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. The ancient city of Raj Griha which is modern Rajgir near Patna was built by which of the following kings?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Ajatshatru
[C] Prasenjit
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bimbisara]
Notes:
The ancient city of Rajgriha which is modern Rajgir near Patna was built by Bimbisara. Bimbisāra also known as Seniya or Shrenika in the Jain histories was a King of Magadha and belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. He was the son of Bhattiya.
12. Which among the following is not correctly matched? (Maurya Kings and contemporary Travelers/ Ambassadors )
[A] Chandra Gupta Maurya – Megasthenes
[B] Bindusara – Deimakos
[C] Harshavardhana – Hiuen Tsang
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All are correct]
Notes:
The correct answer is “All are correct.” – Chandra Gupta Maurya was indeed associated with Megasthenes, who was a Greek ambassador to his court. – Bindusara, Chandra Gupta’s son, was linked to Deimakos, another Greek ambassador. – Harshavardhana, a later ruler, was visited by Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang), a Chinese monk and traveler. Thus, all pairs are accurately matched with their respective historical figures.
13. Which among the following Chera King is famous for the legends surrounding Kannagi (he built a temple dedicated to Kannagi) and is also known as “Red Cherra”?
[A] Karikala
[B] Senguttuvan
[C] Nedum Cheralathan
[D] Elkara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Senguttuvan]
Notes:
Senguttuvan, the king of ancient Tamilakam, had erected the temple for Kannagi around 2000 years back at Vannathiparai and called it ‘Kannagi Kottam’. He is known as Red Cherra.
14. Famous enigmatic Trimurty Sadasiva is located at:
[A] Ellora
[B] Elephanta
[C] Ajanta
[D] Jogeshwari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Elephanta]
Notes:
The famous Trimurty Sadasiva is located at Elephanta Caves, near Mumbai. This site features rock-cut sculptures, including a massive depiction of Trimurti, representing the three aspects of God in Hinduism: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). The Elephanta Caves date back to the 5th to 8th centuries and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing intricate artistry and religious significance.
15. Which of the following Indian playwright was imitated by Ceylon King Kumaradasa, the author of Janakiharana?
[A] Bharavi
[B] Kalidasa
[C] Bhatti
[D] Vagbhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalidasa]
Notes:
Kalidasa was Indian playwright imitated by Ceylon King Kumaradasa, the author of Janakiharana.
16. Who among the following rulers of Karkota dynasty built the Martand Surya temple?
[A] Lalitaditya Muktapida
[B] Durlabh Vardhan
[C] Durlabahaka
[D] Avanativarmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lalitaditya Muktapida]
Notes:
The Martand Sun Temple was built by an emperor of the Kashmiri Karkoṭa dynasty, Lalitaditya Muktapida in the 8th century. The temple was destroyed by Islamic ruler Sikandar Butshikan in the early 15th century.
17. Which of these important inventions was created by the Gupta civilization?
[A] Leather Belts
[B] Farm Tractor
[C] Newspaper
[D] ‘Arabic’ Numeral System
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [‘Arabic’ Numeral System]
Notes:
The Gupta civilization took pride in its education system and its mathematics in the ancient world. The number system that they created – which is now known as the ‘Arabic’ numeral system, was based on the number zero. The Gupta civilization was also very advanced in herbal medicine.
18. Which of the following refers to ‘perfect knowledge’ in Jainism?
[A] Jina
[B] ratna
[C] kaivalya
[D] nirvana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [kaivalya]
Notes:
Kaivalya also known as Kevala Jnana means omniscience in Jainism and is roughly translated as absolute knowledge or supreme knowledge. Jain scriptures speak of twelve stages through which the soul achieves this goal.
19. Which one of the following ports handled the north Indian trade during the Gupta period?
[A] Tamralipti
[B] Broach
[C] Kalyan
[D] Cambray
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamralipti]
Notes:
Tamralipta or Tamralipti was the name of an ancient city on the Bay of Bengal corresponding with Tamluk in modern-day India. Tamralipta may have been one of the most important urban centres of trade and commerce of early historic India, trading along the Silk Road with China, by Uttarapatha, the northern high road, the main trade route into the Middle East and Europe; and by seafaring routes to Bali, Java and the Far East.
20. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. What was it?
[A] occasion to elect the Sanghaparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya
[B] confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season
[C] ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved an when yellow robes are offered
[D] gathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the full moon day of Ashadha when they take up affixed abode for the next four months or rainy season
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season]
Notes:
Pavarana is a Buddhist holy day celebrated on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month. It marks the end of the month of Vassa, sometimes called “Buddhist Lent.” This day marks the end of the rainy season in some Asian countries like Thailand, where Theravada Buddhism is practiced. On this day, each monk must come before the community of monks and atone for an offense he may have committed during the Vassa.
