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. Who among the following was the 23rd Jain Tirthankara ?
[A] Nemi Natha
[B] Mahavira
[C] Parshvanath
[D] Malinath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Parshvanath ]
Notes:
Lord Parshvanath was the 23rd Jain Tirthankara who lived around 872-772 BCE. He was born to King Ashvasena and Queen Vama of Kashi/Varanasi as a royal prince. He gave up worldly comforts and became an ascetic at age 30 in search of spiritual awakening. He attained Kevala Jnana under a Dhaataki tree near Varanasi after 83 days of deep penance. His main teachings were non-violence, not stealing, not lying and non-attachment to possessions. His iconic symbol is a snake or serpent sheltering him.
2. As per Asoka’s inscriptions, which among the following place was declared tax free and proclaimed only 1/8th part as taxable?
[A] Kushinagar
[B] Lumbini
[C] Kathmandu
[D] Sarnath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Lumbini ]
Notes:
At the 20th anniversary of his enthronement, Asoka announced Lumbini as tax-free and proclaimed only 1/8th part as taxable. Description of this fact is found in the inscriptions of Nigliva and Rumindei.
3. Who was the last ruler of Shisunaga dynasty?
[A] Kalashoka
[B] Nandivardhan
[C] Naga-Dasak
[D] Udayin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Nandivardhan ]
Notes:
The last ruler of Haryanka dynasty, Nagadasaka was over thrown by his amatya (or governor) Shisunaga and he established Shisunaga dynasty in 412 BC. Nandivardhan (367 BC–345 BC) was the last ruler of this Shisunaga dynasty.
4. Which Ashokan pillar edict mentions the Dhamma Mahamattas?
[A] pillar edict VII
[B] pillar edict VIII
[C] pillar edict VI
[D] pillar edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ pillar edict VII ]
Notes:
The Ashokan Pillar Edict-VII mentions the Dhamma Mahamattas. It propagated a proper courtesy to slaves and servants, obedience to parents, respectful behaviour towards Brahmans and Sharmanas and generiosty towards friends, acquaintances and relatives.
5. Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is referred as Ashokavardhana in which of the following?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Puranas
[C] Nitlur minor rock edict
[D] Maski edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Puranas ]
Notes:
In the Puranas, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is referred as Ashokavardhana. However, in the Rudradaman’s Junagarh rock edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is mentioned as Asoka Maurya.
6. Which of the following types of Vedic priests was most responsible for making correct arrangements for vedic sacrificial rites?
[A] Hotri
[B] Udgatri
[C] Adhvaryu
[D] Nakshotri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Adhvaryu ]
Notes:
Adhvaryu In the operational aspects of Vedic fire rites, the Adhvaryu was a central figure because he was the one who measured the sacrificial ground, built all that was needed and prepared materials to be used like, articles of oblation, utensils, woods and water. He also kindled the fire for expected offerings. Thus, success of a Yajna was dependent on correct duties of the Adhvaryu priest.
7. Who granted permission to Buddhist king of Ceylon Meghavarman to build a monastic at Bodh Gaya?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
The Gupta emperor, Samudragupta granted permission to Buddhist king of Ceylon Meghavarman to build a monastry at Bodh Gaya. Hence, he was also known as Anukampavan (full of compassion).
8. There is only one edict, in which Ashoka refers himself as King of Magadha (Laja Magadhe). Identify the edict from the following:
[A] Minor Rock Edict of Maski
[B] The Queen’s Edict
[C] Bhabru Edict
[D] Dhauli Pillar Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhabru Edict]
Notes:
In Bhabru edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha). In this edict he states his faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. In the Queen’s Edict, Ashoka states that the Queen Karuvaki should be credited for her gifts. The Dhauli Pillar Inscription discusses about the Kalinga War. The Maski Edict confirms title “Devanampriya” with the King Asoka.
9. During the reign of Guptas in North India , who were their contemporaries in South India ?
[A] Cholas
[B] Rasthrakutas
[C] Satvahanas
[D] Kakatiyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rasthrakutas]
Notes:
The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire existing from the mid-to-late 3rd century CE to 543 CE. Rashtrakutas was a royal dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian subcontinent . They are the contemporaries.
10. Mehrgarh in the Indus valley civilization is known for which of the following?
[A] Red sandstone
[B] Terracotta Cart
[C] Copper Rhinoceros
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Terracotta Cart]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is an archaeological site located in the Kachi plain of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is one of the oldest known settlements in the region, with evidence of human habitation dating back to 7000 BCE. The site is significant because it provides insight into the early history and development of the Indus Valley Civilization. Mehrgarh was a hub of trade and commerce, and it is believed to have been a major center of pottery production. The site was first excavated in the 1970s and continues to be studied by archaeologists today.
