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 last Mauryan ruler, who was killed by his Commander-in-Chief was __?
[A] Dasaratha
[B] Kun-ala
[C] Samprati
[D] Brihadratha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Brihadratha ]
Notes:
Maurya Emperor Brihadratha was killed by his senapati (Commander-in-Chief) Pushymitra Shunga . Pushymitra Shunga founded the Shunga Dynasty in around 185-183 BC.
2. During reign of Harsha, the Kannauj assembly was held to publicise the doctrines of which of the following sects?
[A] Mahayana
[B] Hinayana
[C] Theravada
[D] Svetambara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahayana ]
Notes:
The Kannauj assembly (643 AD) was held in the honour of Hieun Tsang (Chinese pilgrim) and to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism.Harshavardhana was a Mahayana Buddhist. He organised Kannauj assembly (643 AD) to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Though, he was a tolerant ruler and supported all Indic faiths viz. Buddhism, Vedism and Jainism. The scholars regarded him as the last great Hindu emperor of India, who ruled over Northern India.
3. Which among the following Pallava king wrote the famous burlesque ‘Mattavilasa Prahasana’ ?
[A] Mahendravarman I
[B] Narsimhavarman
[C] Narsimhavarman II
[D] Paramesvar Varman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahendravarman I ]
Notes:
The versatile Pallava ruler and great scholar Mahendravarman I wrote the famous burlesque Mattavilasa Prahasana (the Sport of Drunkards). It is a short one-act Sanskrit play.
4. The Bhamala Stupa, a ruined Buddhist Stupa, is located in which one of the following countries?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bhutan
[C] Pakistan
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Pakistan ]
Notes:
Bhamala Stupa is an ancient Gandhara stupa located in Pakistan near Haripur and is a part of so called Bhamala Buddhist Complex. It is a national heritage site of Pakistan and dates back to 4th century AD. This stupa is different from other Gandhara stupas as it looks cross shaped like an Aztec Pyramid.
5. 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.
6. Who among the following is known as father of Indian Pre-History?
[A] Robert Bruce foote
[B] Sir William Jones
[C] E.J.H Mackey
[D] Sir John Marshall
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Robert Bruce foote]
Notes:
Robert Bruce Foote (1834-1912) was a British geologist and archaeologist, known as father of India’s prehistory. While being employed by Geological Survey of India, he conducted surveys of prehistoric locations in India, including parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. In 1863, he discovered Paleolithic tools at Pallavaram, Chennai. The tools are now preserved at the Chennai Museum. He served in Baroda for two years after retiring in 1892 and was also invited to Mysuru by the Maharaja.
7. What was the capital of Surasena Mahajanapada?
[A] Viratnagar
[B] Mathura
[C] Taxila
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mathura ]
Notes:
Surasena Mahajanapada was located in the region corresponding to the present-day Braj region in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Its capital was Mathura.
8. Variyar, the Revenue term was used for which action?
[A] Tax Collector
[B] Extra Demand
[C] Land Tax
[D] Custom Duty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Tax Collector ]
Notes:
Term ‘Variyar’ was used for Tax Collector.
9. Indus Valley site at Surkotada is located in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Haryana
[C] Gujarat
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Indus Valley site at Surkotada is located in the Rapar Taluka of the Kutch district of Gujarat, about 160 km northeast of Bhuj. The ancient mound is surrounded by a rising ground with small sandstone hills.
10. During the period of Harshavardhana the fields were watered by the pots which were called Ghati yantra. The writing of which among the following authors records this?
[A] Hiuen-tsang
[B] Subhandhu
[C] Dandin
[D] Banabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hiuen-tsang]
Notes:
Hiuen-tsang was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator who traveled to India in the seventh century and described the interaction between Chinese Buddhism and Indian Buddhism during the early Tang dynasty. The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited India during the period of emperor Harsha. Ghati Yantras was recorded by him.
