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 Greek King of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C.?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Alexander
[C] Seleucus Nicator
[D] Menander
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Demetrius ]
Notes:
Demetrius,the king of Bactria invaded India about 190 B.C. And conquered a considerable part of the Mauryan Empire in the north-west.
2. Who does ‘Kanthaka’ refer to, in the context of Gautam Buddha?
[A] His disciple
[B] His chief advisor
[C] His royal horse
[D] His spiritual teacher
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [His royal horse]
Notes:
In the context of Gautam Buddha, ‘Kanthaka’ was his royal horse. Kanthaka played a significant role in several instances of the Buddha’s life, most notably when it carried him to the river where he would relinquish his worldly possessions and begin his quest for enlightenment.
3. The inscriptions of Ashoka and the Brahmi script were deciphered by ___?
[A] Alexander Cunningham
[B] James Princep
[C] Max Muller
[D] Mortimer Wheeler
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ James Princep ]
Notes:
James Princep (1799-1840) was an English scholar, orientalist and antiquary. He was the founding editor of the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and is best remembered for deciphering the Kharosthi and Brahmi scripts of ancient India. He was the first to decipher the inscriptions of Ashoka and the Brahmi script.
4. According to some Jain traditions, who was son-in-law and first disciple of Tirthankara Mahavira?
[A] Jamali
[B] Jamvant
[C] Jamval
[D] Cant’ say
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Jamali ]
Notes:
According to some Jain traditions (Shwetambara mainly), Jamali was the son-in-law and first disciple of Tirthankara Mahavira.
5. Which of the following Chinese emperors was contemporary of Harshavardhana?
[A] Taizong
[B] Wu Zetian
[C] Ruizong
[D] Xuanzong
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Taizong ]
Notes:
In 641 AD Harshavardhan sent an envoy to Taizong (Tai-Tsung), the Tang emperor of China and in return, the Chinese ruler sent three embassies to Harsha court.
6. In the Mauryan empire, the post Devatadhyaksha is related to –
[A] Store House
[B] Crown Lands
[C] Customs
[D] Religious Institutions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Religious Institutions ]
Notes:
Devatadhyaksha was appointed to perform the duties related to religious institutions.
7. Which among the following are important functionaries of Early Vedic period?
[A] Purohita
[B] Senani
[C] Gramini
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of the above ]
Notes:
The important functionaries of Early Vedic period are Purohita, Senani and Gramini.
8. The Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II was succeeded by whom?
[A] Kumargupta I
[B] Skandgupta
[C] Buddhagupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kumargupta I ]
Notes:
The Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II was succeeded by Kumargupta I in 415 AD. He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. His rule is known for peace and prosperity. He ruled till 455 AD.
9. Who granted permission to Buddhist king of Ceylon Meghavarman to build a monastic at Bodh Gaya?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
The Gupta emperor, Samudragupta granted permission to Buddhist king of Ceylon Meghavarman to build a monastry at Bodh Gaya. Hence, he was also known as Anukampavan (full of compassion).
10. Which of the following was denoted by the term “Kahapana” or “Karshapan” during ancient India?
[A] A cloth
[B] A trader
[C] A monk
[D] A coin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ A coin ]
Notes:
“Kahapana” or “Karshapan” was a common coin during Pre-Gupta period. It was made of copper and also of silver.
