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 is the author of ‘Harshacharita’ ?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Harshavardhan
[D] Bhaskarvarman
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Correct Answer: A [ Banabhatta ]
Notes:
Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana, who wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari. Harshacharita is an important historical work narratted the incidents of the earlier part of Harsha’s reign.
2. Which rock edict of Ashoka mentions the purpose of the rock edicts?
[A] Major Rock Edict XIV
[B] Major Rock Edict XV
[C] Major Rock Edict XI
[D] Major Rock Edict XIII
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Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict XIV ]
Notes:
The Major Rock Edict XIV describes the purpose of the rock edicts of different parts of the country.
3. Who was the author of the book ‘Silappadikarma’?
[A] Ilango Adigal
[B] Seethalai Saathanaar
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
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Correct Answer: A [ Ilango Adigal ]
Notes:
The author of an epic Silappadikarma is Ilango Adigal. The epic deals with the love story of Kovalan (Son of a wealthy merchant in Puhar )and Madhavi (a beautiful courtesan dancer) of Kaveripattinam. It is also called Illiyad of Tamil Poetry.
4. Purusha sukta is a part of which among the following vedas?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Rig Veda
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Yajur Veda
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Correct Answer: B [ Rig Veda ]
Notes:
Rig Veda Purusha sukta is the Xth mandal of the Rig Veda that explains the origin of four varnas viz. Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.
5. Which among the following sacred books of Hindu religion has Brahma as the priest?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Rig Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
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Correct Answer: D [Atharva Veda]
Notes:
In Hindu scripture, the Atharva Veda is identified as the Veda where Brahma presides as the priest. This book encompasses a vast range of subjects, from healing rituals to royal consecrations. The name “Atharva Veda” comes from the type of priests who were specifically dedicated to its chanting and application. Brahma, in this context, portrays the deity of creation, thus extolling the grandeur of life.
6. Who among the following foreign traveller came to India during the reign of Chandragupta II?
[A] Hiuen-Tsang
[B] Fa Hein
[C] Megasthenes
[D] Ibn Batuta
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Correct Answer: B [ Fa Hein ]
Notes:
Fa-hein, the first Chinese Buddhist traveller and monk, came to India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). And wrote the book “Si-Yu-Ki” that gives the detail account of the political and social condition of that time.
7. Who defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom?
[A] Ramagupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Kumargupta I
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta II defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom and assumed the title Vikramaditya. This brought an end to Saka-Kshatrapa rule in western India and added the regions of Gujarat, Kathiawad and west Malwa to the Gupta empire.
8. At which Indus Valley Site, the remains of Horse bones have been found?
[A] Daimabad
[B] Harappa
[C] Kalibanga
[D] Surkotada
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Correct Answer: D [ Surkotada ]
Notes:
In the Indus Valley Civilization, the remains of Horse bones have been found from Surkotada site. The site at Surkotada is located 160 km north- east of Bhuj, in the district of Kutch, Gujarat.
9. Which among the following Pala rulers is known to have founded the Vikramshila Vihara?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devpala
[C] Dharampala
[D] Mahendrapala
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Correct Answer: C [Dharampala]
Notes:
Dharamapala, the second ruler of Pala dynasty was a pious Buddhist King and is best known for establishing the Vikramshila University.
Dharampala had also built a Vihara at Somapuri, another at Paharpur and yet another Vihara at Odantapuri. The five places viz. Nalanda, Vikramshila, Somapuri, Paharpur and Odantapuri are called Five Mahaviharas. Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed the Vikramshila University in 1200 AD. Somapura Mahavihara is now located in Bangladesh. It is one of the best known Mahaviharas of Buddhism in Indian subcontinent and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Which among the following kings have been linked to the Sudaman Caves ?
[A] Ashoka
[B] ChandraGupta Maurya
[C] Bindusara
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka is credited with the establishment of the Sudaman Caves. These caves were primarily built for and dedicated to the Ajivikas. It is believed that the cave was named after Sudama, an Ajivika monk.