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. Iron Pillar in Delhi was built during which dynasty?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
As per Natya-darpana ( by Vishakadata), the Iron pillar had been put up by Chandragupta II himself after defeating Vahilakas. He designated that pillar as a memory of the victory. The pillar is made of 98% wrought iron and has stood more than 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. The pillar is located in the Quwwat-ul Mosque. The pillar is 23 feet 8 inches high and 16 inches in diameter. It weighs about 3000 kilograms and was dedicated to the God Vishnu.
2. 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.
3. At which Indus Valley Site, the remains of Horse bones have been found?
[A] Daimabad
[B] Harappa
[C] Kalibanga
[D] Surkotada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Surkotada ]
Notes:
In the Indus Valley Civilization, the remains of Horse bones have been found from Surkotada site. The site at Surkotada is located 160 km north- east of Bhuj, in the district of Kutch, Gujarat.
4. The “Rajtarangini”, described the history of which region in India as per Kalhana?
[A] Kashmir
[B] Malwa
[C] Magadha
[D] Gandhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kashmir]
Notes:
The “Rajtarangini”, written by the Kashmiri poet-historian Kalhana in the 12th century, provides a detailed historical account of Kashmir. It is recognized for its comprehensiveness and adherence to historical facts. Regarded as the first attempt at historiography in the Indian subcontinent, the Rajtarangini presents Kashmir’s history, starting from mythical antiquity to the 12th century. It was written in Sanskrit language, and it consists of over 7,800 verses.
5. Indus Valley site at Surkotada is located in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Haryana
[C] Gujarat
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Indus Valley site at Surkotada is located in the Rapar Taluka of the Kutch district of Gujarat, about 160 km northeast of Bhuj. The ancient mound is surrounded by a rising ground with small sandstone hills.
6. Who among the following has been described by Banabhatta as “a lion to the Huna deer’?
[A] Harshavardhana
[B] Prabhakarvardhana
[C] Grahavarmana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prabhakarvardhana]
Notes:
An important ruling family to gain prominence after the fall of the Gupta was that of the Pushyabhutis who had their capital at Thanesar (Thanesvara in Kurukshetra). The dynasty became influential with the accession of Prabhakarvardhana, who was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana. After his death, his elder son Rajyavardhana came to the throne but he was treacherously killed by Shashanka, the king of Bengal and Bihar. Harshavardhana then ascended the throne in AD 606. He was only sixteen years of age at that time. Still he proved himself to be a great warrior and an able administrator
7. Nalanda University was founded by which of the following ?
[A] Kumaragupta
[B] Skandagupta
[C] Samudragupta
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumaragupta]
Notes:
The Nalanda University was founded by Gupta emperor Kumargupta I. He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. It was established in 5th century.
8. Which of the following two towns of Indus valley Civilization were located on the bank of Ghagghar River?
[A] Harappa & Rojari
[B] Harappa & Mohen jo Dero
[C] Kalibanga and Banwali
[D] Rangpur and Surkotda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kalibanga and Banwali]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Kalibangan and Banwali.” Both towns are part of the Indus Valley Civilization and are situated near the Ghagghar River, which is believed to be the modern-day Sarasvati River. Kalibangan is known for its unique plowed fields and evidence of early agricultural practices, while Banwali features a well-planned layout and advanced drainage systems. The Indus Valley Civilization, flourishing around 2500 BCE, is noted for its urban planning and sophisticated architecture.
9. Why most of the Greeks, Kushanas & Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism when they established their rules in India?
[A] Buddhism has risen and it eclipsed Hinduism
[B] A policy of war and violence was to be renounced before embracing Buddhism
[C] Hinduism was caste ridden and was not able to attract them
[D] It was easy to access to Indian society by embracing Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [It was easy to access to Indian society by embracing Buddhism]
Notes:
Greeks, Kushanas & Shakas had entered India through the North West side. Accepting the local religion would provide them the easiest way to achieve legitimacy of their rule. Since Buddhism was prevalent in the area at that time and it was provided easiest entry (Hinduism had st5rict caste based structure) so, they embraces Buddhism.
10. Which among the following emperors introduced the two laws of Vyavahar Samta and Danda Samata?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Asoka
[C] Chandragupta Vikramaditya
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Asoka]
Notes:
By his Vyavahara-Samata, Asoka wanted to regard all his subjects equal in Law. And, by his Danda-Samata he wanted ‘equality of punishment’ irrespective of caste and creed.
