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. With which among the following places, the twenty third Jain Tirthankara was associated?
[A] Vaishali
[B] Kausambi
[C] Varanasi
[D] Sravasti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Varanasi ]
Notes:
The 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanath was closely associated with Varanasi. He was born there to the ruling king and queen. After becoming an ascetic, he travelled widely but eventually returned to Varanasi for meditation and penance. He attained enlightenment under a tree on Sammet Shikhar near Varanasi. A famous Parshvanath temple stands at that site even today, which remains an important place of pilgrimage for Jains worldwide.
2. In which Buddhist council, Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas?
[A] Second Buddhist council
[B] Third Buddhist council
[C] First Buddhist council
[D] Fourth Buddhist council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Second Buddhist council ]
Notes:
In the second Buddhist council, Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas.
3. Who was the brother-in-law of Harshavardhan ?
[A] Grahavarmana
[B] Banabhatta
[C] Devgupta
[D] Bhaskarvarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Grahavarmana ]
Notes:
The sister of Harshavardhan, Rajyasri was married to Grahavarmana, King of Kanauj. He was the last ruler of Kanauj belonging to the Maukhari royal dynasty.
4. During reign of Harsha, the Kannauj assembly was held to publicise the doctrines of which of the following sects?
[A] Mahayana
[B] Hinayana
[C] Theravada
[D] Svetambara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahayana ]
Notes:
The Kannauj assembly (643 AD) was held in the honour of Hieun Tsang (Chinese pilgrim) and to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism.Harshavardhana was a Mahayana Buddhist. He organised Kannauj assembly (643 AD) to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Though, he was a tolerant ruler and supported all Indic faiths viz. Buddhism, Vedism and Jainism. The scholars regarded him as the last great Hindu emperor of India, who ruled over Northern India.
5. Which King took the title of Vatapikonda?
[A] Narasimhavarman I
[B] Simhavishnu
[C] Mahendravarman I
[D] Nandivarman II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narasimhavarman I ]
Notes:
The Pallava King Narasimhavarman I assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi), when he defeated and killed Pulakesin II (Chalukya King) and captured the Chalukyan capital, Badami in 642 AD.
6. Who was the last ruler of Shisunaga dynasty?
[A] Kalashoka
[B] Nandivardhan
[C] Naga-Dasak
[D] Udayin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Nandivardhan ]
Notes:
The last ruler of Haryanka dynasty, Nagadasaka was over thrown by his amatya (or governor) Shisunaga and he established Shisunaga dynasty in 412 BC. Nandivardhan (367 BC–345 BC) was the last ruler of this Shisunaga dynasty.
7. Among all the major rock edicts of Ashoka, which one is the longest?
[A] 7th major rock edict
[B] 11th major rock edict
[C] 13th major rock edict
[D] 9th major rock edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 13th major rock edict ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII is the largest rock edict of Ashokan inscription that mentions a) Asoka’s victory over Kalinga. B) Victory of Asoka’s Dhamma over Greek Kings, Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas, Alexander and Cholas, Pandyas, etc. C) Kamboj, nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
8. Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is referred as Ashokavardhana in which of the following?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Puranas
[C] Nitlur minor rock edict
[D] Maski edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Puranas ]
Notes:
In the Puranas, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is referred as Ashokavardhana. However, in the Rudradaman’s Junagarh rock edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is mentioned as Asoka Maurya.
9. Which among the following era is identical with Gupta era?
[A] Vikram era
[B] Vallabhi era
[C] Saka era
[D] Harsha era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vallabhi era ]
Notes:
Vallabhi era is identical with Gupta era and Vallabhi era followed Gupta era in A.D. 366.
10. With which among the following Vedas, the Shatapatha Brahmana is related to___?
[A] Rigveda
[B] Yajurveda
[C] Samaveda
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Yajurveda ]
Notes:
Yajurveda is the book of sacrificial prayers.The world’s oldest prose literature of the Indo-Europeans is contained in Yajurveda.. There are two primary versions or Samhitas of the Yajurveda : Shukla(white) and Krishna(black) This implies that the Krishna Yajurveda includes the Brahmana prose discussions within the Samhita (no Brahman) while the Shukla Yajurveda has separately a Brahmana text, Shatapatha.
