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. The conversation between Nagasena and Menander-I related to Buddhism is recorded in which book?
[A] Milindapanho
[B] Panhomenanda
[C] Nagapanho
[D] Menandapanho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Milindapanho ]
Notes:
Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander (an Indo-Greek king) asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism.These questions and Nagasena’s answers are recorded in a form of book known as ‘Milindapanho (or The Questions of Milinda).
2. Who was the author of the book ‘Manimekalai’?
[A] Ilango Adigal
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Seethalai Saathanaar ]
Notes:
The author of Manimekalai is Seethalai Saathanaar (also spelled as Chithalai Chathanar), a Buddhist poet. The book is a poem in 30 cantos. It is a sequel to the epic Silappadikaram and tells the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi who converted to Buddhism. The book compares Buddhism with other religions in South India. Manimekalai is one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature. The other four are: Silappatikāram, Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, Valayapathi, Kuṇṭalakēci. Manimekalai has been dated between the 2nd-century and early 9th century.
3. Who among the following is writer of the ‘Kalpasutra’?
[A] Simuka
[B] Panini
[C] Bhadrabahu
[D] Patanjali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Bhadrabahu ]
Notes:
The Kalpasutra is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, most notably Parshvanath and Mahavira, including the latter’s Nirvana. The author of this text is Bhadrabahu.
4. “All Indians are Free and not even one of them is a slave”. Who among the following has observed the above about the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Ashoka
[D] Strabo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Megasthenes]
Notes:
Megasthenes in his book Indica wrote all Indians are free and not even one of them is a slave.
5. In the context of Buddhism, what does the term Vihara refer to?
[A] Residence of Monks
[B] Hall of Worship
[C] Congregation Hall
[D] Garden
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Residence of Monks]
Notes:
Vihara in Buddhism refers to the residence of monks who dedicated their lives towards spiritual practices. The word ‘Vihara’ has Pali origin and initially denoted a transitory dwelling place used by wandering monks during the monsoon. Unlike Chaityas, or the assembly halls where discussions took place, Viharas did not contain stupas, which are mound-like structures containing Buddhist relics.
6. Which among the following system in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny ?
[A] Amaju
[B] Niyoga
[C] Arsa
[D] none of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Niyoga]
Notes:
Niyoga practice in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny.
7. Giak & Kiari are located in which of the following ?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Odisha
[C] Kuchh
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh]
Notes:
Giak and Kiari are Neolithic sites located in Ladakh. The sites are on the left bank of the Indus River, about 13,000 feet above sea level. They are about 10 km apart. In the early 1990s, a team of Japanese archaeologists led by Dr Masato Ota excavated the sites.
8. Fourth Buddhist Council was held at?
[A] Kapilvastu
[B] Kashmir
[C] Sarnath
[D] Bodhgaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kashmir]
Notes:
First Rajgir, Second vaishali, Third patliputra
Fourth Buddhist Council is the name of two separate Buddhist council meetings first in Sri Lanka and another at Sarvastivada school, in Kashmir around the First Century AD.
9. In which of the following modern area “Amri Culture” developed?
[A] North East States of India
[B] Sindh and Balochistan of Pakistan
[C] Eastern Iraq
[D] South India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sindh and Balochistan of Pakistan]
Notes:
Amri culture refers to the Amri archaeological sites in Sindh and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan. It flourished in the 4th and 3rd millennia BC.
10. The first Buddhist Council was held at Rajagriha ________?
[A] Shortly after Budhha’s Death
[B] Shortly before Buddha’s Death
[C] A century After Buddha’s Death
[D] A century After Buddha’s Death
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shortly after Budhha’s Death]
Notes:
The First Buddhist council convened just after Gautama Buddha’s death in c. 400 BCE at Rajgriha. It was a gathering of senior monks of the Buddhist order. It was recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravadins and Sanskrit Buddhist schools.
