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. In which year, Vardhamana Mahavira was born?
[A] 563 BC
[B] 540 BC
[C] 533 BC
[D] 560 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 540 BC ]
Notes:
According to Jain texts, Lord Mahavira was born in 540 BCE in the city of Kundagrama (present day Bihar, India) on the thirteenth day under the rising moon of Chaitra month. He was born into the royal Jnatri Kshatriya dynasty as Prince Vardhamana to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Legends recount many auspicious dreams and omens about his exceptional spiritual destiny seen by his mother before his birth.
2. Who among the following is the author of ‘Harshacharita’ ?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Harshavardhan
[D] Bhaskarvarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Banabhatta ]
Notes:
Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana, who wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari. Harshacharita is an important historical work narratted the incidents of the earlier part of Harsha’s reign.
3. Who among the following was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty ?
[A] Pushyabhuti
[B] Prabhakar Vardhan
[C] Aditya vardhan
[D] Harshavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pushyabhuti ]
Notes:
According to Banabhatta, Pushyabhuti was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty.
4. Which among the following plays was / were written by Harsha?
[A] Nagananda
[B] Ratnavali
[C] Priyadarshika
[D] All of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of these ]
Notes:
Harsha wrote three sanskrit plays- Nagananda, Ratnavali and Priyadarshika.
5. Among all the major rock edicts of Ashoka, which one is the longest?
[A] 7th major rock edict
[B] 11th major rock edict
[C] 13th major rock edict
[D] 9th major rock edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 13th major rock edict ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII is the largest rock edict of Ashokan inscription that mentions a) Asoka’s victory over Kalinga. B) Victory of Asoka’s Dhamma over Greek Kings, Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas, Alexander and Cholas, Pandyas, etc. C) Kamboj, nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
6. In the Maurya empire, what was the name of department of the Chief of the Mines ?
[A] Dauvarika
[B] Antapal
[C] Karmantika
[D] Paura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Karmantika ]
Notes:
Karmantika was the department name of the Chief of the Mines.
7. Which of the following are ritualistic teachings attached to the hymns of the Vedas?
[A] Brahmanas
[B] Upanishads
[C] Aranyakas
[D] Itihasas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Brahmanas ]
Notes:
The ritualistic teachings attached to the hymns of the Vedas were known as the Brahmanas.
8. Who was the founder of Gupta Dynasty?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sri Gupta ]
Notes:
Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta Dynasty and adopted the title ‘Maharaj’.
9. Which of the following was not a diety of the Harappans?
[A] Shiva
[B] Mother Goddess
[C] Peepal Tree
[D] Vishnu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Vishnu ]
Notes:
Mother Goddess, Pashupati Shiva, Peepal, Pigeon, Swastik were worshipped by the Harappans.
10. Which among the following ruler is known for Junagarh Rock Inscription?
[A] Rudradaman I
[B] Jivadaman
[C] Damajadasri
[D] Jayadaman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rudradaman I]
Notes:
The Junagarh Rock inscription of Rudradaman is considered as an early example of chaste Sanskrit, written in mid second century AD. It mentions that one of Chandragupta Maurya’s governors, Pushyagupta, was responsible for building a dam on Sudarshana Lake near Girnar in Kathiawar. From another inscription of Skandgupta we came to know that this very dam was repaired during his reign, almost 800 years after it was built
