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. At which of the following sites, all the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic sites have been found in sequence?
[A] Sarai Nahar Rai
[B] Kurnool Valley
[C] Belan Valley
[D] Ahar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Belan Valley ]
Notes:
In the Belan valley (Uttar Pradesh), all the three phases, the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic, have been found in sequence.
2. “Revere all the Buddhas, revere the dharma, revere the sangha” Which among the following quotes this _________?
[A] Allahabad Pillar Inscription
[B] Asoka Edict XII
[C] Asoka Edict X
[D] Mathura Lion capital
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Mathura Lion capital ]
Notes:
Mathura Lion capital will be the correct answer.
3. Which Saka king defeated by Gautamiputra Satakarni?
[A] Moga
[B] Rudradaman -I
[C] Menander
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nahapana ]
Notes:
The famous Satvahana ruler Gautamiputra Satkarni defeated the Saka King Nahapana and restored the prestige of his dynasty by reconquering a large part of the former dominions of the Satavahanas.
4. Which of the following was capital of Guptas?
[A] Taxila
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Ujjain
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pataliputra ]
Notes:
Patliputra was the capital city of Gupta dynasty.
5. Rajatarangini, a book that generally recorded the heritage of Kashmir in the 12th Century, was written by__:
[A] Pravaragupta
[B] Kalhana
[C] Lalitapida
[D] Kashyapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kalhana ]
Notes:
Kalhana penned the book named Rajatarangini in 12th century CE. It is a metrical historical chronicle of north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, written in Sanskrit. Rajatarangini describe the misrule prevailing in Kashmir during the reign of King Kalash, son of King Ananta Deva of Kashmir.
6. The term “Vitasta” in Rig Veda refers to which among the following rivers?
[A] Indus
[B] Beas
[C] Jhelum
[D] Chenab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jhelum]
Notes:Rigvedic Name and Modern Names of Indian Rivers:
| Ancient Name |
Modern Name |
| Sindhu |
Indus |
| Vitasta |
Jhelum |
| Askini |
Chenab |
| Vipasa |
Beas |
| Purushini |
Ravi |
| Satudri |
Sutlej |
| Gomal |
Gomati |
| Drishvadati |
Ghaggar |
7. At which among the following places, Gautam Buddha preached his last sermon?
[A] Sarnath
[B] Rajgir
[C] Vaishali
[D] Pavapuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vaishali]
Notes:
Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at Sarnath. Buddha preached most sermons at Sravasti. Lord Buddha preached his last sermon at Vaishali.
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. Which of the following statements about Agastya, a revered Indian sage of Hinduism, is NOT true?
[A] He and his wife Lopamudra are the authors of hymns 1.165 to 1.191 in the Sanskrit text Rigveda.
[B] He is considered to be the father of Siddha medicine.
[C] He is one of the seven most revered rishis in the Vedic texts.
[D] He is attributed to be the author of the Agastya Samhita found embedded in Rigveda Purana.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [He is attributed to be the author of the Agastya Samhita found embedded in Rigveda Purana.]
Notes:
Agastya is a revered Indian sage known for his great contributions to various fields. Agastya and his wife Lopamudra authored hymns 1.165 to 1.191 in the Rigveda. He is also remembered as the father of Siddha medicine. Among the seven most revered rishis in the Vedic texts, he holds a distinguished place. However, the Agastya Samhita is actually found in Skanda Purana, not the Rigveda Purana, differentiating it from the other statements above.
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.
