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 of the following later Satavahana rulers of the second century CE recovered parts of the western Deccan from the Shakas?
[A] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[B] Satkarni I
[C] Hala
[D] Yajna Sri Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Yajna Sri Satakarni]
Notes:
Yajna Sri Satakarni was a later Satavahana ruler associated with the recovery of territory from the Shakas in parts of the western Deccan. His coins and inscriptions indicate a renewed Satavahana presence in western regions, including the Konkan. This distinguishes him from Gautamiputra Satakarni, who fought the Shakas earlier, and from Hala and Satakarni I, who are not associated with this later recovery.
2. Which among the following Kushana king adopted the epithet Dharma-thida?
[A] Vima Kadaphises
[B] Kuzul Kadaphises
[C] Kanishka the Great
[D] Huvishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kuzul Kadaphises ]
Notes:
Kujula Kadphises used coin legends such as Dharma-thida and Sacha-dharma-thita, expressing adherence to dharma or the true law. These titles alone do not establish adherence to two specific religions.
3. In which rock edict Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child…”?
[A] Separate Kalinga Edict I
[B] Major Rock Edict IV
[C] Major Rock Edict VI
[D] Major Rock Edict VII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Separate Kalinga Edict I]
Notes:
In Separate Kalinga Edict I, Ashoka describes all people as his children and expresses his wish for their welfare in this world and the next.
4. Begram in Afghanistan was a capital of which of the following kings?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Asoka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
The ancient city of Begram was identified as the capital under the reign of King Kanishka. He was a prominent ruler of the Kushan Empire in Central Asia around 2nd century CE. Kanishka is known for his military, political, and spiritual achievements, and his reign marked a significant era in Buddhism and arts.
5. Who was the founder of Gupta Dynasty?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sri Gupta ]
Notes:
Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta Dynasty and adopted the title ‘Maharaj’.
6. The achievements of Samudragupta are mentioned in which inscription?
[A] Hathigumpha inscription
[B] Allahabad Pillar inscription
[C] Bairut inscription
[D] Junagarh Pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Allahabad Pillar inscription ]
Notes:
The achievements of Samudragupta are composed by his court-poet Harisena in Allahabad Pillar inscription ( or Prayag-Prasasti inscription).
7. In the Indus Valley civilization the Great Granary was found in which among the following sites?
[A] Mohenjodaro
[B] Harappa
[C] Surkotada
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mohenjodaro ]
Notes:
Great Granary was found at Mohen-jo daro, while six small granaries were found at Harappa.
8. Third Buddhist Council was held at which of the following places?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Rajgir
[C] Vaishali
[D] Lumbini
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pataliputra ]
Notes:
According to Theravada tradition, the Third Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra under Ashoka’s patronage, around 250 BCE. Moggaliputta Tissa presided over it.
9. The Excavated Buddhist Site, Lalitgiri , which was notified as Centrally Protected in the year 1937, is located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
Lalitgiri is situated in Cuttack district of Odisha which is at a distance of around 100 kms from Bhubaneswar. The Buddhist relics found during excavation was notified as centrally protected in the year 1937.
10. Ashoka called the third buddhist council at which of the following places?
[A] Rajagriha
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Burma
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pataliputra]
Notes:
Theravada tradition places the third Buddhist council at Pataliputra under Ashoka’s patronage, with Moggaliputta Tissa presiding.
