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. The conversation between Nagasena and Menander-I related to Buddhism is recorded in which book?
[A] Milindapanho
[B] Panhomenanda
[C] Nagapanho
[D] Menandapanho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Milindapanho ]
Notes:
Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander (an Indo-Greek king) asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism.These questions and Nagasena’s answers are recorded in a form of book known as ‘Milindapanho (or The Questions of Milinda).
3. During the reign of which Kushana king, the Fourth Buddhist Council was held?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Huvishka
[C] Vasudeva
[D] Vasishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD during the reign of Kushan king Kanishka. It was held under the Presidentship of Vasumitra to compose commentaries on the Tripitika.
4. In which of the following inscriptions Ashoka made his famous declaration, “All men are my children”?
[A] Minor Rock Edict (Ahraura)
[B] Pillar Edict VII
[C] Lumbini Pillar Edict
[D] Separate Kalinga Rock Edict I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Separate Kalinga Rock Edict I ]
Notes:
Separate Edicts: They were found at sites in Kalinga »Separate Edict I : Asoka declared all people are my sons »Separate Edict II: proclamation of edicts even to a single person.
5. The last Mauryan ruler, who was killed by his Commander-in-Chief was __?
[A] Dasaratha
[B] Kun-ala
[C] Samprati
[D] Brihadratha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Brihadratha ]
Notes:
Maurya Emperor Brihadratha was killed by his senapati (Commander-in-Chief) Pushymitra Shunga . Pushymitra Shunga founded the Shunga Dynasty in around 185-183 BC.
6. According to some Jain traditions, who was son-in-law and first disciple of Tirthankara Mahavira?
[A] Jamali
[B] Jamvant
[C] Jamval
[D] Cant’ say
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Jamali ]
Notes:
According to some Jain traditions (Shwetambara mainly), Jamali was the son-in-law and first disciple of Tirthankara Mahavira.
7. At which place Mahavira attained Niravana?
[A] Pavapuri
[B] Kundagram
[C] Vaishali
[D] Rajgriha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pavapuri ]
Notes:
At the age of 72 in 468 BC, Tirthankar Mahavira passed away at Pavapuri, Bihar.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Which among the following was the capital of Chera Kingdom?
[A] Tondi
[B] Musiri
[C] Vanji
[D] Uraiyaur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Vanji ]
Notes:
The capital of Chera Kingdom was Vanji. Tondi and Musiri were the important sea ports of Cheras.
