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 beneficiaries of Asoka’s donations in the region of Barabar Hill were__?
[A] Buddhists
[B] Ajivikas
[C] Svetambar Jains
[D] Digambar Jains
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Ajivikas ]
Notes:
The Edicts of Asoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions on the Pillars of Asoka. The one of the Edict of Asoka is “Barbara cave Inscription : giving away the Barbara cave to Ajivika sect. Dasharataha is known to have gifted the Nagarjuni hills to Ajivikas.
2. First Buddhist Council was held during the reign of which of the following kings?
[A] Ajatsatru
[B] Ashoka
[C] Kanishka
[D] Kalasoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ajatsatru ]
Notes:
The First Buddhist Council was held at Saptaparni cave near Rajagriha in 72 AD, during the reign of Emperor Ajatsatru. It was held under the Presidentship of Mahakassapa to compile the Dhamma Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka.
3. Yavanpriya in ancient Hindu Texts refers to which among the following?
[A] Peppar
[B] Clove
[C] Silk
[D] Muslin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Peppar]
Notes:
Black Pepper was one of the most thing thing imported by Greek traders from Ancient India . In ancient times the people in Central Asia are called as Yavanas in India. They liked the pepper and imports large amount of pepper from India so the pepper is named as Yavana-the people of foreign countries. Priya-they like pepper so it was called as Yavanapriya.
4. What was the function of Samharta in Mauryan Administration?
[A] To Collect Revenue
[B] To Work as a Judge
[C] Leadership of Army
[D] Delivering Justice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To Collect Revenue]
Notes:
The important officials in revenue department are Sannidhata: Chief treasury, Samaharta: collector general of revenue.
5. Who among the following is compiled the work “Ravanavadham”?
[A] Bhatti
[B] Kalidasa
[C] Bhasa
[D] Banabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhatti]
Notes:
Bhatti compiled the work “Ravanavadham”. It is the most influential version of Ramayanam.
6. Which among the following is NOT correct ?
[A] The picture of Yogi is found in many Muhar in Harppa which who has three heads and sits in crossed legs indicating Shiva Worship
[B] The people of Harappa didn’t believe in Witchcraft
[C] The dogs and cats were the favorite domesticated animals of Harppan people
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The people of Harappa didn’t believe in Witchcraft]
Notes:
A lot of talismans made of bronze and copper have been found which indicate that People of Harappa believe in witchcrafts and dead souls
7. Which of the following statements about the Gupta Empire under Samudragupta is NOT correct?
[A] Prayaga Prashasti of Samudragupta composed by his court poet Harisena is engraved on an Ashokan pillar at Allahabad.
[B] Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to have exercised direct administrative control over western and Southern India.
[C] Samudragupta carved out an extensive empire which is evident from the fact that he had performed an Asvamedha sacrifice.
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to have exercised direct administrative control over western and Southern India.]
Notes:
Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to have exercised direct administrative control over western and Southern India.
8. During whose reign did the apostle St.Thomas go to India to preach Christianity?
[A] Kujala Kadphises
[B] Antialkidas
[C] Gondophernes
[D] Wema Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gondophernes]
Notes:
Apostle St.Thomas go to India to preach Christianity in the reign of Gondophernes. Gondophernes was a Parthian ruler who invaded India.
9. Which of the following caves has the sculpture with the three faces of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh known as “Trimurti”? (UPSC Prelims 1979).
[A] Ajanta caves
[B] Ellora caves
[C] Kalva caves
[D] Elephanta caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Elephanta caves]
Notes:
The Elephanta Island is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai in Maharashtra. The cave temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was excavated sometime in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta kings. The cave complex has been given the status of world heritage by UNESCO. Trimurti is considered the most important sculpture of Elephanta and is described as a ‘masterpiece of Gupta-Chalukyan art’. It is placed at the back of the cave facing the entrance, on the north-south axis and is also known as Maheshmurti or Trimurti Sadashiva.
10. Which of the following name by Ashoka is generally referred in his inscriptions? (UPSC Prelims 1995)
[A] Chakravarti
[B] Dharmadeva
[C] Dharmakirti
[D] Priyadarsi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Priyadarsi]
Notes:
Priyadasi was an honorific epithets used by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in his inscriptions. Priyadasi means “He who regards others with kindness”, “Humane”. It is generally used in conjunction with the title “Devanampriya” (“Beloved of the Gods”).
