Ancient Indian History MCQs

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The First Buddhist Council was held at Saptaparni cave near Rajagriha in 72 AD, during the reign of Emperor Ajatsatru. It was held under the Presidentship of Mahakassapa to compile the Dhamma Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka.

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The Major Rock Edict XII of Ashoka directed and determined request for tolerance among different religious sects. This edict reflects the anxiety the king felt because of conflict between sects and carries his plea for harmony.

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There are several reasons why the population may have grown during the Mesolithic age. One reason is that the development of new technologies, such as the creation of new tools and weapons, made it easier for people to hunt and gather food. This would have helped them to sustain larger populations. Additionally, the use of fire to cook food would have made it more nutritious and easier to digest, which would also have allowed people to support larger populations. Finally, the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled one may have allowed people to establish larger, more stable communities that could support more people.

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The Third Buddhist council was convened in about 250 BCE at Asokarama in Pataliputra, supposedly under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka. The council is recognized and known to both the Theravada and Mahayana schools, though its importance is central only to the Theravada.

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The Sun Temple at Konarak was built in about 1250 AD by the East Ganga king Narasimhadeva in order to commemorate military successes against Muslim invaders.It is also known as the Black Pagoda.

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The correct answer is inscriptions. Inscriptions, often found on stone or metal, provide direct evidence of historical events, rulers, and societal norms in ancient India. They date back to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) and include important examples like the Edicts of Ashoka, which offer insights into governance, religion, and culture. Unlike religious literature, which can be biased, inscriptions are primary sources that reflect contemporary realities. Coins also provide valuable information but are less comprehensive than inscriptions.

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The Shungas succeeded the Maurya Empire and their rule witnessed the conversion of some Greeks or “Yavans” to the Vaishnava Cult. This period marked a blending of cultures and religions as the borders expanded, and it led to the propagation and transformation of religious practices that had impact on both Indian and Greek civilizations. Not much is known about the Yavans, but it is indicative of cross-cultural exchanges that occurred.

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The Mathura school of art is developed under the Kushans. The material used for the construction is Spotted Red Sandstone.

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Getting defeated by European neighbor’s is the main reason for the Indo-Aryans to move away from that area. They came to India possibly from the south of the Urals and East of Caspian Sea.

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Pandit Prajabhatta is credited with the authorship of “Rajavalipataka”. This text is a significant historical chronicle, offering valuable insights into the cultural, socio-economic, and political aspects of the time it represents. The erudite scholars of ancient and medieval India have contributed significantly to the preservation and propagation of historical knowledge, highlighting their importance in historical research and understanding.