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 was the first Saka king in India?
[A] Moga
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Azes
[D] Ghatotkacha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Moga ]
Notes:
An Indo-Scythian king, Moga (or Maues) was the first Saka king in India who established Saka power in Gandhara and extended supremacy over north-western India.
2. The minister of the Gahadvala King Govindachandra and author of Kalpadruma was __?
[A] Apararka
[B] Chandesvara
[C] Lakshmidhara
[D] Vijnanesvara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Lakshmidhara ]
Notes:
Gahadvala, or Gaharwar, was a Hindu and Buddhist Indian dynasty that ruled the kingdom of Kannauj for approximately a hundred years, beginning in the late eleventh century. The founder of the Kannauj Gahadvala dynasty was Chandradeva, who took control of Kannauj at the end of the 11th century (1090A.D.). During the rule of his successor, Govindachandra, from 1114–1154, the state of Gahadvala reached the pinnacle of its power. His minister, Lakshmidhara, was the author of several legal works, including Kalpadruma.
3. During reign of Harsha, the Kannauj assembly was held to publicise the doctrines of which of the following sects?
[A] Mahayana
[B] Hinayana
[C] Theravada
[D] Svetambara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahayana ]
Notes:
The Kannauj assembly (643 AD) was held in the honour of Hieun Tsang (Chinese pilgrim) and to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism.Harshavardhana was a Mahayana Buddhist. He organised Kannauj assembly (643 AD) to popularise Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Though, he was a tolerant ruler and supported all Indic faiths viz. Buddhism, Vedism and Jainism. The scholars regarded him as the last great Hindu emperor of India, who ruled over Northern India.
4. Taxila was the capital of which ancient Mahajanpada ?
[A] Gandhara
[B] Anga
[C] Magadha
[D] Kasi
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Correct Answer: A [ Gandhara]
Notes:
“Gandhara” was one of the 16 mahajanapadas, located in the northwest region of ancient India, roughly corresponding to present-day eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. Its capitals were Kapisi (Bagram), Puṣkalavati (Charsadda), Puruṣapura (Peshawer), Takshashila (Taxila) and Udabhandapura (Hund)
5. The Kalinga war was fought in which year of Ashoka reign?
[A] 6
[B] 7
[C] 8
[D] 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 8 ]
Notes:
The Magadha Emperor, Ashoka invaded Kalinga in the eight year of his reign in 261 B.C. Nearly one lakh soldiers lost their lives in that war and one and half lakh soldiers were captured. The 13th rock edict of Ashoka throws light on this war.
6. Who composed Buddhacharita?
[A] Kanishka I
[B] Kanishka II
[C] Asvaghosha
[D] Charak
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Correct Answer: C [ Asvaghosha ]
Notes:
Asvaghosha, a poet in the court of Kaniska I, composed biography of Buddha (Buddhacharita). He was the first dramatist who used Sanskrit in composing the plays.
7. Vedic mythology refers to an ancient settlement called Pushkalavati after Pushkal, who was the son of King Bharata in the epic Ramayan. What is the modern location of Pushkalavati?
[A] Panipat
[B] Pushkar
[C] Peshawar (in Pakistan)
[D] Punjab
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Correct Answer: C [Peshawar (in Pakistan)]
Notes:
Pushkalavati was capital of ancient Kingdom of Gandhara. Its ruins are currently located in Charsadda, Pakistan, located in Peshawar valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (formerly NWFP). Pushkalavati was home of the Sanskrit grammarian Panini.
8. Kena Upanishad is of which of the following Vedas?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Samaveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharva veda
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Correct Answer: B [Samaveda]
Notes:
“Ken” literally means ‘by whom’. It belongs to the Talavakara Brahmana of Sama Veda and is therefore also referred to as Talavakara Upanishad.
9. Which among the following Buddhist work is written in Sanskrit?
[A] Mahavamsha
[B] Deepavamsha
[C] Divyavadana
[D] Milinda Panho
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Correct Answer: C [Divyavadana]
Notes:
Buddhist work that is written in Sanskrit is the “Divyavadana” (Option C). The “Divyavadana” is a collection of Buddhist stories and legends written in Sanskrit. It contains narratives of the lives and teachings of the Buddha, as well as stories about various Buddhist monks and nuns. Sanskrit was one of the classical languages used for Buddhist scriptures and texts, alongside Pali and other languages, depending on the Buddhist tradition and region.
10. Mahanataka Sushanidhi was composed by which Sangam dynasty ruler?
[A] Harihara I
[B] Bukka
[C] Krishna Deva Raya
[D] Devaraya II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Devaraya II]
Notes:
Mahanataka Sushanidhi and a commentary on the Brahma Sutras of Badarayana was composed by Sangam dynasty emperor Devaraya II. His both the works are in Sanskrit language.
