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. During whose reign among the following the Mahayan emerged ?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Bimbisara
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka regarded Mahayana as his state religion. The state religion of Kanishka determined preaching the divinity of Gautama Buddha
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. In Greek texts, who among the following has been mentioned as Amitrochates?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Bindusara
[C] Kautilya
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bindusara]
Notes:
Bindusara, also called Bindusara Maurya, Greek Amitrochates, is the second Mauryan emperor, who ascended the throne about 297 bce. Greek sources refer to him as Amitrochates.
14. Which among the following is considered to be the official law book of the Guptas?
[A] Manusmriti
[B] Parashara Smriti
[C] Yajnavalkya Smriti
[D] Vyasa Smriti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yajnavalkya Smriti]
Notes:
The Yajnavalkya Smriti is one of the Dharma-related texts of Hinduism composed in Sanskrit. It is dated to between the 3rd to 5th-century CE, and belongs to the Dharmasastras tradition. It was the official law book of the Guptas.
15. Which among the following is correct about Bhaddasala?
[A] He was a poet in the court of Chandragupta Maurya
[B] He was the general of the Nanda Army
[C] He was an ambassador of Ceylon King sent to Asoka’s court
[D] He was a playwright in the Gupta Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [He was the general of the Nanda Army]
Notes:
Bhaddasala – (Bhadra shala / Bhadra shal ) was very strong opponent faced by chandragupta. He was a general of King Nanda.
16. Which among the following is correct about Bhaddasala?
[A] He was a poet in the court of Chandragupta Maurya
[B] He was the general of the Nanda Army
[C] He was an ambassador of Ceylon King sent to Asoka’s court
[D] He was a playwright in the Gupta Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [He was the general of the Nanda Army]
Notes:
Bhaddasala was a general of the Nanda Army. The Nanda dynasty, preceding the Maurya Empire, was known for its wealth and military strength. Chandragupta Maurya later overthrew the Nandas to establish the Maurya Empire, which became one of the largest empires in ancient India. The Nandas were important for their administrative innovations and for laying the groundwork for Mauryan rule.
17. Who among the following succeeded Pushyamitra Shunga?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Sujyestha
[C] Vajramitra
[D] Devbhuti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Agnimitra]
Notes:
Agnimitra succeeded his father, Pushyamitra Shunga, in 149 BC. He was the second king of the Shunga dynasty of northern India. The Vayu Purana and the Brahmanda Purana have described 8 years as the length of his reign.
18. The harappans used intaglio seals, made mostly of carved and fired steatite :
[A] As an export commodity.
[B] As a medium of exchange in place of coins.
[C] As amulets and charms to ward off evil spirits.
[D] For marking their goods and property.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [For marking their goods and property.]
Notes:
The seals of the ancient Harappan’s were probably used in much the same way they are today, to sign letters or for commercial transactions. The Harappan seals were used for marking goods and bales of merchandise. (Hence Option d. is correct)
19. Which ancient Indian philosopher did not make a significant contribution to the Yogācāra philosophical tradition?
[A] Vasubandhu
[B] Dinnaga
[C] Dharmakirti
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nagarjuna]
Notes:
The Yogācāra is a Buddhist school’s philosophical tradition that stressed on metaphysical idealism. Nagarjuna, unlike the other philosophers Vasubandhu, Dinnaga, and Dharmakirti, was not a significant contributor to this tradition. Nagarjuna is renowned for his doctrine of “śūnyatā” (emptiness), a cornerstone of the Mahāyāna Buddhist tradition, rather than the Yogācāra tradition.
20. The Gandhara School of Art flourished during which of the following periods?
[A] Satavahanas
[B] Guptas
[C] Mauryas
[D] Kushans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kushans]
Notes:
The Kushan period is considered the Golden Period of Gandhara. Peshawar Valley and Taxila are littered with ruins of stupas and monasteries of this period. Gandharan art flourished and produced some of the best pieces of sculpture from the Indian subcontinent.
