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. Which among the following is the most unique feature of Dholavira site of the Indus Valley Civilization?
[A] Its cities were horizontally divided in multiple parts
[B] Its cities were unevenly divided
[C] Its cities were divided into 3 parts
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Its cities were divided into 3 parts ]
Notes:
The most unique features of Dholavira, an Indus valley site in Gujarat, is its division. While other Indus Valley sites were divided into two parts viz. Citadel and Lower Town, Dholavira was divided into three divisions.
2. 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).
3. What symbol represents birth of Gautama Buddha?
[A] Bodh tree
[B] Lotus
[C] Horse
[D] Wheel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Lotus ]
Notes:
Lotus and bull resembles the symbol of birth of Gautama Buddha.
4. The Kalinga war was fought in which year of Ashoka reign?
[A] 6
[B] 7
[C] 8
[D] 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 8 ]
Notes:
The Magadha Emperor, Ashoka invaded Kalinga in the eight year of his reign in 261 B.C. Nearly one lakh soldiers lost their lives in that war and one and half lakh soldiers were captured. The 13th rock edict of Ashoka throws light on this war.
5. The Pattini cult was established by which Sangam ruler?
[A] Nedunjeral Adan, the Chera ruler
[B] Senguttuvan, the Chera ruler
[C] Karikala, the Chola ruler
[D] Nedujeliyan, the Pandyan ruler
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Senguttuvan, the Chera ruler ]
Notes:
Pattini cult was established by Cheran Senguttuvan, a famous ruler during the 2nd century AD. The Pattini cult involved the worship of Kannagi as the ideal wife. Kannagi was the wife of Kovalan, and their story was the subject of the Tamil epic Silappadigalam. The Chera dynasty was one of the four principal Tamil dynasties of Tamilakam, which is present-day Southern India. The Chera dynasty is credited with creating the land of Kerala.
6. Who was the founder of Gupta Dynasty?
[A] Sri Gupta
[B] Samudragupta
[C] Chandragupta I
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sri Gupta ]
Notes:
Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta Dynasty and adopted the title ‘Maharaj’.
7. Who among the following were known as Tocharians?
[A] Kushans
[B] Shakas
[C] Hunas
[D] Kalabhras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kushans]
Notes:
Kushans are also known as Yuechis or Tocharians.
8. Which of the following statements about Agastya, a revered Indian sage of Hinduism, is NOT true?
[A] He and his wife Lopamudra are the authors of hymns 1.165 to 1.191 in the Sanskrit text Rigveda.
[B] He is considered to be the father of Siddha medicine.
[C] He is one of the seven most revered rishis in the Vedic texts.
[D] He is attributed to be the author of the Agastya Samhita found embedded in Rigveda Purana.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [He is attributed to be the author of the Agastya Samhita found embedded in Rigveda Purana.]
Notes:
Agastya is a revered Indian sage known for his great contributions to various fields. Agastya and his wife Lopamudra authored hymns 1.165 to 1.191 in the Rigveda. He is also remembered as the father of Siddha medicine. Among the seven most revered rishis in the Vedic texts, he holds a distinguished place. However, the Agastya Samhita is actually found in Skanda Purana, not the Rigveda Purana, differentiating it from the other statements above.
9. Who among the following was the most important divinity during the early Vedic era?
[A] Agni
[B] Indra
[C] Vayu
[D] Varuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indra]
Notes:
Some major deities of the Vedic tradition include Indra, Surya, Agni, Ushas, Vayu, Varuna, Vishnu, Mitra, Aditi, Yama, Soma, Sarasvati, Prithvi, and Rudra. Among all Indra is the most important god.
10. Who among the following started the practice of military governships in India , by leaving the military governors called “Strategos” in India?
[A] Greeks
[B] Shakas
[C] kushans
[D] Parthians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Greeks]
Notes:
The Greeks introduced the practice of military governorship in India. They appointed governors called “strategos”. Alexander is said to have left these military governors in the areas he won and ruled.
The term “strategos” is Greek for military general. In the Hellenistic world and the Eastern Roman Empire, it was also used to describe a military governor. In the modern Hellenic Army, it is the highest officer rank.
