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 Vallabhi University was set up by which ruler?
[A] Kumargupta I
[B] Bhattarka
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Gopala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Bhattarka ]
Notes:
The Maitrak King, Bhattarka established the Vallabhi University in Gujarat.
2. 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.
3. Who among the following was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty ?
[A] Pushyabhuti
[B] Prabhakar Vardhan
[C] Aditya vardhan
[D] Harshavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pushyabhuti ]
Notes:
According to Banabhatta, Pushyabhuti was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty.
4. Who was Paura during the Maurya empire?
[A] Governor of the city
[B] Chief Judge
[C] Mantri
[D] Dandapal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Governor of the city ]
Notes:
As per the Arthashastra of Chanakya, Paura was the Governor of the city.
5. Who was the court physician during the reign of Kanishka-I?
[A] Charak
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Nagarjuna
[D] Asvaghosa
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Correct Answer: A [ Charak ]
Notes:
Charak was the court physician of Kanishka I. He was one of the principal contributors to the ancient art and science of Ayurveda, a system of medicine and lifestyle developed in Ancient India. He is sometimes referred to as the Father of Indian Medicine.
6. In which of the following works is mentioned the conspiracy hatched by Pushyamitra Shunga to eliminate the last Mauryan King Brihadratha?
[A] Mahabhasya of patanjali
[B] Rajtarangini of Kalhan
[C] Harshacharita of Baanbhatta
[D] Malvikagnimitra of Kalidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harshacharita of Baanbhatta]
Notes:
The Harshacharita, is the biography of Indian emperor Harsha by Banabhatta, a Sanskrit writer of seventh-century CE India. He was the Court Poet, of Harsha. He mentioned the conspiracy hatched by Pushyamitra Shunga to eliminate the last Mauryan King Brihadratha.
7. The following Chalukya king performed an ashwamedha yajna?
[A] Pulkesin I
[B] Pulkesin II
[C] Pulkesin III
[D] Vikramaditya I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pulkesin I]
Notes:
Pulakesin I, the chalukya king, performed Ashwamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice ceremony) to access power. Pulakesin I was the first ruler of chalukya dunasty.
8. Who was the author of the epic poem “Ravanavadha” ?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Bhartrihari
[C] Bhatti
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhatti]
Notes:
The Ravanavadha or “Ravana’s Killing” epic poem was authored by Bhatti, a notable Indian poet who lived around the 7th century. He was legend for his unique style that blended romance and epic themes. His work, Bhatti’s Poem: The Death of Rávana (“Bhaṭṭikāvya”), is considered an important work of Sanskrit literature and was a homage to both the capability of language and to the dramatic climax of Valmiki’s Ramayana. It also showcases the war scenario and political atmosphere of that time.
9. The word coromandal cost has been derived from the kingdom of which of the following?
[A] Cheras
[B] Cholas
[C] Chalukyas
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The name coromandal occurs in the forms Cholamandalam or Solamandalam on the great temple inscription of Tanjore. So Coromandel takes its name from the ancient dynasty of Tamil rulers known as the Cholas.
10. Which among the following is also called encyclopedia of Buddhism?
[A] Buddhacharita
[B] Mahavibhasa
[C] Milinda Panho
[D] Vinayapitaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahavibhasa]
Notes:
Abhidharma-mahavibhasa known as Mahavibhaṣa, is a Vaibhashika written treatise on Sarvastivada abhidharma. It translated into Chinese by the scholar–pilgrim Xuanzang and his translation team between 656 and 659 C.E.
