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 Aryans dedicated whole of a separate Mandala in Rig-Veda for the hymns dedicated to __?
[A] Agni
[B] Varuna
[C] Indra
[D] Soma
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Soma ]
Notes:
The IX Mandala of the Rigveda also known a Soma Mandala is dedicated to Soma Pavamana (purifying Soma) i.e. the sacred potion Somaras. It is made from the plant of the same name. Basically the Rigveda refers to the drink, the plant and the God with the same name Soma. It was believed to be the drink of Gods.
2. For which among the following offenses, Manu recommended higher punishment to Brahamans than the persons of other varnas?
[A] Profanity
[B] Murder
[C] Theft
[D] Treason
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Theft ]
Notes:
According to Manu, a Brahamana was to be awarded higher punishment than the persons of other varnas for the offence of Theft.
3. Which rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism?
[A] Bhabru rock edict
[B] Kalinga rock edict
[C] Tarai rock edict
[D] Barabar cave rock edict
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bhabru rock edict ]
Notes:
The Bhabru rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism. The rock edict stated that he has full faith in Buddha, Sangha and Dhamma.
4. Who was the founder of Sunga Dynasty?
[A] Pushyamitra
[B] Agnimitra
[C] Vasumitra
[D] Vajramitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pushyamitra ]
Notes:
Pushyamitra Sunga laid the foundation of Sunga Dynasty by assassinating Brihadratha Maurya (the last ruler of the Mauryan Empire). He was Commander-in-Chief in the army of Mauryan Emperor. Pushyamitra Sunga ruled for 36 years and was succeeded by his son Agnimitra. Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Sunga dynasty, was overthrown by Vasudeva who founded Kanva dynasty in 75 BC.
5. Indus Valley site at Surkotada is located in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Haryana
[C] Gujarat
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Indus Valley site at Surkotada is located in the Rapar Taluka of the Kutch district of Gujarat, about 160 km northeast of Bhuj. The ancient mound is surrounded by a rising ground with small sandstone hills.
6. Who among the following is ascribed for the work Mudrarakshaha?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Vishakhadatta
[C] Kautilya
[D] Bhatrihari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vishakhadatta]
Notes:
Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Ashoka’s Inscriptions, Megasthenes Indica and Vishakhadatta`s Mudrarakshasa are the main sources of Mauryan History.
7. Gopatha Brahman is a part of which of the following Vedas?
[A] Rigveda
[B] Yajurveda
[C] Samaveda
[D] Atharva veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atharva veda]
Notes:
The Gopatha Brahmana is a genre of the prose texts describing the Vedic rituals, associated with the Atharvaveda. The text is associated with both the Shaunaka and the Paippalada recension of the Atharvaveda. It is considered that this Brahmana is associated with both Shaunaka and Paippalada Shakha of the Atharvaveda.
8. Who among the following is famous for saving the empire from the Huna tribe, which had overran Asia and Europe?
[A] Samudra Gupta
[B] Chandra Gupta II
[C] Skandagupta
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Skandagupta]
Notes:
Skandagupta was a Gupta Emperor of northern India. His Bhitari pillar inscription suggests that he restored the Gupta power by defeating his enemies, who may have been rebels or foreign invaders.He saved empire from Huna tribe. He also repulsed an invasion by the Indo-Hephthalites, probably the Kidarites.
9. The 13th Rock edict of Asoka which is longest among all the rock edicts describes which of the following?
[A] Policy of Dhamma
[B] Kalinga war
[C] Toleration among sects
[D] Purpose of rock edicts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalinga war]
Notes:
The 13th rock edict talks about the conquest of Kalinga at the eastern coast of India by Ashoka (268-233) in the year 261 BC. It was an event of greatest historical importance for India and world history.
10. Which among the following is not correct ?
[A] The capital of pandyas was Madurai
[B] The capital of Cheras was Vanchi
[C] Capital of the Videha Kingdom – Mithila
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All are correct]
Notes:
The Pandyas ruled the south India and capital was Madurai. The cheras also ruled the south India with their capital Vanchi. The capital of Videha Kingdom is Mithila.
