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. Which of the following Greek Explorers is considered to have left the earliest account of India?
[A] Herodotus
[B] Ctesias
[C] Scylax
[D] Hippalus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Scylax ]
Notes:
The earliest Greek Account of India was left by Scylax of Caryanda who was sent by Kind Darius-I of Persia to follow the course of river Indus and find out where it led. His original works are now lost.
2. Which one is the longest epic of the world?
[A] Ramayana
[B] Ramcharitmanas
[C] Mahabharata
[D] Hanuman Chalisa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Mahabharata ]
Notes:
The Mahabharata by Ved vyas is the longest epic of the world consists of 1,00,000 shlokas.
3. The grandson of Ashoka, who accepted Jainism was __?
[A] Samprati
[B] Kunala
[C] Dasharatha
[D] Salisuka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samprati ]
Notes:
Emperor Samprati was the grandson of Emperor Ashoka, who reigned from 224–274 BCE. And accepted Jainism.
4. What was the fifth tenet added by Tirthankara Mahavira to the four basic tenets of Jainism?
[A] Non injury
[B] Non lying
[C] Observe continence
[D] Non stealing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Observe continence ]
Notes:
The five main teachings of Jainism are do not commit violence, do not speak a lie, do not steal, do not acquire property and observe continence (brahmacharya). The brahmacharya was added by Lord Mahavira.
5. 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.
6. Ancient Indraprastha was capital of which of the following Mahajanapada?
[A] Kuru
[B] Matsya
[C] Panchal
[D] Vajji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kuru ]
Notes:
Kuru Indraprastha, capital of Kuru Mahajanpada located in Meerut Delhi region.
7. Who among the following succeeded Samudragupta as the next ruler of Gupta Dynasty ?
[A] Chandragupta II
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Vishnugupta
[D] Mahendra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chandragupta II ]
Notes:
Chandragupta ll (380-412 A.D.) succeeded Samundragupta as the next ruler of Gupta dynasty. He was also known as Devgupta, Devraj and Devshree. Some titled he adopted were : Vikramank, Vikramaditya and Parambhagawat.
8. Every five years, Harshavardhana used to donate all his possessions at an assembly at which among the following places?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Banaras
[C] Prayag
[D] Kannauj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Prayag]
Notes:
Harsha organised religious assemblies every fifth year of his reign at Prayag (Allahabad). The thing which was left in the state treasury after five years, Harsha used to give it all in charity at that time. He has held six such assemblies during his reign.
9. Which among the following was capital of Mitrakas?
[A] Kosambi
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Odantapuri
[D] Vikramsila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vallabhi]
Notes:
After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Maitraka dynasty was founded by Senapati (general) Bhatarka, who was a military governor of Saurashtra under Gupta Empire, established himself as the independent empire around 475 CE. The Maitraka dynasty ruled western India (now Gujarat) from approximately 475 to approximately 776 CE from their capital at Vallabhi.
10. What was the function of Samharta in Mauryan Administration?
[A] To Collect Revenue
[B] To Work as a Judge
[C] Leadership of Army
[D] Delivering Justice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To Collect Revenue]
Notes:
The important officials in revenue department are Sannidhata: Chief treasury, Samaharta: collector general of revenue.
