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 among the following University was founded by Ramapala, the ruler of Pala dynasty?
[A] Somapuri
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Jagadal
[D] Odantpuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Jagadal ]
Notes:
Jagadal is situated in Bengal and was founded by Ramapala, the Pala ruler.
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. As per the officials mentioned in the Arthashastra, the duties related to Crown lands was performed by whom ?
[A] Kosadhyaksha
[B] Hastyadhyaksha
[C] Lohadhyaksha
[D] Sitadhyaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sitadhyaksha ]
Notes:
Sitadhyaksha was responsible for the maintenance of Crown lands.
4. “Revere all the Buddhas, revere the dharma, revere the sangha” Which among the following quotes this _________?
[A] Allahabad Pillar Inscription
[B] Asoka Edict XII
[C] Asoka Edict X
[D] Mathura Lion capital
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Mathura Lion capital ]
Notes:
Mathura Lion capital will be the correct answer.
5. The achievements of which ruler was recorded in Nasik Inscription?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Bindusara
[C] Devabhumi
[D] Gautamiputra Satkarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gautamiputra Satkarni ]
Notes:
The achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni were mentioned in Nasik Inscription, who were made by his mother Gautami Balasri. In it, Gautamiputra Satkarni was mentioned as the destroyer of the Sakas, Pahlavas and the Yavanas.
6. The term “Vitasta” in Rig Veda refers to which among the following rivers?
[A] Indus
[B] Beas
[C] Jhelum
[D] Chenab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jhelum]
Notes:Rigvedic Name and Modern Names of Indian Rivers:
| Ancient Name |
Modern Name |
| Sindhu |
Indus |
| Vitasta |
Jhelum |
| Askini |
Chenab |
| Vipasa |
Beas |
| Purushini |
Ravi |
| Satudri |
Sutlej |
| Gomal |
Gomati |
| Drishvadati |
Ghaggar |
7. Maya or Mahamaya, the mother of Gautama Buddha belonged to which among the following dynasties?
[A] Shakya
[B] Koliya
[C] Lichchavi
[D] Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Koliya]
Notes:
Maya, the mother of Gautama Buddha, belonged to the Koliya dynasty. She was also known as Queen Mahamaya or Queen Maya. The Koliya dynasty was a clan or family that ruled over a region in ancient India, which is believed to be in the modern-day Nepal. Queen Maya’s husband was King Suddhodana, who was the ruler of the Shakya clan, and they were both from the same Koliya dynasty. Maya passed away shortly after giving birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
8. Giak & Kiari are located in which of the following ?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Odisha
[C] Kuchh
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh]
Notes:
Giak and Kiari are Neolithic sites located in Ladakh. The sites are on the left bank of the Indus River, about 13,000 feet above sea level. They are about 10 km apart. In the early 1990s, a team of Japanese archaeologists led by Dr Masato Ota excavated the sites.
9. What was the job of Rupadarshaka in Mauryan Era as per Arthashashtra of Kautilya?
[A] Royal examiner of minted coins
[B] Royal Superintendent of Courtesans
[C] Manager of the Stage
[D] Police
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Royal examiner of minted coins]
Notes:
According to Arthashastra of Kautilya, in the Mauryan Administration the official designated as Rupadarshaka was the Royal examiner of Coins.
10. Kavi Vatsal was a title assumed by a king from which of the following dynasties?
[A] Pushyabhuti
[B] Pallava
[C] Maurya
[D] Satavahana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Satavahana]
Notes:
Kavi Vatsal was a title taken up by King Hala who belonged to the Satavahana Dynasty. Hala is renowned for his poetical work known as Gaha Sattasai, a prominent piece in Prakrit literature. The Satavahana Dynasty, also known as the Andhras in Deccan, lasted from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE and made a significant contribution to Indian architecture, religion, culture, and society.
