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.
11. After death of Bindusara, who among the following is considered to help Asoka to capture the throne?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Radhagupta
[C] Tishya
[D] Bairam khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Radhagupta]
Notes:
Radhagupta was an important character in the life of the greatest king Ashoka. Radhagupta was a son of prime minister. He later became a minster in the Mauryan empire. Radhagupta gave elephant as a gift when Ashoka proceed to golden palace. He helped Ashoka after the death of Bindusara.
12. What was the relation of the protagonist of Kalidasa’s “Malvikagnimitra” to Pushyamitra Sunga?
[A] His son
[B] His grandson
[C] His father
[D] His brother
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [His son]
Notes:
In Kalidasa’s Malvikagnimitra, the titular character Agnimitra serves as the protagonist, who is depicted as the son of Pushyamitra Sunga. Pushyamitra Sunga was the founder of the Sunga Dynasty in ancient India. The play is a historical tale which highlights Agnimitra’s love story with the princess Malavika, which is enveloped within the rich tapestry of ancient Indian history.
13. What was the capital of the ancient Vatsa Mahajanapada?
[A] Mathura
[B] Bairath
[C] Kausambi
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kausambi]
Notes:
Kausambi was the capital of the ancient Vatsa Mahajanapada, an important political and cultural center during the sixth and fifth centuries BC. Vatsa or Vamsa was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas (large states) situated in Northern Ancient India, which was recognized for its significant contributions to the development of Buddhism and Jainism. This region attracted scholars and spiritual practitioners from far and wide, contributing immensely to the rich cultural tapestry of ancient India.
14. The ancient monuments at Mahabalipuram, a centre also known for its GI-protected stone-sculpture craft, were created mainly under which dynasty?
[A] Pallava dynasty
[B] Cheras dynasty
[C] Chalukya dynasty
[D] Rashtrakuta dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pallava dynasty]
Notes:
Mahabalipuram’s rock-cut caves, monolithic rathas and structural temples were created mainly under the Pallavas in the seventh and eighth centuries. The GI designation concerns the region’s stone-sculpture craft, rather than a single ancient monument.
15. Which of the following is associated with Chandragupta Maurya in Greek accounts?
[A] He called his people children.
[B] His personal protection was entrusted to women guards
[C] He converted to Buddhism and rejected war.
[D] He had stone pillars set up through India with Buddhist inscriptions on them.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [His personal protection was entrusted to women guards]
Notes:
Greek accounts describe women attending and guarding the king, including armed women accompanying him on hunts. They support the presence of women guards, but do not establish that Chandragupta personally trained them.
16. Which of the following is associated with Chandragupta Maurya in Greek accounts?
[A] He called his people children.
[B] His personal protection was entrusted to women guards
[C] He converted to Buddhism and rejected war.
[D] He had stone pillars set up through India with Buddhist inscriptions on them.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [His personal protection was entrusted to women guards]
Notes:
Greek accounts describe women attending and guarding the king, including armed women accompanying him on hunts. They support the presence of women guards, but do not establish that Chandragupta personally trained them.
17. Which Satvahana ruler adopted the title Tri-samudra-toya-pita-vahana?
[A] Vashishtiputra Pulumayi
[B] Gautamiputra Sri Satkarni
[C] Simuka
[D] Yajnasri Satkarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gautamiputra Sri Satkarni]
Notes:
The Nashik prashasti describes Gautamiputra Satakarni’s mounts as having drunk the waters of three seas. The expression praises the reach of his power; it refers to his horses, not his subjects.
18. According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas which of the following is the sequential order of the cycle of four aeons (Yugas)? (UPSC Prelims 1996)
[A] Dvapara, Krita, Treta and Kali
[B] Krita, Dvapara, Treta and Kali
[C] Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali
[D] Treta, Dvapara, Kali and Krita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali]
Notes:
A complete Yuga starts with the Satya Yuga, via Treta Yuga and Dvapara Yuga into a Kali Yuga.
19. Which of the following prehistoric site is an example of Neolithic age?
[A] Didwana
[B] Riwat
[C] Langhnaj
[D] Sanganakallu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sanganakallu ]
Notes:
The last phase of prehistory is termed as Neolithic. Sanganakallu is an ancient village settlement from the Neolithic period located in Karnataka.In the given options Didwana (Rajasthan), Riwat (Pakistani Punjab) are examples of Paleolithic sites while Langhnaj in Gujarat is a mesolithic site.
20. Megaliths found South India belong to which period?
[A] Paleolithic age
[B] Mesolithic age
[C] Neolithic age
[D] Iron Age
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Iron Age ]
Notes:
In south India some people were buried along with their tools, weapons, pottery and other belongings under big and heavy stones. These graves are known as megaliths. These Megalith burials have yielded the first iron objects from south India. Besides these the use of Black and Red ware pottery was also a distinctive feature of the Megalithic people.
