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 conversation between Nagasena and Menander-I related to Buddhism is recorded in which book?
[A] Milindapanho
[B] Panhomenanda
[C] Nagapanho
[D] Menandapanho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Milindapanho ]
Notes:
Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander (an Indo-Greek king) asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism.These questions and Nagasena’s answers are recorded in a form of book known as ‘Milindapanho (or The Questions of Milinda).
2. In which Buddhist Council, Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects?
[A] First Buddhist Council
[B] Second Buddhist Council
[C] Third Buddhist Council
[D] Fourth Buddhist Council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Fourth Buddhist Council ]
Notes:
Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana in the Fourth Buddhist Council.
3. The cotton cloth worn by Indians had a brighter white colour than any cotton found elsewhere. This view was recorded by __?
[A] Alexander
[B] Megasthenes
[C] Nearchus
[D] Pliny
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Megasthenes ]
Notes:
Megasthenes – an ancient Greek historian and diplomat, author of an account of India, the Indica, in four books. He was sent by the Hellenistic king Seleucus I on embassies to the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote that the dress worn by the Indians was made of cotton of a brighter white colour than any cotton found elsewhere.
4. On the bank of which river, Mahavira attained Kaivalaya?
[A] Niranjana
[B] Rijupalika
[C] Yamuna
[D] Jamuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rijupalika ]
Notes:
According to Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavira attained the highly exalted omniscient state of Kaivalya in 599 BCE under a Sal tree near the village of Jrimbhikgrama. This site was located on the banks of the River Rijupalika in the kingdom of Magadha, which roughly corresponds to the modern Bihar. The site holds a special place for Jains as the exact spot where Mahavira attained supreme enlightenment through deep penance and meditation.
5. Where was the second Jain council held?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Patliputra
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vallabhi ]
Notes:
The second Jain Council was held at Vallabhi under the chairmainship of Devaradhi Kshamasramana in 512 AD and resulted in finl compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.
6. According to Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamasa, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism by__?
[A] Moggaliputa Tissa
[B] Tivara
[C] Karuvaki
[D] Nigrodha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nigrodha ]
Notes:
As per the Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamasa, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka was impressed by Nigrodha and was ultimately converted to Buddhism due to his impression only.
7. Who among the following was the first Indian Scholar who treated Mathematics as a different subject?
[A] Aryabhata
[B] Apastamba
[C] Baudhayana
[D] Katyayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Aryabhata]
Notes:
Aryabhata was the first Indian scholar to treat mathematics as a separate subject. He was one of the first major mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and Indian astronomy. Aryabhata’s work, Aryabhatiya, was written in verse couplets and deals with mathematics and astronomy. It was particularly popular in South India, where many mathematicians wrote commentaries on it.
8. Which among the following sites gives an evidence of maritime trade in harappan era?
[A] Mohen-jo dero
[B] Lothal
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
Lothal is a small mature Harappan settlement near Gulf of Khambat in Dhalka taluk of Ahmadabad in Gujrat. It was first excavated in 1957 by S R Rao. The notable structures at Lothal include a dockyard, warehouse, workshop for manufacturing of stone beads, evidence of shell working, rice husk and a cemetery.
9. Who among the following historical figures assumed the titles of sakayavanpallavanidusana (destroyer of saka, yavana and pallavas) and Trisamudrapittoyvahana (one whose horses had drunk waters from 3 oceans)?
[A] Gautami Putra satkarni
[B] Simuka
[C] Rudra daman I
[D] Vijaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gautami Putra satkarni]
Notes:
Gautamiputra Satakarni, the ruler of the Satavahana Empire in India, held these impressive titles. His reign marked an era of great imperial expansion, with his forces reaching three oceans and defeating several significant enemies. The titles he assumed symbolized his prowess and achievements. He systematically obliterated the Shakas, Yavanas, and Pallavas, symbolized by the title Sakayavanpallavanidusana. And Trisamudrapittoyvahana denoted the vast range of his conquests.
10. Which among the following was used to create sculptures in the Mathura school of art that flourished around 1st century AD?
[A] Marble
[B] State stone
[C] Granite
[D] Red sandstone
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Red sandstone]
Notes:
The Mathura school of art is developed under the Kushanas. The material used for the construction is Spotted Red Sandstone.
