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 Greek ambassador set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Heliodoros
[C] Theodorus
[D] Plato
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Heliodoros ]
Notes:
The Greek ambassador Heliodoros set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu (Vasudev) at Vidisha. He was sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas.
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. Metronymics were borne by the later rulers of which among the following dynasties?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Kanva
[D] Satavahana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Satavahana ]
Notes:
Metronymics: A name derived from the name of a mother or female ancestor. The metronymics are borne by the later Satavahanas and not by the early Satavahanas. It was mainly because Satavahanas had to establish matrimonial alliance with maharathis. The metronymics of the Satavahanas was the result of such alliances.
4. Which of the following are the famous temples of Gupta empire?
[A] Mukund Darra Temple, Kota
[B] Dasavtar Temple, Jhansi
[C] Vishnu Temple, Tigawa
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The famous temples of Gupta Age are as follows: a) Vishnu Temple, Tigawa(Jabalpur) b) Shiva Temple, Bhumara(Nagaud) c) Parvati Temple, Nachria Kuthara d) Dasavtar Temple, Deogarh(Jhansi) e) Shiva Temple, Koh(Nagaland) f) Bhitragaon Temple, Bhitragaon g) Lakshman Temple, Kanpur(Brick made) h) Lakshman Temple, Sirpur (Raipur) i) Mukund Darra Temple, Kota j) Dhammekh Temple, Sarnath k) Jarasangh’s Sitting, Rajgrih (Bihar)
5. What was the name of the Licchavi princess who was married to Gupta King Chandragupta-I?
[A] Kumara Devi
[B] Kubernaga
[C] Dhruva Devi
[D] Vasu Devi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumara Devi ]
Notes:
The Gupta emperor Chandragupta I married a Licchavi princess Kumaradevi, who was the heiress to the throne of the Lichchavis and by her marriage with Chandragupta the two states got united. Lichchhavi Princess Kumari Devi was the first Indian Queen featured on a coin.
6. What metals were known to the people of Indus valley civilisation?
[A] Copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron
[B] Copper, silver, iron but not bronze
[C] Copper, gold, iron but not silver
[D] Copper, silver, iron but not gold
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron ]
Notes:
The Indus valley people knew the use of copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron.
7. “All Indians are Free and not even one of them is a slave”. Who among the following has observed the above about the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Ashoka
[D] Strabo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Megasthenes]
Notes:
Megasthenes in his book Indica wrote all Indians are free and not even one of them is a slave.
8. Which among the following system in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny ?
[A] Amaju
[B] Niyoga
[C] Arsa
[D] none of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Niyoga]
Notes:
Niyoga practice in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny.
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. Which was the second capital of Kanishka?
[A] Mathura
[B] Sanchi
[C] Banaras
[D] Pataliputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mathura]
Notes:
Kanishka’s main capital was at Peshawar (Purushpura) and regional capitals is at Taxila in Pakistan, Begram in Afghanistan and Mathura in India. Mathura had a status of almost a second capital.
