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 silver coins of which among the following kings carried portraits and bilingual legends, which were inspired by the Kshatrapa types?
[A] Satavahanas
[B] Kushanas
[C] Guptas
[D] Mauryas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Satavahanas ]
Notes:
Satavahana kings are noted for issuing bilingual coins featuring Middle Indo-Aryan language on one side, and Tamil language on the other side.
12. What was the function of Samharta in Mauryan Administration?
[A] To Collect Revenue
[B] To Work as a Judge
[C] Leadership of Army
[D] Delivering Justice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To Collect Revenue]
Notes:
The important officials in revenue department are Sannidhata: Chief treasury, Samaharta: collector general of revenue.
13. Milinda-Panho is a pali text which record discussion between Milinda and Nagsena. Milinda was a ________?
[A] Satvahan King
[B] Shunga King
[C] Indo Greek Ruler
[D] Nanda king
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo Greek Ruler]
Notes:
The Milinda Panho is a Buddhist text which dates from sometime between 100 BC and 200 CE. It records a dialogue between the Buddhist sage Nāgasena, and the Indo-Greek king Menander.
14. The ancient places of Badami, Dwarasamudra and Warangal are related to which of the following dynasties?
[A] Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[B] Cholas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[C] Pallavas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas]
Notes:
Badami belonged to Chalukyas, Dwarasamudra belonged to Hoyasala and Warangal was ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty rulers.
15. The three sangams were organized under the chairmanship of which of the following?
[A] Rishi Agastya, Nakkirar, Rishi Agastya
[B] Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya & Nakkirar
[C] Nakkirar,Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rishi Agastya, Rishi Agastya & Nakkirar]
Notes:
The first Tamil Sangam was held to the south of Madurai under the patronage of Makeerthy, the Pandyan king. Agastya was the president of first sangam. The second sangam was also led by king Agastya. The third sangam is led by Nakkirar.
16. Who among the following is considered to organize a confederacy of 10 tribes or Kings against Sudas?
[A] Vashishta
[B] Vishawamitra
[C] Puru
[D] Agatsya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vishawamitra]
Notes:
The battle of ten kings was fought between Sudas, a Bharata king of the Tritsu family and the confederacy of ten well-known tribes- Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha ,Bhalanas,Shiva and Vishanin. In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of River Purushni, the Bharatas emerged victorious. The reason behind the war is the rivalry between Vishwamitra and Vasishtha.
17. Saka Year is how many years behind the Christian Era?
[A] 50
[B] 75
[C] 78
[D] 100
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [78]
Notes:
The Shaka era is a historical calendar era, the epoch of which corresponds to Julian year 78. Kanishka the Great, was the emperor of the Kushan dynasty in the second century founded the Shaka era.
18. What was the capital of the ancient Vatsa Mahajanapada?
[A] Mathura
[B] Bairath
[C] Kausambi
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kausambi]
Notes:
Kausambi was the capital of the ancient Vatsa Mahajanapada, an important political and cultural center during the sixth and fifth centuries BC. Vatsa or Vamsa was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas (large states) situated in Northern Ancient India, which was recognized for its significant contributions to the development of Buddhism and Jainism. This region attracted scholars and spiritual practitioners from far and wide, contributing immensely to the rich cultural tapestry of ancient India.
19. Who were Manu, Yajnavalkya , Narada and Brihaspati ?
[A] Law givers of ancient India
[B] Gods of Vedic religion
[C] Buddhist scholars and logicians
[D] Celebrated mathematicians and astronomers of ancient India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Law givers of ancient India]
Notes:
Manu, Yajnavalkya, Narada, and Brihaspati were law givers of ancient India. Manu is traditionally regarded as the author of the Manusmriti, a foundational text on Hindu law. Yajnavalkya is known for the Yajnavalkya Smriti, which also addresses legal and social issues. Narada is a sage often associated with legal and ethical discussions in texts like the Narada Smriti. Brihaspati, while primarily known as a deity of wisdom, is also linked to legal principles in ancient texts. These figures played crucial roles in shaping the legal framework of ancient Indian society.
20. Who is the founder of Advaita philosophy?
[A] Adi Shankaracharya
[B] Swami Vivekananda
[C] Basaveshwara
[D] Sri Ramanujacharya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Adi Shankaracharya]
Notes:
Advaita Vedanta is a school in Hinduism. People who believe in Advaita believe that their soul is not different from Brahman. The most famous Hindu philosopher who taught about Advaita Vedanta was Adi Shankara who lived in India more than a thousand years ago.
