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. Pushyamitra Shunga, who was originally a Senapati of the Mauryan Empire and assassinated the last Mauryan Emperor Brihadrath in 185 BC was a ____?
[A] Brahamin
[B] Kshatriya
[C] Vaishya
[D] Shudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brahamin]
Notes:
Pushyamitra Shunga was the founder and first ruler of the Shunga Empire. He was a Brahmin and follower of Hinduism. Pushyamitra was originally a Senapati “General” of the Maurya Empire. In 185 BCE he assassinated the last Mauryan Emperor, Brihadratha Maurya, during an army review, and proclaimed himself emperor.
12. Who erected the Garuda pillar inscription of Besnagar in modern Madhya Pradesh?
[A] Heliodorus
[B] Vijayamitra
[C] Kanishka
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Heliodorus]
Notes:
Heliodorus, a Greek envoy from King Antialcidas to King Bhagabhadra, erected the Garuda pillar at Besnagar. Its inscription identifies him as a devotee of Vasudeva and is important evidence of the Bhagavata tradition.
13. According to Buddhist tradition, Menander, an Indo-Greek king, accepted which of the following religions?
[A] Zoroastrianism
[B] Buddhism
[C] Jainism
[D] Islam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Buddhism]
Notes:
Buddhist tradition associates Menander with Buddhism. The Milindapanha records dialogues between King Milinda, generally identified with Menander I, and the monk Nagasena.
14. Who among the following was an Indian sage and Guru, reputed to disseminate Tantric Buddhism in Bhutan and Tibet during the 8th century?
[A] Asanga
[B] Nagarjuna
[C] Padmasambhava
[D] Mahavir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Padmasambhava]
Notes:
Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was an 8th-century Buddhist master from the Indian subcontinent. It is said he brought Vajrayana tantric Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan and is recognized as the second Buddha in these regions. His name means “Lotus-Born”, as per the legend, by his birth he was miraculously appeared seated lotus. Subsequently, he played a crucial role in the development of Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
15. Famous enigmatic Trimurty Sadasiva is located at:
[A] Ellora
[B] Elephanta
[C] Ajanta
[D] Jogeshwari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Elephanta]
Notes:
The monumental Sadashiva at Elephanta represents three visible aspects of Shiva. It is also called Maheshmurti and belongs to the island’s principal Shiva cave.
16. Bhagwati Sutra gives the valuable information about the life of which of the following?
[A] Buddha
[B] Mahavira
[C] Ajatshatru
[D] Meander
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahavira]
Notes:
Bhagavati Sutra, is the fifth of the 12 Jain Agamas. It said to be promulgated by Mahavira. The Bhagavati Sutra is said to have been composed by Sudharmaswami by the Svetambara school of Jainism.
17. Which of the following events happened in AD Era?
[A] First Buddhist Council
[B] Second Buddhist Council
[C] Coronation of Bidusara
[D] Beginning of Saka Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Beginning of Saka Era]
Notes:
The Shaka era begins in 78 CE. It is the era used by India’s national calendar.
18. 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.
19. According to Indian Mythology, which one was considered the oldest book on political science in India?
[A] Dandaniti
[B] Bahudantaka
[C] Barhaspatya Sastra
[D] Vaisalaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dandaniti]
Notes:
The Shanti Parva presents a mythic account in which Brahma formulates Dandaniti, the science of government and punishment. Later abridgements are associated with names such as Vaisalaksha and Bahudantaka. This is an epic tradition, not a historically dated claim about India’s oldest surviving book.
20. Which of the following process gave us the knowledge of Harappan Culture? (UPSC Prelims 1979).
[A] Archaeological excavations
[B] The script on copper sheets
[C] Rock edicts
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Archaeological excavations]
Notes:
The archaeological sources are immense when it comes to rediscovering the harappan civilization. There are 100s of sites uncovered which belong to the harappan period which include Harappa, mohenjodaro, lothal, Dholavira, nageshwar, balakot, Rakhigarhi etc. With each site having its unique evidence and structures such as the great bath at mohenjodaro, the reservoir at Dholavira and the traces of bead making worksops which include the tools used for making beads and it is clear what each site was used for.
