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 presided First Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahakassapa ]
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.
2. In Pali texts, who among the following is referred to as Nigantha Nataputta?
[A] Gautam Buddha
[B] Mahavira
[C] Parshvanatha
[D] Rishabha
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Correct Answer: B [ Mahavira ]
Notes:
In Pali Buddhist texts, most notably the Sutta Pitaka, Lord Mahavira is referred and addressed as ‘Nigantha Nataputta’. Nigantha means one without any bonds or ties. Nataputta means son of Jnatri clan to which Mahavira belonged. This name referred to Mahavira’s state as an ascetic who had renounced worldly pleasures and ties. The term contrasts Buddhism’s middle path to Jainism’s ascetic path to moksha or liberation.
3. Which among the following was the capital of Chera Kingdom?
[A] Tondi
[B] Musiri
[C] Vanji
[D] Uraiyaur
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Correct Answer: C [ Vanji ]
Notes:
The capital of Chera Kingdom was Vanji. Tondi and Musiri were the important sea ports of Cheras.
4. Who was the first Indo-Greek king, who became Buddhist?
[A] Antiochus II
[B] Apollodotus I
[C] Apollodotus II
[D] Menander II
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Correct Answer: D [ Menander II ]
Notes:
Menander II was the Indo-Greek king who established a large empire in the South Asia and became a patron of Buddhism.
5. The famous book Sutrakritanga provides detailed information about the life of:
[A] Mahavira
[B] Gautama Buddha
[C] Kapila
[D] Basavanna
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Correct Answer: A [ Mahavira ]
Notes:
Sutrakritanga is the second agama of the 12 main Angas of the Jain canons. It provides detailed information about the life of Mahavira. It is also known as the Golden Book of Jainism.
6. Which among the following sites in Haryana, is the place as per legends where Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Bhagavad Gita?
[A] Jyotisar
[B] Pehowa
[C] Shahabad
[D] Ladwa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jyotisar]
Notes:
Jyotisar is situated at 5 kms from the town of Kurukshetra in Haryana. It was in this very spot that Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, and it is aptly called “Gitopadesha.”
7. Who among the following kings was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha ?
[A] Ajatshatru
[B] Nandivardhana
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bimbisara]
Notes:
Bimbisara was contemporary of both Mahavira and Buddha. The Jain texts mention that he was a disciple of Lord Mahavira. The Buddhist texts mention that he met Buddha before enlightment. Buddha promised him to visit his capital after he gets enlightment. He was a patron of Buddha and as a mark of goodwill; he presented the Bamboo Grove (karanda venu vana) to the Sangha.
8. Who among the following was last Satavahana ruler ?
[A] Simukha
[B] Krishna
[C] Yajna Sri Satakarni
[D] Pulamavi IV
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Correct Answer: D [Pulamavi IV]
Notes:
Yajna Sri Satakarni was the 27th Satavahana ruler and appears to be last great ruler exercising control over vast territory. The last Satavahana ruler however, seems to be Pulumayi IV (ca. 215–225). (Andhra Pradesh district gazetteers)
9. Bagh caves near Gwalior represent the paintings of which of the following era?
[A] Maurya Era
[B] Gupta Era
[C] Kushana Era
[D] Rajput Era
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Correct Answer: B [Gupta Era]
Notes:
Bagh caves near Gwalior represent the paintings of Gupta era. The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments.
10. The people from which of the following ancient places were called as Vrishnis?
[A] Mathura
[B] Dwarka
[C] Ayodhya
[D] Gandhar
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Correct Answer: B [Dwarka]
Notes:
The Vrishnis were an ancient group associated with the city of Dwarka, which is linked to Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology. Dwarka was a important city in the Mahabharata and is often described as a prosperous and advanced civilization. The Vrishnis were known for their valor and were considered a clan of the Yadavas, the descendants of Yadu, and played a crucial role in the epic narratives surrounding Krishna.
