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. In ancient India, the term Nishka was related to which among the following?
[A] Crop
[B] Tax
[C] Currency
[D] Tool
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Currency]
Notes:
Nishka meant currency or coin as well as a Necklace (that would also be made of coins during those times).
12. Who among the following is ascribed for the work Mudrarakshaha?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Vishakhadatta
[C] Kautilya
[D] Bhatrihari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vishakhadatta]
Notes:
Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Ashoka’s Inscriptions, Megasthenes Indica and Vishakhadatta`s Mudrarakshasa are the main sources of Mauryan History.
13. Which among the following is true about Buddha?
[A] He accepted existence of God
[B] He didn’t accept existence of God
[C] He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god]
Notes:
Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, did not explicitly affirm or deny the existence of God. His teachings focused on personal enlightenment and the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing individual experience over theological speculation. This approach led to interpretations that he neither accepted nor rejected the concept of God, aligning with the agnostic stance. Buddhism generally does not center around a creator deity, distinguishing it from many other religions.
14. After death of Bindusara, who among the following is considered to help Asoka to capture the throne?
[A] Vishnugupta
[B] Radhagupta
[C] Tishya
[D] Bairam khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Radhagupta]
Notes:
Radhagupta was an important character in the life of the greatest king Ashoka. Radhagupta was a son of prime minister. He later became a minster in the Mauryan empire. Radhagupta gave elephant as a gift when Ashoka proceed to golden palace. He helped Ashoka after the death of Bindusara.
15. Vasucharita is a work of which of the following ?
[A] Ram raja
[B] Krishndev rai
[C] Vitthalantha
[D] Kalidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ram raja]
Notes:
Ramraja or Ramarajabhushanudu who was a Telugu poet and a notable musician was one of the Astadiggajas (a collective title for Telugu poets in the court of Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara Empire).
16. Who was the author of the epic poem “Ravanavadha” ?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Bhartrihari
[C] Bhatti
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhatti]
Notes:
The Ravanavadha or “Ravana’s Killing” epic poem was authored by Bhatti, a notable Indian poet who lived around the 7th century. He was legend for his unique style that blended romance and epic themes. His work, Bhatti’s Poem: The Death of Rávana (“Bhaṭṭikāvya”), is considered an important work of Sanskrit literature and was a homage to both the capability of language and to the dramatic climax of Valmiki’s Ramayana. It also showcases the war scenario and political atmosphere of that time.
17. Which among the following is related to history of Kashmir?
[A] Rajatarangini
[B] Ashokavadana
[C] Vikramorvashiyam
[D] Arthashastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajatarangini]
Notes:
Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century CE, is a historical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir. It provides a historical narrative of Kashmir from earliest times to the 12th century CE.
18. Kavi Vatsal was a title assumed by a king from which of the following dynasties?
[A] Pushyabhuti
[B] Pallava
[C] Maurya
[D] Satavahana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Satavahana]
Notes:
Kavi Vatsal was a title taken up by King Hala who belonged to the Satavahana Dynasty. Hala is renowned for his poetical work known as Gaha Sattasai, a prominent piece in Prakrit literature. The Satavahana Dynasty, also known as the Andhras in Deccan, lasted from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE and made a significant contribution to Indian architecture, religion, culture, and society.
19. There is only one Rock Edict in which Asoka talks about taxation. Which among the following is that edict?
[A] Bhabru Inscription
[B] Nigalisagar Pillar Inscription
[C] Rummindei Pillar Inscription
[D] Barabar Cave Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rummindei Pillar Inscription]
Notes:
Lumbini Pillar Edict in Nepal is known as the Rummindei Pillar Inscription .The Lumbini Pillar Edict recorded that sometime after the twentieth year of his reign, Ashoka travelled to the Buddha’s birthplace and personally made offerings. He then had a stone pillar set up and reduced the taxes of the people in that area. It talks about the taxation of ashoka.
20. Establishment of Svetambara as a separate sect within Jainism was resulted at ____?
[A] Rajgriha
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Ujjaini
[D] Sanchi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vallabhi]
Notes:
It was the outcome of Jain monks council meeting held in the year of 453 or 466 CE