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. The rulers of which dynasty were first to make land grants to Brahmins?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Satvahana
[D] Kanvas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Satvahana ]
Notes:
The rulers of Satavahana dynasty were the first to make land grant to Brahmins.
2. The minister of the Gahadvala King Govindachandra and author of Kalpadruma was __?
[A] Apararka
[B] Chandesvara
[C] Lakshmidhara
[D] Vijnanesvara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Lakshmidhara ]
Notes:
Lakshmidhara was a minister of the Gahadavala king Govindachandra. He compiled the Krityakalpataru, also known as Kalpadruma, a digest of Dharmashastra dealing with religious duties and legal matters.
3. Who was the brother-in-law of Harshavardhan ?
[A] Grahavarmana
[B] Banabhatta
[C] Devgupta
[D] Bhaskarvarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Grahavarmana ]
Notes:
The sister of Harshavardhan, Rajyasri was married to Grahavarmana, King of Kanauj. He was the last ruler of Kanauj belonging to the Maukhari royal dynasty.
4. 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.
5. Who among the following Pallava ruler built Vaikuntaperumal temple at Kanchi ?
[A] Nandivarman II
[B] Aparajita
[C] Mahendrvarman I
[D] Vikramaditta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Nandivarman II ]
Notes:
Vaikunta Perumal Temple was built by Pallava King Nandivarman-II in the 8th century, he was a worshipper of Lord Vishnu.
6. Who was the last ruler of Shisunaga dynasty?
[A] Kalashoka
[B] Nandivardhan
[C] Naga-Dasak
[D] Udayin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Nandivardhan ]
Notes:
The last ruler of Haryanka dynasty, Nagadasaka was over thrown by his amatya (or governor) Shisunaga and he established Shisunaga dynasty in 412 BC. Nandivardhan (367 BC–345 BC) was the last ruler of this Shisunaga dynasty.
7. Who composed Nasik Inscription in which achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were recorded?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Sarkarni- I
[C] Kanha
[D] Gautami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautami ]
Notes:
The achievements of Gutamiputra Satkarni were mentioned in Nasik Inscription that were composed by his mother Gautami Balasri. The Nasik Prasasti describes Gautamiputra as the ruler of the Aparanta, Anupa, Saurashtra, Kukura, Akara and Avanti and defeated the Saka King Nahapana and restored the prestige of his dynasty by reconquering a large part of the former dominions of the Satavahanas.
8. The Arthashastra is traditionally associated with Kautilya, a minister of which period?
[A] Gupta
[B] Maurya
[C] Shaka
[D] Kushan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maurya]
Notes:
The Arthashastra is traditionally attributed to Kautilya, associated with Chandragupta Maurya. Its surviving text contains layers whose dates are debated. R. Shamasastry rediscovered a manuscript in 1905 and published the Sanskrit text in 1909. The work is arranged in 15 books.
9. Which century Gautama Buddha was born in?
[A] 4th century BC
[B] 5th century BC
[C] 6th century BC
[D] 7th century BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [6th century BC]
Notes:
Gautam Siddhartha was the name of Buddha and he was the founder of Buddhism also known as Gautam Buddha. Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BC in Lumbini (now in Nepal) in Sakya Kshatriya clan of Kapilvastu. He died in 483 BC.
10. Which among the following kings have been linked to the Sudaman Caves ?
[A] Ashoka
[B] ChandraGupta Maurya
[C] Bindusara
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka is credited with the establishment of the Sudaman Caves. These caves were primarily built for and dedicated to the Ajivikas. It is believed that the cave was named after Sudama, an Ajivika monk.
