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. Fourth Buddhist Council was held at?
[A] Kapilvastu
[B] Kashmir
[C] Sarnath
[D] Bodhgaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kashmir]
Notes:
First Rajgir, Second vaishali, Third patliputra
Fourth Buddhist Council is the name of two separate Buddhist council meetings first in Sri Lanka and another at Sarvastivada school, in Kashmir around the First Century AD.
12. 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.
13. Which of the following statements about the Gupta Empire under Samudragupta is NOT correct?
[A] Prayaga Prashasti of Samudragupta composed by his court poet Harisena is engraved on an Ashokan pillar at Allahabad.
[B] Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to have exercised direct administrative control over western and Southern India.
[C] Samudragupta carved out an extensive empire which is evident from the fact that he had performed an Asvamedha sacrifice.
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to have exercised direct administrative control over western and Southern India.]
Notes:
Samudragupta was the first Gupta ruler to have exercised direct administrative control over western and Southern India.
14. What is the vedic name of river Chenab?
[A] Bipasa
[B] Askini
[C] Satudri
[D] Chandni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Askini ]
Notes:
Chenab River was called Asikni in the Rigveda. The name Asikni means “dark colored waters”. The Chenab River is formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi. It runs through the Jammu area of J&K and into Pakistan’s Punjab plains.
15. With reference to vedic literature, “Tat Tvam Asi” is one of the most interpreted mahavakya (great saying). Which among the following is source of this mahavakya?
[A] Aitareya Brahman
[B] Kalpasutra
[C] Brahadaranyaka
[D] Chandogya Upanishad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chandogya Upanishad ]
Notes:
“Tat Tvam Asi” is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to “That Thou Art” in English. It is a central teaching in the Hindu philosophical tradition of Advaita Vedanta, which holds that the ultimate reality is non-dual and that the individual self (atman) is ultimately identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman). Tat Tvam Asi comes from Chandogya Upanishad.
16. Which caves dating back to 600 A.D. are located on Gharapuri Island in Mumbai harbour?
[A] Ajanta Caves
[B] Kanheri Caves
[C] Ellora Caves
[D] Elephanta Caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Elephanta Caves]
Notes:
The Elephanta Caves are hewn out of solid rock and filled with stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Gharapuri Island can be reached by boat from the Gateway of India. The stone elephant after which these caves have been named has been shifted to the Bhau Dali Ladd Museum located next to Jijamata Udyan.
17. In which year, Kalinga War was fought?
[A] 263 B.C
[B] 260 B.C
[C] 261 B.C
[D] 262 B.C
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [261 B.C]
Notes:
The Kalinga War was fought in 261 BC. The war was fought between Ashoka, the Mauryan Emperor, and the ruler of the State of Kalinga. The war was completed in the eighth year of Ashoka’s reign.
The Kalinga War was one of the most famous and bloodiest battles in world history. The war resulted in the deaths of 1,000,000 people, 150,000 captured, and an additional 1,000,000 died as a result of the conflict. The war was a turning point in Ashoka’s life. He vowed never to make war again and decided to devote the rest of his life to the spread of Dharma.
18. Which of the following rulers welcomed Magasthenes?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Harsha
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Vikramaditya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chandragupta Maurya]
Notes:
Chandragupta Maurya welcomed Magasthenes. A clear picture of his Maurya administration is derived from two most important sources of history, namely, Kautilya’s Arthasastra and the Indika of Megasthenes.
19. It is said that of the five doctrines taught by Jainism four were taken over by Mahavira from previous teachers and only one was added by him. Which one of the following was the doctrine added by him?
[A] Do not commit violence
[B] Observe continence
[C] Do not acquire property
[D] Do not speak a lie
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Observe continence]
Notes:
Mahavira added the principle of chastity to the four Jain principles already given by Parshva (no violence, no lying, no stealing, no possessions). According to tradition Mahavira is said to have established a community of 14,000 monks and 36,000 nuns before he died.
20. The Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I is dated in the Saka year 465. Which of the following year will be similar in Vikram Samvat?
[A] 601
[B] 300
[C] 330
[D] 407
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [601]
Notes:
The Saka era started in 78 AD, while Vikram era started from 58 BC. So if we want to convert Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I to Vikram era, it will be 465 + 78 + 58 = 601 Vikram Samvat.
