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 Kushana king adopted the epithet Dharma-thida?
[A] Vima Kadaphises
[B] Kuzul Kadaphises
[C] Kanishka the Great
[D] Huvishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kuzul Kadaphises ]
Notes:
Kuzul Kadaphises (or Kadphises I) was the founder of kushanas dynasty. Kujula known to have assumed in his coins the epithets Dharma-thida and Sacha-dharma-thita which evidently refer to his adherence to the Buddhist and Saiva faiths.
2. In which Buddhist council, Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas?
[A] Second Buddhist council
[B] Third Buddhist council
[C] First Buddhist council
[D] Fourth Buddhist council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Second Buddhist council ]
Notes:
In the second Buddhist council, Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas.
3. Which ruler is credited for the spread of Jainism in Karnataka?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Bimbisara
[C] Ashoka
[D] Samparati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Chandragupta Maurya ]
Notes:
The spread of Jainism in Karnataka is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya. The Emperor became a Jaina, gave up his throne and spent the last years of his life in Karnataka as a Jaina ascetic.
4. In Sangam age, the book ‘Bharatam’ was written by__?
[A] Perudevanar
[B] Manimekalai
[C] Seethalai Saathanaar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Perudevanar ]
Notes:
The book, ‘ Bharatam’ was written by Perudevanar. The author had also composed the invocatory versus for the Sangam classics Ahnanuru, Puranamuru, Kuruntogai, Narrinai and Aingurunuru.
5. Which prehistoric age saw a very distinct growth in the human population?
[A] Lower Paleolithic Age
[B] Upper Paleolithic Age
[C] Mesolithic Age
[D] Neolithic Age
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mesolithic Age]
Notes:
The Mesolithic Age is associated with a marked increase in human population. Improved microlith tools, better food collection, and a more settled way of life supported larger groups.
6. Who was the court physician during the reign of Kanishka-I?
[A] Charak
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Nagarjuna
[D] Asvaghosa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Charak ]
Notes:
Charak was the court physician of Kanishka I. He was one of the principal contributors to the ancient art and science of Ayurveda, a system of medicine and lifestyle developed in Ancient India. He is sometimes referred to as the Father of Indian Medicine.
7. Which of the following passes was used by Sakas to come to India?
[A] Bolan Pass
[B] Nathu La Pass
[C] Shipki La Pass
[D] Bara-lacha la Pass
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Bolan Pass ]
Notes:
The Sakas came to India through the Bolan Pass. They were a Scythian tribe or group of tribes of Iranian origin.
8. Which Saka ruler was responsible for important irrigation works in Saurashtra?
[A] Rudraraman
[B] Moga
[C] Azes
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rudraraman ]
Notes:
The Saka ruler, Rudradraman was responsible for important irrigation works in Saurashtra. His military achievements, his territories and his many personal qualities are highlighted in the famous Junagadh inscription, written in 150 AD. It is the first major inscription to be written in sanskrit.
9. Tat Tvam Asi, a sanskrit phrase, originally occurs in which of the following Upanishads?
[A] Mundaka Upanishad
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Brhadaranyaka Upanishad
[D] Mandukya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Chandogya Upanishad ]
Notes:
“Tat Tvam Asi” is a Sanskrit phrase is one of the Mahāvākyas (Grand Pronouncements) in Vedantic Sanatana Dharma. It originally occurs in the Chandogya Upanishad, a Sanskrit text embedded in the Chandogya Brahmana of the Sama Veda of Hinduism.
10. Which among the following system in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny ?
[A] Amaju
[B] Niyoga
[C] Arsa
[D] none of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Niyoga]
Notes:
Niyoga practice in the Vedic Age has provided for a marriage of a childless widow with the brother of blood relation of her deceased husband for the sake of progeny.
