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. Which Saka ruler was responsible for important irrigation works in Saurashtra?
[A] Rudraraman
[B] Moga
[C] Azes
[D] Nahapana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rudraraman ]
Notes:
The Saka ruler, Rudradraman was responsible for important irrigation works in Saurashtra. His military achievements, his territories and his many personal qualities are highlighted in the famous Junagadh inscription, written in 150 AD. It is the first major inscription to be written in sanskrit.
12. Who among the following was the first Tirthankar of Jainism?
[A] Rishabh dev
[B] Parshwanath
[C] Neminath
[D] Sambhavanath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rishabh dev]
Notes:
Lord Rishabhdev was the first Tirthankara of Jainism. He was born at Ayodhya in the Ikshwaku Kula or clan. In Hinduism he is known to be an avatara or incarnation of Vishnu. The name of Rishabh’s parents has been mentioned in the Bhagvata Purana.
13. As per the Hindu Philosophy, what is the number of articles under the restraints and practices (Yamas and Niyamas)?
[A] 5
[B] 15
[C] 20
[D] 36
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [20]
Notes:
The 10 Yamas are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya (not stealing), Brahmacharya (marital fidelity and chastity), Kshama, Dhriti (fortitude), Daya (compassion), Arjava (sincerity and non-hypocrisy), Mitahara (measured diet).
The 10 Niyamas are Tapas (persistence), Santosa (contentment), Astikya (belief in self and God), Dana (generosity), Isvarpujana (worship of one’s God), Siddhanta Sravana (listening to scriptures), Mati (thinking and understanding), Japa (reciting prayers), Huta & Vrata. Huta means religious rituals and Vrata means fulfilling religious vows.
14. 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.
15. Which among the following kingdom in South India was known for an excellent Navy ?
[A] Pandyas
[B] Cholas
[C] Pallavas
[D] Chalukyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The cholas had a good navy. The Chola navy played a vital role in the expansion of the Chola Empire, including the conquest of the Ceylon islands and naval raids on Sri Vijaya.
16. What is the number of Richas in Rigveda?
[A] 1810
[B] 731
[C] 10580
[D] 5839
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [10580]
Notes:
Rigveda has 10 Mandalas, 1,028 Suktas and 10,580 Richas.
17. Which among the following best suits to Vajrasana?
[A] The place where Buddha got enlightment
[B] The Place where First Buddhist Council was held
[C] The capital of one of the clans of Athakula
[D] The site where a Mauryan Palace has been excavated
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The place where Buddha got enlightment]
Notes:
The Vajrasana is an ancient stone slab located under the Bodhi tree, directly beside the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya. It was placed at Bodhgayā by emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire between 250-233 BCE, at the spot where the Buddha gained enlightenment about 200 years before.
18. The Elephanta caves have been mostly ascribed to which among the following dynasty?
[A] Chalukyas
[B] Cholas
[C] Rasthrakutas
[D] Pallavas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rasthrakutas]
Notes:
Rashtrakuta dynasty is credited with building the Elephanta caves. The caves were constructed by cutting the walls of high basalt rock walls. The caves are located on an island in the Sea of Oman, close to Bombay. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contain a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva.
The caves were completed in the second quarter of the 6th century. Contemporary scholars attribute the caves to king Krishnaraja of the Kalachuri dynasty. The caves were commissioned by the warrior king Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas of the Badami dynasty.
The island was known as Gharapuri, or “place of caves”, in ancient times. The name Elephanta was given by 16th-century Portuguese explorers after seeing a monolithic basalt sculpture of an elephant near the entrance.
19. Who is credited as the founder of the Chola Dynasty?
[A] Rajendra Chola I
[B] Raja Raja Chola I
[C] Vijayalaya Chola
[D] Aditya I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vijayalaya Chola]
Notes:
Vijayalaya Chola is recognized as the founder of the Chola Dynasty. He established his control over the kingdom of Tanjore in 850 AD, marking the emergence of the Chola dynasty in the south of India. His reign ushered in a period of Chola supremacy which significantly influenced the political and cultural landscape of southern India.
20. Which Chinese traveller’s description about the Indian society are recorded in the book ‘Fo-Kero-Ki’?
[A] Fa-hien
[B] Hiuen Tsang
[C] I-tsing
[D] Pan-Ku
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Fa-hien]
Notes:
Fa-hien wrote this book when he came to India during the reign of Gupta dynasty most probably between A.D 399-414. He was a Chinese Buddhist monk and translator who traveled by foot from Ancient China to Ancient India, visiting many sacred Buddhist sites in Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia between 399-412 to acquire Buddhist texts.
