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. These questions are part of GKToday’s 35000+ MCQs Bank Course in GKToday Android App
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. What symbol represents birth of Gautama Buddha?
[A] Bodh tree
[B] Lotus
[C] Horse
[D] Wheel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Lotus ]
Notes:
Lotus and bull resembles the symbol of birth of Gautama Buddha.
3. One of the writers of the Dharmashashtra disapproved the practice of Sati declaring it as an act of suicide. Identify him from the given options:
[A] Angiras
[B] Medhatithi
[C] Usana
[D] Visnu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Medhatithi ]
Notes:
Medhatithi is one of the oldest and most famous commentators on the Manusmriti. He considered sati system identical to suicide, which was forbidden by the Vedas. One shall not die before the span of one’s life is run out.
4. 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.
5. Among all the pillar edicts of Ashoka, which one is the longest one?
[A] 7th pillar edict
[B] 6th pillar edict
[C] 5th pillar edict
[D] 3th pillar edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ 7th pillar edict ]
Notes:
The 7th pillar edict elaborates the works done by the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka for Dhamma Policy . He stated that all sects desire both self control and purity of mind.
6. Which among the following are important functionaries of Early Vedic period?
[A] Purohita
[B] Senani
[C] Gramini
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The important functionaries of Early Vedic period are Purohita, Senani and Gramini.
7. Who was the first Satvahana King?
[A] Simuka
[B] Satkarni
[C] Vashisthaputra
[D] Gautamiputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Simuka ]
Notes:
Simuka (230-207 BC) was the founder of Satvahana dynasty, who conquered the present-day Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh. He was succeeded by his brother Kanha, who further extended his state to the present day Andhra Pradesh.
8. Who among the following rulers of Gupta dynasty started Gupta Era?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta I ]
Notes:
The Gupta Era was started by Chandragupta I in 319-320 AD. He was the real founder of the Gupta dynasty and was known as Maharajadhiraja (king of kings).
9. The ruler of Kushan dynasty, Kanishka was the follower of__?
[A] Jainism
[B] Hinayanism
[C] Hindusim
[D] Mahayanism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Mahayanism ]
Notes:
Kanishka was the follower of Mahayanism or the new theory of Buddhism. Mahayana means the Greater Vehicle. It refers to the path of the Bodhisattva seeking complete enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, also called Bodhisattva Vehicle.
10. Tat Tvam Asi, a sanskrit phrase, originally occurs in which of the following Upanishads?
[A] Mundaka Upanishad
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Brhadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Mandukya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandogya Upanishad ]
Notes:
“Tat Tvam Asi” is a Sanskrit phrase is one of the Mahāvākyas (Grand Pronouncements) in Vedantic Sanatana Dharma. It originally occurs in the Chandogya Upanishad, a Sanskrit text embedded in the Chandogya Brahmana of the Sama Veda of Hinduism.
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