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. Where was the second Jain council held?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Patliputra
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vallabhi ]
Notes:
The second Jain Council was held at Vallabhi under the chairmainship of Devaradhi Kshamasramana in 512 AD and resulted in finl compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.
2. Who was the author of Aihole Inscription ?
[A] Ravikirti
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Bharavi
[D] Dandin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ravikirti ]
Notes:
Aihole Inscription is a eulogy written by Ravikirti who was the court poet of Chalukya King Pulakesin II.
3. 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.
4. Which rock edict of Ashoka appeals for tolerance among sects?
[A] Major Rock Edict X
[B] Major Rock Edict XI
[C] Major Rock Edict XII
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Major Rock Edict XII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XII of Ashoka directed and determined request for tolerance among different religious sects. This edict reflects the anxiety the king felt because of conflict between sects and carries his plea for harmony.
5. 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
6. Which among the following sacred books of Hindu religion has Brahma as the priest?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Rig Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atharva Veda]
Notes:
In Hindu scripture, the Atharva Veda is identified as the Veda where Brahma presides as the priest. This book encompasses a vast range of subjects, from healing rituals to royal consecrations. The name “Atharva Veda” comes from the type of priests who were specifically dedicated to its chanting and application. Brahma, in this context, portrays the deity of creation, thus extolling the grandeur of life.
7. Who among the following Gupta emperor made Ujjain as his second capital?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Kumargupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta II Vikramaditya made Ujjain as second capital of his empire.
8. Buddhacharita, the epic biography of Gautama Buddha in Sanskrit was written by__:
[A] Asvaghosa
[B] Indrabhuti
[C] Asanga
[D] Bodhisena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Asvaghosa ]
Notes:
The Buddha Charita was the biography of Buddha which was penned by Ashvaghosa probably in the first century C.E. He was a renowned Sanskrit poet. The Buddha Charita is made up of 28 songs recounting events in Shakyamuni Buddha’s life up to the time of his great awakening.
9. Jorwe culture, a Chalcolithic culture, was first discovered in which of the following states of India?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Gujarat
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Jorwe is a village and an archaeological site located on the banks of the Godavari River in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. This site was first was excavated in 1950-51 under the direction of Hasmukh Dhirajlal Sankalia and Shantaram Bhalchandra Deo.
10. Agnimitra, who is the hero of Kalidasa’s ‘Malvikagnimitram’ was a king of which of the following dynasties?
[A] Sunga
[B] Kanva
[C] Satavahana
[D] Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sunga]
Notes:
Malavikagnimitram is the Sanskrit play, which depicts Agnimitra as its hero. Malvika is a maid servant whom Agnimitra falls in love. This was known to his chief queen, who imprisions her. Later it was known that Malvika was of a royal birth and she was accepted as queen of Agnimitra. Malavikagnimitram gives account of Rajsuya Yajna of Pushyamitra Shunga, father of Agnimitra.
