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. Parnadatta was appointed the Provincial Governor of Saurashtra by __?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Chandragupta II
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Skandagupta ]
Notes:
Skandgupta’s Junagarh Inscription: It states that Skandagupta appointed Parnadatta as goptri (governor) of Surashtra (Saurashtra).
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. In which year, Alexander invaded India?
[A] 326 BC
[B] 316 BC
[C] 346 BC
[D] 256 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ 326 BC ]
Notes:
Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. In 326 BC, the Battle of Hydaspes was fought between Alexender the great and Porus along the banks of Haydaspes river( Jhelum river) in Punjab. Porus, the King of Paurava, ruled the area between the rivers Hydaspes (modern Jhelum) and Acesines (Chenab). Though, Porus was defeated, Alexendar was impressed by Porus’s might so asked Porus to rule his dynasty under his name.
4. Which Ashokan inscription elaborates the policy of Dhamma?
[A] Major rock edict IX
[B] Major rock edict XI
[C] Major rock edict XII
[D] Major rock edict X
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major rock edict XI ]
Notes:
The Major rock edict XI elaborates the Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma. It stresses the respect for elders, abstain from killing animals and liberal towards friends.
5. In which state/UT of India was the first recognized Paleolithic site discovered?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The first recognized Paleolithic discovery in India is associated with Pallavaram near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. In 1863, Robert Bruce Foote found a handaxe there, which became an important early evidence of Paleolithic culture in the Indian subcontinent. This discovery is widely regarded as the starting point of systematic prehistoric archaeology in India. Before this, in 1842, the discovery of polished stone tools by Dr. Primrose at Lingsugur in the Raichur district of Karnataka marked the first recorded find of prehistoric stone tool artifacts in India, signaling the inception of South Asian prehistory. However, it belonged to Neolithic period not Paleolithic.
6. Which of the following passes was used by Sakas to come to India?
[A] Bolan Pass
[B] Nathu La Pass
[C] Shipki La Pass
[D] Bara-lacha la Pass
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bolan Pass ]
Notes:
The Sakas came to India through the Bolan Pass. They were a Scythian tribe or group of tribes of Iranian origin.
7. What metals were known to the people of Indus valley civilisation?
[A] Copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron
[B] Copper, silver, iron but not bronze
[C] Copper, gold, iron but not silver
[D] Copper, silver, iron but not gold
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron ]
Notes:
The Indus valley people knew the use of copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron.
8. Vasucharita is a work of which of the following ?
[A] Ram raja
[B] Krishndev rai
[C] Vitthalantha
[D] Kalidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ram raja]
Notes:
Ramraja or Ramarajabhushanudu who was a Telugu poet and a notable musician was one of the Astadiggajas (a collective title for Telugu poets in the court of Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara Empire).
9. Which of the following was used in house making in Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Stone
[B] Bricks
[C] Wood
[D] Bamboo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bricks]
Notes:
Bricks were used in Indus Valley Sites for house making.
10. Which among the following statements is incorrect regarding Ajanta Caves?
[A] Paintings of Padmapani and Vajrapani have been found in Ajanta
[B] These caves are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983
[C] These paintings are Buddhist , Jain and Hinduism religious art
[D] They were rediscovered in 1819
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [These paintings are Buddhist , Jain and Hinduism religious art]
Notes:
The paintings and rock sculptures in the Ajanta caves which is a Buddhist monastic complex in the Maharashtra . It is testimony to the golden age of Buddhism in India and a unique artistic achievement. The had only Buddhist paintings.
