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. Which among the following rulers of the Chola Empire conquered the Maldives during his regime ?
[A] Raja Raja Chola I
[B] Rajendra Chola
[C] Kulothunga Chola I
[D] Vikrama Chola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Raja Raja Chola I]
Notes:
Raja Raja Chola I, popularly known as Raja Raja the Great, is one of the greatest emperors of the Tamil Chola Empire of India who ruled between 985 and 1014 CE. By conquering several small kingdoms in South India, he expanded the Chola Empire. Rajaraja Chola conquered peninsular South India, annexed part of the Rajarata kingdom in present-day Sri Lanka, and occupied Maldives islands.
12. In Sangam age, the term “Pillai” was used for which among the following?
[A] lenders
[B] farmers
[C] labours
[D] students
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [students]
Notes:
The Sangam Age was the period of history of ancient Tamil Nadu and Kerala and parts of Sri lanka. “Pillai” was used to describe students in this age.
13. Vedic mythology refers to an ancient settlement called Pushkalavati after Pushkal, who was the son of King Bharata in the epic Ramayan. What is the modern location of Pushkalavati?
[A] Panipat
[B] Pushkar
[C] Peshawar
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Peshawar]
Notes:
Pushkalavati was capital of ancient Kingdom of Gandhara. Its ruins are currently located in Charsadda, Pakistan, located in Peshawar valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (formerly NWFP). Pushkalavati was home of the Sanskrit grammarian Panini.
14. Which among the following kings have been linked to the Sudaman Caves ?
[A] Ashoka
[B] ChandraGupta Maurya
[C] Bindusara
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashoka]
Notes:
Ashoka is credited with the establishment of the Sudaman Caves. These caves were primarily built for and dedicated to the Ajivikas. It is believed that the cave was named after Sudama, an Ajivika monk.
15. Which Buddhist council was held during the reign of Kanishka?
[A] 1st
[B] 2nd
[C] 3rd
[D] 4th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [4th]
Notes:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvana, Kashmir in 72 AD under the patronage of Kushan king Kanishka and the president of this council was Vasumitra, with Aśvaghosa as his deputy. This council distinctly divided the Buddhism into 2 sects Mahayan & Hinayan.
16. Who are the mother, wife, and daughter of Emperor Asoka respectively?
[A] Mahadevi, Subhadrangi, Sanghmitra
[B] Subhadrangi, Mahadevi, Sanghmitra
[C] Mahadevi, Sanghamitra, Subhadrangi
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Subhadrangi, Mahadevi, Sanghmitra]
Notes:
Emperor Asoka, who ruled most of India after the Maurya Dynasty, was born to his mother, Subhadrangi. He was married to Mahadevi and they had a daughter named Sanghmitra. Asoka is known for his significant contributions to Buddhism.
17. Which among the following is NOT correct ?
[A] The picture of Yogi is found in many Muhar in Harppa which who has three heads and sits in crossed legs indicating Shiva Worship
[B] The people of Harappa didn’t believe in Witchcraft
[C] The dogs and cats were the favorite domesticated animals of Harppan people
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The people of Harappa didn’t believe in Witchcraft]
Notes:
A lot of talismans made of bronze and copper have been found which indicate that People of Harappa believe in witchcrafts and dead souls
18. Which among the following is also called encyclopedia of Buddhism?
[A] Buddhacharita
[B] Mahavibhasa
[C] Milinda Panho
[D] Vinayapitaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahavibhasa]
Notes:
Abhidharma-mahavibhasa known as Mahavibhaṣa, is a Vaibhashika written treatise on Sarvastivada abhidharma. It translated into Chinese by the scholar–pilgrim Xuanzang and his translation team between 656 and 659 C.E.
19. Which among the following sites has given the evidence of an earliest recorded “Earthquake”?
[A] Kalibangan
[B] Lothal
[C] Surkotda
[D] Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kalibangan]
Notes:
According to B. B. Lal, former DG of ASI, Kalibangan site shows that an earthquake occured around 2600 BC, which brought to an end the Early Indus settlement at the site. It is perhaps the earliest archaeologically recorded earthquake.
20. In context of Chola administration what did “Kurram” denote?
[A] Mandalam
[B] District
[C] Mandap
[D] Group of villages
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Group of villages]
Notes:
Kurram (a group of villages) was the lowest unit of Chola administration.
