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 governors called Strategos were introduced by __?
[A] Sakas
[B] Indo-Greeks
[C] Kushanas
[D] Bactrians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Indo-Greeks ]
Notes:
The Indo-greeks introduced practice of military governorship. The governors were called Strategos.
2. Who among the following was the ruler of Kanchi during the time of Samudragupta ?
[A] Hastivarman
[B] Mantaraja
[C] Nilaraja
[D] Vishnugopa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Vishnugopa ]
Notes:
King Vishnugopa (Pallava dynasty ) of Kanchi is mentioned in the list of rulers of the South defeated by Samudra Gupta. It is mentioned in the Allahabad Pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta.
3. Which of the following Pala ruler founded the Somapuri University?
[A] Gopala
[B] Kumarpala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Ramapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Dharmapala ]
Notes:
The Somapuri University is situated at North Bengal and was founded by Dharmapala, the Pala ruler.
4. “The king was the ruler of all except Brahamanas”. This was the view of __?
[A] Manu
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Apasthamba
[D] Gautama
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautama ]
Notes:
Gautama-dharmasutra The Dharmasutras: The Law Codes of Apastamba, Gautama, Baudhayana, and Vasistha The Dharmasutras are the four surviving written works of the ancient Indian tradition on the subject of dharma, or the rules of behavior a community recognizes as binding on its members. Gautama- dharmasutra is believed to be the oldest of the four Hindu Dharmasastras, It survives as an independent treatise. According to Gautama the ruler is the owner of everything in his realm except the brahmanas.
5. According to some Jain traditions, who was son-in-law and first disciple of Tirthankara Mahavira?
[A] Jamali
[B] Jamvant
[C] Jamval
[D] Cant’ say
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Jamali ]
Notes:
According to some Jain traditions (Shwetambara mainly), Jamali was the son-in-law and first disciple of Tirthankara Mahavira.
6. Which Ashokan pillar edict mentions the Dhamma Mahamattas?
[A] pillar edict VII
[B] pillar edict VIII
[C] pillar edict VI
[D] pillar edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ pillar edict VII ]
Notes:
The Ashokan Pillar Edict-VII mentions the Dhamma Mahamattas. It propagated a proper courtesy to slaves and servants, obedience to parents, respectful behaviour towards Brahmans and Sharmanas and generiosty towards friends, acquaintances and relatives.
7. The Kalinga war was fought in which year of Ashoka reign?
[A] 6
[B] 7
[C] 8
[D] 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 8 ]
Notes:
The Magadha Emperor, Ashoka invaded Kalinga in the eight year of his reign in 261 B.C. Nearly one lakh soldiers lost their lives in that war and one and half lakh soldiers were captured. The 13th rock edict of Ashoka throws light on this war.
8. The place Dharanikota in South India is related to which ancient dynasty?
[A] Chola
[B] Satavahana
[C] Pandya
[D] Chera
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Satavahana ]
Notes:
Dharanikota is a town near Amaravati in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh in India, It is the site of the ancient Dhanyakataka which was the capital of the Satavahana kingdom which ruled in the Deccan around the 1st to 3rd centuries A.D.
9. Who was the father of King Harshavardhan ?
[A] Prabhakara Vardhana
[B] Bhaskar vardhan
[C] Jaivardhan
[D] Mahavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Prabhakara Vardhana ]
Notes:
Prabhakara Vardhana, the founder of Vardhana Dynasty ruled from 580-605 AD. He had two sons – Rajya Vardhan and Harshvardhan and one daughter, Rajyasri. He died fighting with the Huns in 605 A.D.
10. The term “Vitasta” in Rig Veda refers to which among the following rivers?
[A] Indus
[B] Beas
[C] Jhelum
[D] Chenab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jhelum]
Notes:Rigvedic Name and Modern Names of Indian Rivers:
| Ancient Name |
Modern Name |
| Sindhu |
Indus |
| Vitasta |
Jhelum |
| Askini |
Chenab |
| Vipasa |
Beas |
| Purushini |
Ravi |
| Satudri |
Sutlej |
| Gomal |
Gomati |
| Drishvadati |
Ghaggar |
