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. The reign of which of the following reigns was known as golden age for Mathura school of art?
[A] Indo-Greeks
[B] Sakas
[C] Kushanas
[D] Gupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kushanas ]
Notes:
The period of Kushana King Kanishka, Huviska and Vasudeva is considered to be golden age for Mathura school of art. The theme of Mathura school of art may vary from Buddhist to Brahmanical to sometimes secular. The more stress is given to the inner beauty and facial emotions rather than bodily gesture. The sculptures were made on White-spotted red stones.
2. At which age Gautam Buddha got Nirvana?
[A] 24
[B] 35
[C] 38
[D] 42
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [35 ]
Notes:
Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana at the age of 35. He achieved enlightenment, or nirvana, while meditating under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya. The literal meaning of Nirvana is “blowing out”. According to Buddha, leading a balanced life would lead to a person attaining both Moksha and Nirvana. Buddha was born into the royal family of the Sakya clan in Lumbini, near the Indo-Nepal Border. At the age of 29, he left home and rejected his life of riches, and embraced a lifestyle of asceticism.
3. What was the other name of Harshavardhana?
[A] Siladitya
[B] Harshaditya
[C] Bhaskarvarman
[D] Vishnuvardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Siladitya ]
Notes:
Bharshavardhan (606-647 AD) was also known as Siladitya. His kingdom extends from Punjab, West Bengal, Orissa and from Himalayas to the entire Indo-Gangetic plain north of the Narmada river. He gave equal respect to all religions and became the follower of Buddhism in his later life.
4. Which among the following rulers is often described as ‘the first empire builder of Indian History’?
[A] Dhanananda
[B] Mahapadmananda
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mahapadmananda ]
Notes:
The founder of Nanda dynasty, Mahapadmananda is often described as ‘the first empire builder of Indian History’.
5. What is the number of prehistoric rock shelters in Bhimbetka?
[A] 221
[B] 243
[C] 268
[D] 289
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 243 ]
Notes:
The Bhimbetka group of rock shelters contains 243 prehistoric rock shelters. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The site is spread over 10 km in length and about 3 km in width. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are renowned for their prehistoric rock shelters and paintings. The paintings date back to approximately 30,000 years and provide valuable insights into early human civilization. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. 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.
7. At which among the following sites, first evidence of cultivation of cotton has been found?
[A] Piklihal
[B] Hathonora
[C] Mehrgarh
[D] Ghaligai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
First evidence of cotton growing has been found at Mehrgarh (now in Pakistan).
8. Who among the following was King of Magadha at the time of Mahaparinirvana of Gautam Buddha?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Udayi
[C] Ajatshatru
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ajatshatru]
Notes:
Ajatasatru was the king of Magadha at the time of Mahaparnirvana of Gautama Buddha which is the death of Buddha. Ajatashatru was a king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha in East India. He was the son of King Bimbisara and was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.
9. 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.
10. Battle of the Hydaspes was fought between Alexander and King Porus in 326 BC. Hydapses means which river________?
[A] Jelum
[B] Indus
[C] Beas
[D] Ravi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jelum]
Notes:
Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. In 326 BC, the Battle of Hydaspes was fought between Alexender the great and Porus along the banks of Haydaspes river( Jhelum river) in Punjab. Porus, the King of Paurava, ruled the area between the rivers Hydaspes (modern Jhelum) and Acesines (Chenab). Though, Porus was defeated, Alexendar was impressed by Porus’s might so asked Porus to rule his dynasty under his name.