.
3. At which Indus Valley Site, the beared man in steatite image has been found?
[A] Harappa
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Lothal
[D] Kalibanga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
In the Indus Valley Civilization, a beared man in steatite image has been found Mohenjodaro
4. In which Mandal of Rigveda ‘Gayatri Mantra is mentioned?
[A] III
[B] IV
[C] V
[D] VI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ III ]
Notes:
Gayatri Mantra comes from the third Mandala of the Rigveda. This Mandala has 62 hymns, mainly to Agni and Indra. It is one of the “family books” (mandalas 2-7), the oldest core of the Rigveda. This Mandala also mentions Kikats, a non-Aryan tribe, which most scholars agree that was resident of somewhere in near Magadha in modern Bihar.
5. Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following rulers?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Ramagupta
[C] Bhanugupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Ramagupta ]
Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the Maharajadhiraja.
6. Which of the following dynasties has been mainly identified based on the study of coins?
[A] Gupta
[B] Kushana
[C] Rastrakuta
[D] Chalukya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kushana]
Notes:
The Kushana Dynasty, established by Kujula Kadphises in the 1st century AD, has been primarily identified through numismatic (coin) evidence. Historians and archaeologists deciphered the inscriptions and images on coins, enabling the understanding of their reign, relationship with other regions, and the extent of their empire. The numismatic study also helped to discern the religious influences and the transition of power within the dynasty.
7. In Pali texts, who among the following is referred to as Nigantha Nataputta?
[A] Gautam Buddha
[B] Mahavira
[C] Parshvanatha
[D] Rishabha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahavira]
Notes:
Nigantha Nataputta refers to Mahavira. A Nirgrantha refers to Jains. A person who has attained kevalya can be a nirgrantha.
8. Every five years, Harshavardhana used to donate all his possessions at an assembly at which among the following places?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Banaras
[C] Prayag
[D] Kannauj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Prayag]
Notes:
Harsha organised religious assemblies every fifth year of his reign at Prayag (Allahabad). The thing which was left in the state treasury after five years, Harsha used to give it all in charity at that time. He has held six such assemblies during his reign.
9. Vikrampura and Vijaypuri were two capitals of which among the following Sen kings?
[A] Ballal Sen
[B] Vijay Sen
[C] Samnta Sen
[D] Hemanta Sen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vijay Sen]
Notes:
Vijaya Sena is also known as Vijay Sen in vernacular literature, was the son of Hemanta Sena, and succeeded him as a Sena dynasty ruler of Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent. Vikrampura and Vijaypuri were two capitals of Vijay sen.
10. Who among the following is the author of Dharmasastra?
[A] Manu
[B] Gautama
[C] Kasyapa
[D] Several authors
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Several authors]
Notes:
Dharmaśāstra is a genre of Sanskrit theological texts, and refers to the treatises of Hinduism on dharma. There are many Dharmashastras, variously estimated to be 18 to about 100. There are many authors for Dharmasastras.
