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 Greek ambassador set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Heliodoros
[C] Theodorus
[D] Plato
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Heliodoros ]
Notes:
The Greek ambassador Heliodoros set up a pillar in honour of Vishnu (Vasudev) at Vidisha. He was sent to the court of Sunga King, Bhagbhadra by the Greek King of Taxila, Antialkidas.
2. Which among the following Buddhist scripture deals in the teachings of Buddhism?
[A] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[B] Vinay Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] Both b & c
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Sutta Pitaka ]
Notes:
The Sutta-pitaka (or basket of suttas) contains the essence of the Gautma Buddha’s teaching regarding the Dhamma. It contains more than 10,000 suttas (or teachings) attributed to the Buddha or his close disciples. It is the second of three sections of the Tripitaka, the earliest Buddhist scripture. The Sutta Pitaka is made of five nikayas ( or collections) of suttas viz. Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Samyutta Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya, Khuddaka Nikaya.
3. What was the other name of Bimbisara?
[A] Shrenika
[B] Ekarat
[C] Sarvakshatrantaka
[D] Shalimal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Shrenika ]
Notes:
As per the Jain literature, Bimbisara (who was the real founder of Haryanka dynasty) was also known as Shrenika.
4. Which rock edict describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya and Bodhi Tree?
[A] Major Rock Edict V
[B] Major Rock Edict VI
[C] Major Rock Edict VII
[D] Major Rock Edict VIII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Major Rock Edict VIII ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict VIII describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya and Bodhi Tree.
5. Who wrote Mahabhashya?
[A] Panini
[B] Patanjali
[C] Kalidas
[D] Tulsidas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
Mahabhashya was written by Patanjali. It is a commentary on selected rules of Sanskrit grammar from Paini’s treatise, the Ashtadhyayi and Katyayana’s Varttika.
6. Which of the following Indus Valley sites is not a present in India?
[A] Chanhudaro
[B] Farmana
[C] Khirasara
[D] Loteshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chanhudaro ]
Notes:
Chanhudaro is an archaeological site belonging to the post-urban Jhukar phase of Indus valley civilization. The site is located 130 kilometers (81 mi) south of Mohenjo-daro, in Sindh, Pakistan.
7. Who among the following was the first Indian Scholar who treated Mathematics as a different subject?
[A] Aryabhata
[B] Apastamba
[C] Baudhayana
[D] Katyayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Aryabhata]
Notes:
Aryabhata was the first Indian scholar to treat mathematics as a separate subject. He was one of the first major mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and Indian astronomy. Aryabhata’s work, Aryabhatiya, was written in verse couplets and deals with mathematics and astronomy. It was particularly popular in South India, where many mathematicians wrote commentaries on it.
8. 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.
9. Which among the following is Not correctly matched?
[A] Takshshila – Gandhar
[B] Viratanagara – Matsya
[C] Surasena – Kausambi
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Surasena – Kausambi]
Notes:
Shurasena was an ancient Yadava ruler of Mathura after whom the Surasena Kingdom or Mahajanpada and the Yadava sect of Surasenas were named. Kaushambi was was the capital of the Vatsa kingdom, one of the sixteen mahajanapadas.
10. Which among the following correctly explains Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha of Buddhism?
[A] Buddhist monks under whose supervision Buddhist nuns were to live
[B] Special places which were used by Buddhist nuns for worship
[C] Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns
[D] Special book which narrates Jataka story of Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns]
Notes:
The Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha is a specific code of conduct for female Buddhist monks, or nuns, outlining rules and ethical guidelines they must follow. It is part of the larger Pātimokkha, which governs both monks and nuns in the Theravada tradition. This code emphasizes discipline, moral conduct, and community harmony. The Bhikkhunī order was established during the Buddha’s lifetime, allowing women to attain enlightenment and participate fully in the monastic community.
