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. Hathigumpha inscription gives account of which of the following rulers?
[A] Asoka
[B] Chandragupta Maurya
[C] Kharvela
[D] Samudragupya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kharvela ]
Notes:
The Hathigumpha Inscription at Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar in Odisha was got inscribed by King Kharvela of Kalinga in 2nd century BC.
2. The rulers of which dynasty were first to make land grants to Brahmins?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Satvahana
[D] Kanvas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Satvahana ]
Notes:
The rulers of Sarvanana dynasty were the first to make land grant to Brahmins.
3. During reign of Harsha, the Kannauj assembly was held to publicise the doctrines of which of the following sects?
[A] Mahayana
[B] Hinayana
[C] Theravada
[D] Svetambara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahayana ]
Notes:
The Kannauj assembly (643 AD) was held in the honour of Hieun Tsang (Chinese pilgrim) and to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism.Harshavardhana was a Mahayana Buddhist. He organised Kannauj assembly (643 AD) to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Though, he was a tolerant ruler and supported all Indic faiths viz. Buddhism, Vedism and Jainism. The scholars regarded him as the last great Hindu emperor of India, who ruled over Northern India.
4. Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is referred as Ashokavardhana in which of the following?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Puranas
[C] Nitlur minor rock edict
[D] Maski edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Puranas ]
Notes:
In the Puranas, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is referred as Ashokavardhana. However, in the Rudradaman’s Junagarh rock edict, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is mentioned as Asoka Maurya.
5. Which of the following was the capital of early Cholas?
[A] Madurai
[B] Karur
[C] Uraiyaur
[D] Kaveripattnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uraiyaur]
Notes:
Uraiyaur, now a locality in Tiruchirappalli, was the capital of the early Cholas. It was famous for its cotton trade.
6. Which among the following sacred books of Hindu religion has Brahma as the priest?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Rig Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atharva Veda]
Notes:
In Hindu scripture, the Atharva Veda is identified as the Veda where Brahma presides as the priest. This book encompasses a vast range of subjects, from healing rituals to royal consecrations. The name “Atharva Veda” comes from the type of priests who were specifically dedicated to its chanting and application. Brahma, in this context, portrays the deity of creation, thus extolling the grandeur of life.
7. Which among the following era is identical with Gupta era?
[A] Vikram era
[B] Vallabhi era
[C] Saka era
[D] Harsha era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vallabhi era ]
Notes:
Vallabhi era is identical with Gupta era and Vallabhi era followed Gupta era in A.D. 366.
8. The Neolithic sites Kuchai and Golbai Sasan are located in which Indian state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Bihar
[C] Odisha
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Notes:
The Neolithic sites in Odisha include Kuchai in Mayurbhanj district, and the recently excavated site of Golbai Sasan on the banks of Mandakini River.
9. Works of 11th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva have become the basis of which among the following dance forms of India?
[A] Odissi
[B] Bharatnatyam
[C] Kathak
[D] Manipuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odissi]
Notes:
Jayadeva’s seminal works greatly influenced the Odissi dance form. He is known for his epic Gita Govinda, an important text in Odissi dance’s repertoire. It describes the unique relationship of divine Krishna and his devotee Radha, along with the gopis of Vrindavan. These spiritual themes find a visual depiction through Odissi dance, showcasing its close tie with ancient poet Jayadeva.
10. Which among the following Buddhist Canon is related to dealing with rules for monks and nuns ?
[A] Vinaya Pitaka
[B] Sutta Pitaka
[C] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vinaya Pitaka]
Notes:
Tripitaka or Three Baskets is a traditional term used for various Buddhist scriptures. It is known as pali Canon in English. The three pitakas are Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Sutta Pitaka: It contains over 10 thousand suttas or sutras related to Buddha and his close companions. This also deals with the first Buddhist council which was held shortly after Buddha’s death, dated by the majority of recent scholars around 400 BC, under the patronage of king Ajatasatru with the monk Mahakasyapa presiding, at Rajgir. It is divided into various sections as shown in following graphics:
Vinaya Pitaka: The subject matter of Vinay Pitaka is the monastic rules for monks and nuns. It can also be called as Book of Discipline. Its three books are Suttavibhanga, Khandaka and Parivara.
Abhidhammapitaka deals with the philosophy and doctrine of Buddhism appearing in the suttas. However, it does not contain the systematic philosophical treatises. There are 7 works of Abhidhamma Pitaka which most scholars agree that don’t represent the words of Buddha himself.
