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. Under whose reign were some Greeks or “Yavans” converted to the Vaishnava Cult?
[A] Shungas
[B] Nandas
[C] Shakas
[D] Satavahans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shungas]
Notes:
The Shungas succeeded the Maurya Empire and their rule witnessed the conversion of some Greeks or “Yavans” to the Vaishnava Cult. This period marked a blending of cultures and religions as the borders expanded, and it led to the propagation and transformation of religious practices that had impact on both Indian and Greek civilizations. Not much is known about the Yavans, but it is indicative of cross-cultural exchanges that occurred.
12. The regions where the Aryans settled in India was called Saptasindhu , which was pronounced as haptahindu as well. What was the other term used for this area?
[A] Mahabharata
[B] Aryavarta
[C] Pataliputra
[D] Brahmavarta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Brahmavarta]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Brahmavarta.” Saptasindhu refers to the land of the seven rivers, important in Vedic texts. Aryavarta, meaning “land of the Aryans,” is often used interchangeably but specifically refers to northern India. Brahmavarta, derived from Brahma, signifies a sacred region associated with Vedic culture and is considered the heartland of early Aryan civilization.
13. 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.
14. Which of the following works credits ‘Pushyabhuti’ as the founder of the Vardhana dynasty ?
[A] Harshacharita
[B] Banskhera Inscription of Harsha
[C] Yuan-Chwang
[D] Kadambari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harshacharita]
Notes:
The Harshacharita, is the biography of Indian emperor Harsha by Banabhatta,.The Pushyabhuti dynasty, also known as the Pushpabhuti dynasty or Vardhana dynasty, ruled parts of northern India during 6th and 7th centuries. Harshacharita credits ‘Pushyabhuti’ as the founder of the Vardhana dynasty.
15. Which among the following deals with the love story of a man called Charudatta and a nagarvadhu called “Vasanthasena”?
[A] Daskumarcharita
[B] Mrichhakatika
[C] Satakatraya
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mrichhakatika]
Notes:
Mrichchhakatika is a ten-act Sanskrit drama attributed to Śūdraka, an ancient playwright whose is possibly from the 5th century CE, and who is identified by the prologue as a Kshatriya king as well as a devotee of Siva who lived for 100 years. It deals with the love story of a man called Charudatta and a nagarvadhu called “Vasanthasena”
16. When did the Lohara dynasty was founded?
[A] 1007 AD
[B] 1003 AD
[C] 998 AD
[D] 1010 AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1003 AD]
Notes:
The Lohara dynasty of Kashmir was founded by Sangam Raj (Hindu ruler) in 1003 AD who received the crown of Kashmir from his aunt Queen Didda.
17. Who among the following is / are considered as three Gems of Tamil poetry?
[A] Kambana
[B] Kuttana
[C] Pugalendi
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Kambana, Kuttana and Pugalendi are considered as three Gems of Tamil poetry.
18. Which of the following is not an event in ancient Indian history in BC era?
[A] Foundation of the Indo-Greek empire
[B] Beginning of Vikram samvat Era
[C] Fourth Buddhist Council
[D] Hathigumpha inscription by Kharvela
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Fourth Buddhist Council]
Notes:
Foundation of the Indo-Greek empire by Demetrius in 182 BC. Beginning of Vikram samvat Era in 58BC by Vikramaditya of Ujjain. Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD under the patronage of Kushan king Kanishka. The King Kharavela of Kalinga left Hathigumpha inscription in around 50BC. So correct answer would be C.
19. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien visited Kannauj between 399 and 414 A.D. during the reign of which of the following?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Ashoka
[C] Aurangzeb
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chandragupta II]
Notes:
Fa-Hien is the famous Chinese pilgrim who visited India during the rule of Chandra Gupta II. Fa-Hien started from China in 399 A.D. and covering all the way through the deserts came up to Peshawar.
20. Which of the following was not one of the things Asoka did for his people during his rule?
[A] Make stone pillars across India
[B] Send missionaries to Sri Lanka
[C] Set up food banks in poor towns
[D] Plant banyan trees by the roads
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Set up food banks in poor towns]
Notes:
After making a public speech calling everyone in his kingdom his children, he set out to help them. He began by building roads, rest hourses, hospitals and by making stone pillars with virtues on them, planting mango groves, and making shelters. He also became a vegetarian and limited Hindu animal sacrifices, but encouraged a tolerance in religion.
