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.
31. The monks who had knowledge of a minimum of ten Purvas were known as which of the following?
[A] Ganadharas
[B] Srut-kevlis
[C] Angbahyas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Srut-kevlis]
Notes:
The Jain monks who had knowledge of at least of ten Purvas or the ‘early’ or ‘previous texts’ which are considered original teachings of the Jinas were called as the Srut-kevlis.
32. Which of the following are the three important pillars of the teachings of Buddha?
1. Buddha
2. Dhamma
3. Sangha
4. Nirvana
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] Only 1, 2 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The following are the three important pillars of the teachings of Buddha:
1. Buddha- Founder/ Teacher
2. Dhamma- Teachings
3. Sangha- Order of Buddhist monks or nuns
33. Who among the following was the president of the first Buddhist council?
[A] Ananda
[B] Nagasen
[C] Ajatshatru
[D] Mahakassapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mahakassapa]
Notes:
The first Buddhist council was conducted soon after the Mahaparinirvana of Gautam Buddha. It was conducted in the saptaparni cave situated in Rajgriha. The president of the first Buddhist council was monk Mahakassapa.
34. Under the reign of which of the following kings the third Buddhist council held?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Harshvardhana
[C] Ashoka
[D] Kalasoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ashoka]
Notes:
The third Buddhist council was held at patliputra in 250 BCE under the patronage of King Ashoka. The objective of the third council was to purify Buddhism from opportunistic factions.
35. Who was the chief of Vaishali with whom Ajatashatru fought?
[A] Chetak
[B] Prasenjit
[C] Palaka
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chetak]
Notes:
Ajatashatru fought with his maternal grandfather named Chetak. He was the chief of Vaishali and after 16 long years of war Ajatashatru succeeded in breaking the might of Vaishali.
36. Bimbisara ruled for how many years?
[A] 40
[B] 42
[C] 50
[D] 52
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [52]
Notes:
Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka dynasty and he ruled for almost 52 years starting from 544 to 492 BCE. Mahavamsa states that he was anointed as the king by his father at the age of 15.
37. In which Rock Edict Bheri Ghosha (war drum) replaced by Dhamma Ghosha?
[A] Four Edict
[B] Fifth Edict
[C] Sixth Edict
[D] Seventh Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Four Edict]
Notes:
In the Fourth Major Rock Edict of Ashoka the term Bheri Ghosha which means war drum was replaced by Dhamma Ghosha and King Ashoka attached greatest value to this duty.
38. Which of the following was the capital of the Shunga dynasty?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Mathura
[C] Kapilvastu
[D] Pataliputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pataliputra]
Notes:
The Shunga dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Shunga in around 185-183 BC. Some of the major centers of the Shunga dynasty were Ujjain, Mathura, Saket, Sanchi, and Kapilvastu. The capital of the Shunga Dynasty was Pataliputra.
39. Which of the following rulers is considered as the second ruler of the Vakataka Dynasty?
[A] Prithvisena
[B] Vindhyashakti
[C] Pravarasena
[D] Rudrasena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pravarasena]
Notes:
Pravarasena who was the son of Vindhyashakti, the founder of the Vakataka dynasty became the second ruler of the Vakataka dynasty. He is considered as the founder of the real power and greatness of the Vakatakas.
40. Which of the following kings married the Harsha Vardhana’s sister Rajyashri?
[A] Ishanavarmana
[B] Grahavarmana
[C] Sarvavarmana
[D] Avanti Varmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Grahavarmana]
Notes:
Grahavarmana who ruled the Maukharies around c. 600 CE was the son of Avanti Varmana. He married Rajyashri, the sister of Harsha Vardhana. Shashanka, the ruler of Bengal (Gauda), and Devagupta, the ruler of Malwa, jointly attacked Grahavarmana and killed him.
