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 grandson of Ashoka, who accepted Jainism was __?
[A] Samprati
[B] Kunala
[C] Dasharatha
[D] Salisuka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samprati ]
Notes:
Emperor Samprati was the grandson of Emperor Ashoka, who reigned from 224–274 BCE. And accepted Jainism.
2. In which rock edict Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child…”?
[A] Separate Kalinga Edict I
[B] Major Rock Edict IV
[C] Major Rock Edict VI
[D] Major Rock Edict VII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Separate Kalinga Edict I]
Notes:
In Separate Kalinga Edict I, Ashoka describes all people as his children and expresses his wish for their welfare in this world and the next.
3. Which Ashokan inscription elaborates the policy of Dhamma?
[A] Major rock edict IX
[B] Major rock edict XI
[C] Major rock edict XII
[D] Major rock edict X
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major rock edict XI ]
Notes:
The Major rock edict XI elaborates the Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma. It stresses the respect for elders, abstain from killing animals and liberal towards friends.
4. Which among the following was the capital of Chera Kingdom?
[A] Tondi
[B] Musiri
[C] Vanji
[D] Uraiyaur
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Correct Answer: C [ Vanji ]
Notes:
The capital of Chera Kingdom was Vanji. Tondi and Musiri were the important sea ports of Cheras.
5. Which among the following is the correct location of the ancient site Deh Morasi Ghundai?
[A] Northern Pakistan
[B] Eastern Persia
[C] Modern Turkey
[D] Afghanistan
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Correct Answer: D [Afghanistan]
Notes:
Deh Morasi Ghundai is an archaeological site near Kandahar in Afghanistan. It is known as one of the earliest prehistoric sites excavated in the country and has yielded important evidence for early settlement in the region. Among the given options, Afghanistan is the correct location. The site is associated with the ancient cultural landscape of southern Afghanistan, not with Pakistan, Persia, or Anatolia.
6. Who among the following was the ruler of Kanchi during the period of Samudragupta ?
[A] Vishnugopa
[B] Harshvardhan
[C] Hastivarman
[D] Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vishnugopa ]
Notes:
In the Allahabad Pillar inscription, it is noted that Samdragupta defeated twelve rulers of Dakshinapatha. In the list of defeated rulers, King Vishnugopa (Pallava dynasty ) of Kanchi is also mentioned.
7. Which of the following regions was called “Gedrosia” during times of Alexander, the great?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Punjab
[D] Baluchistan
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Correct Answer: D [ Baluchistan ]
Notes:
Gedrosia corresponded to today’s Baluchistan or more specifically Makran. Alexander had lost a lots of soldiers during his march through the Gedrosian desert.
8. As per the Hindu Philosophy, what is the number of articles under the restraints and practices (Yamas and Niyamas)?
[A] 5
[B] 15
[C] 20
[D] 36
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [20]
Notes:
The 10 Yamas are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya (not stealing), Brahmacharya (marital fidelity and chastity), Kshama, Dhriti (fortitude), Daya (compassion), Arjava (sincerity and non-hypocrisy), Mitahara (measured diet).
The 10 Niyamas are Tapas (persistence), Santosa (contentment), Astikya (belief in self and God), Dana (generosity), Isvarpujana (worship of one’s God), Siddhanta Sravana (listening to scriptures), Mati (thinking and understanding), Japa (reciting prayers), Huta & Vrata. Huta means religious rituals and Vrata means fulfilling religious vows.
9. In which of the following modern State, most of the 24 Tirthankar of Jainism attained nirvana?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
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Correct Answer: A [Bihar]
Notes:
Bihar is the state where most of Tirthankara attained nirvana. Lord Buddha attained nirvana at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
10. Who is Kumara in the epic poem Kumarasambhava written by Kalidasa?
[A] Kartikeya
[B] Abhimanyu
[C] Sanatahkumara
[D] Arjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kartikeya]
Notes:
Kumarasambhava, is an epic poem by Kalidasa written in the 5th century CE. The work describes the courting of the ascetic Shiva, who is meditating in the mountains, by Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas; the conflagration of Kama (the god of desire)—after his arrow struck Shiva—by the fire from Shiva’s third eye; the wedding and lovemaking of Shiva and Parvati; and the subsequent birth of Kumara (Skanda), the war god. Kumara is son of shiva Kartikeya.
