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. What is the number of prehistoric rock shelters in Bhimbetka?
[A] 221
[B] 243
[C] 268
[D] 289
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 243 ]
Notes:
The Bhimbetka group of rock shelters contains 243 prehistoric rock shelters. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The site is spread over 10 km in length and about 3 km in width. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are renowned for their prehistoric rock shelters and paintings. The paintings date back to approximately 30,000 years and provide valuable insights into early human civilization. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. 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.
3. Which of the following are the famous temples of Gupta empire?
[A] Mukund Darra Temple, Kota
[B] Dasavtar Temple, Jhansi
[C] Vishnu Temple, Tigawa
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The famous temples of Gupta Age are as follows: a) Vishnu Temple, Tigawa(Jabalpur) b) Shiva Temple, Bhumara(Nagaud) c) Parvati Temple, Nachria Kuthara d) Dasavtar Temple, Deogarh(Jhansi) e) Shiva Temple, Koh(Nagaland) f) Bhitragaon Temple, Bhitragaon g) Lakshman Temple, Kanpur(Brick made) h) Lakshman Temple, Sirpur (Raipur) i) Mukund Darra Temple, Kota j) Dhammekh Temple, Sarnath k) Jarasangh’s Sitting, Rajgrih (Bihar)
4. The ruler of Kushan dynasty, Kanishka was the follower of__?
[A] Jainism
[B] Hinayanism
[C] Hindusim
[D] Mahayanism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Mahayanism ]
Notes:
Kanishka was the follower of Mahayanism or the new theory of Buddhism. Mahayana means the Greater Vehicle. It refers to the path of the Bodhisattva seeking complete enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, also called Bodhisattva Vehicle.
5. Kushans belongs to which tribe?
[A] Yuchi
[B] Terai
[C] Ikswaku
[D] Jnatrika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Yuchi ]
Notes:
Yuchi-Chis or Tocharians. As per the Chinese sources, the Kushanas (mentioned in Chinese texts as Guishuang) were one of the 5 tribes of Yueh-Chi or Yuezhi. They were also known as Tocharians. Their origin is connected to China and also Central Asia.
6. Which of the following was not a diety of the Harappans?
[A] Shiva
[B] Mother Goddess
[C] Peepal Tree
[D] Vishnu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Vishnu ]
Notes:
Mother Goddess, Pashupati Shiva, Peepal, Pigeon, Swastik were worshipped by the Harappans.
7. Charak was a contemporary of which of the following Kings?
[A] Chandra Gupta Maurya
[B] Kanishka
[C] Ashoka
[D] Akbar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Charak was a contemporary of King Kanishka. Charak was a member of Kanishka’s court and is known as the “Father of Indian Medicine”. Charak was a major contributor to Ayurveda and is famous for writing the Charak Samhita. Kanishka was the king of the Kushan dynasty, which ruled over the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan, and possibly areas of Central Asia. Other scholars in Kanishka’s court included Parsva, Vasumitra, Asvaghosa, Nagarjuna, and Mathara.
8. Which among the following is not Correctly matched?
[A] Milinda Panho – Buddhism
[B] Tatwarthadhigam – Vaishnavism
[C] Mahapurana – Jainism
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tatwarthadhigam – Vaishnavism]
Notes:
Tatwarthadhigam is of Jainism composed by Uma Swami
9. The people from which of the following ancient places were called as Vrishnis?
[A] Mathura
[B] Dwarka
[C] Ayodhya
[D] Gandhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dwarka]
Notes:
The Vrishnis were an ancient group associated with the city of Dwarka, which is linked to Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology. Dwarka was a important city in the Mahabharata and is often described as a prosperous and advanced civilization. The Vrishnis were known for their valor and were considered a clan of the Yadavas, the descendants of Yadu, and played a crucial role in the epic narratives surrounding Krishna.
10. Which of the following works credits ‘Pushyabhuti’ as the founder of the Vardhana dynasty ?
[A] Harshacharita
[B] Banskhera Inscription of Harsha
[C] Yuan-Chwang
[D] Kadambari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harshacharita]
Notes:
The Harshacharita, is the biography of Indian emperor Harsha by Banabhatta,.The Pushyabhuti dynasty, also known as the Pushpabhuti dynasty or Vardhana dynasty, ruled parts of northern India during 6th and 7th centuries. Harshacharita credits ‘Pushyabhuti’ as the founder of the Vardhana dynasty.