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 Vakataka ruler performed all the seven sacrifices viz. Agnishtoma, Aptoryama, Ukthya, Shodasin, Atiratra, Vajapeya, Brihaspatisava, Sadyaskra and four Asvamedhas?
[A] Rudrasena-I
[B] Pravarsena-I
[C] Prithvisena-I
[D] Narendrasena-I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pravarsena-I ]
Notes:
Vakataka ruler, Pravarsena-I, is said to have performed all the 7 sacrifices viz. Agnishtoma, Aptoryama, Ukthya, Shodasin, Atiratra, Vajapeya, Brihaspatisava, Sadyaskra and four Aswamedham.
2. During the reign of which Kushana king, the Fourth Buddhist Council was held?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Huvishka
[C] Vasudeva
[D] Vasishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD during the reign of Kushan king Kanishka. It was held under the Presidentship of Vasumitra to compose commentaries on the Tripitika.
3. Which among the following village was the site of the Vikramshila Mahavihara, the renowned educational centre of Pala period?
[A] Antichak
[B] Aphasad
[C] Basarh
[D] Chandimau
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Antichak ]
Notes:
Antichak – Excavated site Vikramshila Vikramashila was founded by Pala King Dharmapala in response to a supposed decline in the quality of scholarship at Nalanda. [It was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji ]
4. Who among the following was the author of Abhidhamma treatise Kathavatthu?
[A] Mah-a kassapa
[B] Mahinda
[C] Milinda
[D] Moggaliputta Tissa.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Moggaliputta Tissa. ]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma treatise Kathavatthu was written by Moggaliputta Tissa. He was a Buddhist monk and scholar who lived in the 3rd century BC . Moggaliputta-Tissa was the spiritual teacher of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, and his son Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. He also presided over the Third Buddhist Council.
5. Which Greek ruler sent Megathenes in the court of Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] Seleucus Nicator
[B] Antiochus
[C] Potlemy
[D] Magas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Seleucus Nicator ]
Notes:
Megasthenes was sent by the Greek ruler Seleucus I Nicator as an ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra.
6. Who overthrew Saka rulers from India?
[A] Gautami putra Satakarni
[B] Kanishka
[C] Rudraraman
[D] Demetrius
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gautami putra Satakarni ]
Notes:
The sakas were finally overthrown by Gautamiputra Satakarni, the ruler of Satavahana dynasty. He killed Saka ruler Nahapana and his governor Rishavadatta and restored his territories.
7. Which of the following was denoted by the term “Kahapana” or “Karshapan” during ancient India?
[A] A cloth
[B] A trader
[C] A monk
[D] A coin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ A coin ]
Notes:
“Kahapana” or “Karshapan” was a common coin during Pre-Gupta period. It was made of copper and also of silver.
8. 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.
9. After death of Bindusara, who among the following is considered to help Asoka to capture the throne?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Radhagupta
[C] Tishya
[D] Bairam khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Radhagupta]
Notes:
Radhagupta was an important character in the life of the greatest king Ashoka. Radhagupta was a son of prime minister. He later became a minster in the Mauryan empire. Radhagupta gave elephant as a gift when Ashoka proceed to golden palace. He helped Ashoka after the death of Bindusara.
10. Which among the following is related to history of Kashmir?
[A] Rajatarangini
[B] Ashokavadana
[C] Vikramorvashiyam
[D] Arthashastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajatarangini]
Notes:
Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century CE, is a historical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir. It provides a historical narrative of Kashmir from earliest times to the 12th century CE.
