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. These questions are part of GKToday’s 35000+ MCQs Bank Course in GKToday Android App
1. Who among the following is the author of oldest surviving Prakrit grammar Prākrita Prakāśa?
[A] Pingala
[B] Yaska
[C] Vararuchi
[D] Shaunaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Vararuchi ]
Notes:
The oldest surviving Prakrit grammar is Vararuchi’s Prākrita Prakāśa, whose date is debated.
2. Which of the following Pallava rulers invaded the Chalukya Kingdom and captured Badami ?
[A] Narsimhavarman I
[B] Kirtivarman
[C] Vishnuvardhan
[D] Mahendravarnan I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narsimhavarman I ]
Notes:
In the Battle of Vatapi, the Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman I defeated and killed Pulakesin II and captured the Chalukyan capital, Badami in 642 AD. Thus, he assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi).
3. Which Greek ruler sent Megathenes in the court of Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] Seleucus Nicator
[B] Antiochus
[C] Potlemy
[D] Magas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Seleucus Nicator ]
Notes:
Megasthenes was sent by the Greek ruler Seleucus I Nicator as an ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra.
4. Which the following rulers is known as the ‘Napoleon of India’?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta believed in the policy of war and conquest and because of his bravery and generalship he is known as the “Napoleon of India” by historian Vincent. A. Smith.
5. Which of the following is the most common motif of the Indus Seals ?
[A] Unicorn
[B] Bull
[C] Rhinoceros
[D] Elephant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Unicorn ]
Notes:
The unicorn is the most common motif on Indus seals and appears to represent a mythical animal that Greek and Roman sources trace back to the Indian subcontinent.
6. In the Indus Valley Civilization, the style of script is:
[A] Boustrophedon
[B] Pictographic
[C] Brahmi
[D] Not deciphered yet
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Boustrophedon ]
Notes:
Indus Scripts are popularly described as Boustrophedon scripts. This literally means “as the ox turns” in ancient Greek, denoting writing systems that alternate direction. Indus texts feature pictures and symbols, undeciphered to date, inscribed right-to-left in one line with the next line flipping left-to-right in an “ox turns” style unlike later Indian scripts. They have been found on seals, pottery, tools, even an ancient signboard. Deciphering these scripts would unlock valuable information about Harappan economics, political organization, language and beliefs.
7. The famous book Sutrakritanga provides detailed information about the life of:
[A] Mahavira
[B] Gautama Buddha
[C] Kapila
[D] Basavanna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahavira ]
Notes:
Sutrakritanga is the second agama of the 12 main Angas of the Jain canons. It provides detailed information about the life of Mahavira. It is also known as the Golden Book of Jainism.
8. Works of 11th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva have become the basis of which among the following dance forms of India?
[A] Odissi
[B] Bharatnatyam
[C] Kathak
[D] Manipuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odissi]
9. After death of Bindusara, who among the following is considered to help Asoka to capture the throne?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Radhagupta
[C] Tishya
[D] Bairam khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Radhagupta]
Notes:
Radhagupta was an important character in the life of the greatest king Ashoka. Radhagupta was a son of prime minister. He later became a minster in the Mauryan empire. Radhagupta gave elephant as a gift when Ashoka proceed to golden palace. He helped Ashoka after the death of Bindusara.
10. Who has written the biography of Harshavardhana?
[A] Banbhatta
[B] Harsha Himself
[C] Kalhana
[D] Kalidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Banbhatta]
Notes:
Harsha (c. 590–647 CE), also known as Harshavardhana, was an Indian emperor who ruled North India. His biography Harshacharita (“Deeds of Harsha”) written by Sanskrit poet Banabhatta describes his association with Thanesar, besides mentioning the defence wall, a moat and the palace with a two-storied Dhavalagriha.
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