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 context of Mauryan administration, who was regarded as the ‘Chief treasury officer’?
[A] Samaharta
[B] Paura
[C] Sannidhata
[D] Karmantika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Sannidhata ]
Notes:
As per the Arthashastra of Chankya, there were two important officers in the Central Administration. These are Sannidhata (the Chief treasury officer) and Samaharta (the Chief Collector General of Revenue).
2. World’s first oil paintings have been found in which of the following countries?
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Afghanistan ]
Notes:
In 2008, oil paintings were discovered in caves near the village of Bamiyan in central Afghanistan. The paintings have been radiocarbon dated to more than the 5th century CE, making them the oldest known oil paintings in the world.
3. Sudarshan lake repaired second time under the reign of _?
[A] Skandgupta
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Rudradaman
[D] Parnadatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Skandgupta ]
Notes:
The Junagarh inscription gives the information about the Sudarshan lake that the lake was an artificial reservoir, was built by the Mauryan emperors for checking floods. Around 150 AD, the lake was repaired by the Shaka ruler Rudradaman-I. And, it was again repaired under the Skandgupta’s reign (415 AD- 455 AD) by his governor Parnadatta.
4. What was the name of the Licchavi princess who was married to Gupta King Chandragupta-I?
[A] Kumara Devi
[B] Kubernaga
[C] Dhruva Devi
[D] Vasu Devi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumara Devi ]
Notes:
The Gupta emperor Chandragupta I married a Licchavi princess Kumaradevi, who was the heiress to the throne of the Lichchavis and by her marriage with Chandragupta the two states got united. Lichchhavi Princess Kumari Devi was the first Indian Queen featured on a coin.
5. Consider the following rulers:
- Bimbisar of Magadha
- Prasenjit (Pansedi) of Kosala
- Udayan of Avanti
Which of the above rulers were contemporary of Buddha?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Bimbisara of Magadha, Prasenjit (Pansedi) of Kosala, and Udayan of Avanti were all rulers during Buddha’s time.
6. The term “Vitasta” in Rig Veda refers to which among the following rivers?
[A] Indus
[B] Beas
[C] Jhelum
[D] Chenab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jhelum]
Notes:Rigvedic Name and Modern Names of Indian Rivers:
| Ancient Name |
Modern Name |
| Sindhu |
Indus |
| Vitasta |
Jhelum |
| Askini |
Chenab |
| Vipasa |
Beas |
| Purushini |
Ravi |
| Satudri |
Sutlej |
| Gomal |
Gomati |
| Drishvadati |
Ghaggar |
7. 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.
8. Etti, Kavidi and Eradi are names of which among the following in sangam age?
[A] taxes
[B] Titles
[C] Places
[D] crops
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Titles]
Notes:
Etti, Kavidi and Eradi are the Titles followed in sangam age. The Sangam Age was the period of history of ancient Tamil Nadu and Kerala and parts of Sri Lanka.
9. Which among the following has been used in the sculptures of Mathura school of Art?
[A] Red Sandstone
[B] Marble
[C] Granite
[D] Clay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Red Sandstone]
Notes:
The Mathura school of art is developed under the Kushans. The material used for the construction is Spotted Red Sandstone.
10. Which among the following correctly explains Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha of Buddhism?
[A] Buddhist monks under whose supervision Buddhist nuns were to live
[B] Special places which were used by Buddhist nuns for worship
[C] Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns
[D] Special book which narrates Jataka story of Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns]
Notes:
The Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha is a specific code of conduct for female Buddhist monks, or nuns, outlining rules and ethical guidelines they must follow. It is part of the larger Pātimokkha, which governs both monks and nuns in the Theravada tradition. This code emphasizes discipline, moral conduct, and community harmony. The Bhikkhunī order was established during the Buddha’s lifetime, allowing women to attain enlightenment and participate fully in the monastic community.
