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 title “Paramasaugata” was adopted by ___?
[A] Bhaskar Varman
[B] Shashanka
[C] Rajya Vardhana
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Rajya Vardhana ]
Notes:
The title “Paramasaugata” was adopted by Rajyavardhana. Rajyavardhana was the eldest son of Prabhakarvardhana and a member of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. He ascended the throne after his father’s death and was succeeded by his younger brother, Harsha.
Rajyavardhana is mentioned as Parama-Saugata in Harsha’s Madhuvana and Banskhera inscriptions.
2. In the Rigvedic Dasrajan Yudha (Battle of Ten Kings) the Bharatas emerged winner at the bank of __?
[A] The Indus River
[B] The Saraswati River
[C] The Sutlej River
[D] The Parushni River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ The Parushni River ]
Notes:
According to Rigveda,the famous battle of ten kings ( or Dasrajan Yudha) was between Sudas, a Bharata king of the Tritsu family and the confederacy of ten well-known tribes- Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha ,Bhalanas,Shiva and Vishanin.In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of River Parushni the Bharatas emerged victorious.
3. Which ruler is credited for the spread of Jainism in Karnataka?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Ashoka
[D] Samparati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chandragupta Maurya ]
Notes:
The spread of Jainism in Karnataka is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya. The Emperor became a Jaina, gave up his throne and spent the last years of his life in Karnataka as a Jaina ascetic.
4. Which among the following Pallava king wrote the famous burlesque ‘Mattavilasa Prahasana’ ?
[A] Mahendravarman I
[B] Narsimhavarman
[C] Narsimhavarman II
[D] Paramesvar Varman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahendravarman I ]
Notes:
The versatile Pallava ruler and great scholar Mahendravarman I wrote the famous burlesque Mattavilasa Prahasana (the Sport of Drunkards). It is a short one-act Sanskrit play.
5. The oldest evidence in human history for the drilling of teeth in a living person was found in which of the following cultures?
[A] Ahar banas
[B] Mehrgarh
[C] Sohn Valley
[D] Malwa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mehrgarh ]
Notes:
In April 2006, Nature journal announced that the earliest evidence of drilling holes in human teeth while the person was still alive was found at the Mehrgarh neolithic site in Balochistan, Pakistan dating around 7,500 BCE to 9,000 BCE. Eleven drilled molar crowns were discovered here revealing the first known instance of proto-dentistry practiced anywhere in the world. This indicates advanced medical knowledge and skills amongst the early farming communities of Mehrgarh.
6. Which rock edict of Ashoka appeals for tolerance among sects?
[A] Major Rock Edict X
[B] Major Rock Edict XI
[C] Major Rock Edict XII
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Major Rock Edict XII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XII of Ashoka directed and determined request for tolerance among different religious sects. This edict reflects the anxiety the king felt because of conflict between sects and carries his plea for harmony.
7. Purusha sukta is a part of which among the following vedas?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Rig Veda
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Yajur Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rig Veda ]
Notes:
Rig Veda Purusha sukta is the Xth mandal of the Rig Veda that explains the origin of four varnas viz. Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.
8. In the Rigvedic Dasrajan Yudha (Battle of Ten Kings) the Bharatas emerged winner at the bank of __?
[A] The Indus River
[B] The Saraswati River
[C] The Sutlej River
[D] The Parushni River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [The Parushni River]
Notes:
According to Rigveda,the famous battle of ten kings ( or Dasrajan Yudha) was between Sudas, a Bharata king of the Tritsu family and the confederacy of ten well-known tribes- Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha ,Bhalanas,Shiva and Vishanin.In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of River Parushni the Bharatas emerged victorious.
9. Which among the following kings have been linked to the Sudaman Caves ?
[A] Ashoka
[B] ChandraGupta Maurya
[C] Bindusara
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka is credited with the establishment of the Sudaman Caves. These caves were primarily built for and dedicated to the Ajivikas. It is believed that the cave was named after Sudama, an Ajivika monk.
10. Vaikuntaperumal Temple at kanchipuram was built by __________?
[A] Narsimhavarman II
[B] Nandivarman II
[C] Parmesvaravarman II
[D] Parmesvaravarman I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nandivarman II]
Notes:
Vaikunta Perumal Temple was built by Pallava King Nandivarman-II in the 8th century, he was a worshipper of Lord Vishnu.
