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 of the following is not a correct observation as mentioned by Megasthenes about India?
[A] There is abundant gold, silver, copper and iron in India
[B] There is a well established caste system in India
[C] There are frequent famines in India
[D] Dionysus has invaded India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ There are frequent famines in India ]
Notes:
The option C is not correct. Indians did not face famines because of abundant rains and assured at least one of two seasons of crops; and abundance of fruits and edible roots.
2. Who were the first rulers in India to issue gold coins attributed to the Kings?
[A] Sungas
[B] Kanvas
[C] Indo Greeks
[D] Sakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Indo Greeks ]
Notes:
The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can definitely be attributed to the kings. They were the first to issue gold coins in India.
3. Who was the first Saka king in India?
[A] Moga
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Azes
[D] Ghatotkacha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Moga ]
Notes:
An Indo-Scythian king, Moga (or Maues) was the first Saka king in India who established Saka power in Gandhara and extended supremacy over north-western India.
4. During whose reign Mahayana sect of Buddhism came into existence?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the reign of Kanishka. Asanga was the founder of Mahayan sect of Buddhism.
5. In the revenue department of Mauryas, who among the following was in-charge of the collection of all revenues in the empire?
[A] Sannidhatri
[B] Pradeshta
[C] Yukta
[D] Samahatra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Samahatra ]
Notes:
The officers Samaharta and Sanidatta were in charge of tax collection during the Mauryan Empire. They were also responsible for the royal treasury.
The Mauryan Empire had a highly centralized administration. The Emperor was the supreme power and was assisted by a Council of Ministers. To collect taxes, the emperor set up a system of officials who were sent to all parts of the empire. The emperor also appointed governors and family members to control the officials.
The main source of revenue was land tax. Revenue was also collected on irrigation, shops, customs, forests, ferry, mines, and pastures. License fees were collected from artisans and fines were charged in the law courts.
The tax from manual laborers was levied in such a way that they had to work free for one day each month.
6. What was the fifth tenet added by Tirthankara Mahavira to the four basic tenets of Jainism?
[A] Non injury
[B] Non lying
[C] Observe continence
[D] Non stealing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Observe continence ]
Notes:
The five main teachings of Jainism are do not commit violence, do not speak a lie, do not steal, do not acquire property and observe continence (brahmacharya). The brahmacharya was added by Lord Mahavira.
7. 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.
8. Who among the following Chalukyan king sent an ambassador to Persian king Khusrau II ?
[A] Pulakesin I
[B] Pulakesin II
[C] Kirtivarman I
[D] Vishnuvardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pulakesin II ]
Notes:
The Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II sent an ambassador to the Persian king Khusrau II in 625 A.D. And received one from him.
9. Who was the first Indo-Greek king, who became Buddhist?
[A] Antiochus II
[B] Apollodotus I
[C] Apollodotus II
[D] Menander II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Menander II ]
Notes:
Menander II was the Indo-Greek king who established a large empire in the South Asia and became a patron of Buddhism.
10. Which among the following is not correctly matched? (Maurya Kings and contemporary Travelers/ Ambassadors )
[A] Chandra Gupta Maurya – Megasthenes
[B] Bindusara – Deimakos
[C] Harshavardhana – Hiuen Tsang
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All are correct]
Notes:
The correct answer is “All are correct.” – Chandra Gupta Maurya was indeed associated with Megasthenes, who was a Greek ambassador to his court. – Bindusara, Chandra Gupta’s son, was linked to Deimakos, another Greek ambassador. – Harshavardhana, a later ruler, was visited by Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang), a Chinese monk and traveler. Thus, all pairs are accurately matched with their respective historical figures.
