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. Which of the following is not a correct observation as mentioned by Megasthenes about India?
[A] There is abundant gold, silver, copper and iron in India
[B] There is a well established caste system in India
[C] There are frequent famines in India
[D] Dionysus has invaded India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ There are frequent famines in India ]
Notes:
The option C is not correct. Indians did not face famines because of abundant rains and assured at least one of two seasons of crops; and abundance of fruits and edible roots.
2. Which Greek ambassador set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Heliodoros
[C] Theodorus
[D] Plato
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Heliodoros ]
Notes:
The Greek ambassador Heliodoros set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu (Vasudev) at Vidisha. He was sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas.
3. Which one is the longest epic of the world?
[A] Ramayana
[B] Ramcharitmanas
[C] Mahabharata
[D] Hanuman Chalisa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Mahabharata ]
Notes:
The Mahabharata by Ved vyas is the longest epic of the world consists of 1,00,000 shlokas.
4. Which among the following Buddhist scripture deals in the teachings of Buddhism?
[A] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[B] Vinay Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] Both b & c
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Sutta Pitaka ]
Notes:
The Sutta-pitaka (or basket of suttas) contains the essence of the Gautma Buddha’s teaching regarding the Dhamma. It contains more than 10,000 suttas (or teachings) attributed to the Buddha or his close disciples. It is the second of three sections of the Tripitaka, the earliest Buddhist scripture. The Sutta Pitaka is made of five nikayas ( or collections) of suttas viz. Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Samyutta Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya, Khuddaka Nikaya.
5. Which among the following University was founded by Ramapala, the ruler of Pala dynasty?
[A] Somapuri
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Jagadal
[D] Odantpuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Jagadal ]
Notes:
Jagadal is situated in Bengal and was founded by Ramapala, the Pala ruler.
6. For which among the following offenses, Manu recommended higher punishment to Brahamans than the persons of other varnas?
[A] Profanity
[B] Murder
[C] Theft
[D] Treason
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Theft ]
Notes:
According to Manu, a Brahamana was to be awarded higher punishment than the persons of other varnas for the offence of Theft.
7. Which rock edict of Ashoka requests for religious tolerance among sects?
[A] Major Rock Edict VI
[B] Major Rock Edict VII
[C] Major Rock Edict VIII
[D] Major Rock Edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major Rock Edict VII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict VII of Ashoka requests for religious tolerance amongst all sects. It appears from the edict that tensions among the sects were intense perhaps in open antagonism.
8. Which of the following ancient Tamil Kingdoms came to be known from Sangam Literature?
[A] Chola
[B] Chera
[C] Pandya
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The history of ancient Tamil kingdoms i.e. Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas came to be known from Sangam Literature.
9. Who was the founder of Gupta Dynasty?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sri Gupta ]
Notes:
Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta Dynasty and adopted the title ‘Maharaj’.
10. The Excavated Buddhist Site, Lalitgiri , which was notified as Centrally Protected in the year 1937, is located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
Lalitgiri is situated in Cuttack district of Odisha which is at a distance of around 100 kms from Bhubaneswar. The Buddhist relics found during excavation was notified as centrally protected in the year 1937.
