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. Hathigumpha inscription gives account of which of the following rulers?
[A] Asoka
[B] Chandragupta Maurya
[C] Kharvela
[D] Samudragupya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kharvela ]
Notes:
The Hathigumpha Inscription at Udayagiri near Bhubaneswar in Odisha was got inscribed by King Kharvela of Kalinga in 2nd century BC.
2. Which of the following term is used for a “school” of learning and teaching the branches of Vedas?
[A] Shakha
[B] Charna
[C] Ratha
[D] Yajna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Charna ]
Notes:
Charana refers to the Guru-pupil lineage or school for teaching and learning of Vedas in ancient India.
3. Who presided Second Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sabakami ]
Notes:
The second Buddhist Council took place at Vaishali in 383 BC. It was presided by Sabakami under Kalasoka of Shisunga dynatsy to settle down dispute between two opposing groups of monks of Vaishali and Patliputra and monks of Kausambi and Avanti regarding the code of discipline.
4. Abhidhamma pitaka deals in which of the following?
[A] members of great community
[B] teachings of Buddha
[C] moral code of conduct
[D] matters of psychology and metaphysics
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ matters of psychology and metaphysics ]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma pitaka deals in the matters of psychology and metaphysics.
5. Which among the following University was founded by Ramapala, the ruler of Pala dynasty?
[A] Somapuri
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Jagadal
[D] Odantpuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Jagadal ]
Notes:
Jagadal is situated in Bengal and was founded by Ramapala, the Pala ruler.
6. Which of the following Chola kings was the first to capture Maldives?
[A] Rajaraja
[B] Rajendra I
[C] Rajadhiraja
[D] Rajendra II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rajaraja ]
Notes:
Rajaraja Chola I laid the foundation for the growth of the Chola kingdom into an empire, by conquering the kingdoms of southern India and the Chola Empire expanded as far as Sri Lanka in the south, and Kalinga (Orissa) in the northeast. He conquered Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Sumatra and other places in Malay Peninsula. The naval conquest of the ‘old islands of the sea numbering 12,000’, the Maldives marked one of the conquests of Rajaraja. Rajaraja I built a strong navy with the aim of controlling the sea.
7. Who was the first Tirthankara in Jainism?
[A] Rishabhanatha
[B] Parsavanath
[C] Mahavira
[D] Munisuvrata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rishabhanatha]
Notes:
According to Jain belief, the first Tirthankara was Lord Rishabhanatha who lived millions of years ago in the ancient city of Ayodhya. As per legend, he was born to King Nabhi Raja and Queen Marudevi. At age 30, he renounced his princely comforts to become a monk. Eventually he attained Kevala Jnana and became the first sage to preach Jain values of non-violence, truth etc. Jains consider him to be a founder of their faith and ethical order.
8. Which Ashokan inscription mentions five contemporary Hellenic Kings?
[A] Major Rock Edict XI
[B] Major Rock Edict XII
[C] Major Rock Edict X
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict XIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII of Ashokan inscription mentions Asoka’s victory over Kalinga and names of Greek Kings such as Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas and southern Indian rulers such as Cholas, Pandyas. It has also mentioned names of Kamboj, Nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
9. The IX mandala of the Rigveda samhita is dedicated to?
[A] Soma
[B] Purushkuta
[C] Gotra
[D] Gayatri Mantra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Soma ]
Notes:
The IX mandala of the Rigveda samhita is dedicated to Soma.
10. Which of the following is the oldest Smriti?
[A] Manu Smriti
[B] Yajnvalkya Smriti
[C] Narad Smriti
[D] Brihaspati Smriti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Manu Smriti ]
Notes:
Manu Smriti (Pre-Gupta period) is the oldest Smriti.
