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. “All Indians are Free and not even one of them is a slave”. Who among the following has observed the above about the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] Ashoka
[D] Strabo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Megasthenes]
Notes:
Megasthenes in his book Indica wrote all Indians are free and not even one of them is a slave.
12. Which of the following two towns of Indus valley Civilization were located on the bank of Ghagghar River?
[A] Harappa & Rojari
[B] Harappa & Mohen jo Dero
[C] Kalibanga and Banwali
[D] Rangpur and Surkotda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kalibanga and Banwali]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Kalibangan and Banwali.” Both towns are part of the Indus Valley Civilization and are situated near the Ghagghar River, which is believed to be the modern-day Sarasvati River. Kalibangan is known for its unique plowed fields and evidence of early agricultural practices, while Banwali features a well-planned layout and advanced drainage systems. The Indus Valley Civilization, flourishing around 2500 BCE, is noted for its urban planning and sophisticated architecture.
13. Who among the following wrote Priyadarshika?
[A] Prabhakarvardhana
[B] Banabhatta
[C] Harshavardhana
[D] Yashovardhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harshavardhana]
Notes:
Priyadarsika is a Sanskrit play attributed to king Harshavardhan. It was first translated into English by G. K. Nariman, A. V. Williams Jackson, and Charles J. Ogden in 1923. Ratnavali and Nagananda are other works of Harshavardhan. Harshavardhan was also a great lover of education and learning. Emperor Harshvardhana wrote all the three plays in the Sanskrit Language.
14. Which among the following Buddhist work is written in Sanskrit?
[A] Mahavamsha
[B] Deepavamsha
[C] Divyavadana
[D] Milinda Panho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Divyavadana]
Notes:
Buddhist work that is written in Sanskrit is the “Divyavadana” (Option C). The “Divyavadana” is a collection of Buddhist stories and legends written in Sanskrit. It contains narratives of the lives and teachings of the Buddha, as well as stories about various Buddhist monks and nuns. Sanskrit was one of the classical languages used for Buddhist scriptures and texts, alongside Pali and other languages, depending on the Buddhist tradition and region.
15. The word “Hindu” with reference to the People of India was first used by which among the following?
[A] Greeks
[B] Romans
[C] Afghans
[D] Arabs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Arabs]
Notes:
Arabs were the first to use the word HINDU. Megasthenes’ ‘Indica’ said the name for India and Indians around the 4th Century B.C.E. This word was misunderstood by Arabs. They used the word Hindu.
16. Which among the ancient Indian Play has referred to the defeat of Yavanas on the bank of River Sindhu in the hands of Vasumitra?
[A] Raghuvamsa
[B] Malvikagnimitram
[C] Vikramorvashiyam
[D] Dasakumarcharita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malvikagnimitram]
Notes:
The play mentions Vasumitra, the son of Agnimitra, defeating a band of Yavanas on the right bank of the river Sindhu when they tried to capture the sacrificial horse of Pushyamitra.
17. Which among the following is/ are considered to be the first tangible evidence of expansion of Buddhism?
[A] Statues of Buddha
[B] Edicts of Ashoka
[C] Mahavibhasa
[D] Jataka Tales
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Edicts of Ashoka]
Notes:
Edicts of Ashoka are considered to be the first tangible evidence of expansion of Buddhism. The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of more than thirty inscriptions on the pillars, as well as boulders and cave walls.
18. The rock cut Barabar and Nagarjuna caves were mainly used by the ascetics associated to _?
[A] Buddhism
[B] Jainism
[C] Charvaka
[D] Ajivika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ajivika]
Notes:
Makkhali Gosala is said to be the founder of Ajivika School of philosophy. He was contemporary of Siddhartha Gautama and of Mahavira. The rock cut Barabar and Nagarjuna caves were built during the Mauryan period for the Ajivika sect.
19. Which of the following was the capital of the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Delhi
[C] Hyderabad
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pataliputra]
Notes:
Comprising the majority of South Asia, the Maurya Empire was centralized by conquering the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the eastern extent of the empire and had its capital city at Pataliputra (modern Patna).
20. Which famous philosopher was also the tutor of Alexander the Great?
[A] Alfred Shred
[B] Aristotle
[C] Socrates
[D] Rousseau
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aristotle]
Notes:
Aristotle, Greek Aristoteles was an ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, one of the greatest intellectual figures of Western history. He was the the tutor of Alexander the Great.
