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. Who were the first rulers in India to issue gold coins attributed to the Kings?
[A] Sungas
[B] Kanvas
[C] Indo Greeks
[D] Sakas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Indo Greeks ]
Notes:
The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can definitely be attributed to the kings. They were the first to issue gold coins in India.
2. 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.
3. Dashkumarcharitam was composed by whom?
[A] Bharavi
[B] Dandin
[C] Varahmihira
[D] Kalidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Dandin ]
Notes:
Dashkumarcharitam was composed by Dandin, who was a Sanskrit author of prose romances and expounder on poetics in the 6th-7th century. The book, Dashkumarcharitam is a prose romance in Sanskrit that describes the adventures of ten young men, the Kumaras, all of whom are either princes or sons of royal ministers, as narrated by the men themselves.
4. Which of the following was the capital of Northern Panchalas?
[A] Ahicchatra
[B] Kampilya
[C] Vajji
[D] Panchal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ahicchatra ]
Notes:
The Northern Panchalas had their capital at Ahicchatra. On the other hand, Southern Panchalas had their capital at Kampilya.
5. In the Indus Valley Civilisation(IVC) which among the following site has a unique water harnessing system and its storm water drainage system?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Surkotada
[C] Daimabad
[D] Banawali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dholavira ]
Notes:
Dholavira located at the Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District, Gujarat. The archaeological finding at Dholavira are a) A unique water harnessing system and its storm water drainage system. B) A large well & a bath (giant water reservoirs). C) Only site to be divided into 3 parts. D) Largest Harappan inscription used for civic purpose. E) A stadium.
6. Who among the following was the first ruler of sen dynasty?
[A] Ballal Sen
[B] Samanta Sen
[C] Vijay sen
[D] Lakshaman Sen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samanta Sen]
Notes:
Around the time of Mahipala’s death in around 1043 AD, a vassal of the Palas named Hemanta Sen founded the Sena Dynasty. This Dynasty appeared in 11th century and disappeared in 12th century
7. Ceylon became a stronghold of which among the following branches of Buddhism?
[A] Mahayan
[B] Hinayan
[C] Mahnendra
[D] Theravada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hinayan]
Notes:
After the death of Buddha, Buddhism was divided into two sects namely Mahayana and Hinayana. Hinayana, found mostly in the South and West covering Indo-china and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).Early work written in Pali (e.g. Kamma, Dhamma).
8. King Prasenjita was a contemporary and friend of Lord Buddha. He was a king of ________?
[A] Kasi
[B] Kosal
[C] Anga
[D] Magdha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kosal]
Notes:
King Prasenjita was an Aikṣvāka dynasty ruler of Kosala. Sāvatthī was his capital. He was a prominent Upāsaka of Gautama Buddha, who built many Buddhist temples. He was friend of Lord Buddha.
9. During the Maurya Period, which among the following was the primary source of revenue?
[A] Bhaga
[B] Pindikara
[C] Hiranya
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhaga]
Notes:
Bhaga was the primary source of revenue during the Mauryan period, levied at a rate of approximately one-fourth to one-sixth of a harvested crop. It played a significant role in the Maurya kingdom’s economic system, supplementing the administration’s financial resources and enabling it to carry out the vast administrative and welfare operations prevalent during its reign.
10. Preservation of the genealogies of the gods, Risis and famous kings, is the duty of the Sutas or bards. Which among the following says this ?
[A] Vishnu Puran
[B] Vayu Puran
[C] Skand Puran
[D] Skand Puran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vayu Puran]
Notes:
The Vayu Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas of Hinduism.The Vayu Purana discusses its theories of cosmology, genealogy of gods and kings of solar and lunar dynasties, mythology, geography, manvantaras, the solar system and the movements of the celestial bodies. It talks about Preservation of the genealogies of the gods, Risis and famous kings, is the duty of the Sutas or bards.
