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 among the following was the ruler of Kanchi during the time of Samudragupta ?
[A] Hastivarman
[B] Mantaraja
[C] Nilaraja
[D] Vishnugopa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Vishnugopa ]
Notes:
King Vishnugopa (Pallava dynasty ) of Kanchi is mentioned in the list of rulers of the South defeated by Samudra Gupta. It is mentioned in the Allahabad Pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta.
2. Which valley has the earliest evidence of rice cultivation in India?
[A] Central Ganga Valley
[B] Belan Valley
[C] Gomal Valley
[D] Bolan Valley
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Belan Valley]
Notes:
Belan Valley is located in Uttar Pradesh, India. Archaeological excavation at Mahagara and Koldihwa in the Belan Valley found evidence of rice cultivation dating back to around 7000–6000 BCE. Charred grains of domesticated rice were discovered at these sites. This discovery predates rice findings from other Indian regions.
3. In which year, Vardhamana Mahavira was born?
[A] 563 BC
[B] 540 BC
[C] 533 BC
[D] 560 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ 540 BC ]
Notes:
According to Jain texts, Lord Mahavira was born in 540 BCE in the city of Kundagrama (present day Bihar, India) on the thirteenth day under the rising moon of Chaitra month. He was born into the royal Jnatri Kshatriya dynasty as Prince Vardhamana to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Legends recount many auspicious dreams and omens about his exceptional spiritual destiny seen by his mother before his birth.
4. Who was the first Indo-Greek king, who became Buddhist?
[A] Antiochus II
[B] Apollodotus I
[C] Apollodotus II
[D] Menander II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Menander II ]
Notes:
Menander II was the Indo-Greek king who established a large empire in the South Asia and became a patron of Buddhism.
5. Devichandraguptam, a play by Vishakhadatta, tells story about which of the following rulers?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Ramagupta
[C] Bhanugupta
[D] Vishnugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Ramagupta ]
Notes:
Ramagupta was the elder son and immediate successor of Samudragupta. Earlier, he was known from the traditional narratives only, but later, three inscriptions on Jaina tirthankara images were discovered from Durjanpur near Vidisha, which mention him as the Maharajadhiraja.
6. Who among the following was the first Indian Scholar who treated Mathematics as a different subject?
[A] Aryabhata
[B] Apastamba
[C] Baudhayana
[D] Katyayana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Aryabhata]
Notes:
Aryabhata was the first Indian scholar to treat mathematics as a separate subject. He was one of the first major mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and Indian astronomy. Aryabhata’s work, Aryabhatiya, was written in verse couplets and deals with mathematics and astronomy. It was particularly popular in South India, where many mathematicians wrote commentaries on it.
7. Which among the following was capital of Mitrakas?
[A] Kosambi
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Odantapuri
[D] Vikramsila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vallabhi]
Notes:
After the decline of the Gupta Empire, Maitraka dynasty was founded by Senapati (general) Bhatarka, who was a military governor of Saurashtra under Gupta Empire, established himself as the independent empire around 475 CE. The Maitraka dynasty ruled western India (now Gujarat) from approximately 475 to approximately 776 CE from their capital at Vallabhi.
8. Which of these was depicted as the emblem on the Royal seal of the Guptas?
[A] Hasti (Elephant)
[B] Mayura (Peacock)
[C] Garuda (Eagle)
[D] Tiger
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Garuda (Eagle)]
Notes:
The emblem imprinted on the Royal seal of the Guptas was ‘Garuda’ – the allegorical eagle. Garuda is a mythical bird entity in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythology. This bird is believed to possess great power and strength and is thus, frequently associated with the magnificence and valour of kings and their dynasties. The Gupta dynasty, which ruled over the Indian subcontinent from around 240 to 590 CE, prominently used the emblem of Garuda as their dynastic symbol.
9. Famous enigmatic Trimurty Sadasiva is located at:
[A] Ellora
[B] Elephanta
[C] Ajanta
[D] Jogeshwari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Elephanta]
Notes:
The famous Trimurty Sadasiva is located at Elephanta Caves, near Mumbai. This site features rock-cut sculptures, including a massive depiction of Trimurti, representing the three aspects of God in Hinduism: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). The Elephanta Caves date back to the 5th to 8th centuries and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing intricate artistry and religious significance.
10. During end of which of the following period the urban centers of Gangetic planes declined ?
[A] Maurya Period
[B] Gupta Period
[C] Mahjnapadas
[D] Magadh Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gupta Period]
Notes:
The urban centers of Gangetic plain declined with the gupta empire. The areas surrounding Prayag, Saketa and Magadha areas have declined.
