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. With which among the following places, the twenty third Jain Tirthankara was associated?
[A] Vaishali
[B] Kausambi
[C] Varanasi
[D] Sravasti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Varanasi ]
Notes:
The 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanath was closely associated with Varanasi. He was born there to the ruling king and queen. After becoming an ascetic, he travelled widely but eventually returned to Varanasi for meditation and penance. He attained enlightenment under a tree on Sammet Shikhar near Varanasi. A famous Parshvanath temple stands at that site even today, which remains an important place of pilgrimage for Jains worldwide.
2. 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 ]
3. Which among the following Buddhist scripture deals in the moral code of conduct?
[A] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[B] Vinay Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vinay Pitaka ]
Notes:
The Buddhist scripture, Vinay Pitaka mainly deals with rules and regulations, which the Buddha promulgated. It describes in detail the gradual development of the Sangha. In other words, it is the code of ethics to be obeyed by the early sangha, monks and nuns.
4. Where was the second Jain council held?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Patliputra
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Vallabhi ]
Notes:
The second Jain Council was held at Vallabhi under the chairmainship of Devaradhi Kshamasramana in 512 AD and resulted in finl compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.
5. Who was the founder of Chalukya Dynasty ?
[A] Vishnuvardhan
[B] Pulakesin I
[C] Kirtivarman I
[D] Pulakesin II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pulakesin I ]
Notes:
The founder of Chalukya dynasty, Pulakesin I established a small kingdom with Badami (or Vatapi) as its capital in Bijapur District, Karnataka .
6. The Ashoka’s Bairut inscription was brought to Allahabad by__?
[A] Cunningham
[B] James Princep
[C] Feroj Shah Tughlaq
[D] Jahangir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Cunningham ]
Notes:
The Ashoka’s Bairut inscription was brought to Allahabad by Cunningham. On the other hand, Pillars from Topra and Meerut were brought to Delhi by the Firoz Shah Tughlaq. The Kaushambi Pillar was brought to Allahabad by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir.
7. Which of the following Vedanga is related to metrics?
[A] Kalpa
[B] Nirkuta
[C] Chhanda
[D] Shiksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Chhanda ]
Notes:
There are six vedangas (limbs of Vedas) evolved for the proper understanding of the Vedas. These are Siksha (phonetics), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarna (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chhanda (metrics) and Jyotisha (astronomy).
8. Variyar, the Revenue term was used for which action?
[A] Tax Collector
[B] Extra Demand
[C] Land Tax
[D] Custom Duty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Tax Collector ]
Notes:
Term ‘Variyar’ was used for Tax Collector.
9. Who wrote Mahabhashya?
[A] Panini
[B] Patanjali
[C] Kalidas
[D] Tulsidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
Mahabhashya was written by Patanjali. It is a commentary on selected rules of Sanskrit grammar from Paini’s treatise, the Ashtadhyayi and Katyayana’s Varttika.
10. Who was the founder of Kushana Empire in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Kujula Kadphises
[C] Kanishka
[D] Vasudeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kujula Kadphises ]
Notes:
Kujula Kadphises was the first Yueh Chi chief who crossed the Hindukush Mountains and laid down the foundation of the Kushana Empire. He adopted the epithet of Dharma-thida and Sachdharmathida.
