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.
1. The rulers of which among the following dynasties adopted the title Devaputra ?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Kushana
[D] Saka-Kshatrapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kushana ]
Notes:
Kushanas Empire: Kanishka (100 – 126 AD), a prominent ruler of the Kushan Dynasty who achieved remarkable milestones in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. His descendants called him as Devaputra which means son of gods.
2. The IX mandala of the Rigveda samhita is dedicated to?
[A] Soma
[B] Purushkuta
[C] Gotra
[D] Gayatri Mantra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Soma ]
Notes:
The IX mandala of the Rigveda samhita is dedicated to Soma.
3. Who was the founder of Yoga philosophy?
[A] Jaimini
[B] Kapila
[C] Akshapada Gautam
[D] Patanjali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
Patanjali Yoga philosophy is one of the six major orthodox schools of Hinduism. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a key text of the Yoga school of Hinduism. Patanjali was the founder of Yoga philosophy.
4. Which among the following is the correct location of the ancient site Deh Morasi Ghundai?
[A] Northern Pakistan
[B] Eastern Persia
[C] Modern Turkey
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Afghanistan]
Notes:
Deh Morasi Ghundai is an archaeological site near Kandahar in Afghanistan. It is known as one of the earliest prehistoric sites excavated in the country and has yielded important evidence for early settlement in the region. Among the given options, Afghanistan is the correct location. The site is associated with the ancient cultural landscape of southern Afghanistan, not with Pakistan, Persia, or Anatolia.
5. Who among the following was contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga?
[A] Patanjali
[B] Kalidas
[C] Heliodorus
[D] Vasudeva
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Correct Answer: A [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
The great grammarian Patanjali is said to be a contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga, who founded Sunga dynasty by assassinating the last ruler of Mauryan Empire.
6. Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following rulers?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Ramagupta
[C] Bhanugupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Ramagupta ]
Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the Maharajadhiraja.
7. Who among the following was the first ruler of sen dynasty?
[A] Ballal Sen
[B] Samanta Sen
[C] Vijay sen
[D] Lakshaman Sen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samanta Sen]
Notes:
Around the time of Mahipala’s death in around 1043 AD, a vassal of the Palas named Hemanta Sen founded the Sena Dynasty. This Dynasty appeared in 11th century and disappeared in 12th century
8. Ceylon became a stronghold of which among the following branches of Buddhism?
[A] Mahayan
[B] Hinayan
[C] Mahnendra
[D] Theravada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hinayan]
Notes:
After the death of Buddha, Buddhism was divided into two sects namely Mahayana and Hinayana. Hinayana, found mostly in the South and West covering Indo-china and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).Early work written in Pali (e.g. Kamma, Dhamma).
9. What was the profession of Karmara in Vedic age?
[A] Blacksmith
[B] Potter
[C] Ratha (Chariot ) Makers
[D] Goldsmith
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Blacksmith]
Notes:Some of the ancient professions and their names are as follows:
- Karmara – Blacksmith
- Takshan – Carpenter
- Vapta – Barber
- Charmana – Tanner
- Hiranayakara – Goldsmith
- Tantuvaya – weaver
10. The following were the immediate successors of imperial Mauryas?
[A] Pandyas
[B] Kushans
[C] Nandas
[D] Sungas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sungas]
Notes:
The Shunga Empire was an ancient Indian dynasty from Magadha that controlled areas of the central and eastern Indian subcontinent from around 185 to 75 BCE. They are the immediate successors of imperial Mauryas.
