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. Who among the following was the ruler of Kanchi during the time of Samudragupta ?
[A] Hastivarman
[B] Mantaraja
[C] Nilaraja
[D] Vishnugopa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Vishnugopa ]
Notes:
King Vishnugopa (Pallava dynasty ) of Kanchi is mentioned in the list of rulers of the South defeated by Samudra Gupta. It is mentioned in the Allahabad Pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta.
2. In which year, Vardhamana Mahavira was born?
[A] 563 BC
[B] 540 BC
[C] 533 BC
[D] 560 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 540 BC ]
Notes:
According to Jain texts, Lord Mahavira was born in 540 BCE in the city of Kundagrama (present day Bihar, India) on the thirteenth day under the rising moon of Chaitra month. He was born into the royal Jnatri Kshatriya dynasty as Prince Vardhamana to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Legends recount many auspicious dreams and omens about his exceptional spiritual destiny seen by his mother before his birth.
3. Which Ashokan inscription elaborates the policy of Dhamma?
[A] Major rock edict IX
[B] Major rock edict XI
[C] Major rock edict XII
[D] Major rock edict X
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major rock edict XI ]
Notes:
The Major rock edict XI elaborates the Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma. It stresses the respect for elders, abstain from killing animals and liberal towards friends.
4. Who was the earliest known Chola King who conquered Sri Lanka and ruled it ?
[A] Karikala
[B] Elara
[C] Udiyangera
[D] Nedunjelian
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Elara ]
Notes:
The earliest known Chola king to conquer Sri Lanka was Elara. He ruled over the island for 50 years. The Mahavamsa mentions that a Chola prince named Ellalan conquered the Rajarata kingdom of Sri Lanka in 235 BCE. He invaded with the help of a Mysore army.
5. Vallabhi era is identical with which of the following era?
[A] The Vikrama era
[B] The Gupta era
[C] The Harsha era
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The Gupta era]
Notes:
Vallabhi era is identical with Gupta era and Vallabhi era followed Gupta era in A.D. 366.
6. Ashvaghosha, who has written the marvelous work “Buddhacharita” was a court poet of which among the following kings?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Samudra gupta
[D] Ajatshatru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Asvaghosa wrote “Buddhacharitra” and lived in the court of King Kanishka. He was a Buddhist philosopher, poet, orator and dramatist from India. He is considered to be the greatest Indian poet before Kalidasa.
7. Battle of the Hydaspes was fought between Alexander and King Porus in 326 BC. Hydapses means which river________?
[A] Jelum
[B] Indus
[C] Beas
[D] Ravi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jelum]
Notes:
Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. In 326 BC, the Battle of Hydaspes was fought between Alexender the great and Porus along the banks of Haydaspes river( Jhelum river) in Punjab. Porus, the King of Paurava, ruled the area between the rivers Hydaspes (modern Jhelum) and Acesines (Chenab). Though, Porus was defeated, Alexendar was impressed by Porus’s might so asked Porus to rule his dynasty under his name.
8. Which among the following is Not correctly matched?
[A] Takshshila – Gandhar
[B] Viratanagara – Matsya
[C] Surasena – Kausambi
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Surasena – Kausambi]
Notes:
Shurasena was an ancient Yadava ruler of Mathura after whom the Surasena Kingdom or Mahajanpada and the Yadava sect of Surasenas were named. Kaushambi was was the capital of the Vatsa kingdom, one of the sixteen mahajanapadas.
9. Who is known as greatest law giver of ancient India?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Kautilya
[C] Manu
[D] Chanukya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Manu]
Notes:
Manusmriti, a book on Indian law is attributed to the legendary first man and lawgiver, Manu. Manu-smriti, traditionally the most authoritative of the books of the Hindu code (Dharmashastra) in India.
10. In which among the following , the first description about the Bhils , a tribe of Rajasthan was found?
[A] Vedas
[B] Brahmanas
[C] Mahabharata
[D] Puranas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Brahmanas]
Notes:
In Aitareya Brahman
