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. During whose reign Mahayana sect of Buddhism came into existence?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the reign of Kanishka. Asanga was the founder of Mahayan sect of Buddhism.
2. At which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization, the rows of distinctive fire altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found ?
[A] Mohen-jo-daro
[B] Harappa
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Kalibangan ]
Notes:
Kalibangan – is an archaeological site where Ploughed Field, Bones of Camel, Circular and Rectangular Graves, distinctive fire (Vedic ) altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found.
3. At which age Gautam Buddha got Nirvana?
[A] 24
[B] 35
[C] 38
[D] 42
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [35 ]
Notes:
Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana at the age of 35. He achieved enlightenment, or nirvana, while meditating under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya. The literal meaning of Nirvana is “blowing out”. According to Buddha, leading a balanced life would lead to a person attaining both Moksha and Nirvana. Buddha was born into the royal family of the Sakya clan in Lumbini, near the Indo-Nepal Border. At the age of 29, he left home and rejected his life of riches, and embraced a lifestyle of asceticism.
4. On the bank of which river, Mahavira attained Kaivalaya?
[A] Niranjana
[B] Rijupalika
[C] Yamuna
[D] Jamuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rijupalika ]
Notes:
According to Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavira attained the highly exalted omniscient state of Kaivalya in 599 BCE under a Sal tree near the village of Jrimbhikgrama. This site was located on the banks of the River Rijupalika in the kingdom of Magadha, which roughly corresponds to the modern Bihar. The site holds a special place for Jains as the exact spot where Mahavira attained supreme enlightenment through deep penance and meditation.
5. Ujjaini located in the Malwa region, came under which Mahajanapada?
[A] Anga
[B] Kasi
[C] Kosal
[D] Avanti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Avanti ]
Notes:
Ujjaini was located in the Malwa region came under Avanti Mahajanapada.
6. Which among the following is considered to be the oldest Veda?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Rig Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Rig Veda ]
Notes:
There are four Vedas composed by Aryans – Rig Veda, Sam Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. Of the four Vedas, the Rig veda (collection of lyrics) is the oldest text in the world and is also known as the first testament of mankind. It contains 1028 hymns, divided into 10 mandals.
7. Which among the following kings was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler)?
[A] Pulakesi II
[B] Mahendravarman I
[C] Narasimhavarman I
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Narasimhavarman I ]
Notes:
Narasimhavarman I was a Tamil king of the Pallava dynasty who ruled South India from 630–668 AD. He was also known as Mamallan, which means “great wrestler”. Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) was named after him. Narasimhavarman wanted to avenge his father’s defeat at the hands of Chalukyan ruler Pulakesin II. He defeated Pulakesin II in the Battle of Manimangalam near Kanchi.
8. The last ruler of the Mauryan Dynasty, who was assassinated by Pushyamitra Sunga, his commander-in-chief was __ ?
[A] Bindusara
[B] Chandragupta
[C] Brihadrata
[D] Ashokavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Brihadrata ]
Notes:
Brihadrata was assassinated in 185 BCE during a military parade, by the commander-in-chief of his guard, the Brahmin general Pusyamitra Sunga, who then took over the throne and established the Sunga dynasty. Brihadrata, the last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, held territories that had shrunk considerably from the time of emperor Ashoka, although he still upheld the Buddhist faith.
9. Rajatarangini, a book that generally recorded the heritage of Kashmir in the 12th Century, was written by__:
[A] Pravaragupta
[B] Kalhana
[C] Lalitapida
[D] Kashyapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kalhana ]
Notes:
Kalhana penned the book named Rajatarangini in 12th century CE. It is a metrical historical chronicle of north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, written in Sanskrit. Rajatarangini describe the misrule prevailing in Kashmir during the reign of King Kalash, son of King Ananta Deva of Kashmir.
10. As per the Hindu Philosophy, what is the number of articles under the restraints and practices (Yamas and Niyamas)?
[A] 5
[B] 15
[C] 20
[D] 36
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [20]
Notes:
The 10 Yamas are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya (not stealing), Brahmacharya (marital fidelity and chastity), Kshama, Dhriti (fortitude), Daya (compassion), Arjava (sincerity and non-hypocrisy), Mitahara (measured diet).
The 10 Niyamas are Tapas (persistence), Santosa (contentment), Astikya (belief in self and God), Dana (generosity), Isvarpujana (worship of one’s God), Siddhanta Sravana (listening to scriptures), Mati (thinking and understanding), Japa (reciting prayers), Huta & Vrata. Huta means religious rituals and Vrata means fulfilling religious vows.
