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 presided Second Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sabakami ]
Notes:
The second Buddhist Council took place at Vaishali in 383 BC. It was presided by Sabakami under Kalasoka of Shisunga dynatsy to settle down dispute between two opposing groups of monks of Vaishali and Patliputra and monks of Kausambi and Avanti regarding the code of discipline.
2. During whose reign Mahayana sect of Buddhism came into existence?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the reign of Kanishka. Asanga was the founder of Mahayan sect of Buddhism.
3. At which place Mahavira attained Niravana?
[A] Pavapuri
[B] Kundagram
[C] Vaishali
[D] Rajgriha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pavapuri ]
Notes:
At the age of 72 in 468 BC, Tirthankar Mahavira passed away at Pavapuri, Bihar.
4. Which among the following sacred books of Hindu religion has Brahma as the priest?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Rig Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atharva Veda]
Notes:
In Hindu scripture, the Atharva Veda is identified as the Veda where Brahma presides as the priest. This book encompasses a vast range of subjects, from healing rituals to royal consecrations. The name “Atharva Veda” comes from the type of priests who were specifically dedicated to its chanting and application. Brahma, in this context, portrays the deity of creation, thus extolling the grandeur of life.
5. The word ‘Sangam’ of Sangam Age was closely associated with which of the following?
[A] Crowd
[B] Assembly
[C] Influence
[D] Source
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Assembly ]
Notes:
The word Sangam is associated with a College or Assembly of Tamil scholars and Poets .
6. Who composed Nasik Inscription in which achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were recorded?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Sarkarni- I
[C] Kanha
[D] Gautami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautami ]
Notes:
The achievements of Gutamiputra Satkarni were mentioned in Nasik Inscription that were composed by his mother Gautami Balasri. The Nasik Prasasti describes Gautamiputra as the ruler of the Aparanta, Anupa, Saurashtra, Kukura, Akara and Avanti and defeated the Saka King Nahapana and restored the prestige of his dynasty by reconquering a large part of the former dominions of the Satavahanas.
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. Which among the following ruler is known for Junagarh Rock Inscription?
[A] Rudradaman I
[B] Jivadaman
[C] Damajadasri
[D] Jayadaman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rudradaman I]
Notes:
The Junagarh Rock inscription of Rudradaman is considered as an early example of chaste Sanskrit, written in mid second century AD. It mentions that one of Chandragupta Maurya’s governors, Pushyagupta, was responsible for building a dam on Sudarshana Lake near Girnar in Kathiawar. From another inscription of Skandgupta we came to know that this very dam was repaired during his reign, almost 800 years after it was built
9. In the context of Buddhism, what does the term Vihara refer to?
[A] Residence of Monks
[B] Hall of Worship
[C] Congregation Hall
[D] Garden
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Residence of Monks]
Notes:
Vihara in Buddhism refers to the residence of monks who dedicated their lives towards spiritual practices. The word ‘Vihara’ has Pali origin and initially denoted a transitory dwelling place used by wandering monks during the monsoon. Unlike Chaityas, or the assembly halls where discussions took place, Viharas did not contain stupas, which are mound-like structures containing Buddhist relics.
10. The three sangams were organized under the chairmanship of which of the following?
[A] Rishi Agastya, Nakkirar, Rishi Agastya
[B] Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya & Nakkirar
[C] Nakkirar,Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya & Nakkirar]
Notes:
The first Tamil Sangam was held to the south of Madurai under the patronage of Makeerthy, the Pandyan king. Agastya was the president of first sangam. The second sangam was also led by king Agastya. The third sangam is led by Nakkirar.
