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. In context with the Mahayana Buddhism faith, the future Buddha is ___?
[A] Krakuchanda
[B] Amitabha
[C] Maitreya
[D] Kanak Muni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Maitreya ]
Notes:
Maitreya is a future Buddha. . According to scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor of the historic Sakyamuni Buddha, who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma.
2. Who among the following wrote ‘Nagananda’?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Simhanada
[C] Pulakesin II
[D] Harshavardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Harshavardhana ]
Notes:
The emperor of Vardhana dynasty, Harshavardhana wrote a play ‘Nagananda’. It describes the story of the Jimutavahana’s self-sacrifice to save the Nagas. It has an enlightening Buddhist legend for its subject and is one of the best works of the Indian Drama.
3. Which of the following Pallava rulers invaded the Chalukya Kingdom and captured Badami ?
[A] Narsimhavarman I
[B] Kirtivarman
[C] Vishnuvardhan
[D] Mahendravarnan I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narsimhavarman I ]
Notes:
In the Battle of Vatapi, the Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman I defeated and killed Pulakesin II and captured the Chalukyan capital, Badami in 642 AD. Thus, he assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi).
4. 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)
5. Which among the following is the bilingual inscription?
[A] Girnar Inscription
[B] Kandhar Inscription
[C] Maski Inscription
[D] Bairut Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kandhar Inscription ]
Notes:
The Kandhar Inscription of Ashoka is bilingual (Greek and Aramaic) inscription.
6. In the Maurya empire, who was the superintendent of Ports ?
[A] Pattanadhyaksha
[B] Manadhyaksha
[C] Kosadhyaksha
[D] Ganikadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pattanadhyaksha ]
Notes:
As per the officials mentioned in the Arthashastra, Pattanadhyaksha was the superintendent of Ports.
7. Who was the author of the book ‘Manimekalai’?
[A] Ilango Adigal
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Seethalai Saathanaar ]
Notes:
The author of Manimekalai is Seethalai Saathanaar (also spelled as Chithalai Chathanar), a Buddhist poet. The book is a poem in 30 cantos. It is a sequel to the epic Silappadikaram and tells the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi who converted to Buddhism. The book compares Buddhism with other religions in South India. Manimekalai is one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature. The other four are: Silappatikāram, Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, Valayapathi, Kuṇṭalakēci. Manimekalai has been dated between the 2nd-century and early 9th century.
8. Who wrote Mahabhashya?
[A] Panini
[B] Patanjali
[C] Kalidas
[D] Tulsidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
Mahabhashya was written by Patanjali. It is a commentary on selected rules of Sanskrit grammar from Paini’s treatise, the Ashtadhyayi and Katyayana’s Varttika.
9. The Nalanda University was founded by which Gupta ruler mentioned as Shakraditya?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
Some archaeological sources identify a monarch called Shakraditya as founder of Nalanda university. The scholars identify Shakraditya as 5th-century CE Gupta emperor, Kumaragupta-I, whose coin has been discovered at Nalanda.
10. Who among the following Gupta emperor made Ujjain as his second capital?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Kumargupta I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta II Vikramaditya made Ujjain as second capital of his empire.
