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. Which among the following is the most unique feature of Dholavira site of the Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Its cities were horizontally divided in multiple parts
[B] Its cities were unevenly divided
[C] Its cities were divided into 3 parts
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Its cities were divided into 3 parts ]
Notes:
The most unique features of Dholavira, an Indus valley site in Gujarat, is its division. While other Indus Valley sites were divided into two parts viz. Citadel and Lower Town, Dholavira was divided into three divisions.
2. Who identified “Sandrokottus” of the Greco-Roman literature with Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] D. R. Bhandarkar
[B] Alexander Cunningham
[C] R. P. Chanda
[D] William Jones
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ William Jones ]
Notes:
Maurya Empire was the first and one of the greatest empire to be established in Indian history by Chandragupta Maurya. He dethroned the last Nanda ruler Dhananand and occupied Patliputra in 322 BC with the help of Kautilya(Chankya). In 305 BC ,he defeated Selecus Nikator ,who was one of the generals of Alexander The Great (Greek ruler). He is also well-known in the Greek texts as – Sandro Kottus, Androcottus, Sandokyptos.
3. Which among the following define the similarities between Buddhism and Jainism?
[A] Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste system
[B] Both accepted the theories of rebirth
[C] Both preached truth and non-violence
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The similarities between Buddhism and Jainism are a) Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste system. B) Both have accepted the theories of Karma and rebirth and Moksha. C) Both preached truth, non-violence, celibacy and detachment from material comforts.. D) Both Uphold the essence of Vedas.
4. 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.
5. Which Ashokan inscription mentions five contemporary Hellenic Kings?
[A] Major Rock Edict XI
[B] Major Rock Edict XII
[C] Major Rock Edict X
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict XIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII of Ashokan inscription mentions Asoka’s victory over Kalinga and names of Greek Kings such as Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas and southern Indian rulers such as Cholas, Pandyas. It has also mentioned names of Kamboj, Nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
6. 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.
7. Which of the following was the capital of early Cholas?
[A] Madurai
[B] Karur
[C] Uraiyaur
[D] Kaveripattnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uraiyaur]
Notes:
Uraiyaur, now a locality in Tiruchirappalli, was the capital of the early Cholas. It was famous for its cotton trade.
8. Which of the following subjects are dealt in by Kalpa Sutras?
[A] Sacrifices
[B] Family ceremonies
[C] Varnas, Ashramas
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
Under Kalpa Sutras ,Shravta Sutras deal with the sacrifices,Grihya Sutras deal with the family ceremonies,Dharma Sutras deal with Varnas, Ashramas.
9. Which among the following was the royal emblem of Chola Kingdom?
[A] Bow
[B] Tiger
[C] Carp
[D] Fish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Tiger ]
Notes:
The Chola kingdom was known as Cholamandulam, it was situated to the north-east of Pandya kingdom between Pennar and Vellar rivers. Tiger was the royal emblem of Chola Kingdom.
10. Who among the following of Gupta dynasty adopted the title ‘Kaviraja’?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta adopted the title of Kaviraj (King of poets), he was an expert ‘ Veena’ player.
