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. 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.
2. Who among the following was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty ?
[A] Pushyabhuti
[B] Prabhakar Vardhan
[C] Aditya vardhan
[D] Harshavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pushyabhuti ]
Notes:
According to Banabhatta, Pushyabhuti was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty.
3. Which Ashokan inscription mentions five contemporary Hellenic Kings?
[A] Major Rock Edict XI
[B] Major Rock Edict XII
[C] Major Rock Edict X
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict XIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII of Ashokan inscription mentions Asoka’s victory over Kalinga and names of Greek Kings such as Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas and southern Indian rulers such as Cholas, Pandyas. It has also mentioned names of Kamboj, Nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
4. Which among the following Ashokan inscriptions mentions the name Ashoka?
[A] Bhabru Edict
[B] Maski Edict
[C] Puranas
[D] Junagarh Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Maski Edict ]
Notes:
The Mauryan Emperor Asoka has been mentioned by name ‘Ashoka’ in his inscriptions at Maski and Gujarra only.
5. Fa-Hien who came to visit India during Gupta Period had the main motive of ___________?
[A] Establish trade relations between India and China
[B] Write a book on the life of Indian People
[C] Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha
[D] To spread Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha]
Notes:
Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist, was one of the pilgrims who visited India during the reign of the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. His main motive is to study the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
6. Vaikuntaperumal Temple at kanchipuram was built by __________?
[A] Narsimhavarman II
[B] Nandivarman II
[C] Parmesvaravarman II
[D] Parmesvaravarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nandivarman II]
Notes:
Vaikunta Perumal Temple was built by Pallava King Nandivarman-II in the 8th century, he was a worshipper of Lord Vishnu.
7. In which of the following age human shifted from food gathering stage to food producing stage ?
[A] Paleolithic age
[B] Neolithic age
[C] Mesolithic age
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Neolithic age]
Notes:
The Neolithic Age in India spanned from around 7,000 B.C. to 1,000 B.C. was the last and third part of the Stone Age. The Neolithic Age is mainly characterized by the development of settled agriculture and the use of tools and weapons made of polished stones. It shows the shifting from food gathering stage to food producing stage.
8. Qila Rai Pithora, built by Tomar Rajputs is located in which among the following cities?
[A] Agra
[B] New Delhi
[C] Jaipur
[D] Ajmer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
Lal Kot or Qila Rai Pithora is the original red fort in Delhi comprising the Qutub Minar Compex and other structures in areas around it. It was built during reign of Tomar King Anangpal Tomar in 11th century.
9. As per the ancient Indian Texts, the land between which among the following two rivers has been called “Brahamavarta”?
[A] Saraswati river and Drsadvati River
[B] Saraswati river and Saryu River
[C] Sutudri (Satluj) River and Vipas (Beas) River
[D] Ganga River and Yamuna River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Saraswati river and Drsadvati River]
Notes:
The Hindu religious text Manusmriti describes Brahmavarta as the region between the rivers Saraswati and Drishadwati in India.
10. Which river is mentioned as ‘Charmanyavati’ in Mahabharata?
[A] Chambal
[B] Shipra
[C] Narmada
[D] Tapti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chambal ]
Notes:
Chambal is known as Charmanyavati in Mahabharata,which means originating from blood of thousand animals sacrificed.