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. Nābhivarṣa is the historical name of which of the following countries?
[A] India
[B] Myanmar
[C] China
[D] Egypt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India ]
Notes:
According to some historical sources, the term Nābhivarṣa was used for India prior to its name Bharatvarsa. The name is derived from King Nabhi, who was father of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara in Jainism.
2. Which among the following is the most unique feature of Dholavira site of the Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Its city was horizontally divided in multiple parts
[B] Its city was unevenly divided
[C] Its city was divided into 3 parts
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Its city was divided into 3 parts]
Notes:
Dholavira is distinctive among major Indus Valley sites because its urban plan was organized into three principal divisions: the citadel, the middle town, and the lower town. This three-tier layout is one of the site’s most noted planning features and sets it apart from many other Harappan settlements, which are typically described in two broad zones. Hence, the statement that its city was divided into 3 parts is correct.
3. The famous book ‘Brihat Katha’ was written by__?
[A] Gunadhya
[B] Sarva Varman
[C] Panini
[D] Radhagupt
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Correct Answer: A [ Gunadhya ]
Notes:
The famous book ‘Brihat Katha’ was written by Gunadhya, who was the great scholar in the court of Satvahana King Hala.
4. Which Greek ruler sent Megathenes in the court of Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] Seleucus Nicator
[B] Antiochus
[C] Potlemy
[D] Magas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Seleucus Nicator ]
Notes:
Megasthenes was sent by the Greek ruler Seleucus I Nicator as an ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra.
5. In Sangam age, the book ‘Bharatam’ was written by__?
[A] Perudevanar
[B] Manimekalai
[C] Seethalai Saathanaar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
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Correct Answer: A [ Perudevanar ]
Notes:
The book, ‘ Bharatam’ was written by Perudevanar. The author had also composed the invocatory versus for the Sangam classics Ahnanuru, Puranamuru, Kuruntogai, Narrinai and Aingurunuru.
6. 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)
7. Who was the first Indo-Greek king, who became Buddhist?
[A] Antiochus II
[B] Apollodotus I
[C] Apollodotus II
[D] Menander II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Menander II ]
Notes:
Menander II was the Indo-Greek king who established a large empire in the South Asia and became a patron of Buddhism.
8. Ashoka called the third buddhist council at which of the following places?
[A] Magadha
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Burma
[D] Therevada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pataliputra]
Notes:
The Third Buddhist council was convened in about 250 BCE at Asokarama in Pataliputra, supposedly under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka. The council is recognized and known to both the Theravada and Mahayana schools, though its importance is central only to the Theravada.
9. What was the profession of Karmara in Vedic age?
[A] Blacksmith
[B] Potter
[C] Ratha (Chariot ) Makers
[D] Goldsmith
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Blacksmith]
Notes:Some of the ancient professions and their names are as follows:
- Karmara – Blacksmith
- Takshan – Carpenter
- Vapta – Barber
- Charmana – Tanner
- Hiranayakara – Goldsmith
- Tantuvaya – weaver
10. Under whose reign were some Greeks or “Yavans” converted to the Vaishnava Cult?
[A] Shungas
[B] Nandas
[C] Shakas
[D] Satavahans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shungas]
Notes:
The Shungas succeeded the Maurya Empire and their rule witnessed the conversion of some Greeks or “Yavans” to the Vaishnava Cult. This period marked a blending of cultures and religions as the borders expanded, and it led to the propagation and transformation of religious practices that had impact on both Indian and Greek civilizations. Not much is known about the Yavans, but it is indicative of cross-cultural exchanges that occurred.
