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. Garuda was adopted as dynastic emblem after the imperial Guptas by ___?
[A] Rashtrakutas
[B] Western Chalukyas
[C] Shilaharas
[D] Chedis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rashtrakutas ]
Notes:
The Rashtrakutas adopted Garuda as their dynastic emblem after the imperial Guptas. The Gupta period used Garuda as their royal emblem.
2. During whose reign the Third Buddhist Council was organized?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Kanishka
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Correct Answer: A [ Ashoka ]
Notes:
The Third Buddhist Council was held at Patliputra during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. It was held under the Presidentship of Moggliputra Tissa to revise scriptures.
3. Who was the Syrian ambassador in the court of Bindusara?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Dimachos
[C] Dionysius
[D] Amitrochates
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Dimachos ]
Notes:
The Syrian ruler, Antiochus I sent Dimachos as an ambassador in the court of Bindusara.
4. Which of the following is the oldest Smriti?
[A] Manu Smriti
[B] Yajnvalkya Smriti
[C] Narad Smriti
[D] Brihaspati Smriti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Manu Smriti ]
Notes:
Manu Smriti (Pre-Gupta period) is the oldest Smriti.
5. The “Battle of Ten Kings” is depicted in which mandala of Rig Veda?
[A] Seventh
[B] Ninth
[C] Eighth
[D] Tenth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Seventh ]
Notes:
The Battle of Ten kings (Dashrajnya) is depicted in the 7th mandala of Rig Veda. This battle led to the formation of Bharata that gradually evolved into Bharatvarsha, Hindustan and India. It was the battle between 10 major tribal chiefs against Sudas of the Bharata tribe.
6. Who is the author of Devichandraguptam?
[A] Vishakhadatta
[B] Dandin
[C] Bharavi
[D] Kalidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vishakhadatta]
Notes:
Devi-Chandraguptam is the Sanskrit play of Vishakhadeva (Vishakhadatta). Its the story of Gupta King Ramagupta who decides to surrender his queen Dhruvadevi to a Shaka invader but his younger brother Chandragupta enters the enemy camp disguised as queen and kills the enemy. In the climax of the play, Chandragupta dethrones Ramagupta and marries Dhruvadevi. Kindly note that an 11th century Persian text Majmal-ut-Tawarikh includes some parts of the plot of this play.
7. Which among the following has been used in the sculptures of Mathura school of Art?
[A] Red Sandstone
[B] Marble
[C] Granite
[D] Clay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Red Sandstone]
Notes:
The Mathura school of art is developed under the Kushans. The material used for the construction is Spotted Red Sandstone.
8. The ancient city of Raj Griha which is modern Rajgir near Patna was built by which of the following kings?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ajatshatru
[C] Prasenjit
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bimbisara]
Notes:
The ancient city of Rajgriha which is modern Rajgir near Patna was built by Bimbisara. Bimbisāra also known as Seniya or Shrenika in the Jain histories was a King of Magadha and belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. He was the son of Bhattiya.
9. Which among the following was referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in Early vedic era?
[A] Earth
[B] Fire
[C] Water
[D] Moon
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Correct Answer: B [Fire]
Notes:
Fire is referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in early vedic era. It has a great importance. There are lots of verses in vedas related to fire.
10. Aihole Inscription is ascribed to which of the following rulers ?
[A] Pulkeshin II
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Kharvela
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pulkeshin II]
Notes:
Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II was written by the Ravikirti, royal poet at the court of Chalukya King. Pulakeshi II ruled from 610 to 642 CE.
