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 Buddhist monk converted Milinda (Indo-Greek king) to Buddhism?
[A] Nagasena
[B] Gautam Budha
[C] Shakyamuni
[D] Mahadharmaraksita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Nagasena ]
Notes:
The Indo-Greek king, Milinda (or Menander I ) was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena (or Nagarjuna), a Buddhist monk and philospher. Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander 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).
2. Who among the following was the author of Abhidhamma treatise Kathavatthu?
[A] Mah-a kassapa
[B] Mahinda
[C] Milinda
[D] Moggaliputta Tissa.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Moggaliputta Tissa. ]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma treatise Kathavatthu was written by Moggaliputta Tissa. He was a Buddhist monk and scholar who lived in the 3rd century BC . Moggaliputta-Tissa was the spiritual teacher of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, and his son Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. He also presided over the Third Buddhist Council.
3. Among all the major rock edicts of Ashoka, which one is the longest?
[A] 7th major rock edict
[B] 11th major rock edict
[C] 13th major rock edict
[D] 9th major rock edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 13th major rock edict ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIII is the largest rock edict of Ashokan inscription that mentions a) Asoka’s victory over Kalinga. B) Victory of Asoka’s Dhamma over Greek Kings, Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas, Alexander and Cholas, Pandyas, etc. C) Kamboj, nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra, etc.
4. Who was the author of the book ‘Silappadikarma’?
[A] Ilango Adigal
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Ilango Adigal ]
Notes:
The author of an epic Silappadikarma is Ilango Adigal. The epic deals with the love story of Kovalan (Son of a wealthy merchant in Puhar )and Madhavi (a beautiful courtesan dancer) of Kaveripattinam. It is also called Illiyad of Tamil Poetry.
5. The ancient places of Badami, Dwarasamudra and Warangal are related to which of the following dynasties?
[A] Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[B] Cholas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[C] Pallavas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas]
Notes:
Badami belonged to Chalukyas, Dwarasamudra belonged to Hoyasala and Warangal was ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty rulers.
6. Who was Jivaka during Buddha’s time?
[A] Merchant
[B] King
[C] Physician
[D] Officer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Physician]
Notes:
Jivaka was a physician in ancient India and a contemporary of the Buddha. He was also known as Jivaka Komarabhacca. Jivaka was the personal physician to the Buddha. He was a disciple of Atreya and lived in Rajagriha, which is now known as Rajgir. Jivaka was known as the “Medicine King” because he was one of the best physicians at the time. His practice of medicine included notable contributions to surgery. Jivaka’s close association with the founder of Buddhism and early patronage of the faith have made him a model for emulation and reverence.
7. Which of the following Chinese pilgrim gives account of the First Gupta Ruler?
[A] Fa Hien
[B] Huen Tsang
[C] Itsing
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Itsing]
Notes:
Yijing or I-tsing, was a Tang-era Chinese Buddhist monk famed as a traveler and translator. His account of his travels is an important source for the history of the medieval kingdoms along the sea route between China and India. He gave account of the first gupta ruler Srigupta.
8. Where was Second Buddhist Council held ?
[A] Satparni
[B] Vaishali
[C] Patliputra
[D] Kundal Vana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vaishali]
Notes:
Second Buddhist Council was held in 383 BC to settle a dispute on Vinaya Pitaka, the code of discipline. The Buddhism sects Sthaviravada, Mahasanghika and Sarvastivada appeared for the first time after this meeting. It was held at Vaishali under the patronage of King Kalasoka and the presidency of Sabakami.
9. Which among the following is correct about Bhaddasala?
[A] He was a poet in the court of Chandragupta Maurya
[B] He was the general of the Nanda Army
[C] He was an ambassador of Ceylon King sent to Asoka’s court
[D] He was a playwright in the Gupta Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [He was the general of the Nanda Army]
Notes:
Bhaddasala – (Bhadra shala / Bhadra shal ) was very strong opponent faced by chandragupta. He was a general of King Nanda.
10. Aihole Inscription is ascribed to which of the following rulers ?
[A] Pulkeshin II
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Kharvela
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pulkeshin II]
Notes:
Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II was written by the Ravikirti, royal poet at the court of Chalukya King. Pulakeshi II ruled from 610 to 642 CE.
