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. Mahabalipuram was a port city of which of the following dynasties?
[A] Chola
[B] Pallava
[C] Chalukya
[D] Kakatiya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pallava]
Notes:
Mahabalipuram was one of the major port cities by the 7th century within the Pallava kingdom. The town was named after Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who was also known as Mahabali. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO world heritage site.
12. Which of the following group represents right combination of Triratnas of Jainism?
[A] Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Thought
[B] Right Thought, Right Action, Right Conduct
[C] Right Faith, Right Knowledge , Right Conduct
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Right Faith, Right Knowledge , Right Conduct]
Notes:
The triratnas are the three jewels (also referred to as ratnatraya) are understood as samyagdarshana (“right faith”), samyagjnana (“right knowledge”), and samyakcharitra (“right conduct”). One of the three cannot exist exclusive of the others, and all are required for spiritual liberation.
13. Which among the following Buddhist work is written in Sanskrit?
[A] Mahavamsha
[B] Deepavamsha
[C] Divyavadana
[D] Milinda Panho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Divyavadana]
Notes:
Buddhist work that is written in Sanskrit is the “Divyavadana” (Option C). The “Divyavadana” is a collection of Buddhist stories and legends written in Sanskrit. It contains narratives of the lives and teachings of the Buddha, as well as stories about various Buddhist monks and nuns. Sanskrit was one of the classical languages used for Buddhist scriptures and texts, alongside Pali and other languages, depending on the Buddhist tradition and region.
14. Where was Second Buddhist Council held ?
[A] Satparni
[B] Vaishali
[C] Patliputra
[D] Kundal Vana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vaishali]
Notes:
Second Buddhist Council was held in 383 BC to settle a dispute on Vinaya Pitaka, the code of discipline. The Buddhism sects Sthaviravada, Mahasanghika and Sarvastivada appeared for the first time after this meeting. It was held at Vaishali under the patronage of King Kalasoka and the presidency of Sabakami.
15. In Greek texts, who among the following has been mentioned as Amitrochates?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Bindusara
[C] Kautilya
[D] Asoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bindusara]
Notes:
The correct answer is Bindusara. In Greek texts, particularly those by historians like Megasthenes, Bindusara, the Mauryan emperor and son of Chandragupta Maurya, is referred to as Amitrochates. This name is believed to mean “the one who has no enemies.” Bindusara ruled from approximately 297 to 273 BCE and is known for expanding the Mauryan Empire and maintaining diplomatic relations with Hellenistic states.
16. Sitabena and Jogimara, which are known to be among world’s oldest surviving theatres, are located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Bihar
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
Sitabena and Jogimara are located in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh. The caves are located on Ramgarh hill, near the village of Ramgarh. The hills have many caves, but the Sitabenga and Jogimara caves are the most important and frequently visited.
The caves are ancient monuments with non-religious inscriptions in the Magadhi language and Brahmi script. They also have eight panels of murals, but they have become faded.
The excavated ruins at the caves are said to represent the world’s oldest amphitheatres.
17. Which of the following Vedas means 'wisdom of sacrificial formulas'?
[A] Rig-Veda
[B] Samveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharvaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yajurveda]
Notes:
Yajurveda means 'wisdom of sacrificial formulas'
18. Which of the following events happened in AD Era?
[A] Coronation of Bidusara
[B] First Buddhist Council
[C] Beginning of Saka Era
[D] Second Buddhist Council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Beginning of Saka Era]
Notes:
The Saka Era was founded by Kanishka, the emperor of Kushana empire from the year 78 A.D. The Shaka era is a historical calendar era, corresponding to Julian year 78. It is commonly known in Indian languages as Shalivahana Śaka.
19. The beginning of urbanization of the Ganges from the 6th century was mainly attributed to which of the following reasons? (UPSC Prelims 1989)
[A] Fertility of soil
[B] Trade improvement
[C] Population growth
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Fertility of soil]
Notes:
The beginning of urbanization of the Ganges from the 6th century was mainly attributed to fertility of soil.
20. Which one of the following sequences indicates the correct chronological order? (UPSC Prelims 2004)
[A] Shankaracharya—Ramanuja—Chaitanya
[B] Ramanuja—Shankaracharya—Chaitanya
[C] Ramanuja—Chaitanya—Shankaracharya
[D] Shankaracharya—Chaitanya—Ramanuja
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shankaracharya—Ramanuja—Chaitanya]
Notes:
The correct chronological order is Shankaracharya (9th Century CE) – Ramanuja (1017- 1137 CE) – Chaitanya (1436-1533 CE).
