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. Who presided First Buddhist Council?
[A] Mahakassapa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Moggliputra Tissa
[D] Sabakami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mahakassapa ]
Notes:
The First Buddhist Council was held at Saptaparni cave near Rajagriha in 72 AD, during the reign of Emperor Ajatsatru. It was held under the Presidentship of Mahakassapa to compile the Dhamma Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka.
2. Who was the brother-in-law of Harshavardhan ?
[A] Grahavarmana
[B] Banabhatta
[C] Devgupta
[D] Bhaskarvarman
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Correct Answer: A [ Grahavarmana ]
Notes:
The sister of Harshavardhan, Rajyasri was married to Grahavarmana, King of Kanauj. He was the last ruler of Kanauj belonging to the Maukhari royal dynasty.
3. Who among the following was the author of Kiratarjuniya?
[A] Bharavi
[B] Dandin
[C] Varahmihira
[D] Kalidasa
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Correct Answer: A [Bharavi]
Notes:
Bharavi, a distinguished Sanskrit poet from the 6th century, is acknowledged as the author of “Kiratarjuniya”. The title can be translated as “Arjuna and the Mountain Man”. The epic literature centers on the theme of morality and dharma, articulating a Didactic episode from the Mahabharata. It highlights the human values and virtues, establishing itself as a significant part of ancient Indian literature.
4. Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of which of the following?
[A] Taxilla
[B] Ujjain
[C] Pataliputra
[D] Kandhar
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Correct Answer: A [ Taxilla ]
Notes:
Before ascending the Maurya throne, Ashoka was the viceroy of Taxila.
5. Which of the following is the oldest Smriti?
[A] Manu Smriti
[B] Yajnvalkya Smriti
[C] Narad Smriti
[D] Brihaspati Smriti
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Correct Answer: A [ Manu Smriti ]
Notes:
Manu Smriti (Pre-Gupta period) is the oldest Smriti.
6. In which Mandal of Rigveda ‘Gayatri Mantra is mentioned?
[A] III
[B] IV
[C] V
[D] VI
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Correct Answer: A [ III ]
Notes:
Gayatri Mantra comes from the third Mandala of the Rigveda. This Mandala has 62 hymns, mainly to Agni and Indra. It is one of the “family books” (mandalas 2-7), the oldest core of the Rigveda. This Mandala also mentions Kikats, a non-Aryan tribe, which most scholars agree that was resident of somewhere in near Magadha in modern Bihar.
7. Who among the following was contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga?
[A] Patanjali
[B] Kalidas
[C] Heliodorus
[D] Vasudeva
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Correct Answer: A [ Patanjali ]
Notes:
The great grammarian Patanjali is said to be a contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga, who founded Sunga dynasty by assassinating the last ruler of Mauryan Empire.
8. Who among the following defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of river Narmada?
[A] Pulkesin I
[B] Kirtivarman I
[C] Pulkesin II
[D] Vikramaditya I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pulkesin II]
Notes:
Harshavardhana was defeated by Chalukya king Pulakesin-II in circa. 615 AD on the bank of river Narmada. This was the most notable military achievement of Pulakeshin and it ended influence of Harsha from south of Narmada river and established this river as boundary between Uttarpatha and Dakshnipatha.
9. Evidence of a game which was very similar to chess was found at which of the following sites at Indus valley civilization?
[A] Harappa
[B] Lothal
[C] Mohen Jo dero
[D] Kalibangan
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Correct Answer: B [Lothal]
Notes:
There is a close resemblance between various types of terracotta games-men found in Lothal and modern chessmen. That led to some scholars claim that Chess had its origin in games of the Indus Valley Civilization. However, other scholars believe that Chess originated in India as Chaturanga between 400 BC to 400 AD.
10. Which among the following is related to history of Kashmir?
[A] Rajatarangini
[B] Ashokavadana
[C] Vikramorvashiyam
[D] Arthashastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajatarangini]
Notes:
Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century CE, is a historical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir. It provides a historical narrative of Kashmir from earliest times to the 12th century CE.
