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. Which of the following founded the new Magadh capital at Patliputra?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ajatashatru
[C] Udayin
[D] Shishunaga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Udayin]
Notes:
Udayabhadra or Udayin who ruled around 460 BCE – 444 BCE founded the new capital at Pataliputra, that is, the modern Patna. It is situated at the confluence of Ganga and Son rivers.
32. Which of the following temporarily shifted the capital of Magadh to Vaishali?
[A] Udayin
[B] Shishunaga
[C] Kalasoka
[D] Mahapadma Nanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shishunaga]
Notes:
Shishunaga temporarily shifted capital of Magadh to Vaishali. Shishunaga defeated Avanti (Pradyota Dynasty) and made it a part of Magadha. This ended the 100-year-old rivalry between Magadha and Avanti.
33. What was the name given to Bindusara by Greek scholars?
[A] Amitraghata
[B] Amitrochates
[C] Napoleon of India
[D] Sandrocottus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amitrochates]
Notes:
Bindusara was the son of Chandra Gupta Maurya, and the second to sit on the throne of the Mauryan Dynasty from 298 BCE to 273 BCE. Greeks writers address him as Amitrochates which also meant the destroyer of foes.
34. Which of the following queens of Ashoka tried to get the Bodhi tree cut?
[A] Mahadevi
[B] Asandhimitta
[C] Padmavati
[D] Tissarakhita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tissarakhita]
Notes:
Tissarakhita, one of the queens of Ashoka tried to get the Bodhi tree cut. Ashoka is believed to have had a love marriage with his wife Mahadevi who was the daughter of a merchant of Vidisha.
35. Which of the following was known as the superintendent of markets during the Mauryan period?
[A] Panyadhyaksha
[B] Pautavadhyaksha
[C] Sansthadhyaksha
[D] Rupadarshaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sansthadhyaksha]
Notes:
Sansthadhyaksha was known as the superintendent of markets during the Mauryan period. Trade and urban economy received great impetus during the Mauryan age and it influenced almost all parts of the empire.
36. Which of the following scholars composed the Mulamadhyamakakarika?
[A] Ashvagosha
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Nagarjuna
[D] Mathara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nagarjuna]
Notes:
Nagarjuna composed the Mulamadhyamakakarika, a foundational work of Madhyamaka philosophy. It examines dependent origination and emptiness; these philosophical ideas are not Einstein’s physical theory of relativity.
37. Which of the following Gupta King followed a policy of war and conquest and enormously enlarged his kingdom?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Kumargupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Samudragupta]
Notes:
Samudragupta ruled from c.335/336–375 CE. He was the son of Chandragupta I. He was delighted in the policy of war and conquest and enormously enlarged his kingdom. He had a disputed accession to the throne of the Gupta empire.
38. At which of the following places a lifesized bronze image of the Buddha has been discovered?
[A] Gwalior
[B] Ujjain
[C] Sultanganj
[D] Topra
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Correct Answer: C [Sultanganj]
Notes:
The large standing metal Buddha was discovered at Sultanganj in Bihar. It is now in the collection of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
39. Which of the following was the author of Si-Yu-Ki?
[A] Fa-Hein
[B] Hsuan Tsang
[C] I-tsing
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hsuan Tsang]
Notes:
The Chinese pilgrim Hsuan Tsang visited India during the time of Harsha. He is also known as the Prince of Travelers and is the author of Si-Yu-Ki. He visited India during 629–644 CE.
40. Which of the following writers are traditionally associated with Harsha’s court:
- Banabhatta
- Mayura
- Bhartrihari, the grammarian
- Matanga Divakara
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
Traditional accounts associate all four figures with Harsha’s literary circle. Banabhatta was the author of the Harshacharita and a court poet; Mayura was a Sanskrit poet; Bhartrihari is remembered as a grammarian and poet; and Matanga Divakara is also named among the writers linked to the court. Since the question asks about traditional association, rather than demanding independent contemporary evidence for each figure, all four statements are treated as correct.
