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. Which among the following kingdom in South India was known for an excellent Navy ?
[A] Pandyas
[B] Cholas
[C] Pallavas
[D] Chalukyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The cholas had a good navy. The Chola navy played a vital role in the expansion of the Chola Empire, including the conquest of the Ceylon islands and naval raids on Sri Vijaya.
12. Which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization marks the “Absence of Mother goddess figurines” ?
[A] Lothal
[B] Kalibangan
[C] Rangpur
[D] Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rangpur]
Notes:
No seal or image of mother goddess has been found at Rangpur.
13. Which among the following correctly explains Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha of Buddhism?
[A] Buddhist monks under whose supervision Buddhist nuns were to live
[B] Special places which were used by Buddhist nuns for worship
[C] Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns
[D] Special book which narrates Jataka story of Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Special code of conduct for female Buddhist monks or Buddhist nuns]
Notes:
The Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha is a specific code of conduct for female Buddhist monks, or nuns, outlining rules and ethical guidelines they must follow. It is part of the larger Pātimokkha, which governs both monks and nuns in the Theravada tradition. This code emphasizes discipline, moral conduct, and community harmony. The Bhikkhunī order was established during the Buddha’s lifetime, allowing women to attain enlightenment and participate fully in the monastic community.
14. Which Jain Tirthankara is regarded as female by the Shwetambar sect of Jainism?
[A] 16th
[B] 18th
[C] 19th
[D] 20th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [19th]
Notes:
Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, is divided into two main sects – the Shwetambars and the Digambars. In a unique aspect, the Shwetambars believe the 19th Tirthankara, Mallinath, to have been a woman. However, this belief is not shared by the Digambar sect. This diversity in perspectives showcases the complexities and variations that exist even within single religious communities.
15. Which among the following was used to create sculptures in the Mathura school of art that flourished around 1st century AD?
[A] Marble
[B] State stone
[C] Granite
[D] Red sandstone
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Red sandstone]
Notes:
The Mathura school of art is developed under the Kushanas. The material used for the construction is Spotted Red Sandstone.
16. The forces of Alexander refused to cross which of the following rivers and returned back?
[A] Beas
[B] Chenab
[C] Ravi
[D] Satluj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Beas ]
Notes:
The forces of Alexander while invading India refused to cross Beas (Bipasa) river.
17. Which city was the capital of the Chola Kingdom?
[A] Tanjore
[B] Badami
[C] Vatapi
[D] Kanchi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tanjore]
Notes:
Vijayalaya, the founder of the Chola dynasty, conquered the kingdom of Tanjore in 850 AD, which then became the capital of the Chola Kingdom. The city of Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur, is in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is an important center of South Indian art, architecture, and religion, and was at the heart of the Chola empire, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the world’s history.
18. Who introduced Buddhism in Nepal?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Ashoka
[C] Chandragupta
[D] Harshavardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ashoka]
Notes:
Buddhism in Nepal started spreading since the reign of Ashoka through Indian and Tibetan missionaries. The Kiratas were the first people in Nepal who embraced Gautama Buddha’s teachings, followed by the Licchavis and Newars. Lumbini is considered to lie in present-day Rupandehi district, Lumbini zone of Nepal.
19. Which of the following rivers is most mentioned in early Vedic literature? (UPSC Prelims 1996)
[A] Sindhu
[B] Sutudri
[C] Sarasvati
[D] Ganga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sindhu]
Notes:
The most prominent river of the Rigveda is the SIndhu, next to the Indus. Sapta Sindhu play a prominent part in the hymns of the Rigveda, and consequently in early Vedic religion.
20. Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India? (UPSC Prelims 1997)
[A] Chaturvedimangalam
[B] Parishad
[C] Ashtadikgaja
[D] Manigrama
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Manigrama]
Notes:
A manigramam was a large, influential guild of South Indian merchants during the period of Western Chalukyan rulers in 10th – 12th Century CE.
