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. ‘Followers of the way of life’ term is associated with which of the following?
[A] Hinduism
[B] Buddhism
[C] Jainism
[D] Ajivikas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ajivikas]
Notes:
The Ajivikas or ‘Followers of the way of life,’ was an ascetic order which started at the time of Buddha and Mahavira. It lasted until the 14th century. There were around 62 sects along with Ajivikas that challenged Brahmanical dominance.
32. Bimbisara belonged to which of the following dynasties?
[A] Mughal dynasty
[B] Haryanka dynasty
[C] Slave dynaty
[D] Shishunaga dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Haryanka dynasty]
Notes:
Magadha came out to be the most powerful state and the centre of a vast empire. Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka dynasty and ruled for 52 years starting from 544 to 492 BCE.
33. The famous battle of Hydaspes was fought between Alexander and which of the following Indian ruler?
[A] King Ambhi
[B] Chandragupta Maurya
[C] King Porus
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [King Porus]
Notes:
Alexander entered India through the Khyber Pass after conquering the Achaemenid Empire of Persia in 326 BCE. The famous battle of Hydaspas (on Jhelum) was fought between King Porus and Alexander.
34. Which of the following rock edict mentions about the war of Kalinga?
[A] Twelfth Edict
[B] Tenth Edict
[C] Thirteenth Edict
[D] Fourteenth Edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Thirteenth Edict]
Notes:
The Thirteenth Rock Edict of Ashoka has a mention of the Kalinga War. It also mentions the victory of King Ashoka over Kalinga in 261 BCE. It also mentions that the victory by Dhamma to be the foremost victory.
35. Which of the following is an example of rock-cut architecture of the Mauryan period?
[A] Dhauli caves
[B] Sanchi Stupa
[C] Bhimbhetka caves
[D] Elephanta caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dhauli caves]
Notes:
The Maurya period also saw the beginning of rock-cut architecture. Ashoka replaced the use of wood and brick with stone. The rock-cut architecture of Lomasha Risi cave in the Barabara hills near Gaya, and the Dhauli caves near Bhubaneswar, are some of the good examples.
36. 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.
37. “Gapata Sarah” refers to which of the following?
[A] Waste land
[B] Jungle or forest land
[C] Habitable land
[D] Pasture land
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pasture land]
Notes:
The land during the Gupta period can be classified into the following groups:
Kshetra: Cultivable land
Khila: Waste land
Aprahata: Jungle or forest land
Vasti: Habitable land
Gapata Sarah: Pasture land
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
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sultanganj]
Notes:
During the Gupta period, Buddhism had a great impact on art and architecture. A life-sized bronze image of Buddha belonging to the Mathura school of art has been found from Sultanganj in Bihar.
39. Which of the following authors wrote Dasavatara-charitam?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Bilhana
[C] Kshemendra
[D] Gunadhya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kshemendra]
Notes:
Kshemendra was an 11th-century Sanskrit poet from Kashmir in India. Kshemendra is considered to be the author of Dasavatara-charitam which is written in Sanskrit. It mentions the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
40. At which of the following places did Avantivarman built his new capital?
[A] Avantipur
[B] Ujjain
[C] Srinagar
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Avantipur]
Notes:
Avantivarman founded the Utpala dynasty. He ruled Kashmir from 855 C.E. to 883 C.E. and built the famous Avantiswami Temple. He built his new capital at Avantipur, 18 miles from Srinagar.
