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. The famous book ‘Brihat Katha’ was written by__?
[A] Gunadhya
[B] Sarva Varman
[C] Panini
[D] Radhagupt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Gunadhya ]
Notes:
The famous book ‘Brihat Katha’ was written by Gunadhya, who was the great scholar in the court of Satvahana King Hala.
2. Under whose leadership, Jainism spread in South India?
[A] Sthalabahu
[B] Bhadrabahu
[C] Ashoka
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Bhadrabahu ]
Notes:
The Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Bhadrabahu.
3. Which among the following Mudra is the gesture of Buddha as depicted in his first sermon?
[A] Abhaya Mudra
[B] Dhyana Mudra
[C] Dharmachakra Mudra
[D] Bhumisparsa Mudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Dharmachakra Mudra ]
Notes:
The sermon Buddha gave to the five monks was his first sermon, called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. The Seated Buddha from Gandhara is an early statue of the Buddha made in Gandhara, in modern Pakistan, in the 2nd or 3rd century The pose, which was to become one of a number of standard ones, shows Buddha as a teacher setting the wheel of Dharma in motion (Dharmachakra Mudra). Buddha did this following his enlightenment and after delivering his first sermon at the deer park at Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
4. The Gufkral prehistoric site is in which Indian state/UT?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Karnataka
[D] Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
Gufkral, in Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir, is a Neolithic-Chalcolithic site known for pit dwellings and early human settlements dating back to around 3000 BCE.
5. Which Ashokan inscription prohibits animal slaughter?
[A] Major rock edict III
[B] Major rock edict I
[C] Major rock edict IV
[D] Major rock edict V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major rock edict I ]
Notes:
The Major rock edict I of Ashoka prohibits animal slaughter and holidays of festive gathering. Only two peacocks and one deer were killed in Asoka’s kitchen. He wished to discontinue this practice of killing two peacocks and one deer as well. On the other hand, Major Rock Edict II mentions medical treatment for men and animals, construction of roads, wells and tree planting.
6. As per the Dharmashastras, what does ‘Anuloma Vivah’ mean ?
[A] A marriage between a higher caste man and a lower caste woman
[B] A marriage between a lower caste man and a higher caste woman
[C] A marriage between a man and woman of a same caste
[D] A marriage between a man and a woman of same gotra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ A marriage between a higher caste man and a lower caste woman ]
Notes:
An Anuloma vivah is a marriage between a higher caste man and a lower caste woman. A Pratiloma Vivah is a marriage between a lower caste man and a higher caste woman.
7. Who among the following was the ruler of Kanchi during the period of Samudragupta ?
[A] Vishnugopa
[B] Harshvardhan
[C] Hastivarman
[D] Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Vishnugopa ]
Notes:
In the Allahabad Pillar inscription, it is noted that Samdragupta defeated twelve rulers of Dakshinapatha. In the list of defeated rulers, King Vishnugopa (Pallava dynasty ) of Kanchi is also mentioned.
8. Works of 11th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva have become the basis of which among the following dance forms of India?
[A] Odissi
[B] Bharatnatyam
[C] Kathak
[D] Manipuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odissi]
Notes:
Jayadeva’s seminal works greatly influenced the Odissi dance form. He is known for his epic Gita Govinda, an important text in Odissi dance’s repertoire. It describes the unique relationship of divine Krishna and his devotee Radha, along with the gopis of Vrindavan. These spiritual themes find a visual depiction through Odissi dance, showcasing its close tie with ancient poet Jayadeva.
9. Which among the following dynasties is known to have given the largest grant of villages to the temples and Brahamans?
[A] Prathihara
[B] Guptas
[C] Pala
[D] Satavahana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Guptas]
Notes:The Guptas gave the largest grant of villages to temples and Brahmins. The practice of donating land to Brahmins was common during the Gupta period, which was a time of great cultural and intellectual flourishing in India. The three types of land grants in the Gupta period were:
- Brahmadeya: Land given to a group of Brahmins.
- Devadana: Land given to the gods.
- Agrahara: A settlement of priests.
The land was typically used for farming or other agricultural purposes. The income generated from the land was used to support the Brahmins and their families. The taxes from the villages were assigned to the Brahmana donees, who were also given the right to get the donated land cultivated.
10. The railings of the Sanchi Stupa were made during ?
[A] Maurya Period
[B] Sunga Period
[C] Kushana Period
[D] Gupta Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sunga Period]
Notes:
The railing of the Sanchi stupa was made during Sunga dynasty. On the railing decorations at Sanchi stupa is a depiction of worshipers paying homage to a tree, in front of which a platform has been erected.
