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. Who among the following laid down for punishment for a person becoming mendicant without making adequate provision for dependent wife and children?
[A] Manu
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Kautilya
[D] Narada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kautilya ]
Notes:
Chanakya : He is also known by Vishnugupta, Kautilya,was born around 350 BC and is known for his being the chief architect of Mauryan Empire and writing the pioneering work in the Economics and Political Science that is Arthashstra. He is known as Indian Machiavelli in the western world.
3. The beneficiaries of Asoka’s donations in the region of Barabar Hill were__?
[A] Buddhists
[B] Ajivikas
[C] Svetambar Jains
[D] Digambar Jains
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Ajivikas ]
Notes:
The Edicts of Asoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions on the Pillars of Asoka. The one of the Edict of Asoka is “Barbara cave Inscription : giving away the Barbara cave to Ajivika sect. Dasharataha is known to have gifted the Nagarjuni hills to Ajivikas.
4. Dashkumarcharitam was composed by whom?
[A] Bharavi
[B] Dandin
[C] Varahmihira
[D] Kalidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Dandin ]
Notes:
Dashkumarcharitam was composed by Dandin, who was a Sanskrit author of prose romances and expounder on poetics in the 6th-7th century. The book, Dashkumarcharitam is a prose romance in Sanskrit that describes the adventures of ten young men, the Kumaras, all of whom are either princes or sons of royal ministers, as narrated by the men themselves.
5. Taxila was the capital of which ancient Mahajanpada ?
[A] Gandhara
[B] Anga
[C] Magadha
[D] Kasi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gandhara]
Notes:
“Gandhara” was one of the 16 mahajanapadas, located in the northwest region of ancient India, roughly corresponding to present-day eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. Its capitals were Kapisi (Bagram), Puṣkalavati (Charsadda), Puruṣapura (Peshawer), Takshashila (Taxila) and Udabhandapura (Hund)
6. Which among the following rulers is often described as ‘the first empire builder of Indian History’?
[A] Dhanananda
[B] Mahapadmananda
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mahapadmananda ]
Notes:
The founder of Nanda dynasty, Mahapadmananda is often described as ‘the first empire builder of Indian History’.
7. The earliest evidence of Banking transactions in India comes from __:
[A] Vedic Era
[B] Maurya Era
[C] Gupta Era
[D] Medieval India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vedic Era ]
Notes:
Earliest evidence of Banking in India is found from the period of Vedic Civilization. During those days, loan deeds called rnapatra or rnalekhya were prevalent. Interest rates as well as usury was prevalent in Vedic India. The Vedic word Kusidin refers to an usurer.This term is also found in Manusmriti.
8. Who among the following introduced Shaka era?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Rudraraman
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
The Kushana emperor Kanishka is often recognized for the initiation of the Saka era. This significant event took place when he acceded to the throne in 78 A.D. The Saka era, also known as the Indian national calendar, is used alongside the Gregorian calendar by the Government of India.
9. Who was the first Indo-Greek king, who became Buddhist?
[A] Antiochus II
[B] Apollodotus I
[C] Apollodotus II
[D] Menander II
Show Answer
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.
10. Buddhism from India was introduced to which current region by Kasyapa Matanga?
[A] China
[B] South East Asia
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Africa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ China ]
Notes:
Kasyapa Matanga is thought to have been the first to introduce Buddhism to China. According to Chinese tradition, he traveled from India to Lo- yang in China with another Indian monk, known by his Chinese name Chu Falan. They came in C.E. 67 at the invitation of Emperor Ming of the Later Han dynasty.
