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 minister of the Gahadvala King Govindachandra and author of Kalpadruma was __?
[A] Apararka
[B] Chandesvara
[C] Lakshmidhara
[D] Vijnanesvara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Lakshmidhara ]
Notes:
Gahadvala, or Gaharwar, was a Hindu and Buddhist Indian dynasty that ruled the kingdom of Kannauj for approximately a hundred years, beginning in the late eleventh century. The founder of the Kannauj Gahadvala dynasty was Chandradeva, who took control of Kannauj at the end of the 11th century (1090A.D.). During the rule of his successor, Govindachandra, from 1114–1154, the state of Gahadvala reached the pinnacle of its power. His minister, Lakshmidhara, was the author of several legal works, including Kalpadruma.
2. Which among the following define the similarities between Buddhism and Jainism?
[A] Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste system
[B] Both accepted the theories of rebirth
[C] Both preached truth and non-violence
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The similarities between Buddhism and Jainism are a) Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste system. B) Both have accepted the theories of Karma and rebirth and Moksha. C) Both preached truth, non-violence, celibacy and detachment from material comforts.. D) Both Uphold the essence of Vedas.
3. Which of the following Chinese emperors was contemporary of Harshavardhana?
[A] Taizong
[B] Wu Zetian
[C] Ruizong
[D] Xuanzong
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Taizong ]
Notes:
In 641 AD Harshavardhan sent an envoy to Taizong (Tai-Tsung), the Tang emperor of China and in return, the Chinese ruler sent three embassies to Harsha court.
4. Begram in Afghanistan was a capital of which of the following kings?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Asoka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
The ancient city of Begram was identified as the capital under the reign of King Kanishka. He was a prominent ruler of the Kushan Empire in Central Asia around 2nd century CE. Kanishka is known for his military, political, and spiritual achievements, and his reign marked a significant era in Buddhism and arts.
5. Which Saka king defeated by Gautamiputra Satakarni?
[A] Moga
[B] Rudradaman -I
[C] Menander
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nahapana ]
Notes:
The famous Satvahana ruler Gautamiputra Satkarni 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. Which of the following was not a deity of the Harappans?
[A] Shiva
[B] Mother Goddess
[C] Peepal Tree
[D] Vishnu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vishnu]
Notes:
Harappan religion is associated with several symbols and figures such as the Mother Goddess, a proto-Shiva or Pashupati figure, and sacred trees like the Peepal. These are supported by seals, figurines and other archaeological evidence. Vishnu, however, is not identified among the commonly accepted Harappan deities. Hence, Vishnu is the correct answer.
7. Which among the following is true?
[A] the gold coins issued by Guptas were having more Gold Content than Kushanas
[B] The gold coins issued by Kushana were having more Gold content than Guptas
[C] Both were having the same fraction of Gold
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The gold coins issued by Kushana were having more Gold content than Guptas]
Notes:
According to the Indian Archaeology, the gold coins were issued by different emperors. Kushanas issued gold coins that were being used to make trade relation easier. The Gupta emperors made the most aristocratic gold coins. The gold coins of Gupta rulers were better than Kushana rulers because Gupta used good quality gold for the coins. This indicates that Gupta coins were more expensive and high quality.
8. Famous enigmatic Trimurty Sadasiva is located at:
[A] Ellora
[B] Elephanta
[C] Ajanta
[D] Jogeshwari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Elephanta]
Notes:
The famous Trimurty Sadasiva is located at Elephanta Caves, near Mumbai. This site features rock-cut sculptures, including a massive depiction of Trimurti, representing the three aspects of God in Hinduism: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). The Elephanta Caves date back to the 5th to 8th centuries and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing intricate artistry and religious significance.
9. Which among the following Brahaman gave an account of agricultural operations for a season?
[A] Aitreya
[B] Satpatha
[C] kaushitaki
[D] Panchvimsh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satpatha]
Notes:
The Shatapatha Brahmana is a commentary on the Sukla Yajurveda. It is described as the most complete, systematic, and important of the Brahmanas, it contains detailed explanations of Vedic sacrificial rituals, symbolism, and mythology. It has detailed account on the operation of agriculture according to the seasons.
10. Who among the following succeeded Pushyamitra Shunga?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Sujyestha
[C] Vajramitra
[D] Devbhuti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Agnimitra]
Notes:
Agnimitra succeeded his father, Pushyamitra Shunga, in 149 BC. He was the second king of the Shunga dynasty of northern India. The Vayu Purana and the Brahmanda Purana have described 8 years as the length of his reign.
