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. Ujjaini located in the Malwa region, came under which Mahajanapada?
[A] Anga
[B] Kasi
[C] Kosal
[D] Avanti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Avanti ]
Notes:
Ujjaini was located in the Malwa region came under Avanti Mahajanapada.
2. The Kalinga war was fought in which year of Ashoka reign?
[A] 6
[B] 7
[C] 8
[D] 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 8 ]
Notes:
The Magadha Emperor, Ashoka invaded Kalinga in the eight year of his reign in 261 B.C. Nearly one lakh soldiers lost their lives in that war and one and half lakh soldiers were captured. The 13th rock edict of Ashoka throws light on this war.
3. In the Mauryan period, the duties of Mudradhyaksha were concerned with –
[A] Forest produce
[B] Ports
[C] Commerce
[D] Passports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Passports ]
Notes:
Mudradhyaksha was responsible for the issue of passports in the Mauryan period.
4. Which of the Brahamana says’wife is half her husband’?
[A] Satapatha Brahamana
[B] Aitareya Brahamana
[C] Gopatha Brahamana
[D] Taittiriya Brahmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Satapatha Brahamana ]
Notes:
The Satapatha Brahamana states that the wife is half her husband and completes him.
5. Who was the chairman of Third Tamil Sangam?
[A] Nakkirar
[B] Agastaya
[C] Tiruttakkadevar
[D] Chintamani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Nakkirar ]
Notes:
Nakkirar was the chairman of 3rd Tamil Sangam held at North Madurai.
6. Which of the following was main capital of Kushana king Kanishka-I?
[A] Purushapura
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Taxila
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Purushapura ]
Notes:
The capital of Kanishka I was at Purushapura (modern Peshawar) and regional capitals were Taxila (Pakistan), Begram (Afghanistan) and Mathura (India).
7. Who wrote the book Pancha Siddhantika?
[A] Varahamihira
[B] Aryabhatta
[C] Brahmagupta
[D] Kalidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Varahamihira ]
Notes:
Varahamihira was one of the only renowned Indian Astronomer, Mathematician and Astrologer. Varahamihira was born in 499 A.D. into a family of Brahmins settled at Kapittha, a village near Ujjain. He wrote the book Pancha Siddhantika.
8. In Pali texts, who among the following is referred to as Nigantha Nataputta?
[A] Gautam Buddha
[B] Mahavira
[C] Parshvanatha
[D] Rishabha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahavira]
Notes:
Nigantha Nataputta refers to Mahavira. A Nirgrantha refers to Jains. A person who has attained kevalya can be a nirgrantha.
9. Which among the following sites near Pondicherry gives best support to the view on an ancient trade between Rome and the ancient Tamil country of India?
[A] Villianur
[B] Suttukeni
[C] Arikamedu
[D] Andiarpalayam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arikamedu]
Notes:
Arikamedu is the site near Pondicherry that best supports the view of ancient trade between Rome and the ancient Tamil country of India. Arikamedu was an important coastal and port town in ancient India. It was located near Puducherry, a union territory of India. Arikamedu was believed to be an active trading port with the Roman Empire as early as the second century BC. Arikamedu exported textiles, beads, and precious stones, and imported wine and olive oil from Rome. It was believed to be the only town to have ties with Rome.
Arikamedu is located about seven kilometers from Pondicherry. The name Arikamedu means “eroding mud”.
10. What is the correct Chronological Order of Nandas, Sungas, Mauryas & Hayankas dynasties of Ancient India?
[A] Nandas, Sungas, Mauryas, Hayankas
[B] Mauryas, Hayankas, Sungas, Nandas
[C] Hayankas, Nandas, Mauryas, Sungas
[D] Nandas, Mauryas, Sungas, Haranyakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hayankas, Nandas, Mauryas, Sungas]
Notes:
- Hayankas – The Haryanka dynasty is believed to have been the second ruling dynasty of Magadha, an empire of ancient India.
- Nandas – The Nanda dynasty ruled in northern part of the Indian subcontinent during the 4th century BCE, and possibly during the 5th century BCE.
- Mauryas – The Maurya Empire was a geographically extensive Iron Age historical power based in Magadha and founded by Chandragupta Maurya which dominated the Indian subcontinent between 322 and 185 BCE.
- Sungas – The Shunga Empire was an ancient Indian dynasty from Magadha that controlled areas of the central and eastern Indian subcontinent from around 185 to 75 BCE.
