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. Every five years, Harshavardhana used to donate all his possessions at an assembly at which among the following places?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Banaras
[C] Prayag
[D] Kannauj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Prayag]
Notes:
Harsha organised religious assemblies every fifth year of his reign at Prayag (Allahabad). The thing which was left in the state treasury after five years, Harsha used to give it all in charity at that time. He has held six such assemblies during his reign.
12. 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.
13. Ashvaghosha, who has written the marvelous work “Buddhacharita” was a court poet of which among the following kings?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Samudra gupta
[D] Ajatshatru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanishka]
Notes:
Asvaghosa wrote “Buddhacharitra” and lived in the court of King Kanishka. He was a Buddhist philosopher, poet, orator and dramatist from India. He is considered to be the greatest Indian poet before Kalidasa.
14. Which Buddhist council was held during the reign of Kanishka?
[A] 1st
[B] 2nd
[C] 3rd
[D] 4th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [4th]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD under the patronage of Kushan king Kanishka and the president of this council was Vasumitra, with Aśvaghosa as his deputy. This council distinctly divided the Buddhism into 2 sects Mahayan & Hinayan.
15. Which among the following are correct about Chola King Rajendra Chola-I?
[A] He built a temple for Siva at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
[B] He also built Tanjore Brihadisvara temple
[C] He built Tanjore Brihadisvara temple for a tribute to his father
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [He built a temple for Siva at Gangaikonda Cholapuram]
Notes:
Tanjore Brihadisvara temple was created by father of Rajendra Chola-1 , Rajraja-1
16. Which of the following religious text is written in the form of questions and answers?
[A] Vinaya Pitaka
[B] Sutta Pitaka
[C] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[D] Prakirnas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Abhidhamma Pitaka]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is a detailed scholastic analysis and summary of the Buddha’s teachings in the Suttas. Everything written in this is in the form of question and answer.
17. The 13th Rock edict of Asoka which is longest among all the rock edicts describes which of the following?
[A] Policy of Dhamma
[B] Kalinga war
[C] Toleration among sects
[D] Purpose of rock edicts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalinga war]
Notes:
The 13th rock edict talks about the conquest of Kalinga at the eastern coast of India by Ashoka (268-233) in the year 261 BC. It was an event of greatest historical importance for India and world history.
18. The first Buddhist Council was held at Rajagriha ________?
[A] Shortly after Budhha’s Death
[B] Shortly before Buddha’s Death
[C] A century After Buddha’s Death
[D] A century After Buddha’s Death
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shortly after Budhha’s Death]
Notes:
The First Buddhist council convened just after Gautama Buddha’s death in c. 400 BCE at Rajgriha. It was a gathering of senior monks of the Buddhist order. It was recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravadins and Sanskrit Buddhist schools.
19. 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.
20. Which among the following Upanishads has been called the “Secret of Death”?
[A] Kathopnishad
[B] Mundakopnishad
[C] Mandukya
[D] Mundaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kathopnishad]
Notes:
Kathopnishad was translated by Max Müller in 1879. It was rendered in verse by Edwin Arnold as “The Secret of Death”. The central story is immortality and covers the story of encounter of Nachiketa, son of sage Vajasravasa, with Yama, God of death.
