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 Satapatha Brahmana and Taitriya Brahmana are the Brahmana texts of ___:
[A] Rigveda
[B] Yajurveda
[C] Samaveda
[D] Atharavaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Yajurveda ]
Notes:
Satapatha Brahmana and Taitriya Brahmana are the Brahmana texts of Yajurveda.
2. Which of the following was main capital of Kushana king Kanishka-I?
[A] Purushapura
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Taxila
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Purushapura ]
Notes:
The capital of Kanishka I was at Purushapura (modern Peshawar) and regional capitals were Taxila (Pakistan), Begram (Afghanistan) and Mathura (India).
3. Who among the following is ascribed for the work Mudrarakshaha?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Vishakhadatta
[C] Kautilya
[D] Bhatrihari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vishakhadatta]
Notes:
Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Ashoka’s Inscriptions, Megasthenes Indica and Vishakhadatta`s Mudrarakshasa are the main sources of Mauryan History.
4. Milinda-Panho is a pali text which record discussion between Milinda and Nagsena. Milinda was a ________?
[A] Satvahan King
[B] Shunga King
[C] Indo Greek Ruler
[D] Nanda king
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo Greek Ruler]
Notes:
The Milinda Panho is a Buddhist text which dates from sometime between 100 BC and 200 CE. It records a dialogue between the Buddhist sage Nāgasena, and the Indo-Greek king Menander.
5. Which among the following comprises Code of Laws?
[A] Sutras
[B] Manusmriti
[C] Vedas
[D] Up Vedas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Manusmriti]
Notes:
The Manusmriti, is an ancient legal text among the many Dharmasastras of Hinduism. It was one of the first Sanskrit texts to have been translated into English in 1794, by Sir William Jones.
6. Sarnath is associated with which aspect of Buddha’s life?
[A] Birth
[B] Residence
[C] First sermon
[D] Death
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [First sermon]
Notes:
Buddha gave his first sermon at the Sarnath which is known as “Dhammachakra Parivartan”.
7. The 13th Rock edict of Asoka which is longest among all the rock edicts describes which of the following?
[A] Policy of Dhamma
[B] Kalinga war
[C] Toleration among sects
[D] Purpose of rock edicts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalinga war]
Notes:
The 13th rock edict talks about the conquest of Kalinga at the eastern coast of India by Ashoka (268-233) in the year 261 BC. It was an event of greatest historical importance for India and world history.
8. “Black Pagoda” is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Notes:
Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is known as Black Pagoda.
9. Which among the following is not considered to be a Noble Truth as per the Buddhist Traditions?
[A] Dukha
[B] Dukha Samudaya
[C] Dukha Bhanjana
[D] Dukha Nirodha gaminipatha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dukha Bhanjana]
Notes:
The Four Noble Truths of Buddha are – The truth of misery (dukkha; literally “suffering” but connoting “uneasiness” or “dissatisfaction”), The truth that misery originates within the craving for pleasure and for being or nonbeing (samudaya), Tthe truth that this craving can be eliminated (nirodhu), and The truth that this elimination is the result of following a methodical way or path (magga).
10. The Gandhara School of Art flourished during which of the following periods?
[A] Satavahanas
[B] Guptas
[C] Mauryas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kushans]
Notes:
The Kushan period is considered the Golden Period of Gandhara. Peshawar Valley and Taxila are littered with ruins of stupas and monasteries of this period. Gandharan art flourished and produced some of the best pieces of sculpture from the Indian subcontinent.
