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 Greek King of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C.?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Alexander
[C] Seleucus Nicator
[D] Menander
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Demetrius ]
Notes:
Demetrius,the king of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C. And conquered a considerable part of the Mauryan Empire in the north-west.
2. Which among the following is an extant Shaka of the Rigveda Samhita?
[A] Saunaka
[B] Ashvalayan
[C] Shakala
[D] Sankhayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Shakala ]
Notes:
Rigveda is the oldest Veda .In it,only two shakas of the Rig-Veda, Shakala sakha and Baskala shaka, remain alive out of the 21 which existed at one time.
3. The beneficiaries of Asoka’s donations in the region of Barabar Hill were__?
[A] Buddhists
[B] Ajivikas
[C] Svetambar Jains
[D] Digambar Jains
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Ajivikas ]
Notes:
The Edicts of Asoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions on the Pillars of Asoka. The one of the Edict of Asoka is “Barbara cave Inscription : giving away the Barbara cave to Ajivika sect. Dasharataha is known to have gifted the Nagarjuni hills to Ajivikas.
4. During whose reign Mahayana sect of Buddhism came into existence?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the reign of Kanishka. Asanga was the founder of Mahayan sect of Buddhism.
5. In which among the following sacrifices, the sacrificial materials used was sura in Vedic Era?
[A] Agnistoma
[B] Rajasuya
[C] Sautramani
[D] Vajapeya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sautramani ]
Notes:
Sautramani refers to a “sacrifice performed in order to please god Indra” and represented one of the various rituals mentioned in Taittiriya school of the Krishna Yajurveda. This sacrifice involved use of Sura.
6. Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of which of the following?
[A] Taxilla
[B] Ujjain
[C] Pataliputra
[D] Kandhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Taxilla ]
Notes:
Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of Taxila.
7. What was the capital of Surasena Mahajanapada?
[A] Viratnagar
[B] Mathura
[C] Taxila
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mathura ]
Notes:
Surasena Mahajanapada was located in the region corresponding to the present-day Braj region in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Its capital was Mathura.
8. Who has written “Kalpsutra”?
[A] Haribhadra
[B] Bhadrabahu
[C] Sudharma Swami
[D] Nemichandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhadrabahu]
Notes:
The Kalpasutra is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, most notably Parshvanath and Mahavira, including the latter’s Nirvana. The author of this text is Bhadrabahu.
9. Saptanga Theory which deals with the seven limbs of ancient political structure was propounded by ?
[A] Manu
[B] Kautilya
[C] Panini
[D] Bhaskara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kautilya]
Notes:
Saptanga theory of state was given by Kautilya in Arthashashtra. The seven limbs are King, Amatya (Bureaucrats) , Janapada (territory), Durga (Fort), Kosa (Treasure), Danda (coercive authority) and Mitra (ally).
10. After death of Bindusara, who among the following is considered to help Asoka to capture the throne?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Radhagupta
[C] Tishya
[D] Bairam khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Radhagupta]
Notes:
Radhagupta was an important character in the life of the greatest king Ashoka. Radhagupta was a son of prime minister. He later became a minster in the Mauryan empire. Radhagupta gave elephant as a gift when Ashoka proceed to golden palace. He helped Ashoka after the death of Bindusara.
