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 of the following Upanishads is composed in prose form?
[A] Isa Upanishad
[B] Katha Upanishad
[C] Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Svetasvatara Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brihadaranyaka Upanishad]
Notes:
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the oldest Upanishads and is estimated to have been composed about 700 BCE. It is written in prose and forms part of the Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda. It is considered as a source of philosophical doctrines, metaphorical speculative thoughts and mystical symbolism in Hinduism.
2. Under whose leadership Shvetambara sect formed?
[A] Bhadrabahu
[B] Sthalabahu
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sthalabahu ]
Notes:
Jain religion is divided into two major sects: the Digambara and the Shvetambara. The Digambara sect, also known as the “sky-clad” sect, believes that monks should not wear any clothes as a symbol of their detachment from worldly possessions. The Shvetambara sect, also known as the “white-clad” sect, believes that monks should wear white robes as a symbol of their purity and simplicity.
The Shvetambara sect was formed under the leadership of Sthalabahu, while the Digambara sect was formed under the leadership of Bhadrabahu. These two sects have different beliefs, practices, and monastic traditions, but they both follow the basic principles of Jainism, which include non-violence, non-possession, and spiritual development. Both sects have their own set of scriptures and texts that are considered authoritative for their followers.
3. Which of the following was the capital of early Cholas?
[A] Madurai
[B] Karur
[C] Uraiyaur
[D] Kaveripattnam
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Correct Answer: C [Uraiyaur]
Notes:
Uraiyaur, now a locality in Tiruchirappalli, was the capital of the early Cholas. It was famous for its cotton trade.
4. Who was the founder of Yoga philosophy?
[A] Jaimini
[B] Kapila
[C] Akshapada Gautam
[D] Patanjali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
Patanjali Yoga philosophy is one of the six major orthodox schools of Hinduism. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a key text of the Yoga school of Hinduism. Patanjali was the founder of Yoga philosophy.
5. Who among the following succeeded Samudragupta as the next ruler of Gupta Dynasty ?
[A] Chandragupta II
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Vishnugupta
[D] Mahendra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta ll (380-412 A.D.) succeeded Samundragupta as the next ruler of Gupta dynasty. He was also known as Devgupta, Devraj and Devshree. Some titled he adopted were : Vikramank, Vikramaditya and Parambhagawat.
6. Buddhism from India was introduced to which current region by Kasyapa Matanga?
[A] China
[B] South East Asia
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Africa
Show Answer
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.
7. Which among the following site has yielded the cultural remains from Neolithic to Harappan era?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Mohenjo-Daro
[C] Harappa
[D] Mehrgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is the oldest agricultural settlement in the Indian subcontinent Agriculture-based Neolithic settlements. Despite being the agriculture settlement, it used only stone tools, so is why placed in Neolithic Era. It flourished in the seventh millennium B.C. Mehrgarh is located on the Bolan River, a tributary of the Indus, at the eastern edge of the Balochistan plateau overlooking the Indus plain.
8. “All Indians are Free and not even one of them is a slave”. Who among the following has observed the above about the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Ashoka
[D] Strabo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Megasthenes]
Notes:
Megasthenes in his book Indica wrote all Indians are free and not even one of them is a slave.
9. Under whose reign were some Greeks or “Yavans” converted to the Vaishnava Cult?
[A] Shungas
[B] Nandas
[C] Shakas
[D] Satavahans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shungas]
Notes:
The Shungas succeeded the Maurya Empire and their rule witnessed the conversion of some Greeks or “Yavans” to the Vaishnava Cult. This period marked a blending of cultures and religions as the borders expanded, and it led to the propagation and transformation of religious practices that had impact on both Indian and Greek civilizations. Not much is known about the Yavans, but it is indicative of cross-cultural exchanges that occurred.
10. The ancient city of Raj Griha which is modern Rajgir near Patna was built by which of the following kings?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ajatshatru
[C] Prasenjit
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bimbisara]
Notes:
The ancient city of Rajgriha which is modern Rajgir near Patna was built by Bimbisara. Bimbisāra also known as Seniya or Shrenika in the Jain histories was a King of Magadha and belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. He was the son of Bhattiya.