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 name of the state Bihar comes from an old name which denotes which of the following?
[A] A Buddhist monastery
[B] A forest
[C] A Temple
[D] An ancient empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A Buddhist monastery]
Notes:
The name Bihar is derived from a Pali word ‘Vihara’ which means ‘abode’ and has a Sanskrit origin. With time it changed to Bihar. Earlier, it was known as Abode or Vihara of Buddhist monks.
12. Which among the following best suits to Vajrasana?
[A] The place where Buddha got enlightment
[B] The Place where First Buddhist Council was held
[C] The capital of one of the clans of Athakula
[D] The site where a Mauryan Palace has been excavated
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The place where Buddha got enlightment]
Notes:
The Vajrasana is an ancient stone slab located under the Bodhi tree, directly beside the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya. It was placed at Bodhgayā by emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire between 250-233 BCE, at the spot where the Buddha gained enlightenment about 200 years before.
13. Which city was the capital of the Chola Kingdom?
[A] Tanjore
[B] Badami
[C] Vatapi
[D] Kanchi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tanjore]
Notes:
Vijayalaya, the founder of the Chola dynasty, conquered the kingdom of Tanjore in 850 AD, which then became the capital of the Chola Kingdom. The city of Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur, is in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is an important center of South Indian art, architecture, and religion, and was at the heart of the Chola empire, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the world’s history.
14. Bhaddasala, mentioned several times in Puranas and other ancient Indian texts was_?
[A] a poet in the court of Chandragupta Maurya
[B] general of the Nanda Army
[C] ambassador of Ceylon King sent to Asoka’s court
[D] playwright in the Gupta Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [general of the Nanda Army ]
Notes:
Bhaddasala was a general of King Nanda and a strong opponent of Chandragupta. He is mentioned in the Puranas and other ancient Indian texts. Bhaddasala is also named as a Nanda general in the Buddhist scripture Milinda Panha, which dates from 100 BCE. The scripture describes a fight between Bhaddasala and Chandragupta. Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Nanda dynasty with the help of his guru, Chanakya.
15. Which of the following was the capital of the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Delhi
[C] Hyderabad
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pataliputra]
Notes:
Comprising the majority of South Asia, the Maurya Empire was centralized by conquering the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the eastern extent of the empire and had its capital city at Pataliputra (modern Patna).
16. The archeological remains of which institution is found in the vicinity of a village called ‘Bara Gaon’ in the eastern part of India?
[A] Taxila University
[B] Nalanda University
[C] Ujjain Sun Temple
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nalanda University]
Notes:
The Nalanda Mahavihara site is in the State of Bihar, in north-eastern India. Its archeological remains is found in the vicinity of a village called ‘Bara Gaon’. The remains comprises of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal.
17. In which one of the following inscriptions is Ashoka mentioned by name? (UPSC Prelims 1990)
[A] Major Rock edict at Girnar
[B] Minor Rock inscription at Maski
[C] Bairat inscription
[D] Lamghan inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Minor Rock inscription at Maski]
Notes:
The Maski inscriptions were found in Maski village in the Raichur district of Karnataka. These inscriptions are etched on a boulder and cave walls in Brahmi script. The significance of the Maski inscriptions is that they provided definitive evidence linking Ashoka to the title “Devanampriya” (Beloved of the Gods). The text includes the name “Devanampriya Ashoka”, clearly establishing the connection. Other inscriptions like the Gujarra Rock Edict from Madhya Pradesh do mention titles like “Devanampiya Piyadasi Asokaraja”.
18. The name of the poet Kalidasa is mentioned in which of the following inscriptions? (UPSC Prelims 1994)
[A] Allahabad pillar inscription
[B] Aihole inscription
[C] Alapadu grant
[D] Hanumakonda inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aihole inscription]
Notes:
Aihole inscription mentions the name of Kalidas. The inscription is found at Aihole in Karnataka state. The Aihole inscription was written by the Ravikirti, court poet of Chalukya King, Pulakeshi II who reigned from 610 to 642 CE. The poetic verses of Ravikirti, in praise of the king, can be read in the Meguti temple, dated 634 CE.
19. In which of the following periods, copper was first used?
[A] Paleolithic
[B] Mesolithic
[C] Neolithic
[D] Chalcolithic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Chalcolithic ]
Notes:
Chalcolithic period saw the use of the metals among which the Copper was first. Chalcolithic period is also known as Eneolithic period.
20. In which of the following Harappan site Double burial custom was followed?
[A] Mehargarh
[B] Banwali
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Lothal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Lothal]
Notes:
Double burials, the practice of burying one male and one female in the same grave, have been evidenced at the Harappan site of Lothal in Gujarat indicating possible family ties. This is in contrast to the primary method of interring the dead individually. The double burial practice was likely not the norm but shows some variance in funeral customs existed. Lothal’s dockyard, bead factories and large warehouse buildings signify its role as a prominent trade center of the maritime Harappan networks.
