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. Nābhivarṣa is the historical name of which of the following countries?
[A] India
[B] Myanmar
[C] China
[D] Egypt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India ]
Notes:
According to some historical sources, the term Nābhivarṣa was used for India prior to its name Bharatvarsa. The name is derived from King Nabhi, who was father of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara in Jainism.
2. 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.
3. At which age Gautam Buddha got Nirvana?
[A] 24
[B] 35
[C] 38
[D] 42
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [35 ]
Notes:
Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana at the age of 35. He achieved enlightenment, or nirvana, while meditating under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya. The literal meaning of Nirvana is “blowing out”. According to Buddha, leading a balanced life would lead to a person attaining both Moksha and Nirvana. Buddha was born into the royal family of the Sakya clan in Lumbini, near the Indo-Nepal Border. At the age of 29, he left home and rejected his life of riches, and embraced a lifestyle of asceticism.
4. Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of which of the following?
[A] Taxilla
[B] Ujjain
[C] Pataliputra
[D] Kandhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Taxilla ]
Notes:
Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of Taxila.
5. Which Ashokan inscription prohibits animal slaughter?
[A] Major rock edict III
[B] Major rock edict I
[C] Major rock edict IV
[D] Major rock edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major rock edict I ]
Notes:
The Major rock edict I of Ashoka prohibits animal slaughter and holidays of festive gathering. Only two peacocks and one deer were killed in Asoka’s kitchen. He wished to discontinue this practice of killing two peacocks and one deer as well. On the other hand, Major Rock Edict II mentions medical treatment for men and animals, construction of roads, wells and tree planting.
6. What was the name of the Licchavi princess who was married to Gupta King Chandragupta-I?
[A] Kumara Devi
[B] Kubernaga
[C] Dhruva Devi
[D] Vasu Devi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumara Devi ]
Notes:
The Gupta emperor Chandragupta I married a Licchavi princess Kumaradevi, who was the heiress to the throne of the Lichchavis and by her marriage with Chandragupta the two states got united. Lichchhavi Princess Kumari Devi was the first Indian Queen featured on a coin.
7. Which among the following rulers of the Chola Empire conquered the Maldives during his regime ?
[A] Raja Raja Chola I
[B] Rajendra Chola
[C] Kulothunga Chola I
[D] Vikrama Chola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Raja Raja Chola I]
Notes:
Raja Raja Chola I, popularly known as Raja Raja the Great, is one of the greatest emperors of the Tamil Chola Empire of India who ruled between 985 and 1014 CE. By conquering several small kingdoms in South India, he expanded the Chola Empire. Rajaraja Chola conquered peninsular South India, annexed part of the Rajarata kingdom in present-day Sri Lanka, and occupied Maldives islands.
8. Consider the following rulers:
- Bimbisar of Magadha
- Prasenjit (Pansedi) of Kosala
- Udayan of Avanti
Which of the above rulers were contemporary of Buddha?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Bimbisara of Magadha, Prasenjit (Pansedi) of Kosala, and Udayan of Avanti were all rulers during Buddha’s time.
9. 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.
10. Who among the following kings was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha ?
[A] Ajatshatru
[B] Nandivardhana
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bimbisara]
Notes:
Bimbisara was contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha. The Jain texts mention that he was a disciple of Lord Mahavira. The Buddhist texts mention that he met Buddha before enlightment. Buddha promised him to visit his capital after he gets enlightment. He was a patron of Buddha and as a mark of goodwill; he presented the Bamboo Grove (karanda venu vana) to the Sangha.
