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. Which Greek King of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C.?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Alexander
[C] Seleucus Nicator
[D] Menander
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Demetrius ]
Notes:
Demetrius,the king of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C. And conquered a considerable part of the Mauryan Empire in the north-west.
2. To which of the following ethnic hordes, Toramana belonged to ?
[A] Scythians
[B] Hunas
[C] Yue-chis
[D] Sakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Hunas ]
Notes:
King of the Huns Toramana was a ruler of the Hephthalite Empire who ruled its Indian region in the late 5th and the early 6th century. Toramana consolidated the Hephthalite power in Punjab and conquered northern and central India including Eran in Madhya Pradesh. His territory also included Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kashmir
3. In which inscription, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha)?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Kandhar Inscription
[C] Dipavamsa Inscription
[D] Babhru Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Babhru Inscription ]
Notes:
In Babhru edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha). In this edict he states his faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha.
4. Which among the following are important functionaries of Early Vedic period?
[A] Purohita
[B] Senani
[C] Gramini
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The important functionaries of Early Vedic period are Purohita, Senani and Gramini.
5. World’s earliest known oil paintings were found in which of the following countries?
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Afghanistan]
Notes:
The Bamiyan cave murals in Afghanistan are recognized as the earliest known oil paintings. Scientific analysis identified drying oils in murals from the Bamiyan caves, and the paintings are generally dated to a period spanning the 5th to 9th centuries CE. These findings place the discovery in central Afghanistan, near the famous Bamiyan Buddha site, making Afghanistan the correct answer.
6. Pushyamitra, the founder ruler of Sunga Dynasty performed how many Ashvamedha sacrifices?
[A] None
[B] 1
[C] 2
[D] 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 1 ]
Notes:
The founder of Sunga dynasty, Pushyamitra Sunga is recorded to have performed two Ashvamedhas to promote orthodox brahamical faith during his rule.
7. Mundaka Upanishad, the Mandukya Upanishad and the Prashna Upanishad are associated with which of the following Vedas?
[A] Atharva-Veda
[B] Rig-Veda
[C] Sama-Veda
[D] Yajur-Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Atharva-Veda ]
Notes:
Atharvaveda text includes three primary Upanishads, influential to various schools of Hindu philosophy. These include the Mundaka Upanishad, the Mandukya Upanishad and the Prashna Upanishad.
8. 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.
9. “Gayatri Mantra” has been mentioned in which of the Vedas?
[A] Rigveda
[B] Samaveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rigveda]
Notes:
Gayatri Mantra comes from the third Mandala of the Rigveda. This Mandala has 62 hymns, mainly to Agni and Indra. It is one of the “family books” (mandalas 2-7), the oldest core of the Rigveda. This Mandala also mentions Kikats, a non-Aryan tribe, which most scholars agree that was resident of somewhere in near Magadha in modern Bihar.
10. Who is the author of Devichandraguptam?
[A] Vishakhadatta
[B] Dandin
[C] Bharavi
[D] Kalidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vishakhadatta]
Notes:
Devi-Chandraguptam is the Sanskrit play of Vishakhadeva (Vishakhadatta). Its the story of Gupta King Ramagupta who decides to surrender his queen Dhruvadevi to a Shaka invader but his younger brother Chandragupta enters the enemy camp disguised as queen and kills the enemy. In the climax of the play, Chandragupta dethrones Ramagupta and marries Dhruvadevi. Kindly note that an 11th century Persian text Majmal-ut-Tawarikh includes some parts of the plot of this play.
