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. The conversation between Nagasena and Menander-I related to Buddhism is recorded in which book?
[A] Milindapanho
[B] Panhomenanda
[C] Nagapanho
[D] Menandapanho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Milindapanho ]
Notes:
Before becoming a Buddhist, Menander (an Indo-Greek king) asked Nagasena many questions relating to Buddhism.These questions and Nagasena’s answers are recorded in a form of book known as ‘Milindapanho (or The Questions of Milinda).
2. The governors called Strategos were introduced by __?
[A] Sakas
[B] Indo-Greeks
[C] Kushanas
[D] Bactrians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Indo-Greeks ]
Notes:
The Indo-greeks introduced practice of military governorship. The governors were called Strategos.
3. Which among the following is an extant Shaka of the Rigveda Samhita?
[A] Saunaka
[B] Ashvalayan
[C] Shakala
[D] Sankhayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Shakala ]
Notes:
Rigveda is the oldest Veda .In it,only two shakas of the Rig-Veda, Shakala sakha and Baskala shaka, remain alive out of the 21 which existed at one time.
4. Who among the following was the first Satavahana King to introduce the Ruler’s head on the coins ?
[A] Satkarni I
[B] Gautamiputra Satkarni
[C] Vasishthiputra Pulumavi
[D] Yajna Satakarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Satkarni I ]
Notes:
Satavahana dynasty ruled from Pune in Maharastra to Coastal Andhra Pradesh in the 2nd century BC onwards.The coins issued by Satavahanas had Bilingual legends. The name of the Kings was mentioned in Prakrit as well as some south Indian Language. Satavahana Kings promoted Buddhism. Satkarni I was the first Satavahana King to introduce the Ruler’s head on the coins.
5. The title “Paramasaugata” was adopted by ___?
[A] Bhaskar Varman
[B] Shashanka
[C] Rajya Vardhana
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Rajya Vardhana ]
Notes:
The title “Paramasaugata” was adopted by Rajyavardhana. Rajyavardhana was the eldest son of Prabhakarvardhana and a member of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. He ascended the throne after his father’s death and was succeeded by his younger brother, Harsha.
Rajyavardhana is mentioned as Parama-Saugata in Harsha’s Madhuvana and Banskhera inscriptions.
6. In which rock edict Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child…”?
[A] Major Rock Edict V
[B] Major Rock Edict IV
[C] Major Rock Edict VI
[D] Major Rock Edict VII
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Major Rock Edict V ]
Notes:
In the major Rock Edict V, Ashoka mentioned “Every Human is my child”. He had concerns about the policy towards slaves. This rock edict also referes to the appointment of Dhamma-mahamatta for the first time in the twelfth year of his reign.
7. Which among the following age marks a very distinct growth in population of Human beings compared to other ages?
[A] Lower paleolithic age
[B] Upper Paleolithic Age
[C] Mesolithic age
[D] Neolithic Age
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mesolithic age ]
Notes:
There are several reasons why the population may have grown during the Mesolithic age. One reason is that the development of new technologies, such as the creation of new tools and weapons, made it easier for people to hunt and gather food. This would have helped them to sustain larger populations. Additionally, the use of fire to cook food would have made it more nutritious and easier to digest, which would also have allowed people to support larger populations. Finally, the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled one may have allowed people to establish larger, more stable communities that could support more people.
8. Which of the following was capital of Guptas?
[A] Taxila
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Ujjain
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Pataliputra ]
Notes:
Patliputra was the capital city of Gupta dynasty.
9. 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.
10. Shatapatha Brahmana belongs to which of the following Vedas?
[A] Krishna Yajurveda
[B] Shukla Yajurveda
[C] Rigveda
[D] Samaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shukla Yajurveda]
Notes:
Shatapatha Brahmana is a commentary on the Sukla Yajurveda.It is described as the most complete, systematic, and important of the Brahmanas. It contains detailed explanations of Vedic sacrificial rituals, symbolism, and mythology.
