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. Gautam Buddha gave maximum number of sermons at which place?
[A] Sarnath
[B] Kaushambi
[C] Shravasti
[D] Rajgriha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shravasti]
Notes:
As the maximum number of disciples of Gautam buddha were from the kingdom of Kosala Buddha delivered his maximum number of sermons at Shravasti, the capital of the kingdom of Kosala.
32. What was the capital of the southern part of Panchala?
[A] Kushinara
[B] Shuktimati
[C] Kampilya
[D] Ahichchhatra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kampilya]
Notes:
The capital of the southern part of the mahajanapada of Panchala was Kampilya, that is, modern-day Farukkhabad in western Uttar Pradesh. The famous city of Kannauj was situated in Panchala mahajanapada.
33. 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.
34. What was the name of Ashoka’s mother?
[A] Mahadevi
[B] Yashoda
[C] Subhadrangi
[D] Sanghamitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Subhadrangi]
Notes:
Ashokavadana which is a Buddhist text mentions that Ashoka’s mother was daughter of a Brahmana of Champa named Subhadrangi. It is believed that Ashoka got his name from the fact that his birth resulted in the reunion of his mother and father.
35. Which of the following were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can be definitely attributed to any dynasty?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Indo-Greeks
[C] Shakas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indo-Greeks]
Notes:
The first rulers in India to issue coins (gold, silver, copper, and nickel) which can be definitely attributed to any dynasty were the Indo-Greek rulers. They were also the first to issue gold coins in India.
36. Kujula Kadphises died in which of the following years?
[A] 60 A.D.
[B] 70 A.D.
[C] 80 A.D.
[D] 90 A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [80 A.D.]
Notes:
According to the Rabatak inscription, Kujula Kadphises was the great grandfather of the great Kushan king Kanishka I. He is considered as the founder of the Kushan Empire. He died in the year 80 A.D.
37. Which of the following Buddhist scholars wrote the Buddhacharita?
[A] Vasumitra
[B] Ashvagosha
[C] Charaka
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ashvagosha]
Notes:
The Buddhist scholar who wrote the hagiographic Buddhacharita is Ashvagosha. Buddhacharita is the sacred biography of the Buddha composed in the early second century CE. He also composed the Saundarananda which is a Sanskrit kavya.
38. Which of the following authors wrote Kadambarikathasara?
[A] Rajanaka Ratnakar
[B] Jinasena
[C] Sanmitracharita
[D] Abhinanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Abhinanda]
Notes:
Abhinanda was a Sanskrit scholar and poet. He was the son of Jayantabhatta. He was the court poet of Shankaravarma, king of Kashmir. He wrote the famous Kadambarikathasara in the ninth century AD.
39. Shivaskandavarman ruled during which of the following periods?
[A] 3rd Century A.D.
[B] 4th Century A.D.
[C] 6th Century A.D.
[D] 7th Century A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [4th Century A.D.]
Notes:
According to some inscriptions, one of the earliest rulers of the Pallava Dynasty was Shivaskandavarman. It is believed that he ruled in the early 4th century CE from 275 A.D. to 300 A.D.
40. The Chola empire ruled during which of the following periods?
[A] c. 830 – 1000 CE
[B] c. 840 – 1100 CE
[C] c. 850 – 1150 CE
[D] c. 850 – 1200 CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [c. 850 – 1200 CE]
Notes:
The Cholas rule is associated with the period starting from c. 850 to 1200 CE. The Cholas are famous in Indian history for their local self-government and founded a mighty empire in southern India.
