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. 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).
3. Which one is the longest epic of the world?
[A] Ramayana
[B] Ramcharitmanas
[C] Mahabharata
[D] Hanuman Chalisa
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Correct Answer: C [ Mahabharata ]
Notes:
The Mahabharata by Ved vyas is the longest epic of the world consists of 1,00,000 shlokas.
4. Dashkumarcharitam was composed by whom?
[A] Bharavi
[B] Dandin
[C] Varahmihira
[D] Kalidas
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Correct Answer: B [ Dandin ]
Notes:
Dashkumarcharitam was composed by Dandin, who was a Sanskrit author of prose romances and expounder on poetics in the 6th-7th century. The book, Dashkumarcharitam is a prose romance in Sanskrit that describes the adventures of ten young men, the Kumaras, all of whom are either princes or sons of royal ministers, as narrated by the men themselves.
5. Which site has given the earliest evidence of pottery in the Indian subcontinent?
[A] Brahmagiri
[B] Chirand
[C] Mehrgarh
[D] Burzahom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh, located in the Kacchi Plain of Balochistan, Pakistan, is one of the earliest sites with evidence of farming and herding in South Asia. Dated back to around 7000 – 5500 BCE, it is also known for its significant contribution in unearthing one of the earliest instances of pottery making.
6. What was the function of Samharta in Mauryan Administration?
[A] To Collect Revenue
[B] To Work as a Judge
[C] Leadership of Army
[D] Delivering Justice
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Correct Answer: A [To Collect Revenue]
Notes:
The important officials in revenue department are Sannidhata: Chief treasury, Samaharta: collector general of revenue.
7. Who among the following has been described by Banabhatta as “a lion to the Huna deer’?
[A] Harshavardhana
[B] Prabhakarvardhana
[C] Grahavarmana
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prabhakarvardhana]
Notes:
An important ruling family to gain prominence after the fall of the Gupta was that of the Pushyabhutis who had their capital at Thanesar (Thanesvara in Kurukshetra). The dynasty became influential with the accession of Prabhakarvardhana, who was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana. After his death, his elder son Rajyavardhana came to the throne but he was treacherously killed by Shashanka, the king of Bengal and Bihar. Harshavardhana then ascended the throne in AD 606. He was only sixteen years of age at that time. Still he proved himself to be a great warrior and an able administrator
8. Which among the following is Not Correctly matched? (Vedas & Brahman)
[A] kaushitaki – Rigveda
[B] Jaiminia – Samveda
[C] Gopatha – Yajurveda
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gopatha – Yajurveda]
Notes:
Gopatha Brahmana is the only Brahmana of Atharvaveda.
9. Who among the following was an Indian sage and Guru, reputed to disseminate Tantric Buddhism in Bhutan and Tibet during the 8th century?
[A] Asanga
[B] Nagarjuna
[C] Padmasambhava
[D] Mahavir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Padmasambhava]
Notes:
Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was an 8th-century Buddhist master from the Indian subcontinent. It is said he brought Vajrayana tantric Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan and is recognized as the second Buddha in these regions. His name means “Lotus-Born”, as per the legend, by his birth he was miraculously appeared seated lotus. Subsequently, he played a crucial role in the development of Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
10. Saka Year is how many years behind the Christian Era?
[A] 50
[B] 75
[C] 78
[D] 100
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [78]
Notes:
The Shaka era is a historical calendar era, the epoch of which corresponds to Julian year 78. Kanishka the Great, was the emperor of the Kushan dynasty in the second century founded the Shaka era.
