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 is true about Buddha?
[A] He accepted existence of God
[B] He didn’t accept existence of God
[C] He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god]
Notes:
Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, did not explicitly affirm or deny the existence of God. His teachings focused on personal enlightenment and the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing individual experience over theological speculation. This approach led to interpretations that he neither accepted nor rejected the concept of God, aligning with the agnostic stance. Buddhism generally does not center around a creator deity, distinguishing it from many other religions.
12. King Prasenjita was the king of which kingdom?
[A] Kasi
[B] Anga
[C] Magadha
[D] Kosala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kosala]
Notes:
King Prasenjita belonged to the Aikṣvāka dynasty and ruled Kosala. His capital was Sāvatthī. He was a contemporary and friend of Gautama Buddha and supported Buddhism by building many temples.
13. Who has written the biography of Harshavardhana?
[A] Banbhatta
[B] Harsha Himself
[C] Kalhana
[D] Kalidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Banbhatta]
Notes:
Harsha (c. 590–647 CE), also known as Harshavardhana, was an Indian emperor who ruled North India. His biography Harshacharita (“Deeds of Harsha”) written by Sanskrit poet Banabhatta describes his association with Thanesar, besides mentioning the defence wall, a moat and the palace with a two-storied Dhavalagriha.
14. Under whose reign were some Greeks or “Yavans” converted to the Vaishnava Cult?
[A] Shungas
[B] Nandas
[C] Shakas
[D] Satavahans
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shungas]
Notes:
The Heliodorus pillar at Besnagar records that Heliodorus, a Greek envoy, was a devotee of Vasudeva. He came to the court of Bhagabhadra, conventionally associated with the Shunga period.
15. Which among the following was the most famous learning centre during maurya Period?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Taxila
[C] Nalanda
[D] Vikramsila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Taxila]
Notes:
Taxila was an important ancient centre of learning and a provincial centre of the Mauryan Empire in the northwest.
16. In which of the following modern area “Amri Culture” developed?
[A] North East States of India
[B] Sindh and Balochistan of Pakistan
[C] Eastern Iraq
[D] South India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sindh and Balochistan of Pakistan]
Notes:
Amri culture refers to the Amri archaeological sites in Sindh and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan. It flourished in the 4th and 3rd millennia BC.
17. Which of the following correctly describes the subject of the Sanskrit play Mudrarakshasa?
[A] Conflicts between Demons (Rakshasha) and Gods (Deva)
[B] Romantic Love story of a demon and a princess
[C] Story of a young Arya Man and a Court Dancer
[D] Intrigues at the time of accession of Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Intrigues at the time of accession of Chandragupta Maurya]
Notes:
The Mudrarakshasa is a Sanskrit-language play by Vishakhadatta that narrates the ascent of the king Chandragupta Maurya to power in India.
18. Which among the ancient Indian Play has referred to the defeat of Yavanas on the bank of River Sindhu in the hands of Vasumitra?
[A] Raghuvamsa
[B] Malvikagnimitram
[C] Vikramorvashiyam
[D] Dasakumarcharita
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malvikagnimitram]
Notes:
The play mentions Vasumitra, the son of Agnimitra, defeating a band of Yavanas on the right bank of the river Sindhu when they tried to capture the sacrificial horse of Pushyamitra.
19. Select the statement which is NOT correct regarding Kalidasa:
[A] Kalidasa was a renowned Sanskrit poet and dramatist of Gupta period.
[B] He composed the play Malatimadhava.
[C] Kumarasambhava and Raghuvamsha are his two epic poems.
[D] His works include the play Abhijnanashakuntalam.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [He composed the play Malatimadhava.]
Notes:
Malatimadhava was composed by Bhavabhuti, not Kalidasa. Kumarasambhava, Raghuvamsha and Abhijnanashakuntalam are works of Kalidasa.
20. Which among the following schools of Hindu Philosophy is anti-ascetic and anti-mysticist ?
[A] Nyaya
[B] Vaisheshika
[C] Mimansa
[D] Samkhya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mimansa]
Notes:
Mimānsā is a Sanskrit word that means “reflection” or “critical investigation” and thus refers to a tradition of contemplation which reflected on the meanings of certain Vedic texts. It is anti-ascetic and anti-mysticist.
