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 rulers of which dynasty were first to make land grants to Brahmins?
[A] Maurya
[B] Sunga
[C] Satvahana
[D] Kanvas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Satvahana ]
Notes:
The rulers of Sarvanana dynasty were the first to make land grant to Brahmins.
2. Which of the following pairs is / are correctly matched?
- Nagananda – Harsha
- Mudrarakshasa – Visakhadatta
- Mrichchhakatika – Sudraka
- Ratnavali – Rajasekhara
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:
- Mricchakatika, is a ten-act Sanskrit drama written by Sudraka.
- Nagananda is one of the best Sanskrit dramas in five acts dealing with the popular story of Jimutavahana’s self-sacrifice to save the Nagas, written by king Harsha(Vardhana Dynasty).
- The Mudrarakshasa (“The Signet of the Minister”) is a historical play in Sanskrit by Vishakhadatta that narrates the ascent of the king Chandragupta Maurya to power in Northern India.
- Ratnavali is a Sanskrit drama about a beautiful princess named Ratnavali, and a great king named Udayana,written by Indian emperor Harsha(Vardhana dynasty).
3. During whose reign was the Fourth Buddhist Council held?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kalasoka
[C] Ajatsatru
[D] Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Kanishka ]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD during the reign of Kushan king Kanishka. It was held under the Presidentship of Vasumitra to compose commentaries on the Tripitika.
4. Which physician was sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota?
[A] Jivaka
[B] Udayin
[C] Kalashoka
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Jivaka ]
Notes:
The royal physician, Jivaka, was sent by Bimbisara to treat Avanti King Pradyota, who was ailing with Jaundice.
5. Who was the founder of Nanda dynasty?
[A] Mahapadmananda
[B] Shisunaga
[C] Dhanananda
[D] Nandivardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahapadmananda ]
Notes:
Mahapadmananda (345 BC – 329 BC) was the founder of Nanda dynasty. Mahapadmananda was also known as Ekarat and Sarvakshatrantaka.
6. Which among the following Indus Valley site is located in Montogomery (Punjab) in Pakistan?
[A] Harappa
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Kalibanga
[D] Chanhudaro
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Harappa ]
Notes:
Indus Valley site of Harappa is located in the Montgomery district of Punjab, Pakistan. The site was discovered in 1921 by Rai Bahadur Dayaram Sahni. It is located on the banks of the Ravi River, about 24 km west of Sahiwal.
7. 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.
8. In context of Mauryan administration, who was the chief supervisor of the collection of revenue from the whole kingdom?
[A] Samaharta
[B] Sannidhata
[C] Karmantika
[D] Antapal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samaharta ]
Notes:
As per the Arthashastra of Chankya, Samaharta was the Chief Collector general of revenue that supervises the collection of revenue from the whole kingdom.Pradeshtri was known as the Divisional Commissioner. They were the modern district magistrates and in charge of district. They were to make tours once in every 5 years to inspect the entire administration of the areas under control. Antapal was known as the Governor of the frontier.
9. At which of the following Harappan sites, terracotta female figures were discovered?
[A] Mohenjo-daro
[B] Kot Bala
[C] Kot Diji
[D] Khirasara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mohenjo-daro]
Notes:
Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Built around 2500 BCE, it was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley civilization. Various discoveries at Mohenjo-daro include- Great Bath (the biggest bath ghat), Great granary, Bronze dancing girl, Bearded man, terracotta toys, Bull seal, Pashupati seal, three cylindrical seals of the Mesopotamian type, a piece of woven cloth.
10. A civilization (mature period 2600–1900 BCE) which was centred mostly in the western part of the Indian Subcontinent?
[A] Vedic civilization
[B] Mahajanpada
[C] Kushan Empire
[D] Indus Valley Civilization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Indus Valley Civilization ]
Notes:
Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was a Bronze Age civilization that thrived from approximately 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE, although its mature period is generally considered to be from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. The Indus Valley Civilization was primarily located in the western part of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing present-day Pakistan and northwest India. The major urban centers of the civilization included Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, and Lothal. The civilization is known for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, sophisticated brickwork, and a script that has not yet been deciphered.
