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. Mahavira passed away at what age?
[A] 65
[B] 70
[C] 72
[D] 75
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [72]
Notes:
The 24th trithankar Mahavira passed away at the age of 72 years in 527 BCE at Pavapuri near Patna and became a siddha (fully liberated). He had attained Kaivalya at the age of 42.
32. When was Gautam Buddha born?
[A] 543 BC
[B] 563 BC
[C] 583 BC
[D] 593 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [563 BC]
Notes:
Gautam Buddha also known as Siddhartha was born in 563 BC. He was born in a Shakya Kshatriya family in Lumbini near Kapilvastu in Nepal. His father’s name was Shuddhodana.
33. Which of the following are correctly matched?
Tripitaka Subject matter
1. Sutta Pitak Conventional teaching
2. Vinaya Pitak Disciplinary code
3. Abhidhamma Pitak Moral psychology
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
The Tripitaka form the part of the core scriptures of all the branches of Buddhism. They comprise of three books — the Sutta which cover the conventional teaching of Budhha, the Vinaya which covers the disciplinary code for monks, and the Abhidhamma which covers the moral psychology.
34. What was the capital of Matsya mahajanapada?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Viratanagara
[C] Nalanda
[D] Takshashila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Viratanagara]
Notes:
The capital of the mahajanapada of Matsya was Viratanagara, that is, modern-day Bairat in Rajasthan. The areas of Jaipur, Alwar, and Bharatpur were included in the state of Matsya.
35. How many pillar edicts have been found?
[A] 7
[B] 8
[C] 9
[D] 10
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [7]
Notes:
Seven major pillar edicts have been found at Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya Nandangarh, Rampurva, Nigali Sagar, Sarnath, Topra, and Meerut. Ashokan pillars probably signify the axis of the world (axis mundi) that separated heaven and earth.
36. Which of the following pillar edicts mentions about the social code?
[A] First Pillar Edict
[B] Second Pillar Edict
[C] Fourth Pillar Edict
[D] Third Pillar Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [First Pillar Edict]
Notes:
There are 7 Major Pillar Edicts of Ashoka. They represent the physical evidence of the Buddhist faith and the policy of Dhamma. The First Pillar Edict represents the social code or the responsibility of the king to protect his people.
37. In which of the following centuries, Kalinga rose to power after decline of Mauryan empire?
[A] 1st century B.C.
[B] 2nd century B.C.
[C] 1st century A.D.
[D] 2nd century A.D.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1st century B.C.]
Notes:
Brihadratha Maurya was the last ruler of Mughal empire. After the decline of Mauryas, Kalinga again rose to power in around 1st century BC in the area of modern Odisha. They came to be known as Chedi dynasty.
38. Which of the following were written by Kalidasa?
1. Abhijananashakuntalam
2. Malavikagnimitram
3. Vikramorvasiyam
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Kalidasa was the court of poet of Chandragupta II. He was one of the Navratnas. He is a renowned classical Sanskrit poet and playwright of India who wrote Abhijananashakuntalam, Malavikagnimitram, Vikramorvasiyam and became famous worldwide.
39. Dharmapala was challenged by which of the following Pratihara rulers?
[A] Nagabhata I
[B] Vatsaraja
[C] Nagabhata II
[D] Bhoja II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nagabhata II]
Notes:
Dharmapala was challenged by Nagabhata II, the Pratihara ruler. Nagabhatta II conquered Kanauj and drove away Chakrayudha. As Chakrayudha was the puppet ruler of Dharmapala, a war between Nagabhata II and Dharmapala became inevitable.
40. Which of the following rulers was the last ruler of Gahadavalas?
[A] Jayachandra
[B] Prithviraj Chauhan
[C] Vijaychandra
[D] Chandraveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jayachandra]
Notes:
Jayachandra was the son of King Vijaychandra from the Gahadavala dynasty. After Shahabuddin Gauri attacked and defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the second battle of Tarain. Mohammad Gauri marched against Jayachand and defeated him or the banks of the river Jamuna near Etawah.
