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 conversation between Nagasena and Menander-I related to Buddhism is recorded in which book?
[A] Milindapanho
[B] Panhomenanda
[C] Nagapanho
[D] Menandapanho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Milindapanho ]
Notes:
Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander (an Indo-Greek king) asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism.These questions and Nagasena’s answers are recorded in a form of book known as ‘Milindapanho (or The Questions of Milinda).
2. Which Greek King of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C.?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Alexander
[C] Seleucus Nicator
[D] Menander
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Demetrius ]
Notes:
Demetrius,the king of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C. And conquered a considerable part of the Mauryan Empire in the north-west.
3. The governors called Strategos were introduced by __?
[A] Sakas
[B] Indo-Greeks
[C] Kushanas
[D] Bactrians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Indo-Greeks ]
Notes:
The Indo-greeks introduced practice of military governorship. The governors were called Strategos.
4. Which rock edict of Ashoka mentions the purpose of the rock edicts?
[A] Major Rock Edict XIV
[B] Major Rock Edict XV
[C] Major Rock Edict XI
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict XIV ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIV describes the purpose of the rock edicts of different parts of the country.
5. Heliodorus’ a Greek ambassador of the Indo-Greek king was sent to the court of which ruler?
[A] Bhagbhadra
[B] Devabhut
[C] Pushyamitra
[D] Ghosha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bhagbhadra ]
Notes:
Heliodorus was the Greek ambassador sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas. Heliodorus erected famous votive Heliodorus pillar around 110 BC near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.
6. Which of the following inscriptions mentions Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s authority over North-Western India?
[A] Mehrauli iron pillar inscription
[B] Beirut inscription
[C] Junagarh inscription
[D] Allahbad pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mehrauli iron pillar inscription ]
Notes:
The Mehrauli iron pillar inscription mentions Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s authority over north western India and a good portion of Bengal. This pillar was established by Chandragupta as Vishnupada in the honor of Lord Vishnu.
7. Maya or Mahamaya, the mother of Gautama Buddha belonged to which among the following dynasties?
[A] Shakya
[B] Koliya
[C] Lichchavi
[D] Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Koliya]
Notes:
Maya, the mother of Gautama Buddha, belonged to the Koliya dynasty. She was also known as Queen Mahamaya or Queen Maya. The Koliya dynasty was a clan or family that ruled over a region in ancient India, which is believed to be in the modern-day Nepal. Queen Maya’s husband was King Suddhodana, who was the ruler of the Shakya clan, and they were both from the same Koliya dynasty. Maya passed away shortly after giving birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
8. Mahabalipuram was a port city of which of the following dynasties?
[A] Chola
[B] Pallava
[C] Chalukya
[D] Kakatiya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pallava]
Notes:
Mahabalipuram was one of the major port cities by the 7th century within the Pallava kingdom. The town was named after Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who was also known as Mahabali. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO world heritage site.
9. Giak & Kiari are located in which of the following ?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Odisha
[C] Kuchh
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh]
Notes:
Giak and Kiari are Neolithic sites located in Ladakh. The sites are on the left bank of the Indus River, about 13,000 feet above sea level. They are about 10 km apart. In the early 1990s, a team of Japanese archaeologists led by Dr Masato Ota excavated the sites.
10. What was the meaning of Visthi in the Gupta Era?
[A] Religious Functionaries
[B] Forced Labor
[C] Prostitutes
[D] Police
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Forced Labor]
Notes:
In the Gupta Era, the term Vishti referred to Forced labor. The empire obtained their percentage of the material surplus through the power of arms in the kind of taxes like Shulka, Bali and Kar etc., forced labor like Balutam and Vishti, and other perquisites.
