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. Which King took the title of Vatapikonda?
[A] Narasimhavarman I
[B] Simhavishnu
[C] Mahendravarman I
[D] Nandivarman II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narasimhavarman I ]
Notes:
The Pallava King Narasimhavarman I assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi), when he defeated and killed Pulakesin II (Chalukya King) and captured the Chalukyan capital, Badami in 642 AD.
2. Which rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism?
[A] Bhabru rock edict
[B] Kalinga rock edict
[C] Tarai rock edict
[D] Barabar cave rock edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bhabru rock edict ]
Notes:
The Bhabru rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism. The rock edict stated that he has full faith in Buddha, Sangha and Dhamma.
3. Vidhushaka, a common character in Sanskrit drama is ___?
[A] Brahmana
[B] Kshatriya
[C] Vaishya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Brahmana ]
Notes:
In classical Sanskrit drama, Vidushaka (Bufoon) is essentially a Brahmin and is a confident / attendent of the Hero. Despite being educated in Sanskrit, he speaks in Prakrit, the vernacular language of the time. Bharata mentions him along with the principal characters in his Natyasastra.
4. Pushyamitra, the founder ruler of Sunga Dynasty performed how many Ashvamedha sacrifices?
[A] None
[B] 1
[C] 2
[D] 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 1 ]
Notes:
The founder of Sunga dynasty, Pushyamitra Sunga is recorded to have performed two Ashvamedhas to promote orthodox brahamical faith during his rule.
5. Who wrote Malvikagnimitra?
[A] Kalidas
[B] Tulsidas
[C] Agnimitra
[D] Chanakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kalidas ]
Notes:
Malvikagnimitra is a five-act drama based on Sunga king Agnimitra’s love for Vidharbha princess Malvika. It was a Sanskrit play written by Kalidas.
6. Who wrote the book Pancha Siddhantika?
[A] Varahamihira
[B] Aryabhatta
[C] Brahmagupta
[D] Kalidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Varahamihira ]
Notes:
Varahamihira was one of the only renowned Indian Astronomer, Mathematician and Astrologer. Varahamihira was born in 499 A.D. into a family of Brahmins settled at Kapittha, a village near Ujjain. He wrote the book Pancha Siddhantika.
7. The Nitisara of Kamandaka, also known as the Kamandakiya-Nitisara, was composed during the period of:
[A] Satavahana dynasty
[B] Gupta dynasty
[C] Kalachuri dynasty
[D] Nanda dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta dynasty]
Notes:
The Nitisara of Kamandaka, also known as the Kamandakiya-Nitisara, was composed during the period of Gupta Dynasty. It was based on Kautilya’s Arthashastra
8. Vallabhi era is identical with which of the following era?
[A] The Vikrama era
[B] The Gupta era
[C] The Harsha era
[D] None of the above
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Correct Answer: B [The Gupta era]
Notes:
Vallabhi era is identical with Gupta era and Vallabhi era followed Gupta era in A.D. 366.
9. “Niska ” was used as a medium of exchange, in which of the following periods?
[A] Vedic period
[B] Maurya Period
[C] Gupta Period
[D] Sangam Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vedic period]
Notes:
During the Vedic age, 2 types of medium of exchange are Niska and hiranyapinda. Rigvedic niskas and hiranyapindas, in this period, stood as a link between the money and currency stages of the development of the economy.
10. The Hindu and Jain mythology refer to which among the following as the centre of the universe?
[A] Mount Kailas
[B] Ujjain
[C] Mount Meru
[D] Pushkar Lake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mount Meru]
Notes:
Mount Meru or Sumeru is a sacred five-peaked mountain in the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology. It is considered to be the centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes.
