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 Satapatha Brahmana and Taitriya Brahmana are the Brahmana texts of ___:
[A] Rigveda
[B] Yajurveda
[C] Samaveda
[D] Atharavaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Yajurveda ]
Notes:
Satapatha Brahmana and Taitriya Brahmana are the Brahmana texts of Yajurveda.
2. The minister of the Gahadvala King Govindachandra and author of Kalpadruma was __?
[A] Apararka
[B] Chandesvara
[C] Lakshmidhara
[D] Vijnanesvara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Lakshmidhara ]
Notes:
Gahadvala, or Gaharwar, was a Hindu and Buddhist Indian dynasty that ruled the kingdom of Kannauj for approximately a hundred years, beginning in the late eleventh century. The founder of the Kannauj Gahadvala dynasty was Chandradeva, who took control of Kannauj at the end of the 11th century (1090A.D.). During the rule of his successor, Govindachandra, from 1114–1154, the state of Gahadvala reached the pinnacle of its power. His minister, Lakshmidhara, was the author of several legal works, including Kalpadruma.
3. Which of the following Chinese traveller came to India during the reign of Harshavardhana?
[A] Hiuen-Tsang
[B] Fa Hein
[C] Nicolo Conti
[D] Both A & B
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Hiuen-Tsang ]
Notes:
Hieun Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana with an aim of securing authentic Buddhist scripts. The Kannauj assembly (643 AD) was held in the honour of Hieun Tsang and to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism. He stayed in India for about fifteen years and recorded his experience in his book ,’ Si-Yu-Ki’. The book throws lights on the religion, customs, traditions, etc. Of the country.
4. Which Saka king defeated by Gautamiputra Satakarni?
[A] Moga
[B] Rudradaman -I
[C] Menander
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nahapana ]
Notes:
The famous Satvahana ruler Gautamiputra Satkarni defeated the Saka King Nahapana and restored the prestige of his dynasty by reconquering a large part of the former dominions of the Satavahanas.
5. Who composed Buddhacharita?
[A] Kanishka I
[B] Kanishka II
[C] Asvaghosha
[D] Charak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Asvaghosha ]
Notes:
Asvaghosha, a poet in the court of Kaniska I, composed biography of Buddha (Buddhacharita). He was the first dramatist who used Sanskrit in composing the plays.
6. Who among the following rulers of Gupta dynasty started Gupta Era?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta I ]
Notes:
The Gupta Era was started by Chandragupta I in 319-320 AD. He was the real founder of the Gupta dynasty and was known as Maharajadhiraja (king of kings).
7. Which of the following Indus Valley sites is not a present in India?
[A] Chanhudaro
[B] Farmana
[C] Khirasara
[D] Loteshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chanhudaro ]
Notes:
Chanhudaro is an archaeological site belonging to the post-urban Jhukar phase of Indus valley civilization. The site is located 130 kilometers (81 mi) south of Mohenjo-daro, in Sindh, Pakistan.
8. Manyakheta (modern Malkhed) on the banks of Kagina River in Gulbarga district, Karnataka state was the capital of ______?
[A] Satvahanas
[B] Rastrakutas
[C] Hoysalas
[D] Kakatiyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rastrakutas]
Notes:
Manyakheta, also known as Malkhed, was the capital of the Rashtrakutas from 818 to 982. The city is located on the banks of the Kagina River in the Gulbarga district of Karnataka, India. It’s about 40 miles (25 km) from Gulbarga city.
The Rashtrakutas were a royal dynasty that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries. The city became well-known during the Rashtrakuta dynasty because it was a place where Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu scholars studied.
The city was destroyed by Rajendra Chola in 1007 CE. It remained the capital of the Rashtrakutas’ successors, the Kalyani Chalukyas, until about 1050 CE.
Today, Malkhed is a place of historical importance. It has the ruins of an ancient fort with four entrances and 52 bastions. The fort is currently under renovation.
9. Which river was called Vipasa in Vedic India?
[A] Ganga
[B] Jhelum
[C] Beas
[D] Indus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Beas]
Notes:
Some important names of rivers in Vedic Era include Kubha (Kabul River), Krumu (Kurrum River), Srivastu/Suvastu (Swat River), Gauri (Panjkora River), Sindhu (Indus River), Sushoma (Sohan River), Arjikiya (Haro River), Vitasta (Jhelum River), Asikni (Chenab River), Parusni (Ravi River), Vipas (Beas River), Sutudri (Sutlej River) etc.
10. 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.