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. With which among the following places, the twenty third Jain Tirthankara was associated?
[A] Vaishali
[B] Kausambi
[C] Varanasi
[D] Sravasti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Varanasi ]
Notes:
The 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanath was closely associated with Varanasi. He was born there to the ruling king and queen. After becoming an ascetic, he travelled widely but eventually returned to Varanasi for meditation and penance. He attained enlightenment under a tree on Sammet Shikhar near Varanasi. A famous Parshvanath temple stands at that site even today, which remains an important place of pilgrimage for Jains worldwide.
3. In Pali texts, who is called Nigantha Nataputta?
[A] Gautam Buddha
[B] Parshvanatha
[C] Mahavira
[D] Rishabha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mahavira]
Notes:
In Pali Buddhist texts like the Sutta Pitaka, Mahavira is referred to as Nigantha Nataputta. ‘Nigantha’ means one free from bonds, and ‘Nataputta’ means son of the Jnatri clan. Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism and a contemporary of Gautam Buddha in ancient India during the 6th century BCE.
4. Who was the first Tirthankara in Jainism?
[A] Rishabhanatha
[B] Parsavanath
[C] Mahavira
[D] Munisuvrata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rishabhanatha]
Notes:
According to Jain belief, the first Tirthankara was Lord Rishabhanatha who lived millions of years ago in the ancient city of Ayodhya. As per legend, he was born to King Nabhi Raja and Queen Marudevi. At age 30, he renounced his princely comforts to become a monk. Eventually he attained Kevala Jnana and became the first sage to preach Jain values of non-violence, truth etc. Jains consider him to be a founder of their faith and ethical order.
5. The Kalinga war was fought in which year of Ashoka reign?
[A] 6
[B] 7
[C] 8
[D] 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 8 ]
Notes:
The Magadha Emperor, Ashoka invaded Kalinga in the eight year of his reign in 261 B.C. Nearly one lakh soldiers lost their lives in that war and one and half lakh soldiers were captured. The 13th rock edict of Ashoka throws light on this war.
6. Tolkāppiyam belongs to which tamil Sangam?
[A] first
[B] second
[C] third
[D] fourth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ second ]
Notes:
Tolkāppiyam is a work on the grammar of the Tamil language. It deals with orthography, phonology, morphology, semantics, prosody and the subject matter of literature. It belongs to second tamil Sangam.
7. Who wrote Malvikagnimitra?
[A] Kalidas
[B] Tulsidas
[C] Agnimitra
[D] Chanakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kalidas ]
Notes:
Malvikagnimitra is a five-act drama based on Sunga king Agnimitra’s love for Vidharbha princess Malvika. It was a Sanskrit play written by Kalidas.
8. Who was the first Satvahana King?
[A] Simuka
[B] Satkarni
[C] Vashisthaputra
[D] Gautamiputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Simuka ]
Notes:
Simuka (230-207 BC) was the founder of Satvahana dynasty, who conquered the present-day Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh. He was succeeded by his brother Kanha, who further extended his state to the present day Andhra Pradesh.
9. Who among the following Kushan Emperors was the first to introduce the gold coinage in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Vima Taktu
[C] Vasishka
[D] Kujula Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vima Kadphises ]
Notes:
Vima Kadphises was a Kushan emperor from around 90–100 AD. Vima Kadphises added to the Kushan territory by his conquests in Afghanistan and north-west Pakistan. He issued an extensive series of coins and inscriptions. He was the first to introduce gold coinage in India, in addition to the existing copper and silver coinage.
10. In the Indus Valley civilization the Great Granary was found in which among the following sites?
[A] Mohenjodaro
[B] Harappa
[C] Surkotada
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
Great Granary was found at Mohen-jo daro, while six small granaries were found at Harappa.
