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 ambassador set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Heliodoros
[C] Theodorus
[D] Plato
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Heliodoros ]
Notes:
The Greek ambassador Heliodoros set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu (Vasudev) at Vidisha. He was sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas.
2. First Buddhist Council was held during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Ajatsatru
[B] Ashoka
[C] Kanishka
[D] Kalasoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ajatsatru ]
Notes:
The First Buddhist Council was held at Saptaparni cave near Rajagriha in 72 AD, during the reign of Emperor Ajatsatru. It was held under the Presidentship of Mahakassapa to compile the Dhamma Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka.
3. Which of the following Pala ruler founded the Somapuri University?
[A] Gopala
[B] Kumarpala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Ramapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Dharmapala ]
Notes:
The Somapuri University is situated at North Bengal and was founded by Dharmapala, the Pala ruler.
4. At which age Gautam Buddha got Nirvana?
[A] 24
[B] 35
[C] 38
[D] 42
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [35 ]
Notes:
Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana at the age of 35. He achieved enlightenment, or nirvana, while meditating under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya. The literal meaning of Nirvana is “blowing out”. According to Buddha, leading a balanced life would lead to a person attaining both Moksha and Nirvana. Buddha was born into the royal family of the Sakya clan in Lumbini, near the Indo-Nepal Border. At the age of 29, he left home and rejected his life of riches, and embraced a lifestyle of asceticism.
5. 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.
6. In which year, Alexander invaded India?
[A] 326 BC
[B] 316 BC
[C] 346 BC
[D] 256 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ 326 BC ]
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.
7. Which Ashokan pillar edict mentions the Dhamma Mahamattas?
[A] pillar edict VII
[B] pillar edict VIII
[C] pillar edict VI
[D] pillar edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ pillar edict VII ]
Notes:
The Ashokan Pillar Edict-VII mentions the Dhamma Mahamattas. It propagated a proper courtesy to slaves and servants, obedience to parents, respectful behaviour towards Brahmans and Sharmanas and generiosty towards friends, acquaintances and relatives.
8. Which Ashokan inscription prohibits animal slaughter?
[A] Major rock edict III
[B] Major rock edict I
[C] Major rock edict IV
[D] Major rock edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major rock edict I ]
Notes:
The Major rock edict I of Ashoka prohibits animal slaughter and holidays of festive gathering. Only two peacocks and one deer were killed in Asoka’s kitchen. He wished to discontinue this practice of killing two peacocks and one deer as well. On the other hand, Major Rock Edict II mentions medical treatment for men and animals, construction of roads, wells and tree planting.
9. Variyar, the Revenue term was used for which action?
[A] Tax Collector
[B] Extra Demand
[C] Land Tax
[D] Custom Duty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Tax Collector ]
Notes:
Term ‘Variyar’ was used for Tax Collector.
10. For the first time in Indian History, the description of the State Administration was found for which among the following periods?
[A] Gupta Period
[B] Maurya Period
[C] Shunga Period
[D] Satavahana period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maurya Period]
Notes:
For the first time in Indian History, the description of the State Administration was found for Mauryan period in the Arthashashtra of Kautilya. The Mauryan Empire was divided into four provinces with the imperial capital at Pataliputra.
