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 among the following was the 23rd Jain Tirthankara ?
[A] Nemi Natha
[B] Mahavira
[C] Parshvanath
[D] Malinath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Parshvanath ]
Notes:
Lord Parshvanath was the 23rd Jain Tirthankara who lived around 872-772 BCE. He was born to King Ashvasena and Queen Vama of Kashi/Varanasi as a royal prince. He gave up worldly comforts and became an ascetic at age 30 in search of spiritual awakening. He attained Kevala Jnana under a Dhaataki tree near Varanasi after 83 days of deep penance. His main teachings were non-violence, not stealing, not lying and non-attachment to possessions. His iconic symbol is a snake or serpent sheltering him.
2. Who among the following was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty ?
[A] Pushyabhuti
[B] Prabhakar Vardhan
[C] Aditya vardhan
[D] Harshavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pushyabhuti ]
Notes:
According to Banabhatta, Pushyabhuti was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty.
3. Who was the Syrian ambassador in the court of Bindusara?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Dimachos
[C] Dionysius
[D] Amitrochates
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Correct Answer: B [ Dimachos ]
Notes:
The Syrian ruler, Antiochus I sent Dimachos as an ambassador in the court of Bindusara.
4. In which rock edict Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child…”?
[A] Major Rock Edict V
[B] Major Rock Edict IV
[C] Major Rock Edict VI
[D] Major Rock Edict VII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict V ]
Notes:
In the major Rock Edict V, Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child”. He had concerns about the policy towards slaves. This rock edict also referes to the appointment of Dhamma-mahamatta for the first time in the twelfth year of his reign.
5. Who among the following introduced Shaka era?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Rudraraman
[D] Bimbisara
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Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
The Kushana emperor Kanishka is often recognized for the initiation of the Saka era. This significant event took place when he acceded to the throne in 78 A.D. The Saka era, also known as the Indian national calendar, is used alongside the Gregorian calendar by the Government of India.
6. Which of the following places is known for painted rock shelters belonging to Paleolithic and Mesolithic ages ?
[A] Utnur
[B] Uyyur
[C] Bhimbetka
[D] Bairath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhimbetka]
Notes:
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in central India that spans the prehistoric paleolithic and mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period. It exhibits the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent and evidence of Stone Age starting at the site in Acheulian.
7. Which among the following was referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in Early vedic era?
[A] Earth
[B] Fire
[C] Water
[D] Moon
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Correct Answer: B [Fire]
Notes:
Fire is referred to as Bhuvan Chakshu in early vedic era. It has a great importance. There are lots of verses in vedas related to fire.
8. Who among the following erected Gangaikonda Cholapuram ?
[A] Rajraja Chola
[B] Rajendra Chola I
[C] Mahendravarman I
[D] Gonka I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajendra Chola I]
Notes:
Gangaikonda Cholapuram became the capital of the Chola dynasty in c. 1025 during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, and served as the Chola capital for around 250 years. It is a Village located near to Jayankondam, Tamil Nadu.
9. 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
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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.
10. The Hindu and Jain mythology refer to which among the following as the centre of the universe?
[A] Mount Kailas
[B] Ujjain
[C] Mount Meru
[D] Pushkar Lake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mount Meru]
Notes:
Mount Meru or Sumeru is a sacred five-peaked mountain in the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology. It is considered to be the centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes.
