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 among the following Vakataka ruler performed all the seven sacrifices viz. Agnishtoma, Aptoryama, Ukthya, Shodasin, Atiratra, Vajapeya, Brihaspatisava, Sadyaskra and four Asvamedhas?
[A] Rudrasena-I
[B] Pravarsena-I
[C] Prithvisena-I
[D] Narendrasena-I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pravarsena-I ]
Notes:
Vakataka ruler, Pravarsena-I, is said to have performed all the 7 sacrifices viz. Agnishtoma, Aptoryama, Ukthya, Shodasin, Atiratra, Vajapeya, Brihaspatisava, Sadyaskra and four Aswamedham.
2. Which among the following Bodhisattva holds thunderbolt?
[A] Vajrapani
[B] Manjushri
[C] Maitreya
[D] Amitabha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vajrapani ]
Notes:
The Bodhisattva, Vajrapani, holds a thunderbolt like the deity Indra of Hinduism and fights against evil and sin. Avlokitesvara or Padmapani is the lotus bearer; Majushri holds a book describing 10 paramitas ( spiritual perfections); Maitreya is the future Buddha; Ksitigarbha is the bodhisattva of hell-beings and guardian of purgatories; while Amitabha is Buddha of heaven and the Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light.
3. What was the name of Gautam Buddha’s only son ?
[A] Rahul
[B] Channa
[C] Kanthala
[D] Chunda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rahul ]
Notes:
Rahul was the name of only son of Gautama Buddha.
4. Which among the following define the similarities between Buddhism and Jainism?
[A] Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste system
[B] Both accepted the theories of rebirth
[C] Both preached truth and non-violence
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The similarities between Buddhism and Jainism are a) Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste system. B) Both have accepted the theories of Karma and rebirth and Moksha. C) Both preached truth, non-violence, celibacy and detachment from material comforts.. D) Both Uphold the essence of Vedas.
5. Who was the earliest known Chola King who conquered Sri Lanka and ruled it ?
[A] Karikala
[B] Elara
[C] Udiyangera
[D] Nedunjelian
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Elara ]
Notes:
The earliest known Chola king to conquer Sri Lanka was Elara. He ruled over the island for 50 years. The Mahavamsa mentions that a Chola prince named Ellalan conquered the Rajarata kingdom of Sri Lanka in 235 BCE. He invaded with the help of a Mysore army.
6. Who granted permission to Buddhist king of Ceylon Meghavarman to build a monastic at Bodh Gaya?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
The Gupta emperor, Samudragupta granted permission to Buddhist king of Ceylon Meghavarman to build a monastry at Bodh Gaya. Hence, he was also known as Anukampavan (full of compassion).
7. Which of the following plays of Kalidasa tells the story of mortal King Pururavas and celestial nymph Urvashi who fall in love?
[A] Malavikagnimitram
[B] Abhijñānaśākuntalam
[C] Vikramōrvaśīyam
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Vikramōrvaśīyam ]
Notes:
Vikramōrvaśīyam, a play by Kalidasa, tells the story of mortal King Pururavas and celestial nymph Urvashi who fall in love. As an immortal, she has to return to the heavens, where an unfortunate accident causes her to be sent back to the earth as a mortal with the curse that she will die (and thus return to heaven) the moment her lover lays his eyes on the child which she will bear him. After a series of mishaps, including Urvashi’s temporary transformation into a vine, the curse is lifted, and the lovers are allowed to remain together on the earth.
8. Which century Gautama Buddha was born in?
[A] 4th century BC
[B] 5th century BC
[C] 6th century BC
[D] 7th century BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [6th century BC]
Notes:
Gautam Siddhartha was the name of Buddha and he was the founder of Buddhism also known as Gautam Buddha. Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BC in Lumbini (now in Nepal) in Sakya Kshatriya clan of Kapilvastu. He died in 483 BC.
9. Which among the following Brahman provides details of cultivation process?
[A] Aitarey
[B] Kaushitaki
[C] Satpatha
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satpatha]
Notes:
The Shatapatha / Satapatha Brahmana is a commentary on the Śukla Yajurveda. It is described as the most complete, systematic, and important of the Brahmanas. It contains details of cultivation process along with detailed explanations of Vedic sacrificial rituals, symbolism, and mythology.
10. Which of the following group represents right combination of Triratnas of Jainism?
[A] Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Thought
[B] Right Thought, Right Action, Right Conduct
[C] Right Faith, Right Knowledge , Right Conduct
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Right Faith, Right Knowledge , Right Conduct]
Notes:
The triratnas are the three jewels (also referred to as ratnatraya) are understood as samyagdarshana (“right faith”), samyagjnana (“right knowledge”), and samyakcharitra (“right conduct”). One of the three cannot exist exclusive of the others, and all are required for spiritual liberation.
