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. 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.
3. Which one is the longest epic of the world?
[A] Ramayana
[B] Ramcharitmanas
[C] Mahabharata
[D] Hanuman Chalisa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Mahabharata ]
Notes:
The Mahabharata by Ved vyas is the longest epic of the world consists of 1,00,000 shlokas.
4. Under whose leadership was the Shvetambara sect formed?
[A] Bhadrabahu
[B] Chandragupta Maurya
[C] Ashoka
[D] Sthalabahu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sthalabahu]
Notes:
The Jain religion is divided into two main sects: Digambara and Shvetambara. The Shvetambara sect, meaning “white-clad,” was formed under the leadership of Sthalabahu. The Digambara sect, meaning “sky-clad,” was formed under Bhadrabahu. These sects differ in monastic dress and practices but share core Jain principles. Sthalabahu is historically recognized as the leader who established the Shvetambara tradition.
5. Which among the following plays was / were written by Harsha?
[A] Nagananda
[B] Ratnavali
[C] Priyadarshika
[D] All of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of these ]
Notes:
Harsha wrote three sanskrit plays- Nagananda, Ratnavali and Priyadarshika.
6. The place Dharanikota in South India is related to which ancient dynasty?
[A] Chola
[B] Satavahana
[C] Pandya
[D] Chera
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Satavahana ]
Notes:
Dharanikota is a town near Amaravati in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh in India, It is the site of the ancient Dhanyakataka which was the capital of the Satavahana kingdom which ruled in the Deccan around the 1st to 3rd centuries A.D.
7. Which of the following passes was used by Sakas to come to India?
[A] Bolan Pass
[B] Nathu La Pass
[C] Shipki La Pass
[D] Bara-lacha la Pass
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bolan Pass ]
Notes:
The Sakas came to India through the Bolan Pass. They were a Scythian tribe or group of tribes of Iranian origin.
8. Which of the following was not a deity of the Harappans?
[A] Shiva
[B] Mother Goddess
[C] Peepal Tree
[D] Vishnu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vishnu]
Notes:
Harappan religion is associated with several symbols and figures such as the Mother Goddess, a proto-Shiva or Pashupati figure, and sacred trees like the Peepal. These are supported by seals, figurines and other archaeological evidence. Vishnu, however, is not identified among the commonly accepted Harappan deities. Hence, Vishnu is the correct answer.
9. King Ashvapati of the Upanishadic Age was the ruler of which among the following Kingdoms?
[A] Kekaya
[B] Matsya
[C] Panchala
[D] Sursena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kekaya ]
Notes:
LATER VEDIC AGE – The Kekaya kingdom was situated on the bank of River Beas, east of Gandhar kingdom. King Aswapati ruled Kekaya when Janak was the king of Videha.
10. Who among the following is compiled the work “Ravanavadham”?
[A] Bhatti
[B] Kalidasa
[C] Bhasa
[D] Banabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhatti]
Notes:
Bhatti compiled the work “Ravanavadham”. It is the most influential version of Ramayanam.
