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. In the revenue department of Mauryas, who among the following was in-charge of the collection of all revenues in the empire?
[A] Sannidhatri
[B] Pradeshta
[C] Yukta
[D] Samahatra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Samahatra ]
Notes:
The officers Samaharta and Sanidatta were in charge of tax collection during the Mauryan Empire. They were also responsible for the royal treasury.
The Mauryan Empire had a highly centralized administration. The Emperor was the supreme power and was assisted by a Council of Ministers. To collect taxes, the emperor set up a system of officials who were sent to all parts of the empire. The emperor also appointed governors and family members to control the officials.
The main source of revenue was land tax. Revenue was also collected on irrigation, shops, customs, forests, ferry, mines, and pastures. License fees were collected from artisans and fines were charged in the law courts.
The tax from manual laborers was levied in such a way that they had to work free for one day each month.
2. Where was the first Jain council held?
[A] Pavapuri
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Jimbhikagrama
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pataliputra ]
Notes:
The first Jain council was held in Pataliputra in 300 BC, 160 years after the death of Mahavira. Sthulabhadra presided over the council. The council resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas, which replaced the lost 14 Purvas. The council also divided Jainism into two sects, Svetambara and Digambara. The chief patron of the council was Chandragupta Maurya.
3. Who among the following was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty ?
[A] Pushyabhuti
[B] Prabhakar Vardhan
[C] Aditya vardhan
[D] Harshavardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Pushyabhuti ]
Notes:
According to Banabhatta, Pushyabhuti was the founder of Pushyabhuti Dynasty.
4. 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.
5. Which of the following subjects are dealt in by Kalpa Sutras?
[A] Sacrifices
[B] Family ceremonies
[C] Varnas, Ashramas
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
Under Kalpa Sutras ,Shravta Sutras deal with the sacrifices,Grihya Sutras deal with the family ceremonies,Dharma Sutras deal with Varnas, Ashramas.
6. Pushyamitra, the founder ruler of Sunga Dynasty performed how many Ashvamedha sacrifices?
[A] None
[B] 1
[C] 2
[D] 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 1 ]
Notes:
The founder of Sunga dynasty, Pushyamitra Sunga is recorded to have performed two Ashvamedhas to promote orthodox brahamical faith during his rule.
7. Who was the court physician during the reign of Kanishka-I?
[A] Charak
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Nagarjuna
[D] Asvaghosa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Charak ]
Notes:
Charak was the court physician of Kanishka I. He was one of the principal contributors to the ancient art and science of Ayurveda, a system of medicine and lifestyle developed in Ancient India. He is sometimes referred to as the Father of Indian Medicine.
8. Who among the following of Gupta dynasty adopted the title ‘Kaviraja’?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Skandgupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
Samudragupta adopted the title of Kaviraj (King of poets), he was an expert ‘ Veena’ player.
9. Tat Tvam Asi, a sanskrit phrase, originally occurs in which of the following Upanishads?
[A] Mundaka Upanishad
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Brhadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Mandukya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandogya Upanishad ]
Notes:
“Tat Tvam Asi” is a Sanskrit phrase is one of the Mahāvākyas (Grand Pronouncements) in Vedantic Sanatana Dharma. It originally occurs in the Chandogya Upanishad, a Sanskrit text embedded in the Chandogya Brahmana of the Sama Veda of Hinduism.
10. Which among the following site has yielded the cultural remains from Neolithic to Harappan era?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Mohenjo-Daro
[C] Harappa
[D] Mehrgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is the oldest agricultural settlement in the Indian subcontinent Agriculture-based Neolithic settlements. Despite being the agriculture settlement, it used only stone tools, so is why placed in Neolithic Era. It flourished in the seventh millennium B.C. Mehrgarh is located on the Bolan River, a tributary of the Indus, at the eastern edge of the Balochistan plateau overlooking the Indus plain.
