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 was the 23rd Jain Tirthankara?
[A] Parshvanath
[B] Nemi Natha
[C] Mahavira
[D] Malinath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Parshvanath]
Notes:
Parshvanath was the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, lived around 872-772 BCE. Born in Kashi (Varanasi) to King Ashvasena and Queen Vama, he became an ascetic at age 30. He attained Kevala Jnana near Varanasi after 83 days of penance. His teachings included non-violence, truthfulness, and non-attachment. His symbol is a serpent sheltering him.
2. What type of script did the Indus Valley people use?
[A] Desi Script
[B] Pictographic Script
[C] Brahmi Script
[D] Kharosti Script
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pictographic Script]
Notes:
The Indus Valley Civilization used a pictographic script, consisting of symbols representing objects or ideas. This script remains undeciphered and differs from Brahmi and Kharosti scripts, which were used later in Indian history. The term “Desi Script” is not recognized for this ancient civilization.
3. Who was the first ruler of Kushana dynasty to issue gold coins in India?
[A] Vima Kadphises
[B] Kanishka
[C] Vasudeva
[D] Kujula Kadphises
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Correct Answer: A [ Vima Kadphises ]
Notes:
The famous ruler of Kushana Empire, Vima Kadphises is best known for issuing large number of Gold Coins. He is known to have maintained the Silk Route and trade with all sides including the China, Alexandria and Roman Empire.
4. In the Indus Valley Civilization, the style of script is:
[A] Boustrophedon
[B] Pictographic
[C] Brahmi
[D] Not deciphered yet
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Boustrophedon ]
Notes:
Indus Scripts are popularly described as Boustrophedon scripts. This literally means “as the ox turns” in ancient Greek, denoting writing systems that alternate direction. Indus texts feature pictures and symbols, undeciphered to date, inscribed right-to-left in one line with the next line flipping left-to-right in an “ox turns” style unlike later Indian scripts. They have been found on seals, pottery, tools, even an ancient signboard. Deciphering these scripts would unlock valuable information about Harappan economics, political organization, language and beliefs.
5. Buddhism from India was introduced to which current region by Kasyapa Matanga?
[A] China
[B] South East Asia
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Africa
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Correct Answer: A [ China ]
Notes:
Kasyapa Matanga is thought to have been the first to introduce Buddhism to China. According to Chinese tradition, he traveled from India to Lo- yang in China with another Indian monk, known by his Chinese name Chu Falan. They came in C.E. 67 at the invitation of Emperor Ming of the Later Han dynasty.
6. Who among the following was King of Magadha at the time of Mahaparinirvana of Gautam Buddha?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Udayi
[C] Ajatshatru
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ajatshatru]
Notes:
Ajatasatru was the king of Magadha at the time of Mahaparnirvana of Gautama Buddha which is the death of Buddha. Ajatashatru was a king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha in East India. He was the son of King Bimbisara and was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.
7. Who among the following is famous for saving the empire from the Huna tribe, which had overran Asia and Europe?
[A] Samudra Gupta
[B] Chandra Gupta II
[C] Skandagupta
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Skandagupta]
Notes:
Skandagupta was a Gupta Emperor of northern India. His Bhitari pillar inscription suggests that he restored the Gupta power by defeating his enemies, who may have been rebels or foreign invaders.He saved empire from Huna tribe. He also repulsed an invasion by the Indo-Hephthalites, probably the Kidarites.
8. At which of the following harappan sites, an Inkpot has been discovered?
[A] Harappa
[B] Lothal
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Chanhudaro
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Correct Answer: D [Chanhudaro]
Notes:
Chanhudaro is the only city from indus valley civilization found that didn’t have a citadel. A small pot was discovered on site and is assumed to be an ink pot.
9. Which among the following statements is incorrect regarding Ajanta Caves?
[A] Paintings of Padmapani and Vajrapani have been found in Ajanta
[B] These caves are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983
[C] These paintings are Buddhist , Jain and Hinduism religious art
[D] They were rediscovered in 1819
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [These paintings are Buddhist , Jain and Hinduism religious art]
Notes:
The paintings and rock sculptures in the Ajanta caves which is a Buddhist monastic complex in the Maharashtra . It is testimony to the golden age of Buddhism in India and a unique artistic achievement. The had only Buddhist paintings.
10. Which among the following was the most famous learning centre during maurya Period?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Taxila
[C] Nalanda
[D] Vikramsila
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Correct Answer: A [Ujjain]
Notes:
Taxila was the most famous leaning centre during the Mauryas. Taxila was absorbed into the Mauryan empire founded by Chandragupta, under whom it became a provincial capital.
