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. Arrange the following realms in ascending order as per Buddhism:
1) Buddha
2) Pratyeka buddha
3) Bodhisattva
4) Human beings
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] 1, 2, 3, 4
[B] 1, 4, 3, 2
[C] 2,1, 4, 3
[D] 1, 3, 2, 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 3, 2, 4]
Notes:
The correct order of the existence of 10 realms are- Buddha, Bodhisattva, Pratyeka Buddha, Sravaka, Heavenly beings, Human beings, Asura, Beasts, Preta, Depraved men. Buddha is at the top and depraved men is at the bottom of the order.
32. The famous place Bodhgaya where buddha got enlightenment is situated on the banks of which river?
[A] Kosi
[B] Ganga
[C] Niranjana
[D] Venganga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Niranjana]
Notes:
Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya under a peepal tree. This sacred place of Buddhism is situated on the banks of river Niranjana which is known as Lilajan in Pali.
33. Which of the following was the most powerful and aggressive ruler of Haryanka dynasty?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ajatashatru
[C] Udayabhadra
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ajatashatru]
Notes:
Ajatashatru the son of Bimbisara was the most powerful and aggressive ruler of Haryanka dynasty. He is believed to have killed his father and seized the throne. He followed his father’s expansionist policy of military conquest.
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 king is the hero of Malvikagnimitram of Kalidasa?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Pushyamitra Sunga
[C] Devabhuti
[D] Agnimitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Agnimitra]
Notes:
Agnimitra was the second ruler of the Shunga dynasty who succeeded the throne after the death of his father. He is the hero of the famous poem of Kalidasa named Malvikagnimitram.
36. Which of the following started the practice of giving royal grants of land to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks?
[A] Mauryas
[B] Shungas
[C] Satvahanas
[D] Guptas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satvahanas]
Notes:
The Satavahanas dynasty is also known in history for starting the practice of giving royal grants of land. These royal grants were given to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks, including those associated with tax exemptions.
37. During which of the following period cotton was exported to different countries?
[A] Mauryans
[B] Satavahanas
[C] Kanvas
[D] Shungas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satavahanas]
Notes:
Under the Satavahanas, agriculture was prominent. They produced and cultivated cotton. As mentioned in different foreign accounts, Andhra was famous for its cotton products also. Cotton was also exported from India to different countries.
38. During which of the following period, Sanskrit was firmly established as the language of royal inscriptions?
[A] Gupta Empire
[B] Maurya empire
[C] Magadha Empire
[D] Kushana Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta Empire]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, the consolidation of Brahmanical ideology took place as temple-based sectarian cults became popular. During this period Sanskrit was firmly established as the language of the royal inscription.
39. At which of the following places “The Bagh” cave paintings are located?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Mathura
[C] Gwalior
[D] Sultanganj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gwalior]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, Buddhist art became prominent. The finest examples are the paintings of Ajanta caves. The Bagh cave paintings near Gwalior can be termed Buddhist art as well. They are more simple and plain as compared to Ajanta cave paintings.
40. The southward march of Harsha was stopped by which of the following Chalukyan Kings?
[A] Pulakeshin
[B] Pulakeshin II
[C] Kirtivarman
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pulakeshin]
Notes:
The southward march of Harshavardhan was stopped by the Chalukyan King Pulakeshin. Pulakeshin ruled over a great part of the modern Karnataka and the state of Maharashtra. He also faced opposition from Shaivite King Shashanka of Gauda.
