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. What symbol represents birth of Gautama Buddha?
[A] Bodh tree
[B] Lotus
[C] Horse
[D] Wheel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Lotus ]
Notes:
Lotus and bull resembles the symbol of birth of Gautama Buddha.
3. Who among the following Chalukyan king sent an ambassador to Persian king Khusrau II ?
[A] Pulakesin I
[B] Pulakesin II
[C] Kirtivarman I
[D] Vishnuvardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pulakesin II ]
Notes:
The Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II sent an ambassador to the Persian king Khusrau II in 625 A.D. And received one from him.
4. Which among the following Mudra is the gesture of Buddha as depicted in his first sermon?
[A] Abhaya Mudra
[B] Dhyana Mudra
[C] Dharmachakra Mudra
[D] Bhumisparsa Mudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Dharmachakra Mudra ]
Notes:
The sermon Buddha gave to the five monks was his first sermon, called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. The Seated Buddha from Gandhara is an early statue of the Buddha made in Gandhara, in modern Pakistan, in the 2nd or 3rd century The pose, which was to become one of a number of standard ones, shows Buddha as a teacher setting the wheel of Dharma in motion (Dharmachakra Mudra). Buddha did this following his enlightenment and after delivering his first sermon at the deer park at Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
5. Which of the following was the capital of early Cholas?
[A] Madurai
[B] Karur
[C] Uraiyaur
[D] Kaveripattnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uraiyaur]
Notes:
Uraiyaur, now a locality in Tiruchirappalli, was the capital of the early Cholas. It was famous for its cotton trade.
6. Who was the first Satvahana King?
[A] Simuka
[B] Satkarni
[C] Vashisthaputra
[D] Gautamiputra
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Correct Answer: A [ Simuka ]
Notes:
Simuka (230-207 BC) was the founder of Satvahana dynasty, who conquered the present-day Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh. He was succeeded by his brother Kanha, who further extended his state to the present day Andhra Pradesh.
7. Which Saka king defeated by Gautamiputra Satakarni?
[A] Moga
[B] Rudradaman -I
[C] Menander
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nahapana ]
Notes:
The famous Satvahana ruler Gautamiputra Satkarni defeated the Saka King Nahapana and restored the prestige of his dynasty by reconquering a large part of the former dominions of the Satavahanas.
8. The achievements of which ruler was recorded in Nasik Inscription?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Bindusara
[C] Devabhumi
[D] Gautamiputra Satkarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautamiputra Satkarni ]
Notes:
The achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were mentioned in Nasik Inscription, who were made by his mother Gautami Balasri. In it, Gautamiputra Satkarni was mentioned as the destroyer of the Sakas, Pahlavas and the Yavanas.
9. Which Saka ruler was responsible for important irrigation works in Saurashtra?
[A] Rudraraman
[B] Moga
[C] Azes
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rudraraman ]
Notes:
The Saka ruler, Rudradraman was responsible for important irrigation works in Saurashtra. His military achievements, his territories and his many personal qualities are highlighted in the famous Junagadh inscription, written in 150 AD. It is the first major inscription to be written in sanskrit.
10. Which of the following inscriptions mentions Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s authority over North-Western India?
[A] Mehrauli iron pillar inscription
[B] Beirut inscription
[C] Junagarh inscription
[D] Allahbad pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mehrauli iron pillar inscription ]
Notes:
The Mehrauli iron pillar inscription mentions Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s authority over north western India and a good portion of Bengal. This pillar was established by Chandragupta as Vishnupada in the honor of Lord Vishnu.
