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 rulers of which among the following dynasties adopted the title Devaputra ?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Kushana
[D] Saka-Kshatrapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kushana ]
Notes:
Kushanas Empire: Kanishka (100 – 126 AD), a prominent ruler of the Kushan Dynasty who achieved remarkable milestones in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. His descendants called him as Devaputra which means son of gods.
2. What was the fifth tenet added by Tirthankara Mahavira to the four basic tenets of Jainism?
[A] Non injury
[B] Non lying
[C] Observe continence
[D] Non stealing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Observe continence ]
Notes:
The five main teachings of Jainism are do not commit violence, do not speak a lie, do not steal, do not acquire property and observe continence (brahmacharya). The brahmacharya was added by Lord Mahavira.
3. The famous Konark Sun temple was built by whom?
[A] Narshimhadeva I
[B] Angabhima deva I
[C] Konkanivarman
[D] Narsimhavarman II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narshimhadeva I ]
Notes:
The 13th-century famous Konark Sun temple was built by King Narshimhadeva I (of the Eastern Ganga dynasty) at Konark, Odisha around AD1250.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Who was the first ruler of Kushana dynasty to issue gold coins in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Kanishka
[C] Vasudeva
[D] Kujula Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vima Kadphises ]
Notes:
The famous ruler of Kushana Empire, Vima Kadphises is best known for issuing large number of Gold Coins. He is known to have maintained the Silk Route and trade with all sides including the China, Alexandria and Roman Empire.
7. Which of the following is the most common motif of the Indus Seals ?
[A] Unicorn
[B] Bull
[C] Rhinoceros
[D] Elephant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Unicorn ]
Notes:
The unicorn is the most common motif on Indus seals and appears to represent a mythical animal that Greek and Roman sources trace back to the Indian subcontinent.
8. Who was the first Indo-Greek king, who became Buddhist?
[A] Antiochus II
[B] Apollodotus I
[C] Apollodotus II
[D] Menander II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Menander II ]
Notes:
Menander II was the Indo-Greek king who established a large empire in the South Asia and became a patron of Buddhism.
9. 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 |
10. Sarnath, is related to which among the following events in the life of Buddha?
[A] First Sermon
[B] Last Sermon
[C] Mahaparinibbana
[D] Dhammachakkapavattana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [First Sermon]
Notes:
The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. It was also the site of the Buddha’s Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, which was his first teaching after attaining enlightenment, in which he taught the four noble truths and the teachings associated with it.
So either A or D can be marked as the correct answer.
