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. Nakoda at Rajasthan, which is famous for miracles at Nakodaji, is a temple of which among the following ?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Krishna
[C] Buddha
[D] Parsvanath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Parsvanath]
Notes:
Parsvanath was the 23rd of 24th Tirthankaras.
12. Which among the following kings assassinated Brihadrath, the last Maurya King?
[A] Agnimitra
[B] Pushyamitra Shunga
[C] Vasujyeshtha
[D] Vasumitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pushyamitra Shunga]
Notes:
Brihadratha was a weak ruler and his Senapati Pushymitra Shunga while a parading the entire Mauryan army before Brihadratha to show him the strength of the army assassinated him and this was the end of the Mauryas.
Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty in around 185-183 BC.
13. As per the Hindu Philosophy, what is the number of articles under the restraints and practices (Yamas and Niyamas)?
[A] 5
[B] 15
[C] 20
[D] 36
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [20]
Notes:
The 10 Yamas are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya (not stealing), Brahmacharya (marital fidelity and chastity), Kshama, Dhriti (fortitude), Daya (compassion), Arjava (sincerity and non-hypocrisy), Mitahara (measured diet).
The 10 Niyamas are Tapas (persistence), Santosa (contentment), Astikya (belief in self and God), Dana (generosity), Isvarpujana (worship of one’s God), Siddhanta Sravana (listening to scriptures), Mati (thinking and understanding), Japa (reciting prayers), Huta & Vrata. Huta means religious rituals and Vrata means fulfilling religious vows.
14. What was Fa-Hien’s main purpose for visiting India during the Gupta period?
[A] Establish trade relations between India and China
[B] Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha
[C] Write a book on the life of Indian people
[D] To spread Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha]
Notes:
Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. His main purpose was to study the teachings of Gautam Buddha. He traveled to learn about Buddhist scriptures and monastic practices. His journey took place in the early 5th century CE, and he documented his observations in a travelogue. He did not visit to establish trade or spread Buddhism directly. His records provide insights into the Gupta period and Buddhist traditions.
15. Which river is mentioned as ‘Charmanyavati’ in Mahabharata?
[A] Chambal
[B] Shipra
[C] Narmada
[D] Tapti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chambal ]
Notes:
Chambal is known as Charmanyavati in Mahabharata,which means originating from blood of thousand animals sacrificed.
16. Who was the last ruler of Chola dynasty?
[A] Rajendra III
[B] Virarajendra
[C] Kulottunga II
[D] Parantaka I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajendra III]
Notes:
Rajendra III was the last ruler of the imperial Chola dynasty, whose rule ended around 1279 CE. Adhirajendra died in 1070 and was followed by Kulottunga I.
17. Mahanataka Sudhanidhi was composed by which Sangama dynasty ruler?
[A] Harihara I
[B] Bukka
[C] Krishna Deva Raya
[D] Devaraya II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Devaraya II]
Notes:
Devaraya II of the Vijayanagara Empire’s Sangama dynasty is credited with the Sanskrit work Mahanataka Sudhanidhi and a commentary on Badarayana’s Brahma Sutras. He ruled in the fifteenth century.
18. In stone age, microlith-based composite tools became characteristic in which of the following ages?
[A] Paleolithic
[B] Mesolithic
[C] Neolithic
[D] Chalcolithic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mesolithic]
Notes:
The Mesolithic Age is known for microliths, which are small, carefully made stone tools. These were often hafted onto wood or bone to form composite implements such as arrows, spears, and sickles. This phase marks a clear shift toward more specialized and efficient tool use compared with earlier Stone Age industries. Hence, microlith-based composite tools are most characteristically associated with the Mesolithic Age.
19. Each term of which of the following sets denotes a kind of tax / cess during Gupta Era?
[A] Bhaga, Bhoga, Vasti
[B] Bali, Udranga, Hiranya
[C] Khila, Udranga, Vasti
[D] Bali, Bhaga, Khila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Bali, Udranga, Hiranya ]
Notes:
Bali, udranga and hiranya denote fiscal dues. Hiranya refers to a monetary payment. Khila means uncultivated land, while vastu refers to a dwelling or settlement site.
20. The Srauta, Grihya, Dharma, and Sulba Sutras belong to which Vedanga?
[A] Vyakarana
[B] Nirkuta
[C] Kalpa
[D] Shiksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kalpa]
Notes:
The Vedangas are six limbs of the Vedas. Kalpa Vedanga includes the Srauta Sutra (rituals of sacrifices), Grihya Sutra (domestic rites), Dharma Sutra (ethics and laws), and Sulba Sutra (measurements for sacrificial altars). Panini’s Vyakarana refers to grammar. Nirukta deals with etymology. Shiksha focuses on phonetics and pronunciation.
