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. At which of the following places the entry of women as Bhikshuni into the sangha was allowed by Buddha?
[A] Rajgriha
[B] Vaishali
[C] Nalanda
[D] Shravasti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vaishali]
Notes:
The entry of women as Bhikshuni into the sangha was allowed by the Buddha at Vaishali on the request of his disciple Anand. The first woman who was admitted to sangha was Mahaprajapati Gautami.
32. What was the capital of Anga mahajanapada?
[A] Varanasi
[B] Kushavati
[C] Champa
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Champa]
Notes:
Anga is situated in the modern districts of Monghyr and Bhagalpur in Bihar. The capital of Anga was Champa. It is located
at the confluence of Ganga and Champa rivers. Champa was an important commercial centre.
33. Which of the following was referred to as ‘Devanampiya Piyadassi’?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bindusara
[C] Ashoka
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka also referred to as Ashokavardhana was the son of Bindusara. In the year 1837 James Prinsep deciphered an inscription written in Brahmi script referring to a king called ‘Devamapiya Piyadassi’ (beloved of the gods) which was attributed to Ashoka.
34. Which of the following major rock edict prohibited animal sacrifice?
[A] First Edict
[B] Second Edict
[C] Third Edict
[D] Fourth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [First Edict]
Notes:
The first major rock edict of Ashoka prohibited animal sacrifice. The attributes of Ashoka’s dhamma such as compassion (daya), charity (dana), truthfulness, purity, and gentleness are reflected in his edicts.
35. Which of the following period saw the emergence of various mixed castes?
[A] Mauryan period
[B] Shunga period
[C] Kanva period
[D] Gupta period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shunga period]
Notes:
The Shunga dynasty was Brahmin in origin. Hinduism revived under the Sunga rulers. Another important development during the Sunga period was the emergence of various mixed castes. This period also witnessed the integration of foreigners into Indian society.
36. Which of the following Shaka ruler repaired the Sudarshana Lake?
[A] Maues
[B] Azes
[C] Rudradaman I
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rudradaman I]
Notes:
The Shaka ruler Rudradaman I got the Sudarshana lake repaired, located in the semi arid zone of Kathiawar. Rudradaman I was a prominent ruler who belonged to the Shaka Kshatrapas of Western Indian lineage.
37. Which of the following succeeded Mauryas in the Deccan and in central India?
[A] Shungas
[B] Kanvas
[C] Satavahanas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satavahanas]
Notes:
Sungas and the Kanvas succeeded the Mauryans in the north. In Deccan and in the central India, the Satavahanas succeeded the Mauryas however after a gap of almost 100 years.
38. At which of the following places 22 brick walls associated with Satavahana period have been discovered?
[A] Kolar
[B] Karimnagar
[C] Warangal
[D] Madurai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karimnagar]
Notes:
The material culture of Satavahanas was a mixture of northern and Deccan elements. In Karimnagar 22 brick walls have been discovered. The drains on the street were underground and covered to lead wastewater into soakage pits.
39. In which of the following period elaborate laws were laid down about inheritance?
[A] Shunga Period
[B] Kushans period
[C] Mauryan Period
[D] Gupta period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gupta period]
Notes:
The Guptas had a fairly good judicial system as compared to other kingdoms. During the Gupta period elaborate laws were laid down about inheritance. However, like earlier periods, these laws were based on the varna hierarchy.
40. Which of the following places developed as a great center of education for Mahayana Buddhism during the Gupta period?
1) Taxila
2) Nalanda
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
The Gupta kings were patrons of Hinduism, but they also followed a policy of tolerance towards other religious sects. During the Gupta period, Nalanda developed as a great centre of education for Mahayana Buddhism. Students from other countries also came to study in this university.
