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 first Saka king in India?
[A] Moga
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Azes
[D] Ghatotkacha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Moga ]
Notes:
An Indo-Scythian king, Moga (or Maues) was the first Saka king in India who established Saka power in Gandhara and extended supremacy over north-western India.
3. Which among the following village was the site of the Vikramshila Mahavihara, the renowned educational centre of Pala period?
[A] Antichak
[B] Aphasad
[C] Basarh
[D] Chandimau
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Antichak ]
Notes:
Antichak – Excavated site Vikramshila Vikramashila was founded by Pala King Dharmapala in response to a supposed decline in the quality of scholarship at Nalanda. [It was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji ]
4. According to Buddhist traditions, who was Charioteer of Buddha?
[A] Channa
[B] Kanthaka
[C] Devdatta
[D] Chunda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Channa ]
Notes:
According to Buddhist traditions, Channa was the royal charioteer of Prince Siddhartha. When Siddhartha decided to leave his royal life and comforts to understand the cause of human suffering, it was Channa who escorted him outside the palace. It is believed that Channa later joined the Sangha, the Buddhist monastic community, and became an arahant, an enlightened disciple.
5. Who among the following is the author of ‘Harshacharita’ ?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Harshavardhan
[D] Bhaskarvarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Banabhatta ]
Notes:
Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana, who wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari. Harshacharita is an important historical work narratted the incidents of the earlier part of Harsha’s reign.
6. Which of the following Pallava rulers invaded the Chalukya Kingdom and captured Badami ?
[A] Narsimhavarman I
[B] Kirtivarman
[C] Vishnuvardhan
[D] Mahendravarnan I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narsimhavarman I ]
Notes:
In the Battle of Vatapi, the Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman I defeated and killed Pulakesin II and captured the Chalukyan capital, Badami in 642 AD. Thus, he assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi).
7. Which of the following ancient Tamil Kingdoms came to be known from Sangam Literature?
[A] Chola
[B] Chera
[C] Pandya
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The history of ancient Tamil kingdoms i.e. Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas came to be known from Sangam Literature.
8. Ashoka called the third buddhist council at which of the following places?
[A] Magadha
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Burma
[D] Therevada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pataliputra]
Notes:
The Third Buddhist council was convened in about 250 BCE at Asokarama in Pataliputra, supposedly under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka. The council is recognized and known to both the Theravada and Mahayana schools, though its importance is central only to the Theravada.
9. In Sangam age, the term “Pillai” was used for which among the following?
[A] lenders
[B] farmers
[C] labours
[D] students
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [students]
Notes:
The Sangam Age was the period of history of ancient Tamil Nadu and Kerala and parts of Sri lanka. “Pillai” was used to describe students in this age.
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.
