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 of the following Greek Explorers is considered to have left the earliest account of India?
[A] Herodotus
[B] Ctesias
[C] Scylax
[D] Hippalus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Scylax ]
Notes:
The earliest Greek Account of India was left by Scylax of Caryanda who was sent by Kind Darius-I of Persia to follow the course of river Indus and find out where it led. His original works are now lost.
2. Parnadatta was appointed the Provincial Governor of Saurashtra by __?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Chandragupta II
[D] Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Skandagupta ]
Notes:
Skandgupta’s Junagarh Inscription: It states that Skandagupta appointed Parnadatta as goptri (governor) of Surashtra (Saurashtra).
3. In the revenue department of Mauryas, who among the following was in-charge of the collection of all revenues in the empire?
[A] Sannidhatri
[B] Pradeshta
[C] Yukta
[D] Samahatra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Samahatra ]
Notes:
The officers Samaharta and Sanidatta were in charge of tax collection during the Mauryan Empire. They were also responsible for the royal treasury.
The Mauryan Empire had a highly centralized administration. The Emperor was the supreme power and was assisted by a Council of Ministers. To collect taxes, the emperor set up a system of officials who were sent to all parts of the empire. The emperor also appointed governors and family members to control the officials.
The main source of revenue was land tax. Revenue was also collected on irrigation, shops, customs, forests, ferry, mines, and pastures. License fees were collected from artisans and fines were charged in the law courts.
The tax from manual laborers was levied in such a way that they had to work free for one day each month.
4. The famous Konark Sun temple was built by whom?
[A] Narshimhadeva I
[B] Angabhima deva I
[C] Konkanivarman
[D] Narsimhavarman II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Narshimhadeva I ]
Notes:
The 13th-century famous Konark Sun temple was built by King Narshimhadeva I (of the Eastern Ganga dynasty) at Konark, Odisha around AD1250.
5. Which rock edict describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya and Bodhi Tree?
[A] Major Rock Edict V
[B] Major Rock Edict VI
[C] Major Rock Edict VII
[D] Major Rock Edict VIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict VIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict VIII describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya and Bodhi Tree.
6. Which one of the following archaeologists discovered the Harappa site of the Indus Valley civilisation?
[A] Rakhal Das Bannerjee
[B] Sir William Jones
[C] Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar
[D] Daya Ram Sahini
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Daya Ram Sahini ]
Notes:
In 1921, an Indian archaeologist Raj Bahadur Daya Ram Sahini discovered the Harappa site of the Indus Valley civilisation.
7. Which of the following is the equivalent term used for Raja in early vedic era?
[A] Gopati
[B] Gomat
[C] Gopa
[D] Gomitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gopati ]
Notes:
In the Early Vedic age, ‘Raja’ was known as Gopati.
8. The greatest Chera King remembered for building a temple of ‘Kannagi’ the Goddess of Chastity?
[A] Elara
[B] Karikala
[C] Senguttuvan
[D] Mudukudumi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Senguttuvan ]
Notes:
Senguttuvan (also knoown as Red Chera) was the greatest Chera king who is remembered for building a temple of ‘Kannagi’ the Goddess of Chastity and founded the famous Pattini cult.
9. Which the following rulers is known as the ‘Napoleon of India’?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta believed in the policy of war and conquest and because of his bravery and generalship he is known as the “Napoleon of India” by historian Vincent. A. Smith.
10. 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.
