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 governors called Strategos were introduced by __?
[A] Sakas
[B] Indo-Greeks
[C] Kushanas
[D] Bactrians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Indo-Greeks ]
Notes:
The Indo-greeks introduced practice of military governorship. The governors were called Strategos.
2. Where was the first Jain council held?
[A] Pavapuri
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Jimbhikagrama
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pataliputra ]
Notes:
The first Jain council was held in Pataliputra in 300 BC, 160 years after the death of Mahavira. Sthulabhadra presided over the council. The council resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas, which replaced the lost 14 Purvas. The council also divided Jainism into two sects, Svetambara and Digambara. The chief patron of the council was Chandragupta Maurya.
3. Which among the following plays was / were written by Harsha?
[A] Nagananda
[B] Ratnavali
[C] Priyadarshika
[D] All of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of these ]
Notes:
Harsha wrote three sanskrit plays- Nagananda, Ratnavali and Priyadarshika.
4. Which among the following Harappan site has been divided into three parts?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Surkotda
[C] Daimabad
[D] Mohenjodaro
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dholavira ]
Notes:
Dholavira located at the Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District, Gujarat. The archaeological finding at Dholavira are a) A unique water harnessing system and its storm water drainage system. B) A large well & a bath (giant water reservoirs). C) Only site to be divided into 3 parts. D) Largest Harappan inscription used for civic purpose. E) A stadium.
5. Who was the founder of Kushana Empire in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Kujula Kadphises
[C] Kanishka
[D] Vasudeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kujula Kadphises ]
Notes:
Kujula Kadphises was the first Yueh Chi chief who crossed the Hindukush Mountains and laid down the foundation of the Kushana Empire. He adopted the epithet of Dharma-thida and Sachdharmathida.
6. 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.
7. The Brihadishwara Temple (Rajarajeswaram) is situated at?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Thanjavur
[C] Lucknow
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Thanjavur]
Notes:
Brihadeeswarar Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil or Rajrajeshwaram temple at Thanjavur is the world’s first complete “granite” temple. It was built by Rajraja Chola-I and is a part of UNESCO’s world Heritage sites. The Vimana or the temple tower (known as Raja Gopuram) is 216 Feet in height and is one of the tallest buildings of its kind. The Nandi is carved out of a single rock. This temple has completed 1 millennium in 2010. It was dictated by lord Shiva to Rajraja Chola I, when he triumphed Ilam (Sri Lanka) Island.
8. Saka Year is how many years behind the Christian Era?
[A] 50
[B] 75
[C] 78
[D] 100
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [78]
Notes:
The Shaka era is a historical calendar era, the epoch of which corresponds to Julian year 78. Kanishka the Great, was the emperor of the Kushan dynasty in the second century founded the Shaka era.
9. Which of the following era / communities represent Jorwe culture?
[A] Vedic Era
[B] Chalcolithic Era
[C] Palaeolithic Era
[D] Later vedic Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chalcolithic Era]
Notes:
Jorwe culture was a Chalcolithic archaeological culture mostly spread in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
10. Which among the following is the theme of “Katyayana Srauta sutra”?
[A] Cooking in vedic eras
[B] Geometry
[C] Rules of vedic sacrifices
[D] Astrology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rules of vedic sacrifices]
Notes:
Srauta is a Sanskrit word that means “belonging to sruti”, that is, anything based on the Vedas of Hinduism. “Katyayana Srauta sutra” talks about Rules of vedic sacrifices.
