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 identified “Sandrokottus” of the Greco-Roman literature with Chandragupta Maurya?
[A] D. R. Bhandarkar
[B] Alexander Cunningham
[C] R. P. Chanda
[D] William Jones
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ William Jones ]
Notes:
Maurya Empire was the first and one of the greatest empire to be established in Indian history by Chandragupta Maurya. He dethroned the last Nanda ruler Dhananand and occupied Patliputra in 322 BC with the help of Kautilya(Chankya). In 305 BC ,he defeated Selecus Nikator ,who was one of the generals of Alexander The Great (Greek ruler). He is also well-known in the Greek texts as – Sandro Kottus, Androcottus, Sandokyptos.
2. Who presided Second Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sabakami ]
Notes:
The second Buddhist Council took place at Vaishali in 383 BC. It was presided by Sabakami under Kalasoka of Shisunga dynatsy to settle down dispute between two opposing groups of monks of Vaishali and Patliputra and monks of Kausambi and Avanti regarding the code of discipline.
3. Which among the following sacred books of Hindu religion has Brahma as the priest?
[A] Sam Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Rig Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atharva Veda]
Notes:
In Hindu scripture, the Atharva Veda is identified as the Veda where Brahma presides as the priest. This book encompasses a vast range of subjects, from healing rituals to royal consecrations. The name “Atharva Veda” comes from the type of priests who were specifically dedicated to its chanting and application. Brahma, in this context, portrays the deity of creation, thus extolling the grandeur of life.
4. Which among the following is the correct location of an ancient site Deh Morasi Ghundai?
[A] Northern Pakistan
[B] Eastern Persia
[C] Modern Turkey
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Afghanistan ]
Notes:
Deh Morasi Ghundai, located in Kandhar province of Afghanistan is the first prehistoric site to be excavated in Afghanistan.
5. Who among the following rulers of Gupta dynasty started Gupta Era?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Samudragupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandragupta I ]
Notes:
The Gupta Era was started by Chandragupta I in 319-320 AD. He was the real founder of the Gupta dynasty and was known as Maharajadhiraja (king of kings).
6. The Excavated Buddhist Site, Lalitgiri , which was notified as Centrally Protected in the year 1937, is located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
Lalitgiri is situated in Cuttack district of Odisha which is at a distance of around 100 kms from Bhubaneswar. The Buddhist relics found during excavation was notified as centrally protected in the year 1937.
7. Maya or Mahamaya, the mother of Gautama Buddha belonged to which among the following dynasties?
[A] Shakya
[B] Koliya
[C] Lichchavi
[D] Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Koliya]
Notes:
Maya, the mother of Gautama Buddha, belonged to the Koliya dynasty. She was also known as Queen Mahamaya or Queen Maya. The Koliya dynasty was a clan or family that ruled over a region in ancient India, which is believed to be in the modern-day Nepal. Queen Maya’s husband was King Suddhodana, who was the ruler of the Shakya clan, and they were both from the same Koliya dynasty. Maya passed away shortly after giving birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
8. What is the meaning of kalibangan in Rajasthan which shows the prehistoric and pre-Mauryan character of Indus Valley Civilization ?
[A] Black River
[B] Black Bangles
[C] Black forest
[D] Black land
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Black Bangles]
Notes:
- Kali = Black
- Bangan = Bangles
9. Under whose reign were some Greeks or “Yavans” converted to the Vaishnava Cult?
[A] Shungas
[B] Nandas
[C] Shakas
[D] Satavahans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shungas]
Notes:
The Shungas succeeded the Maurya Empire and their rule witnessed the conversion of some Greeks or “Yavans” to the Vaishnava Cult. This period marked a blending of cultures and religions as the borders expanded, and it led to the propagation and transformation of religious practices that had impact on both Indian and Greek civilizations. Not much is known about the Yavans, but it is indicative of cross-cultural exchanges that occurred.
10. Which among the following is Not Correctly matched?
[A] Maurya Empire – Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Shunga Dynasty – Pushyamitra Shunga
[C] Satvahana Dynasty – Gautamiputra satkarni
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satvahana Dynasty – Gautamiputra satkarni]
Notes:
The founder of Satvahana Dynasty was Simuk and not Gautamaiputra Satakarni
