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. During whose reign was the Fourth Buddhist Council held?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD during the reign of Kushan king Kanishka. It was held under the Presidentship of Vasumitra to compose commentaries on the Tripitika.
2. 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.
3. Which among the following Buddhist scripture deals in the moral code of conduct?
[A] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[B] Vinay Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vinay Pitaka ]
Notes:
The Buddhist scripture, Vinay Pitaka mainly deals with rules and regulations, which the Buddha promulgated. It describes in detail the gradual development of the Sangha. In other words, it is the code of ethics to be obeyed by the early sangha, monks and nuns.
4. Who was the first Tirthankara in Jainism?
[A] Rishabhanatha
[B] Parsavanath
[C] Mahavira
[D] Munisuvrata
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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. Who defeated Harsha Vardhana on the banks of river Narmada in 630 A.D.?
[A] Pulakesin II
[B] Mahendravarman I
[C] Pulakesin I
[D] Kirtivarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pulakesin II ]
Notes:
As per the Aihole inscription, Harsha Vardhana was defeated by Pulakesin-II, the great Chalukya king, on the banks of river Narmada in 630 A.D.
6. Where was the first Tamil Sangam held__?
[A] Madurai
[B] Kapatpuram
[C] Kaveripattnam
[D] Kural
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Madurai ]
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. Unfortunately, no literary work of this Sangam was available. The second tamil Sangam was held in Kapatpuram, second capital of the Pandyas. The third Tamil Sangam was held in Madurai. Its chairman was a tamil poet Nakkirar.
7. In Pali texts, who among the following is referred to as Nigantha Nataputta?
[A] Gautam Buddha
[B] Mahavira
[C] Parshvanatha
[D] Rishabha
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Correct Answer: B [Mahavira]
Notes:
Nigantha Nataputta refers to Mahavira. A Nirgrantha refers to Jains. A person who has attained kevalya can be a nirgrantha.
8. Which among the following text of Buddhism speaks about the sixteen Mahajanapadas?
[A] Digh Nikaya
[B] Anguttar Nikaya
[C] Maha Parinibbana Sutta
[D] Majjhima Nikaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Anguttar Nikaya]
Notes:
16 Mahajanapadas have been listed by several Buddhist and Jainsm texts. For example Anguttara Nikaya gives a list of sixteen great nations, which is slightly diffrent from Digha Nikaya which mentions only twelve Mahajanapadas. Similarly, Jain text Vyākhyāprajñapti (or Bhagavati Sutra) gives a different list of sixteen Mahajanapadas.
9. Which among the rulers of Magadh founded the city of Patliputra (Patna) on the bank of river Ganges?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Ajatshatru
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Bindusara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ajatshatru]
Notes:
The ancient city of Pataliputra was founded in the 5th century BC by Ajatashatru, king of Magadha. Patna is a riverside city that extends along the south bank of the Ganges (Ganga) River for about 12 miles.
10. 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.
